bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19: Short‐Term Influence on China's Economy Considering Different Scenarios
Authors: Pan Wei , Huang Ge , Shi Yongdong , Hu Cheng , Dai Wan‐qiang , Pan Wulin , Rongsheng Huang
Published: December 2020

Recently, most countries have entered the outbreak period of the novel coronavirus epidemic. This sudden outbreak has caused a huge impact on the global economy, which has intensified the division of globalization and the recession of the global economy. Although the epidemic situation in China has gradually stabilized, the severe situation in the world still inevitably impacts China's economy. Based on the uncertainty of future epidemic, this paper sets up three scenarios to analyze the impact of the epidemic on China's economy. The first is that in June, the epidemic both at home and abroad is under control without rebound; the second is that the domestic epidemic is basically controlled but the foreign situation is not effectively controlled; the third is that the epidemic situation in China has a serious rebound due to the influence of the imported cases from abroad, which destroy the economy again. At the same time, some corresponding guidelines are put forward for the recovery of economy, and to minimize the economic losses as well as accelerate the pace of national economic recovery. In addition, it is believed that these suggestions may have certain reference value to other countries.
Tiron alleviates MPTP‐induced Parkinsonism in mice via activation of Keap‐1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Mohamed Shrook A. , El‐Kashef Dalia H. , Nader Manar A.
Published: December 2020

Parkinsonism is a neurodegenerative disease that is common all over the world. This study aimed at exploring the neuroprotective effect of tiron against 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced Parkinsonism. MPTP (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [ip]) was injected in mice daily for 5 consecutive days. Mice were treated with tiron (140 and 280 mg/kg, ip) or levodopa (8.4 mg/kg, orally) for 10 consecutive days starting 5 days before MPTP injection. At the end of the experiment, behavioral tests were conducted to assess the neuroprotective effect of tiron. Moreover, oxidative stress was assessed via measuring antioxidant enzyme, such as catalase, and lipid peroxidation was evaluated as malondialdehyde. Neuronal damage was also detected by histopathological examination and via estimating hippocampal levels of dopamine, γ‐aminobutyric acid, and nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2. In addition, the expression of Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 and heme oxygenase‐1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the blank control group and the positive control group, the inhibitory effect of tiron on MPTP‐induced neurodegenerative injury was statistically significant.
Landfill or Recycle? Pro‐Environmental Receptacle Labeling Increases Recycling Contamination
Authors: Catlin Jesse R. , Leonhardt James M. , Wang Yitong , Manuel Rommel J.
Published: December 2020

While aggregate recycling rates in developed countries have plateaued in recent years, the contamination rate of recycling streams due to consumers incorrectly recycling items that cannot be recycled has grown rapidly. We propose that this problem may be partially due to persuasive messages, such as pro‐environmental labeling on bins, that encourage recycling, but may lack guidance on how to do so accurately. For example, a number of public garbage receptacles across the United States are labeled “Landfill” instead of “Trash,” encouraging recycling by making the negative impact of garbage more salient. However, this labeling may also lead consumers to incorrectly “recycle” items that cannot be recycled (i.e., overinclusive recycling). Two field studies suggest that pro‐environmental receptacle labeling can lead to overinclusive recycling, and a controlled experiment provides preliminary process evidence involving anticipated emotion from trashing versus recycling. Research opportunities and public policy implications for pro‐environmental messaging are discussed.
Having a Creative Day: A Daily Diary Study of the Interplay Between Daily Activating Moods and Physical Work Environment on Daily Creativity
Authors: Chi Nai‐Wen , Liao Hsueh‐Hua , Chien Wan‐Ling
Published: December 2020

Although recent studies have attempted to clarify the daily dynamics between moods and creativity, relatively limited studies have explored how daily positive and negative activating moods influence changes in daily creativity (i.e., controlling for the effects of prior daily creativity) in real organizations. Furthermore, although the importance of the physical working environment has been highlighted in the creativity literature, it remains unclear how the dimensions of the physical working environment (i.e., adjustability of work area and facilitation of informal communication) influence employees’ daily creativity directly or moderate the effects of daily activating moods on creativity. Using the daily diary research design, we collect lagged daily data from 70 creative workers across ten consecutive working days, yielding 662 valid matched daily responses. The results of multilevel path analysis show that both daily positive/negative activating moods had lagged and positive effects on changes in subsequent creativity, and the physical environment that facilitates informal interactions strengthened these positive lagged effects. Besides, a physical environment that facilitates informal interactions also directly predicted changes in daily creativity. Surprisingly, the work area’s adjustability attenuated the positive lagged effect of daily positive activating moods on daily creativity.
Psychological Distress and Well‐Being in Trauma‐Exposed Adolescents: A Residualized, Person‐Centered Approach to Resilience
Authors: Cohen Joseph R. , Choi Jae Wan , Thakur Hena , Temple Jeff R.
Published: December 2020

Positive adaptation manifests differently in the aftermath of traumatic events. Methodological limitations, however, impede the ability to test conceptualizations of resilience that emphasize the multifaceted nature of these responses. In response, an approach that synthesized a residualized and person‐centered conceptualization of resilience examined associations between aspects of resilience in an adolescent sample. In total, 584 racially/ethnically diverse adolescents (age range: 12–17 years; M = 14.98 years; SD = 1.05; 50.9% female; 30.1% White, 29.6% African American, 19.5% Hispanic) self‐reported lifetime emotional maltreatment and community violence exposure as well as current levels of depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), violent behavior, and psychological well‐being (PWB). Each mental health outcome was regressed on lifetime trauma exposure to create residuals used as indices of resilience. Correlations between the residuals suggested that PWB was more closely related to resilience to depression and PTS, rs = .17–.30, than violent behavior, r = .00. Residuals were subsequently entered into person‐centered analyses to identify representative well‐being profiles. Cluster analysis identified four groups, including two adaptive profiles defined by (a) lower distress and higher PWB and (b) lower psychopathology and lower PWB, based on adolescents’ levels of trauma exposure. These two profiles did not vary regarding impairment, p > .999, suggesting both profiles represent positive adaption to lifetime trauma exposure. Theoretical and clinical implications of distinguishing between these two profiles by assessing PWB in adolescents are discussed, as well as how PWB may manifest within the context of different patterns of psychological distress.
Septal Perforation Repair Using Bilateral Rotational Flaps With Interposed Mastoid Periosteal Graft
Authors: Wang Weitao , Vincent Aurora , Shokri Tom , Hilger Peter , Ducic Yadranko
Published: December 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the outcomes of endonasal repair of septal perforations utilizing opposing bilateral rotational flaps and a periosteum interposition graft.

Methods

Retrospective review of a single surgeon, tertiary referral center experience of patients who underwent septal perforation repair. Patient demographics, etiology of perforation, closure rate, and complication data were obtained. Patients screening positively for cocaine use or anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were not offered repair.

Results

A total of 104 patients were included, 65 male and 39 female with mean age of 45.4 years. Etiology of perforations included prior surgery in 45, trauma in 15, and unknown in 44, and the average perforation size in each etiologic group were 1.35 cm, 1.25 cm, and 1.30 cm, respectively. The greatest dimension of perforations repaired ranged from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. The overall success rate was 87.5% at 6 month follow‐up. Successful closure was achieved in 95.6%, 86.7%, and 79.5%, respectively (χ2 = 5.264, P = .0218).

Conclusion

Our described technique is a reliable endonasal approach with predictable outcomes in septal perforations up to 1.5 cm in size. Having an unknown etiology of septal perforation may be a risk factor for failure.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1497–1500, 2021
Space Qualification of Ultrafast Laser‐Written Integrated Waveguide Optics
Authors: Piacentini Simone , Vogl Tobias , Corrielli Giacomo , Lam Ping Koy , Osellame Roberto
Published: December 2020

Satellite‐based quantum technologies represent a possible route for extending the achievable range of quantum communication, allowing the construction of worldwide quantum networks without quantum repeaters. In space missions, however, the volume available for the instrumentation is limited, and footprint is a crucial specification of the devices that can be employed. Integrated optics could be highly beneficial in this sense, as it allows for the miniaturization of different functionalities in small and monolithic photonic circuits. This article reports on qualification of waveguides fabricated in glass by femtosecond laser micromachining for their use in a low Earth orbit space environment. In particular, different laser‐written integrated devices, such as straight waveguides, directional couplers, and Mach–Zehnder interferometers, are exposed to suitable proton and γ‐ray irradiation. This experiment shows that no significant changes have been induced to their characteristics and performances by the radiation exposure. These results, combined with the high compatibility of laser‐written optical circuits to quantum communication applications, pave the way for the use of laser‐written integrated photonic components in future satellite missions.
Micropatterned Smart Culture Surfaces via Multi‐Step Physical Coating of Functional Block Copolymers for Harvesting Cell Sheets with Controlled Sizes and Shapes
Authors: Nakayama Masamichi , Toyoshima Yuki , Kikuchi Akihiko , Okano Teruo
Published: December 2020

Cell micropatterning on micropatterned thermoresponsive polymer‐based culture surfaces facilitates the creation of on‐demand and functional cell sheets. However, the fabrication of micropatterned surfaces generally includes complicated procedures with multi‐step chemical reactions. To overcome this issue, this study proposes a facile preparation of micropatterned thermoresponsive surfaces via a two‐step physical coating of two different diblock copolymers. Both copolymers contain poly(butyl methacrylate) blocks as hydrophobic anchors for water‐stable polymer deposition. At first, thermoresponsive polymer layers are constructed on cell culture dishes via spin‐coating block copolymers containing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) blocks that exhibit a transition temperature of ≈30 °C in aqueous media. To create polymer micropatterns on the thermoresponsive surfaces, microcontact printing of block copolymers containing hydrophilic poly(N‐acryloylmorpholine) (PNAM) blocks is performed using polydimethylsiloxane stamps. Stamped PNAM‐based block polymers are adsorbed to the outermost thermoresponsive surfaces, and increase the surface hydrophilicity with decreasing protein adsorption. Cells adhere and proliferate on the thermoresponsive domains at 37 °C, whereas the stamped hydrophilic domains remain cell‐repellent for 7 days. At 20 °C, cell sheets with controlled sizes and shapes are harvested from the surfaces with the desired micropatterns. This technique is useful for the preparation of micropatterned polymer surfaces for various biomedical applications.
Usnic‐Acid‐Functionalized Silk Fibroin Composite Scaffolds for Cutaneous Wounds Healing
Authors: Zha Xiaoying , Xiong Xingliang , Chen Cheng , Li Yang , Zhang Lingqin , Xie Haojiang , Jiang Qifeng
Published: December 2020

Despite the progress in chronic wound treatment, antibacterial cutaneous scaffold with high efficiency in wound healing is still the hot spot in the field. In present study, a functionalized silk fibroin (SF) cutaneous scaffold incorporated with natural medicine usnic acid (UA) is investigated, in which UA is used as an antibacterial and wound‐healing reagent. Via electrospinning, UA–SF mixture is fabricated into UA–SF composite scaffold (USCS), which is composed of uniform nanofibers with average diameters of around 360 ± 10 nm. The interwoven nanofibers form mesh structure providing sufficient moisture permeability for scaffold. With methanol treatment, USCS presents improved mechanical properties and stability to protease XIV. In the presence of USCS, the growth rate of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is significantly inhibited in plate culture and suspension assays. In a cutaneous excisional mouse wound model, USCS presents a significant increase of wound closure rate, compared with pure SF scaffold and commercial dressing, Tegaderm Hydrocolloid 3M. The histological assessments further prove that USCS can enhance re‐epithelialization, vascularization, and collagen deposition in wound site to promote the wound‐healing process, which indicates the potential application of USCS in chronic wound treatment.
The Synergistic Effect of Rare‐Earth Complex Nucleating Agent and Graphene Oxide on the Non‐Isothermal Crystallization Behavior of iPP Originating From the Diverse Self‐Assembly Morphology
Authors: He Man , Shi Honghui , Chang Baobao , Zheng Guoqiang , Cao Wei , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: December 2020

Rare‐earth nucleating agent (WBG‐II) is a kind of additive for isotactic polypropylene (iPP), which will dissolve into iPP melt during heating and re‐aggregate into diverse morphologies during cooling through self‐assembly. However, up to now, little work about the influence of graphene oxide (GO) on the self‐assembly of WBG‐II can be found. Results in this study suggest that via the hydrogen‐bond interaction, GO can provide additional nuclei for WBG‐II during self‐assembly. Consequently, during non‐isothermal crystallization, WBG‐II and GO present a synergistic effect rather than a superposition effect on the crystallization onset temperature (Tc‐on), the crystallization peak temperature (Tc‐peak), the crystallization half time (t1/2), and the relative content of β‐iPP (Kβ), especially when the final heating temperature (Tf) is higher than 240 °C. Specifically, as Tf is lower than 220 °C, Tc‐on, Tc‐peak, t1/2, and Kβ are insensitive to the weight concentration of GO‐ODA (ϕG), since that little WBG‐II is dissolved into iPP melt and the morphology of WBG‐II is changed only very slightly; as Tf is higher than 240 °C, Tc‐on, Tc‐peak, and Kβ first decrease to a minimum value with increasing of ϕG, and then increase when ϕG exceeded 0.2%.
Surface Modification of (Non)‐Fluorinated Vitrimers through Dynamic Transamination
Authors: Taplan Christian , Guerre Marc , Bowman Christopher N. , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: December 2020

Surface modifications are typically permanent in shape and chemistry. Herein, vinylogous urethane (VU) chemistry is presented as an easily accessible and versatile platform for rapid, facile, and reworkable surface modification. It is demonstrated that both physical and chemical post‐modification of permanent, yet dynamic elastic polymer networks are achieved. Surface patterns with high regularity are created, both via a straightforward replication process using a polydimethylsiloxane stamp (resolution ca. 10–100 µm) as well as using thermally activated nano‐imprint lithography (NIL) to form hole, pillar, or line patterns (ca. 300 nm) in elastic VU‐based vitrimers. The tunable, rapid exchange allows patterning at 130 °C in less than 15 min, resulting in an increased water contact angle and surface‐structure induced light reflection. Moreover, it is also demonstrated that the use of a single dynamic covalent chemistry makes it possible to strongly adhere to fluorinated and non‐fluorinated materials based on incompatible matrices, causing cohesive failure in a peel test. In a topography scan, the visibly transparent interface is shown to possess a continuous phase without a gap, while maintaining distinctively separated (non)‐fluorinated domains. Finally, this approach allowed for a straightforward coating of a non‐fluorinated material with a fluorinated monomer to minimize the overall fluorinated content.
Rediscovering Silicones: The Anomalous Water Permeability of “Hydrophobic” PDMS Suggests Nanostructure and Applications in Water Purification and Anti‐Icing
Authors: Bian Pei , Wang Yan , McCarthy Thomas J.
Published: December 2020

Cross‐linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is simultaneously water‐repellent and highly permeable to water vapor. Unfilled and silica‐free cross‐linked PDMS films of variable thickness (8–160 µm) are prepared and their water vapor transmission rates and permeability values are determined. Vapor transmission rate increases as membrane thickness decreased from 160 to 15 µm, but does not increase further when the film thickness is decreased to 8 µm. Rate‐limiting sorption is implicated as the cause of this effect and substantiated by a surface modification to enhance adsorption rate. Water vapor does not macroscopically condense on films thin enough to operate in this kinetic regime, and vapor transmission rates as high as 60% of the transmission rates through air are measured. A mechanism for water permeation is offered based on those proposed for nanoscopically confined water in carbon nanotubes and aquaporins.
Memory kernel reconstruction problems in the integro‐differential equation of rigid heat conductor
Authors: Durdiev Durdimurod K. , Zhumaev Zhonibek Zh.
Published: December 2020

The inverse problems of determining the energy–temperature relation α(t) and the heat conduction relation k(t) functions in the one‐dimensional integro‐differential heat equation are investigated. The direct problem is the initial‐boundary problem for this equation. The integral terms have the time convolution form of unknown kernels and direct problem solution. As additional information for solving inverse problems, the solution of the direct problem for x = x0 is given. At the beginning, an auxiliary problem, which is equivalent to the original problem, is introduced. Then the auxiliary problem is reduced to an equivalent closed system of Volterra‐type integral equations with respect to unknown functions. Applying the method of contraction mappings to this system in the continuous class of functions with weighted norms, we prove the main result of the article, which is a global existence and uniqueness theorem of inverse problem solutions.
New soliton solutions of the 2D‐chiral nonlinear Schrodinger equation using two integration schemes
Authors: Ur Rehman Hamood , Asjad Imran Muhammad , Bibi Musarat , Riaz Maham , Akgül Ali
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the new exact solutions for 2D‐chiral nonlinear Schrodinger equation (CNLSE) are acquired using two proficient integration tool, namely, the new extended direct algebraic method (EDAM) and extended hyperbolic function method (EHFM). We develop soliton and some other solutions by utilizing the particular values for the parameters involved in these methods. These methods are devoted to secure different kinds of new soliton solutions as well as trigonometric and hyperbolic function solutions. Furthermore, for the physical representation of the obtained solutions of the CNLSE, various 2D and 3D graphs are presented.
One‐dimensional consolidation of layered soils under ramp load based on continuous drainage boundary
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Zong Mengfan , Tian Yi , Jiang Guosheng , El Naggar M. Hesham , Wu Wenbing , Xu Meijuan
Published: December 2020

The traditional drainage boundary regards the drainage boundary as completely permeable or completely impervious. However, the drainage boundary is an impeded drainage boundary between completely permeable and impervious in engineering practice. In view of this, a new drainage boundary, namely the continuous drainage boundary, is introduced in this paper to study the consolidation problem of layered soils. First, the governing equations for the one‐dimensional consolidation problem of layered soils subjected to a ramp load are established. Then, the analytical solution of excess pore water pressure and average consolidation degree is derived by means of Laplace transform and matrix transfer method. The present solution is verified by degenerating it and comparing with existing solutions. Based on the present solution, the consolidation behavior of the layered soils is investigated by conducting a detailed parametric study. The results show that, both the interface parameters of boundaries and the stratification of the layered soils can heavily affect the distribution of the excess pore water pressure along the depth, thereby influence the plane of the maximum excess pore water pressure. Therefore, the interface parameters of boundaries and the soil stratification should be comprehensively considered in the optimization for the horizontal drains.
Synthesis of PEGylated superparamagnetic dendrimers and their applications as a drug delivery system
Authors: Parham Negin , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Feizbakhsh Alireza , Moniri Elham
Published: December 2020

In this work, five generations of dendrimers were grafted to magnetic nanoparticles; then, polyethylene glycol was used to modify dendrimers. The structure and morphology are systemically studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Batch experiments were performed to investigate the effect of solution pH and temperature. The possibility of using the nanocomposite for adsorption and release of the rivaroxaban was studied which indicated that the synthesis nanocomposite exhibited a much improved performance which allowed the 100% of the entrapped molecules to be slowly released during a much longer period time (35 h) in human blood environment, and drug release was Fickian‐diffusion‐controlled. The results revealed that the synthesized nanocomposite has an acceptable performance in drug release and will be developed for any usage of drug delivery.
Synergistic contribution on flame retardancy by charring production in high‐performance PEI/PBT/PTFE ternary blends: The role of PTFE
Authors: Vásquez‐Rendón Mauricio , Romero‐Sáez Manuel , Mena Jhorman , Fuenzalida Victor , Berlanga Isadora , Álvarez‐Láinez Mónica L.
Published: December 2020

High‐performance binary blends between poly(ether imide) (PEI) and flame‐retardant poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) are modified with 5, 10, and 15 wt% of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) using a two‐step melt‐processing method. Morphology study reveals that PTFE does not interfere with PEI and PBT interfacial interaction during blends fabrication, and the dual‐phase inversion observed for binary PEI/PBT blends in previous works remains the same. Thermal degradation and fire resistance analyses show that charring layer formation is the major flame protection process and that PTFE enhances charring production for ternary blends. According to UL94 horizontal burning test, all blends are categorized as slow‐burning materials. Bomb calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analyses reveal that there is an interaction between PTFE with PEI and PBT phases, as well as with their degradation products. This phenomenon is explained by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and it is attributable to Sb‐F species which enhances the formation of an intumescent layer.
Synthesis of pH and thermo‐sensitive dendrimers based on MoS2 and magnetic nanoparticles for cisplatin drug delivery system by the near‐infrared laser
Authors: Khodabakhshi Mohammad Javad , Panahi Homayon Ahmad , Konoz Elaheh , Feizbakhsh Alireza , Kimiagar Salimeh
Published: December 2020

Recently, drug delivery systems have drawn significant interest from many researchers. In this work, the five generations of thermo‐sensitive dendrimer based on magnetic MoS2 was synthesized and used for cisplatin drug delivery. The affected important parameters such as pH, contact time, and adsorption/desorption temperature were investigated. The results showed that maximum adsorption occurred at pH 7, contact time 10 (min), and adsorption temperature 30 (°C). The synthesized nanocarrier was investigated by FT‐IR, FE‐SEM, TEM, VSM, EDS, TGA, and XRD analysis. Cisplatin releasing from nanocarrier without smart polymer and nanocarrier with smart polymer were tested at pH 5.6 (cancer cells) and pH 7.4 (body cells) and the release rate of cisplatin obtained from nanocarrier with smart polymer was higher than the release rate of cisplatin from nanocarrier without smart polymer. The result indicated that 7% of cisplatin released at pH 7.4 within 6 h at 37°C whereas at the same time with increasing the temperature to 50°C and decreasing the pH to 5.6, 87% of cisplatin was released. Also, the release of cisplatin was studied using NIR, and it indicated that 86% and 92% of cisplatin were released at pH 7.4 and 5.6, respectively.
Increased RISK for 47,XXY on cell‐free DNA screen: Not always Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Ronzoni Luisa , Bedeschi Maria Francesca , Silibello Gaia , Accurti Veronica , Di Segni Marina , Nicotra Valeria , Vizziello Paola , Lalatta Faustina
Published: December 2020

Key Points

What's already known about this topic?

Noninvasive cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) tests allow prenatal identification of high risk for Klinefelter syndrome

cfDNA test requires a prenatal or postnatal confirmation to reach a definitive diagnosis What does this study add?

In a significant number of cfDNA tests, results reporting increased risk for 47, XXY were not confirmed on diagnostic testing

Invasive procedures must always be discussed to exclude chromosomal variations with a more severe phenotype
Subungual exostosis of the finger in an 8‐year‐old girl
Authors: Li Hao , Qi Xinyu , Zhang Xuejun
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Subungual exostosis (SE) is a relatively uncommon benign bone tumor that occurs in the distal phalanges of the toes or fingers.

Case presentation

An 8‐year‐old girl presented for treatment of an acquired mass on the distal right index finger. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with a benign bone tumor. Surgical resection of the distal right index finger mass was performed under general anesthesia, and histological examination of the resected tissue supported a diagnosis of SE of the right index finger. The surgical outcome was good, with no surgical site infection. Throughout 15 months of follow‐up, the patient was asymptomatic with no recurrence.

Conclusion

Surgical resection of a mass on the distal right index finger resulted in absence of recurrence during 15 months of follow‐up. SE is a benign and uncommon lesion that is infrequently encountered by physicians. This infrequent occurrence may result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Complete excision of the lesion and careful separation from underlying nail bed structures results in total resolution of the lesion, while providing the lowest risk of recurrence.
Organic coatings from acetylene at atmospheric pressure: UV light versus plasma
Authors: Watson Sean , Legrand Ulrich , Arrachepied Robin , Nisol Bernard , Girard‐Lauriault Pierre‐Luc , Tavares Jason R. , Wertheimer Michael R.
Published: December 2020

A versatile pilot‐scale reactor has been designed in such a way that it can be readily converted from a dielectric barrier discharge “PECVD” operating mode into a photoinitiated “PICVD” one; in the latter, low‐pressure mercury (Hg) lamps replace the high‐voltage glow discharge plasma. Both processes operate at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, 100 kPa, using acetylene (C2H2) monomer. In both sets of experiments, it was found that efficient gas‐to‐solid conversion can occur in the form of a nanoparticulate amorphous hydrocarbon polymer‐like material. It was found that in the PICVD case, great care was required to exclude even traces of O2 contamination, because it not only reduced the growth rate of solid, but the latter then became highly oxidized ([O] ~50 at.%) and water‐soluble.

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Finite‐time control via hybrid state feedback for uncertain positive systems with impulses
Authors: Hu Meng‐Jie , Park Ju H.
Published: December 2020

In this study, the finite‐time control for uncertain positive systems with impulses using a hybrid state feedback control mechanism is investigated. The hybrid state feedback double control strategy is utilized, which includes impulsive state control scheme and continuous state feedback control scheme. A type of time‐varying Lyapunov copositive function is constructed. Considering different impulsive effects, the finite‐time boundedness criterion is obtained by applying the average impulsive interval approach. In addition, sufficient conditions are proposed for finite‐time characterization analysis and the hybrid state feedback controller design. All the criteria can be checked by the linear programming approach succinctly. The relationships among the upper bound of the finite‐time interval, the frequency and intensity of impulses, and the minimum allowable ‐gain level are revealed. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the usefulness of the theoretical results.
Synthesis, Thermal, Optical and Electrochemical Properties of Acridone and Thioxanthone Based Push‐Pull Molecules
Authors: Le Huong T. , Saleah Rusrina , Kungwan Nawee , Nghiem Mai‐Phuong , Goubard Fabrice , Bui Thanh‐Tuân
Published: December 2020

Two series of eight visible‐light‐absorbing redox active molecules derived from 9(10H)‐acridone and thioxanthen‐9‐one were designed and synthetized. The different dyes were characterized by UV‐vis absorption and fluorescent spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) for their thermal, optical and electrochemical properties, respectively. Theoretical calculations DFT were also carried out to support the experimental results. These molecules are thermally stable with Td (decomposition temperature) range from 290 °C to 418 °C and have glass forming properties with Tg (glass transition temperature) varying from 44 °C to 134 °C. These chromophores strongly absorb and emit in the visible spectral range (400–550 nm for absorption and 450–650 for fluorescence). Their frontier orbitals’ energy levels as well as optical bandgaps can be tuned by changing the nature and the number of the arylamine electron‐donating groups. These compounds have been found to be promising candidates for photo‐initiators for photo‐polymerization process applied in 3D printing technique. They could also be potentially applied as hole transporting materials for hybrid perovskite photovoltaics.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spirodihydrobenzofuran Analogues of the Natural Product Filifolinol
Authors: Becerra‐Ruiz Martin , Galdámez Antonio , Modak Brenda , Vilches‐Herrera(s) Marcelo
Published: December 2020

Filifolinol is a natural occurring spirodihydrobenzofuran isolated from the resinous exudates of Heliotropium filifolium, a Chilean endemic shrub. Filifolinol and some of its derivatives have shown interesting biological activities against pathogens that attack salmonid species. Whereas the synthesis of spirodihydrobenzofurans has been limited to the use of an ortho allylphenol unit herein we report a different approach based on a C−H activation/C−O cyclization reaction for the synthesis of analogues of Filifolinol. Moreover, a diastereoselective approach was developed using the different facial preference of hydride species and organolithium compounds towards cyclic ketones.
Doped Bilayer Tin(IV) Oxide Electron Transport Layer for High Open‐Circuit Voltage Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Reduced Hysteresis
Authors: Ye Jiajiu , Li Yuze , Medjahed Asma Aicha , Pouget Stéphanie , Aldakov Dmitry , Liu Yueli , Reiss Peter
Published: December 2020

Tin oxide (SnO2) is an emerging electron transport layer (ETL) material in halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Among current limitations, open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss is one of the major factors to be addressed for further improvement. Here a bilayer ETL consisting of two SnO2 nanoparticle layers doped with different amounts of ammonium chloride is proposed. As demonstrated by photoelectron spectroscopy and photophysical studies, the main effect of the novel ETL is to modify the energy level alignment at the SnO2/perovskite interface, which leads to decreased carrier recombination, enhanced electron transfer, and reduced voltage loss. Moreover, X‐ray diffraction reveals reduced strain in perovskite layers grown on bilayer ETLs with respect to single‐layer ETLs, further contributing to a decrease of carrier recombination processes. Finally, the bilayer approach enables the more reproducible preparation of smooth and pinhole‐free ETLs as compared to single‐step deposition ETLs. PSCs with the doped bilayer SnO2 ETL demonstrate strongly increased VOC values of up to 1.21 V with a power conversion efficiency of 21.75% while showing negligible hysteresis and enhanced stability. Moreover, the SnO2 bilayer can be processed at low temperature (70 °C), and has therefore a high potential for use in tandem devices or flexible PSCs.
Manipulating Interfaces of Electrocatalysts Down to Atomic Scales: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Li Xin , Kou Zongkui , Wang John
Published: December 2020

Raising electrocatalysis by rationally devising catalysts plays a core role in almost all renewable energy conversion and storage systems. The principal catalytic properties can be controlled and improved well by manipulation of interfaces, ascribed to the interactions among different components/players at the interfaces. In particular, manipulating interfaces down to atomic scales is becoming increasingly attractive, not only because those atoms at around the interface are the key players during electrocatalysis, but also, understandings on the atomic level electrocatalysis allow one to gain deep insights into the reaction mechanism. With the feature down‐sizing to atomic scales, there is a timely need to redefine the interfaces, as some of them have gone beyond the conventionally perceived interfacial concept. In this overview, the key active players participating in the interfacial manipulation of electrocatalysts are examined, from a new angle of “atomic interface,” including those individual atoms, defects, and their interactions, together with the essential characterization techniques for them. The specific approaches and pathways to engineer better atomic interfaces are investigated, and thus to enable the unique electrocatalysis for targeted applications. Looking beyond recent progress, the challenges and prospects of the atomic level interfacial engineering are also briefly visited.
Mark‐Recapture Distance Sampling for Aerial Surveys of Ungulates on Rangelands
Authors: Peterson Mary K. , Foley Aaron M. , Tri Andrew N. , Hewitt David G. , DeYoung Randy W. , DeYoung Charles A. , Campbell Tyler A.
Published: December 2020

Aerial surveys are an efficient technique for counting animals over large geographic areas such as rangelands. In southwestern rangelands, aerial surveys are routinely conducted for ungulates, with the implicit understanding that abundance estimates represent an undercount. Distance sampling can correct for visibility bias, but assumes perfect detection on the survey line, a condition often violated in aerial surveys of ungulates. The incorporation of mark‐resight methods into the distance‐sampling framework, termed mark‐recapture distance sampling (MRDS), corrects for both visibility bias and imperfect detection on the survey line. However, the use of MRDS introduces logistical and technical constraints that may not be practical for aerial surveys. We conducted aerial surveys of ungulates on rangelands in south Texas, USA, to evaluate the feasibility and performance of MRDS relative to conventional distance sampling (CDS) and multiple covariate distance sampling (MCDS). We conducted surveys prior to and after leaf‐fall in 2013–2015 to test the hypothesis that distance sampling corrected for changes in visibility bias. We surveyed white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), and feral swine (Sus scrofa) on 4 sites. Each site was surveyed seasonally for 2 years; twice both prior to (Nov) and after leaf‐fall (Feb). Probability of detection on survey lines for each species was high (range = 0.82–0.97) and the average for each species was similar between seasons (0.89 and 0.92 during pre and post leaf‐fall, respectively). The MRDS density estimates often were only ~10% greater than CDS and MCDS estimates; all population estimates had overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Further, CDS and MCDS estimates were similar indicating that measured covariates (seat position, vegetation type, and cluster size) contributed little towards detection probabilities. Despite similar average probability of detection for all species before and after leaf‐fall (0.47 and 0.51, respectively), deer and nilgai population estimates were 22–59% lower during fall surveys than winter surveys. The discrepancy between consistent probability of detections with different population estimates suggests that availability bias, which cannot be addressed with distance sampling, was an issue. Overall, the MRDS technique addressed imperfect detection on the survey line and generated probabilities of detection in the survey area consistent with previous studies done in Texas. However, the extra costs (~US$13,000) and logistical hurdles to preserve observer independence for a small increase in precision of population estimates may not be justifiable. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of the internal structures of monolith ceramic substrates on thermal and hydraulic properties: additive manufacturing, numerical modelling and experimental testing
Authors: Kovacev Nikolina , Li Sheng , Zeraati-Rezaei Soheil , Hemida Hassan , Tsolakis Athanasios , Essa Khamis
Published: December 2020

Rigorous emission regulations call for more efficient passive control catalysts for exhaust gas aftertreatment without affecting the internal combustion process and CO2 emissions. Although the state-of-art ceramic honeycomb substrate designs provide high surface area and a degree of flexibility for heat and mass transfer adaptations, additional emission reduction benefits can be achieved when more flexible designs to provide effective thermal management are introduced. The conventional cordierite honeycomb substrates are manufactured by extrusion; therefore, only substrates with straight channels can be fabricated. This study aims to highlight any design limitations of conventional substrates by employing additive manufacturing as the main method of manufacturing diamond lattice structures using DLP (digital light processing) technology. Both conventional substrates and diamond lattice structures are studied numerically and experimentally for flow through resistance and temperature distribution. Numerical predictions and experimental results showed good agreement. The results show the increase of the axial temperature distribution for diamond lattice structures and a significant decrease of the pressure drop (38–45%) in comparison with the benchmark honeycomb with similar surface area.
[11C]MODAG-001—towards a PET tracer targeting α-synuclein aggregates
Authors: Kuebler Laura , Buss Sabrina , Leonov Andrei , Ryazanov Sergey , Schmidt Felix , Maurer Andreas , Weckbecker Daniel , Landau Anne M. , Lillethorup Thea P. , Bleher Daniel , Saw Ran Sing , Pichler Bernd J. , Griesinger Christian , Giese Armin , Herfert Kristina
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Deposition of misfolded alpha-synuclein (αSYN) aggregates in the human brain is one of the major hallmarks of synucleinopathies. However, a target-specific tracer to detect pathological aggregates of αSYN remains lacking. Here, we report the development of a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer based on anle138b, a compound shown to have therapeutic activity in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

Specificity and selectivity of [3H]MODAG-001 were tested in in vitro binding assays using recombinant fibrils. After carbon-11 radiolabeling, the pharmacokinetic and metabolic profile was determined in mice. Specific binding was quantified in rats, inoculated with αSYN fibrils and using in vitro autoradiography in human brain sections of Lewy body dementia (LBD) cases provided by the Neurobiobank Munich (NBM).

Results

[3H]MODAG-001 revealed a very high affinity towards pure αSYN fibrils (Kd = 0.6 ± 0.1 nM) and only a moderate affinity to hTau46 fibrils (Kd = 19 ± 6.4 nM) as well as amyloid-β1–42 fibrils (Kd = 20 ± 10 nM). [11C]MODAG-001 showed an excellent ability to penetrate the mouse brain. Metabolic degradation was present, but the stability of the parent compound improved after selective deuteration of the precursor. (d3)-[11C]MODAG-001 binding was confirmed in fibril-inoculated rat striata using in vivo PET imaging. In vitro autoradiography showed no detectable binding to aggregated αSYN in human brain sections of LBD cases, most likely, because of the low abundance of aggregated αSYN against background protein.

Conclusion

MODAG-001 provides a promising lead structure for future compound development as it combines a high affinity and good selectivity in fibril-binding assays with suitable pharmacokinetics and biodistribution properties.
Die Bedeutung von Gratifikationen bei der Aneignung neuer Medien im höheren Lebensalter
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Eine verbreitete Annahme geht davon aus, dass Menschen im Laufe der Jugend und des Erwachsenenlebens bestimmte Dispositionen des Umgangs mit Medien erlernen, die es ihnen später erschweren, neue mediale Nutzungsmuster zu entwickeln. Jenseits theoretischer Annahmen besteht bislang ein Mangel an explorierenden Untersuchungen, die der Frage nachgehen, unter welchen Bedingungen ältere Menschen digitale, ihnen bislang nicht vertraute Medien aufgreifen und in ihren Alltag einbeziehen.

Material und Methoden

Zwischen Oktober 2019 und März 2020 wurden 16 halbstandardisierte Einzelinterviews mit Personen zwischen 80 und 92 Jahren geführt, die sich in den letzten Jahren ein digitales Medium neu erschlossen und in ihren Alltag integriert haben.

Ergebnisse

Die Interviewten haben sich neue Medien zielgerichtet angeeignet. Dabei fällt auf, dass Aneignungsprozesse maßgeblich durch gravierende Veränderungen der Lebensumstände angestoßen wurden. Die Intention der Aneignung eines internetfähigen Mediums lag bei den meisten Interviewten im Wunsch begründet, wenige ausgewählte Funktionen nutzen zu wollen. Erst mit einiger Verzögerung sind neue Möglichkeiten der Onlinenutzung ausgekundschaftet worden. Im Hinblick auf die Motive und Gratifikationen der Aneignung wurden folgende Muster identifiziert: Neue Medien als … 1) Hobbyerweiterung, 2) Hilfsnetz, 3) Kompensationsinstrument, 4) Anschlussmöglichkeit, 5) Ausbruch aus dem Alltag.

Diskussion

Soweit gewinnbringende, alltagsnahe Nutzungspotenziale wahrgenommen werden, zeigen ältere Menschen ein hohes Maß an Anpassungsfähigkeit in Bezug auf neue Medien. Vor diesem Hintergrund erscheint ein gratifikationsorientiertes Modell als vielversprechender Ausgangspunkt, um Voraussetzungen für die Medienaneignung anhand von Motiven zu erklären, die sinnhafte Anreize schaffen, den Umgang mit neuen Medien im höheren Lebensalter zu erlernen.
Pharmacotherapy of 1,044 inpatients with posttraumatic stress disorder: current status and trends in German-speaking countries
Authors: Reinhard Matthias A. , Seifert Johanna , Greiner Timo , Toto Sermin , Bleich Stefan , Grohmann Renate
Published: December 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder with limited approved pharmacological treatment options and high symptom burden. Therefore, real-life prescription patterns may differ from guideline recommendations, especially in psychiatric inpatient settings. The European Drug Safety Program in Psychiatry (“Arzneimittelsicherheit in der Psychiatrie”, AMSP) collects inpatients’ prescription rates cross-sectionally twice a year in German-speaking psychiatric hospitals. For this study, the AMSP database was screened for psychiatric inpatients with a primary diagnosis of PTSD between 2001 and 2017. N = 1,044 patients with a primary diagnosis of PTSD were identified with 89.9% taking psychotropics. The average prescription rate was 2.4 (standard deviation: 1.5) psychotropics per patient with high rates of antidepressant drugs (72.0%), antipsychotics drugs (58.4%) and tranquilizing drugs (29.3%). The presence of psychiatric comorbidities was associated with higher rates of psychotropic drug use. The most often prescribed substances were quetiapine (24.1% of all patients), lorazepam (18.1%) and mirtazapine (15.0%). The use of drugs approved for PTSD was low (sertraline 11.1%; paroxetine 3.7%). Prescription rates of second-generation antipsychotic drugs increased, while the use of tranquilizing drugs declined over the years. High prescription rates and extensive use of sedative medication suggest a symptom-driven prescription (e.g., hyperarousal, insomnia) that can only be explained to a minor extent by existing comorbidities. The observed discrepancy with existing guidelines underlines the need for effective pharmacological and psychological treatment options in psychiatric inpatient settings.
Isthmin1, a secreted signaling protein, acts downstream of diverse embryonic patterning centers in development
Authors: Kesavan Gokul , Raible Florian , Gupta Mansi , Machate Anja , Yilmaz Dilara , Brand Michael
Published: December 2020

Extracellular signals play essential roles during embryonic patterning by providing positional information in a concentration-dependent manner, and many such signals, like Wnt, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Hedgehog (Hh), and retinoic acid, act by being secreted into the extracellular space, thereby triggering receptor-mediated responses in other cells.Isthmin1(ism1) is a secreted protein whose gene expression pattern coincides with that of early dorsal determinants, nodal ligand genes likesqtandcyc, and withfgf8during various phases of zebrafish development. Ism1 functions in early embryonic patterning and development are poorly understood; however, it has recently been shown to interact with nodal pathway genes to control organ asymmetry in chicken. Here, we show that misexpression ofism1deletion constructs disrupts embryonic patterning in zebrafish and exhibits genetic interactions with both Fgf and nodal signaling. Unlike Fgf and nodal pathway mutants, CRISPR/Cas9-engineeredism1mutants did not show obvious developmental defects. Further, in vivo single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) showed that Ism1 diffuses freely in the extra-cellular space, with a diffusion coefficient similar to that of Fgf8a; however, our measurements do not support direct molecular interactions between Ism1 and either nodal ligands or Fgf8a in the developing zebrafish embryo. Together, data from gain- and loss-of-function experiments suggest that zebrafish Ism1 plays a complex role in regulating extracellular signals during early embryonic development.