bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Hot Workability of Ti–46Al–4Nb–0.1B Alloy by Introducing Adjustable β Phase via Elemental Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Wang Qi , Chen Guo-qing , Tang Huaping , Fu Xue-song , Zhou Wen-long
Published: August 2020

TiAl‐base alloys are a kind of promising materials for high‐temperature applications. The β phase existing in TiAl alloy can improve the hot workability, but deteriorates the creep properties. Preparing a β phase‐containing TiAl‐base alloy to enhance the hot workability before hot deformation and eliminating the β/B2 phase by postheat treatment to improve the service performance is a good strategy. Herein, a significant volume fraction of β phase is obtained in the Ti–46Al–4Nb–0.1B alloy by the elemental powder metallurgy (EPM), and the β/B2 phase is eliminated by the subsequent heat treatment. The results demonstrate that the microstructure of the EPMed Ti–46Al–4Nb–0.1B alloy predominantly consists of α2/γ lamellar colonies, equiaxial γ grains, and some randomly distributed β phase and σ‐Nb2Al phase. The β/B2 phase formed at the Nb‐enriched regions is caused by insufficient diffusion. The EPMed Ti–46Al–4Nb–0.1B alloy has a relatively low thermal deformation activation energy (Q, 410 kJ mol−1), showed a well hot workability. The existence of the β phase is advantageous to harmonize the deformation of α2/γ lamellar grains and to improve the deformability of the TiAl alloy. The subsequent heat treatment can eliminate the Nb‐enriched regions and the B2 phase to ensure good service performance.
Interface‐Induced Pseudocapacitance in Nonporous Heterogeneous Particles for High Volumetric Sodium Storage
Authors: Zhao Bo , Liu Qianqian , Chen Yujie , Liu Qian , Yu Qian , Wu Hao Bin
Published: August 2020

Developing pseudocapacitive materials for electrochemical energy storage generally relies on the formation of nanosize and/or nanoporous particles with short solid‐state diffusion distance and high surface area, which leads to low volumetric capacity and severe parasitic reactions. In this work, nonporous bulky heterogeneous particles composed of TiO2 matrix and phosphorus are reported for high volumetric pseudocapacitive Na storage. An in situ formed 3D titanium phosphate interphase serves as a fast ionic transport network, allowing rapid sodiation/desodiation processes within the particles. Such nonporous heterogeneous particles exhibit “interface‐induced pseudocapacitance” with an enhanced volumetric capacity, which is over 50% higher than that of commercial hard carbon anodes. This study demonstrates heterogeneous particles with a well‐engineered nanostructure as a new paradigm for electrode materials design.
Transparent Hole‐Transporting Frameworks: A Unique Strategy to Design High‐Performance Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Cheng Pei , Wang Hao‐Cheng , Zhu Yuan , Zheng Ran , Li Tengfei , Chen Chung‐Hao , Huang Tianyi , Zhao Yepin , Wang Rui , Meng Dong , Li Yaowen , Zhu Chenhui , Wei Kung‐Hwa , Zhan Xiaowei , Yang Yang
Published: August 2020

Thanks to the nature of molecular orbitals, the absorption spectra of organic semiconductors are not continuous like those in traditional inorganic semiconductors, which offers a unique application of organic photovoltaics (OPVs): semitransparent OPVs. Recently, the exciting progress of materials design has promoted the development of semitransparent OPVs. However, in the perspective of device engineering, almost all reported works reduce the thickness of back/reflected electrode to obtain high average visible transmittance (AVT), which is a trade‐off between power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the transmittance of the whole solar spectrum (visible and infrared), and therefore limit the further development. Herein, a unique strategy of “transparent hole‐transporting frameworks” is proposed. A hole‐transporting large‐bandgap polymer (poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA)) is employed to partially replace polymer donors in the active layer of PBDB‐T/Y1. PTAA is a p‐type polymer with a large bandgap of 2.9 eV; the partial substitution of PBDB‐T by PTAA reduces the absorption of the active layer only in the visible region, keeping the hole‐transporting pathways as well as the optimized film morphology. As a result, semitransparent OPVs with PCEs of 12% and AVTs of 20% are achieved, both on rigid and flexible substrates. To demonstrate the generality, this strategy is also used in three different active layers.
Chemische Batterien mit CO2
Authors: Schlögl Robert
Published: August 2020

Das Bestreben, aus CO2 mittels katalytischer Reduktion Wertstoffe zu gewinnen und damit einen Beitrag zur Bekämpfung der Treibhausgasemissionen zu leisten, führt zu enormen Anstrengungen in der chemischen Forschung. Die Dimensionen von Energiesystemen auf der einen Seite und der notwendige Transport und Handel mit global gewonnenen erneuerbaren Energien auf der anderen Seite werden den Einsatz von chemischen Batterien neben der lokalen Gewinnung von erneuerbarer Energie als elektrischem Strom erfordern. Die Synthese von Methanol ist eine wesentliche Option für chemische Batterien und wird daher detailliert beschrieben. Es zeigt sich, dass ein notwendiges, gesichertes, fundamentales Verständnis der Prozesse und Katalysatoren für die Hydrierung von CO2 immer noch nicht existiert.
B‐Site Co‐Alloying with Germanium Improves the Efficiency and Stability of All‐Inorganic Tin‐Based Perovskite Nanocrystal Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Maning , Pasanen Hannu , Ali‐Löytty Harri , Hiltunen Arto , Lahtonen Kimmo , Qudsia Syeda , Smått Jan‐Henrik , Valden Mika , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Vivo Paola
Published: August 2020

Colloidal lead‐free perovskite nanocrystals have recently received extensive attention because of their facile synthesis, the outstanding size‐tunable optoelectronic properties, and less or no toxicity in their commercial applications. Tin (Sn) has so far led to the most efficient lead‐free solar cells, yet showing highly unstable characteristics in ambient conditions. Here, we propose the synthesis of all‐inorganic mixture Sn‐Ge perovskite nanocrystals, demonstrating the role of Ge2+ in stabilizing Sn2+ cation while enhancing the optical and photophysical properties. The partial replacement of Sn atoms by Ge atoms in the nanostructures effectively fills the high density of Sn vacancies, reducing the surface traps and leading to a longer excitonic lifetime and increased photoluminescence quantum yield. The resultant Sn‐Ge nanocrystals‐based devices show the highest efficiency of 4.9 %, enhanced by nearly 60 % compared to that of pure Sn nanocrystals‐based devices.
Miscibility‐Controlled Phase Separation in Double‐Cable Conjugated Polymers for Single‐Component Organic Solar Cells with Efficiencies over 8 %
Authors: Jiang Xudong , Yang Jinjin , Karuthedath Safakath , Li Junyu , Lai Wenbin , Li Cheng , Xiao Chengyi , Ye Long , Ma Zaifei , Tang Zheng , Laquai Frédéric , Li Weiwei
Published: August 2020

A record power conversion efficiency of 8.40 % was obtained in single‐component organic solar cells (SCOSCs) based on double‐cable conjugated polymers. This is realized based on exciton separation playing the same role as charge transport in SCOSCs. Two double‐cable conjugated polymers were designed with almost identical conjugated backbones and electron‐withdrawing side units, but extra Cl atoms had different positions on the conjugated backbones. When Cl atoms were positioned at the main chains, the polymer formed the twist backbones, enabling better miscibility with the naphthalene diimide side units. This improves the interface contact between conjugated backbones and side units, resulting in efficient conversion of excitons into free charges. These findings reveal the importance of charge generation process in SCOSCs and suggest a strategy to improve this process: controlling miscibility between conjugated backbones and aromatic side units in double‐cable conjugated polymers.
Local Structure of Glassy Lithium Phosphorus Oxynitride Thin Films: A Combined Experimental and Ab Initio Approach
Authors: Marple Maxwell A. T. , Wynn Thomas A. , Cheng Diyi , Shimizu Ryosuke , Mason Harris E. , Meng Y. Shirley
Published: August 2020

Lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is an amorphous solid‐state lithium ion conductor displaying exemplary cyclability against lithium metal anodes. There is no definitive explanation for this stability due to the limited understanding of the structure of LiPON. Herein, we provide a structural model of RF‐sputtered LiPON. Information about the short‐range structure results from 1D and 2D solid‐state NMR experiments. These results are compared with first principles chemical shielding calculations of Li‐P‐O/N crystals and ab initio molecular dynamics‐generated amorphous LiPON models to unequivocally identify the glassy structure as primarily isolated phosphate monomers with N incorporated in both apical and as bridging sites in phosphate dimers. Structural results suggest LiPON′s stability is a result of its glassy character. Free‐standing LiPON films are produced that exhibit a high degree of flexibility, highlighting the unique mechanical properties of glassy materials.
Quantification of High‐Temperature Transition Al2O3and Their Phase Transformations**
Authors: Kovarik Libor , Bowden Mark , Andersen Amity , Jaegers Nicholas R. , Washton Nancy , Szanyi János
Published: August 2020

High‐temperature treatment of γ‐Al2O3can lead to a series of polymorphic transformations, including the formation of δ‐Al2O3and θ‐Al2O3. Quantification of the microstructure in the range where δ‐ and θ‐Al2O3are formed represents a formidable challenge, as both phases accommodate a high degree of structural disorder. In this work, we explore the use of an XRD recursive‐stacking formalism for the quantification of high‐temperature transition aluminas. We formulate the recursive‐stacking methodology for modelling of disorder in δ‐Al2O3and twinning in θ‐Al2O3and show that explicitly accounting for the disorder is necessary to reliably model the XRD patterns of high‐temperature transition alumina. We also use the recursive stacking approach to study phase transformation during high‐temperature (1050 °C) treatment. We show that the two different intergrowth modes of δ‐Al2O3have different transformation characteristics and that a significant portion of δ‐Al2O3is stabilized with θ‐Al2O3even after prolonged high‐temperature exposures.
Preparation and characterization of thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐isopropylmethacrylamide) hydrogel materials for smart windows
Authors: Jang Ji‐Won , Park Jae‐Hyong , Kim Il‐Jin , Sim Jae‐Hak , Yu Seung‐gun , Lee Dong‐Jin , Lee Young‐Hee , Park Sang‐Hui , Kim Han‐Do
Published: August 2020

In this study, a series of thermoresponsive cross‐linked copolymer poly [N‐isopropylacrylamide(NIPAm)‐co‐N‐isopropylmethacrylamide(NIPMAm)] (P‐M series samples: P‐M‐0, 10, 20, 30, 40, where numbers are co‐monomer contents) hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerization using the main monomer N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm), co‐monomer N‐isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMAm), cross‐linking agent N, N‐methylenebisacrylamide, initiator (ammonium persulfate)/catalyst, and solvent water. In addition, a series of samples [P‐G series samples: P‐G‐0, 10, 20, 30, 40, where numbers are co‐solvent glycerol content) were prepared using P‐M‐40 as components and water/co‐solvent glycerol as a mixed solvent. The effects of co‐monomer NIPMAm and co‐solvent glycerol contents on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST)/freezing temperature and light transmittance as function of temperature of the prepared copolymer gels were investigated. The resulting thermoresponsive polymer gels had LCSTs in the range of 17.9 to 38.7°C and freezing points in the range of 6.3 to −38.5°C. These gels are suitable materials for smart windows that are responsive to various environmental conditions.
Neurophysiological indicators of internal attention: An electroencephalography–eye‐tracking coregistration study
Authors: Ceh Simon Majed , Annerer‐Walcher Sonja , Körner Christof , Rominger Christian , Kober Silvia Erika , Fink Andreas , Benedek Mathias
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Many goal‐directed and spontaneous everyday activities (e.g., planning, mind wandering) rely on an internal focus of attention. Internally directed cognition (IDC) was shown to differ from externally directed cognition in a range of neurophysiological indicators such as electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha activity and eye behavior.

Methods

In this EEG–eye‐tracking coregistration study, we investigated effects of attention direction on EEG alpha activity and various relevant eye parameters. We used an established paradigm to manipulate internal attention demands in the visual domain within tasks by means of conditional stimulus masking.

Results

Consistent with previous research, IDC involved relatively higher EEG alpha activity (lower alpha desynchronization) at posterior cortical sites. Moreover, IDC was characterized by greater pupil diameter (PD), fewer microsaccades, fixations, and saccades. These findings show that internal versus external cognition is associated with robust differences in several indicators at the neural and perceptual level. In a second line of analysis, we explored the intrinsic temporal covariation between EEG alpha activity and eye parameters during rest. This analysis revealed a positive correlation of EEG alpha power with PD especially in bilateral parieto‐occipital regions.

Conclusion

Together, these findings suggest that EEG alpha activity and PD represent time‐sensitive indicators of internal attention demands, which may be involved in a neurophysiological gating mechanism serving to shield internal cognition from irrelevant sensory information.
Banks' environmental policy and business outcomes: The role of competition
Authors: Khattak Mudeer Ahmed , Saiti Buerhan
Published: August 2020

By integrating the two areas of competition–performance and environment–performance, this research explores if competition matters in the relationship between environmental practices and interest margins in the market. A panel of 458 banks from 74 countries for the period of 2006–2016 is used, and the sample is further divided into developed and developing countries. This paper uses the system Generalized Method of Moments estimator to tackle potential omitted variable bias, endogeneity, and simultaneity issues. Without competition, environmental practices only affect banks in developing countries; however, the results show a significant impact for the full sample, including developed countries, when the competition is taken into consideration, suggesting that competition might play a role in the relationship of environmental practices and interest margins. In the full sample, competition impacts the relationship negatively after a moderate level of competition is reached in the market. The environmental practices in developing countries are prone to competition in the market. In developed countries, the competition is found to be lightly positively moderating the impact of environmental practices on interest margins. Based on these findings, it is recommended that developing countries should have a low or moderate level of competition to encourage environmental practices. For developed countries, however, high competition should be preferred to encourage banks to consider environmental practices as one of their core business strategies. These findings are found robust to different statistical estimators.
Fungal Epithiodiketopiperazines Carrying α,β‐Polysulfide Bridges from Penicillium steckii YE, and Their Chemical Interconversion
Authors: Jiang Guangde , Zhang Peilan , Ratnayake Ranjala , Yang Guang , Zhang Yi , Zuo Ran , Powell Magan , Huguet‐Tapia José C. , Abboud Khalil A. , Dang Long H. , Teplitski Max , Paul Valerie , Xiao Rui , Ahammad K. H. , Zaman Uz , Hu Zhenquan , Cao Shugeng , Luesch Hendrik , Ding Yousong
Published: August 2020

Some fungal epithiodiketopiperazine alkaloids display α,β‐polysulfide bridges alongside diverse structural variations. However, the logic of their chemical diversity has rarely been explored. Here, we report the identification of three new (2, 3, 8) and five known (1, 4–7) epithiodiketopiperazines of this subtype from a marine‐derived Penicillium sp. The structure elucidation was supported by multiple spectroscopic analyses. Importantly, we observed multiple nonenzymatic interconversions of these analogues in aqueous solutions and organic solvents. Furthermore, the same biosynthetic origin of these compounds was supported by one mined gene cluster. The dominant analogue (1) demonstrated selective cytotoxicity to androgen‐sensitive prostate cancer cells and HIF‐depleted colorectal cells and mild antiaging activities, linking the bioactivity to oxidative stress. These results provide crucial insight into the formation of fungal epithiodiketopiperazines through chemical interconversions.
Solid Electrolyte Interphase Evolution on Lithium Metal Electrodes Followed by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Under Realistic Battery Cycling Current Densities
Authors: Krueger Bastian , Balboa Luis , Dohmann Jan Frederik , Winter Martin , Bieker Peter , Wittstock Gunther
Published: August 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture are the groups of Gunther Wittstock at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Germany) and Martin Winter at Helmholtz‐Institute Münster (Germany). The cover picture shows an artistic vision by Andre Bar of the submerged probe surveying a very reactive solid|liquid interface, such as Li metal electrodes, while reactions are going on. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202000441.
A Chatt‐Type Catalyst with One Coordination Site for Dinitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Engesser Tobias A. , Kindjajev Andrei , Junge Jannik , Krahmer Jan , Tuczek Felix
Published: August 2020

With [Mo(N2)(P2MePP2Ph)] the first Chatt‐type complex with one coordination site catalytically converting N2 to ammonia is presented. Employing SmI2 as reductant and H2O as proton source 26 equivalents of ammonia are generated. Analogous Mo0‐N2 complexes supported by a combination of bi‐ and tridentate phosphine ligands are catalytically inactive under the same conditions. These findings are interpreted by analyzing structural and spectroscopic features of the employed systems, leading to the conclusion that the catalytic activity of the title complex is due to the strong activation of N2 and the unique topology of the pentadentate tetrapodal (pentaPod) ligand P2MePP2Ph. The analogous hydrazido(2‐) complex [Mo(NNH2)(P2MePP2Ph)](BArF)2 is generated by protonation with HBArF in ether and characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy. Importantly, it is shown to be catalytically active as well. Along with the fact that the structure of the title complex precludes dimerization this demonstrates that the corresponding catalytic cycle follows a mononuclear pathway. The implications of a PCET mechanism on this reactive scheme are considered.
1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Nitrile Oxides under “Non‐Conventional” Conditions: Green Solvents, Irradiation, and Continuous Flow
Authors: Plumet Joaquín
Published: August 2020

The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions (DCs) of nitrile oxides (NOs) to alkenes and alkynes are useful methods for the synthesis of 2‐isoxazolines and isoxazoles respectively, which are important classes of heterocyclic compounds in organic and medicinal chemistry. Most of these reactions are carried out in organic solvents and under thermal activation. Nevertheless the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and ionic liquids (Ils) as alternative solvents and the application of microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) as alternative activation procedures have evident advantages from the “Green Chemistry” point of view. The critical discussion on the applications of these “unconventional” activation methods and reaction conditions in the 1,3‐DCs of NOs is the objective of the present Review.
Fine needle aspiration of an intranodal follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: A case report with molecular analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Andersen Michael J. , Kerr Darcy A. , Lisovsky Mikhail , Vaickus Louis J. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: August 2020

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare malignant neoplasm of follicular dendritic cell origin which can present a diagnostic challenge. Due to the rarity of this neoplasm, its molecular pathogenesis has not been fully elaborated. A previous series of 13 cases reported that 38% contained mutations of genes encoding proteins involved in negative regulation of NF‐κB. NF‐κB is a family of transcription factors regulated through multiple cellular processes known as the canonical and noncanonical pathways. Here we present the case of a 62‐year‐old man who presented with abdominal pain and systemic symptoms and was found to have a mass in the porta hepatis. Fine needle aspiration cytology demonstrated a spindle cell neoplasm with vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli with admixed lymphocytes. Surgical resection showed an intranodal, 7.3 × 5.5 × 3.5 cm, solid mass composed of plump, spindle to histiocytoid cells with ovoid nuclei and small, prominent nucleoli arranged in a whorled and fascicular pattern. The lesional cells stained positively for CD21, CD23, and CD35 by immunohistochemistry, consistent with a diagnosis of FDCS. Next‐generation sequencing revealed pathologic mutations in three genes involved in NF‐κB regulation pathways: NFKBIA, TNFAIP3, and TRAF3. A pathologic TP53 mutation was also identified. This case report supports prior associations of the NF‐κB pathway dysregulation and FDCS. Additionally, it is the first reported FDCS case with TRAF3 mutation as well as the first reported case to suggest disruption in both the canonical and noncanonical NF‐κB pathways in the same lesion.
Effect of wind farms on wintering ducks at an important wintering ground in China along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Xu Huan , Song Ningning , Wang Zhenghuan , Li Ben , Wang Tianhou
Published: August 2020

Wind farms offer a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels and can mitigate their negative effects on climate change. However, wind farms may have negative impacts on birds. The East China Coast forms a key part of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, and it is a crucial region for wind energy development in China. However, despite ducks being the dominant animal taxon along the East China Coast in winter and considered as particularly vulnerable to the effects of wind farms, the potential negative impacts of wind farms on duck populations remain unclear. We therefore assessed the effects of wind farms on duck abundance, distribution, and habitat use at Chongming Dongtan, which is a major wintering site for ducks along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, using field surveys and satellite tracking. We conducted seven paired field surveys of ducks inside wind farm (IWF) and outside wind farm (OWF) sites in artificial brackish marsh, paddy fields, and aquaculture ponds. Duck abundance was significantly higher in OWF compared with IWF sites and significantly higher in artificial brackish marsh than in aquaculture ponds and paddy fields. Based on 1,918 high‐resolution satellite tracking records, the main habitat types of ducks during the day and at night were artificial brackish marsh and paddy fields, respectively. Furthermore, grid‐based analysis showed overlaps between ducks and wind farms, with greater overlap at night than during the day. According to resource selection functions, habitat use by wintering ducks was impacted by distance to water, land cover, human activity, and wind farm effects, and the variables predicted to have significant impacts on duck habitat use differed between day and night. Our study suggests that wintering ducks tend to avoid wind turbines at Chongming Dongtan, and landscape of paddy fields and artificial wetlands adjoining natural wetlands is crucial for wintering ducks.
Fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity shapes fluvial fish communities as revealed by eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: Berger Chloé Suzanne , Hernandez Cecilia , Laporte Martin , Côté Guillaume , Paradis Yves , Kameni T. Dominique W. , Normandeau Eric , Bernatchez Louis
Published: August 2020

Conservation of freshwater biodiversity requires being able to track the presence and abundance of entire fish communities. However, studying fish community composition within rivers remains a technical challenge because of high spatial and temporal physico‐chemical variability, anthropic activities and connections with other river catchments, which may all contribute to important variations in local ecology and communities. Here, we used environmental DNA metabarcoding to document spatial variation in fish communities at a small geographic scale in a large river system. The study was conducted in the Contrecoeur sector (5.5 km long and approximately 1–1.5 km wide) of the St. Lawrence River (Québec, Canada), where two water masses with different physico‐chemical properties, known as "brown waters" and "green waters," flow in parallel with limited admixing. Water samples were collected during two consecutive days at 53 stations located in both water masses. Using universal PCR MiFish 12S primers, Illumina MiSeq sequencing, and the Barque (www.github.com/enormandeau/barque) eDNA analysis software developed by our group, a total of 67 fish species were detected. PERMANOVA and redundancy analyses (RDA) performed on relative read abundance revealed that each water mass comprised distinct communities that depended on turbidity, depth, and to a lesser extent on the upstream versus downstream position along the study area. eDNA metabarcoding results were compared with those of traditional surveys conducted previously in the sector and up to 40 km upstream of it. As previously reported, higher species diversity was detected by eDNA and with substantially lower sampling effort. Our results represent one of the few studies documenting the potential of eDNA metabarcoding to investigate small‐scale variation in 2D spatial patterns of distribution of whole fish communities associated with habitat characteristics within a lotic system.
Sustainability assessment of wind turbines using fuzzy logic
Authors: Al‐Shalash Ola , Barakat Nael
Published: August 2020

Renewable energy systems provide opportunities for developing methods to evaluate their sustainability claims, inclusive of their life cycles, and to rank them based on their broader impact. In this paper, a fuzzy‐logic‐based method is proposed to evaluate and rank wind turbines as sustainable systems handling wind energy, in terms of renewability and environmental friendliness. Implementation of the proposed method is demonstrated in two steps: First, major factors defining life cycle and sustainability characteristics of wind turbines are identified. These factors are: Capital Cost, Greenhouse Gas Emission, and wind turbine Energy Efficiency. Nevertheless, the method allows expansion to include other factors, which may later be deemed as critical to the evaluation process. Second, a fuzzy‐logic‐based model is built and tested using hypothetical data to prove the concept. As a result, the relatively best sustainability is decided on a single dimension scale. The proposed method produced reliable results in terms of ordinally ranking the sustainability of wind turbines, but with interdependencies based on the entire group of wind turbine cases being examined. The proposed method formulates a satisfactory stepping stone on the way to establish a unified method and process to rank wind turbines based on sustainability.
Breaking the cycle of intergenerational abuse: A qualitative interview study of men participating in a perinatal program to reduce violence
Authors: Domoney Jill , Trevillion Kylee
Published: August 2020

Domestic violence and abuse in the perinatal period leads to long‐term adverse outcomes for infants, including a greater risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence in adulthood. Examining men's beliefs about fatherhood and violence, and their motivations for engaging in programs to reduce violence, is essential to understand how interventions can impact on behavior and break intergenerational cycles of abuse. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of becoming a father in a sample of men who are taking part in a whole‐family perinatal program to reduce violence—For Baby's Sake. Ten men who had engaged with For Baby's Sake were interviewed about their experiences and beliefs around fatherhood. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: making sense of violent behavior, conceptions of fatherhood, an emotional transition, and breaking the cycle. The data provide a unique insight into men's beliefs and behaviors at this transition point in their lives. This can aid the development of interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse, indicating ways to harness the motivation for a new start and support men to overcome unhelpful behavior patterns.
Seeking Patterns in Swirl and Drift: Retention, Persistence, and Transfer
Authors: Clasemann Cory , Boon Rachel Dykstra
Published: August 2020

Although not a new phenomenon, student swirl and drift continues to grow, and student enrollment patterns are becoming progressively more complex. Many students attend multiple institutions throughout their academic careers, either separately or concurrently, often starting while they are still enrolled in high school. The role of institutional research in helping to define and measure student success, particularly as it relates to retention and persistence, also grows in importance for institutional, state, and national purposes. This chapter will examine strategies for institutional research professionals to address this murky area. Perspectives of both 2‐year and 4‐year institutions will be explored.
The possible effect of silver nanoparticles on glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity and formation of amyloid‐like aggregates in MCF‐7 cell line
Authors: Davoudi Maryam , Moradi‐Sardareh Hemen , Emamgholipour Solaleh , Nabatchian Fariba , Paknejad Maliheh
Published: August 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in medicine, however, the underlying mechanisms of their action on cellular signaling have not been completely determined, and fundamental studies are required to clarify them. We aimed to investigate AgNPs effects on glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as both the internal control gene and the redox‐sensitive enzyme involved in apoptosis‐related pathways and the formation of amyloid aggregates. To achieve this purpose, MCF‐7 cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 3, 22, and 200 μg/ml) of AgNPs and then cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of apoptosis, expression of GAPDH gene, the formation of amyloid aggregates, and GAPDH activity were assessed. The results indicated that treatment with AgNPs significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. The ROS levels increased at lower concentrations of AgNPs (up to 22 μg/ml) and during short‐term exposure (30 min). The level of GAPDH gene expression was significantly upregulated by 1.22, 1.47, and 1.56 fold, in the concentrations of 3, 22, and 200 μg/ml, respectively. The amount of amyloid aggregates was significantly increased in a dose‐dependent manner. The results of enzyme activity showed that AgNPs were affected on the activity of GAPDH protein, however, it has fluctuated that could not be interpreted by our limited data. In conclusion, our results suggested that AgNPs could affect the GAPDH gene expression and enzyme activity, therefore the selection of GAPDH as a gene and protein internal control in the (AgNPs)‐related studies requires careful consideration. Additionally, AgNPs may cause apoptosis due to the increase in the production of amyloid aggregates.
Dig deeper when it does not make sense: Juvenile xanthomas due to sitosterolemia
Authors: Kiss Sharmila , Lee Joy Yaplito , Pitt James , MacGregor Duncan , Wallace Jane , Marty Melanie , Brown Natasha J.
Published: August 2020

Sitosterolemia is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in either ABCG5 or ABCG8, which encode for a sterol efflux transporter (sterolin) that pumps sterols out into the intestinal lumen or into bile. This leads to progressive accumulation of plant sterols in blood and tissues. Clinical presentation is variable and may include xanthoma, arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, premature atherosclerotic disease, splenomegaly, and hematologic manifestations. We report a child presented with multiple xanthomas at age 5.5 years, located on the elbow, knee, and toe. Juvenile xanthogranuloma was considered based on histopathologic findings. At 8 years of age, a lipid profile showed markedly elevated total cholesterol (9.4 mmol/L) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C, 7.4 mmol/L). Simvastatin therapy was initiated, however, the lipid profile was persistently abnormal. At age 8.5 years, genetic testing identified two novel variants: (NM_022437.3[ABCG8]:c.1444del;p.Leu482Trpfs*40) and (NM_022437.3[ABCG8]:c.1640T>C;p.Leu547Pro) in the ABCG8 gene. Plasma sitosterol was subsequently found to be very high, confirming the diagnosis. She was started on a low plant sterol and cholesterol diet for 6 weeks with insignificant response and therefore ezetimibe (10 mg daily) was added. This resulted in significant reduction of cholesterol, LDL, sitosterol levels, and no further increase in the size of the xanthomas. This case emphasizes the diagnostic odyssey, the benefits of genomic testing and importance of a correct diagnosis in order to initiate appropriate therapy. It also illustrates the importance of considering rare conditions, such as sitosterolemia, as a differential diagnosis in patients with hypercholesterolemia and increased LDL‐C.
Geographical reconstruction of the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak in Lombardy (Italy) during the early phase
Authors: Micheli Valeria , Rimoldi Sara G. , Romeri Francesca , Comandatore Francesco , Mancon Alessandro , Gigantiello Anna , Perini Matteo , Mileto Davide , Pagani Cristina , Lombardi Alessandra , Gismondo Maria R.
Published: August 2020

The first identification of autochthonous transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Italy was documented by the Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies of L. Sacco Hospital (Milano, Italy) on 20th February 2020 in a 38 years old male patient, who was found positive for pneumonia at the Codogno Hospital. Thereafter Lombardy has reported the highest prevalence of COVID‐19 cases in the country, especially in Milano, Brescia and Bergamo provinces. The aim of this study was to assess the potential presence of different viral clusters belonging to the six main provinces involved in Lombardy COVID‐19 cases in order to highlight peculiar province‐dependent viral characteristics. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted on 20 full length genomes obtained from patients addressing to several Lombard hospitals from February 20th to April 4th, 2020, aligned with 41 Italian viral genome assemblies available on GISAID database as of 30th March, 2020: two main monophyletic clades, containing 8 and 53 isolates, respectively, were identified. Noteworthy, Bergamo isolates mapped inside the small clade harbouring M gene D3G mutation. The molecular clock analysis estimated a cluster divergence approximately one month before the first patient identification, supporting the hypothesis that different SARS‐CoV‐2 strains had spread worldwide at different times, but their presence became evident only in late February along with Italian epidemic emergence. Therefore, this epidemiological reconstruction suggests that virus initial circulation in Lombardy was ascribable to multiple introduction. The phylogenetic reconstruction robustness, however, will be improved when more genomic sequences are available, in order to guarantee a complete epidemiological surveillance.
Liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma within and beyond the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guideline recommendations: Results from a high‐volume liver surgery center in East Asia
Authors: Liu Yueh‐Wei , Yong Chee‐Chien , Lin Chih‐Che , Wang Chih‐Chi , Chen Chao‐Long , Cheng Yu‐Fan , Wang Jing‐Houng , Yen Yi‐Hao , Chen Chien‐Hung
Published: August 2020

Background

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines were updated in 2012, and a single large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) more than 5 cm was regarded as BCLC stage A rather than B in the updated version. In this study, we sought to re‐evaluate the outcomes of patients with HCC who underwent liver resection (LR) within (stage 0 and A) and beyond (stage B and C) the BCLC guideline recommendations of the updated BCLC staging system.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 774 consecutive patients with naïve HCC who underwent LR from 2011 to 2018 at our institution. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of these patients were examined.

Results

Of the patients, 606 had BCLC stage 0 or A HCC, and 168 had BCLC stage B or C HCC. The 5‐year OS and RFS among the patients within the BCLC criteria for LR were 75.2% and 56.1%, respectively, vs 54.9% and 34.0%, respectively, among the patients beyond the BCLC criteria (P < .001). Alpha‐fetoprotein more than 400 ng/mL (hazard ratio = 2.06, 95% confidence interval, 1.31‐3.26, P = .002) was the only independent variable associated with recurrence among the patients beyond the BCLC criteria.

Conclusions

LR provided acceptable outcomes among selected patients with BCLC stage B and C HCC.
A Life‐Course Model of Trauma Exposure and Mental Health Among Low‐Income Survivors of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Lowe Sarah R. , Raker Ethan J. , Arcaya Mariana C. , Zacher Meghan L. , Waters Mary C. , Rhodes Jean E.
Published: August 2020

Prior research has provided robust evidence that exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during a disaster is predictive of adverse postdisaster mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and nonspecific psychological distress (PD). However, few studies have explored the role of exposure to other PTEs over the life‐course in shaping postdisaster mental health. Based on the broader literature on trauma exposure and mental health, we hypothesized a path analytic model linking predisaster PTEs to long‐term postdisaster PTSS and PD via predisaster PD, short‐term postdisaster symptoms, and disaster‐related and postdisaster PTEs. We tested this model using data from the Resilience in Survivors of Katrina study, a longitudinal study of low‐income, primarily non‐Hispanic Black mothers exposed to Hurricane Katrina and assessed before the disaster and at time points 1, 4, and 12 years thereafter. The models evidenced a good fit with the data, RMSEA < .01–.04, CFIs > .99. In addition, 44.1%–67.4% of the effect of predisaster PTEs on long‐term postdisaster symptoms was indirect. Descriptive differences were observed across models that included PTSS versus PD, as well as models that included all pre‐ and postdisaster PTEs versus only those that involved assaultive violence. The results suggest the importance of incorporating disaster preparedness in clinical work with trauma survivors and the value in attending to other lifetime PTEs when working in postdisaster contexts.
An analytical model for permittivity measurement of liquid dielectrics with a tubular sample holder
Authors: Rotava André , Silva Renato Abner Oliveira , Dias Maurício Henrique Costa , dos Santos José Carlos Araujo
Published: August 2020

In this work, an analytical model for permittivity measurements of liquid materials is presented. It uses a variant of the transmission line method with a tubular sample holder. The proposed formulation is simple, easy to deal with and allows straightforward conversion between the direct and the inverse solutions of the problem. Measurement results presented maximum relative errors of about 10% when compared to available data in the literature. It is shown to be suitable for measurements of materials over a wide range of relative permittivities.
Effects of a new β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, vibegron, on neurogenic bladder dysfunction and remodeling in mice with spinal cord injury
Authors: Gotoh Daisuke , Shimizu Nobutaka , Wada Naoki , Kadekawa Katsumi , Saito Tetsuichi , Mizoguchi Shinsuke , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Miyake Makito , Torimoto Kazumasa , de Groat William C. , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: August 2020

Aims

To examine vibegron effects on lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Female mice underwent Th8‐9 spinal cord transection and were orally administered vehicle or vibegron after SCI. We evaluated urodynamic parameters at 4 weeks after SCI with or without vibegron. Fibrosis‐ and ischemia‐related messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of collagen and elastin were measured in bladders of vehicle‐ and vibegron‐treated SCI mice, and spinal intact mice.

Results

Non‐voiding contractions (NVCs) were significantly fewer (15.3 ± 8.9 vs 29.7 ± 11.4 contractions; P < .05) and the time to the first NVC was significantly longer (1488.0 ± 409.5 vs 782.7 ± 399.7 seconds; P < .01) in vibegron‐treated SCI mice vs vehicle‐treated SCI mice. mRNAs levels of collagen types 1 and 3, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) were significantly upregulated in vehicle‐treated SCI mice compared with spinal intact and vibegron‐treated SCI mice (Col 1: 3.5 vs 1.0 and 2.0‐fold; P < .01 and P < .05, Col 3: 2.1 vs 1.0 and 1.2‐fold; P < .01 and P < .05, TGF‐β1: 1.2 vs 1.0 and 0.9‐fold; P < .05 and P < .05, HIF‐1α: 1.4 vs 1.0 and 1.0‐fold; P < .05 and P < .01). Total collagen and elastin protein levels in vehicle‐ and vibegron‐treated SCI mice did not differ.

Conclusions

Vibegron reduced NVCs, delayed the first NVC, and improved collagen types 1 and 3, TGF‐β1, and HIF‐1α mRNA expression in SCI mice. Vibegron might be effective for SCI‐induced LUTD.
Herbicide resistance in Amaranthus tuberculatus†
Authors: Tranel Patrick J
Published: August 2020

Amaranthus tuberculatus is the major weed species in many midwestern US row‐crop production fields, and it is among the most problematic weeds in the world in terms of its ability to evolve herbicide resistance. It has now evolved resistance to herbicides spanning seven unique sites of action, with populations and even individual plants often possessing resistance to several herbicides/herbicide groups. Historically, herbicide target‐site changes accounted for most of the known resistance mechanisms in this weed; however, over the last few years, non‐target‐site mechanisms, particularly enhanced herbicide detoxification, have become extremely common in A. tuberculatus. Unravelling the genetics and molecular details of non‐target‐site resistance mechanisms, understanding the extent to which they confer cross resistance to other herbicides, and understanding how they evolve remain as critical research endeavors. Transcriptomic and genomics approaches are already facilitating such studies, the results of which hopefully will inform better resistance‐mitigation strategies. The largely unprecedented level of herbicide resistance in A. tuberculatus is not only a fascinating example of evolution in action, but it is a serious and growing threat to the sustainability of midwestern US cropping systems. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Resistance risk assessment for a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor pydiflumetofen in Fusarium asiaticum
Authors: Chen Wenchan , Wei Lingling , Zhao Weicheng , Wang Bingran , Zheng Huanhuan , Zhang Pengcheng , Lou Tiancheng , Duan Yabing , Hou Yiping , Zhou Mingguo , Chen Changjun
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Fusarium asiaticum is one of predominant pathogens of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in China. Pydiflumetofen (Pyd) is a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) which has been commercialized in China for the controlling of wheat FHB since 2019. In the current study, a risk assessment of the pydiflumetofen‐resistance selected in Fusarium asiaticum was investigated.

RESULTS

One PydMR mutant [resistance factor (RF) < 80] and four PydHR mutants (RF > 3000) were generated by fungicide‐taming from 1000 mycelial discs of the wild‐type strain 2021. Nucleotide sequences alignment results of FaSdh from the wild‐type strain and resistant mutants showed that all the mutations were categorized into three genotypes, i.e. FaSdhBH248Y from PydMR mutant, both FaSdhC1A64V and FaSdhC1R67K from PydHR mutants. All the resistant mutants possessed no fitness penalty based on the data of mycelial linear growth, conidiation and virulence. In addition, the FaSdhC1A64V mutants showed positive cross‐resistance between pydiflumetofen and boscalid or thifluzamide, but no cross‐resistance between pydiflumetofen and Y13149 or Y12196, while the FaSdhC1R67K mutants exhibited positive cross‐resistance between pydiflumetofen and boscalid, thifluzamide or Y12196, and no cross‐resistance between pydiflumetofen and Y13149. Furthermore, positive cross‐resistance between the five tested SDHIs was detected in the FaSdhBH248Y mutants.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest a moderate to high resistance risk of F. asiaticum to pydiflumetofen, and provide essential data for monitoring the emergence of resistance and resistance management strategies for pydiflumetofen, which will be useful for scientific application of this fungicide in China.
Blinded continuous information monitoring of recurrent event endpoints with time trends in clinical trials
Authors: Mütze Tobias , Salem Susanna , Benda Norbert , Schmidli Heinz , Friede Tim
Published: August 2020

Blinded sample size re‐estimation and information monitoring based on blinded data has been suggested to mitigate risks due to planning uncertainties regarding nuisance parameters. Motivated by a randomized controlled trial in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS), a continuous monitoring procedure for overdispersed count data was proposed recently. However, this procedure assumed constant event rates, an assumption often not met in practice. Here we extend the procedure to accommodate time trends in the event rates considering two blinded approaches: (a) the mixture approach modeling the number of events by a mixture of two negative binomial distributions and (b) the lumping approach approximating the marginal distribution of the event counts by a negative binomial distribution. Through simulations the operating characteristics of the proposed procedures are investigated under decreasing event rates. We find that the type I error rate is not inflated relevantly by either of the monitoring procedures, with the exception of strong time dependencies where the procedure assuming constant rates exhibits some inflation. Furthermore, the procedure accommodating time trends has generally favorable power properties compared with the procedure based on constant rates which stops often too late. The proposed method is illustrated by the clinical trial in pediatric MS.