bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galen Vein Aneurysm: Problem of Management in an Under-Equipped Neurosurgical Environment about a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mohameth Faye , Mbaye Thioub , Malangu Mhaks , Mualaba Célèbre , Bouih Mounia , Barry Lounceny Fatoumata , Code Ba Momar , Boubakar Badiane Seydou
Published: August 2020

Vein of GALEN aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare congenital disease caused by arteriovenous shunts between the choroidal arteries and the porencephalic ectatic vein. The diagnosis is often made in utero or during infancy, endovascular treatment remains the most suitable therapeutic means in a well-equipped environment. Here we report here the case of a patient complaining of headache for 1 year, and whose brain CT imaging showed the presence of Galen vein aneurysm with associated non-communicating hydrocephalus. In the absence of the appropriate technical platform, the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt relieved our patient’s symptoms.
Measuring Supplier Service Quality in Indian SMEs Using Factor Analysis & GTA
Authors: Gandhi Surjit Kumar , Sachdeva Anish , Gupta Ajay
Published: August 2020

This study uses a hybrid scale to identify the factors contributing to the services delivered by the suppliers working with SME units in Indian setting. Application of EFA, CFA followed by GTA brings out a numerical measure of service quality index. 120 executives working at top/middle management levels in different SMEs of northern India responded to a questionnaire survey related to the assessment of services being delivered by their suppliers. The executives evaluated performance of their suppliers on the 1-5 Likert scale. Application of EFA followed by CFA revealed an interpretable latent structure comprising of five factors viz., Credibility, Relationship, Understanding, Alignment, and Dependability with 17 indicator items. Further, application of GTA resulted in an index value of Supplier Service Quality. This paper thus provides a framework for the measurement of SSQ in a previously less explored manufacturing sector. The proposed scale can be used as a benchmark by SME units for evaluation of supplier service quality. This methodology used may be applied in more such situations so that generalizations can be contemplated.
Logistic Performance Measurement on a Port in Aceh
Authors: Sentia Prima Denny , Ramadani Regita , Zuhri Sarika
Published: August 2020

Indonesia government has established sea toll program through Presidential Regulation No.17 in 2017 to support inter-island distribution. Port X in Aceh is one of the ports included in sea toll program. This paper discusses logistic performance m.easure, especially in sea transportation. A Logistic Performance Index (LPI) is proposed as a tool to identify challenges and opportunities in Port X performance. Key indicators which affect the value of logistics performance index will also be studied in this paper. There are several logistic performance measurements for port X based on literature study: quality, delivery cost, transportation cost, and information. Eight indicators affect Port X performance: quality of the commodity, the quantity of the commodity, on time delivery, ship call, sea transportation cost, storage cost, electronic availability, and electronic access. Port X average total index, based on Analytical Hierarchy Process, is 2,557. This value can be considered as quite reasonable. The study limits logistic performance for the arrival route of the container vessel leading to Port X. The final result shows that quality performance indicator (quality quantity of commodity index) has the highest index for all originating port. The second highest index is electronic information availability index. Through this finding, Port X must improve their service and information because it plays a vital role in their performance
Maximizing Chiral Perturbation on Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters and Elaboration of the First Top‐Emission Circularly Polarized OLED
Authors: Frédéric Lucas , Desmarchelier Alaric , Plais Romain , Lavnevich Leonid , Muller Gilles , Villafuerte Cassie , Clavier Gilles , Quesnel Etienne , Racine Benoit , Meunier‐Della‐Gatta Sylvia , Dognon Jean‐Pierre , Thuéry Pierre , Crassous Jeanne , Favereau Ludovic , Pieters Grégory
Published: August 2020

Molecular designs merging circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP‐TADF) using the concept of chiral perturbation appeared recently as a cornerstone for the development of efficient CP‐organic light emitting diodes (CP‐OLED). Such devices could strongly increase the energy efficiency and performances of conventional OLED displays, in which 50% of the emitted light is often lost due to the use of antiglare filters. In this context, herein, ten couples of enantiomers derived from novel chiral emitter designs are reported, exhibiting CPL, TADF, and aggregation induced enhancement emission properties (AIEE). Representing the first structure properties relationship investigation for CP‐TADF materials, this thorough experimental and theoretical work brings crucial findings on the key structural and electronic parameters (isomerism, nature of the carbazole substituents) governing the synergy between CPL and TADF properties. To conclude this study, the first top emission CP‐OLED is elaborated as a new approach of generating CP light in comparison with classical bottom‐emission CP‐OLED architecture. Indeed, the top‐emission configuration represents the only relevant device architecture for future microdisplay applications. Thereby, in addition to offer molecular guidelines to combine efficiently TADF and CPL properties, this study opens new avenues toward practical applications for CP‐OLEDs.
Stretchable Electronics Based on PDMS Substrates
Authors: Qi Dianpeng , Zhang Kuiyuan , Tian Gongwei , Jiang Bo , Huang Yudong
Published: August 2020

Stretchable electronics, which can retain their functions under stretching, have attracted great interest in recent decades. Elastic substrates, which bear the applied strain and regulate the strain distribution in circuits, are indispensable components in stretchable electronics. Moreover, the self‐healing property of the substrate is a premise to endow stretchable electronics with the same characteristics, so the device may recover from failure resulting from large and frequent deformations. Therefore, the properties of the elastic substrate are crucial to the overall performance of stretchable devices. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is widely used as the substrate material for stretchable electronics, not only because of its advantages, which include stable chemical properties, good thermal stability, transparency, and biological compatibility, but also because of its capability of attaining designer functionalities via surface modification and bulk property tailoring. Herein, the strategies for fabricating stretchable electronics on PDMS substrates are summarized, and the influence of the physical and chemical properties of PDMS, including surface chemical status, physical modulus, geometric structures, and self‐healing properties, on the performance of stretchable electronics is discussed. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities of stretchable electronics based on PDMS substrates are considered.
Polydopamine‐Mediated Superlyophobic Polysiloxane Coating of Porous Substrates for Efficient Separation of Immiscible Liquids
Authors: Mai Van Cuong , Lim Desmond Xin An , Das Paramita , Hou Shuai , Lim Teik Thye , Duan Hongwei
Published: August 2020

Lyophobic membrane has the potential to separate immiscible liquids. However, the multistep fabrication and limited option of materials have created major challenges for their practical application. Here, a strategy to fabricate superlyophobic materials is presented by using polydopamine (PDA) as an intermediate coating. The results demonstrate that PDA nanoparticles deposited on diverse substrates can direct the subsequent formation of polysiloxane microsheets (PSMSs), which increases surface roughness and results in superlyophobicity towards high surface tension (ST) liquids and superlyophilicity to liquids with ST of 33 mN m‐1 and below. Superlyophobic membranes fabricated from stainless steel mesh, cotton fabric, and filter papers show high efficiency for continuous separations of chloroform/water (>96%) and carbon tetrachloride/formamide (>97%). In addition, superlyophobic melamine foam and polyurethane foam can absorb various low ST liquids with capacities ranging from 53 to 120 g g‐1 and from 26.5 to 52.5 g g‐1, respectively, revealing the efficient separation of a broad range of immiscible liquids. All of the as‐prepared superlyophobic materials show excellent regeneration with insignificant change of separation efficiency over 10 cycles. The preparation route for superlyophobic materials in this work introduces a new strategy for the separation of immiscible liquids by both batch absorption and continuous filtration treatment.
Quantum Dot Enabled Perovskite Thin Film with Enhanced Crystallization, Stability, and Carrier Diffusion via Pulsed Laser Nanoengineering
Authors: Song Chunpeng , Yang Huanrui , Liu Feng , Ye Lei , Cheng Gary J.
Published: August 2020

The temperature control at the material interface, such as grain boundaries, is critical for defect density, and phases, which are important for high‐performance perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices. However, it is challenging to fine‐tune the microstructures in perovskite films with well‐controlled grain structure, interface defects, porosity, phase structure, and strains, simultaneously. Here, pulsed laser technology is combined with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) into perovskite absorbers with pore‐free, less defect, high crystallinity, enhanced absorption, low stress, and phase‐stabilized microstructures. Due to laser–CQD interaction‐induced grain boundary microstructure changes, perovskite films can be fabricated with much larger grains (>10 times) than those after thermal annealing. As CQDs are embedded to passivate grain, this leads to reduced grain boundary barrier at the interface, which significantly improve the carrier transportation in perovskite films. The shift of perovskite band to vacuum energy level leads to remarkable improvement of carrier extraction efficiency and lifetime, leading to much higher mobility of photogenerated carriers and diffusion length (>1 μm). The laser‐induced thermomechanical momentum significantly enhances crystal interface with hydrophobic perovskite film, resulting in much less residual tensile stress by 20 times and excellent stability. Pulsed‐laser‐assisted QD additive engineering has great potential for perovskites films under harsh conditions.
Electrochemically Active Red P/BaTiO3‐Based Protective Layers Suppressing Li Dendrite Growth for Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Kwon Bomee , Ha Seongmin , Kim Dong‐Min , Koo Dongho , Lee Jeonghyeop , Lee Kyu Tae
Published: August 2020

Li metal has been considered a promising anode for high‐energy density batteries because of its high specific capacity. However, uncontrolled Li dendrite growth and severe electrolyte decomposition are detrimental obstacles hindering the practical applications of lithium metal batteries. Herein, electrochemically active red P‐based protective layers are introduced to suppress Li dendrite growth during cycling. Red P particles confined in the protective layer react with Li dendrites, forming Li3P, as Li dendrites are penetrating through the protective layer. As a result, Li metal is no longer plated on the Li3P surface because Li3P is electrically insulating, eventually leading to suppressing Li dendrite growth. Moreover, the red P‐based protective layer is functionalized with dielectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles to scavenge radicals generated from electrolyte decomposition as well as to improve the mechanical strength of protective layers. The synergy effect of electrochemically active red P and inactive BaTiO3 gives rise to the improved short‐circuit time of Li metal and the excellent cycle performance and Coulombic efficiency of Li/Li symmetric and Li/LiFePO4 full cells over 200 cycles, despite the fact that the cell performances are examined with the conventional electrolyte of LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate that is highly unstable against Li metal.
Airy Beam Generation: Approaching Ideal Efficiency and Ultra Wideband with Reflective and Transmissive Metasurfaces
Authors: Guo Wen‐Long , Chen Ke , Wang Guang‐Ming , Luo Xin‐Yao , Cai Tong , Zhang Chi‐Ben , Feng Yijun
Published: August 2020

Airy beams are essential for photonic applications, owing to their intriguing diffraction‐free, self‐accelerating, and self‐healing properties. Recently, 2D metasurfaces have offered great opportunities for generating Airy beams within subwavelength thickness. However, they suffer from the bottlenecks of low efficiency and narrow bandwidth, which may limit their applications in practice. In this study, a strategy is proposed to design amplitude‐ and phase‐controllable metasurfaces that can generate desirable high‐efficiency and ultra wideband Airy beams, based on the Jones matrix analysis. Two exemplary prototypes of Airy beam generators operating in reflection and transmission geometries are demonstrated in the microwave region, achieving high efficiency approaching the theoretical limitation in an ultrawide bandwidth (fractal bandwidth of 84% for reflective prototype and 118% for transmissive). The results show a significant advantage of the bandwidth and total efficiency over low‐thickness metasurfaces. The proposed strategy and metasurface generators may trigger great interest in ultra wideband and high‐efficiency wave manipulations, with small thickness and flat profile compatible with integrated systems, which hold promise for structured light, metaoptics, beam shaping, and advanced holography.
Improving Performance of Nonvolatile Perovskite‐Based Photomemory by Size Restrain of Perovskites Nanocrystals in the Hybrid Floating Gate
Authors: Yang Wei‐Chen , Chiang Yun‐Chi , Lam Jeun‐Yan , Chuang Tsung‐Han , Ercan Ender , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: August 2020

Perovskite‐based photomemory adopting a floating‐gate architecture recently attracts research attention for developing efficient photo‐recording devices due to its simplified structure and non‐contact light‐programming feature. Herein, the memory characteristics of such type device is improved by the precise control of the size of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) in the hybrid floating gate. Compared to the previous case of using polystyrene (PS) as the host polymer matrix, a N‐containing polymer, poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) (P2VP), is revealed to better regulate the size of embedded perovskite NCs into the nanometer level (7–9 nm) owing to the intense coordination between the N atom in P2VP and the Pb2+ ions of perovskite through Lewis acid‐base interaction. As benefitting from the reduced current dissipation and interfacial charge recombination at the gate/channel interface, the P2VP‐derived photomemory not only delivers a much higher On/Off current ratio (105) than the value (103) of the reference PS‐based device but also requires a much shorter illumination time (5 s) and low drain voltage (‐1 V) to achieve decent photo‐recording function. Besides, it possesses good long‐term retention for 104 s, excellent stress endurance over 100 cycles, and respectable ambient stability over 6 months due to the well isolation of perovskite NCs in the P2VP matrix.
In‐Memory Vector‐Matrix Multiplication in Monolithic Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor‐Memristor Integrated Circuits: Design Choices, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Amirsoleimani Amirali , Alibart Fabien , Yon Victor , Xu Jianxiong , Pazhouhandeh M. Reza , Ecoffey Serge , Beilliard Yann , Genov Roman , Drouin Dominique
Published: August 2020

The low communication bandwidth between memory and processing units in conventional von Neumann machines does not support the requirements of emerging applications that rely extensively on large sets of data. More recent computing paradigms, such as high parallelization and near‐memory computing, help alleviate the data communication bottleneck to some extent, but paradigm‐shifting concepts are required. In‐memory computing has emerged as a prime candidate to eliminate this bottleneck by colocating memory and processing. In this context, resistive switching (RS) memory devices is a key promising choice, due to their unique intrinsic device‐level properties, enabling both storing and computing with a small, massively‐parallel footprint at low power. Theoretically, this directly translates to a major boost in energy efficiency and computational throughput, but various practical challenges remain. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of several key existing challenges in implementing high‐capacity, high‐volume RS memories for accelerating the most computationally demanding computation in machine learning (ML) inference, that of vector‐matrix multiplication (VMM), is presented. The monolithic integration of RS memories with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits is presented as the core underlying technology. The key existing design choices in terms of device‐level physical implementation, circuit‐level design, and system‐level considerations is reviewed and an outlook for future directions is provided.
Fabrication of electrospun fibers from a waterborne soy‐based polyurethane employing polyethylene oxide as a coformer
Authors: Herrán Rodrigo , Molinari Fabricio N. , Bilbao Emanuel , Monsalve Leandro N. , Amalvy Javier I.
Published: August 2020

The fabrication of electrospun fibers made from aqueous dispersions of polyurethane obtained from renewable sources is an eco‐friendly method to produce porous membranes for different applications. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) has been already employed in formulations for allowing fiber formation, but its role was not yet completely understood. In this work the fabrication of electrospun fibers made from biobased polyurethane aqueous dispersion with PEO in order to obtain regular fibers is performed. The role of PEO was studied by thermal analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, rheology, and fiber morphology. Polyurethane fibers were obtained only when PEO was added, otherwise the dispersion is electrosprayed and particles are formed. It was observed that PEO modifies the rheology of dispersion and assists coalescence of polyurethane particles. On the other hand, polyurethane fibers conserved their diameter and their homogeneous structure after removal of PEO by immersion in water, which indicates that the distribution of both polymers was even within the fibers. This work provides both an insight on the role of PEO and a route for the fabrication of eco‐friendly biobased polyurethane microfibers from aqueous dispersions.
Bright spectroscopic binaries: I. Orbital parameters of five systems with periods of P < 365 days
Authors: Jack Dennis , Hernández Huerta Missael Alejandro , Schröder Klaus‐Peter
Published: August 2020

In a well‐aimed search based on the recently published Gaia DR2 radial velocity data and performed with the robotic TIGRE telescope, we have discovered 19 bright (mV < 7.66 mag) spectroscopic binary stars. We present the radial velocity curves of five of these stars (HD 20656, HD 27259, HD 98812, HD 150600, HD 193082) with periods of P < 365 days. We determined their orbital parameters using the toolkit RadVel. The complete set of basic stellar parameters (effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, mass, and age) of the primary stars are determined using the observed intermediate resolution spectra (R ≈ 20,000) with iSpec and a comparison of the position in the Hertzsprung‐Russell diagram with stellar evolution tracks. All five primary stars have already evolved to the giant phase and possess low‐mass secondaries, which do not noticeably affect the spectra. Finally, we determined the minimum masses of the secondary stars of the binary systems and present conclusions about the properties of the binary systems.
The nuanced relationship between adverse childhood experiences and recidivism risk scores among women leaving jail: A preliminary exploration
Authors: Schick Vanessa , Roth Isabel , Link Andrea , Welch Alycia
Published: August 2020

Background

Women with histories of childhood trauma tend to score higher on recidivism risk/needs assessment tools, such as the Level of Service Inventory‐Revised: Screening Version (LSI‐R: SV). These may affect their chance of leaving custody, but risk scores may be inflated by reliance on additional items which reflect other fixed childhood events.

Aims

We hypothesised that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) would be related to immutable risk measures according to the LSI‐R: SV, such as juvenile arrest history, rather than more mutable factors, such as criminal attitudes.

Methods

Two interviewer‐administered questionnaires—one about ACEs and one about criminogenic risk and needs—were given to a cohort of women just after release from jail. Phi coefficients were used to test for associations between ? ACE scale scores and scores on the risk tool—the LSI‐R: SV.

Results

ACE scale items were related to static risk item scores from the LSI‐R: SV, but not to any of the dynamic risk items except psychological health.

Conclusions

Risk reduction is an important task in the criminal justice system, for which systematic risk assessment is an integral part of decision making. Self‐reported experience of psychological health apart, only fixed historical variables were related to estimated recidivism risk. There was no relationship between the mutable constructs of attitudes towards crime or employment status and estimated risk. This raises the question of whether the risk of recidivism is increased when there is a background of childhood trauma. Implications for using risk reduction tools to inform the need for trauma‐informed correctional care are discussed. Longitudinal research assessing recidivism is needed to test this further.
Effect of the PHY Domain on the Photoisomerization Step of the Forward Pr→Pfr Conversion of a Knotless Phytochrome
Authors: Fischer Tobias , Xu Qianzhao , Zhao Kai‐Hong , Gärtner Wolfgang , Slavov Chavdar , Wachtveitl Josef
Published: August 2020

Phytochrome photoreceptors operate via photoisomerization of a bound bilin chromophore. Their typical architecture consists of GAF, PAS and PHY domains. Knotless phytochromes lack the PAS domain, while retaining photoconversion abilities, with some being able to photoconvert with just the GAF domain. Therefore, we investigated the ultrafast photoisomerization of the Pr state of a knotless phytochrome to reveal the effect of the PHY domain and its “tongue” region on the transduction of the light signal. We show that the PHY domain does not affect the initial conformational dynamics of the chromophore. However, it significantly accelerates the consecutively induced reorganizational dynamics of the protein, necessary for the progression of the photoisomerization. Consequently, the PHY domain keeps the bilin and its binding pocket in a more reactive conformation, which decreases the extent of protein reorganization required for the chromophore isomerization. Thereby, less energy is lost along nonproductive reaction pathways, resulting in increased efficiency.
Comparing the Antileishmanial Activity of Gold(I) and Gold(III) Compounds in L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis in Vitro
Authors: Minori Karen , Rosa Letícia B. , Bonsignore Riccardo , Casini Angela , Miguel Danilo C.
Published: August 2020

Abstract: A series of mononuclear coordination or organometallic AuI/AuIII complexes (1–9) have been comparatively studied in vitro for their antileishmanial activity against promastigotes and amastigotes, the clinically relevant parasite form, of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. One of the cationic AuI bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbenes (3) has low EC50 values (ca. 4 μM) in promastigotes cells and no toxicity in host macrophages. Together with two other AuIII complexes (6 and 7), the compound is also extremely effective in intracellular amastigotes from L. amazonensis. Initial mechanistic studies include an evaluation of the gold complexes′ effect on L. amazonensis’ plasma membrane integrity.
The Influence of the color of light on the customers' perception of service quality and satisfaction in the restaurant
Authors: Özkul Emrah , Bilgili Bilsen , Koç Erdoğan
Published: August 2020

The physical evidence is influential on the consumer's attitude, quality perception, and purchasing behavior. The service atmosphere within the physical evidence scope is an element that requires huge investments. Together with low‐cost small changes, the physical environment could be rendered much more attractive to the consumer. Color and light are among the elements that are suitable for these changes. This research aims to determine whether the color of light in the service atmosphere affects the customer's quality perceptions and customer satisfaction and whether this effect differs according to the color of light. To this end, the restaurant business, which has an essential place in the tourism industry, was chosen as the research experiment ambient. A total of five experiments were conducted in five ambient lighted in different colors with participants. Data were collected with 204 the form of the experiment question According to the analysis results, the perception of service quality and the level of satisfaction were higher in red and yellow‐lighted ambient than those in blue and green‐lighted ambient. In line with the results, recommendations were made to reduce the physical environment costs in the service production process in restaurants and to achieve a cleaner service production, sustainable production, and consumption through more efficient use of resources.

Highlights

The light color in the service atmosphere affects the perceived quality and customer satisfaction.

Perceived service quality and customer satisfaction differ according to the light color in the service atmosphere.

By changing the light color in the service atmosphere, it is possible to increase the level of quality perception and customer satisfaction in a positive way.

By changing the color of the light in the service environment, efficient and sustainable cleaner production can be realized with low costs.
Root phenotypic diversity in common bean reveals contrasting strategies for soil resource acquisition among gene pools and races
Authors: Jochua Celestina N. , Strock Christopher F. , Lynch Jonathan P.
Published: August 2020

Although genetic diversity for aboveground traits has been well characterized in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), little is known about population‐specific variation within this species for root architecture. To assess the diversity of root phenotypes, a total of 196 accessions from a core collection were evaluated in the laboratory and field in Pennsylvania, USA, and Chokwe, Mozambique. Substantial phenotypic variation for 15 root phenes exists among gene pools, races, and genotypes. Principal component analysis revealed that Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools and races have distinct integrated root phenotypes. Unsupervised cluster analyses of root phenes identified five groups with distinct integrated root phenotypes and soil foraging strategies. Although integrated phenotypes associated with adaptation to drought and low P availability were found in both gene pools, phenotypes for drought adaptation were more prevalent among Mesoamerican accessions, whereas phenotypes for adaptation to suboptimal P were more common among Andean accessions. These genotypic differences in root phenotypes reflect contrasting strategies for soil resource acquisition and may possibly have evolved as an adaptation to the edaphic conditions in the environments to which Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools are endemic. This diversity of root architectural strategies for soil exploration can serve as an important resource for breeding programs and hybridization between gene pools may result in the generation of novel root phenotypes with improved soil resource acquisition.
Furfural to 1,4‐Butanediol/Tetrahydrofuran – A Detailed Catalyst and Process Design
Authors: Lange Jean‐Paul , Wadman Sipke H.
Published: August 2020

The feasibility to convert furan, a direct derivative of furfural, to a mixture of 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) is demonstrated with industrially acceptable performances using mm‐sized pellets of a carbon‐supported RePd catalyst for 2000 h of operation. The reaction schemes were unraveled by spiking potential reaction intermediates and a full kinetic model was developed. Finally, we developed a comprehensive process flow scheme that integrates the conversion of furfural to furan, the recovery and purification of furan, its reductive hydration to BDO/THF as well as the recovery and purification of BDO and THF. This process concept appears economically viable at current furfural, BDO and THF market prices.
Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2to CO over Quinacridone/BiVO4Nanocomposites
Authors: Yu Xiaoxiao , Wen Fan , Zhang Fengtao , Yang Peng , Zhao Yanfei , Wu Yunyan , Wang Yingbin , Liu Zhimin
Published: August 2020

Solar energy‐driven photoreduction of CO2to energy‐rich chemicals is of significance for sustainable development but challenging. Herein, quinacridone (QA)/nBiVO4(n=0.2–20, in whichnstands for the mass ratio of BiVO4to QA) nanocomposites were developed for photoreduction of CO2. Characterization of the materials with Fourier‐transform (FT)IR spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) pointed to QA/nBiVO4preparation via hydrogen‐bonding‐directed self‐assembly of QA on BiVO4nanosheets. Using triethanolamine (TEOA) as a sacrifice reagent, QA/10BiVO4showed the best performance, affording CO with a production rate of 407 μmol g−1 h−1, 24 times higher than those of pure QA. It was indicated that the Z‐scheme charge‐transfer mechanism of QA/nBiVO4could significantly improve the separation and transmission efficiency of photo‐generated electrons and holes. This novel approach provides new insight for fabricating the composite photocatalytic materials of small molecule organic semiconductors and inorganic semiconductors with high efficiency for photocatalytic of reduction CO2.
Bacterial hepatocyte growth factor receptor agonist stimulates hepatocyte proliferation and accelerates liver regeneration in a partial hepatectomy rat model
Authors: Kalinin Egor V. , Chalenko Yaroslava M. , Sysolyatina Elena V. , Midiber Konstantin Y. , Gusarov Alexey M. , Kechko Olga I. , Kulikova Alexandra A. , Mikhaleva Ludmila M. , Mukhachev Andrey Ya. , Stanishevskyi Yaroslav M. , Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Sobyanin Konstantin A. , Ermolaeva Svetlana A.
Published: August 2020

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is central to liver regeneration. The Internalin B (InlB) protein is a virulence factor produced by the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. InlB is known to mimic HGF activity by interacting with the HGF receptor (HGFR) and activating HGFR‐controlled signaling pathways. We expressed and purified the HGFR‐binding InlB domain, InlB321/15, cloned from the fully virulent clinical L. monocytogenes strain. HGFR and Erk1/2 phosphorylation was determined using Western blotting. The capacity of InlB321/15 to bind HGFR was measured using microscale thermophoresis. Liver regeneration was studied in a model of 70% partial hepatectomy (70%PHx) in male Wistar rats. The nuclear grade parameters were quantified using manual (percentage of binuclear hepatocytes), automated (nuclear diameters), or combined (Ki67 proliferation index) scoring methods. Purified InlB321/15 stimulated HGFR and Erk1/2 phosphorylation and accelerated the proliferation of HepG2 cells. InlB321/15 bound HGFR with Kd = 7.4 ± 1.3 nM. InlB321/15 injected intravenously on the second, fourth, and sixth days after surgery recovered the liver mass and improved the nuclear grade parameters. Seven days post 70% PHx, the liver weight indexes were 2.9 and 2.0%, the hepatocyte proliferation indexes were 19.8 and 0.6%, and the percentages of binucleated hepatocytes were 6.7 and 4.0%, in the InlB321/15‐treated and control animals, respectively. Obtained data demonstrated that InlB321/15 improved hepatocyte proliferation and stimulated liver regeneration in animals with 70% hepatectomy.
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists: Analytical profiles and development of QMPSB, QMMSB, QMPCB, 2F‐QMPSB, QMiPSB, and SGT‐233
Authors: Brandt Simon D. , Kavanagh Pierce V. , Westphal Folker , Dreiseitel Wolfgang , Dowling Geraldine , Bowden Matthew J. , Williamson James P.B.
Published: August 2020

A diverse assortment of molecules designed to explore the cannabinoid receptor system and considered new psychoactive substances (NPS) have become known as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). One group of SCRAs that has received little attention involves those exhibiting sulfamoyl benzoate, sulfamoyl benzamide, and N‐benzoylpiperidine based structures. In this study, quinolin‐8‐yl 4‐methyl‐3‐(piperidine‐1‐sulfonyl)benzoate (QMPSB), quinolin‐8‐yl 4‐methyl‐3‐(morpholine‐4‐sulfonyl)benzoate (QMMSB), quinolin‐8‐yl 4‐methyl‐3‐(piperidine‐1‐carbonyl)benzoate (QMPCB, SGT‐11), quinolin‐8‐yl 3‐(4,4‐difluoropiperidine‐1‐sulfonyl)‐4‐methylbenzoate (2F‐QMPSB, QMDFPSB, SGT‐13), quinolin‐8‐yl 4‐methyl‐3‐[(propan‐2‐yl)sulfamoyl]benzoate (QMiPSB, SGT‐46), and 3‐(4,4‐difluoropiperidine‐1‐sulfonyl)‐4‐methyl‐N‐(2‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl)benzamide (SGT‐233) were extensively characterized (including data on impurities). The analytical profiles may be useful to researchers and scientists who deal with the emergence of NPS during forensic and clinical investigations. The detection of QMPSB was first published in 2016 but it is worth noting that Stargate International, a company originally formed to develop harm reduction solutions, were involved in the investigation and development of these six compounds for potential release between 2011 and early 2014. Whilst information on the prevalence of use of these particular compounds at the present time is limited, one of the key outcomes of the research performed by Stargate International reviewed here was to set the stage for the quinolin‐8‐yl ester head group that ultimately led to hybridization with an N‐alkyl‐1H‐indole core to give SGT‐21 and SGT‐32, which became later known as PB‐22 (QMPSB/JWH‐018 hybrid) and BB‐22, respectively, thus, opening the door to a range of SCRAs carrying the quinolin‐8‐yl head group from about 2012 onwards.
Research on the steady‐state operation optimization technology of oil pipeline
Authors: Liu Enbin , Peng Yong , Yi Yang , Lv Liuxin , Qiao Weibiao , Azimi Mohammadamin
Published: August 2020

Most of the crude oil produced in China is highly viscous and easy to condense, and the pipeline transportation method is mostly heated. At present, frequency conversion technology is gradually applied to oil pump units. In order to find the best pipeline operation scheme, this paper is based on MATLAB programming software and established a corresponding mathematical model of oil pipeline energy consumption. This model innovatively takes the rotational speed of the variable frequency pump as one of the model optimization variables, calculating the pressure change and temperature change between stations of the pipeline, predicting the energy consumption of the pipeline and can guide the optimized operation of the pipeline, which has a high popularization and application value. An example of Qingtie Fourth‐line crude oil pipeline shows that among the genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and simulated annealing algorithms for solving the optimization model, the particle swarm optimization algorithm has fast convergence speed, short optimization time, obtains the most optimal scheme, and can reduce energy consumption by 7.84%, which proves the practicability and creativity of the optimization model.
Pathogenic germline variants in patients with features of hereditary renal cell carcinoma: Evidence for further locus heterogeneity
Authors: Smith Philip S. , West Hannah , Whitworth James , Castle Bruce , Sansbury Francis H. , Warren Anne Y. , Woodward Emma R. , Tischkowitz Marc , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: August 2020

Inherited renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with multiple familial cancer syndromes but most individuals with features of non‐syndromic inherited RCC do not harbor variants in the most commonly tested renal cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). We investigated whether undiagnosed cases might harbor mutations in CPGs that are not routinely tested for by testing 118 individuals with features suggestive of inherited RCC (family history of RCC, two or more primary RCC aged <60 years, or early onset RCC ≤46 years) for the presence of pathogenic variants in a large panel of CPGs. All individuals had been prescreened for pathogenic variants in the major RCC genes. We detected pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants of potential clinical relevance in 16.1% (19/118) of individuals, including P/LP variants in BRIP1 (n = 4), CHEK2 (n = 3), MITF (n = 1), and BRCA1 (n = 1). Though the power to detect rare variants was limited by sample size the frequency of truncating variants in BRIP1, 4/118, was significantly higher than in controls (P = 5.92E‐03). These findings suggest that the application of genetic testing for larger inherited cancer gene panels in patients with indicators of a potential inherited RCC can increase the diagnostic yield for P/LP variants. However, the clinical utility of such a diagnostic strategy requires validation and further evaluation and in particular, confirmation of rarer RCC genotype‐phenotype associations is required.
Main controlling factors of organic matter enrichment of the Mesoproterozoic source rocks from the North China Craton
Authors: Cai Jun , Luo Shunshe , Guan Yulong , Dong Pingting
Published: August 2020

Despite the discovery of dozens of primary Mesoproterozoic petroleum fields with a large amount of petroleum reservoirs, which were not considered to be exploration targets previously, little information is available on the main controlling factors of the organic matter enrichment of the Mesoproterozoic source rocks. In this study, based on geochemical element and total organic carbon (TOC) analyses of samples collected from four sets of the Mesoproterozoic source rocks in the North China Craton (NCC), namely, the Cuizhuan, Chuanlinggou, Hongshuizhuang, and Xiamaling formations, an attempt was made to determine the primary productivity and redox conditions during the deposition of these stratigraphic units. The quantitative primary productivity (PP) indicated that the palaeo‐productivity was moderate to high during the deposition of the Xiamaling, Chuanlinggou, and Hongshuizhuang formations, all of which coincide with upwelling areas, and the palaeo‐productivity was low during the deposition of the Cuizhuan Formation, which correspond to continental shelf or open ocean. The vanadium versus chromium, the nickel versus chromium, the enrichment factor of molybdenum versus that of uranium, and the pristane versus phytane ratios indicate that the source rocks of the Hongshuizhuang and Xiamaling formations were accumulated in anoxic‐sulphidic environments; however, most source rocks of the Cuizhuan and Chuanlinggou formations were accumulated in oxic‐suboxic settings. High TOC values are only exhibited in the source rocks from the Hongshuizhuang and Xiamaling formations, suggesting that the organic matter enrichment degree in the Mesoproterozoic source rocks was likely controlled by both the PP and consequent bottom‐water redox conditions.
Rainfall partitioning and its effects on regional water balances: Evidence from the conversion of traditional cropland to apple orchards in a semi‐humid region
Authors: Wang Di , Wang Li
Published: August 2020

Rainfall partitioning by vegetation cover plays an important role in local and regional water balances. Large areas of traditional cropland have been converted to apple orchards on the Loess Plateau, China, so the effect of the conversion of traditional cropland to these orchards on rainfall partitioning cannot be ignored. In this study, we measured precipitation, throughfall (TF), and stemflow (SF) and calculated canopy interception (I) and canopy storage capacity (S) in two neighbouring apple orchards (8 and 18 years old in 2013) on the plateau during the four growing seasons of 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Besides, we also summarized the percentage of rainfall partitioning of various crops and tree species and assessed the effect of land use change on regional water balances. The results showed that the percentage of rainfall partitioning and S differed between the two orchards. Mean annual I, TF, and SF for the young and mature orchards during the 4 years accounted for 7.9, 89.8, and 2.6% and for 10.3, 87.5, and 2.3%, respectively, of the rainfall partitioning. The percentage accounted for by mean annual I and TF differed significantly between the two orchards, but the percentage of mean annual SF did not differ significantly between the two orchards. Mean annual S for 2013–2016 was significantly higher for the mature than the young orchard. Although the conversion of traditional cropland to apple orchards led to a more serious soil desiccation in this region, the I loss percentage was higher in maize (12.5%) than the apple orchards. Therefore, we inferred that the effect of the conversion of traditional cropland to apple orchards on regional water balances was likely not caused by differences in rainfall partitioning. Differences in tree morphology due to tree age accounted for the differences in rainfall partitioning and S between the two orchards. Thus, tree age should be taken into account when assessing the effect of apple orchards on rainfall partitioning in this or similar regions.
Measuring systemic risk and dependence structure between real estates and banking sectors in China using a CoVaR‐copula method
Authors: Cao Yufei
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to study the dependence structure between the real estate and the banking sectors in China. Various time‐varying symmetric and asymmetric copula functions of the elliptical and Archimedean families are used to model the underlying dependence structure. Furthermore, it analyses risk spillover effects between these two sectors by quantifying three risk measures, namely, the value at risk (VaR), the conditional value at risk (CoVaR) and the delta conditional value at risk (ΔCoVaR). Over the period from January 2005 to March 2019, the empirical results show that there exists evidence of significant and symmetric dependence structure between these two sectors and Student's t copulas best capture this dependence. Moreover, we find that there are significant risk spillover effects from the real estate to the banking sectors, and vice versa. By considering different periods of financial distress, the empirical results show that risk spillover effects during the 2015–2016 Chinese stock market turbulence period are much significant than that during the 2007–2008 global financial crisis. Furthermore, the statistical tests show that the real estate sector contributes significantly to systemic risk of the banking sector, and vice versa. Finally, some useful implications are summarized for investors and policymakers.
Investigation of potential early key events and mode of action for 1,2‐dichloroethane‐induced mammary tumors in female rats
Authors: LeBaron Matthew J. , Hotchkiss Jon A. , Zhang Fagen , Koehler Matthew W. , Boverhof Darrell R.
Published: August 2020

1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE or EDC) is a chlorinated hydrocarbon used as a chemical intermediate, including in the synthesis of polyvinyl chloride. Although DCE has induced tumors in both rats and mice, the overall weight‐of‐evidence suggests a lack of in vivo mutagenicity. The present study was conducted to explore a potential mode of action further for tumor formation in rat mammary tissue. Fischer 344 rats were exposed to target concentrations of 0 or 200 ppm of DCE vapors (6 hours/day, 7 days/week) for at least 28 days; 200 ppm represents a concentration of ~20% higher than that reported to induce mammary tumors. Endpoints examined included DNA damage (via Comet assay), glutathione (reduced, oxidized and conjugated), tissue DNA adducts, cell proliferation and serum prolactin levels. Exposure to DCE did not alter serum prolactin levels with consistent estrous stage, did not cause cell proliferation in mammary epithelial cells, nor result in histopathological alterations in the mammary gland. DNA adducts were identified, including the N7‐guanylethyl glutathione adduct, with higher adduct levels measured in liver (nontumorigenic target) compared with mammary tissue isolated from the same rats; no known mutagenic adducts were identified. DCE did not increase the Comet assay response in mammary epithelial cells, whereas DNA damage in the positive control (N‐nitroso‐N‐methylurea) was significantly increased. Although the result of this study did not identify a specific mode of action for DCE‐induced mammary tumors in rats, the lack of any exposure‐related genotoxic responses further contributes to the weight‐of‐evidence suggesting that DCE is a nongenotoxic carcinogen.
Preclinical assessment of clinically streamlined, 3D‐printed, biocompatible single‐ and two‐stage tissue scaffolds for ear reconstruction
Authors: Brennan Julia R. , Cornett Ashley , Chang Brian , Crotts Sarah J. , Nourmohammadi Zahra , Lombaert Isabelle , Hollister Scott J. , Zopf David A.
Published: August 2020

Auricular reconstruction is a technically demanding procedure requiring significant surgical expertise, as the current gold standard involves hand carving of the costal cartilage into an auricular framework and re‐implantation of the tissue. 3D‐printing presents a powerful tool that can reduce technical demands associated with the procedure. Our group compared clinical, radiological, histological, and biomechanical outcomes in single‐ and two‐stage 3D‐printed auricular tissue scaffolds in an athymic rodent model. Briefly, an external anatomic envelope of a human auricle was created using DICOM computed tomography (CT) images and modified in design to create a two‐stage, lock‐in‐key base and elevating platform. Single‐ and two‐stage scaffolds were 3D‐printed by laser sintering poly‐L‐caprolactone (PCL) then implanted subcutaneously in five athymic rats each. Rats were monitored for ulcer formation, site infection, and scaffold distortion weekly, and scaffolds were explanted at 8 weeks with analysis using microCT and histologic staining. Nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to determine areas of high strain in relation to ulcer formation. Scaffolds demonstrated precise anatomic appearance and maintenance of integrity of both anterior and posterior auricular surfaces and scaffold projection, with no statistically significant differences in complications noted between the single‐ and two‐staged implantation. While minor superficial ulcers occurred most commonly at the lateral and superior helix coincident with finite element predictions of high skin strains, evidence of robust tissue ingrowth and angiogenesis was visible grossly and histologically. This promising preclinical small animal model supports future initiatives for making clinically viable options for an ear tissue scaffold.