bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inorganic and Hybrid Interfacial Materials for Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Palilis Leonidas C. , Vasilopoulou Maria , Verykios Apostolis , Soultati Anastasia , Polydorou Ermioni , Argitis Panagiotis , Davazoglou Dimitris , Mohd Yusoff Abd. Rashid bin , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: June 2020

As organic solar cells (OSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) move closer to commercialization, further efforts toward optimizing both cell efficiency and stability are needed. As interfaces strongly affect device performance and degradation processes, interfacial engineering by employing various materials as hole transport layers (HTLs) and electron transport layers (ETLs) has been a very active field of research in OSCs and PVSCs. Among them, inorganic materials exhibit significant advantages in promoting device performance due to their excellent charge transporting properties and intrinsic thermal and chemical robustness. In this review, an extensive overview is provided of inorganic semiconductors such as copper‐based ones with emphasis on copper iodide and copper thiocyanate, transition metal chalcogenides, nitrides and carbides as well as hybrid materials based on these inorganic compounds that have been recently employed as HTLs and ETLs in OSCs and PVSCs. Following a short discussion of the main optoelectronic and physical properties that interfacial materials used as HTLs and ETLs should possess, the functionalities of the aforementioned materials as interfacial, charge transport, layers in OSCs and PVSCs are discussed in depth. It is concluded by providing guidelines for further developments that could significantly extend the implementation of these materials in solar cells.
Efficient aerial oxidation of different types of alcohols using ZnO nanoparticle–MnCO3‐graphene oxide composites
Authors: Adil Syed Farooq , Assal Mohamed E. , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Kuniyil Mufsir , Hashmi Azhar , Khan Mujeeb , Khan Aslam , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Al‐Warthan Abdulrahman , Siddiqui Mohammed Rafiq H.
Published: June 2020

Graphene–metal nanocomposites have been found to remarkably enhance the catalytic performance of metal nanoparticle‐based catalysts. In continuation of our previous report, in which highly reduced graphene oxide (HRG)‐based nanocomposites were synthesized and evaluated, we present nanocomposites of graphene oxide (GRO) and ZnO nanoparticle‐doped MnCO3 ([ZnO–MnCO3/(1%)GRO]) synthesized via a facile, straightforward co‐precipitation technique. Interestingly, it was noticed that the incorporation of GRO in the catalytic system could noticeably improve the catalytic efficiency compared to a catalyst (ZnO–MnCO3) without GRO, for aerial oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) employing O2 as a nature‐friendly oxidant under base‐free conditions. The impacts of various reaction factors were thoroughly explored to optimize reaction conditions using oxidation of BzOH to benzaldehyde (BzH) as a model substrate. The catalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), and Raman spectroscopy. The (1%)ZnO–MnCO3/(1%)GRO exhibited significant specific activity (67 mmol.g−1.hr−1) with full convversion of BzOH and >99% BzH selectivity within just 6 min. The catalytic efficiency of the (1%)ZnO–MnCO3/(1%)GRO nanocomposite was significantly better than the (1%)ZnO–MnCO3/(1%)HRG and (1%)ZnO–MnCO3 catalysts, presumably due to the existence of oxygen‐possessing groups on the GRO surface and as well as a very high surface area that could have been instrumental in uniformly dispersing the active sites of the catalyst, i.e., ZnO–MnCO3. Under optimum circumstances, various kinds of alcohols were selectively transformed to respective carbonyls with full convertibility over the (1%)ZnO–MnCO3/(1%)GRO catalyst. Furthermore, the highly effective (1%)ZnO–MnCO3/(1%)GRO catalyst could be successfully reused and recycled over five consecutive runs with a marginal reduction in its performance and selectivity.
Methoxyacetic acid inhibits histone deacetylase and impairs axial elongation morphogenesis of mouse gastruloids in a retinoic acid signaling‐dependent manner
Authors: Li Aileen S. W. , Marikawa Yusuke
Published: June 2020

Background

Teratogenic potential has been linked to various industrial compounds. Methoxyacetic acid (MAA) is a primary metabolite of the widely used organic solvent and plasticizer, methoxyethanol and dimethoxyethyl phthalate, respectively. Studies using model animals have shown that MAA acts as the proximate teratogen that causes various malformations in developing embryos. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms by which MAA exerts its teratogenic effects are not fully understood.

Methods

Gastruloids of mouse P19C5 pluripotent stem cells, which recapitulate axial elongation morphogenesis of gastrulation‐stage embryos, were explored as an in vitro model to investigate the teratogenic action of MAA. Morphometric parameters of gastruloids were measured to evaluate the morphogenetic effect, and transcript levels of various developmental regulator genes were examined to assess the impact on gene expression patterns. The effects of MAA on the level of retinoic acid (RA) signaling and histone deacetylase activity were also measured.

Results

MAA reduced axial elongation of gastruloids at concentrations comparable to the teratogenic plasma level (5 mM) in vivo. MAA at 4 mM significantly altered the expression profiles of developmental regulator genes. In particular, it upregulated the RA signaling target genes. The concomitant suppression of RA signaling using a pharmacological agent alleviated the morphogenetic effect of MAA. MAA at 4 mM also significantly reduced the activity of purified histone deacetylase protein.

Conclusions

MAA impaired axial elongation morphogenesis in a RA signaling‐dependent manner in mouse gastruloids, possibly through the inhibition of histone deacetylase.
A case of insulinoma effectively treated with low‐dose diazoxide
Authors: Yasuda Atsushi , Seki Toshiro , Kitajima Natsumi , Baba Tanefumi , Sasaki Noriko , Kametani Yoshie , Seki Masami , Tanaka Kazuko , Oki Masayuki
Published: June 2020

Diazoxide is a benzothiadiazine that can be effective in managing hypoglycemia in frail patients with surgical risk. We report here a case of insulinoma effectively treated with diazoxide, as our report will be helpful for similar cases.
Sulfur Incorporation in Hierarchical TiO2 Nanosheet/Carbon Nanotube Hybrids for Improved Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Jiang Keliang , Niu Yongjian , Fang Dong , Zhang Linlin , Wang Cheng
Published: June 2020

To boost the lithium storage performance of TiO2, sulfur was homogeneously incorporated into the hybrids of hierarchical TiO2 nanosheets and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through a solvothermal‐calcination process. The resulting 0D‐2D‐1D architecture endowed the hybrids with considerable interfaces for lithium accommodation and shortened pathways for lithium diffusion. Moreover, the interplane spacings of TiO2 and CNTs were expanded and their electronic structures were modified atomically, owing to partial sulfur substitution for oxygen and carbon. Benefitting from the simultaneous acceleration of lithium and electron transport as well as the dominated capacitive charge storage mechanism, lithium‐ion batteries based on S−TiO2/CNTs delivered an initial discharge capacity of 870.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, a high‐rate capacity of 119.3 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1 and a reversible capacity of 195.5 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 after 700 cycles, far superior to the counterpart without sulfur doping and comparable to most reported TiO2‐based nanostructures.
Qualitative analysis of NET‐BOWTIE risk model of dehydration and dehydrocarbon station based on improved compression algorithm
Authors: Wei Wan , Zhanghua Lian , Xingyu Peng , Dongchi Yao , Chang Liu
Published: June 2020

The oil‐gas gathering and transportation station is the key to the oil and gas gathering and transportation in the whole onshore oil and gas field, and also the high risk. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the risk of oil and gas gathering and transportation station and take corresponding measures according to the result. Based on the bowtie model, the left‐wing is replaced by Bayesian network, and the uncertainty factor is considered. In the process of Bayesian network to the right event tree, the bowtie barrier is added to construct the Net‐bowtie improved model. The dynamic change model is used to consider the real‐time changes of basic events into Bayesian networks. Based on the improved compression algorithm, the conditional probability table is encoded and compressed so as to store the data. Finally, the practical application of the dehydration and degassing station of the Net‐bowtie model is given, and the data storage space saving of the improved compression algorithm is validated. This model has been used in the field of dehydration and degassing stations of the DND Gas Field and the corrosion reliability of the northeastern Sichuan gas
mine.
Intersection collision avoidance in dedicated short‐range communication using vehicle ad hoc network
Authors: SenthamilSelvan R. , Wahidabanu R. S. D. , Karthik B.
Published: June 2020

The vehicle ad hoc network (VANET) is familiar to develop safe transportation by appropriate message dispersion to VANETs for several years since the distribution type of networks able to contribute important developments in terms of road security, where the most of contracts accepted flooding approaches to warn all the knobs, as well as the traffic controls and the accident. The proposed solution is examine a scheme where one or more transports impending a crossroad are instrumented with leased minimum range communications via an on‐board unit (OBU). If it is a roadside unit shows at the crossroad try to receive Most Significant Bit broadcasted from OBUs on to 6.9 GHz bandwidth predicted for intelligent transport system applications. The normal information architecture to basic safety message (BSM). If reliability and accuracy to localization message include with BSM is reliant on the global positioning system (GPS) OBU and the system reliable sources. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is the approved GPS adjustments for related transport uses. The WAAS contributes GPS adjustments to our OBU, which decreases the anxiety in the location calculates to at most 3 to 4 m in longitude and latitude. This new solution contributes sufficient location data and efficiency to support basic network operations. Finally, the data analyses are notified with the help of NS‐2.
UGT1A3 and Sex Are Major Determinants of Telmisartan Pharmacokinetics—A Comprehensive Pharmacogenomic Study
Authors: Hirvensalo Päivi , Tornio Aleksi , Launiainen Terhi , Paile‐Hyvärinen Maria , Tapaninen Tuija , Neuvonen Mikko , Backman Janne T. , Niemi Mikko
Published: June 2020

To investigate how variability in multiple pharmacokinetic genes associates with telmisartan exposure, we determined telmisartan single‐dose (40 mg) pharmacokinetics and sequenced 379 genes in 188 healthy volunteers. Intronic UGT1A variants showed the strongest associations with the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from zero hours to infinity (AUC0–∞) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of telmisartan. These variants were strongly linked with the increased function UGT1A3*2 allele, suggesting that it is the causative allele underlying these associations. In addition, telmisartan plasma concentrations were lower in men than in women. The UGT1A3*2 was associated with a 64% and 63% reduced AUC0‐∞ of telmisartan in UGT1A3*2 heterozygous and homozygous men, respectively (P = 1.21 × 10−16 and 5.21 × 10−8). In women, UGT1A3*2 heterozygosity and homozygosity were associated with 57% (P = 1.54 × 10−11) and 72% (P = 3.31 × 10−15) reduced AUC0‐∞, respectively. Furthermore, a candidate gene analysis suggested an association of UGT1A3*3 and the SLCO1B3 c.767G>C missense variant with telmisartan pharmacokinetics. A genotype score, which reflects the effects of sex and genetic variants on telmisartan AUC0–∞, associated with the effect of telmisartan on diastolic blood pressure. These data indicate that sex and UGT1A3 are major determinants and suggest a role for OATP1B3 in telmisartan pharmacokinetics.
Cocrystalline Synthesis of ZSM‐5/ZSM‐11 and Catalytic Activity for Methanol to Propylene
Authors: Tao Jiayi , Zhang Jianli , Fan Su‐Bing , Gao Xinhua , Ma Qingxiang , Zhao Tian‐Sheng
Published: June 2020

Cocrystalline ZSM‐5/ZSM‐11 zeolite is hydrothermally synthesized at crystallization temperatures of 170 and 130 °C, respectively, in order to regulate the acidity as well as the framework Al distribution to enhance the propylene formation from methanol. ZSM‐5/11‐170 has analogous textural properties to ZSM‐5 but with increased strong Brønsted acid amount, raising the propylene selectivity by 49% in the methanol to propylene reaction at 480 °C, attributed to the increasing Al distribution in the straight channels by introduction of ZSM‐11 into ZSM‐5. With crystallization to 130 °C, the strong Brønsted acid amount of ZSM‐5/11‐130 is decreased by 82% compared with ZSM‐5/11‐170. The selectivity of propylene is increased to 38.25%, along with the decrease in the selectivity of ethylene and C5–C9.
Single‐dose administration of clenbuterol is detectable in dried blood spots
Authors: Solheim Sara Amalie , Jessen Søren , Mørkeberg Jakob , Thevis Mario , Dehnes Yvette , Eibye Kasper , Hostrup Morten , Nordsborg Nikolai Baastrup
Published: June 2020

Clenbuterol is a β2‐agonist prescribed for asthmatic patients in some countries. Based on its anabolic and lipolytic effects observed in studies on rodents and in livestock destined for food production, clenbuterol is abused by bodybuilders and athletes seeking leanness. Urinary clenbuterol analysis is part of routine doping analysis. However, the collection of urine samples is time‐consuming and can be intimidating for athletes. Dried blood spot (DBS) appears attractive as an alternative matrix, but the detectability of clenbuterol in humans through DBS has not been investigated. This study evaluated if clenbuterol could be detected in DBS and urine collected from six healthy men after oral intake of 80 μg clenbuterol. The DBS and urine samples were collected at 0, 3, 8, 24, and 72 h post‐ingestion, with additional urine collections on days 7 and 10. Using LC–MS/MS, it was shown that clenbuterol could be detected in all DBS samples for 24 h post‐ingestion and with 50% sensitivity 3 days after ingestion. The DBS method was 100% specific. Evaluation of analyte stability showed that clenbuterol is stable in DBS for at least 365 days at room temperature when using desiccant and avoiding light exposure. In urine, clenbuterol was detectable for at least 7–10 days after ingestion. Urinary clenbuterol concentrations below 5 ng/mL were present in some subjects 24 h after administration. Collectively, these data indicate that DBS are suitable for routine doping control analysis of clenbuterol with a detection window of at least 3 days after oral administration of 80 μg.
Moving from “I know it when I see it” to an empirical classification of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa: Commentary on Wonderlich et al. (2020)
Authors: Wildes Jennifer E.
Published: June 2020

Severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE‐AN) is well known to clinicians who treat eating disorders, especially in adults, yet an empirically validated definition of SE‐AN is lacking. Current approaches to delineating SE‐AN rely on expert opinion, and there is little consensus regarding the criteria that distinguish SE‐AN from other clinical presentations or the thresholds that define the boundaries of severity and enduringness. Empirical classification techniques and clinical staging frameworks that incorporate biomarkers offer intriguing alternatives to expert consensus in refining the definition of SE‐AN. Empirical approaches, such as latent class analysis and taxometric analysis, have contributed to advances in eating disorders classification, including support for distinctions between eating disorder classes. Likewise, clinical staging models are being applied to other psychiatric disorders and offer a framework for incorporating biological indices of illness progression, such as neurocognitive changes, into a definition of SE‐AN. Though some of these methods (e.g., biomarkers) are a long way from being realized, the need for an evidence‐based approach to classifying SE‐AN is clear. Without it, the challenges outlined by Wonderlich et al. (International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2020) will be difficult to resolve, and the burden of SE‐AN on patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare system will continue.
Major depressive disorder and impaired health‐related quality of life among US older adults
Authors: Rhee Taeho Greg , Steffens David C.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To examine the association of current and past major depressive disorder (MDD) and measures of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in a nationally representative sample of older adults.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of the 2012 to 2013 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave III (NESARC‐III) was used. NESARC‐III is a nationally representative health interview survey on substance use and mental health in the US, and we limited our sample to survey respondents aged 65 or older (n = 5806 unweighted). Using DSM‐5 criteria, we identified older adults with current MDD, past MDD (ie, prior but not current MDD), and no history of MDD. Using standardized algorithms, we also constructed HRQOL measures: mental component summary (MCS), physical component summary (PCS), and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). We performed multivariable‐adjusted linear regression analyzes to assess the associations of MDD types with HRQOL measures while adjusting for socio‐demographics and clinical co‐morbidities.

Results

Overall, 14.4% of the older adults, representative of 6.0 million nationwide, met criteria for lifetime MDD. About 2.2 million older adults (5.4%) had current MDD and 3.7 million older adults (9.0%) had past MDD. Older adults with current or past MDD had a moderate difference in HRQOL measures compared with never depressed (Cohen's d measures ranging from −1.02 to −0.07). When controlling for other covariates, MCS and QALYs measures were lowest in the current MDD group.

Conclusion

Current MDD is associated with significantly lower HRQOL than never MDD, while adults with past MDD had minor (often insignificant) residual impairment in HRQOL.
Low Complement C4 Predicts Improvement of Kidney Function After Direct‐Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Sise Meghan E. , Strohbehn Ian , Chute Donald , Corey Kathleen E. , Fusco Dahlene N. , Sabbisetti Venkata S , Waikar Sushrut S. , Chung Raymond T.
Published: June 2020

Direct‐acting antiviral therapies (DAAs) may improve kidney function and proteinuria in certain patients with hepatitis C infection (HCV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). To improve our understanding of HCV‐mediated kidney dysfunction, we aimed to evaluate the baseline predictors of improvement in proteinuria after DAAs in a single‐arm, pilot, clinical trial of ledipasvir 90 mg/sofosbuvir 400 mg once daily for patients with HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection and proteinuric CKD (≥300 mg proteinuria per gram creatinine). Plasma biomarkers of complement system (C3 and C4) and urinary kidney injury biomarkers were measured at baseline, 8 weeks on treatment, 12 weeks following treatment, and 1 year following treatment. We then conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients at Partners Healthcare who had baseline complement component 4 (C4) measured before DAAs for HCV and evaluated the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after therapy. Ten patients with HCV and proteinuric CKD were enrolled in the trial. The mean age was 64 years, 70% male, 70% white, and 30% black. Baseline creatinine was 1.25 mg/dL (SD 0.44), eGFR was 65 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD 29), and proteinuria was 0.98 g/g creatinine (SD 0.7). Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks was achieved by 80% of patients. Patients with low baseline C4 had improved proteinuria, urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, and interleukin‐18 after ledipasvir and sofosbuvir treatment. The retrospective study included 50 patients with CKD and HCV. Twenty patients (40%) had low baseline C4; these patients significantly improved their eGFR (+3.4 ± 11.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared to those with normal baseline C4 (−4.4 ± 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.028). Conclusion: Low C4 may be a marker of kidney dysfunction that improves with DAA therapy.
Synthetic poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid) gel induces chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells via a novel protein reservoir function
Authors: Semba Shingo , Kitamura Nobuto , Tsuda Masumi , Goto Keiko , Kurono Sadamu , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Kurokawa Takayuki , Gong Jian Ping , Yasuda Kazunori , Tanaka Shinya
Published: June 2020

We previously demonstrated that a synthetic negatively charged poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) gel induced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells. In this study, we clarified the underlying molecular mechanism, in particular, focusing on the events that occurred at the interface between the gel and the cells. Gene expression profiling revealed that the expression of extracellular components was enhanced in the ATDC5 cells that were cultured on the PAMPS gel, suggesting that extracellular proteins secreted from the ATDC5 cells might be adsorbed in the PAMPS gel, thereby contributing to the induction of chondrogenic differentiation. Therefore, we created “Treated‐PAMPS gel,” which adsorbed various proteins secreted from the cultured ATDC5 cells during 7 days. Proteomic analysis identified 27 proteins, including extracellular matrix proteins such as Types I, III, and V collagens and thrombospondin (THBS) in the Treated‐PAMPS gel. The Treated‐PAMPS gel preferentially induced expression of chondrogenic markers, namely, aggrecan and Type II collagen, in the ATDC5 cells compared with the untreated PAMPS gel. Addition of recombinant THBS1 to the ATDC5 cells significantly enhanced the PAMPS‐induced chondrogenic differentiation, whereas knockdown of THBS1 completely abolished this response. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the PAMPS gel has the potential to induce chondrogenic differentiation through novel reservoir functions, and the adsorbed THBS plays a significant role in the induction.
Electrostatically doped drain engineered DG‐TFET: Proposal and analysis
Authors: Shaikh Mohd Rizwan Uddin , Loan Sajad A. , Alshahrani Abdullah
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a drain‐engineered double‐gate Tunnel‐FET (DE‐DG‐TFET) to enhance the electrical characteristics and analog parameters of a conventional DG‐TFET is proposed and examined through calibrated TCAD simulations. Unlike DG‐TFET, a constant n‐type doping, Ncd, (5 × 1017 cm−3 − 2 × 1018 cm−3), in the channel/drain regions of DE‐DG‐TFET is used, resulting in a p+‐n‐n structure instead of conventional p+‐i‐n structure. Further, p+‐n‐n is modified to p+‐n‐n+ using electrostatic doping (ED) method on the drain side with Hafnium (ϕm = 3.9 eV) as a lateral (top and bottom) and side metal electrode. A high n+‐drain doping ensures the drain contact remains ohmic. Higher electric field at p+‐n source‐channel junction enhances the ON‐state BTBT current. While the absence of metallurgical junction provides large tunneling width across the channel/drain junction, resulting in suppression of ambipolar current (IAMB). At Ncd doping of 1 × 1018 cm−3, DE‐DG‐TFET demonstrates ~7 times increase in ION while IAMB is suppressed by ~5 orders of magnitude. In addition to this, the proposed device improves analog/RF figures of merit, 45% in voltage gain and ~5 times in peak fT.
Transient sublethal hypoxia in neonatal rats causes reduced dendritic spines, aberrant synaptic plasticity, and impairments in memory
Authors: Tang Wenjie , Xin Xiaoming , O’Connor Margaret , Zhang Nana , Lai Bin , Man Heng‐Ye , Xie Yuanyun , Wei Youzhen
Published: June 2020

Hypoxic/ischemic insult, a leading cause of functional brain defects, has been extensively studied in both clinical and experimental animal research, including its etiology, neuropathogenesis, and pharmacological interventions. Transient sublethal hypoxia (TSH) is a common clinical occurrence in the perinatal period. However, its effect on early developing brains remains poorly understood. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of TSH on the dendrite and dendritic spine formation, neuronal and synaptic activity, and cognitive behavior of early postnatal Day 1 rat pups. While TSH showed no obvious effect on gross brain morphology, neuron cell density, or glial activation in the hippocampus, we found transient hypoxia did cause significant changes in neuronal structure and function. In brains exposed to TSH, hippocampal neurons developed shorter and thinner dendrites, with decreased dendritic spine density, and reduced strength in excitatory synaptic transmission. Moreover, TSH‐treated rats showed impaired cognitive performance in spatial learning and memory. Our findings demonstrate that TSH in newborn rats can cause significant impairments in synaptic formation and function, and long‐lasting brain functional deficits. Therefore, this study provides a useful animal model for the study of TSH on early developing brains and to explore potential pharmaceutical interventions for patients subjected to TSH insult.
Exploration of Latent Profiles of the Career Flexibility Inventory Among Korean College Students
Authors: Kim Boyoung , Lee Sinhye , Lee Sang Min
Published: June 2020

The purposes of the present study were to identify latent profiles using dimensions of the Career Flexibility Inventory and to examine the mean differences of the latent profiles and related variables. Career flexibility was identified to have 5 latent profiles: passive wavering, mediocre, rigid thinking, moderately flexible, and productively flexible. The productively flexible profile reported the highest scores and the passive wavering profile reported the lowest scores of life satisfaction and self‐determination. Each profile showed specific trend of mean differences with career indecision, intolerance of uncertainty, life satisfaction, self‐determination, and the 2 dimensions of the Vocational Identity Status Assessment.
Exploring N fertilizer reduction and organic material addition practices: An examination of their alleviating effect on the nematode food web in cropland
Authors: Kou Xinchang , Zhang Xiaoke , Bai Wei , Cai Qian , Wu Zhengfang , Li Qi , Liang Wenju
Published: June 2020

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization in croplands results in environmental problems, such as soil quality deterioration, water contamination, and biodiversity losses, which threaten the sustainable development of soil ecosystems. The soil nematode food web plays key roles in soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, and thus the sustainable development of cropland ecosystems. However, how the negative impact from the excessive N fertilization on the nematode food web is effectively alleviated remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the effects of different N fertilization management practices (N fertilizer reduction or organic material addition) on alleviating the negative effects on the nematode food web in croplands. Four treatments/ management practices were examined: conventional fertilization (N control), N fertilizer reduction of 100% (N0), N fertilizer reduction of 50% (N1), and conventional fertilization with organic material addition (N+S). The results showed that the abundance of nematodes and microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) both increased in the treatments of N0, N1, and N+S compared with N. Besides, N+S also increased the nematodes' biomass, diversity, and metabolic footprint, which correspondingly strengthened the nutrient turnover through the nematode food web. Overall, two management practices 1)N fertilizer reduction and 2) organic material addition, differ in the abiotic or biotic process in alleviating the negative effects of N fertilization on the nematode food web. The reducing N fertilization can directly alleviate the negative effect of fertilizer on soil acidification and then benefit for the growth of microorganisms and nematodes. The exogenous carbon input from organic material addition might promote carbon flowing and immobilization into nematode food web, and ultimately enhance the stability of soil food web.
The First International Multi‐Disciplinary Serial Publication Devoted to Marine Science: Les Fonds de la Mer?
Authors: Dolan John R.
Published: June 2020

The first serial publication devoted to marine science appears to be a French title, published from 1867 to 1887, “Les Fonds de la Mer” (The Bottom of the Sea). It was an unusual publication, published irregularly in issues of 16 pages with plates. Very few copies exist in libraries and apparently no library holds an original complete set of the text and plates. The serial contains an early example of citizen science, reporting on the composition of sediment samples collected from around the globe by ship captains and other individuals. It provides intriguing insights into the development of marine science discipline as well as competitive aspirations of different nations in the second half of the 19th century. Many new species, largely molluscs and crustaceans, were described. Most of the species described as new were later found to be synonyms of previously described species, but today 146 of the species descriptions are recognized as valid original descriptions. Combining reports on the chemical and physical composition of sediments and benthic fauna, the first marine serial can be characterized as multidisciplinary. Les Fonds de la Mer is still being cited today.
Validation of histogram‐based virtual source models for different IGRT kV‐imaging systems
Authors: Boissonnat G. , Chesneau H. , Barat E. , Dautremer T. , Garcia‐Hernandez J.‐C. , Lazaro D.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) improves tumor control but its intensive use may entrain late side effects caused by the additional imaging doses. There is a need to better quantify the additional imaging doses, so they can be integrated in the therapeutic workflow. Currently, no dedicated software enables to compute patient‐specific imaging doses on a wide range of systems and protocols. As a first step toward this objective, we propose a common methodology to model four different kV‐imaging systems used in radiotherapy (Varian’s OBI, Elekta's XVI, Brainlab's ExacTrac, and Accuray's Cyberknife) using a new type of virtual source model based on Monte Carlo calculations.

Methods

We first describe our method to build a simplified description of the photon output, or virtual source models (VSMs), of each imaging system. Instead of being constructed using measurement data, as it is most commonly the case, our VSM is used as the summary of the phase‐space files (PSFs) resulting from a first Monte Carlo simulation of the considered x‐ray tube. Second, the VSM is used as a photon generator for a second MC simulation in which we compute the dose. Then, the proposed VSM is thoroughly validated against standard MC simulation using PSFs on the XVI system. Last, each modeled system is compared to profiles and depth‐dose‐curve measurements performed in homogeneous phantom.

Results

Comparisons between PSF‐based and VSM‐based calculations highlight that VSMs could provide equivalent dose results (within 1% of difference) than PSFs inside the imaging field‐of‐view (FOV). In contrast, VSMs tend to underestimate (for up to 20%) calculated doses outside of the imaging FOV due to the assumptions underlying the VSM construction. In addition, we showed that the use of VSMs allows reducing calculation time by at least a factor of 2.8. Indeed, for identical simulation times, statistical uncertainties on dose distributions computed using VSMs were much lower than those obtained from PSF‐based calculations.

Conclusions

For each of the four imaging systems, VSMs were successfully validated against measurements in homogeneous phantoms, and are therefore ready to be used for future preclinical studies in heterogeneous or anthropomorphic phantoms. The cross system modeling methodology developed here should enable, later on, to estimate precisely and accurately patient‐specific 3D dose maps delivered during a large range of kV‐imaging procedures.
Asymmetric deformation density analysis in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Amini Samad , Azami Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Electrons and holes as charge carriers appear when a molecular system is exposed to external electric field. For nonsymmetric molecules, the distribution of charge carriers is also nonsymmetric. Although symmetric distribution of charge carriers is expected when the molecular system is symmetric, as the present work shows, they are not symmetric unexpectedly; that is, electrons and holes are not each other's mirror images. In this respect, asymmetric deformation density analysis is introduced to measure the extent of asymmetric distribution of electrons and holes as charge carriers when the symmetric system is exposed to symmetric external potential. Segments of (5,0) carbon nanotubes with different lengths are selected as symmetric systems, and a linear electric field is applied along the principal axis as symmetric potential. Results show that, at high electric fields, electrons tend to localize at the ends, while holes tend to occupy the middle area of carbon nanotube segments. While charge carriers play a vital role in molecular conductivity, asymmetric distribution of electrons and holes in symmetric systems has not yet been reported.
Emergence of novel coronavirus and progress toward treatment and vaccine
Authors: Khan Muhammad Muzamil , Noor Amna , Madni* Asadullah , Shafiq Mudassir
Published: June 2020

In late December 2019, a group of patients was observed with pneumonia‐like symptoms that were linked with a wet market in Wuhan, China. The patients were found to have a novel coronavirus genetically related to a bat coronavirus that was termed SARS‐CoV‐2. The virus gradually spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by WHO. Scientists have started trials on potential preventive and treatment options. Currently, there is no specific approved treatment for SARS‐CoV‐2, and various clinical trials are underway to explore better treatments. Some previously approved antiviral and other drugs have shown some in vitro activity. Here we summarize the fight against this novel coronavirus with particular focus on the different treatment options and clinical trials exploring treatment as well as work done toward development of vaccines.
Intranasal delivery of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exerts immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in a 3xTg model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Losurdo Morris , Pedrazzoli Matteo , D'Agostino Claudia , Elia Chiara A. , Massenzio Francesca , Lonati Elena , Mauri Mario , Rizzi Laura , Molteni Laura , Bresciani Elena , Dander Erica , D'Amico Giovanna , Bulbarelli Alessandra , Torsello Antonio , Matteoli Michela , Buffelli Mario , Coco Silvia
Published: June 2020

The critical role of neuroinflammation in favoring and accelerating the pathogenic process in Alzheimer's disease (AD) increased the need to target the cerebral innate immune cells as a potential therapeutic strategy to slow down the disease progression. In this scenario, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have risen considerable interest thanks to their immunomodulatory properties, which have been largely ascribed to the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely exosomes and microvesicles. Indeed, the beneficial effects of MSC-EVs in regulating the inflammatory response have been reported in different AD mouse models, upon chronic intravenous or intracerebroventricular administration. In this study, we use the triple-transgenic 3xTg mice showing for the first time that the intranasal route of administration of EVs, derived from cytokine-preconditioned MSCs, was able to induce immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in AD. MSC-EVs reached the brain, where they dampened the activation of microglia cells and increased dendritic spine density. MSC-EVs polarized in vitro murine primary microglia toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype suggesting that the neuroprotective effects observed in transgenic mice could result from a positive modulation of the inflammatory status. The possibility to administer MSC-EVs through a noninvasive route and the demonstration of their anti-inflammatory efficacy might accelerate the chance of a translational exploitation of MSC-EVs in AD.

Significance statement In the attempt to find a possible cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being investigated for therapeutic purposes thanks to their protective and anti-inflammatory properties. The results from this study show that MSC-EVs operate in dampening inflammation (that favors and accelerates the pathogenic process in AD) and in inducing neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, they sustain the delivery of MSC-EVs through the intranasal route, being safe and low invasive, thus laying the foundation for a translational future exploitation of MSC-EVs toward therapy.
Protection of carbon steel with superhydrophobic coating against corrosion in NaCl solution
Authors: Tsygankova Liudmila E. , Vigdorovich Vladimir I. , Uryadnikov Alexandr A. , Vigdorowitsch Michael V. , Shel Evgeniia Yu. , Uryadnikova Marina N.
Published: June 2020

Corrosion and kinetics of partial electrode reactions on carbon steel St3 with superhydrophobic coatings of three types were studied in 0.5 M NaCl and 50 g/L NaCl +400 mg/L H2S solutions. The investigations were carried out on electrodes made of carbon steel St3 with a chemical composition, wt. %: C – 0.20; Mn – 0.50; Si – 0.15; P – 0.04; S – 0.05; Cr – 0.30; Ni – 0.20; Cu – 0.20, and Fe – 98.36. To obtain the type I coating, the metal surface was textured by an IR laser radiation of nanosecond duration followed by chemisorption of fluorobutylsilane out of a solution in n‐decane. To obtain a coating of type II, a nanoscale composite layer consisting of aggregates of aerosil nanoparticles was applied additionally to the outcome of type I method. To obtain a coating of type III, the metal surface after being textured by the infrared (IR) laser radiation of nanosecond duration was followed by chemisorption of fluoroxy silane. The influence of duration τ of the medium corrosive impact on protective effect of the superhydrophobic coating is considered. It was shown that upon reaching a steady state (after 72 h), the corrosion rate of steel with a superhydrophobic coating of I and II types in a 0.5 M NaCl solution is reduced by 23 ± 3 times compared with unprotected samples. Approximately the same picture is characteristic of electrodes with a coating of type III in a solution of 50 g/L NaCl +400 mg/L H2S.
Comparative Insight into the Performance of Two Different Amine‐Functionalized CNTs for the Chemical Speciation of Chromium
Authors: Sharma Niharika , Tiwari Shelja , Saxena Reena
Published: June 2020

Persistent industrial activities have led to an increase in the chromium content in environmental water bodies. The accurate quantification of trace chromium species such as Cr(III) and Cr(VI) is crucial as Cr(VI) can exhibit toxicity even at sub‐ppb levels. We report herein a comparative chromium speciation study using two chemically functionalized nanoadsorbents and determination with hyphenated flow injection‐flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FI‐FAAS). The most efficient preconcentration performance was obtained by optimizing the chemical and hydrodynamic parameters. Cr(VI) concentration was ascertained by the reduction to Cr(III) as the nanoadsorbents were selective for Cr(III) adsorption only; thus, speciation was achieved. The method was selective for Cr(III) in the presence of interfering matrix components. Preconcentration factor >90 and detection limit <0.11 μg L−1 were obtained for both the nanoadsorbents (%RSD∼1.0 %). The adsorption capacity of CNT‐TYR and CNT‐ASA was found to be 42.0 and 43.2 mg g−1, respectively. The application of the proposed method to contaminated water samples gave recoveries >95 %. The accuracy of the method was verified using NIST SRM 1640a.
Role of Imidazole Co–Ligand in the Supramolecular Network of a Co(II) Complex with Sulfadiazine: Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis and Energetic Calculations
Authors: Gil Diego M. , Pérez Hiram , Echeverría Gustavo A. , Piro Oscar E. , Frontera Antonio
Published: June 2020

M(II) complexes with sulfadiazine (SDZ) and imidazole (Im) acting as co‐ligand, [M(SDZ)2(Im)2] (M=Co, Ni, Cu and Zn), have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of Co(II) complex (1) is reported, and a similar structure for the other three complexes is inferred by elemental analysis, IR and electronic spectra. The Co(II) complex is stabilized by intermolecular N–H⋅⋅⋅N, N–H⋅⋅⋅O and C–H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds, as well as C–H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. An investigation of those structural motifs via Hirshfeld surface analysis has been performed. Energy framework calculations have been carried out to analyze and visualize the 3D topology of the crystal assembly, indicating that the electrostatic energy is dominant over the dispersion one in the most energetic dimer (Motif 1), unlike two related cobalt‐sulfadiazine complexes with other co‐ligands where the dispersion component is more relevant. Further, the relative strength of the bifurcated N–H⋅⋅⋅N/O hydrogen bonds has been analyzed using the quantum theory of “atoms‐in‐molecules” (QTAIM) and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface calculations. The strongest H‐bonds occurring with donor groups from co‐ligand species (Im, DMF and CH3OH) are found to be imperative in controlling the supramolecular architecture of the corresponding cobalt complex.
SnO2 Quantum Dots: Rational Design to Achieve Highly Reversible Conversion Reaction and Stable Capacities for Lithium and Sodium Storage
Authors: Cheng Yong , Wang Shaohua , Zhou Lin , Chang Limin , Liu Wanqiang , Yin Dongming , Yi Zheng , Wang Limin
Published: June 2020

SnO2 has been considered as a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs), but challenging as well for the low‐reversible conversion reaction and coulombic efficiency. To address these issues, herein, SnO2 quantum dots (≈5 nm) embedded in porous N‐doped carbon matrix (SnO2/NC) are developed via a hydrothermal step combined with a self‐polymerization process at room temperature. The ultrasmall size in quantum dots can greatly shorten the ion diffusion distance and lower the internal strain, improving the conversion reaction efficiency and coulombic efficiency. The rich mesopores/micropores and highly conductive N‐doped carbon matrix can further enhance the overall conductivity and buffer effect of the composite. As a result, the optimized SnO2/NC‐2 composite for LIBs exhibits a high coulombic efficiency of 72.9%, a high discharge capacity of 1255.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles and a long life‐span with a capacity of 753 mAh g−1 after 1500 cycles at 1 A g−1. The SnO2/NC‐2 composite also displays excellent performance for SIBs, delivering a superior discharge capacity of 212.6 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 3000 cycles. These excellent results can be of visible significance for the size effect of the uniform quantum dots.
Groups, organizations, families and movements: The sociology of social systems between interaction and society
Authors: Kühl Stefan
Published: June 2020

In enhancing a proposal by Luhmann, this contribution shows that it is possible to locate different types of systems between ‘face‐to‐face‐interaction’ and ‘society’: groups, organizations, families and protest movements. The common ground of these is that they use membership to attribute persons to the system or not. However, they differ fundamentally in regard to how they understand membership. In contrast to Luhmann's differentiation between interaction, organization and society, it is not only possible to imagine different types of interlocking systems but also coequal combinations of and transitions between the different types of social systems.
Co‐Joined Starch Modification and β‐Carotene Dispersion In Situ by Planetary Ball Milling
Authors: González Luciana Carla , Loubes Maria Ana , Santagapita Patricio Román , Tolaba Marcela Patricia
Published: June 2020

The objective is to evaluate An innovative dispersion method (IM), planetary ball milling (PBM) is evaluated for its potential use in obtaining starch modifications together with in situ β‐carotene dispersion. Native (N) and ball milled (BM) rice starches are first evaluated as encapsulating matrices of β‐carotene, by means of traditional dispersion method (TM) using a rotor–stator device. Ball milled starch with gelatin (BM+G) preserves β‐carotene structure and produces the highest encapsulated β‐carotene content (0.154 mg g−1), being four times the N starch content (0.035 mg g−1). By IM, β‐carotene structure is partially (69%) preserved by using the BM+G matrix. Encapsulated β‐carotene contents >86% (equivalent to 0.50 mg g−1 starch) and encapsulated/surface ratio >6.7 are achieved, obtaining at least 3.0‐ and 16.3‐fold increments compared to TM, respectively. Results from IM reveal the potential of PBM to reach a high degree of β‐carotene dispersion in a physically modified starch improving the encapsulation performance with respect to TM.
New methods for conformal correlation functions
Authors: Fortin Jean-François , Skiba Witold
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The most general operator product expansion in conformal field theory is obtained using the embedding space formalism and a new uplift for general quasi-primary operators. The uplift introduced here, based on quasi-primary operators with spinor in- dices only and standard projection operators, allows a unified treatment of all quasi-primary operators irrespective of their Lorentz group irreducible representations. This unified treatment works at the level of the operator product expansion and hence applies to all correlation functions. A very useful differential operator appearing in the operator product expansion is established and its action on appropriate products of embedding space coordinates is explicitly computed. This computation leads to tensorial generalizations of the usual Exton function for all correlation functions. Several important identities and contiguous relations are also demonstrated for these new tensorial functions. From the operator product expansion all correlation functions for all quasi-primary operators, irrespective of their Lorentz group irreducible representations, can be computed recursively in a systematic way. The resulting answer can be expressed in terms of tensor structures that carry all the Lorentz group information and linear combinations of the new tensorial functions. Finally, a summary of the well-defined rules allowing the computation of all correlation functions constructively is presented.
On positive geometry and scattering forms for matter particles
Authors: Herderschee Aidan , He Song , Teng Fei , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We initiate the study of positive geometry and scattering forms for tree- level amplitudes with matter particles in the (anti-)fundamental representation of the color/flavor group. As a toy example, we study the bi-color scalar theory, which supplements the bi-adjoint theory with scalars in the (anti-)fundamental representations of both groups. Using a recursive construction we obtain a class of unbounded polytopes called open associahedra (or associahedra with certain facets at infinity) whose canonical form computes amplitudes in bi-color theory, for arbitrary number of legs and flavor assignments. In addition, we discuss the duality between color factors and wedge products, or “color is kinematics”, for amplitudes with matter particles as well.