bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influencers y mucho más
Authors: Montaña Blasco Mireia
Published: February 2021

Hace unos días, la revista Time nos sorprendía incluyendo al youtuber Rubius como uno de los jóvenes más influyentes para las nuevas generaciones. A pesar de tener más de 20 millones de suscriptores, él mismo afirmaba sentirse sorprendido con esta noticia, quizás por no ser suficientemente consciente de la repercusión que ha conseguido en las redes sociales. Los nuevos medios de comunicación y las campañas que se llevan a cabo han puesto de moda una nueva palabra, los influencers, que ya se han convertido en un fenómeno del que todo el mundo habla.
Nuevas tendencias en el ámbito de la información y la documentación
Authors: Vàzquez Garcia Mercè , Cavaller Víctor
Published: February 2021

El día 17 de noviembre ha tenido lugar en el Octubre Centro de Cultura Contemporánea de Valencia una mesa redonda sobre nuevas tendencias en el ámbito de la información y la documentación, moderada por Victor Cavaller y Mercè Vázquez. En la mesa redonda han intervenido profesores colaboradores docentes del grado de Información y Documentación y el máster universitario de Gestión estratégica de la información y el conocimiento en las organizaciones de la UOC.
Francese e italiano, lingue della moda: scambi linguistici e viaggi di parole nel XX secolo
Authors: Zanola Maria Teresa
Published: February 2021

The French and Italian lexicon of the 20th century fashion illustrates the fashion of the time, its attitudes and feelings. In this contribution, the analysis of some cases highlights unexpected linguistic paths, which find the French matrix for reverse-loan words to Italian and vice versa, for internationalism, calques and loans. The reasons and modalities of the French linguistic influence on Italian language are investigated so as the influence that both languages receive from English language in this domain. The distribution of these language contacts can be different following two directions: the terminology corresponding to production (dresses, accessories, manufacts etc.) and terminology of fashion marketing and communication (how to communicate and promote these products in the fashion world). These two contexts bring out different lexical tendencies into the French and Italian lexicon of the 20th century.
Addiction peer recovery coach training pilot: assessment of confidence levels
Authors: Guenzel Nicholas , Dai Hongying
Published: February 2021

Background

Peer recovery coaches (PRCs) have become a critical tool in addiction treatment in many areas of the world. Despite this fact, no identified research has examined the process or impact of PRC training. Furthermore, no scales were identified to measure trainee confidence in various PRC techniques. The goal of this article is to analyze the process and immediate impact of PRC training of twelve American Indians (AIs) in a culturally-specific program. We focus most specifically on trainee confidence levels.

Methods

No written consent was obtained and completion of the assessment was considered consent. Trainees completed self-assessments before and after the training. The self-assessment examined nine areas ranging from understanding the role of PRCs to knowledge of effective PRC techniques. Paired t-tests were used to assess for changes in individual trainee responses between the pre- and post-assessments.

Results

Pre-training responses ranged from moderate to high. Questions with the lowest average confidence levels address PRC activities or specific techniques to facilitate recovery. All nine questions showed statistically significant mean improvements in the post-training self-assessments. Questions regarding specific PRC activities and techniques showed the greatest improvement. Questions relating to helping people more generally showed the smallest improvement. Average post-training responses fell within a very narrow range indicating relatively consistent confidence levels across skills. Analysis indicates participants were possibly over-confident in certain areas (i.e., maintaining boundaries). This small pilot represents an initial attempt to measure confidence levels of PRC trainees. The findings may inform future training by identifying certain areas where emphasis might be most helpful for trainees. In addition, it is hoped that this work will encourage more systematic analysis of the impact of PRC training on individuals.
Influence of Substrate and Supplementary LED lighting on Vertical Farming of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Pak Choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis)
Authors: Manawasinghe N. K. G. K. R. , Weerasekara S. H. , Karunaratne C. S. L. M. , Weerakkody W. A. P. , Kulapala B.
Published: February 2021

Application of “plant factory” concept in protected culture is gaining momentum due to its technological and economic merits in many countries. This research examined the plant growth and yield of vertically grown pak choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) (in nutrient film technique (NFT) culture) under supplementary lighting with two different combinations of blue to red color LEDs (1:9 and 1:2 ratios) in comparison with horticulture grade and non-horticulture grade (recommended for general use) white (full spectrum) LED while keeping sunlight as the control treatment. Meanwhile NFT culture was compared to plant growth, yield and nitrate accumulation of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in comparison with conventional soil, culture and compost mixed coco-peat substrate in a replicated trial, conducted under greenhouse conditions with intensive micro climate control. A significantly high vegetative growth and total to yield could be found in the NFT grown basil. The nitrate accumulation in basil leaves was well below the maximum permissible limit (MPL), set-fourth by the recommendations of the European Health Commission. Meanwhile, the highest overall leaf quality of pak choi was achieved by the normal LEDs. Horticulture graded to LED maintained fairly high chlorophyll a and b contents contributing to its characteristic leaf color.
Antimicrobial Drug Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Piglets in North East India
Authors: Kylla Hosterson , Dutta Tapan Kumar , Roychoudhury Parimal , Subudhi Prasant Kumar , Tolenkhomba T. C. , Mandakini Rajkumari , Lalhruaipuii . , Kawlni Lallianpuii
Published: February 2021

Aim: The research is aimed to study the antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) of Escherichia coli from fecal samples of pre-weaned piglets in North Eastern states (NE) of India.
Materials and Methods: A total of 457 fresh fecal samples were collected from pre-weaned piglets of organized (n=225) and unorganized (n=232) farms of 4 North Eastern states of India, namely, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland state. Samples were collected from diarrheic (n=339) and non-diarrheic (n=118) piglets in different seasons during the study period. The samples were processed for isolation of E. coli and detection of their putative virulence genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: A total of 1286 E. coli were isolated. Forty-two isolates (3.26%) were found to be atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) and thirty isolates (2.33%) belongs to shigatoxigenic E. coli (STEC) in which 28 isolates were positive for stx2 gene and two isolates possessed hlyA gene. All the 1286 isolates showed wide variation (0.15-78.69%) in resistance pattern against the 15 antimicrobial agents; of which there is higher resistance against cefalexin (78.69%), amoxycillin (77.13%), ampicillin (72.31%) and enrofloxacin (60.73%). The isolates showed low resistance to imipenem (0.15%), ceftriaxone (8.32%), ciprofloxacin (8.39%) and streptomycin (8.94%). Higher prevalence of AMR to numerous antimicrobials in this study was observed in isolates of organized farm compared to unorganized farming system.
Conclusion: The present study exhibited variation in AMR in different NE states of India as well as in different farming system which indicate that drug consumption and resistance are closely related.
Highly Anisotropic Fluorine‐Based Plasma Etching of Ultralow Expansion Glass
Authors: Weigel Christoph , Phi Hai Binh , Denissel Felix Arthur , Hoffmann Martin , Sinzinger Stefan , Strehle Steffen
Published: February 2021

Deep etching of glass and glass ceramics is far more challenging than silicon etching. For thermally insensitive microelectromechanical and microoptical systems, zero‐expansion materials such as Zerodur or ultralow expansion (ULE) glass are intriguing. In contrast to Zerodur that exhibits a complex glass network composition, ULE glass consists of only two components, namely, TiO2 and SiO2. This fact is highly beneficial for plasma etching. Herein, a deep fluorine‐based etching process for ULE 7972 glass is shown for the first time that yields an etch rate of up to 425 nm min−1 while still achieving vertical sidewall angles of 87°. The process offers a selectivity of almost 20 with respect to a nickel hard mask and is overall comparable with fused silica. The chemical surface composition is additionally investigated to elucidate the etching process and the impact of the tool configuration in comparison with previously published etching results achieved in Zerodur. Therefore, deep and narrow trenches can be etched in ULE glass with high anisotropy, which supports a prospective implementation of ULE glass microstructures, for instance, in metrology and miniaturized precision applications.
Corrosion Engineering on Iron Foam toward Efficiently Electrocatalytic Overall Water Splitting Powered by Sustainable Energy
Authors: Wu Zexing , Zhao Ying , Wu Hengbo , Gao Yuxiao , Chen Zhi , Jin Wei , Wang Jinsong , Ma Tianyi , Wang Lei
Published: February 2021

Exploiting highly effective and low‐cost electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a pressing challenge for the development of sustainable hydrogen energy. In this work, a facile and industrially compatible one‐pot corrosion strategy for the rapid synthesis of amorphous RuO2‐decorated FeOOH nanosheets on iron foam (FFNaRu) within 1 h is reported. Corrosion is a common and inevitable phenomenon that occurs on metal surfaces without electricity input, high temperature, and tedious synthetic procedures. The FFNaRu electrode is superhydrophilic and aerophobic, which guarantees intimate contact with the electrolyte and accelerates the instantaneous escape of produced gas bubbles during the electrocatalytic process. Moreover, the strong electronic interactions between RuO2 and FeOOH promote the electrocatalytic process via dramatically improving the electrochemical interfacial properties. Thus, the FFNaRu electrocatalyst presents excellent catalytic activity towards the HER (30 mV at 10 mA cm–2) and overall water‐splitting (230 mV at 10 mA cm–2) in 1 M KOH. The overall water‐splitting could be simply powered by sustainable and intermittent sunlight, wind, and thermal energies motivated Stirling engine. Density functional theory calculations confirm that coupling effects between RuO2 and FeOOH are also responsible for promoting the electrocatalytic HER performance.
Rapid, Universal Surface Engineering of Carbon Materials via Microwave‐Induced Carbothermal Shock
Authors: Zhong Geng , Xu Shaomao , Dong Qi , Wang Xizheng , Hu Liangbing
Published: February 2021

Carbon materials have been ubiquitously applied in energy conversion and storage devices owing to their high conductivity, excellent stability, and flexible structure. Conventional functionalization of carbon materials typically involves complex chemical treatment or long‐term thermal and hydrothermal modifications. Here, a one‐step universal strategy for the rapid surface engineering of carbon materials by microwave‐induced carbothermal shock is reported. The temperature of carbon‐fiber clothes (CC) quickly ramps to 1500 K within 5 s and maintains it for 2 s to complete the surface engineering process. At elevated temperatures, salt precursors decompose rapidly to form the catalytic nanoparticles, which simultaneously facilitate the oxidation of neighboring carbon sites, resulting in an activated CC with multiscale defects, oxygen‐containing functional groups, and nanoparticles based on metal/metal oxide. In this process, both high temperatures from carbothermal shock and metal salt precursors are indispensable, as the former ensures effective carbon oxidation reaction while the latter provides the catalytic substance. The authors’ method can be extended to many carbon materials, thereby offering a facile, efficient, and universal strategy for surface engineering toward a range of applications.
Stable and Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution from Seawater Enabled by an Unsaturated Nickel Surface Nitride
Authors: Jin Huanyu , Wang Xuesi , Tang Cheng , Vasileff Anthony , Li Laiquan , Slattery Ashley , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: February 2021

Electrocatalytic production of hydrogen from seawater provides a route to low‐cost and clean energy conversion. However, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using seawater is greatly hindered by the lack of active and stable catalysts. Herein, an unsaturated nickel surface nitride (Ni‐SN@C) catalyst that is active and stable for the HER in alkaline seawater is prepared. It achieves a low overpotential of 23 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline seawater electrolyte, which is superior to Pt/C. Compared to conventional transition metal nitrides or metal/metal nitride heterostructures, the Ni‐SN@C has no detectable bulk nickel nitride phase. Instead, unsaturated NiN bonding on the surface is present. In situ Raman measurements show that the Ni‐SN@C performs like Pt with the ability to generate hydronium ions in a high‐pH electrolyte. The catalyst operation is then demonstrated in a two‐electrode electrolyzer system, coupling with hydrazine oxidation at the anode. Using this system, a cell voltage of only 0.7 V is required to achieve a current density of 1 A cm−2.
Exploiting Combinatorics to Investigate Plasmonic Properties in Heterogeneous AgAu Nanosphere Chain Assemblies
Authors: Schletz Daniel , Schultz Johannes , Potapov Pavel L. , Steiner Anja Maria , Krehl Jonas , König Tobias A. F. , Mayer Martin , Lubk Axel , Fery Andreas
Published: February 2021

Chains of coupled metallic nanoparticles are of special interest for plasmonic applications because they can sustain highly dispersive plasmon bands, allowing strong ballistic plasmon wave transport. Whereas early studies focused on homogeneous particle chains exhibiting only one dominant band, heterogeneous assemblies consisting of different nanoparticle species came into the spotlight recently. Their increased configuration space principally allows engineering multiple bands, bandgaps, or topological states. Simultaneously, the challenge of the precise arrangement of nanoparticles, including their distances and geometric patterns, as well as the precise characterization of the plasmonics in these systems, persists. Here, the surface plasmon resonances in heterogeneous AgAu nanoparticle chains are reported. Wrinkled templates are used for directed self‐assembly of monodisperse gold and silver nanospheres as chains, which allows assembling statistical combinations of more than 109 particles. To reveal the spatial and spectral distribution of the plasmonic response, state‐of‐the‐art scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with electron energy loss spectroscopy accompanied by boundary element simulations is used. A variety of modes in the heterogeneous chains are found, ranging from localized surface plasmon modes occurring in single gold or silver spheres, respectively, to modes that result from the hybridization of the single particles. This approach opens a novel avenue toward combinatorial studies of plasmonic properties in heterosystems.
Rethinking CRITID Procedure of Brain Targeting Drug Delivery: Circulation, Blood Brain Barrier Recognition, Intracellular Transport, Diseased Cell Targeting, Internalization, and Drug Release
Authors: Ruan Shaobo , Zhou Yang , Jiang Xinguo , Gao Huile
Published: February 2021

The past decades have witnessed great progress in nanoparticle (NP)‐based brain‐targeting drug delivery systems, while their therapeutic potentials are yet to be fully exploited given that the majority of them are lost during the delivery process. Rational design of brain‐targeting drug delivery systems requires a deep understanding of the entire delivery process along with the issues that they may encounter. Herein, this review first analyzes the typical delivery process of a systemically administrated NPs‐based brain‐targeting drug delivery system and proposes a six‐step CRITID delivery cascade: circulation in systemic blood, recognizing receptor on blood‐brain barrier (BBB), intracellular transport, diseased cell targeting after entering into parenchyma, internalization by diseased cells, and finally intracellular drug release. By dissecting the entire delivery process into six steps, this review seeks to provide a deep understanding of the issues that may restrict the delivery efficiency of brain‐targeting drug delivery systems as well as the specific requirements that may guarantee minimal loss at each step. Currently developed strategies used for troubleshooting these issues are reviewed and some state‐of‐the‐art design features meeting these requirements are highlighted. The CRITID delivery cascade can serve as a guideline for designing more efficient and specific brain‐targeting drug delivery systems.
Recent Advance of Transition‐Metal‐Based Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets: Synthesis, Properties, Modification, and Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Yi Huan , Liu Shiyu , Lai Cui , Zeng Guangming , Li Minfang , Liu Xigui , Li Bisheng , Huo Xiuqin , Qin Lei , Li Ling , Zhang Mingming , Fu Yukui , An Ziwen , Chen Liang
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, to alleviate the growing pressure of energy shortages and environmental pollution, electrochemical energy conversion is seen as a fossil‐free, secondary pollution‐free, and highly efficiency pathway. Electrocatalysts, as the “heart” of the electrochemical conversion process, play a key role in accelerating reaction rates and promoting efficiency. Transition‐metal‐based layered double hydroxides (TM LDHs), one of the famous electrocatalysts, show unique 2D supermolecular‐stratified structure, excellent electronic properties, and their raw materials are easily available. In this review, electrocatalysis‐related properties of TM LDHs and the state‐of‐the‐art synthesis methods of TM LDH‐based electrocatalysts are summarized. Modifications for promoting the development of TM LDH‐based electrocatalysts are included, such as carbon materials modification, defect engineering, and noble metal loading. Then, the application of TM LDH nanosheets in the field of electrocatalysis is reviewed in detail. Finally, recent challenges, ongoing improvements, and future expectations for TM LDH nanosheets are presented.
Present Status of Solution‐Processing Routes for Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Solar Cell Absorbers
Authors: Suresh Sunil , Uhl Alexander R.
Published: February 2021

Photovoltaic technologies offer a sustainable solution to the challenge of meeting increasing energy demands. Chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2, short CIGS—thin‐film solar cells—having intrinsically p‐type absorbers with a tunable direct bandgap—exhibits one of the highest stabilized power conversion efficiencies of 23.35%, utilizing absorbers typically fabricated via vacuum deposition methods. Research is increasingly devoted to absorbers deposited by solution processing techniques, which may inherently improve material usage, increase throughput, and lower financial barriers to commercialization. However, the performance of current devices with solution‐processed absorbers is still falling short of their vacuum‐processed counterparts with record power conversion efficiencies up to 18.7% reported to date. While hydrazine solvent‐based routes offer reduced residual impurities, their toxicity poses hindrances to widespread adoption. Alternatively, less toxic and environmentally friendly routes based on protic and aprotic solvents are being researched and are showing promising device efficiencies well above 14%. This review describes the current status of CIGS solar cell absorber layers fabricated by pure solution‐based deposition methods, provides a comparison of champion solution‐processed devices (with and without hydrazine), and offers an outlook for future improvements.
Plant productivity and nutrient uptake as affected by tillage and site‐position in furrow‐irrigated rice
Authors: Della Lunga Diego , Brye Kristofor R. , Henry Christopher G. , Slayden Jordan M.
Published: February 2021

Furrow‐irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a relatively new production system that has been shown to have increased water‐use efficiency and reduced operational costs. However, due to spatial variations in soil moisture, field studies are necessary to evaluate potential resulting variations in rice growth and yield in the furrow‐irrigated production system. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage practice (conventional tillage, CT; no‐tillage, NT) and site position (up‐, mid‐, and down‐slope) on aboveground biomass, yield, and plant nutrient uptake from rice grown in a silt‐loam soil in a direct‐seeded, furrow‐irrigated production system in eastern Arkansas. Field research was conducted from May to September during the 2018 and 2019 rice growing seasons. Total aboveground dry matter, vegetative dry matter, and yield were unaffected (P > .05) by tillage treatment or site position in either growing season. Vegetative tissue nutrient concentrations and uptake were generally at least 10% greater (P < .05) under CT than NT but did not substantially differ by site position during the drier growing season (2018). During the wetter growing season (2019), vegetative tissue nutrient concentrations and uptake were generally at least 20% greater (P < .05) at the up‐ than at the mid‐ or down‐slope positions. Results suggest that different approaches, in terms of soil and nutrient management per site position, in combination with tillage practices, may need to be considered for implementation to maximize nutrient uptake and reduce losses, thus improving the agronomic suitability of the furrow‐irrigated rice production system.
Enzyme‐Primed Native Chemical Ligation Produces Autoinducing Cyclopeptides in Clostridia
Authors: Molloy Evelyn M. , Dell Maria , Hänsch Veit G. , Dunbar Kyle L. , Feldmann Romy , Oberheide Ansgar , Seyfarth Lydia , Kumpfmüller Jana , Horch Therese , Arndt Hans‐Dieter , Hertweck Christian
Published: February 2021

Clostridia coordinate many important processes such as toxin production, infection, and survival by density‐dependent communication (quorum sensing) using autoinducing peptides (AIPs). Although clostridial AIPs have been proposed to be (thio)lactone‐containing peptides, their true structures remain elusive. Here, we report the genome‐guided discovery of an AIP that controls endospore formation in Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum. Through a combination of chemical synthesis and chemical complementation assays with a mutant strain, we reveal that the genuine chemical mediator is a homodetic cyclopeptide (cAIP). Kinetic analyses indicate that the mature cAIP is produced via a cryptic thiolactone intermediate that undergoes a rapid S→N acyl shift, in a manner similar to intramolecular native chemical ligation (NCL). Finally, by implementing a chemical probe in a targeted screen, we show that this novel enzyme‐primed, intramolecular NCL is a widespread feature of clostridial AIP biosynthesis.
Self‐Assembly of Size‐Controlled m‐Pyridine–Urea Oligomers and Their Biomimetic Chloride Ion Channels
Authors: Chen Hualong , Liu Yajing , Cheng Xuebo , Fang Senbiao , Sun Yuli , Yang Zequn , Zheng Wei , Ji Xunming , Wu Zehui
Published: February 2021

The m‐pyridine urea (mPU) oligomer was constructed by using the intramolecular hydrogen bond formed by the pyridine nitrogen atom and the NH of urea and the intermolecular hydrogen bond of the terminal carbonyl group and the NH of urea. Due to the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds, mPU oligomer folds and exhibits strong self‐assembly behaviour. Affected by folding, mPU oligomer generates a twisted plane, and one of its important features is that the carbonyl group of the urea group orientates outwards from the twisted plane, while the NHs tend to direct inward. This feature is beneficial to NH attraction for electron‐rich species. Among them, the trimer self‐assembles into helical nanotubes, and can efficiently transport chloride ions. This study provides a novel and efficient strategy for constructing self‐assembled biomimetic materials for electron‐rich species transmission.
Approach in Macadamia integrifolia residue based low‐density polyethylene composites on mechanical and thermal performance
Authors: dos Santos Andrade Laert , Silva Nycolle Gonçalves Souza , de Ornellas Cortat Lucas Inácio Cruz , Mulinari Daniella Regina
Published: February 2021

Macadamia nutshell residues are generated in large quantities, around 70%–77% for each ton produced, and it is a waste material with high techno‐economic potential. This work purpose a sustainable alternative to valorize macadamia nutshell residues (MN) as reinforcing in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) composites through melt mixing, using different fiber contents (0, 5, 10, and 20 wt%), and investigate the influence of fibers (residues) in composites by mechanical tests and thermal analysis. The fibers addition has significantly increased the composites' stiffness compared with neat LDPE, causing a reduction of toughness and resilience, leading to lower impact energy absorption. The LPDE/MN20% composite obtained the best tensile and flexural mechanical performance, resulting in a maximum modulus, which implies an increase of 36.9% and 77.6% compared with the neat LDPE. The addition of macadamia fibers on the composites acted as nucleation points of spherulites, which promoted an increase in the crystallization degree. Consequently, better performance of mechanical properties was observed in the green composites. Thus, the macadamia nutshell residues present a promising future as filler in LDPE for enhancing composites' thermal and mechanical properties.
Effects of polyphosphoric acid (PPA), styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS), or rock asphalt on the performance of desulfurized rubber modified asphalt
Authors: Liu Hengbin , Zhang Zhengqi , Li Zhuolin , Li Naiqiang
Published: February 2021

To improve the performance of desulfurized rubber modified asphalt (DRMA), especially its high‐temperature performance, three modifiers (including polyphosphoric acid [PPA], styrene‐butadiene‐styrene [SBS], and rock asphalt) were selected to modify DRMA respectively. The conventional performance, rheological properties, chemical composition, and thermal decomposition were characterized to analyze the performance and modification mechanism of DRMA and its composites. Test results show that, the addition of PPA, SBS, and rock asphalt can all improve the high temperature of DRMA, among which the desulfurized rubber/rock asphalt compound modified asphalt (DRMA‐ROCK) has the best high‐temperature performance; however, its construction workability, storage stability, and low‐temperature performance are poor. In contrast, desulfurized rubber/PPA compound modified asphalt (DRMA‐PPA) not only has better high‐temperature performance, but also has excellent low‐temperature performance, storage stability, and fatigue performance. Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test confirms that the modification process of DRMA by these modifiers is chemical modification, and the characteristic peak indexes obtained from FTIR also prove that DRMA‐ROCK has better high‐temperature performance but poor construction workability from the microscopic point of view. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis‐differential scanning calorimetry test shows that the addition of rock asphalt improves the thermal stability of DRMA, while PPA and SBS decrease its thermal stability. From the above results, it can be concluded that DRMA‐PPA has excellent comprehensive properties.
Flame‐retardant behavior and mechanism of theSBR/MMTcomposites modified by melamine matrix modifier
Authors: Cheng Guojun , Xuan Ziyue , Tang Zhongfeng , Tian Shen , Sha Feixiang , Ding Guoxin , Wan Xianglong
Published: February 2021

Melamine quaternary ammonium salt (MQAS), a novel flame‐retardant intercalation modifier, was used to prepare the flame‐retardant organic montmorillonite (FOSM), and which was added to SBR by a two‐roll mixing and molding process to prepared the SBR/FOSM composites. The synergistic flame‐retardant effects of sodium‐based montmorillonite (MMT) and MQAS were investigated by the various methods. The LOI value of SBR was only 19.1%, and FOSM‐4 increased the LOI value of SBR to 24.3%. The cone calorimetry test showed that compared with SBR, the total heat release and the peak heat release rate of SBR/FOSM were reduced by 81.39% and 86.08%, respectively. The analysis of MMT after modification showed that the grafting rate of MQAS was about 10% and the interlayer spacing of MMT was enlarged by about 20%. The synergy of MQAS and MMT not only effectively solves the violent droplet of pure SBR combustion, but also avoids the curling problem of only adding MMT. The char morphology and TG‐FTIR showed that FOSM had dual flame‐retardancy in the condensed phase and the gas phase. The synergistic flame‐retardant effect of phosphorus‐free flame‐retardant modifier and MMT will open up new possibilities for flame‐retardant elastomer composites.
Structural and functional diversity of asparaginases: Overview and recommendations for a revised nomenclature
Authors: da Silva Leonardo Schultz , Doonan Liam B. , Pessoa Adalberto , de Oliveira Marcos Antonio , Long Paul F.
Published: February 2021

Asparaginases (ASNases) are a large and structurally diverse group of enzymes ubiquitous amongst archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes, that catalyze hydrolysis of asparagine to aspartate and ammonia. Bacterial ASNases are important biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, although some patients experience adverse allergic side effects during treatment with these protein therapeutics. ASNases are currently divided into three families: plant‐type ASNases, Rhizobium etli‐type ASNases and bacterial‐type ASNases. This system is outdated as both bacterial‐type and plant‐type families also include archaeal, bacterial and eukaryotic enzymes, each with their own distinct characteristics. Herein, phylogenetic studies allied to tertiary structural analyses are described with the aim of proposing a revised and more robust classification system that considers the biochemical diversity of ASNases. Accordingly, based on distinct peptide domains, phylogenetic data, structural analysis and functional characteristics, we recommend that ASNases now be divided into three new distinct classes containing subgroups according to structural and functional aspects. Using this new classification scheme, 25 ASNases were identified as candidates for future new lead discovery.
Biegefestigkeit von Segmentlamellenholz
Authors: Windeck Lukas , Hirmke Markus
Published: February 2021

Segmentlamellenholz ist einer neuer, aus wechselseitig verklebten Kreissektoren bestehender Holzwerkstoff, der als Alternative zu BSH und KVH angesehen wird. Durch den vom Industriestandard abweichenden Einschnitt in trapezförmige Querschnitte mittels radialer Schnitte kann der Rohstoff Holz deutlich effizienter genutzt werden. Vierpunkt‐Biegeversuche, die im Rahmen der Erstellung einer ETA durchgeführt wurden, zeigten, dass Segmentschichtholzträger Biegefestigkeiten erreichen, die mit denjenigen von BSH GL24 vergleichbar sind. Die Ergebnisse der Versuche werden hier vorgestellt. Weiterhin zeigen die Simulationsergebnisse eines neu entwickelten FE‐Modells basierend auf dem Karlsruher Rechenmodell auf, wie sich die Biegefestigkeiten von Segmentschichtholz bei großen Trägerhöhen entwickeln. Die weitere Forschungsarbeit soll aufzeigen, wie der Herstellungsprozess hinsichtlich der resultierenden Biegefestigkeit optimiert werden kann.
Educational interactive LabVIEW simulations of field hydraulic conductivity tests below water table
Authors: Allawi Faridoun A. M.
Published: February 2021

Visual artifacts used in graphical designs of the mechanisms of groundwater flow problems are very influential in learning and teaching. The merits of the classical methods of problem‐solving using only mathematics become much less superior to those linked with interactive graphics. In this study, an interactive educational LabVIEW program is designed to graphically simulate the constructional and mathematical procedures of the two widely used field methods in groundwater engineering, the Ernst auger‐hole method, and the Bouwer–Rice slug test method, for field measurements of the hydraulic conductivity of soils below the water table. The simulations included the basic constructional steps in carrying out the auger hole and the slug test field methods. Virtual geometric wells, boreholes, and pipes are graphically and interactively designed to conduct the required field tests. The simulations of the program enabled the students to get acquainted with what should be done in the field to measure soil hydraulic conductivity and enhanced understanding of how to perform a field test. Students were able to try different field hydrological parameters, and by successively changing any hydrological field parameter, they were able to visualize graphically and interactively its influence inside the classroom. This particular step improved the student's practical standards. Conditions of validity of each field test are completely fulfilled by the program. Results of the interactive program are found to be visually interesting and extremely accurate, which made this educational program quite interesting in teaching and learning.
Comparative prognostic value of different preoperative complete blood count cell ratios in patients with oral cavity cancer treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Wu Yao‐Yu , Chang Kai‐Ping , Ho Tsung‐Ying , Chou Wen‐Chi , Hung Sheng‐Ping , Fan Kang‐Hsing , Chiang Yin‐Yin , Chou Yung‐Chih , Tsang Ngan‐Ming
Published: February 2021

Background

We sought to compare the prognostic significance of different preoperative complete blood count cell ratios in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 890 patients with OSCC who were treated with surgery and PORT. The following preoperative complete blood count cell ratios were collected: neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR). Overall survival (OS), local control, regional control, and distant control (DC) served as the main outcomes of interest.

Results

The results of multivariate analysis in the entire study cohort revealed that a low NLR was the only independently favorable marker of both OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.794, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.656–0.961, bootstrap p = 0.028) and DC (adjusted HR: 0.659, 95% CI: 0.478–0.909, bootstrap p = 0.015). Both LMR and PLR were not retained in the model as independent predictors. Subgroup analyses in high‐risk patients (i.e., those bearing T4 disease, N3 disease, or poor differentiation) revealed that a high NLR was a significant adverse risk factor for both OS and DC (all p < 0.03)—with a borderline significance being evident for DC in patients with T4 disease (p = 0.058).

Conclusions

A high pretreatment NLR was an independent unfavorable risk factor for both OS and DC in patients with OSCC who underwent surgery and PORT. No other preoperative complete blood count parameters and cell ratios were found to have prognostic significance.
Microfluidic Desalination: A New Era Towards Sustainable Water Resources
Authors: Abdulbari Hayder A , Basheer Esmail
Published: February 2021

Water desalination is considered one of the most critical separation technologies that suffer from several drawbacks, such as the power consumption that controls the separation efficiency. Microfluidics technology provided a unique opportunity to introduce cutting edge products and to re‐visit existing technologies like desalination for evaluation, optimization, and new product introduction purposes. It is believed that the micro‐mixing and micro‐separation features in a microfluidic flow system will contribute significantly to enhance the desalination performance of known desalination techniques. Micro‐mixing and micro‐separation in a microfluidic device can eliminate the poor mixing and separation efficiency observed with the bench‐scaled systems due to the high‐precision droplet generation and microfluidic separation features. This review discusses the current state of microfluidic desalination, its operating theory, and its limitations. Additionally, the current technology is reviewed to shed some light on the feasibility of scaling up water production rates. The gap between the application of microfluidic desalination and industrial scale‐up is also described briefly.
Biochemical Investigation of the Interaction of pICln, RioK1 and COPR5 with the PRMT5–MEP50 Complex
Authors: Krzyzanowski Adrian , Gasper Raphael , Adihou Hélène , Hart Peter 't , Waldmann Herbert
Published: February 2021

The PRMT5–MEP50 methyltransferase complex plays a key role in various cancers and is regulated by different protein–protein interactions. Several proteins have been reported to act as adaptor proteins that recruit substrate proteins to the active site of PRMT5 for the methylation of arginine residues. To define the interaction between these adaptor proteins and PRMT5, we employed peptide truncation and mutation studies and prepared truncated protein constructs. We report the characterisation of the interface between the TIM barrel of PRMT5 and the adaptor proteins pICln, RioK1 and COPR5, and identify the consensus amino acid sequence GQF[D/E]DA[E/D] involved in binding. Protein crystallography revealed that the RioK1 derived peptide interacts with a novel PPI site.
Leg ulcer with long‐term hydroxyurea use
Authors: Ammad Ud Din Mohammad , Hussain Syed Ather , Jamshed Saad
Published: February 2021

Long‐term use of hydroxyurea can cause leg ulcers which usually do not heal unless the drug is discontinued. Patients should be counseled regarding alternative lines of treatment like anagrelide and pegylated‐interferon.
C−H Bond Arylation of Pyrazoles at the β‐Position: General Conditions and Computational Elucidation for a High Regioselectivity
Authors: Shi Xinzhe , Sosa Carrizo E. Daiann , Cordier Marie , Roger Julien , Pirio Nadine , Hierso Jean‐Cyrille , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Soulé Jean‐François , Doucet Henri
Published: February 2021

Direct arylation of most five‐membered ring heterocycles are generally easily accessible and strongly favored at the α‐position using classical palladium‐catalysis. Conversely, regioselective functionalization of such heterocycles at the concurrent β‐position remains currently very challenging. Herein, we report general conditions for regioselective direct arylation at the β‐position of pyrazoles, while C−H α‐position is free. By using aryl bromides as the aryl source and a judicious choice of solvent, the arylation reaction of variously N‐substituted pyrazoles simply proceeds via β‐C−H bond functionalization. The β‐regioselectivity is promoted by a ligand‐free palladium catalyst and a simple base without oxidant or further additive, and tolerates a variety of substituents on the bromoarene. DFT calculations revealed that a protic solvent such as 2‐ethoxyethan‐1‐ol significantly enhances the acidity of the proton at β‐position of the pyrazoles and thus favors this direct β‐C−H bond arylation. This selective pyrazoles β‐C−H bond arylation was successfully applied for the straightforward building of π‐extended poly(hetero)aromatic structures via further Pd‐catalyzed combined α‐C−H intermolecular and intramolecular C−H bond arylation in an overall highly atom‐economical process.
A phase 3 trial of azacitidine versus a semi‐intensive fludarabine and cytarabine schedule in older patients with untreated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Vives Susana , Martínez‐Cuadrón David , Bergua Burgues Juan , Algarra Lorenzo , Tormo Mar , Martínez‐Sánchez María Pilar , Serrano Josefina , Herrera Pilar , Ramos Fernando , Salamero Olga , Lavilla Esperanza , López‐Lorenzo José L. , Gil Cristina , Vidriales Belén , Falantes Jose F. , Serrano Alfons , Labrador Jorge , Sayas María J. , Foncillas María Á. , Amador Barciela María L. , Olave María Teresa , Colorado Mercedes , Gascón Adriana , Fernández María Á. , Simiele Adriana , Pérez‐Encinas Manuel M. , Rodríguez‐Veiga Rebeca , García Olga , Martínez‐López Joaquín , Barragán Eva , Paiva Bruno , Sanz Miguel Á. , Montesinos Pau ,   for the PETHEMA Group
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Options to treat elderly patients (≥65 years old) newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) include intensive and attenuated chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents with or without venetoclax, and supportive care. This multicenter, randomized, open‐label, phase 3 trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a fludarabine, cytarabine, and filgrastim (FLUGA) regimen in comparison with azacitidine (AZA).

METHODS

Patients (n = 283) were randomized 1:1 to FLUGA (n = 141) or AZA (n = 142). Response was evaluated after cycles 1, 3, 6, and 9. Measurable residual disease (MRD) was assessed after cycle 9. When MRD was ≥0.01%, patients continued with the treatment until relapse or progressive disease. Patients with MRD < 0.01% suspended treatment to enter the follow‐up phase.

RESULTS

The complete remission (CR) rate after 3 cycles was significantly better in the FLUGA arm (18% vs 9%; P = .04), but the CR/CR with incomplete recovery rate at 9 months was similar (33% vs 29%; P = .41). There were no significant differences between arms in early mortality at 30 or 60 days. Hematologic toxicities were more frequent with FLUGA, especially during induction. The 1‐year overall survival (OS) rate and the median OS were superior with AZA versus FLUGA: 47% versus 27% and 9.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6‐14 months) versus 4.1 months (95% CI, 2.7‐5.5 months; P = .005), respectively. The median event‐free survival was 4.9 months (95% CI, 2.8‐7 months) with AZA and 3 months (95% CI, 2.5‐3.5 months) with FLUGA (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

FLUGA achieved more remissions after 3 cycles, but the 1‐year OS rate was superior with AZA. However, long‐term outcomes were disappointing in both arms (3‐year OS rate, 10% vs 5%). This study supports the use of an AZA backbone for future combinations in elderly patients with AML.
Patient tracking during treatment of children with cancer in India – An exploratory study
Authors: Ahuja S , Sharma J , Gupta S , Bakhshi S , Seth R , Singh A , Bagai P , Arora RS
Published: February 2021

Background

Abandonment of treatment, a major cause of treatment failure in low‐ and middle‐income countries like India, is particularly high during the diagnostic and initial phase of treatment. Tracking of patients during this risk period may reduce treatment abandonment rates and increase quality of care.

Aim

The primary aim was to pilot the use and check the acceptability of a tool for tracking children with cancer in New Delhi during the initial part of their treatment. Secondary aim was to estimate abandonment rates among these patients.

Methods

This prospective study was carried out in two centers of North India in New Delhi and enrolled children less than 18 years diagnosed with cancer at these centers and who had registered with Cankids for social support. Parent support group (PSG) workers maintained contact with the child's family at least once a week for the first 12 weeks. Details of each contact and subsequent action were recorded in a customized book (called “You are not alone” or YANA Book). Descriptive analysis of these contacts was done in Microsoft Excel and presented in frequencies and percentages. The five‐point Likert scale was used to check the acceptability of the tool among the PSG workers.

Results

Seven PSG workers enrolled and tracked 81 patients (73% male with a median age of 6 years). During the 12‐week study period, 986 contacts were attempted and three (3.7%) patients had abandoned their treatment. All PSG workers strongly agreed that the YANA book was simple to understand and use, decreased their workload, and helped provide better assistance to patients.

Conclusion

The tool for patient tracking was well accepted by the PSG workers and considered easy to use. We now plan to implement our model as a routine service at all the partnering hospitals in India.
Polymer Electrochemiluminescence Featuring Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Huang Ping , Zhang Baohua , Hu Qiong , Zhao Bolin , Zhu Yunhui , Zhang Yuwei , Kong Yi , Zeng Zihui , Bao Yu , Wang Wei , Cheng Yanxiang , Niu Li
Published: February 2021

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) based on conjugated polymers or oligomers is persistently being pursued owing to its huge application scope ranging from ultra‐sensitive bioanalysis to ultra‐resolution imaging and spectroscopy. Because of the theoretical limit in radiative exciton generation yield (typically ∼25 %) of those polymers or oligomers, the corresponding ECL efficiency is still limited, which hampers its ECL performance and its related applications. Herein, we report ECL based on a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) polymer scaffold, which is characteristic of all‐exciton harvesting in the ECL process, and thus potentially capable of achieving ∼100 % ECL efficiency. These desired properties of the TADF polymer ECL is attributed to a fast and efficient up‐conversion process from non‐radiative triplet to radiative singlet states under thermal activation, which is absent in conventional fluorescent polymers/oligomers, such as F8BT. In this study, various ECL modes, including annihilation or co‐reactant mode using TPrA or S2O82− as co‐reactant, are confirmed for our model TADF polymer ECL system, which was different from fluorescent polymer ECL counterpart. Furthermore, solid‐state ECL sensing on L‐cysteine (an important marker of disease) is also evaluated by using the model TADF polymer. Ultralow detection limit in combination with high sensitivity and good specificity are achieved for this model system, indicative of a high potential of the TADF polymer scaffold for applications in the broad field of ECL.