bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarity scaling‐application and limits for high‐efficiency‐multistage‐plasma‐thruster particle‐in‐cell modelling
Authors: Matthias Paul , Kahnfeld Daniel , Kemnitz Stefan , Duras Julia , Koch Norbert , Schneider Ralf
Published: April 2020

To suit a wide variety of space mission profiles, different designs of ion thrusters were developed, such as the High‐Efficiency‐Multistage‐Plasma thrusters (HEMP‐T). In the past, the optimization of ion thrusters was a difficult and time‐consuming process and evolved experimentally. Because the construction of new designs is expensive, cheaper methods for optimization were sought‐after. Computer‐based simulations are a cheap and useful method towards predictive modelling. The physics in HEMP‐T requires a kinetic model. The Particle‐in‐Cell (PIC) method delivers self‐consistent solutions for the plasmas of ion thrusters, but it is limited by the high amount of computing time required to study a specific system. Therefore, it is not suited to explore a wide operational and design space. An approach to decrease computing time is self‐similarity scaling schemes, which can be derived from the kinetic equations. One specific self‐similarity scheme is investigated quantitatively in this work for selected HEMP‐Ts, using PIC simulations. The possible application of the scaling is explained and the limits of this approach are derived.
Insights into the neutral and adaptive processes shaping the spatial distribution of genomic variation in the economically important Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus)
Authors: González‐Serna María José , Cordero Pedro J. , Ortego Joaquín
Published: April 2020

Understanding the processes that shape neutral and adaptive genomic variation is a fundamental step to determine the demographic and evolutionary dynamics of pest species. Here, we use genomic data obtained via restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing to investigate the genetic structure of Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus) populations from the westernmost portion of the species distribution (Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands), infer demographic trends, and determine the role of neutral versus selective processes in shaping spatial patterns of genomic variation in this pest species of great economic importance. Our analyses showed that Iberian populations are characterized by high gene flow, whereas the highly isolated Canarian populations have experienced strong genetic drift and loss of genetic diversity. Historical demographic reconstructions revealed that all populations have passed through a substantial genetic bottleneck around the last glacial maximum (~21 ka BP) followed by a sharp demographic expansion at the onset of the Holocene, indicating increased effective population sizes during warm periods as expected from the thermophilic nature of the species. Genome scans and environmental association analyses identified several loci putatively under selection, suggesting that local adaptation processes in certain populations might not be impeded by widespread gene flow. Finally, all analyses showed few differences between outbreak and nonoutbreak populations. Integrated pest management practices should consider high population connectivity and the potential importance of local adaptation processes on population persistence.
Keeping it cool: Soil sample cold pack storage and DNA shipment up to 1 month does not impact metabarcoding results
Authors: Delavaux Camille S. , Bever James D. , Karppinen Erin M. , Bainard Luke D.
Published: April 2020

With the advances of sequencing tools, the fields of environmental microbiology and soil ecology have been transformed. Today, the unculturable majority of soil microbes can be sequenced. Although these tools give us tremendous power and open many doors to answer important questions, we must understand how sample processing may impact our results and interpretations. Here, we test the impacts of four soil storage methods on downstream amplicon metabarcoding and qPCR analyses for fungi and bacteria. We further investigate the impact of thaw time on extracted DNA to determine a safe length of time during which this can occur with minimal impact on study results. Overall, we find that storage using standard cold packs with subsequent storage at −20°C is little different than immediate storage in liquid nitrogen, suggesting that the historical and current method is adequate. We further find evidence that storage at room temperature or with aid of RNAlater can lead to changes in community composition and in the case of RNAlater, lower gene copies. We therefore advise against these storage methods for metabarcoding analyses. Finally, we show that over 1 month, DNA extract thaw time does not impact diversity or qPCR metrics. We hope that this work will help researchers working with soil bacteria and fungi make informed decisions about soil storage and transport to ensure repeatability and accuracy of results and interpretations.
gem‐Difluorocyclopropanation of Alkenyl Trifluoroborates with the CF3SiMe3–NaI System
Authors: Hryshchuk Oleksandr V. , Varenyk Anatolii O. , Yurov Yevhen , Kuchkovska Yuliya O. , Tymtsunik Andriy V. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: April 2020

Difluorocyclopropanation of alkenyl trifluoroborates using TMSCF3–NaI system was reported for the first time. The developed method allowed preparation of monocyclic, spiro‐ and fused‐bicyclic gem‐difluorocyclopropanes bearing additional functional groups. The preparation of potassium (2,2‐difluorocyclopropyl)trifluoroborates was achieved in up to 90 % yield on a multigram scale.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Flocculation Studies of β‐Cyclodextrin‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Star Copolymer: An Environmental Remediation
Authors: Kiran  , Koyilapu Rambabu , Tiwari Rudramani , Krishnamoorthi Subramanian , Kumar Krishna
Published: April 2020

Thermoresponsive star polymers are synthesized by using poly(NIPAM‐b‐DMA) diblock copolymer and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD). The synthesis of thermoresponsive diblock copolymer (TRP) is carried out by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer mediated aqueous polymerization using N‐isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) and di‐methylacrylamide as monomers. Mercaptopropionic acid is used as in situ chain transfer agent (CTA) to synthesize PNIPAM, i.e., macro‐CTA. The polymeric materials are characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, 1H‐NMR, particle size measurement, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, UV–vis spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. PNIPAM, TRP, and b‐CD grafted thermoresponsive diblock copolymer (β‐CD‐TRP) show lower critical solution temperature at 32.8, 34.3, and 36.8 °C, respectively. TRP and β‐CD‐TRP are also studied for the removal of model contaminant (kaolin). Among all grades, β‐CD‐TRP 4 shows the best performance in the removal of kaolin from aqueous solution at 25 and 50 °C.
Integrated BIM‐to‐FEM approach in mechanised tunnelling
Authors: Alsahly Abdullah , Hegemann Felix , König Markus , Meschke Günther
Published: April 2020

In current tunnelling practice, Finite Element (FE) simulations form an integral element in the planning and the design phase of mechanised tunnelling projects. The generation of adequate computational models is often time consuming and requires data from many different sources, in particular, when manually generated using 2D‐CAD drawings. Incorporating Building Information Modelling (BIM) concepts offers opportunities to simplify this process by using geometrical BIM sub‐models as a basis for structural analyses. This paper presents a Tunnel Information Model (TIM) as a BIM specifically tailored to fit the needs of mechanised tunnelling projects and a ”BIM‐to‐FEM“ technology, that automatically extracts relevant information (geology, alignment, lining, material and process parameters) needed for FE simulations from BIM sub‐models and subsequently performs FE analysis of the tunnel drive. The results of the analysis are stored centrally on a data server to which the user has continuous access. A case study from the Wehrhahn‐Metro line project in Düsseldorf, Germany, is presented and discussed to demonstrate the efficiency and the applicability of the proposed BIM‐to‐FEM workflow.
Structured review of the use of the Arizona sexual experiences scale in clinical settings
Authors: Elnazer Hesham Y , Baldwin David S
Published: April 2020

Background

Approximately 40% of women and 30% of men describe sexual dysfunction, although recognition in medical settings is suboptimal, due to problems in reporting and eliciting concerns relating to sexual function and satisfaction. Screening questionnaires may help to support this aspect of clinical practice. The Arizona sexual experiences scale (ASEX) includes items that quantify sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication or penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm.

Method

We investigated the validity and other psychometric properties of the ASEX, and the findings from the populations in which it has been employed, by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the terms, Arizona sexual experiences scale, Arizona Sexual Experience Questionnaire, and ASEX. We eliminated duplications, letters, and papers not available in English, and grouped the remaining papers into the categories of psychometric, epidemiological, and outcome‐based studies.

Results

After elimination of letters and duplicates, papers not in English, and preclinical and irrelevant studies, 104 papers were analyzed. The ASEX has excellent internal consistency, scale reliability and strong test–retest reliability. Analyses of variance reveal significant differences in total ASEX scores between patients and controls and between females and males. ASEX appears to be useful in a range of clinical situations including patients with primary sexual dysfunction, specific psychiatric disorders, specific physical illnesses, and treatment emergent sexual dysfunction.

Discussion

The ASEX appears to be a reliable instrument for identifying and quantifying sexual dysfunction across a range of populations in various clinical settings. Little is known about its utility in patients with anxiety disorders or relationships between ASEX scores and biological parameters.
Sustainable management of water in northern California, USA, for food, energy, and environmental security*
Authors: Roche Walter Martin
Published: April 2020

Sustainable management of water for food security, municipal and industrial use, energy, and the environment is important in the twenty‐first century. In northern California, USA, surface and groundwater resources are generally adequate in most years to meet all needs and to provide water to other areas of California where water demand usually exceeds local supplies.

The average annual runoff in the Sacramento River basin in northern California is over 27 billion cubic metres (22 million acre‐feet) per year, over one‐third of the total runoff in all of California.

In 2014 California adopted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which resulted from growing concern throughout the state about the overuse of groundwater. In northern California most of the groundwater basins are already sustainable, with the opportunity to provide much needed water to other areas of California where sustainability will be difficult to achieve.

One of the major food crops raised in the area is rice. Of the approximately 243 000 ha (600 000 acres) of rice production in California, 95% are in northern California.

Energy sustainability is also important in California and throughout the world. California has set a goal of meeting all energy demands from renewable resources by 2045.
Adapting parent engagement strategies for an evidence‐based parent‐mediated intervention for young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Haine‐Schlagel Rachel , Rieth Sarah , Dickson Kelsey S. , Brookman‐Frazee Lauren , Stahmer Aubyn
Published: April 2020

Aims

Aims included (a) characterizing provider feedback on parent engagement strategies integrated into a parent‐mediated intervention for toddlers at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and (b) identifying provider characteristics that predict attitudes about parent engagement strategies.

Methods

A mixed method approach was utilized, including gathering quantitative data via survey (breadth) and collecting qualitative data via interview (depth). Acceptability, utility, appropriateness, sustainment, generalizability, and perceived effectiveness were examined. Fourteen agency leaders and 24 therapists provided input.

Results

Providers perceived the integration of parent engagement strategies as having a positive impact on implementation. Providers considered the strategies to be acceptable, appropriate, and effective, though barriers of time and complexity were noted. Provider characteristics did not consistently predict attitudes about the engagement strategies.

Conclusions

Incorporating parent engagement strategies into parent‐mediated interventions for ASD is well‐received by providers and may improve quality of service delivery for families served in early intervention for ASD.
Influence of surface design on performance of MnO‐decorated nanocatalyst for olefin production from methanol: ZSM‐5@MnO core–shellversusMnO/ZSM‐5 dispersed nanocatalysts
Authors: Khaledi Kharazm , Haghighi Mohammad , Sadeghpour Parisa
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

In the assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) onto zeolites, the surface design of NPs has a great influence on various catalytic properties. Herein, ZSM‐5 was hydrothermally synthesized and its external surface was decorated by MnO NPs in two different surface designs: distributed MnO NPs and MnO shell.

RESULTS

The synthesized MnO‐decorated samples, MnO/ZSM‐5 and ZSM‐5@MnO, were analyzed using various techniques. The results of these analyses reveal the formation of desired crystal phases without any impurities and confirm the perfect assembly of uniform MnO NPs on the surface of ZSM‐5. Also, it was found that the surface design of MnO NPs has a great impact on the physicochemical properties of the nanocatalyst. Basically, ZSM‐5 is highly selective toward propylene, but the shape selectivity of MnO NPs increases the selectivity of MnO‐decorated nanocatalysts toward ethylene. Moreover, this study delves deeply into differences in catalytic behaviors of the nanocatalysts during the methanol‐to‐olefin process and explains how they are attributed to the applied surface designs.

CONCLUSIONS

The catalytic performance studies at optimum temperature show that the ZSM‐5@MnO nanocatalyst is more selective toward ethylene, and it has a nearly 20% higher methanol conversion rate compared to the MnO/ZSM‐5 nanostructured catalyst. Due to the surface acidity adjustment of MnO shell as well as high control of core–shell structure over the location of coke formation, the ZSM‐5@MnO nanocatalyst shows longer stability and its activity remains constant with time on stream. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Differences between COVID‐19 and suspected then confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative pneumonia: A retrospective study from a single center
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Yang Yi , Huang Min , Liu Lili , Zhang Xianxiang , Xu Jing , Geng Shaoqing , Han Bo , Xiao Jiangfeng , Wan Yanyun
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) broke out in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019. Tens thousands of people have been infected with the disease. Our aim was to distinguish severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐positive patients from SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative patients. We retrospectively compared the data of COVID‐19 patients with those of suspected and confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative patients (control patients). There were 78 COVID‐19 patients and 26 control patients, whose median ages were significantly different (P = .001). The percentage of COVID‐19 patients admitting exposure to Wuhan was obviously higher than that of control patients (X2 = 29.130; P < .001). Fever and cough appeared more frequently in COVID‐19 patients than in the control patients. The routine blood workup parameters of COVID‐19 patients did not change much and their mean counts were in the normal range. There were 38.5% of control patients had higher procalcitonin (PCT) levels than 0.5 ng/mL, which was significantly higher than that percentage of COVID‐19 patients (X2 = 22.636; P < .05), and COVID‐19 patients were also more likely to have decreased or normal urea and creatinine levels than control patients (X2 = 24.930, 8.480; P < .05).Younger age, exposure to Wuhan, fever, cough, and slight changes in routine blood workup parameters, urea and creatinine were important features discriminating COVID‐19 from control patients. Slightly increased, but far less than 0.5 ng/mL, PCT levels also differentiated COVID‐19 patients from control patients.
Is Pakistan prepared for the COVID‐19 epidemic? A questionnaire‐based survey
Authors: Khan Samea , Khan Mahjabeen , Maqsood Khizra , Hussain Tanveer , Noor‐ul‐Huda  , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: April 2020

COVID‐19 is a pandemic that began in China in December 2019. World health organization (WHO) has expressed fears that Pakistan might emerge as the next epicenter of this pandemic. We hypothesize that at present the Pakistani masses are not prepared to face any threat of a looming epidemic. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the basic knowledge of educational and health care workers (HCWs) regarding COVID‐19, its control, and prevention. Knowledge about origin, symptoms, and spread of viral infection was assessed. In this cross‐sectional survey, a self‐designed questionnaire was distributed among 302 HCWs including physicians (10.9%), nurses (1.32%), lab staff (1.65%), and academic individuals including faculty and students (86.42%) of different organizations. Results were analyzed using the χ2 test. Obtained results validate our null hypothesis that Pakistani masses are not well aware of the COVID‐19 and strategies for the prevention and control of infection. The study concluded that individuals belonging to the front‐line workers and high literacy groups are not prepared for the alarming situation in the country. Effectual implementation of infection control programs should be practiced, and it depends on awareness, training, and cooperation of individuals.
Short Communication. Quantification of loess proportions in Pleistocene periglacial slope deposits and Holocene colluvium using grain‐size data by laser diffractometry
Authors: Yang Fei , Karius Volker , Sauer Daniela
Published: April 2020

Loess proportions in slope deposits have rarely been quantified, due to the lack of quantification methods. In this study, we used laser granulometry to analyze grain‐size distributions in slope deposits of a Buntsandstein landscape in central Germany. The consistent loess contents obtained from two independent models corroborate the validity of the calculated loess proportions and the applicability of the new R package EMMAgeo. Yet, some limitations in transferability need to be considered.
Destination loyalty explained through place attachment, destination familiarity and destination image
Authors: Stylidis Dimitrios , Woosnam Kyle M. , Ivkov Milan , Kim Seongseop S.
Published: April 2020

This study explores how familiarity and attachment, along with cognitive and affective image explain destination loyalty across visitors with divergent degrees of frequency of visitation (low vs. high). Serbians (n= 401) who have previously visited Greece comprised the sample population for this study and were surveyed using a self‐administered questionnaire. Findings reveal that overall familiarity shapes cognitive and affective destination image, while each image component uniquely explains destination loyalty (R2= 0.51). Differences also exist in the magnitude of the relationships tested among the two groups. Implications for theory and practice, along with limitations and research directions, are discussed.
Detection of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus persistence in osteoblasts using imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Bongiorno Dafne , Musso Nicolò , Lazzaro Lorenzo Mattia , Mongelli Gino , Stefani Stefania , Campanile Floriana
Published: April 2020

Methicillin‐resistant S. aureus has been reported as the main pathogen involved in chronic infections, osteomyelitis, and prosthetic joint infections. The host/pathogen interaction is dynamic and requires several changes to promote bacterial survival. Here, we focused on the internalization and persistence behavior of well‐characterized Staphylococcus aureus invasive strains belonging to the main ST‐MRSA‐SCCmec clones. To overcome the limitations of the cell culture method, we comparatively analyzed the ability of internalization within human MG‐63 osteoblasts with imaging flow cytometry (IFC). After evaluation by cell culture assay, the MRSA clones in the study were all able to readily internalize at 3h postinfection, the persistence of intracellular bacteria was evaluated at 24h both by routine cell culture and IFC assay, after vancomycin‐BODIPY staining. A statistical difference of persistence was found in ST5‐SCCmecII (26.59%), ST228‐SCCmecI (20.25%), ST8‐SCCmecIV (19.52%), ST239‐SCCmecIII (47.82%), and ST22‐SCCmecIVh (50.55%) showing the same ability to internalize as ATCC12598 (51%), the invasive isolate used as control strain for invasion and persistence assays. We demonstrated that the intracellular persistence process depends on the total number of infected cells. Comparing our data obtained by IFC with those of the cell culture assay, we obtained greater reproducibility rates and a number of intracellular bacteria, with the advantage of analyzing live host cells. Moreover, with some limitations related to the lack of whole‐genome sequencing analysis, we validated the different proclivities to persist in the main Italian HA‐MRSA invasive isolates and our results highlighted the heterogeneity of the different clones to persist during cell infection.
Nickel ferrite powder resonator antenna capsuled by low permittivity wood materials
Authors: Silva Isaac Barros Tavares da , D'Assunção Adaildo Gomes , de Oliveira João Bosco Lucena , Guerra Juan Rafael Filgueira , Campos Antonio Luiz Pereira de Siqueira , Sousa Matheus Emanuel Tavares
Published: April 2020

This article presents the synthesizing of nickel ferrite by sol‐gel modified ionic coordination reaction technique with application in millimetric wave Ferrite Powder Resonator Antenna device fed by a coaxial probe. The ferrite powder was morphologically characterized by X‐rays diffraction, energy dispersive X‐Ray spectrometer, and scanning electron microscopic image; hysteresis loop was also obtained to analyze static magnetic field application and powder's electrical characterization was performed. Ferrite powder electric characterization displayed consistent data, including a material resonance phenomenon around 7.4 GHz. The ferrite powder resonator antenna was designed according to IEEE 802.11a/n protocol and, at resonance frequency around 2.8 GHz, the reflection coefficient results presented a noninfluence of wood material in antenna response, along with a good agreement between experimental and simulated results, reaching a maximum relative error of 1.82%, indicating a promising application of ferrite powder as a resonator.
Functional Systems Derived from Nucleobase Self‐assembly
Authors: del Prado Anselmo , González‐Rodríguez David , Wu Yi‐Lin
Published: April 2020

Dynamic and reversible non‐covalent interactions endow synthetic systems and materials with smart adaptive functions that allow them to response to diverse stimuli, interact with external agents, or repair structural defects. Inspired by the outstanding performance and selectivity of DNA in living systems, scientists are increasingly employing Watson−Crick nucleobase pairing to control the structure and properties of self‐assembled materials. Two sets of complementary purine‐pyrimidine pairs (guanine:cytosine and adenine:thymine(uracil)) are available that provide selective and directional H‐bonding interactions, present multiple metal‐coordination sites, and exhibit rich redox chemistry. In this review, we highlight several recent examples that profit from these features and employ nucleobase interactions in functional systems and materials, covering the fields of energy/electron transfer, charge transport, adaptive nanoparticles, porous materials, macromolecule self‐assembly, or polymeric materials with adhesive or self‐healing ability.
Catalytic Activity Towards Hydrogen Evolution Dependent of the Degree of Conjugation and Absorption of Six Organic Chromophores
Authors: Aleksovska Angela , Lönnecke Peter , Addicoat Matthew A. , Gläser Roger , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: April 2020

Conjugated materials can, in many cases, absorb visible light because of their delocalized π electron system. Such materials have been widely used as a photoactive layers in organic photovoltaic devices and as photosensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Additionally, these materials have been reported for applications in solar fuel production, working as photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synthesis of three flexible vinyl groups‐containing chromophores is reported. The catalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution of these chromophores has been investigated and compared to their non‐vinyl‐containing analogues. The catalytic effect was confirmed using two different approaches: electrochemical, using the chromophores to modify a working electrode, and photocatalytic, using the chromophores combined with platinum nanoparticles. A relationship between the degree of conjugation and the catalytic activity of the chromophores has been observed with the electrochemical method, while a relationship between the UV absorption in the solid state and the photocatalytic effect with platinum nanoparticles was observed.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydrogenative Degradation of End‐of‐Life Poly(lactide) to Produce 1,2‐Propanediol as Platform Chemical
Authors: Kindler Tim‐Oliver , Alberti Christoph , Fedorenko Elena , Santangelo Nicolo , Enthaler Stephan
Published: April 2020

The chemical recycling of end‐of‐life polymers can add some value to a future circular economy. In this regard, the hydrogenative degradation of end‐of‐life PLA was investigated to produce 1,2‐propanediol as product, which is a useful building block in polymer chemistry. In more detail, the commercially available Ru‐MACHO‐BH complex was applied as catalyst to degrade end‐of‐life PLA efficiently to 1,2‐propanediol under mild conditions. After investigations of the reaction conditions a set of end‐of‐life PLA goods were subjected to degradation.
Diversity Oriented Preparation of Pillar[5]arene‐Containing [2]Rotaxanes by a Stopper Exchange Strategy
Authors: Nierengarten Iwona , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: April 2020

Invited for this month's cover are Iwona and Jean‐François Nierengarten from the University of Strasbourg. The cover picture shows the structure of a [2]rotaxane building block bearing 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl) benzenesulfonate (BTBS) stoppers. The BTBS moieties of this compound are good leaving groups allowing to perform stopper exchange by treatment with different nucleophiles to afford the corresponding rotaxanes with ester, ether or thioether stoppers. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.202000035.
Improvements in frailty contribute to substantial improvements in quality of life after lung transplantation in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Perez Alyssa A. , Hays Steven R. , Soong Allison , Gao Ying , Greenland John R. , Leard Lorriana E. , Shah Rupal J. , Golden Jeffrey , Kukreja Jasleen , Venado Aida , Kleinhenz Mary Ellen , Singer Jonathan P.
Published: April 2020

Background

While lung transplantation (LTx) improves health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in cystic fibrosis (CF), the determinants of this improvement are unknown. In other populations, frailty—a syndrome of vulnerability to physiologic stressors—is associated with disability and poor HRQL. We hypothesized that improvements in frailty would be associated with improved disability and HRQL in adults with CF undergoing LTx.

Methods

In a single‐center prospective cohort study from 2010 to 2017, assessments of frailty, disability, and HRQL were performed before and at 3‐ and 6‐months after LTx. We assessed frailty by the short physical performance battery (SPPB). We assessed disability with the Lung Transplant Valued Life Activities scale (LT‐VLA) and HRQL by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Physical and Mental Component Summary scales (SF12‐PCS, ‐MCS), the Airway Questionnaire 20‐Revised (AQ20R), and the Euroqol 5D (EQ5D). We tested the association of concurrent changes in frailty and lung function on disability and HRQL by linear mixed‐effects models adjusted for sex and body mass index.

Results

Among 23 participants with CF, improvements in frailty and lung function were independently associated with improved disability and some HRQL measures. For example, each 1‐point improvement in SPPB or 200 mL improvement in FEV1 was associated with improved LT‐VLA disability by 0.14 (95%CI: 0.08‐0.20) and 0.07 (95%CI: 0.05‐0.09) points and improved EQ5D by 0.05 (95%CI: 0.03 to 0.07) and 0.02 (95%CI: 0.01‐0.03) points, respectively.

Conclusion

Improvement in frailty is a novel determinant of improved disability and HRQL in adults with CF undergoing LTx.
Rethinking biorational insecticides for pest management: unintended effects and consequences
Authors: Haddi Khalid , Turchen Leonardo M , Viteri Jumbo Luis O , Guedes Raul NC , Pereira Eliseu JG , Aguiar Raimundo WS , Oliveira Eugênio E
Published: April 2020

Biorational insecticides are composed of natural products, including animals, plants, microbes, and minerals, or are their derivates. The use of biorational products for the management of insect pests has grown intensively in recent years, which has increased their popularity and share on the insecticide global market. Much of these recent increases in the use of biorational insecticides has been derived from the generalized perception that conventional insecticides have undesirable ecological and human health impacts. However, the idea of simply replacing synthetic compounds with biorational insecticides without considering their potential unintended effects can mislead their use and reduce the market life of such pest management tools. A systematic literature survey encompassing over 15 000 scientific manuscripts published between 1945 and 2019 reinforces the bias of focusing on studying the targeted effects while overlooking the potential detrimental effects of biorational products on human health and the environment (e.g. death and negative sublethal effects on pollinators and beneficial arthropods such as parasitoids and predators). Thus, the risks associated with biorational compounds (e.g. control failures, the evolution of resistance, shift in dominance, and outbreaks of secondary or primary pests) need to be revisited and the outcomes of such inquiry could be decisive for their future use in pest management programs. The shortcomings of regulatory processes, knowledge gaps, and the outlook for the use of the biorational products in pest management are discussed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential Application of Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Data for the Determination of Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of Agricultural Soils
Authors: Pelagio Michael C. , Navarro Divina A. , Janik Les J. , Lamorena Rheo B.
Published: April 2020

The potential for Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique to predict cation exchange capacity (CEC) values in agricultural soils, based on a partial least square (PLS) regression model, was investigated by analysing soils (N= 225) using a portable LIBS system. The prediction from the validation set was 0.75 and the RMSE was 5.4 cmol+/kg. Analysis of the PLS loading weights showed that emission lines that correlate with the exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and clay (Al and Si) are significant. Good quality predictions could be obtained from the model as described by the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) values calculated for calibration (RPDc =1.99) and validation (RPDv=2.02). The ratio of performance to interquartile distance (RPIQ) for calibration (RPIQc=3.20) and validation (RPIQv=3.32) indicated excellent prediction capability. It has been demonstrated that LIBS spectra coupled with multivariate data analysis could be used to predict CEC of agricultural soils which is considered fast and a chemical‐free technique.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Electrospun PAN/Ag‐G NFs Under Solar Irradiation for Effective Degradation of Hazardous Organic Dyes
Authors: Shah Akshara P. , Jain Shilpa , Shimpi Navinchandra G
Published: April 2020

Solar light induced organic pollutant degradation is an ideal approach for wastewater treatment and environmental challenges. The as‐synthesized nanofibers (NFs) exhibited significant photocatalytic activity towards both the dyes (anionic and cationic) under solar light irradiation. Present work reports, preparation of Ag−G nanoparticles (NPs) impregnated in PAN NFs using electrospinning technique. The recyclability of Ag−G NPs impregnated PAN NFs becomes very easier due to formation PAN NFs mat with impregnation of highly porous structure of Ag−G NPs as compared to powder catalyst. The as‐prepared PAN/Ag−G NFs were subjected for structural, optical and morphological study. Under solar light irradiation, PAN/Ag−G NFs shows excellent photocatalytic performance of methylene blue (MB) (88.19%, 75mins) and methyl orange (MO) dyes (82.5%, 90 min) degradation respectively. TOC values and rate constants of the samples indicate the superior catalytic efficiency as compared to Ag−G NPs and PAN NFs. Under solar radiation, mechanism and plausible pathway of photocatalytic dye degradation is also reported.
Enhanced Raman Effect of Solvothermal Synthesized Reduced Graphene Oxide/Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Ayala‐Fonseca Luis A. , Amieva Edgar J.‐C. , Rodriguez‐Gonzalez Claramaria , Angeles‐Chavez Carlos , De la Rosa Elder , Castaño Victor M. , Salas Pedro
Published: April 2020

Highly functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets, decorated with homogenously distributed titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, were obtained by optimizing the conditions of a facile solvothermal synthesis route with methanol‐water as solvent. These materials show a Raman enhancement apparently at the rGO/TiO2interface. Conventional and High Resolution Transmission Electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) show single crystal TiO2NPs below 6 nm with an anatase crystalline phase. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy shows a significant chemical reduction of the graphene oxide. Thermal analysis also confirms the efficient functionalization and in‐situ reduction of the graphene oxide sheets. The results show that under mild conditions, the solvent mixture achieves a higher functionalization than pure solvents.
DBU‐Promoted Synthesis of 1,3‐Benzoxazines from Geminal Dibromo Olefins: Applications to the Construction of o‐Amido Phenacyl Bromides
Authors: Garkhedkar Amol Milind , Chiang Ya‐Chi , Senadi Gopal Chandru , Wang Jeh‐Jeng , Hu Wan‐Ping
Published: April 2020

Herein we demonstrated an approach for the synthesis of 1,3‐benzoxazines through 1,8‐Diazabicyclo(5,4,0)undec‐7‐ene (DBU) promoted annulation of geminal dibromoolefins. The key features of this work include good reaction yield, high regioselectivity, mild reaction condition, metal‐free approach, and broad scope. Synthetic application for some of the products is extended to achieve α‐bromomethyl Ketones (Phenacyl bromides) via ring opening sequence using stoichiometric amount of water and DMSO as solvent. We also successfully demonstrated the applicability to gram scale synthesis and one‐pot strategy. This protocol serves as an alternative approach to the conventional reaction of α‐bromination of ketones.
Double‐Carbon Enhanced TiO2 Nanotubes as Highly Improved Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Su Ying , Cao Shu‐Zhi , Zhao Bo , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Yang Xu , Wu Xing‐Long , Wang Guang
Published: April 2020

TiO2, with low cost, highly environmental benignity, and high safety, has been considered to exhibit great potential as an advanced anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), although slow electron/ion transport hinders its development. Here, we find the composite of thin‐walled TiO2 nanotubes with a double carbon coating by hydrothermal reaction and calcination, which effectively improves the structural stability and promotes electron transport. The composite material of TiO2/rGO@NC delivers the first charge specific capacity of 245.8 mA h g−1 at 0.02 A g−1, along with 118.7 and 91.7 mA h g−1 at high current densities of 2.5 and 5 A g−1. Simultaneously, it can still offer 135.8 mA h g−1 over 500 cycles at the current density of 1 A g−1. The remarkable electrochemical performance, combining with its own properties, demonstrates that it can be used as a hopeful anode material for superior performance SIBs.
Analysis of water vapor adsorption in soils by means of a lysimeter and numerical modeling
Authors: Saaltink Maarten W. , Kohfahl Claus , Molano‐Leno Lidia
Published: April 2020

Daily temperature oscillations can cause adsorption (and desorption) of atmospheric water vapor by soils. The resulting daily fluctuations in the amount of liquid water in the soil can be measured by high‐precision weighing lysimeters. We analyzed the data of a lysimeter in a sandy dune sediment in southern Spain using Codebright, a thermohydraulic numerical model for unsaturated flow that takes into account water, vapor, and heat transport in the soil, as well as soil–atmosphere interactions such as precipitation, evaporation, and solar radiation. The analysis shows that daily temperature oscillations, psychrometrics, and soil water retention can explain the fluctuations of the amount of liquid water in the soil. The retention curve, especially its driest part, is essential for the existence of these fluctuations. The fluctuations could not be reproduced by a model using the van Genuchten retention curve with a constant residual saturation. On the other hand, satisfactory results could be obtained by models using retention curves that at their driest part still show a change of saturation with suction. Moreover, the models suggest within the top few decimeters of the soil a pattern of alternating bands of condensation and evaporation, which follows the daily temperature oscillations that fade out deeper in the soil.
Antibodies to Heat Shock Proteins 90α and 90β in Psoriasis
Authors: Damasiewicz-Bodzek Aleksandra , Szumska Magdalena , Tyrpień-Golder Krystyna
Published: April 2020

One of many hypotheses of psoriasis pathogenesis supposes an overexpression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in different skin layers and systemic immunologic response to them. Hsp90 is one of the most abundant chaperone in eukaryotic cells. The number of studies concerning the role of Hsp90 and anti-Hsp90 antibodies in etiopathogenesis of various diseases is also constantly expanding. Still, there are not many reports concerning potential involvement of this Hsp family or anti-Hsp90 immunization in pathomechanism of psoriasis. The aim of the study was the estimation of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90β IgG antibodies in the sera of the psoriatic patients at different phases of disease activity in comparison to the sera of healthy individuals. The study material consisted of sera from psoriasis patients (n = 80) in active phase and in the remission phase and healthy individuals (n = 80). Concentrations of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90β IgG antibodies were determined using ELISA technique. In the patients with psoriasis (both in the active phase of the disease and in the remission phase) concentrations of anti-Hsp90α antibodies were significantly higher than in healthy individuals and they correlated positively with psoriasis area severity index values. The mean concentrations of anti-Hsp90β antibodies in the psoriatic patients and healthy controls were comparable. The obtained results indicate an existence of increased immunological response to Hsp90α in psoriasis. It may suggest the role of the extracellular form of this chaperone and/or anti-Hsp90α antibodies in etiopathogenesis of this dermatosis. The inhibition of Hsp90α may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat psoriasis.
Potenziale und Umsetzung der Digitalisierung auf Unternehmensebene
Authors: Hüther Michael
Published: April 2020

Digitalisierung auf Unternehmensebene ist längst praktischer Bestandteil strategischer Planungen und Umsetzungen. Dabei lassen sich spezifische Auswirkungen auf das Produktivitätswachstum oder die Beschäftigung anhand von Produzenten-Kunden-Beziehungen aufzeigen. Mit Blick auf das Produktivitätswachstum ist zu erwarten, dass Steigerungen nur verzögert auftreten und in vielen Bereichen noch unausgeschöpfte Potenziale liegen. Positive Beschäftigungseffekte sind insbesondere im Business-to-Business-Markt zu erwarten, der Business-to-Consumer-Markt, der von den großen Tech-Unternehmen dominiert wird, weist vergleichsweise geringe Beschäftigtenzahlen auf. Unterm Strich wird es in zunehmendem Maße zu einer Veränderung der Kompetenzanforderungen kommen. Die Herausforderung besteht darin, weniger innovationsaffine Unternehmen und weniger IT-affine Beschäftigte nicht abzuhängen.
Plattformökonomie: neue Wettbewerbsregeln — Renaissance der Missbrauchsaufsicht
Authors: Haucap Justus
Published: April 2020

Die Plattformökonomie entwickelt sich rasant und intensiviert den Wettbewerb. Dieser an sich positiven Entwicklung steht ein hohes Risiko der Marktabschottung durch marktbeherrschende Plattformen gegenüber. Einige Plattformunternehmen dominieren die Weltmärkte und verfügen über eine erhebliche Machtstellung, die eine Nachjustierung des Kartellrechts erforderlich macht. Dies ist jetzt im Rahmen der 10. Novelle des Gesetzes gegen Wettbewerbsbeschränkungen (GWB) geplant. Richtigerweise wird der Fokus hier auf die kartellrechtliche Missbrauchsaufsicht und weniger auf die Fusionskontrolle gelegt.
Wirtschaftspolitische Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung
Authors: Steinberg Philipp , Roser Gero
Published: April 2020

Die Digitalisierung bringt weitreichende Veränderungen für Unternehmen, Beschäftigte und Verbraucher mit sich. Sie hat Auswirkungen auf nahezu alle Bereiche des wirtschaftlichen Handelns. Die damit verbundenen Veränderungen in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft stellen die Wirtschaftspolitik vor neue Herausforderungen: Sie muss die regulatorischen Rahmenbedingungen anpassen, um Innovationen in neuen Technologien und Anwendungsfeldern zu ermöglichen, die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit Deutschlands auch in einer digitalisierten Welt zu fördern und den Wettbewerb in digitalen Märkten sicherzustellen. Durch Experimentierklauseln, bessere digitale Infrastruktur und gezielte Unterstützung von Unternehmen kann sie dafür sorgen, dass Innovationen schneller umgesetzt und auf den Markt gebracht werden können. Davon profitieren in besonderem Maße kleine und mittlere Unternehmen. Methoden der „strategischen Vorausschau“ können außerdem dabei helfen, die zukünftigen Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung frühzeitig zu antizipieren und wirtschaftspolitische Antworten zu finden.
The compound stream event of March 20-25, 2011 as measured by the STEREO B spacecraft
Authors: Al-Shakarchi Duraid A. , Morgan Huw
Published: April 2020

The interaction of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICME) with each other and with co-rotating interaction regions (CIR) changes their configuration, dynamics, magnetic field and plasma characteristics and can make space weather forecasting difficult. During the period of March 20–25, 2011, the Solar Terrestrial Relation Observatory (STEREO B) encountered a compound stream containing several interacting structures. Our analysis suggests that the stream consists of two ICMEs followed by an embedded ICME/CIR. The sudden appearance of the third ICME within the fast wind side of the CIR causes the proton temperature($T_{p} $Tp) to drop suddenly to its lowest level in about 1.2 hours, from $3.89 \times 10^{5}$3.89×105 K to $1.07 \times 10^{4}$1.07×104 K (by a factor of ≈36). The fast wind which follows the CIR influences not only the third ICME’s temperature but also its proton beta ($\upbeta_{\mathrm{p}}$βp). In addition, the third ICME impacts the CIR through expansion and deceleration. A forward pressure wave penetrates ICME1. It’s source is either the second ICME, the merged third ICME and CIR, or it may be a remnant shock. The compression causes an increase of the $T_{p}$Tp and $\upbeta_{\mathrm{p}}$βp of the second and part of the first ICME. Despite the signatures of four large-scale interacting structures within the compound stream, it is difficult to reconcile the in-situ sequence with other remote sensing observations of ejecta close to the Sun because of the large system of coronal expanding loops above the active region. Compound streams therefore remain difficult to interpret, and further understanding of the subject will depend on the future study of similar events.
Imaging CXCR4 Expression with Iodinated and Brominated Cyclam Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Hanwen , Maeda Masatomo , Shindo Masahiro , Ko Myat , Mane Mayuresh , Grommes Christian , Weber Wolfgang , Blasberg Ronald
Published: April 2020

Purpose

CXCR4 is one of several “chemokine” receptors expressed on malignant tumors (including GBM and PCNSL) and hematopoietic stem cells. Although 68Ga-pentixafor and 68Ga-NOTA-NFB have been shown to effectively image CXCR4 expression in myeloma and other systemic malignancies, imaging CXCR4 expression in brain tumors has been more limited due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and a considerable fraction of CXCR4 staining is intracellular.

Methods

We synthesized 6 iodinated and brominated cyclam derivatives with high affinity (low nM range) for CXCR4, since structure-based estimates of lipophilicity suggested rapid transfer across the BBB and tumor cell membranes.

Results

We tested 3 iodinated and 3 brominated cyclam derivatives in several CXCR4(+) and CXCR4(−) cell lines, with and without cold ligand blocking. To validate these novel radiolabeled cyclam derivatives for diagnostic CXCR4 imaging efficacy in brain tumors, we established appropriated murine models of intracranial GBM and PCNSL. Based on initial studies, 131I-HZ262 and 76Br-HZ270-1 were shown to be the most avidly accumulated radioligands. 76Br-HZ270-1 was selected for further study in the U87-CXCR4 and PCNSL #15 intracranial tumor models, because of its high uptake (9.5 ± 1.3 %ID/g, SD) and low non-specific uptake (1.6 ± 0.7 %ID/g, SD) in the s.c. U87-CXCR4 tumor models. However, imaging CXCR4 expression in intracranial U87-CXCR4 and PCNSL #15 tumors with 76Br-HZ270-1 was unsuccessful, following either i.v. or spinal-CSF injection.

Conclusions

Imaging CXCR4 expression with halogenated cyclam derivatives was successful in s.c. located tumors, but not in CNS located tumors. This was largely due to the following: (i) the hydrophilicity of the radiolabeled analogues—as reflected in the “measured” radiotracer distribution (LogD) in octanol/PBS—which stands in contrast to the structure-based estimate of LogP, which was the rationale for initiating the study and (ii) the presence of a modest BTB in intracranial U87-CXCR4 gliomas and an intact BBB/BTB in the intracranial PCNSL animal model.