bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Functionalized Ammonium Nitrate Prills with Enhanced Water Resistance Property: Characterizations and its Application as Commercial Explosives
Authors: Ali Firoj , Pingua Braj M. P. , Dey Ananta , Roy Murari Prasad , Singh Pradeep Kumar
Published: December 2020

Increasing the hydrophobicity of ammonium nitrate is of great significance for its application as commercial explosives. In this article, a surface functionalized ammonium nitrate with enhanced water‐resistance property was demonstrated using a new hydrophobic coating agent. Structural properties and thermal stability of the prepared samples were investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopic results show that a uniform hydrophobic layer is successfully coated on the surface of ammonium nitrate prills. Surface coated ammonium nitrate shows excellent stability in aqueous environment with effective detonation property compared to commonly used ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) explosives. Thus, our surface modified ammonium nitrate could serve as a potential explosive for watery hole blasting operations.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Explosive HMX/BTNEN (2 : 1) Cocrystal
Authors: Zohari Narges , Mohammadkhani Faezeh Ghiasvand , Montazeri Mahnaz , Roosta Saeed Tavangar , Hosseini Seyed Ghorban , Zaree Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2020

In the field of energetic materials, cocrystallization is a new strategy to modify the properties of existing energetic materials. N,N‐ Bis (Trinitroethyl) nitramine (BTNEN), is a known energetic material which possesses high sensitivity and detonation performance. In order to reduce its sensitivity, a novel cocrystal of BTNEN/HMX was successfully prepared and characterized. The cocrystal has a melting point of 155 °C which is lower than the melting point of HMX (275 °C) and higher than pure BTNEN (94 °C). The SEM images revealed that the cocrystal has got a plate morphology, which is different from its pure components. The shifts in the FT‐IR spectrum of the cocrystal in comparison to the pure substances prove the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) spectra revealed that the cocrystal is different from the raw materials. In addition, impact sensitivity test confirmed that the sensitivity of BTNEN/HMX was effectively decreased in comparison to BTNEN. The density of the product was measured to be 1.93 g cm−3 and based on the density value, the detonation velocity and detonation pressure were calculated to be 9.38 km s −1 and 42.95 GPa, respectively.
Evidence of conformational switch in Streptococcus pneumoniae FtsZ during polymerization
Authors: Battaje Rachana Rao , Bhondwe Prajakta , Dhaked Hemendra Pal Singh , Panda Dulal
Published: December 2020

FtsZ, the master coordinator of bacterial cell division, assembles into filaments in the presence of nucleotide. FtsZ from Streptococcus pneumoniae bears two tryptophan residues (W294 and W378) in its amino acid sequence. The tryptophan fluorescence of FtsZ increases during the assembly of FtsZ. We hypothesized that this increase in the fluorescence intensity was due to the change in the environment of one or both tryptophan residues. To examine this, we constructed two mutants (W294F and W378F) of FtsZ by individually replacing tryptophan with phenylalanine. The mutants displayed similar secondary structures, GTPase activity, and polymerization ability as the wild type FtsZ. During the polymerization, only one tryptophan (W294) showed an increase in its fluorescence intensity. Using time‐correlated single‐photon counting, the fluorescence lifetime of W294 was found to be significantly higher than W378, indicating that W294 was more buried in the structure than W378. The lifetime of W294 further increased during polymer formation, while that of W378 remained unchanged. Fluorescence quenching experiment suggested that the solvent exposure of W294 reduced during the polymerization of FtsZ. W294 is located near the T‐7 loop of the protein, a region important for the monomer‐monomer interaction during the formation of a protofilament. The results indicated that the region around W294 of S. pneumoniae FtsZ undergoes a conformational switch during polymerization as seen for FtsZ from other bacteria.
Influence of sequence length and charged residues on Swc5 binding with histone H2A‐H2B
Authors: Chu Wen‐Ting , Wang Jin
Published: December 2020

SWR is a member of chromatin remodeler family and participates the replacement of histone H2A with H2A.Z. One of the SWR subunits, Swc5, has an intrinsically disordered region and binds to H2A‐H2B dimer. Though the binding structure of Swc5 and H2A‐H2B has been resolved recently, it is still challenging to investigate the binding mechanism as well as the role of the charge interactions between Swc5 and H2A‐H2B. Here we developed a coarse‐grained structure‐based model and performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the binding processes of two Swc5 regions with different lengths (swc5‐a and swc5‐b) to H2A‐H2B. The simulation results suggest a different role of electrostatic interactions between swc5‐a/swc5‐b and H2A‐H2B on binding. The electrostatic interactions between swc5‐a/swc5‐b and H2A‐H2B can not only accelerate the initial capture step of binding, but can also trap the swc5‐a/swc5‐b at the wrong binding site on H2A. Besides, the conserved DEF/Y‐2 motif of Swc5 is important for the binding affinity and the recognition with H2A‐H2B at the initial step. Both swc5‐a and swc5‐b undergo a structural shift before reaching the final bound state. This theoretical study provides important details and the underlying physical mechanisms of the binding processes of swc5‐a/swc5‐b and H2A‐H2B.
Pest management via endophytic colonization of tobacco seedlings by the insect fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Qin Xu , Zhao Xin , Huang Shuaishuai , Deng Juan , Li Xuebing , Luo Zhibing , Zhang Yongjun
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that entomopathogenic fungi can be introduced into plants as endophytes potentially leading to insect control. Here, we sought to identify specific strains of the insect pathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana that would form endophytic associations with tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) benefitting host plant growth and/or resistance against insect pests and pathogens.

RESULTS

Tobacco seeds were inoculated with six different B. bassiana strains and entophytic colonization, plant growth, and resistance to pathogens and insect pests were evaluated over a 50 day‐period. Although all the strains could colonize seedlings, 90% seedling colonization was seen for four strains. Fungal cells could be detected in stems more readily than in leaf and root tissues. Colonization by B. bassiana boosted plant growth with an increased photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and stomatal and trichome density seen in fungal treated plants. Tobacco seedlings colonized by specific B. bassiana strains displayed significantly increased tolerance/resistance against bacterial and fungal pathogens. B. bassiana‐colonized seedlings also displayed higher resistance to aphids (Myzus persicae) as compared to untreated controls. Colonization by B. bassiana was shown to trigger both of the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate acid (JA) defense pathways, but SA pathway was upregulated much more than JA pathway for some of the tested strains.

CONCLUSION

Specific strains of B. bassiana can be introduced into host plants as endophytes, resulting in promotion of host plant growth, increased resistance to microbial pathogens, and/or increased resistance to insect pests. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioactivity of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) on Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) eggs
Authors: Daquila Bruno V , Dossi Fábio CA , Moi Dieison A , Moreira Daiani R , Caleffe Ronaldo RT , Pamphile João A , Conte Helio
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram‐positive bacterium that synthesizes specific protein toxins, which can be exploited for control of various insect pests, including Diatraea saccharalis, a lepidopteran that severely damages sugarcane crops. Although studies have described the effects of Bt in the larval phases of D. saccharalis, few have examined its effect on insect eggs. Herein, we studied the entomopathogenic potential of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar Aizawai GC‐91 (Bta) during D. saccharalis embryo development with the aim of understanding the entomopathogenic mechanism and developing new biological control techniques for target insects.

RESULTS

Bta concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 g L–1 demonstrated the strongest bioactivity, reducing D. saccharalis egg viability by 28.69%, 33.91% and 34.98%, respectively. The lethal concentrations (LCs) were estimated as: LC50 = 28.07 g L–1 (CI 95% = 1.89–2.38) and LC90 = 65.36 g L–1 (CI 95% = 4.19–5.26). Alterations in egg coloration, melanization and granule accumulation were observed at 24 h, persisting until 144 h. The embryo digestive systems were severely damaged, including narrowing of the intestinal lumen, vesiculations and degenerated cells, causing embryonic death.

CONCLUSION

The toxicity caused by Bta in D. saccharalis embryos demonstrated its potential as a biological control agent and as a sustainable alternative for integrated management of D. saccharalis infestation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Glyphosate hormesis mitigates the effect of water deficit in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: dos Santos Jania Claudia Camilo , da Silva Dayane Mércia Ribeiro , Amorim Deoclecio Jardim , Sab Mariana Peduti Vicentini , de Almeida Silva Marcelo
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The current climate change scenario may affect water availability in the soil, impacting the agricultural sector. Planting of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has increased because of its potential for cultivation under drought conditions during the off‐season in Brazil and its high potential for use in biofuel production. There are several reports about the potential of low doses of glyphosate to promote plant growth and development (hormesis). Despite the concept of glyphosate hormesis being well established, little is known about any mitigating effect on plants under water deficit conditions. The hypothesis raised is that low doses of glyphosate promote water stress tolerance during the growth and reproductive phases of C. tinctorius exposed to different water regimes.

RESULTS

In regimes with and without water deficiency, growth of plants treated with low doses of glyphosate increased, reaching a maximum stimulus amplitude of ~ 131% of control. However, plants under water deficit required lower doses to achieve maximum growth and development. They maintained photosynthetic rates at the level of well‐watered plants because they had reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration. Gains in plant height and leaf area were the same as for controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Low doses of glyphosate can act as mitigators of water deficit in C. tinctorius, allowing plants to maintain their metabolism, reaching levels close to those of plants without water stress, as observed for plant height and leaf area. Our findings indicate that there are even greater implications for understanding glyphosate hormesis in plants under drought conditions, given the current climate change scenario. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Laboratory bioassay, greenhouse experiment and 3D‐QSAR studies on berberine analogues: a search for new herbicides based on natural products
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Zhu Tingfei , Bi Xiaoyang , Yang Sifan , Huang Jiguang , Zhou Lijuan
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Berberine is a herbicidal chemical that we isolated from Coptis chinensis. In continuation of our program aimed at discovering and developing natural botanical herbicides, we evaluated the herbicidal activities of 39 berberine analogues and developed a three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) model.

RESULTS

Among these 39 analogs, the most active compounds were determined to be worenine chloride and coptisine chloride, with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values on all eight tested weed species of < 10 mg L−1. As a reference, the IC50 values of berberine on six weed species were < 10 mg L−1. Furthermore, the results of a greenhouse experiment showed that at 10 mg L−1, and 7 days after treatment, the effects of worenine chloride and coptisine chloride on Lemna minor and Ageratum conyzoides were significantly higher than those of glyphosate and sulcotrione. In the 3D‐QSAR analysis, the electrostatic field contour map indicated that introducing an electropositive group in the N‐7, C‐9 and C‐10 positions would potentially improve the inhibition rate. A positively charged nitrogen atom at the N‐7 position was important for activity. Replacement of ‐OCH3 by ‐OH at the C‐9 and C‐10 positions could decrease the inhibitory activity, while the hydrophobic field contour map revealed that the hydrophobicity of the C‐10 position was associated with high activity. Moreover, the hydrogen bond acceptor field contour map suggested that the existence of a hydrogen bond acceptor at the C‐3 and C‐9 positions might affect the inhibition rate.

CONCLUSIONS

3D‐QSAR provided meaningful clues to the structural features of berberine analogues that will assist the design of more potent herbicidal compounds in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of non‐thermal plasma technology on Diaporthe longicolla cultures and mechanisms involved
Authors: Pérez‐Pizá María C , Grijalba Pablo E , Cejas Ezequiel , Chamorro Garcés Juan C , Ferreyra Matías , Zilli Carla , Vallecorsa Pablo , Santa‐Cruz Diego , Yannarelli Gustavo , Prevosto Leandro , Balestrasse Karina
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex (D/P) is a group of soybean seed‐borne fungi. The use of chemical fungicides, either for seed treatment or during the crop cycle, is the most adopted practice for treating fungal diseases caused by this complex. Worldwide, there is a search for alternative seed treatments that are less harmful to the environment than chemicals. Non‐thermal plasma (NTP) is a novel seed treatment technology for pathogen removal. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of NTP on the in vitro performance of pure cultures of Diaporthe longicolla and elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects.

RESULTS

Active D. longicolla mycelium, growing in vitro, was exposed to different NTP treatments, employing a dielectric barrier discharge arrangement with different carrier gases (N2 or O2). Fungal growth, fresh biomass and colony appearance were negatively affected by plasma treatments (TN3 and TO3). Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities were higher in plasma‐treated colonies comparison with non‐exposed colonies (control). Fungal asexual spores (conidia) were also exposed to NTP, showing high susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

Exposure of D. longicolla colonies to NTP severely compromised fungal biology. Ozone production during treatment and lipid peroxidation of fungal cell membranes appeared to be involved in the observed effects. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of natural pathogens from wild Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Bing Xiao‐Li , Winkler Jessica , Gerlach Joseph , Loeb Gregory , Buchon Nicolas
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (spotted wing drosophila), an invasive species, has recently become a significant global pest of soft‐skinned fruits such as berries. Unlike other Drosophila species, female D. suzukii have evolved a specialized sharp, serrated ovipositor that pierces and penetrates ripe and ripening fruits, causing them to lose commercial value and preventing their sale. A first step for the development of biological control agents for pest management may be achieved through the identification of microbes infectious for D. suzukii in the wild.

RESULTS

We first determined that D. suzukii is susceptible to chemicals commonly used to rear Drosophilids in the laboratory and established a diet able to sustain healthy D. suzukii growth. Using this diet, we demonstrated that of 25 species of culturable bacteria and fungi isolated from field‐collected D. suzukii, eight microbes decreased host survival when injected. Three of the eight bacteria (Alcaligenes faecalis, Achromobacter spanius and Serratia marcescens) were acutely pathogenic to both D. suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster adults by injection. Feeding of these bacteria resulted in susceptibility only in larvae.

CONCLUSION

We successfully identified multiple microbes from field‐collected D. suzukii that are pathogenic to both larvae and adults through different routes of infection, some of which could be candidates for biocontrol of this species. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Haematological malignancies: a guide to novel therapies
Authors: Smith Alistair , Milnthorpe James
Published: December 2020

The treatment of chronic haematological malignancies is advancing rapidly, with newer targeted therapies increasingly being used in place of conventional chemotherapy. This article provides a primary care guide to the use of novel therapies for chronic haematological malignancies, with a focus on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Raising awareness of the fire risks associated with emollients
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: December 2020

Emollients are widely used by thousands of people on a daily basis to help manage chronic dry skin conditions. However, evidence has been growing in the last 10 to 15 years about the fire risk caused when emollients transfer to and dry on fabric, creating a highly flammable combination that can lead to serious injury or death. This article discusses recent campaigns raising awareness among health professionals and patients about these risks.
NICE on the management of venous thromboembolic diseases
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: December 2020

In March, NICE updated its guideline on venous thromboembolic diseases: diagnosis, management and thrombophilia testing (NG158), which aims to support the rapid and effective treatment of people who develop deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. This article summarises the new guidance.
Beyond Ones and Zeros: Conceptualizing Cyber Crises
Authors: Prevezianou Maria F.
Published: December 2020

The parallel universe of cyberspace, created by computer networks, ones, and zeros, has changed the rules of the game. It would be inevitable for crisis management research to remain unaffected by the new challenges arising. The present article delves into the underexplored concept of cyber crises, by initiating an academic problematization of crisis conceptualization. Drawing from transboundary crisis management theory, it examines two major cyberattacks, the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack and the 2016 hacking of the DNC, and explores an empirical puzzle: why are these cases not characterized as crises even though they fit already existing definitions? The article contributes to the theory of transboundary crises by shedding light on previously overlooked cyber crisis characteristics and attempting to propose a definition of cyber crises. The way we perceive crises has a direct impact on how we manage them. Broadening the research agenda and understanding the concept of a cyber crisis could pave the way for a more effective and proactive response to new threats, which is what the following pages attempt to demonstrate.
An adaptive nonparametric exponentially weighted moving average control chart with dynamic sampling intervals
Authors: Liu Liu , Peng Qing , Lai Xin , Deng Zepei
Published: December 2020

Nonparametric statistical control charts have been widely studied over the past decade. The variable sampling intervals (VSIs) methods have been found to exhibit superior performance compared to the traditional fixed sampling policy in this area. In previous VSI studies, the sampling interval function d(·) realized only two distinct values. Limiting the selection of the sampling interval to two fixed values may not be reasonable, especially when the monitoring statistic value is at the edge or near the middle of these two intervals so that the advantages of VSI methods cannot be fully reflected. Therefore, we propose a nonparametric exponentially weighed moving average control chart with a dynamic sampling interval in this article, in which the dynamic sampling interval is an extension of two fixed sampling intervals. The dynamic sampling interval can be continuous valued and is determined by an indicator of the magnitude of the unknown shift. This chart can efficiently detect various magnitudes of shifts and performs robustly for different distributions according to simulation studies. The small computational cost indicates that the method is applicable for monitoring large data streams. Data from an aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufacturing process are used to illustrate the implementation of this chart.
Anything but micro—no small change: Informality practices at a nonprofit microlender in Washington, DC
Authors: Tileva Antoaneta
Published: December 2020

This article is a case study of a nonprofit microlender in Washington, DC. It explores the ways in which this microlender serves the immigrant business community particularly well by tolerating a certain degree of informality in its lending and training policies. It focuses on the way informality in the lending and social practices of the organization is a pragmatic adaptation that begs to be recognized as a valid and potentially transformative alternative to “business as usual.” It also connects and contrasts microlending in the United States to that in the developing world.
Comparisons of zero‐augmented continuous regression models from a Bayesian perspective
Authors: Ye Tairan , Lachos Victor H. , Wang Xiaojing , Dey Dipak K.
Published: December 2020

The two‐part model and the Tweedie model are two essential methods to analyze the positive continuous and zero‐augmented responses. Compared with other continuous zero‐augmented models, the zero‐augmented gamma model (ZAG) demonstrates its performance on the mass zeros data. In this article, we compare the Bayesian model for continuous data of excess zeros by considering the ZAG and Tweedie model. We model the mean of both models in a logarithmic scale and the probability of zero within the zero‐augmented model in a logit scale. As previous researchers employed different priors in Bayesian settings for the Tweedie model, by conducting a sensitivity analysis, we select the optimal priors for Tweedie model. Furthermore, we present a simulation study to evaluate the performance of two models in the comparison and apply them to a dataset about the daily fish intake and blood mercury levels from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. According to the Watanabe‐Akaike information criterion and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation criterion, the Tweedie model provides higher predictive accuracy for the positive continuous and zero‐augmented data.
Hyperstable Perovskite Solar Cells Without Ion Migration and Metal Diffusion Based on ZnS Segregated Cubic ZnTiO3 Electron Transport Layers
Authors: Han Faming , Wu Yazhuo , He Ruiqin , Hui Yong , Yin Jun , Zheng Lansun , Wu Binghui , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: December 2020

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted great interest in recent decade, however, stability issue and large‐scale application still remain as roadblocks to their practical applications. To settle aforementioned issues, metal diffusion and ion migration should be controlled to improve long‐term operational stability. Herein, cubic zinc metatitanate (ZTO) is optimized and improved by segregating with surface sulfidation. The sulfurized electron transporting layer, label as ZTO‐ZnS, based PSCs achieved an amazing power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.3%. A large‐area module (8.0 cm2 active area) based on ZTO‐ZnS is also developed with 15.9% PCE. Furthermore, combining with inorganic CuI hole transporting layer and carbon counter electrode, metal diffusion, and ion migration effect are eliminated drastically in ZTO‐ZnS‐based PSCs. The combined PSC devices can easily keep more than 85% initial PCE after 1 000 h at 85 °C in air with a relative humidity of 85% under maximum power point and continuous AM 1.5G illumination. The persistence in stability is investigated and revealed fully by energy dispersive spectrometer analysis, attributing to the PSC structure which blocks the metal diffusion and ion migration in the devices. A big step forward industrialization and commercialization for PSCs is made.
Microstructure Transformation Behavior of Hot‐Rolled Steel Oxide Scale during the Preheating Process
Authors: Sun Bin , Cheng Lei , You Hong-Guang , Cao Guang-Ming
Published: December 2020

The microstructure transformation of oxide scale in hot‐rolled steel strips during the preheating process is studied by thermal simulation at temperatures ranging from 530 to 800 °C. The results show that the original structure of the oxide scale comprises an outer Fe3O4 layer, an inner Fe3O4/Fe eutectoid, and some precipitated Fe3O4. The Fe3O4/Fe eutectoid structure is first transformed into wüstite. After the eutectoid structure is completely transformed into wüstite, Fe3O4 precipitates are transformed into wüstite with aging. Then, white Fe is dissolved and diffused into wüstite to give a homogenous wüstite layer. The thickness of outer Fe3O4 layer decreases as the temperature increases, indicating that the outer Fe3O4 also transforms into wüstite. The heating rate and temperature are important parameters influencing the phase transformation of the oxide scale. More wüstite is formed at a slower heating rate and higher temperature; a larger number of pores are found inside the wüstite layer with increasing temperature; pores caused by transformation of the oxide scale are created by the density difference between wüstite and Fe3O4.
Analysis of RC structures with different design mistakes under explosive based demolition
Authors: Özmen Hakan , Soyluk Kurtuluş , Anil Özgür
Published: December 2020

Most of the RC buildings in Turkey have reached the end of their economic lifespan, so urban transformation studies have been accelerated in recent years. Considering the fact that these buildings do not meet the construction regulations and have structural defects in terms of earthquake resistance is concluded the necessity of renewal of this building stock. For this reason, it is needed to study the explosive based demolition technique, which have been widely used in the future in Turkey. The aim of this study is to analyze the structural behavior of buildings planed for demolition by using explosive materials and demonstrating the effect of structural faults on the demolition process. In this context, the effect of structural defects on structural behavior is investigated under explosive based demolition for a typical RC framed building model. Within the scope of the study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of design errors frequently encountered in reinforced concrete structures during the demolition of the building using explosives. The main objective of the study is to determine the effects of design errors, which may be present in the building on important results such as demolition of reinforced concrete structures that are planned to be demolished in two different types using an explosive inside or towards a selected direction, distribution of the parts scattered after demolition and the demolition time. In this way, it is aimed to prevent accidents or unwanted demolition patterns that may occur in demolition works of reinforced concrete structures with design errors. A 12‐storey square building in plan with 6x6 axles (5 m axle opening) is selected as a structural system. The selected structure has been designed with Ide Static Structural Analysis Program. The same structure is also modeled with extreme loading for structures (ELS) program for low concrete strengths, reinforcement defects, and locally located structural defects considering inside and side demolition used explosives. All building models have been subjected to the same blast planning. It is observed that reduced the concrete strength and reinforcement faults shorten the time of destruction of buildings scheduled for demolition by using explosive materials and all the structural defects effect the debris affecting area. It is generally concluded that, all the structural defects are affective on the structural behavior of buildings under explosive based demolition.
Silica‐Based Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vehicles for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Tiburcius Steffi , Krishnan Kannan , Yang Jae‐Hun , Hashemi Fatemeh , Singh Gurwinder , Radhakrishnan Deepika , Trinh Hoang Trung , Verrills Nicole M. , Karakoti Ajay , Vinu Ajayan
Published: December 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is the fifth common cause of cancer‐related mortality in men. Current methods for PCa treatment are insufficient owing to the challenges related to the non‐specificity, instability and side effects caused by the drugs and therapy agents. These drawbacks can be mitigated by the design of a suitable drug delivery system that can ensure targeted delivery and minimise side effects. Silica based nanoparticles (SBNPs) have emerged as one of the most versatile materials for drug delivery due to their tunable porosities, high surface area and tremendous capacity to load various sizes and chemistry of drugs. This review gives a brief overview of the diagnosis and current treatment strategies for PCa outlining their existing challenges. It critically analyzes the design, development and application of pure, modified and hybrid SBNPs based drug delivery systems in the treatment of PCa, their advantages and limitations.
Talking About Books: Scaffolding Deep Discussions
Authors: Pierce Kathryn Mitchell , Gilles Carol
Published: December 2020

Even though student‐led small‐group book discussions about fiction have been a curricular staple, teachers still contend with surface‐level discussions and students who have difficulty with creating meaning together. Based on their previous findings, the authors explore building a foundation for discussions (for teachers new to literature study) and scaffolding deeper discussions (for teachers working on deeper, dialogic discussions). Suggestions emphasize scaffolding students to expand their perspectives, become more metacognitive, and use transmediation to communicate the abstract. The activities/strategies taken together demonstrate that teachers have a dual responsibility in their classrooms: teaching students how to engage in deeper conversations and helping students value what can be accomplished through them. When teachers commit to this dual responsibility, students are more able to learn deeply.
Distribution and ultrastructural localization of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the rat brain
Authors: Farkas Erzsébet , Szilvásy-Szabó Anett , Ruska Yvette , Sinkó Richárd , Rasch Morten Grønbech , Egebjerg Thomas , Pyke Charles , Gereben Balázs , Knudsen Lotte Bjerre , Fekete Csaba
Published: December 2020

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) inhibits food intake and regulates glucose homeostasis. These actions are at least partly mediated by central GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R). Little information is available, however, about the subcellular localization and the distribution of the GLP-1R protein in the rat brain. To determine the localization of GLP-1R protein in the rat brain, immunocytochemistry was performed at light and electron microscopic levels. The highest density of GLP-1R-immunoreactivity was observed in the circumventricular organs and regions in the vicinity of these areas like in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). In addition, GLP-1R-immunreactive (IR) neuronal profiles were also observed in a number of telencephalic, diencephalic and brainstem areas and also in the cerebellum. Ultrastructural examination of GLP-1R-immunoreactivity in energy homeostasis related regions showed that GLP-1R immunoreactivity is associated with the membrane of perikarya and dendrites but GLP-1R can also be observed inside and on the surface of axon varicosities and axon terminals. In conclusion, in this study we provide a detailed map of the GLP-1R-IR structures in the CNS. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in addition to the perikaryonal and dendritic distribution, GLP-1R is also present in axonal profiles suggesting a presynaptic action of GLP-1. The very high concentration of GLP-1R-profiles in the circumventricular organs and in the ARC and NTS suggests that peripheral GLP-1 may influence brain functions via these brain areas.
The structural design of the decay volume for the Search for Hidden Particles (SHIP) project
Authors: Miano Andrea , Fiorillo Antimo , Salzano Antonio , Prota Andrea , Jacobsson Richard
Published: December 2020

The Search for Hidden Particles (SHiP) experiment is a new general-purpose fixed target facility proposed at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) accelerator to search for long-lived exotic particles associated with Hidden Sectors and Dark Matter. This paper reports on the structural design of SHiP’s decay volume, a > 2000 m3 conical vessel under vacuum that should host several large particle physics detector systems. In the field of structural and seismic engineering, the design study in a very multidisciplinary international collaboration has represented a stimulating research challenge. The goal of the design of the decay is to produce a structure as light and as slim as possible to stay within the geometrical envelop determined in the physics simulations. A complete study has been performed with all the steps from the conceptual design, including the interaction with other components and the plant systems, to the assembly procedures for the decay volume realization. The complexity of the case study has been driven by the need of finding the appropriate compromise between the physics performance, the structural aspects, the executive, constructive and operational issues, and the economical constraints. The assembly strategy, the welding techniques, and the expected construction time are discussed in view of the extremely complex installation phase. Building Integrated Model (BIM) methodology is also proposed as an essential tool to coordinate the entire process of designing and managing not only the decay volume but the entire project.
Slip Tendency Analysis, Fault Reactivation Potential and Induced Seismicity in the Val d'Agri Oilfield (Italy)
Authors: Vadacca Luigi , Rossi Daniele , Scotti Anna , Buttinelli Mauro
Published: December 2020

The Val d'Agri basin hosts an oil‐field, the largest in onshore Europe, and it is one of the areas of highest seismic hazard in Italy. In an unproductive marginal portion of the reservoir, wastewater is re‐injected by a high‐rate well. Since the beginning of re‐injection in June 2006, a spatio‐temporal correlation between microseismicity (ML ≤ 2.0) and wastewater injection has been observed (suggesting induced seismicity). In this study, we perform a slip‐tendency analysis on the fault system involved in the induced seismicity through a coupled fluid‐flow and geomechanical numerical model simulating the stress partitioning due to the tectonic forces and to the fluid injection. The model results show that the fluid diffusion is strongly dependent on the active stress field and the geological structure in which fluids are injected, which conditioned the occurrence of seismicity that aligned on a small portion of a NE‐dipping fault. However, another fault located closer to the injection well and where no seismicity was detected, is the better well‐oriented fault with the active stress field and, also, the one more susceptible to the pore pressure increase. These results suggest different types of fault deformation acting in the Val d'Agri oilfield as response to the fluid injection (i.e., a mixed‐mode fault slip behavior). Understanding the stress partitioning in tectonically active regions where underground activities such as fluid injection are ongoing is fundamental to give strong constraints for the discrimination between natural and induced seismicity, and finally for a more reliable and robust definition of seismic hazard.
Influence of Subduction Zone Dynamics on Interface Shear Stress and Potential Relationship With Seismogenic Behavior
Authors: Beall Adam , Fagereng Åke , Davies J. Huw , Garel Fanny , Davies D. Rhodri
Published: December 2020

Whether tectonic convergence at subduction zones is accommodated predominantly through seismic or aseismic deformation, the former potentially generating large earthquakes, varies considerably between subduction margins. This margin‐scale variability has previously been linked to overriding plate deformation, trench migration, and their influence on the plate interface stress state. While these processes are linked to mantle‐scale dynamics, it is unclear how such dynamics influence interface stress. We systematically analyze the interface stress state in a suite of 2‐D thermo‐mechanical subduction models, where slabs display a range of morphologies that arise from diverse multiscale interactions with adjacent mantle and the overriding plate. We demonstrate that the thickness of the interface layer varies dynamically, in response to Poiseuille flow induced by slab bending or unbending, leading to associated effects on interface shear stress at typical seismogenic depth. Lower shear stress occurs when slab unbending is significant, which is commonly associated with trench retreat and draping of the slab as it impinges on the higher‐viscosity lower‐mantle. Conversely, higher shear stress is associated with limited slab unbending, which is promoted by negligible trench migration and vertically subducting slabs. We conclude that the diversity of slab dynamics may cause large variations in interface stress state between and maybe within margins. This is an additional variable that potentially controls seismogenic behavior, and we compare broad stress estimates for Circum‐Pacific margins to previous studies. Although predicted shear stress varies with observed seismogenic behavior, more detailed constraints on stress state are needed to test for correlation.
Discovery of Alfvén Waves Planetward of Saturn's Rings
Authors: Southwood D. J. , Cao H. , Shebanits O. , Elsden T. , Hunt G. J. , Dougherty M. K.
Published: December 2020

Between April and September 2017 in the final stages of the Cassini Saturn Orbiter mission the spacecraft executed 22 orbits passing planetward of the innermost ring, the D‐ring. During all periapsis passes oscillations were detected in the azimuthal magnetic field components on typical time scales of a few minutes. We argue that these time‐varying magnetic signals detected on the spacecraft are also primarily time‐varying in the plasma frame. Furthermore, we show that nearly all signals exhibit a spatial feature, namely a magnetic node near the effective field line equator. We propose that the oscillations are associated with Alfvén waves excited in local field line resonances, most likely driven from global sources.
New Fault Slip Distribution for the 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor Cucapah Earthquake Based on Realistic 3D Finite Element Inversions of Coseismic Displacements Using Space Geodetic Data
Authors: Pulvirenti Fabio , Liu Zhen , Lundgren Paul , Gonzalez‐Ortega Alejandro , Aloisi Marco
Published: December 2020

In this work, we investigate the April 4, 2010, Mw 7.2 El Mayor Cucapah (EMC) earthquake. Existing studies modeled the EMC area as an elastic half‐space in a homogeneous or vertically layered structure, which, along with differences in data and inversion methodologies, led to considerable variability in the resultant fault slip models. To investigate the EMC earthquake more realistically, we first examine how published coseismic fault slip models have approached the problem and what are their findings, then we select the optimal geometry and slip of one most recent and comprehensive coseismic fault slip model, obtained through analytical inversions, and adapt them in a three‐dimensional finite element numerical environment where we assess the effects of topography and material heterogeneities. Numerically optimized slip models are obtained via joint inversion of GPS, interferometric synthetic aperture radar, and subpixel offset data sets. We find the effect of topography to be negligible while the inclusion of material heterogeneities enhances the slip at depth, as might be expected where the medium has higher rigidity, and better fits the displacements at both near and far field, especially around the Salton Sea area. The match with geodetic data is significantly improved when the fault slip is increased at the fault planes close to the epicenter and deeper at the southernmost plane, with respect to the slip of the chosen analytical model. Our findings suggest that this earthquake was associated with a higher and more spatially concentrated slip than previously thought implying a greater stress drop at depth.
Slip and Strain Accumulation Along the Sadie Creek Fault, Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Authors: Duckworth W. Cody , Amos Colin B. , Schermer Elizabeth R. , Loveless John P. , Rittenour Tammy M.
Published: December 2020

Upper‐plate faulting in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State results from relative motion of crustal blocks within the Cascadia forearc and earthquake cycle processes along the Cascadia subduction zone. We reconstruct fault slip rates since ∼14 ka on the Sadie Creek fault (SCF), north of the Olympic Mountains, using airborne lidar and field mapping of surficial deposits and landforms and optically stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon dating. The SCF is a ≥14 km‐long northwest‐striking, subvertical, dextral strike‐slip fault with a subordinate dip‐slip component. Laterally, offset debris flow channels cut into Late‐Pleistocene and younger surfaces show dextral slip of 4.0–24.5 m and dip slip of 0.7–6.5 m. Re‐evaluation of fault slip on the adjacent Lake Creek Boundary Creek fault (LCBCF) shows similar dextral (4.5–29.7 m) and dip slip (0.8–4.6 m). A deglacial age of 14 ka paired with the largest—and presumably oldest—slip measurements produce a minimum dextral slip rate of 1.3–2.3 mm/yr and dip‐slip rate of 0.05–0.5 mm/yr. Similarities in geometry, kinematics, slip rate, and earthquake timing between the SCF and LCBCF suggest these faults represent one continuous geologic structure, the North Olympic fault zone. Geodetically constrained boundary element method models considering the effects of coseismic subduction zone stresses on upper plate structures produce comparable kinematics to those measured on the SCF and LCBCF, suggesting that the North Olympic fault zone acts as the main strain‐accommodating structure in the northern Olympic Peninsula and may be modulated by stress transferred from subduction zone earthquakes.
Imaging the Crustal Interfaces Along the Ryukyu Arc‐Trough System Using Precursors to Teleseismic sP and pP
Authors: Jia Xinghua , Sun Daoyuan
Published: December 2020

The Ryukyu arc (RA)‐trough system, which is uniquely characterized by the Okinawa trough (OT) experiencing an early stage of continental disintegration, provides an ideal location to study continental rifting processes. However, the crustal structure beneath this region is not well resolved due to limited seismic surveys and station coverage. Here, by taking advantage of the well‐distributed intermediate‐depth earthquakes beneath the RA, we invert for the crustal structures beneath the RA‐trough system from the depth phases pP and sP and their precursors, underside reflected from the Moho and intracrustal interface. Along the RA, the Moho depth varies from 22 to 27 km indicating a thinner continental crust. Beneath the OT, the crustal thickness gradually decreases from 26 km to 15 km toward the south, which correlates with the trough rifting rates. At the south continental shelf, a thick crust with Moho depth of 29 km presents. In the transition region from the middle OT to the continental shelf, we observe multipathed precursors, which can be modeled with a 10 km Moho offset. The offset occurs in a gentle slope with angle of 27° dipping to the northwest, which supports a slow spreading process across the boundary between the middle OT and the continental shelf.
New Insights Into the Slip Budget at Nankai: An Iterative Approach to Estimate Coseismic Slip and Afterslip
Authors: Sherrill E. M. , Johnson K. M.
Published: December 2020

The slip budget at a subduction zone megathrust is met by a spectrum of slip behaviors including coseismic slip from great earthquakes, afterslip, episodic tremor and slip (ETS), long‐term slow slip events (SSEs), and quasisteady interseismic creep. Long‐term geodetic monitoring at the Nankai subduction zone in southwest Japan has recorded deformation observations spanning nearly a complete earthquake cycle, making this region the best study area for obtaining a full understanding of how the slip budget is partitioned along the interface and how the rheological conditions evolve through space and time. In this work, we conduct an iterative inversion of vertical surface displacement data to jointly estimate coseismic slip during the 1944/46 Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes, spatiotemporal afterslip history following those earthquakes, and postseismic mantle flow. A suite of postseismic models with variable elastic slab and plate geometry and mantle viscosity all show at least 30 years of sustained afterslip within the ETS zone and the gap between the top of the ETS zone and the fully coupled zone. This result demonstrates that stable, long‐duration afterslip is possible in the ETS zone. Summing the estimated cumulative slip from this study with estimates from previous studies of cumulative slip during the interseismic period, including episodic SSEs, we find that eastern Shikoku island has nearly met all of its slip budget for a 150‐year interseismic cycle, whereas western Shikoku island has a slip deficit of nearly half the budget (4 out of 8.25 meters) above 20 km depth on the subduction interface.
Rheology of Felsic Granulite at High Temperature and High Pressure
Authors: Wen D.‐P. , Wang Y.‐F. , Zhang J.‐F. , Li P.‐X. , Jin Z.‐M.
Published: December 2020

Rheological properties of continental lower crust (CLC) are essential for understanding many geodynamical processes in the Earth. Here we performed a series of deformation experiments on synthetic felsic granulite (65% plagioclase + 15% quartz + 9% clinopyroxene + 6% orthopyroxene + 5% amphibole) using a 5 GPa modified Griggs‐type deformation apparatus at 827–927°C and 1 GPa. All experiments have reached a steady‐state creep under conditions of constant pressure, temperature, and strain rate. Our data yield the following flow law:, whereis in s−1,σin MPa, andTin Kelvin. Microstructural observations show that plagioclase and pyroxene in deformed samples develop noticeable intracrystalline plasticity and shape preferred orientation (SPO). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements demonstrate more significant crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs) of pyroxene and plagioclase in deformed granulites compared to those in hot‐pressed ones. By contrast, quartz develops nearly random fabrics probably due to the simultaneous activation of multiple slip systems during deformation. These features indicate that dislocation creep dominates the deformation of these minerals and felsic granulite, consistent with the obtained stress exponent. Our data imply that a CLC consisting of felsic granulite is weaker rheologically compared to the quartz‐dominated upper crust and the olivine‐dominated uppermost mantle, which supports the ‘jelly sandwich’ model for the strength of continental lithosphere. Additionally, extrapolations of flow laws of our felsic granulite and formerly‐reported mafic granulite strongly favor the hypothesis of delamination‐induced decratonization of the North China Craton.