bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trapping and Releasing of Oxygen in Liquid by Metal–Organic Framework with Light and Heat
Authors: Fujimura Masashi , Kusaka Shinpei , Masuda Ayaka , Hori Akihiro , Hijikata Yuh , Pirillo Jenny , Ma Yunsheng , Matsuda Ryotaro
Published: November 2020

Nanoporous materials can adsorb small molecules into their nanospaces. However, the trapping of light gas molecules dissolved in solvents suffers from low concentration and poor adsorption affinity. Here, the reversible trapping and releasing of dissolved oxygen are shown through integrating photosensitization and chemical capturing abilities into a metal–organic framework (MOF), MOMF‐1. 9,10‐Di(4‐pyridyl)anthracene (dpa) ligands in MOMF‐1 generates singlet oxygen from triplet oxygen under photoirradiation without additional photosensitizers, and successively reacts with it to produce anthracene endoperoxide, forming MOMF‐2, which is proved crystallographically. The reverse reaction also proceeds quantitatively by heating MOMF‐2. Moreover, MOMF‐1 exhibits excellent water resistance, and completely removes oxygen of ppm order concentrations in water. The new material shown in this report allows controlling of the amount of dissolved oxygen, which can be applicable in various fields relating to numerous oxidation phenomena.
Fast‐Charging Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Enabled via Lean Binder Content
Authors: Kim Soochan , Kim Dong Hyun , Cho Misuk , Lee Won Bo , Lee Youngkwan
Published: November 2020

Next‐generation energy storage devices such as lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) face several challenges including fast charging and high‐power delivery. Thus, it is necessary to improve the stability of the electrodes with efficient electrochemical system. In this work, a durable sulfur cathode even at high rates is enabled via lean binder content. The binder consists of a chitosan cross‐linked with a carboxylated nitrile–butadiene rubber (XNBR), which exhibits high affinity toward lithium polysulfide along with robust mechanical properties because of the synergistic effect of the polar chitosan and the elastomeric XNBR. Despite using extremely small content of binder (3 wt%), the LSB shows a highly stable long‐term cycling performance with capacity retention decay values of 0.026% and 0.029% after 500 cycles at 5 and 10 C. Moreover, the cell shows an outstanding specific capacity of 228 mAh g−1 at an ultrahigh charge–discharge rate of 20 C. This approach may significantly improve the design of the sulfur cathode and pave a facile way to fabricate commercially viable next‐generation energy storage devices.
A pH‐Responsive Polymer‐CeO2 Hybrid to Catalytically Generate Oxidative Stress for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Tian Zhimin , Liu Hongbao , Guo Zhixiong , Gou Wangyan , Liang Zechen , Qu Yongquan , Han Lili , Liu Lei
Published: November 2020

Catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species has been developed as a promising methodology for tumor therapy. Direct O2•− production from intratumor oxygen exhibits exceptional tumor therapeutic efficacy. Herein, this therapy strategy is demonstrated by a pH‐responsive hybrid of porous CeO2 nanorods and sodium polystyrene sulfonate that delivers high oxidative activity for O2•− generation within acidic tumor microenvironments for chemodynamic therapy and only limited oxidative activity in neutral media to limit damage to healthy organs. The hydrated polymer–nanorod hybrids with large hydrodynamic diameters form nanoreactors that locally trap oxygen and biological substrates inside and improve the charge transfer between the catalysts and substrates in the tumor microenvironment, leading to enhanced catalytic O2•− production and consequent oxidation. Together with successful in vitro and in vivo experiments, these data show that the use of hybrids provides a compelling opportunity for the delivery selective chemodynamic tumor therapy.
In Situ Conversion of Metal–Organic Frameworks into VO2–V3S4 Heterocatalyst Embedded Layered Porous Carbon as an “All‐in‐One” Host for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Seo Seung‐Deok , Yu Seungho , Park Sangbaek , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: November 2020

Although lithium–sulfur batteries exhibit a fivefold higher energy density than commercial lithium‐ion batteries, their volume expansion and insulating nature, and intrinsic polysulfide shuttle have hindered their practical application. An alternative sulfur host is necessary to realize porous, conductive, and polar functions; however, there is a tradeoff among these three critical factors in material design. Here, the authors report a layered porous carbon (LPC) with VO2/V3S4 heterostructures using one‐step carbonization–sulfidation of metal–organic framework templates as a sulfur host that meets all the criteria. In situ conversion of V–O ions into V3S4 nuclei in the confined 2D space generated by dynamic formation of the LPC matrix creates {200}‐facet‐exposed V3S4 nanosheets decorated with tiny VO2 nanoparticles. The VO2/V3S4 @ LPC composite facilitates high sulfur loading (70 wt%), superior energy density (1022 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C, 100 cycles), and long‐term cyclability (665 mA h g−1 at 1 C, 1000 cycles). The enhanced Li–S chemistry is attributed to the synergistic heterocatalytic behavior of polar VO2 and conductive V3S4 in the soft porous LPC scaffold, which accelerates polysulfide adsorption, conversion, and charge‐transfer ability simultaneously.
Additive Engineering by Bifunctional Guanidine Sulfamate for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskites Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xuping , Wu Jihuai , Yang Yuqian , Wang Deng , Li Guodong , Wang Xiaobing , Sun Weihai , Wei Yuelin , Huang Yunfang , Huang Miaoliang , Fan Leqing , Lan Zhang , Lin Jianming , Ho Kuo‐Chuan
Published: November 2020

High efficiency and good stability are the challenges for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) toward commercialization. However, the intrinsic high defect density and internal nonradiative recombination of perovskite (PVK) limit its development. In this work, a facile additive strategy is devised by introducing bifunctional guanidine sulfamate (GuaSM; CH6N3+, Gua+; H2N−SO3−, SM−) into PVK. The size of Gua+ ion is suitable with Pb(BrI)2 cavity relatively, so it can participate in the formation of low‐dimensional PVK when mixed with Pb(BrI)2. The O and N atoms of SM− can coordinate with Pb2+. The synergistic effect of the anions and cations effectively reduces the trap density and the recombination in PVK, so that it can improve the efficiency and stability of PSCs. At an optimal concentration of GuaSM (2 mol%), the PSC presents a champion power conversion efficiency of 21.66% and a remarkably improved stability and hysteresis. The results provide a novel strategy for highly efficient and stable PSCs by bifunctional additive.
System models and model classification in tribological system development
Authors: Faustmann Clemens , Bajzek Matthias , Hick Hannes , Edtmayer Josef , Walch Simon
Published: November 2020

Current requirements for the reduction of CO2 emissions, as well as for the improvement of durability and reliability of sociotechnical systems such as passenger cars, lead to an increase in development effort in order to increase efficiency and system lifetime. Tribological systems play an essential role in the development of sociotechnical systems, but have proved to be particularly complex. The development of tribological systems, as part of the overall system under development, is an interdisciplinary effort. Involvement of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, rheology, and many more scientific disciplines is essential to cope with the high number of nonlinear relationships, which often cause unpredictable system behavior. This paper contributes to the scientific field of tribology by introducing concepts of model‐based systems engineering for the specific case of elastohydrodynamic lubrication states. The elastohydrodynamic lubrication state of tribological system has been chosen as example to show how system models can be used to better describe the behavior of a system by connecting several specific models. In order to gain an overview of the models used in tribological system development, a system cube was used to structure the models. The system cube enabled gaps and overlapping model zones to be identified. Finally, the role of system models in development and the benefit of using system models to solve problems that cannot be solved by a single technical discipline but only in an interdisciplinary effort are discussed. An approach to connect models and methods to describe a system in an elastohydrodynamic lubrication state is presented.
Ternary Laves phases Sc0.22(1)Ta0.78(1)Fe2 and Sc0.63(1)In0.37(1)Co2 – coloring variants of the MgZn2 and MgNi2 type
Authors: Gulay Nataliya L. , Kalychak Ya. M. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: November 2020

The ternary Laves phases Sc0.22(1)Ta0.78(1)Fe2 and Sc0.63(1)In0.37(1)Co2 were synthesized by arc‐melting appropriate amounts of the binary phases ScFe2 and TaFe2 or Sc, In and Co, respectively. The samples were studied by powder X‐ray diffraction and the structures were refined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data: P63/mmc, a=484.96(7), c=793.17(11) pm, wR2=0.0604, 147 F2 values, 12 variables for Sc0.22(1)Ta0.78(1)Fe2 and P63mc, a=488.61(4), c=1599.54(12) pm, wR2=0.0389, 553 F2 values, 35 variables for Sc0.63(1)In0.37(1)Co2. Sc0.22(1)Ta0.78(1)Fe2 derives from the MgZn2 type having a mixed Sc/Ta occupancy on the 4 f magnesium position. Sc0.63(1)In0.37(1)Co2 crystallizes with a new structure type which derives from the Laves phase MgNi2. A translationengleiche symmetry reduction leads to the non‐centrosymmetric space group P63mc which allows partial Sc/In ordering with different Sc/In ratios on four crystallographically independent sites. While ScFe2 and TaFe2 build a complete solid solution Sc1–xTaxFe2 with MgZn2 type structure, we observe a switch in structure type for Sc1–xInxCo2 from the cubic MgCu2 type (x=0–0.22) to the non‐centrosymmetric derivative from MgNi2 at x=0.37.
Comparison analysis of analytical and lattice Boltzmann methods for simulation of turbulence decay in flows in converging and diverging channels
Authors: Avramenko Andriy A. , Tyrinov Andrii I. , Shevchuk Igor V. , Dmitrenko Nataliia P.
Published: November 2020

The paper focuses on a study of turbulence decay in flow with streamwise gradient. For the first time, an analytical solution of this problem was obtained based on the k‐ε model of turbulence in one‐dimensional (1D) approximation, as well as on the symmetry properties of the system of differential equations. Lie group technique enabled reducing the problem to a linear differential equation. The analytical solution enabled parametric studies, which are computationally cheap in comparison to CFD based simulations. The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) in two‐dimensional approximation (2D) was used to validate the analytical results. Large eddy simulation (LES) Smagorinsky approach was used to close the LBM model. Computations revealed that the rate of turbulence decay is significantly different for the cases of positive and negative streamwise pressure gradient. The further comparisons showed that the analytical solution underpredicts the predictions by the numerical methodology, which can be attributed to the simplified problem statement used to derive the closed‐form analytical solution. Comparisons of calculations with experiments revealed that the theoretical models used in the study underpredict the measurements for flows with a positive pressure gradient. Hence it can be concluded that the LBM technique combined with the LES Smagorinsky model requires the further modification.
Vectors
Authors: Reinders James , Ashbaugh Ben , Brodman James , Kinsner Michael , Pennycook John , Tian Xinmin
Published: November 2020

Vectors are collections of data. These can be useful because parallelism in our computers comes from collections of compute hardware, and data is often processed in related groupings (e.g., the color channels in an RGB pixel). Sound like a marriage made in heaven? It is so important, we’ll spend a chapter discussing the merits of vector types and how to utilize them. We will not dive into vectorization in this chapter, since that varies based on device type and implementations. Vectorization is covered in Chapters 10.1007/978-1-4842-5574-2_15 and 10.1007/978-1-4842-5574-2_16.
Comfort for the Computationally Crippled
Authors: Garrett Steven L.
Published: November 2020

The difference between engineering and science, and all other human activity, is the fact that engineers and scientists make quantitative predictions about measurable outcomes and can specify their uncertainty in such predictions. Because those predictions are quantitative, they must employ mathematics. This chapter is intended as review of some of the more useful mathematical concepts, strategies, and techniques that are employed in the description of vibrational and acoustical systems and in the calculation of their behavior. Topics in this review include techniques such as Taylor series expansions, integration by parts, and logarithmic differentiation. Equilibrium and stability considerations lead to relations between potential energies and forces. The concept of linearity leads to superposition and Fourier analysis. Complex numbers and phasors are introduced along with the techniques for their algebraic manipulation. The discussion of physical units is extended to include their use for predicting functional dependencies of resonance frequencies, quality factors, propagation speeds, flow noise, and other system behaviors using similitude and the Buckingham Π-theorem to form dimensionless variables. Linearized least-squares fitting is introduced as a method for extraction of experimental parameters and their uncertainties and error propagation is presented to allow those uncertainties to be combined.
Attenuation of Sound
Authors: Garrett Steven L.
Published: November 2020

We will capitalize on our understanding of thermoviscous loss to develop an understanding of the attenuation of sound waves in fluids that are not influenced by proximity to solid surfaces. Such dissipation mechanisms are particularly important at very high frequencies and short distances (for ultrasound) or very low frequencies over geological distances (for infrasound). The Standard Linear Model of viscoelasticity introduced the nondimensional frequency,ωτR, that controlled the medium’s elastic (in-phase) and dissipative (quadrature) responses. Those response curves were “universal” in the sense that causality linked the elastic and dissipative responses through the Kramers-Kronig relations. That relaxation-time perspective is essential for attenuation of sound in media that can be characterized by one or more relaxation times related to those internal degrees of freedom that make their equation of state a function of frequency. Examples of these relaxation-time effects include the rate of collisions between different molecular species in a gas (e.g., nitrogen and water vapor in air), the pressure dependence of ionic association-dissociation of dissolved salts in sea water (e.g., MgSO4and H3BO3), and evaporation-condensation effects when a fluid is oscillating about equilibrium with its vapor (e.g., fog droplets in air or gas bubbles in liquids).
Introduction
Authors: McNamee Terence , Muyangwa Monde
Published: November 2020

The introduction briefly summarizes the thematic chapters in the book (conflict prevention, mediation and management; post-conflict reconstruction, justice and DDR; the role of women, religion, humanitarianism, grassroots organizations and early warning systems; and regional and continental bodies) as well as the country/region case studies (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan/South Sudan, Mozambique and the Sahel/Mali). The introduction also outlines the key conceptual and definitional challenges and explains what sets this volume apart from others in the ever-expanding literature on peacebuilding in Africa. Of several recurrent themes in the book that merit closer scrutiny, the introduction highlights: funding challenges; managing expectations; tensions between grassroots dynamics and peace-building at the elite level; varying effectiveness of regional economic communities and the African Union; and frequent lack of coordination between donors and partners on the ground.
Contributions of Early Warning to the African Peace and Security Architecture: The Experience of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP)
Authors: Eze Chukwuemeka B. , Frimpong Osei Baffour
Published: November 2020

The African Union’s African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) was established in 2002 in response to the myriad post-Cold War peace and security challenges confronting Africa. The fundamental goal of APSA is to prevent, manage, and resolve conflict in Africa. Since the establishment of APSA, conflict-related early warning mechanisms have been a key component of its operationalization. This chapter examines the experience of one regional body, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), in its efforts to support peace and security at the national, regional, and continental levels. It argues that despite its successes, WANEP—and conflict-related early warning systems in general—will not be able to fulfill its potential without reforms in the areas of funding, partnerships with civil society organizations, and the chasm between early warning and early response.
The African Union in Peacebuilding in Africa
Authors: Khadiagala Gilbert M.
Published: November 2020

Since its launch in 2002 the African Union (AU) has advanced post-conflict peacebuilding frameworks and institutions as part of the broad project of deepening local solutions to African problems. This chapter argues that while the AU has made significant strides in building norms around peace, security, stability, and governance, it faces tremendous obstacles in realizing the vision and objectives articulated in the 2006 Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) policy. It, therefore, urges national ownership of peacebuilding as well as a deepening and advancing of normative frameworks amongst various stakeholders. Conflict prevention is viewed as key to sustained peacebuilding in Africa. The chapter concludes that in the absence of mobilization of local resources and capacity, the AU will remain unprepared for the complex and multiple tasks entailed in peacebuilding.
Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding: Incompatible or Complementary?
Authors: Pedersen Jens
Published: November 2020

This chapter examines the changing role of humanitarian organizations in Africa’s conflict zones and how humanitarianism has become a highly contested space on the battlefield. Through an analysis of several ongoing peace operations in Africa, this chapter demonstrates how the principles of humanitarian relief have been undermined by the major powers and the UN in their pursuit of ostensibly noble objectives. Organizations and donors have become complicit in compromising humanitarianism, especially in multi-mandated UN missions, by inserting humanitarian workers into the realm of both service delivery (associated with the process of building a state) and as a political tool to win “hearts and minds.” Peacebuilding will be better served, the chapter concludes, by restoring humanitarianism to its original role and ethos.
Peace Management and Conflict Resolution: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Authors: Gambari Ibrahim A.
Published: November 2020

This chapter provides a firsthand perspective on the broad issues of prevention and mediation of conflicts, with special reference to two conflict environments outside Africa—Cyprus, Myanmar—and one at its heart (Darfur), where the author was deployed as a senior envoy of the United Nations Secretary General. The aim is to provide a global view on best practice for peacebuilding in Africa against the backdrop of three fundamental shifts in conflict in the post-Cold War era: from inter- to intra-state war; from primarily state-based to non-state actors; and from largely mono- to multi-causal understandings of why wars begin and end. It provides key recommendations on improving mediation, strengthening relations between the UN and NGOs, and dealing with spoilers
Violence, Peacebuilding, and Elite Bargains in Mozambique Since Independence
Authors: Vines Alex
Published: November 2020

This chapter provides a unique account of Mozambique’s long, often fraught peacebuilding journey, from the end of its 16-year civil war in 1992 through fifteen years of relative stability despite extreme poverty, corruption and social dislocation, to recent peace negotiations between the ruling FRELIMO party and its rebel nemesis—RENAMO. It examines the diverse initiatives—from financial and diplomatic to the contribution of church-based mediation and grassroots initiatives for justice and reconciliation—that brought the parties to a negotiated settlement, against a backdrop of changing regional and international dynamics. In some ways, the chapter concludes, FRELIMO’s landslide victory in 2019 is likely to complicate the elite bargaining that has helped Mozambique avoid any large-scale recurrence of violence.
Lessons in Failure: Peacebuilding in Sudan/South Sudan
Authors: Jok Jok Madut
Published: November 2020

Common to most protracted conflicts that relapse into war is a disconnect between elites and local communities, which typically suffer the most when the former undermine peace agreements to further their own narrow interests. The central argument in this chapter, drawing heavily on the recent history of Sudan/South Sudan and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), is that African conflict resolution and peacebuilding relies too heavily on political agreements between politico-military elites. These deals focus largely on elite power and resource-sharing arrangements. Mostly ignored are the communal and societal dynamics that initially fed the violence. Sudan/South Sudan’s persistent conflict and instability is a prime example of what happens when peace agreements are signed without due regard for the true nature and genesis of the conflict.
United Nations Peacekeeping, Human Rights, and the Protection of Civilians
Authors: Wani Ibrahim J.
Published: November 2020

Drawing on lessons from United Nations (UN) led peacekeeping operations in Africa, this chapter discusses the background and evolution of peacekeeping engagement on issues related to human rights, refugees, and internal displacement; the array of norms and institutions that have developed to formalize the mandate in the UN peacekeeping framework; and the experiences, lessons, and challenges in its implementation. Due to escalating challenges around protecting civilians and human rights violations, the chapter argues that UN peacekeeping must move beyond rhetoric. A genuine commitment to implement the recommendations of the United Nations High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO) is a necessary first step. Enhanced mechanisms to compel host states to protect human rights within their borders and more regional engagement on thwarting “spoilers” are among several key follow-on measures.
The “Global History Paradox” in China: Sinocentred Approaches Along the Silk Road
Authors: Perez-Garcia Manuel
Published: November 2020

This chapter presents a synthesis of the diverse academic traditions in China and Europe to implement global history. Supremacy and exceptionalism have characterized the socio-economic and cultural development of European powers, mainly Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, and Germany, on one side, and, on the other side, there is the long-lasting civilization and uniqueness of Chinese culture and history which is present today in the rise of China’s economy.
Conclusions
Authors: Perez-Garcia Manuel
Published: November 2020

The Spanish and Qing empires were connected through the agency of merchants, the trade networks they created, and the circulation of goods which fostered local demand. Trade routes, mainly the maritime economic arteries such as the Manila galleons, connected and integrated Western markets and polities, in this case the Spanish empire with the Middle Kingdom. The constant inflow of American silver into China and the outflow of highly prized Chinese goods (i.e. silk, tea, porcelain) into European and American markets were the main features for such market integration between the Bourbon (French) Spanish empire and the Qing (Manchu, non-Han) dynasty. This surpassed the realm of official institutions of both empires along with their concomitant weak state capacity.
No effect of a dopaminergic modulation fMRI task by amisulpride and L-DOPA on reward anticipation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Grimm Oliver , Nägele Magdalena , Küpper-Tetzel Lea , de Greck Moritz , Plichta Michael , Reif Andreas
Published: November 2020

Rationale

Dysregulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, specifically altered reward processing assessed via the reward anticipation in the MID task, plays a central role in the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Objectives

We hypothesized to find a difference in the activity level of the reward system (measured by the proxy reward anticipation) under drug administration versus placebo, in that amisulpride reduces, and L-DOPA enhances, its activity.

Methods

We studied the influence of dopamine agonist L-DOPA and the antagonist amisulpride on the reward system using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a monetary incentive delay (MID) task in n = 45 healthy volunteers in a randomized, blinded, cross-over study.

Results

The MID paradigm elicits strong activation in reward-dependent structures (such as ventral striatum, putamen, caudate, anterior insula) during reward anticipation. The placebo effect demonstrated the expected significant blood oxygen level–dependent activity in reward-dependent brain regions. Neither amisulpride nor L-DOPA led to significant changes in comparison with the placebo condition. This was true for whole-brain analysis as well as analysis of a pre-defined nucleus accumbens region-of-interest mask.

Conclusion

The present results cast doubt on the sensitivity of reward anticipation contrast in the MID task for assessing dopamine-specific changes in healthy volunteers by pharmaco-fMRI. While our task was not well-suited for detailed analysis of the outcome phase, we provide reasonable arguments that the lack of effect in the anticipation phase is not due to an inefficient task but points to unexpected behavior of the reward system during pharmacological challenge. Group differences of reward anticipation should therefore not be seen as simple representatives of dopaminergic states.
The future of self-selecting and stable fermentations
Authors: Rugbjerg Peter , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: November 2020

Unfavorable cell heterogeneity is a frequent risk during bioprocess scale-up and characterized by rising frequencies of low-producing cells. Low-producing cells emerge by both non-genetic and genetic variation and will enrich due to their higher specific growth rate during the extended number of cell divisions of large-scale bioproduction. Here, we discuss recent strategies for synthetic stabilization of fermentation populations and argue for their application to make cell factory designs that better suit industrial needs. Genotype-directed strategies leverage DNA-sequencing data to inform strain design. Self-selecting phenotype-directed strategies couple high production with cell proliferation, either by redirected metabolic pathways or synthetic product biosensing to enrich for high-performing cell variants. Evaluating production stability early in new cell factory projects will guide heterogeneity-reducing design choices. As good initial metrics, we propose production half-life from standardized serial-passage stability screens and production load, quantified as production-associated percent-wise growth rate reduction. Incorporating more stable genetic designs will greatly increase scalability of future cell factories through sustaining a high-production phenotype and enabling stable long-term production.
Diel vertical migration of copepods and its environmental drivers in subtropical Bahamian blue holes
Authors: Sha Yongcui , Zhang Huan , Lee Marcus , Björnerås Caroline , Škerlep Martin , Gollnisch Raphael , Herzog Simon David , Ekelund Ugge Gustaf , Vinterstare Jerker , Hu Nan , Pärssinen Varpu , Hulthén Kaj , Nilsson P. Anders , Rengefors Karin , Brönmark Christer , Langerhans R. Brian , Hansson Lars-Anders
Published: November 2020

Diel vertical migration (DVM) is the most common behavioral phenomenon in zooplankton, and numerous studies have evaluated DVM under strong seasonality at higher latitudes. Yet, our understanding of the environmental drivers of DVM at low latitudes, where seasonal variation is less pronounced, remains limited. Therefore, we here examined patterns of vertical distribution in copepods in six subtropical Bahamian blue holes with different food web structure and tested the role of several key environmental variables potentially affecting this behavior. Day and night samplings showed that copepods generally performed DVM, characterized by downward migration to deeper depths during the day and upward migration to surface waters at night. Across all blue holes, the daytime vertical depth distribution of calanoid copepods correlated positively with both predation risk and depth of food resources (Chlorophylla), but was less affected by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). A potential explanation is that since UVR is a continuous threat across seasons, zooplankton have established photoprotective pigmentation making them less vulnerable to this threat. The copepods also showed a size-structured depth segregation, where larger individuals were found at deeper depths during the day, which further strengthens the suggestion that predation is a major driver of DVM in these systems. Hence, in contrast to studies performed at higher latitudes, we show that despite the constant exposure to UVR, predator avoidance and food availability are the most pronounced drivers of copepod DVM at those low latitudes, suggesting that the main driver of DVM may vary among systems, but also systematically by latitude.
High Glucose and Hypoxia-Mediated Damage to Human Brain Microvessel Endothelial Cells Induces an Altered, Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype in BV-2 Microglia In Vitro
Authors: Iannucci Jaclyn , Rao Haripriya Vittal , Grammas Paula
Published: November 2020

Diabetes is strongly linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), though the mechanisms for this enhanced risk are unclear. Because vascular inflammation is a consistent feature of both diabetes and AD, the cerebral microcirculation could be a key target for the effects of diabetes in the brain. The goal of this study is to explore whether brain endothelial cells, injured by diabetes-related insults, glucose and hypoxia, can affect inflammatory and activation processes in microglia in vitro. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) were either treated with 5 mM glucose (control), 30 mM glucose (high glucose), exposed to hypoxia, or exposed to hypoxia plus high glucose. HBMVEC-conditioned medium was then used to treat BV-2 microglia. Alterations in microglia phenotype were assessed through measurement of nitric oxide (NO), cytokine production, microglial activation state markers, and microglial phagocytosis. HBMVECs were injured by exposure to glucose and/or hypoxia, as assessed by release of LDH, interleukin (IL)-1β, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). HBMVECs injured by glucose and hypoxia induced increases in microglial production of NO, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Injured HBMVECs significantly increased microglial expression of CD11c and CLEC7A, and decreased expression of the homeostatic marker P2RY12. Finally, bead uptake by BV-2 cells, an index of phagocytic ability, was elevated by conditioned media from injured HBMVECs. The demonstration that injury to brain endothelial cells by diabetic-associated insults, glucose and hypoxia, promotes microglial inflammation supports the idea that the cerebral microcirculation is a critical locus for the deleterious effects of diabetes in the AD brain.
Supervisor synthesis and throughput optimization of partially-controllable manufacturing systems
Authors: van Putten Berend Jan Christiaan , van der Sanden Bram , Reniers Michel , Voeten Jeroen , Schiffelers Ramon
Published: November 2020

One of the challenges in the design of supervisors with optimal throughput for manufacturing systems is the presence of behavior outside the control of the supervisor. Uncontrollable behavior is typically encountered in the presence of (user) inputs, external disturbances, and exceptional behavior. This paper introduces an approach for the modeling and synthesis of a throughput-optimal supervisor for manufacturing systems with partially-controllable behavior on two abstraction levels. Extended finite automata are used to model the high abstraction level in terms of system activities, where uncontrollability is modeled by the presence of uncontrollable activities. In the lower abstraction level, activities are modeled as directed acyclic graphs that define the constituent actions and dependencies between them. System feedback from the lower abstraction level, including timing, is captured using variables in the extended finite automata of the higher abstraction level. For throughput optimization, game-theoretic methods are employed on the state space of the synthesized supervisor to determine a guarantee to the lower-bound system performance. This result is also used in a new method to automatically compute a throughput-optimal controller that is robust to the uncontrollable behavior.
Future proofing the principle of no significant harm
Authors: Gupta Joyeeta , Schmeier Susanne
Published: November 2020

The principle of ‘no significant harm’ as a way of addressing transboundary environmental challenges is both inadequately researched and inadequately implemented in many parts of the world. This paper addresses the questions: What is the nature of transboundary harm in the Anthropocene? Is the principle of no significant harm able to address current and pre-empt future transboundary harm in the field of water and environmental law? This special issue has focused on this principle in the arena of water law. This article integrates the findings in the context of a broader understanding of global harm in the Anthropocene. We draw 4 conclusions. First, conceptually harm is moving beyond direct inter-state harm between neighbouring countries to a multi-directional, multi-actor/multi-level harm, which is increasingly creeping and cumulative, with growing spatial and temporal characteristics. It thus requires moving beyond quibbling over what is ‘significant’ harm to recognize the climate emergency, the sixth biodiversity extinction, the huge damage to water systems and to realize that the threshold of ecosystem and human tolerance of damage are reducing rapidly. Second, however, the no-harm principle tends to be better developed in qualifying sovereignty in relation to transboundary harm on rivers than in the broader environmental and development arena as demonstrated by agenda 2030 which reverts to full permanent sovereignty. Third, legal scholarship, however, does provide a wide range of instruments for addressing harm before it occurs, after it has happened, and considering the differentiated economic capacity of the actors. Finally, the larger problem is that it is not individual projects or programmes that cause problems as much as national prioritization of economic growth which has led to externalizing the environment. The no-harm principle will be ineffective if it cannot be used to question the content of ‘growth’-led policies. There is need to future proof the no-harm principle.
CZTS thin film solar cells on flexible Molybdenum foil by electrodeposition-annealing route
Authors: Khalil M. I. , Bernasconi R. , Lucotti A. , Le Donne A. , Mereu R. A. , Binetti S. , Hart J. L. , Taheri M. L. , Nobili L. , Magagnin L.
Published: November 2020

Earth-abundant and non-toxic Kesterite-based Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells are successfully fabricated on flexible Molybdenum (Mo) foil substrates by an electrodeposition-annealing route. A well-adherent, densely packed, homogeneous, compact, and mirror-like CZT precursor is initially produced through electrodeposition by using a rotating working electrode. Subsequently, the co-electrodeposited CuZnSn (CZT) precursor is sulfurized in quartz tube furnace at 550 °C for 2 h in N2 atmosphere with the presence of elemental sulfur in order to form CZTS. Different characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, Raman, and Photoluminescence demonstrate that almost phase-pure CZTS formed after sulfurization. A flexible Al/Al-ZnO/i-ZnO/CdS/CZTS/Mo foil solar cell is produced, where CdS is deposited by chemical bath deposition and transparent conducting oxide (TCO) is deposited by DC sputtering. The CZTS solar device shows a 0.55% power conversion efficiency on flexible Mo foil substrate and it constitutes the first prototype of this kind of solar cell produced by electrodeposition-annealing route without any surface modification of the Mo substrate.

Graphic abstract
Locust bean gum as green and water-soluble binder for LiFePO4 and Li4Ti5O12 electrodes
Authors: Jakóbczyk Paweł , Bartmański Michał , Rudnicka Ewelina
Published: November 2020

Locust Bean Gum (LBG, carob bean gum) was investigated as an environmentally friendly, natural, and water-soluble binder for cathode (LFP) and anode (LTO) in lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion). For the first time, we show LBG as an electrode binder and compare to those of the most popular aqueous (CMC) and conventional (PVDF) binders. The electrodes were characterized using TGA/DSC, the galvanostatic charge–discharge cycle test, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Thermal decomposition of LBG is seen to begin above 250 °C with a weight loss of about 60 wt% observed at 300 °C, which is sufficient to ensure stable performance of the electrode in a Li-ion battery. For CMC, weight loss at the same temperature is about 45%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the LFP–LBG system has a similar distribution of conductive carbon black particles to PVDF electrodes. The LTO–LBG electrode has a homogeneous dispersion of the electrode elements and maintains the electrical integrity of the network even after cycling, which leads to fast electron migration between LTO and carbon black particles, as well as ion conductivity between LTO active material and electrolyte, better than in systems with CMC and PVDF. The exchange current density, obtained from impedance spectroscopy fell within a broad range between 10−4 and 10−2 mA cm−2 for the LTO|Li and LFP|Li systems, respectively. The results presented in this paper indicate that LBG is a new promising material to serve as a binder.

Graphic abstract
Family-Centered Care: How Close Do We Get When Talking to Parents of Children Undergoing Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Authors: Myers Lynnea , Karp Sharon M. , Dietrich Mary S. , Looman Wendy S. , Lutenbacher Melanie
Published: November 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1:59 children, yet little is known about parents’ perceptions of family-centered care (FCC) during the diagnostic process leading up to diagnosis. This mixed-methods study explored key elements of FCC from 31 parents of children recently diagnosed with ASD using parallel qualitative and quantitative measures. Parents rated highly their receipt of FCC and discussed ways providers demonstrated FCC. However, the majority of parents indicated that the period when their child was undergoing diagnosis was stressful and reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study points to ways in which health care providers can enhance FCC provided to families when a child is undergoing ASD diagnosis.
Risk for Premature Mortality and Intentional Self-harm in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Jokiranta-Olkoniemi Elina , Gyllenberg David , Sucksdorff Dan , Suominen Auli , Kronström Kim , Chudal Roshan , Sourander Andre
Published: November 2020

To examine the risk for premature mortality and intentional self-harm in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Based on a national birth cohort. Children born in 1987–2005, diagnosed with ASD by 2007 (n = 4695) were matched with four non-ASD subjects (n = 18,450) and followed until 2015 for mortality and intentional self-harm. The risk among ASD subjects was elevated only for natural cause of death. The risk for intentional self-harm was increased in the unadjusted analyses, but decreased to non-significant after adjusting for comorbid psychiatric disorders. ASD subjects are at increased risk for premature mortality due to natural causes of death. While ASD subjects die of suicide and present with more self-harm, the association is explained by comorbid psychiatric disorders.
Molecular chaperones and their denaturing effect on client proteins
Authors: Hiller Sebastian
Published: November 2020

Advanced NMR methods combined with biophysical techniques have recently provided unprecedented insight into structure and dynamics of molecular chaperones and their interaction with client proteins. These studies showed that several molecular chaperones are able to dissolve aggregation-prone polypeptides in aqueous solution. Furthermore, chaperone-bound clients often feature fluid-like backbone dynamics and chaperones have a denaturing effect on clients. Interestingly, these effects that chaperones have on client proteins resemble the effects of known chaotropic substances. Following this analogy, chaotropicity could be a fruitful concept to describe, quantify and rationalize molecular chaperone function. In addition, the observations raise the possibility that at least some molecular chaperones might share functional similarities with chaotropes. We discuss these concepts and outline future research in this direction.
Translation, cultural adaptation and construct validity of the German version of the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for informal Carers (German ASCOT-Carer)
Authors: Trukeschitz Birgit , Hajji Assma , Litschauer Judith , Malley Juliette , Schoch Adiam , Rand Stacey , Linnosmaa Ismo , Forder Julien
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for Carers (ASCOT-Carer), developed in England, measures the effects of long-term care (LTC) services and carer support on informal carers’ quality of life (QoL). Translations of the ASCOT-Carer into other languages are useful for national and cross-national studies. The aim of this paper was to report on the translation and cultural adaptation of the original English ASCOT-Carer into German, to assess its content validity and to test for its construct validity (convergent and discriminative/known-group validity).

Methods

Translation and cultural adaptation followed the ISPOR TCA guidelines. As part of the translation and adaptation process, five cognitive debriefing interviews with informal carers were used for evaluating linguistic and content validity. In addition, a sample of 344 informal carers of older adults, who received home care services in Austria, was used for hypothesis testing as suggested by the COSMIN checklist to assess convergent and discriminative/known-group validity as part of construct validity.

Results

Cognitive interviews provided evidence that questions and response options of the German ASCOT-Carer were understood as intended. Associations between ASCOT-Carer scores/domains and related outcome measures (convergent validity) and expected groups of informal carers and the care service users they care for (discriminative validity) supported construct validity of the translated instrument.

Conclusion

The German ASCOT-Carer instrument meets the required standards for content and construct validity which supports its usefulness for (cross-)national studies on LTC-service-related QoL-outcomes in informal carers. Research is encouraged to assess further measurement properties of the translated instrument.
Oxidation of glucose and arabinose mixtures over Au/Al2O3
Authors: Franz Sebastian , Shcherban Nataliya D. , Simakova Irina L. , Peurla Markus , Eränen Kari , Wärnå Johan , Salmi Tapio , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: November 2020

Oxidation of a mixture of glucose and arabinose over 1% Au deposited on alumina was investigated in a semi-batch reactor varying pH, temperature and partial pressure of oxygen. Elevation of the latter enhancing the rate induced also losses in selectivity to aldonic acids. A kinetic model representing the catalytic oxidation reactions of arabinose and glucose along with respective isomerization to fructose and ribulose was developed. Calculations based on the model were able to describe experimental data in a reliable way.
Procurement policy and SME participation in public purchasing
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Taş Bedri Kamil Onur
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the relationship between regulatory policies governing public procurement and participation by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), using a large dataset on European procurement. We find that better quality procurement regulation is associated with greater SME participation and higher probability that SMEs win contracts. Dividing contracts into smaller lots, a key feature of 2014 EU procurement regulation reform, bolsters participation by SMEs but only increases the probability of SMEs winning contracts for small value lots (€25,000 or less). Our results suggest governments seeking to enhance participation by SMEs in public procurement without explicitly favoring SMEs can do so by improving the overall quality of procurement processes.
Bleeding risk in patients with venous thromboembolic events treated with new oral anticoagulants
Authors: Wallvik Niklas , Renlund Henrik , Själander Anders
Published: November 2020

New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is the preferred treatment in secondary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors associated with major bleeding in VTE-patients treated with NOACs. In this retrospective register-based study we screened the Swedish anticoagulation register Auricula (during 2012.01.01–2017.12.31) to find patients and used other national registers for outcomes. Primary endpoint was major bleeding defined as bleeding leading to hospital care. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis was used to reveal risk factors. 18 219 patients with NOAC due to VTE were included. 85.6% had their first VTE, mean age was 69.4 years and median follow-up time was 183 days. The most common NOAC was rivaroxaban (54.8%), followed by apixaban (42.0%), dabigatran (3.2%) and edoxaban (0.1%). The rate of major bleeding was 6.62 (95% CI 6.19–7.06) per 100 treatment years in all patients and 11.27 (CI 9.96–12.57) in patients above 80 years of age. Statistically independent risk factors associated with major bleeding were age (normalized HR 1.38, CI 1.27–1.50), earlier major bleeding (HR 1.58, Cl 1.09–2.30), COPD (HR 1.28, CI 1.04–1.60) and previous stroke (HR 1.28, Cl 1.03–1.58) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (HR 1.33, Cl 1.01–1.76). Prior warfarin treatment was protective (HR 0.67, CI 0.58–0.78). This real world cohort shows a high bleeding rate especially among the elderly and in patients with previous major bleeding, COPD and previous stroke or TIA. This should be considered when deciding on treatment duration and NOAC dose in these patients.
On the Cauchy problem for a class of hyperbolic operators with triple characteristics
Authors: Barbagallo Annamaria , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

The Cauchy problem for a class of hyperbolic operators with triple characteristics is analyzed. Some a priori estimates in Sobolev spaces with negative indexes are proved. Subsequently, an existence result for the Cauchy problem is obtained.