bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay between movement, morphology and dispersal inTetrahymenaciliates
Authors: Pennekamp Frank , Clobert Jean , Schtickzelle Nicolas
Published: December 2019

Understanding how and why individual movement translates into dispersal between populations is a long-term goal in ecology. Movement is broadly defined as ‘any change in the spatial location of an individual’, whereas dispersal is more narrowly defined as a movement that may lead to gene flow. Because the former may create the condition for the latter, behavioural decisions that lead to dispersal may be detectable in underlying movement behaviour. In addition, dispersing individuals also have specific sets of morphological and behavioural traits that help them coping with the costs of movement and dispersal, and traits that mitigate costs should be under selection and evolve if they have a genetic basis. Here, we experimentally study the relationships between movement behaviour, morphology and dispersal across 44 genotypes of the actively dispersing unicellular, aquatic model organismTetrahymena thermophila. We used two-patch populations to quantify individual movement trajectories, as well as activity, morphology and dispersal rate. First, we studied variation in movement behaviour among and within genotypes (i.e. between dispersers and residents) and tested whether this variation can be explained by morphology. Then, we addressed how much the dispersal rate is driven by differences in the underlying movement behaviour. Genotypes revealed clear differences in terms of movement speed and linearity. We also detected marked movement differences between resident and dispersing individuals, mediated by the genotype. Movement variation was partly explained by morphological properties such as cell size and shape, with larger cells consistently showing higher movement speed and higher linearity. Genetic differences in activity and movement were positively related to the observed dispersal and jointly explained 47% of the variation in dispersal rate. Our study shows that a detailed understanding of the interplay between morphology, movement and dispersal may have potential to improve dispersal predictions over broader spatio-temporal scales.
Genetic and serologic surveillance of canine (CIV) and equine (EIV) influenza virus in Nuevo León State, México
Authors: Plata-Hipólito Claudia B. , Cedillo-Rosales Sibilina , Obregón-Macías Nelson , Hernández-Luna Carlos E. , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Tamez-Guerra Reyes S. , Contreras-Cordero Juan F.
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite the uncontrolled distribution of the Influenza A virus through wild birds, the detection of canine influenza virus and equine influenza virus in Mexico was absent until now. Recently, outbreaks of equine and canine influenza have been reported around the world; the virus spreads quickly among animals and there is potential for zoonotic transmission.

Methods

Amplification of the Influenza A virus matrix gene from necropsies, nasal and conjunctival swabs from trash service horses and pets/stray dogs was performed through RT-PCR. The seroprevalence was carried out through Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system using the M1 recombinant protein and polyclonal antibodies anti-M1.

Results

The matrix gene was amplified from 13 (19.11%) nasal swabs, two (2.94%) conjunctival swabs and five (7.35%) lung necropsies, giving a total of 20 (29.41%) positive samples in a pet dog population. A total of six (75%) positive samples of equine nasal swab were amplified. Sequence analysis showed 96–99% identity with sequences of Influenza A virus matrix gene present in H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 subtypes. The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences revealed higher identity with matrix gene sequences detected from zoonotic isolates of subtype H1N1/2009. The detection of anti-M1 antibodies in stray dogs showed a prevalence of 123 (100%) of the sampled population, whereas in horses, 114 (92.68%) positivity was obtained.

Conclusion

The results unveil the prevalence of Influenza A virus in the population of horses and dogs in the state of Nuevo Leon, which could indicate a possible outbreak of equine and Canine Influenza in Mexico. We suggest that the prevalence of Influenza virus in companion animals be monitored to investigate its epizootic and zoonotic potential, in addition to encouraging the regulation of vaccination in these animal species in order to improve their quality of life.
Effects of Storage on Nutritional, Mineral Composition and Mycoflora of Stored Sundried Citrullus lanatus Thunberg (Melon) Seeds
Authors: Fagbohun Emmanuel Dayo , Ogundahunsi Ayodeji Segun
Published: December 2019

The effect of storage on the nutritive values, proximate composition and mycoflora of Citrullus lanatus was investigated during a 24 weeks of storage. The mycoflora were isolated using direct plating and washing methods. Eight fungi were isolated namely Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium sp. The fungal count was found to increase as the storage time increased. The proximate analysis showed a decrease and an increase on some parameters investigated. The mineral composition was found to decrease as the storage time increased. The following nutrients (g/100 g) were found to have reduced: ash content 4.29 - 3.19, fibre content 2.06 - 1.51, fat content 57.02 - 50.90, while the following increased: Moisture content 7.21-12.22, crude protein 29.24-30.90, carbohydrate content 0.20-2.01. The results for minerals analysis (mg/100 g) showed a decrease in all parameters investigated: sodium 2.01-1.49, potassium 65.52-56.21, calcium 13.10-10.19, magnesium 46.34-37.61, Iron 8.12-3.31, zinc 4.76-1.24, copper 2.84-2.11 and phosphorus 3.46-1.60 while lead and cadmium were not detected. However, storage was found to cause deterioration and reduction in the nutritive value and mineral content of C. lanatus seeds. It is therefore recommended that these seeds must be stored under controlled conditions that will prevent the growth of fungi and reduction of nutrients.
Isolation, Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility of Dermatophytes Isolated from Clinically Suspected Cases of Tinea Infections in Pakistan
Authors: Shakir Shumaila , Saleem Sidrah , Rizvi Wajhiah , Aslam Waheed , Iqbal Javid
Published: December 2019

Dermatophytosis or tinea is a type of cutaneous infection caused by keratinophilic fungi, infecting the skin, nails and hair. A correct diagnosis is important for epidemiological purposes and initiating appropriate treatment. An increase in the prevalence of fungal infection worldwide is due to abuse of antibiotics, immunosuppressive treatments and numerous medical conditions.

Aim: To isolate, identify, and examine the in-vitro antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytes in clinically suspected cases of tinea infections.

Methodology: After taking informed consent, we took 65 patients suspected of tinea infection and obtained samples from skin, hair and nail, under aseptic precautions, at Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, Pakistan. The identification of dermatophytes was performed using potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounts and culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM). The cultures were incubated at 30ºC for up to 4 weeks in case of SDA and 2 weeks in case of DTM. Lactophenol cotton blue (LCB) stain was used to identify the species morphologically. Susceptibility test was done by agar diffusion method using antifungal disks and zones of inhibition were measured.

Results: More females (55.38%) than males (44.61%) were observed in the study. Most of the cases belonged to the age categories of 1-10 years and 21-30 years. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type found (27.69%) followed by Tinea capitis (21.53%) and Tinea cruris (12.30%).Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the commonest species isolated (32%)  followed by Trichophyton violaceum (28%) and Trichophyton rubrum (12%). Terbinafine was seen to be the most effective drug against the isolates, followed by clotrimazole. Fluconazole showed least activity.

Conclusion: Fungal culture remains the gold standard in identifying the causative species. Terbinafine promises to be a potent antifungal, whereas fluconazole has low efficacy against such organisms. Disk diffusion method adopted for antifungal susceptibility is cost effective and easily performable in small laboratories not having an established mycology bench.
Impact of Triple Roll Milling Processing Parameters on Fluidic/Rheological and Electrical Properties of Aqueous Graphene Ink
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Pramod , Bhatt Kapil , Shrivastva Shilpi , Kumar Amit , Singh Ravinder , Punia Rajesh , Tripathi Chandra Charu
Published: December 2019

Graphene ink is a potential candidate for the printing of electronic devices. Rheological studies of graphene inks are necessary to estimate and tune the behavior of ink during and after printing. Ink constituents and their fundamental properties play an important role in modifying the rheological behavior of ink. During the processing of ink, modification of these properties takes place. So, it is quite important to investigate the role of processing equipment on the ink constituents and correspondingly on the rheological behavior of ink and printed functional devices. Herein, graphene ink formulation through a triple roll mill (TRM) is presented. The particle size of graphene ink reduces substantially with both the speed of rollers and number of passes. Approximately 52% reduction in particle size is observed after five passes at the highest roller speed, and it further reduces up to 72% with an increase in the number of passes. Correspondingly, solvent loss, density, and viscosity of the inks are observed in respect of roller speed and number of passes. The impact of TRM parameters on ink constituents, rheology, and electrical properties of screen‐printed resistors is discussed and explained in terms of simple analytical models.
Structural Engineering of Dispersed Graphene Flakes into ZnO Nanotubes on Discontinues Ultra‐Nanocrystalline Diamond Substrates for High‐Performance Photodetector with Excellent UV Light to Dark Current Ratios
Authors: Huang Bohr‐Ran , Saravanan Adhimoorthy , Lu Hung‐Chih
Published: December 2019

In this work, ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors based on ultra‐nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) and dispersed graphene flakes (GrF) with ZnO nanotubes (ZnTs) heterostructures are investigated. Unique hybrid nanostructure of dispersed GrF into ZnTs on discontinuous UNCD substrates using scalable techniques is presented. It is revealed from microstructural analysis that the addition of GrF into highly uniform ZnTs grown on UNCD substrates results outstanding UV photodetection properties. Thus, the GrF‐ZnTs/UNCD nanostructure reveals superior UV diode performance, with an ultrahigh UV switching ratio of 19 708 at 5 V, which is excellently better than those of ZnO nanostructures. It is perceived that the perfect distribution of GrF into ZnTs on UNCD substrates results in ultrafast electron–hole recombination. The distribution of GrF and UNCD interlayer enables the new energy levels on the conduction band, which reduces the barrier height to allow fast charge carrier transportation during the UV illumination. It is believed that the addition of GrFs and UNCD layer increase the UV adsorptivity and sufficient amount of conducting path within ZnTs. Therefore, the present GrF‐ZnTs/UNCD photodetector can be used as an efficient UV photodetection device with high performance and opening up new opportunities for future optoelectronic devices.
IR Artificial Compound Eye
Authors: Liu Feng , Bian Hao , Zhang Fan , Yang Qing , Shan Chao , Li Minjing , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: December 2019

In this work, a 3D IR artificial compound eye (ACE) optical component is fabricated using thermoplastic IR polymer material. The femtosecond laser‐assisted wet etching and the 3D nano‐imprinting techniques are proposed for fabricating this thin shell multi‐aperture component. The prepared component is close‐packed with over 1000 high‐quality micro‐facet‐lenslets (ommatidia) on the semispherical thin shell dome with base radius of 2.7 mm and sag height of 2.1 mm, enabling enlarged field of view to 148°. The ommatidia with diameter of 150 µm and numerical aperture of 0.35 are demonstrated to have a practical spatial resolution up to 160 lp mm−1. IR imaging experiments (both in passive and active scenarios) confirm its outstanding optical properties and uniformity, and demonstrate the probability of thermal target imaging with such component in the near‐infrared band. The proposed fabrication strategy shows remarkable efficiency and advantage in massive replication, and such ACE component predicts its potential in emerging applications, such as IR imaging, target tracking, and so on.
The Teacher, the Assessor, and the Patient Protector: A Conceptual Model Describing How Context Interfaces With the Supervisory Roles of Academic Emergency Physicians
Authors: Li Shelly‐Anne , Acai Anita , Sherbino Jonathan , Chan Teresa M.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Emergency medicine is a fast‐paced specialty that demands emergency physicians to respond to rapidly evolving patient presentations, while engaging in clinical supervision. Most research on supervisory roles has focused on the behaviors of attending physicians, including their individual preferences of supervision and level of entrustment of clinical tasks to trainees. However, less research has investigated how the clinical context (patient case complexity, workflow) influences clinical supervision. In this study, we examined how the context of the emergency department (ED) shapes the ways in which emergency physicians reconcile their competing roles in patient care and clinical supervision to optimize learning and ensure patient safety.

Methods

Emergency physicians who regularly participated in clinical supervision in several academic teaching hospitals were individually interviewed using a semi‐structured format. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Results

Sixteen emergency physicians were asked to reflect on their clinical supervisory roles in the ED. We conceptualized a model that describes three prominent roles: teacher, assessor, and patient protector. Contextual features such as trainee competence, pace of the ED, patient complexity, and the culture of academic medicine influenced the extent to which certain roles were considered salient at any given time.

Conclusions

This conceptual model can inform researchers and medical educators about the role of context in accentuating or minimizing various roles of emergency physicians. Identifying how context interfaces with these roles may help design faculty development initiatives aimed to navigate the tension between urgent patient care and medical education for emergency physicians.
Reversible and Selective CO2 to HCO2− Electrocatalysis near the Thermodynamic Potential
Authors: Cunningham Drew W. , Barlow Jeffrey M. , Velazquez Reyna S. , Yang Jenny Y.
Published: December 2019

Reversible catalysis is a hallmark of energy‐efficient chemical transformations, but can only be achieved if the changes in free energy of intermediate steps are minimized and the catalytic cycle is devoid of high transition‐state barriers. Using these criteria, we demonstrate reversible CO2/HCO2− conversion catalyzed by [Pt(depe)2]2+ (depe=1,2‐bis(diethylphosphino)ethane). Direct measurement of the free energies associated with each catalytic step correctly predicts a slight bias towards CO2 reduction. We demonstrate how the experimentally measured free energy of each step directly contributes to the <50 mV overpotential. We also find that for CO2 reduction, H2 evolution is negligible and the Faradaic efficiency for HCO2− production is nearly quantitative. A free‐energy analysis reveals H2 evolution is endergonic, providing a thermodynamic basis for highly selective CO2 reduction.
Fault detection filtering for Itô‐type affine nonlinear stochastic systems
Authors: Zhang Tianliang , Deng Feiqi , Zhang Weihai , Chen Bor‐Sen
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the mixed H−/H∞ fault detection filtering of Itô‐type nonlinear stochastic systems. Mixed H−/H∞ filtering combines system robustness to external disturbance and the sensitivity to the fault of the residual signal. First, for Itô‐type affine nonlinear stochastic systems, some sufficient criteria are obtained for the existence of H−/H∞ filter in terms of Hamilton‐Jacobi inequalities (HJIs). Second, for a class of quasi‐linear Itô systems, a sufficient condition is given for the existence of the H−/H∞ filter by means of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Allocations of cold standbys to series and parallel systems with dependent components
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Yiying , Fang Rui
Published: December 2019

In the context of industrial engineering, cold‐standby redundancies allocation strategy is usually adopted to improve the reliability of coherent systems. This paper investigates optimal allocation strategies of cold standbys for series and parallel systems comprised of dependent components with left/right tail weakly stochastic arrangement increasing lifetimes. For the case of heterogeneous and independent matched cold standbys, it is proved that better redundancies should be put in the nodes having weaker [better] components for series [parallel] systems. For the case of homogeneous and independent cold standbys, it is shown that more redundancies should be put in standby with weaker [better] components to enhance the reliability of series [parallel] systems. The results developed here generalize and extend those corresponding ones in the literature to the case of series and parallel systems with dependent components. Numerical examples are also presented to provide guidance for the practical use of our theoretical findings.
The Ohmic decay of dipolar toroidal magnetic fields of magnetars
Authors: Gao Zhi‐Fu , Omar Nurimangul , Shi Xiao‐Chun , Wang Na
Published: December 2019

By considering the general relativity effect, we calculated the dipolar toroidal magnetic field decay rates and investigated the LX − Lrot relationship of 22 magnetars with soft X‐ray luminosities. It is found that, for magnetars with LX < Lrot, their observed soft X‐ray emissions may come from the rotational energy loss rate, or from magnetosphere flow, and/or from particle wind heating, while for magnetars with LX > Lrot, the Ohmic decay of crustal toroidal magnetic fields can provide their observed isotropic soft X‐ray luminosities and maintain high thermal temperatures.
Comparison of the predictions of the pseudocomplex general relativity to the observations of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration
Authors: Hess Peter Otto , Boller Thomas , López‐Moreno Enrique
Published: December 2019

The observation predictions of the pseudocomplex General Relativity, related to the structure of an accretion disk, are compared to the reported observations of the Event Horizon Telescope.
Icariin alleviates hypoxia‐induced damage in MC3T3‐E1 cells by downregulating TALNEC2
Authors: Wang Weiguo , Xin Jian , Chen Wenming , Jing Lizhong , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2019

Osteonecrosis is a harmful musculoskeletal disease. We aim to detect the effects of icariin (ICA) in MC3T3‐E1 cell. MC3T3‐E1 cell was pretreated with ICA and was subjected to hypoxia stimuli. The tumor‐associated long noncoding RNA expressed on chromosome 2 (TALNEC2) overexpression or silencing vectors (pTALNEC2 or si‐TALNEC2) was utilized for MC3T3‐E1 cell transfection. Viability and apoptosis rate were individually tested by cell counting kit‐8 and Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide kit untied with flow cytometry. The alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) activity was tested through ALP assay. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR or Western blot was performed for elements detection at the RNA or protein level. Hypoxia treatment induced viability inhibition and CyclinD1 reduction, but elevation of p53 and p16. It also promoted apoptosis by increasing apoptotic cells, Bax, and cleaved‐poly ADP‐ribose polymerase but decreasing Bcl‐2. Also, hypoxia stimuli restrained ALP activity, and osteopontin, osteocalcin, and Runt‐related transcription factor 2 expression. Those effects caused by hypoxia stimuli were all reversed by ICA. TALNEC2 was downregulated by ICA, whose impacts were subsequently abolished by pTALNEC2. Silencing TALNEC2 displayed similar effects with ICA. But the apoptosis was not affected by si‐TALNEC2. ICA blocked ste20‐related proline/alanine‐rich kinase/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (SPAK/JNK) but triggered phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway in MC3T3‐E1 cell by suppressing TALNEC2. ICA relieved hypoxia‐stimulated damage by restraining TALNEC2 through blocking SPAK/JNK and triggering PI3K/AKT/mTOR in the MC3T3‐E1 cell.
The SES equity gap and the reform from modular to linear GCSE mathematics
Authors: Pinot de Moira Anne , Meadows Michelle , Baird Jo‐Anne
Published: December 2019

This article addresses whether the introduction of end‐of‐course, linear General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations changed the socio‐economic equity gap in England. The GCSE is a national examination offered in a wide range of subjects and taken by almost the entire 16‐year‐old age cohort. Between the years 2007 and 2014, it underwent a number of reforms to both the underlying curriculum and the examination structure. At the beginning of the period, examinations were primarily modular in structure where the course was decomposed into discrete units tested in a staged manner. By 2014, all GCSE examinations were linear and the whole course content was tested simultaneously when study was complete. These structural changes and the curriculum reforms mean that the impact of modular and linear testing on the performance of students has been the focus of recent interest. Some educational commentators suggested that modular examinations are more suitable for lower‐performing students, including those with lower socio‐economic status (SES). This research has been conducted to monitor the socio‐economic equity gap in the light of the structural changes. It focuses on GCSE mathematics and concludes that, although there is still a clear gap in attainment between disadvantaged students and their peers, this gap does not seem to be exacerbated by the examination structure. In other words, the linearisation of GCSE mathematics is unlikely to have increased inequity between students of high and low SES.
Course‐based prefaculty training program introduces instructional methods, increases instructor self‐efficacy, and promotes professional development
Authors: Bowman Larry L. , Culhane Kelly J. , Park Ahrume J. , Kucera Kaury
Published: December 2019

Graduate student and postdoctoral teaching assistants receive highly variable preparation for instructional methods because providing such training is often expensive. Therefore, we conducted an intensive, pedagogical boot camp followed by classroom observations, structured professional development discussions about leveraging the experience on the job market, individual exit interviews, and a letter of recommendation. Our data show the participants implemented new pedagogical techniques in their classrooms, showed increased self‐efficacy, and reported appreciation for the training experience. Using a clustering analysis of instructional methods, most participants' classrooms were characterized as peer‐led collaborative work as opposed to more traditional instructor‐led pedagogies. We believe that this low‐cost, prefaculty training leads to demonstrable short‐term outcomes and is a viable option for institutions with limited resources or personnel.
Functionalized Iron Hydroxyapatite as Eco‐friendly Catalyst for NH3‐SCR Reaction: Activity and Role of Iron Speciation on the Surface
Authors: Campisi Sebastiano , Galloni Melissa G. , Marchetti Sergio G. , Auroux Aline , Postole Georgeta , Gervasini Antonella
Published: December 2019

Eco‐friendly catalysts have been obtained by functionalizing hydroxyapatite (HAP) with iron (Fe/HAP), according to three preparative methods (flash ionic exchange, deposition‐precipitation, and impregnation). Fe/HAP samples (ca. 2–7 wt.% Fe) have been tested in the reaction of NOx reduction by ammonia (NH3‐SCR) in the 120–500 °C interval with different NH3/NO ratios (0.6–2) at fixed contact time (0.12 s). All Fe/HAP samples were active and selective in the NH3‐SCR reaction starting from ca. 350 °C. Better performances have been observed on catalysts prepared by deposition‐precipitation and impregnation (about 70 % of NOx conversion and selectivity to N2 higher than 95 % at 350 °C), where α‐Fe2O3 and 3D‐Fe2O3 nanoclusters were present, as indicated by Mössbauer and UV‐Vis‐DR spectroscopies. On the opposite, paramagnetic Fe3+ centres were the predominant species on samples prepared by flash ionic exchange. Further characterization techniques (XRPD, N2‐physisorption, acidity by NH3 adsorption, and H2‐TPR) have concurred to elucidate Fe‐sitting HAP and structure‐activity relationships.
An Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Assay for the Detection of Halides and Enzymatic Dehalogenation
Authors: Aslan‐Üzel Aşkın S. , Beier Andy , Kovář David , Cziegler Clemens , Padhi Santosh K. , Schuiten Eva D. , Dörr Mark , Böttcher Dominique , Hollmann Frank , Rudroff Florian , Mihovilovic Marko D. , Buryška Tomáš , Damborský Jiří , Prokop Zbyněk , Badenhorst Christoffel P. S. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: December 2019

Halide assays are important for the study of enzymatic dehalogenation, a topic of great industrial and scientific importance. Here we describe the development of a very sensitive halide assay that can detect less than a picomole of bromide ions, making it very useful for quantifying enzymatic dehalogenation products. Halides are oxidised under mild conditions using the vanadium‐dependent chloroperoxidase fromCurvularia inaequalis, forming hypohalous acids that are detected using aminophenyl fluorescein. The assay is up to three orders of magnitude more sensitive than currently available alternatives, with detection limits of 20 nM for bromide and 1 μM for chloride and iodide. We demonstrate that the assay can be used to determine specific activities of dehalogenases and validate this by comparison to a well‐established GC‐MS method. This new assay will facilitate the identification and characterisation of novel dehalogenases and may also be of interest to those studying other halide‐producing enzymes.
Electron‐Rich Twistacene‐Modified Arylboron Donor–Acceptor Systems: Synthesis, Photophysics, and Electroluminescence with Hot Exciton Response
Authors: Jin Pengcheng , Han Yanbing , Tian Feng , Wang Lijiao , Zhao Xiaohui , Zhang Chunfang , Xiao Jinchong
Published: December 2019

A series of twistacene‐functionalized donor (D)‐π‐acceptor (A) derivatives (2–5) have been designed and synthesized, in which twistacene can be regarded as a promising platform for electron‐rich systems for fluorescence emitters. The connecting modes and various acceptors are also examined to investigate the effect of structural changes on the photophysical, electrochemical, and thermal properties. The strong electron‐withdrawing capability of the arylboron‐modified benzonitrile unit can effectively separate the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of 4/5, which is beneficial for the formation of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules. Cyan and orange organic light‐emitting diodes based on 4 and 5 exhibit promising electroluminescence with a maximum brightness of 7643 cd m−2 for device‐4 and 14871 cd m−2 for device‐5.
Nitrogen‐Linked Hexaazatrinaphthylene Polymer as Cathode Material in Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Jinquan , En Justin Chua Zhi , Riduan Siti Nurhanna , Zhang Yugen
Published: December 2019

Nitrogen‐linked hexaazatrinaphthylene polymer (N2‐HATN) as organic cathode material with low HOMO–LOMO gap was synthesized and was observed to possess reversible high capacity and unexpected long‐term cycling stability. The pre‐treatedN2‐HATNand pRGO combination demonstrated good structure compatibility and the resultant cathode exhibited a constant increment of capacity during the redox cycles. The initial capacity at 0.05 A g−1was 406 mA h−1 g−1, and increased to 630 mA h−1 g−1after 70 cycles. At 0.5 A g−1discharging rate, the capacity increased from an initial value of 186 mA h−1 g−1to 588 mA h−1 g−1after 1600 cycles. The pseudocapacitance‐type behavior is postulated to be attributed to the structure compatibility between the active material and pRGO.
Metal Exchange in the Interprotein ZnII‐Binding Site of the Rad50 Hook Domain: Structural Insights into CdII‐Induced DNA‐Repair Inhibition
Authors: Padjasek Michał , Maciejczyk Maciej , Nowakowski Michał , Kerber Olga , Pyrka Maciej , Koźmiński Wiktor , Krężel Artur
Published: December 2019

CdII is a major genotoxic agent that readily displaces ZnII in a multitude of zinc proteins, abrogates redox homeostasis, and deregulates cellular metalloproteome. To date, this displacement has been described mostly for cysteine(Cys)‐rich intraprotein binding sites in certain zinc finger domains and metallothioneins. To visualize how a ZnII‐to‐CdII swap can affect the target protein's status and thus understand the molecular basis of CdII‐induced genotoxicity an intermolecular ZnII‐binding site from the crucial DNA repair protein Rad50 and its zinc hook domain were examined. By using a length‐varied peptide base, ZnII‐to‐CdII displacement in Rad50’s hook domain is demonstrated to alter it in a bimodal fashion: 1) CdII induces around a two‐orders‐of‐magnitude stabilization effect (log 
=20.8 vs. log 
=22.7), which defines an extremely high affinity of a peptide towards a metal ion, and 2) the displacement disrupts the overall assembly of the domain, as shown by NMR spectroscopic and anisotropy decay data. Based on the results, a new model explaining the molecular mechanism of CdII genotoxicity that underlines CdII’s impact on Rad50’s dimer stability and quaternary structure that could potentially result in abrogation of the major DNA damage response pathway is proposed.
Restoring balance to cancer pain management
Authors: Cleary James F.
Published: December 2019

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of cancer and is often thought to be the most feared by patients with advanced disease. Cancer pain management, an often neglected component of oncological care, has been closely linked with the development of the modern hospice movement, with its focus on research and education, and the parallel development of palliative care.
Evaluating secrecy performance of cooperative NOMA networks under existence of relay link and direct link
Authors: Van Nguyen Minh‐Sang , Do Dinh‐Thuan
Published: December 2019

The secrecy performance of a nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system is examined in this study by employment of a dual‐hop decode‐and‐forward (DF) relay under existence of eavesdropper. Due to the fact that the relay is trusted or untrusted device and thus eavesdropper may wiretap information from the base station or the relay. In this regard, three scenarios related to trusted and untrusted relays are proposed, with different assumptions on the information overhearing ability of the eavesdropper; ie, the first scenario is that an eavesdropper overhears signal from the relay while the BS is overheard by eavesdropper in the second scenarios. More specifically, we derive closed‐form expressions for the secure probability metrics when the direct and relay links experience independent Rayleigh fading. There metrics include strictly positive secrecy capacity (SPSC) and the secure outage probability (SOP). Furthermore, secure performance of traditional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) is also provided as further comparison with NOMA counterpart. We analyze the influence of main coefficients such as the target rates and the transmit SNR factors on the secrecy performance. Our results specify that for reasonable selection of such parameters, secrecy performance can be enhanced remarkably. Numerical results are delivered to corroborate the derived results.
Professional programming offers pathways to two degrees in five years
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2019

Serving adult learners who might be returning to higher education — or stepping onto a campus for the first time — might involve unusual pathways to completion for your institution. For Columbus State Community College, it meant partnering with Huntington Bank and Franklin University to offer the Exact Track business degree program for Huntington employees.
Direct Amination of Isohexides via Borrowing Hydrogen Methodology: Regio‐ and Stereoselective Issues
Authors: Bahé Florian , Grand Lucie , Cartier Elise , Jacolot Maïwenn , Moebs‐Sanchez Sylvie , Portinha Daniel , Fleury Etienne , Popowycz Florence
Published: December 2019

The regio and diastereoselective direct mono or diamination of bio‐based isohexides (isosorbide and isomannide) has been developed through borrowing hydrogen (BH) methodology using a cooperative catalysis between an iridium complex and a Brønsted acid. The access to chiral amino‐alcohol (NH2‐OH) and diamine (NH2‐NH2), interesting optically pure bio‐based monomers, was also proposed using BH strategy as a sustainable route for their obtention.
A MXene‐Coated Activated Carbon Cloth for Flexible Solid‐State Supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Li , Shao Danni , Guo Jianyu , Zhang Siyong , Lu Yan
Published: December 2019

Herein, a new electrode material HHK‐CC@Ti3C2TX (HHK‐CC = activated carbon cloth, TX = F, O, or OH) for a flexible solid‐state supercapacitor (SSC) is prepared by a simple method. The activated carbon cloth (HHK‐CC) is obtained by treating with potassium permanganate beforehand. The specific area, oxygen‐containing functional group, hydrophilicity, and electrical conductivity of the activated CC are increased significantly after the potassium permanganate treatment. A few layers of Ti3C2TX flakes are coated directly on the HHK‐CC. When the loading Ti3C2TX on the HHK‐CC@Ti3C2TX electrode is 3 mg cm−2, the prepared electrode achieves a high capacitance of 1033 mF cm−2 at the current density of 1 mA cm−2. After assembling as a symmetrical SSC, the flexibility and mechanical strength of the CC are still preserved and no significant capacitance decreasing is observed under the conditions of bending and deformation. The capacitance value remains at 94.2% after 1000 cycles, and a high power density of 0.779 W cm−2 is obtained at the energy density of 4.5 μWh cm−2. This work gives a new strategy for designing flexible supercapacitors.
Modelling scour and deposition in harbours due to complex tsunami‐induced currents
Authors: Son Sangyoung , Lynett Patrick , Ayca Aykut
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a set of models responsible for hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and morphological evolution are introduced with their theoretical backgrounds, and it is explained how they are fully connected through a two‐way coupling to yield an integrated sediment transport model applicable to tsunami cases. In particular, a fully nonlinear Boussinesq model with bottom shear‐induced rotational terms is chosen for the hydrodynamic model in order to provide a better physical approximation of tsunami‐related, near‐bed hydrodynamics in the nearshore. A finite‐volume scheme, stable and suitable for phase‐resolving model runs longer than 10 simulated hours, is adopted in the numerical discretization. The accuracy and applicability of the developed model are investigated through numerical tests on various sediment problems in the shallow region. Calculated results agree well with existing experimental records. Finally, an ocean‐wide, field‐scale simulation of the 2011 Tohoku‐oki tsunami is attempted, with a focus on the localized effects of tsunami‐induced morphological changes at Crescent City Harbor and Santa Cruz Harbor (USA). Consistent with the reported observations, strong and vortical velocity fields are generated through the model and result in significant changes in morphological configurations. Depth variations and areas of scouring and deposition are compared between modelled and observed records, and the results are discussed. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research on wireless robot path planning under edge computing considering multistep searching and inflection points
Authors: Bi Zhongqin , Ma Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaoxian , Zhou Ping
Published: December 2019

The wireless robot path planning is a hot research topic in the fields of automatic control and wireless communication. With the help of the edge computing model, the robot can implement location‐aware and positioning to effectively explore the direction and avoid barriers with less computation time. In this paper, an improved ant colony optimization algorithm is proposed to wireless robot path planning. First, the grid method to build a formal map for the robot environment is introduced, by which we can accurately simulate the barriers and paths environment. Second, the multistep path‐planning method is proposed to optimize the path length of robot walking and improve the quality of the solution. Third, to make the wireless robot route smoother, the inflection point parameter is integrated into the probability formula. All these related data are collected and processed at the edge node with cooperative communication. The way of edge computing makes root robustness and stability. Besides, the pheromone strength coefficient Q is reduced to increase the convergence speed of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the experiment results show that our method can obtain a better path planning for the wireless robot, compared with the traditional algorithms.
Differential transform solution for Hall and ion‐slip effects on radiative‐convective Casson flow from a stretching sheet with convective heating
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Ullah Khan Sami , Anwar Bég O. , Kadir A.
Published: December 2019

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) materials processing is becoming increasingly popular in the 21st century as it offers significant advantages over conventional systems, including improved manipulation of working fluids, reduction in wear, and enhanced sustainability. Motivated by these developments, the present work develops a mathematical model for Hall and ion‐slip effects on non‐Newtonian Casson fluid dynamics and heat transfer toward a stretching sheet with a convective heating boundary condition under a transverse magnetic field. The governing conservation equations for mass, linear momentum, and thermal (energy) are simplified with the aid of similarity variables and Ohm's law. The emerging nonlinear‐coupled ordinary differential equations are solved with an analytical technique known as the differential transform method. The impact of different emerging parameters is presented and discussed with the help of graphs and tables. Generally, aqueous electroconductive polymers are considered, for which a Prandtl number of 6.2 is employed. With increasing Hall parameter and ion‐slip parameter, the flow is accelerated, whereas it is decelerated with greater magnetic parameter and rheological (Casson) fluid parameter. Skin friction is also decreased with greater magnetic field effect, whereas it is increased with stronger Hall parameter and ion‐slip parameter values.
Widespread of non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae with high genetic diversity after two decades use of Hib vaccine in China
Authors: Dong Qiaoli , Shi Wei , Cheng Xiaoping , Chen Changhui , Meng Qinghong , Yao Kaihu , Qian Suyun
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiological characteristics of nasopharyngeal carriage Haemophilus influenzae isolates collected from children with respiratory infections in Beijing hospital and Youyang Hospital of China.

Methods

The serotypes of all isolates were determined using latex agglutinated antisera (a‐f). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 11 antibiotics were determined using E‐test strips. For the beta‐lactamase‐negative ampicillin‐resistant (BLNAR) isolates, ftsI gene was sequenced based on fragments amplified by PCR. STs of H influenzae isolates were determined by multi‐locus sequence typing.

Results

The overall carriage rate of H influenzae in the study population was 9.1% (362/3984). One hundred and ninety H influenzae isolates which were selected in our study were non‐typeable (NTHi) and 44 (23.2%) of them were positive for β‐lactamase. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and levofloxacin. Susceptibility rates to erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim in Beijing were significantly higher than Youyang (P < .05). Thirty‐six BLNAR isolates were identified. The MLST analysis showed 108 STs in 190 isolates, the most common of which were ST408 (11, 5.8%), ST914 (10, 5.3%), ST57 (9, 4.7%), and ST834 (6, 3.2%). Twelve STs were detected in both of the study sites, which covered 63 isolates.

Conclusions

All isolates in the present study were NTHi, which suggested widespread of this type in China. The BLNAR isolates were detected more frequently than before. Because high genetic diversity of NTHi isolates of H influenzae exists worldwide, it is important to continuously monitor these bacteria in the future.
Repurposing an old drug for new use: Niclosamide in psoriasis‐like skin inflammation
Authors: Thatikonda Sowjanya , Pooladanda Venkatesh , Godugu Chandraiah
Published: December 2019

Drug discovery is an onerous, extremely expensive, and time‐consuming process. Instead, drug repurposing is an attractive strategy for exploiting novel indications for a drug beyond its original use. The untapped potential of drug repurposing compensates the barriers associated with the drug discovery pipeline. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease, where hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and exaggerated immune responses are the important hallmarks of the disease. Extensive in vitro and preclinical research has demonstrated that niclosamide was found to exert potent anticancer and anti‐inflammatory properties by targeting STAT3, p65 NF‐κB, and NFATc‐1 signaling paradigm with minimal host toxicity. From the disease perspective, the static intracellular molecular network in both cancer and psoriasis share overlapping pathological features in terms of hyperproliferation and chronic inflammation, which is mediated by the aforementioned signaling cascade. The plausible mechanistic relevance has prompted us to investigate the implementation of niclosamide for repositioning in psoriasis. Our in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that niclosamide inhibits keratinocytes hyperproliferation by reactive oxygen species‐mediated apoptosis through the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle arrest at Sub G1 phase, and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, niclosamide treatment resulted in abrogation of lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory cytokine levels in murine macrophages. Additionally, our results provided a preclinical rationale in imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced BALB/c mouse model, where niclosamide diligently mitigated the IMQ‐induced epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation by downregulating STAT3, p65 NF‐κB, and NFATc‐1 transcription factors along with Akt, Ki‐67, and ICAM‐1 protein expression.
Management and outcomes of ruptured, perforated or fistulized tumors of mesenchymal origin
Authors: Asare Elliot A. , Davis Catherine H. , Chiang Yi‐Ju , Sabir Sharjeel , Rajkot Nikita F. , Phillips Paula R. , Roland Christina L. , Torres Keilla E. , Hunt Kelly K. , Feig Barry W.
Published: December 2019

Background

Patients with ruptured, perforated or fistulized (RPF) sarcomas commonly have issues such as sepsis and malnutrition and are usually unsuitable for oncologic resection in the emergency setting. We present our approach for managing a series of patients and the outcomes which were achieved with multidisciplinary care.

Methods

We reviewed records of patients referred to the section of sarcoma surgical oncology. Clinicopathologic factors, preoperative and operative interventions as well as short‐term oncologic outcomes were assessed.

Results

Sixteen patients were identified between 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2018. Median age was 42.8 years. Histologies were; Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (7), desmoid (4), spindle cell tumor (2), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (2), and nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (1). Five patients had preoperative sepsis, 8 received antimicrobials, and 50% required hospitalization with a median stay of 21 days. Total parenteral nutrition was administered to 5 (31.3%) patients. Median tumor size and estimated blood loss were 13.1 cm and 350 mL respectively. No perioperative mortality occurred. Two patients have expired at a median follow‐up of 16.1 months.

Conclusion

Preoperative optimization, including the use of percutaneous drains, and antibiotics to control sepsis, where necessary, can lead to eventual oncologic resection with acceptable morbidity and no short‐term mortality for patients with RPF sarcomas.
Development and validation of a coolant sensor for characterizing corrosion protection
Authors: Matzke P. , Strassmann J. , Andersohn G. , Oechsner M.
Published: December 2019

Ein differenziertes Thermomanagement bildet in modernen Verbrennungskraftmaschinen eine der Grundlagen zur Erzielung höherer Leistungsdichten. In diesem Zusammenhang wachsen auch die Anforderungen an den Betriebsstoff Kühlmittel. Nur eine auf die Nutzungsdauer hin gewährleistete Mindestqualität des Kühlmittels kann die Funktionsweise des Kühlsystems gewährleisten. Im Folgenden wird auf Basis grundlegender elektrochemischer und analytischer Untersuchungen das Ergebnis einer Sensorentwicklung vorgestellt, die eine rasche und aussagekräftige Bewertung der Korrosionsschutzwirkung von Kühlmitteln ermöglichen soll.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of hypereutectic aluminium‐silicon alloy annealing at liquid‐solid region
Authors: Wang J. , Yang W. , Wu C. , Tu H. , Su X.
Published: December 2019

The microstructure and mechanical properties of hypereutectic Al−Si alloys containing 16 wt.%, 21 wt.% and 30 wt.% Si (AlSi16, AlSi21 and AlSi30) have been investigated in “as‐cast” and “annealed at the liquid‐solid region”. The results show that the morphologies of primary Silicon in AlSi30 changed hardly after being annealed at 587 °C for different time. The morphology of eutectic silicon in all Al−Si alloys changed from flake‐like to granular after being annealed at 587 °C for 5 min to 15 min. With the increase of silicon content, the average size of the granular eutectic silicon decreased. The spheroidized effect for the eutectic silicon in AlSi21 was the best. After being annealed for 15 min, the tensile strength of AlSi16, AlSi21 and AlSi30 alloys decreased by 10.4 %, 11.7 % and 11.5 %, respectively. Their elongation increased 61.1 %, 50.0 % and 33.3 %, respectively. The comprehensive mechanical properties of AlSi16 and AlSi21 alloys were improved markedly after being annealed at 587 °C for 15 min.
Effect of selective laser melting on microstructure and properties of AZ91D alloy
Authors: Zhu Z. , Zhang M. , Chen C.
Published: December 2019

Selective laser melting technology is used to manufacture porous and solid AZ91D alloys. The effects of laser power and hatch spacing on the density, blowholes, microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91D alloy are studied. The laser power and hatch spacing play a significant role in the density and blowholes of AZ91D specimens. The grains size of specimens increases from 1 μm–2 μm to 8 μm–10 μm from the bottom to the top in single molten pool. Compared with grain size of die‐casting alloy (30 μm), that of selective laser melted gets refinement. There is no significant change in microstructure in the bottom, middle and top of specimens. The micro‐hardness of AZ91D alloy, reaching up to 115.3 HV 0.1, is superior to that of die‐casting alloy (56 HV 0.1). The compression properties of porous and solid specimens reach the degree of die‐casting solid magnesium alloy. AZ91D alloy shows the potential in the application of medical biodegradable materials.