bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Li0.8M0.1Ti2(PO4)3 (M=Co, Mg) Electrode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: In Operando X‐Ray Diffraction and Ex Situ X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Investigations
Authors: Aziam Hasna , Darma Mariyam Susana Dewi , Knapp Michael , Indris Sylvio , Ehrenberg Helmut , Trouillet Vanessa , Saadoune Ismael
Published: August 2020

Pure Li0.8M0.1Ti2(PO4)3 (M: Co, Mg) phosphates with the NASICON‐type structure were synthesized using a solid‐state reaction. Depending on the cation, M, the synthesis temperature and the annealing duration were optimized. The electrochemical performances of Li0.8M0.1Ti2(PO4)3 were evaluated as negative electrode materials for Li‐ion batteries over two different voltage ranges, 1.5–3.0 V and 1.0–3.0 V. The best electrochemical results were obtained for the voltage range 1.5–3.0 V with discharge capacities of 100 mAh g−1 and 80 mAh g−1 for Li0.8Co0.1Ti2(PO4)3 and Li0.8Mg0.1Ti2(PO4)3, respectively, over 20 cycles with capacity retentions exceeding 80 %. Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of the carbon layer after the carbon‐coating procedure. In operando XRD was performed to investigate the structural changes upon the first discharge/charge cycle, showing the progressive evolution of Li‐poor and Li‐rich phase fractions. Ex situ XPS analysis was conducted to follow the oxidation state of titanium during the insertion/de‐insertion of lithium ions, demonstrating that the redox couple (Ti4+/Ti3+) is reversibly active during the electrochemical cycling.
A comparison between Box–Behnken design and artificial neural network: Modeling of removal of Phenol Red from water solutions by nanocobalt hydroxide
Authors: Asanjarani Neda , Bagtash Maryam , Zolgharnein Javad
Published: August 2020

Here, we describe the successful removal of Phenol Red from aqueous solutions by nanocobalt hydroxide. Also two approaches, artificial neural network (ANN) and Box–Behnken design (BBD), are used to investigate predictive models for simulation and optimization of the dye removal process. The effect of process variables (such as pH, sorbent dosage, and Phenol Red concentration) on the removal efficiency are investigated through performing the BBD. A training set for ANN is obtained using the same design. Statistical values show ANN model is superior to BBD model. Based on the validation data set, ANN model has higher value of coefficient of determination (R2: 0.99 ANN > 0.84 BBD), lower values of root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP: 3.17 ANN < 3.99 BBD), mean square error (MSE: 10.08 ANN < 15.95 BBD), and relative standard error of prediction (REP: 3.89 ANN < 4.89 BBD). According to obtained results, ANN has better prediction performance in comparison with BBD. In addition, the maximum removal efficiency (%Rmax = 99.9) is found at the initial concentration of dye = 68.08 (mg/L), pH = 2.0, and sorbent mass = 9.57 g/L by performing the BBD.
On‐Demand Hydrophobic Drug Release Based on Microwave‐Responsive Graphene Hydrogel Scaffolds
Authors: Leganés Bayón Jorge , Sánchez‐Migallón Ana , Díaz‐Ortiz Ángel , Castillo Carlos Alberto , Ballesteros‐Yáñez Inma , Merino Sonia , Vázquez Ester
Published: August 2020

Electromagnetically driven drug delivery systems stand out among stimulus‐responsive materials due to their ability to release cargo on demand by remote stimulation, such as light, near infrared (NIR) or microwave (MW) radiation. MW‐responsive soft materials, such as hydrogels, generally operate at 2.45 GHz frequencies, which usually involves rapid overheating of the scaffold and may affect tissue surrounding the target location. In contrast, 915 MHz MW penetrate deeper tissues and are less prone to induce rapid overheating. In order to circumvent these limitations, we present here for the first time a graphene‐based hydrogel that is responsive to MW irradiation of ν=915 MHz. This system is a candidate soft scaffold to deliver a model hydrophobic drug. The graphene present in the hydrogel acts as a heat‐sink and avoids overheating of the scaffold upon MW irradiation. In addition, the microwave trigger stimulates the in vitro delivery of the model drug, thus suggesting a remote and deep‐penetrating means to deliver a drug from a delivery reservoir. Moreover, the MW‐triggered release of drug was observed to be enhanced under acidic conditions, where the swelling state is maximum due to the swelling‐induced pH‐responsiveness of the hydrogel. The hybrid composite described here is a harmless means to deliver remotely a hydrophobic drug on demand with a MW source of 915 MHz. Potential use in biomedical applications were evaluated by cytotoxicity tests.
Laser Access to Quercetin Radicals and Their Repair by Co‐antioxidants
Authors: Kohlmann Tim , Goez Martin
Published: August 2020

We have demonstrated the feasibility and ease of producing quercetin radicals by photoionization with a pulsed 355 nm laser. A conversion efficiency into radicals of 0.4 is routinely achieved throughout the pH range investigated (pH 2–9), and the radical generation is completed within a few ns. No precursor other than the parent compound is needed, and the ionization by‐products do not interfere with the further fate of the radicals. With this generation method, we have characterized the quercetin radicals and studied the kinetics of their repairs by co‐antioxidants such as ascorbate and 4‐aminophenol. Bell‐shaped pH dependences of the observed rate constants reflect opposite trends in the availability of the reacting protonation forms of radical and co‐antioxidant and even at their maxima mask the much higher true rate constants. Kinetic isotope effects identify the repairs as proton‐coupled electron transfers. An examination of which co‐antioxidants are capable of repairing the quercetin radicals and which are not confines the bond dissociation energies of quercetin and its monoanion experimentally to 75–77 kcal mol−1 and 72–75 kcal mol−1, a much narrower interval in the case of the former than previously estimated by theoretical calculations.
A Sterically Hindered Derivative of 2,1,3‐Benzotelluradiazole: A Way to the First Structurally Characterised Monomeric Tellurium–Nitrogen Radical Anion
Authors: Petrov Pavel A. , Kadilenko Evgeny M. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Eltsov Ilia V. , Gushchin Artem L. , Nadolinny Vladimir A. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Gritsan Nina P.
Published: August 2020

Interaction of the tetradentate redox‐active 6,6′‐[1,2‐phenylenebis(azanediyl)]bis(2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol) (H4L) with TeCl4 leads to neutral diamagnetic compound TeL (1) in high yield. The molecule of 1 has a nearly planar TeN2O2 fragment, which suggests the formulation of 1 as TeIIL2−, in agreement with the results of DFT calculations and QTAIM and NBO analyses. Reduction of 1 with one equivalent of [CoCp2] leads to quantitative formation of the paramagnetic salt [CoCp2]+[1].−, which was characterised by single‐crystal XRD. The solution EPR spectrum of [CoCp2]+[1].− at room temperature features a quintet due to splitting on two equivalent 14N nuclei. Below 150 K it turns into a broad singlet line with two weak satellites due to the splitting on the 125Te nucleus. Two‐component relativistic DFT calculations perfectly reproduce the a(14N) HFI constants and A∥(125Te) value responsible for the low‐temperature satellite splitting. Calculations predict that the additional electron in 1.− is localised mainly on L, while the spin density is delocalised over the whole molecule with significant localisation on the Te atom (≥30 %). All these data suggest that 1.− can be regarded as the first example of a structurally characterised monomeric tellurium–nitrogen radical anion.
Disentangling Multiple Effects on Excited‐State Intramolecular Charge Transfer among Asymmetrical Tripartite PPI‐TPA/PCz Triads
Authors: Yang Sirui , Cao Chen , Islam Amjad , Sun Shanshan , Deng Ziqi , Li Jiayu , Ni Shaofei , Tong Qing‐Xiao , Li Ming‐De
Published: August 2020

By utilizing the bipolarity of 1,2‐diphenylphenanthroimidazole (PPI), two types of asymmetrical tripartite triads (PPI‐TPA and PPI‐PCz) were designed with triphenylamine (TPA) and 9‐phenylcarbazole (PCz). These triads are deep‐blue luminescent materials with a high fluorescence quantum yield of nearly 100 %. To trace the photophysical behaviors of these triads, their excited‐state evolution channels and interchromophoric interactions were investigated by ultrafast time‐resolved transient absorption and excited‐state theoretical calculations. The results suggest that the electronic nature, asymmetrical tripartite structure, and electron–hole distance of these triads, as well as solvent polarity, determine the lifetime of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). Interestingly, PPI‐PCz triads show anti‐Kasha ICT, and the charge‐transfer direction among the triads is adjustable. For the PPI‐TPA triad, the electron is transferred from TPA to PPI, whereas for the PPI‐PCz triad the electron is pushed from PPI to PCz. Exploration of the excited‐state ICT in these triads may pave the way to design better luminescent materials in the future.
Efficient Synthesis of Phosphonamidates through One‐Pot Sequential Reactions of Phosphonites with Iodine and Amines
Authors: Chen Xunwei , Luo Wenjun , Wang Yanlin , Li Zikang , Ma Xiaorui , Peng Ai‐Yun
Published: August 2020

A one‐pot sequential strategy to construct phosphonamidates has been developed by generating phosphonites in situ from arylmagnesium bromides and triethyl phosphite followed by treatment with iodine and amines. A variety of phosphonamidates were obtained with good to excellent yields at room temperature from easily available materials.
Understanding the High‐Performance Anode Material of CoC2O4⋅2 H2O Microrods Wrapped by Reduced Graphene Oxide for Lithium‐Ion and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Wang Canpei , Dong Yutao , Wei Ruipeng , Zhang Jianmin
Published: August 2020

Metal oxalate has become a most promising candidate as an anode material for lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries. However, capacity decrease owing to the volume expansion of the active material during cycling is a problem. Herein, a rod‐like CoC2O4⋅2 H2O/rGO hybrid is fabricated through a novel multistep solvo/hydrothermal strategy. The structural characteristics of the CoC2O4⋅2 H2O microrod wrapped using rGO sheets not only inhibit the volume variation of the hybrid electrode during cycling, but also accelerate the transfer of electrons and ions in the 3 D graphene network, thereby improving the electrochemical properties of CoC2O4⋅2 H2O. The CoC2O4⋅2 H2O/rGO electrode delivers a specific capacity of 1011.5 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 200 cycles for lithium storage, and a high capacity of 221.1 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 100 cycles for sodium storage. Moreover, the full cell CoC2O4⋅2 H2O/rGO//LiCoO2 consisting of the CoC2O4⋅2 H2O/rGO anode and LiCoO2 cathode maintains 138.1 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and has superior long‐cycle stability. In addition, in situ Raman spectroscopy and in situ and ex situ X‐ray diffraction techniques provide a unique opportunity to understand fully the reaction mechanism of CoC2O4⋅2 H2O/rGO. This work also gives a new perspective and solid research basis for the application of metal oxalate materials in high‐performance lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries.
Growth of Giant Peptide Vesicles Driven by Compartmentalized Transcription–Translation Activity
Authors: Frank Thomas , Vogele Kilian , Dupin Aurore , Simmel Friedrich C. , Pirzer Tobias
Published: August 2020

Compartmentalization and spatial organization of biochemical reactions are essential for the establishment of complex metabolic pathways inside synthetic cells. Phospholipid and fatty acid membranes are the most natural candidates for this purpose, but also polymers have shown great potential as enclosures of artificial cell mimics. Herein, we report on the formation of giant vesicles in a size range of 1 μm–100 μm using amphiphilic elastin‐like polypeptides. The peptide vesicles can accommodate cell‐free gene expression reactions, which is demonstrated by the transcription of a fluorescent RNA aptamer and the production of a fluorescent protein. Importantly, gene expression inside the vesicles leads to a strong growth of their size—up to an order of magnitude in volume in several cases—which is driven by changes in osmotic pressure, resulting in fusion events and uptake of membrane peptides from the environment.
Sol‐gel coupled ultrasound synthesis of photo‐activated magnesium oxide nanoparticles: Optimization and antibacterial studies
Authors: Thamilvanan Daneeswari , Jeevanandam Jaison , Hii Yiik S. , Chan Yen S.
Published: August 2020

The alarming transmission rate of surgical site infections (SSI) in hospitals due to ineffective sterilization has encouraged researchers to search for a safe and easily available antibacterial agent. Common sterilization methods involving UV radiation and fumigants lead to hazardous effects on the environment and humans. These drawbacks have caused researchers to shift their attention towards visible light to activate certain materials to act as antibacterial agents. Thus, the present work reports optimization and antibacterial studies of sol‐gel coupled ultrasound synthesis of photo‐activated magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analysis confirmed that smaller sized particles ranging from 13 nm‐25 nm are formed with narrower bandgap of 2.54 eV (1 eV = 1.602 × 10−19 J). The size reduction in the MgO nanoparticles narrowed their band gap, compared to previous results, which extends their absorptivity of light wavelength from UV (<400 nm) to the visible light region (400‐550 nm). The disc diffusion antibacterial analysis optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) revealed that a 0.01 mol/L MgO nanoparticle concentration of 531 μL dosages exhibited a maximum zone of inhibition (ZoI) of 54.1 mm against E. coli, which was achieved with a visible light distance of 5.7 cm. Similarly, a maximum ZoI of 61.3 mm for S. aureus was obtained with a visible light distance of 5 cm and MgO concentration and dosage of 0.01 mol/L and 401 μL. This study confirms the ability of MgO nanoparticle as an alternate and better antibacterial agent via photo‐activation for the first time. These photo‐activated MgO nanoparticles will be beneficial in the possible inhibition of bacterial growth in surgical equipment, lab coats, or even as antibacterial paints in hospitals.
Overcoming sociodemographic factors in the care of patients with testicular cancer at a safety net hospital
Authors: Chertack Nathan , Ghandour Rashed A. , Singla Nirmish , Freifeld Yuval , Hutchinson Ryan C. , Courtney Kevin , Bowman I. Alex , Arafat Waddah , Meng Xiaosong , Moore Joseph A. , Aydin Ahmet M. , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Margulis Vitaly , Lotan Yair , Woldu Solomon L. , Bagrodia Aditya
Published: August 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to determine whether standardized treatment of germ cell tumors (GCTs) could overcome sociodemographic factors limiting patient care.

Methods

The records of all patients undergoing primary treatment for GCTs at both a public safety net hospital and an academic tertiary care center in the same metropolitan area were analyzed. Both institutions were managed by the same group of physicians in the context of multidisciplinary cancer care. Patients were grouped by care center; clinicopathologic features and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Between 2006 and 2018, 106 and 95 patients underwent initial treatment for GCTs at the safety net hospital and the tertiary care center, respectively. Safety net patients were younger (29 vs 33 years; P = .005) and were more likely to be Hispanic (79% vs 11%), to be uninsured (80% vs 12%; P < .001), to present via the emergency department (76% vs 8%; P < .001), and to have metastatic (stage II/III) disease (42% vs 26%; P = .025). In a multivariable analysis, an absence of lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio [OR], 0.30; P = .008) and an embryonal carcinoma component (OR, 0.36; P = .02) were associated with decreased use of adjuvant treatment for stage I patients; hospital setting was not (OR, 0.67; P = .55). For patients with stage II/III nonseminomatous GCTs, there was no difference in the performance of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection between the safety net hospital and the tertiary care center (52% vs 64%; P = .53). No difference in recurrence rates was observed between the cohorts (5% vs 6%; P = .76).

CONCLUSIONS

Sociodemographic factors are often associated with adverse clinical outcomes in the treatment of GCTs; they may be overcome with integrated, standardized management of testicular cancer.
Clear cell adenocarcinoma presenting as acute pancreatitis: A rare form of primary pancreatic malignancy
Authors: O'Neill Robert S. , Lam Lyn L. , Solanki Parthsinh , Levingston Robyn , Thomas David
Published: August 2020

Background

Pancreatic cancer is associated with a dismal prognosis, with ductal adenocarcinoma being the most common form of primary neoplasm diagnosed. Clear cell carcinoma is usually associated with kidney, ovarian or bladder malignancy but rarely associated with pancreatic malignancy. According to the WHO classification, primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a rare “miscellaneous” carcinoma, and to date few cases have been reported in the literature.

Case

A 63‐year old female who presented to a metropolitan hospital in Australia with abdominal pain suggestive of pancreatitis. Abdominal computed tomography subsequently demonstrated a necrotic mass in the neck of the pancreas with hepatic metastasis. Subsequent histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was consistent with pancreatic clear cell adenocarcinoma. The patient was discharged to home to commence on dose reduced nab‐paclitaxel and gemcitabine.

Conclusion

This case reports a rare variant of pancreatic malignancy and contributes further evidence to the body of literature highlighting clear cell adenocarcinoma as a histological subtype of pancreatic neoplasm, albeit rare in nature.
Three‐month evaluation of a low concentration (6% hydrogen peroxide) experimental bleaching gel containing Tio2 and chitosan: An in vitro study
Authors: Kolsuz Ozcetin Halime , Surmelioglu Derya
Published: August 2020

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an experimental gel that contained 6% hydrogen peroxide, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and chitosan nanoparticles with that of the two bleaching agents that are routinely used and evaluate their effectiveness in a 3‐month period. Seventy‐two extracted premolar teeth were divided into three groups for the bleaching procedure. TiO2 and chitosan were added to increase the whitening effect of the low‐concentration experimental gel. In group 1, the experimental gel was applied and activated with a D‐Light Duo LED device. In group 2, Opalescence Boost PF was applied chemically. In group 3, Philips Zoom was applied and activated with Zoom Advanced Power. The color of the teeth was measured with a Vita Easyshade Advance 4.0 spectrophotometer before the bleaching and 24 hours, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, and 3 months after final bleaching. The CIEDE2000 color differences (∆E00) and average L*, a*, and b* values were calculated. Effective bleaching was observed in three groups as determined by the initial color at different measurement times (P < .05). Philips Zoom showed a higher value of color change than the other groups at all times. The experimental gel showed a bleaching activity like that of Opalescence Boost PF at all‐time measurements. A slight decrease in color change was observed between the first‐month measurement and third‐month measurement in all groups. A low‐concentration experimental gel containing TiO2 and chitosan provided effective whitening, and the whitened color persisted throughout the 3‐month period.
Correlation between Nanostructural and Enhanced Electrical Conductivity of Annealed 30V2O5–20Bi2O3–50P2O5 Glass
Authors: Hannora Ahmed , El‐Desoky Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Structural and DC conductivity of annealed 30V2O5–20Bi2O3–50P2O5 traditional quenching melt glass is investigated. The as quenched with amorphous nature and crystallized formed phases of annealed samples are confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) techniques. The average crystallite size of the present samples after crystallization at different temperatures and times is estimated to be about 47–74.9 nm. DSC analyses of the glasses indicate a prominent glass transition temperature at 669.9 K. Monoclinic bismuth phosphate phase is formed after annealing at 723 K for 2 h and completely disappeared at 923 K with the formation of orthorhombic vanadium phosphorus oxide and new bismuth phosphate monoclinic phase. The conductivity is discussed in conformity with Mott's theory. The crystallinity development reduces the grain boundaries which leads to the conductivity improvement.
Demonstrating the interconnection of hierarchical order disturbances in CEO succession with corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability
Authors: Sarfraz Muddassar , Shah Syed G. M. , Fareed Zeeshan , Shahzad Farrukh
Published: August 2020

This study contemplates the negative interconnection between hierarchical order disturbance in chief executive officer succession and corporate social responsibility. The study contributes while formulating corporate social responsibility ratio index, hierarchical order disturbances, and hierarchical order disturbance intensity. Significantly, corporate social responsibility index has been formulated through demonstrating 13 attributes constituting the GRI sustainable and environmental sustainable development reports. We have analyzed the data of 2,644 listed firms for the years 2014–2018. 2SLS instrumental regression and GMM techniques have been executed for confirmation of the authenticity of the results. Empirical results enunciate that incumbent chief executive officers via hierarchical order disturbance having technical education are more orientated toward corporate social responsibility activities. It has been evaluated that medium and high hierarchical order disturbance and intensity in chief executive officers succession influence the corporate social responsibility activity negatively. Specifically, firms having large number of employees prefer to adopt activity. Conclusively, the role of independent directors has been contemplated as moderators while orientating the novel successor toward corporate social responsibility activity.
Surface Modification of Hematite Photoanodes with CeOx Cocatalyst for Improved Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Kinetics
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud G. , Zhang Mengyuan , Tay Ying Fan , Chiam Sing Yang , Wong Lydia H.
Published: August 2020

Hematite is a promising photoanode for solar water splitting by photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells, but its performance is limited by the slow kinetics of water oxidation reaction or oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Surface modification of hematite photoanodes with a suitable water oxidation cocatalyst is a key strategy for improving the kinetics of water oxidation. In this study, a CeOx overlayer is deposited on the surface of the hematite photoanode by a water‐based solution method with ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) followed by heat treatment. The photocurrent of CeOx‐modified hematite is 3 times higher than that of pristine hematite (at 1.23 V vs. RHE) under AM 1.5G, 1 sun conditions. Through hole‐scavenger measurements, Tafel plot analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, it is concluded that CeOx overlayer increases the hole injection efficiency, improves the surface catalytic activity, and enhances charge transfer across the photoanode/electrolyte interface. These observations are attributed to the synergistic effects of Ce3+/Ce4+ redox species in CeOx and the oxygen vacancies. This work elucidates the role of CeOx as an efficient cocatalyst overlayer to improve the OER kinetics of photoanodes.
Recent Developments of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures for High‐Rate Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu LePing , Zhou XiaoHong , Lu Lu , Wu XiaoLi , Wang FengJun
Published: August 2020

Lithium ion batteries have been considered as a promising energy‐storage solution, the performance of which depends on the electrochemical properties of each component, including cathode, anode, electrolyte and separator. Currently, fast charging is becoming an attractive research field due to the widespread application of batteries in electric vehicles, which are designated to replace conventional diesel automobiles in the future. In these batteries, rate capability, which is closely linked to the topology and morphology of electrode materials, is one of the determining parameters of interest. It has been revealed that nanotechnology is an exceptional tool in designing and preparing cathodes and anodes with outstanding electrochemical kinetics due to the well‐known nanosizing effect. Nevertheless, the negative effects of applying nanomaterials in electrodes sometimes outweigh the benefits. To better understand the exact function of nanostructures in solid‐state electrodes, herein, a comprehensive review is provided beginning with the fundamental theory of lithium ion transport in solids, which is then followed by a detailed analysis of several major factors affecting the migration of lithium ions in solid‐state electrodes. The latest developments in characterisation techniques, based on either electrochemical or radiology methodologies, are covered as well. In addition, state‐of‐the‐art research findings are provided to illustrate the effect of nanomaterials and nanostructures in promoting the rate performance of lithium ion batteries. Finally, several challenges and shortcomings of applying nanotechnology in fabricating high‐rate lithium ion batteries are summarised.
Stabilized Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc Batteries Using Ethylene Glycol as Water Blocker
Authors: Wang Nan , Yang Yang , Qiu Xuan , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: August 2020

Addressing the cost concerns and safety of zinc metal has stimulated research on mild aqueous Zn‐metal batteries. However, their application is limited by dendrite formation and H2 evolution on the Zn anode. Here, ethylene glycol (EG) is proposed as additional water blocker to form localized high‐concentration electrolyte for aqueous Zn batteries. This unique solvation structure inhibits hydrate formation and facilitates close association of Zn2+ and SO42−, which alleviates undesired H2 evolution and enables dendrite‐free Zn plating/stripping. Accordingly, a Zn//PQ‐MCT (phenanthrenequinone macrocyclic trimer) full cell with such electrolyte exhibits a very long cycling life (more than 8000 cycles). Furthermore, this EG‐based aqueous electrolyte is non‐flammable and inexpensive and prevents evaporation of water when open to the atmosphere, endowing aqueous Zn batteries with excellent safety performance and easy operability in practical applications.
Artifact cleaning of motor imagery EEG by statistical features extraction using wavelet families
Authors: Nagabushanam Perattur , George Selvaraj Thomas , Dolly Devaraj Raveena Judie , Radha Subramanyam
Published: August 2020

Electroencephalogram (EEG) and its sub‐bands represent electrical pattern of human brain. EEG signal contains transient components, spikes, and different types of artifacts due to eye blinking, movement of the person, anxiety, and so forth, during EEG capture. Wavelet transforms are powerful mathematical tool for sampling approximation to get clean EEG. It also helps in filtering, sampling, interpolation, noise reduction, signal approximation and signal enhancement, and feature extraction. In this paper, we have analyzed artifact cleaning via PSD graphs and statistical features extracted from motor imagery EEG‐like standard deviation variance. For this, we considered 19 channels EEG signal and applied orthogonal Daubechies wavelet, bi‐orthogonal rbio wavelet and Coifman wavelets to check the better performance of different wavelets. Coifman wavelet uses both scaling function and vanishing moments for sampling approximation and hence give smooth sampling compared to rbio and Daubechies wavelet transforms. Coif is a compactly supported wavelet system which also helps in smooth sampling approximations than other wavelets in the state of arts. The detailed coefficients and approximate coefficients can be further used for extracting features from EEG and classification purposes. Artifacts cleaning is thus observed better in coif wavelet analysis compared to other wavelets from the power distributions as power spectral density (PSD) graphs, standard deviation and variance obtained. Matlab R2013b is used for filtering and sampling EEG. Python 2.7 is used for statistical features extraction.
Gründerzeitliche Mauerwerksbauten unter Erdbebeneinwirkung – Tragverhalten im Widerspruch zur aktuell angewandten Nachbemessung
Authors: Karic Amel , Kolbitsch Andreas
Published: August 2020

Die Standsicherheit historischer Mauerwerksbauten muss nicht nur bei gewöhnlichen Einwirkungen, sondern auch während Naturkatastrophen gewährleistet sein. Die seismische Bestandsbewertung der gründerzeitlichen Bausubstanz in Wien ist ein zentrales Thema in der qualitativen sowie konstruktiven Tragwerksbeurteilung. Obwohl der Mauerwerksbau seit vielen Jahrhunderten Anwendung findet, stellt die realistische Tragwerksbewertung eine hochkomplexe Herausforderung dar. Die nach aktuellen Regelwerken zur Nachbemessung herangezogenen Berechnungsmethoden vermögen nur unzureichend das reale Tragverhalten sowie die mögliche Aktivierung der globalen Versagensmechanismen wiederzugeben. Dies führt dazu, dass vereinfachte Nachweise rechnerisch oftmals nur schwer gelingen und zur Kompensation fragwürdige Verstärkungsmaßnahmen ergriffen werden, obwohl der Altbestand bereits einige Beben erlebt und überwiegend schadfrei überstanden hat. Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich mit den aktuell zur Erdbebennachbemessung verwendeten Ansätzen und verfolgt den Zweck, Problempunkte aufzuzeigen und sie einem leistungsfähigen, an Versuchsreihen gestützten Materialmodell zur räumlichen Tragwerksanalyse des historischen Altbestandes gegenüberzustellen. Es wird gezeigt, dass die herkömmlichen Berechnungsmethoden für den gemauerten Altbestand ohne Berücksichtigung der Interaktions‐ und Lastumlagerungseffekte sowie der charakteristischen Konstruktionsweise das reale Tragverhalten nur teilweise abbilden. Die Arbeit soll einen Beitrag zur technischen Fachdiskussion zur Erdbebensicherheit des Altbestandes darstellen sowie die Diskussion zur Formulierung realistischer Berechnungsmodelle beleben.
Belastungsprüfung im Kaufhaus Görlitz
Authors: Mosig Oliver , Wellner Sabine , Rudolph Jörg
Published: August 2020

Das Jugendstil‐Kaufhaus in Görlitz gilt als letztes baulich erhaltenes Zeugnis der deutschen Warenhausarchitektur des frühen 20. Jh. Im Zuge der Sanierung des Gebäudes musste die Tragfähigkeit der Geschossdecken aufgrund erhöhter Lasten und zusätzlicher Anforderungen aus heutiger Normung neu beurteilt werden. Bei den Decken handelt es sich um Steineisendecken, sog. Reformhohlsteindecken – ein typisches System dieser Bauepoche – mit Spannweiten von bis zu 9 m. Das Otto‐Mohr‐Laboratorium des Instituts für Massivbau der TU Dresden führte dazu Traglastversuche an insgesamt zehn Deckenfeldern in unterschiedlichen Gebäudebereichen des Kaufhauses durch. Mit einer Belastungsrahmenkonstruktion konnten die Geschossdecken experimentell durch Probebelastungen für eine Flächenlast von 10,2 kN/m2 nachgewiesen werden. Die max. gemessenen Durchbiegungen blieben deutlich unterhalb der Grenzwerte, außer feinen Haarrissen konnten während der Belastungsprüfung keine Schäden oder Beeinträchtigungen festgestellt werden. Für die weitere Sanierung des Kaufhauses können somit aufwändige Verstärkungsmaßnahmen entfallen.

Teile des hier vorliegenden Beitrags wurden erstmals im Tagungsband zum 10. Symposium Experimentelle Untersuchungen von Baukonstruktionen (SEUB) veröffentlicht.
Acne scars—Use of needling devices
Authors: Levy Marci D. , Gold Michael H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Acne scarring is a common concern with psychosocial implications and numerous treatments available. Patient comfort, ease of treatment, satisfaction, and access can all impact adherence.

Objective

To discuss common needling technology available including electronic microneedling pens, fractional radiofrequency (RF) delivery via microelectrodes termed pins, and fractional RF microneedling treatment platforms.

Methods

A literature review of commonly used available platforms and their associated data. Platforms discussed will be electronic microneedling pens (SkinPen, Crown Aesthetics; Collagen P.I.N. [percutaneous induction therapy], induction therapies), RF microneedling pins (eMatrix; Candela, Venus Viva; Venus Concept), and RF microneedling (Intensif, EndyMed Medical; Fractora and Morpheus8, InMode Ltd; Infini and Genius; Lutronic Inc; PiXel8‐RF, Rohrer Aesthetics; Legend Pro, Lumenis).

Results

Microneedling, RF microneedling pins, and RF microneedling are well‐tolerated and effective for improving acne scarring, skin texture abnormalities, and overall aesthetic status. These modalities have been demonstrated to be safe on darker Fitzpatrick skin types and are often associated with minimal patient discomfort and good patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Needling technology will continue to improve and is worth considering when offering treatment of acne scarring given shortened downtime, ease of access, and subjective and objective improvement demonstrated in literature.
Prognostic value of pupil area for all‐cause mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Nozaki Kohei , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Yamamoto Shohei , Kamiya Kentaro , Tanaka Shinya , Ichikawa Takafumi , Nakamura Takeshi , Yamashita Masashi , Maekawa Emi , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Yamaoka‐Tojo Minako , Ako Junya
Published: August 2020

Aims

The area of the pupil can be used as an indicator of autonomic function. However, the relation between pupil area and prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients remains unclear. This study was performed to examine whether pupil area can be used as a prognostic indicator in patients with HF.

Methods and results

This retrospective review was performed in 870 consecutive patients (mean age: 67.0 ± 14.1 years, 37.0% women) hospitalized for acute HF. Pupil area was measured with a pupilometer at least 7 days after hospitalization for HF. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was readmission due to HF. A total of 131 patients died, and 328 patients were readmitted because of HF over a median follow‐up of 1.9 (interquartile range: 1.0–3.7 years) years. After adjustment for several pre‐existing prognostic factors, including Seattle Heart Failure Score (SHFS), pupil area was shown to be independently associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.59–0.88; P = 0.001) and readmission due to HF (hazard ratio: 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.73–0.93; P = 0.003). Addition of pupil area to SHFS significantly increased the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for all‐cause mortality (0.69 vs. 0.72, respectively; P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Pupil area is an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality and readmission due to HF and adds prognostic information to SHFS in patients with HF. The results presented here suggest that pupil area may be useful as a prognostic marker in patients with HF.
Pt‐ and Pd‐Complexes with Acyclic and Heterocyclic P‐Hydroxyaryl‐Substituted N‐Phosphanylmethyl Amino Acids RP(CH2NHR')2 and (RPCH2NR'CH2)2 – Evaluation of (P^O)M Chelate Formation
Authors: Karasik Andrey A. , Heinicke Joachim W. , Balueva Anna S. , Thede Gabriele , Jones Peter G. , Sinyashin Oleg G.
Published: August 2020

P‐Hydroxyaryl‐ and N‐C6H4COOH‐substituted phosphanyl‐bis(methylamines) and 1,5‐diaza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctanes react with MII(cod)Cl2 (MII = Pt, Pd) to give the corresponding monophosphane L2MCl2 and bisphosphane LMCl2 complexes. Spontaneous mono‐(P^O)M‐chelate formation was observed only for L2PtCl2 involving 2‐C6H4OH groups and, partially, on heating the 8‐membered LPtCl2 complex. Addition of excess Et3N led to a full conversion to the (P^O)MCl(P^OH) complexes with COOH groups, whereas heating the LMCl2 complexes with excess Na2CO3 in DMF (4 h 90 °C) led to the formation of sodium salts of mono‐ and, in trace (Pt) or small (Pd) amounts, of bis(P^O)M‐chelates. The structures were established by multinuclear NMR data and for an LPdCl2 and a (P^O)PtCl(P^OH) complex by crystal structure analysis, in the latter case with the influence of a close C–H···Cl–Pt contact on the (P^OH)‐conformation.
Glucose as an Eco‐Friendly Reductant in a One‐Pot Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones
Authors: dos Santos Thiago , Grundke Caroline , Lucas Tobias , Großmann Luca , Clososki Giuliano Cesar , Opatz Till
Published: August 2020

Carbohydrates such as glucose are an abundant renewable resource that can be employed in synthetic processes as a source of carbon and/or hydrogen to yield products of high economical and biological impact. Herein, we report a versatile and environmentally friendly protocol for the one‐pot synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones, a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, based on the use of glucose as an eco‐friendly reductant in alkaline aqueous medium. This method can be viewed as a blueprint for the development of further one‐pot sequences involving glucose as a reductant.
Generation‐based automatic generation control with multisources power system using bacterial foraging algorithm
Authors: Hakimuddin Nizamuddin , Nasiruddin Ibraheem , Bhatti Terlochan Singh
Published: August 2020

This article presents an application of bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA) for design and implementation of generation‐based PID structured automatic generation control (AGC) in a 2‐area multisources power system with hydro, thermal, and gas power plants incorporated in each area. Most of AGC studies carried out so far have considered the initial system loading to be equal to 50% of the area generation capacity. But, AGC controller parameters are uncertain due to stochastic nature of power demand of the end users. Hence, in this article, the design of AGC controller is proposed on the basis of generation schedule by incorporating changes in power system gain constant, power system time constant, frequency bias constant, and so on. The dynamic responses of power system with BFA tuned AGC controller are compared with the genetic algorithm tuned AGC controller. The parameters of the controllers are evaluated by using these techniques and investigations are carried out to find the best performance of the system. Therefore, it is desirable to find the parameters of the generation‐based controller depending upon the contribution of its constituent hydro, thermal, and gas energy sources in the total power generation.
Modeling spatial data using local likelihood estimation and a Matérn to spatial autoregressive translation
Authors: Wiens Ashton , Nychka Douglas , Kleiber William
Published: August 2020

Modeling data with nonstationary covariance structure is important to represent heterogeneity in geophysical and other environmental spatial processes. In this work, we investigate a two‐stage approach to modeling nonstationary covariances that is efficient for large data sets. First, maximum likelihood estimation is used in local, moving windows to infer spatially varying covariance parameters. These surfaces of covariance parameters are then encoded into a global covariance model specifying the second‐order structure for the complete spatial domain. From this second step, the resulting global model allows for efficient simulation and prediction. This work uses a nonstationary spatial autoregressive (SAR) model, related to Gaussian Markov random field methods, as the global model which is amenable to plug in local estimates and practical for large datasets. A simulation study is used to establish the accuracy of local Matérn parameter estimation as a reliable technique for small window sizes and a modest number of replicated fields. This modeling approach is implemented on a nonstationary climate model dataset with the goal of emulating the variation in the numerical model ensemble using a Gaussian process.
Formation protection method of oil‐based drilling fluid for deep fractured tight gas reservoir
Authors: Guo Xiao , Xu Peng , Xu Mingbiao , Cai Junjun , Huang Ting , He Miao
Published: August 2020

Deep fractured tight gas reservoirs have attracted more and more attention worldwide, which also promotes the large‐scale application of oil‐based drilling fluids. Due to its poor permeability, deep tight gas reservoirs need to pay more attention to the issue of reservoir protection. However, previous studies have shown that reservoir damage of oil‐based drilling fluid is small, and limited damage studies mainly focus on one aspect of work, and there is not a systematic reservoir protection method of oil‐based drilling fluid for tight gas reservoir. Based on the particularity of fractured tight gas reservoir protection, the thesis clarifies the fracture factors that affect the reservoir protection efficiency and the preferred factors of reservoir protection materials. Considering fully the characteristics of fracture and oil‐based drilling fluid, the design basis and overall design idea of reservoir protection method of oil‐based drilling fluid are established. Considering the four conditions of fracture determination and method selection, difference of Engineering requirements, particle selection, fracture plugging, and plugging removal mechanism, the reservoir protection technology of oil‐based drilling fluid is constructed, and the simulation experiments of reservoir protection technology of oil‐based drilling fluid for fractured tight gas reservoir were carried out; the results provided a reference for reservoir protection of oil‐based drilling fluid.
Reassessing southern African silcrete geochemistry: implications for silcrete origin and sourcing of silcrete artefacts
Authors: Webb John A. , Nash David J.
Published: August 2020

A synthesis of the geochemistry of silcretes and their host sediments in the Kalahari Desert and Cape coastal zone, using isocon comparisons, shows that silcretes in the two regions are very different. Kalahari Desert silcretes outcrop along drainage‐lines and within pans, and formed by groundwater silicification of near‐surface Kalahari Group sands. Silicification was approximately isovolumetric. Few elements were lost; silicon (Si) and potassium (K) were gained as microquartz precipitated in the sediment porosity and glauconite formed in the sub‐oxic groundwater conditions. The low titanium (Ti) content reflects the composition of the host sands. Additional elements in the Kalahari Desert silcretes were supplied in river water and derived from weathering of silicates in basement rocks. Evaporation under an arid climate produced high‐pH groundwater that mobilized and precipitated Si; this process is still occurring.

In the Cape coastal zone, pedogenic silcretes cap hills and plateaus, overlying deeply weathered argillaceous bedrock. Silicification resulted from intensive weathering that destroyed the bedrock silicates, almost completely removing most elements and causing a substantial volume decrease. Some of the silica released formed a microcrystalline quartz matrix, and most Ti precipitated as anatase, so the Cape silcretes contain relatively high Ti levels. The intense weathering that formed the Cape silcretes could have occurred in the Eocene, during and after the Palaeocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum, when more acidic rainfall and high temperatures resulted in intensified silicate weathering worldwide. This could have been responsible for widespread formation of pedogenic silcretes elsewhere in Africa and around the globe.

Trace element sourcing of silcrete artefacts to particular outcrops has most potential in the Cape, where differences between separate bedrock areas are reflected in the silcrete composition. In the Kalahari Desert, gains of some elements can override compositional differences of the parent material, and sourcing should be based on elements that show the least change during silicification. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Comprehensive Aquatic Systems Model (CASM): Advancing Computational Capability for Ecosystem Simulation
Authors: Bartell Steven M. , Nair Shyam K. , Galic Nika , Brain Richard A.
Published: August 2020

The comprehensive aquatic systems model (CASM), an aquatic food web–ecosystem model, was developed originally to explore relationships between food web structure and ecosystem function, and was then subsequently adapted to assess potential ecological risks posed by chemical contaminants. The present short communication presents the history of the CASM, describes the model structure, lists the outputs of the model, and introduces user-friendly versions of CASM applications that are being made publicly available. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2298–2303. © 2020 SETAC
Simulating Honey Bee Large-Scale Colony Feeding Studies Using the BEEHAVE Model—Part II: Analysis of Overwintering Outcomes
Authors: Abi-Akar Farah , Schmolke Amelie , Roy Colleen , Galic Nika , Hinarejos Silvia
Published: August 2020

Large-scale colony feeding studies (LSCFSs) aim to assess potential pesticide exposure to and effects on honey bees at the colony level. However, these studies are sometimes affected by high losses of control colonies, indicating that other stressors may impact colonies and confound the analysis of potential pesticide impacts. We assessed the study design and environmental conditions experienced by the untreated control colonies across 7 LSCFSs conducted in North Carolina (USA). Overwintering success differed considerably among the studies, as did their initial colony conditions, amount and timing of sugar feeding, landscape composition, and weather. To assess the effects of these drivers on control colonies' overwintering success, we applied the mechanistic colony model BEEHAVE. Sugar feedings and initial status of the simulated colonies were more important for fall colony condition than were landscape and weather. Colonies that had larger colony sizes and honey stores in the fall were those that began with larger honey stores, were provided more sugar, and had supplemental feedings before the fall. This information can be used to inform the standardization of a study design, which can increase the likelihood of overwintering survival of controls and help ensure that LSCFSs are comparable. Our study demonstrates how a mechanistic model can be used to inform study designs for higher tier effects studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2286–2297. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Data from 7 large-scale colony feeding studies for honey bees demonstrated that colonies with more fall honey (and other factors) were more likely to survive the winter. Using a calibrated BEEHAVE colony model, we ran scenarios suggesting that fall colony condition was most impacted by the amount and date of feedings, as well as the initial conditions of hives.