bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and prediction of the width of spreading carbon fiber tow based on gray system theory
Authors: Zhou Qihong , Wu Guangzong , Wang Zhenxi , Wang Bing , Chen Ge , Sun Zhihong
Published: October 2020

This article studied the effects of the speed of spreading fiber and tension of spreading fiber on the width of spreading carbon fiber tow. Based on the single tension of spreading fiber, the univariate gray prediction model GM (1,1) was established, which showed high feasibility and accuracy. Under different tensions of spreading fiber, the intrinsic correlation of the width sequence were analyzed and the multivariate gray prediction model MGM(1,n) was established to predict width of spreading fiber. By transforming the identity of multiple factors in the uncertainty system, it can overcome the limitation that multiple factors develops without keeping same pace. The analysis shows that there is an intrinsic correlation between the widths of spreading fiber tow under different tensions of spreading fiber. Based on the gray correlation degree and the adjacent sequence, the gray prediction model established has high numerical precision. There is good guiding significance for precision optimization in actual production.
Direct and indirect effects of fear‐of‐missing‐out appeals on purchase likelihood
Authors: Good Megan C. , Hyman Michael R.
Published: October 2020

Researchers typically treat fear‐of‐missing‐out (FOMO) as a personality trait or a general sense of anxiety about “missing out on” activities with others. If messages with FOMO‐laden appeals can induce context‐specific FOMO responses, FOMO is crucial to consumer behaviour scholars and marketing practitioners. Also, certain emotions may moderate the effect of such appeals on consumers' purchase intentions toward the recommended hedonic service/experience. The vignette‐based experiment summarized here suggests that FOMO‐laden appeals can influence consumers' purchase intentions. Specifically, such appeals can strengthen purchase intentions by boosting consumers' anticipated elation and self‐enhancement or weaken purchase intentions by boosting anticipated expense regret.
Magnetic Resonance Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange of Selective PyFALGEA Oligopeptide Ligands Towards Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors
Authors: Ratajczyk Tomasz , Buntkowsky Gerd , Gutmann Torsten , Fedorczyk Bartłomiej , Mames Adam , Pietrzak Mariusz , Puzio Zuzanna , Szkudlarek Piotr Grzegorz
Published: October 2020

The biorelevant PyFALGEA oligopeptide ligand, which is selective towards the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has been successfully employed as a substrate in magnetic resonance signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) experiments. It is demonstrated that PyFALGEA and the iridium catalyst IMes form a PyFALGEA:IMes molecular complex. The interaction between PyFALGEA:IMes and H2 results in a ternary SABRE complex. Selective 1D EXSY experiments reveal that this complex is labile, which is an essential condition for successful hyperpolarization by SABRE. Polarization transfer from parahydrogen to PyFALGEA is observed leading to significant enhancement of the 1H NMR signals of PyFALGEA. Different iridium catalysts and peptides are inspected to discuss the influence of their molecular structures on the efficiency of hyperpolarization. It is observed that PyFALGEA oligopeptide hyperpolarization is more efficient when an iridium catalyst with a sterically less demanding NHC ligand system such as IMesBn is employed. Experiments with shorter analogues of PyFALGEA, that is, PyLGEA and PyEA, show that the bulky phenylalanine from the PyFALGEA oligopeptide causes steric hindrance in the SABRE complex, which hampers hyperpolarization with IMes. Finally, a single‐scan 1H NMR SABRE experiment of PyFALGEA with IMesBn revealed a unique pattern of NMR lines in the hydride region, which can be treated as a fingerprint of this important oligopeptide.
Cadmium, nickel, copper, and zinc influence on microfilament organization in Arabidopsis root cells
Authors: Yemets Alla , Horiunova Inna , Blume Yaroslav
Published: October 2020

The plant cytoskeleton orchestrates such fundamental processes in cells as division, growth and development, polymer cross‐linking, membrane anchorage, etc. Here, we describe the influence of Cd2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ on root development and vital organization of actin filaments into different cells of Arabidopsis thaliana line expressing GFP‐FABD2. CdSO4, NiSO4, CuSO4, and ZnSO4 were used in concentrations of 5–20 µM in this study. It was found that Cd, Ni, and Cu cause dose‐dependent primary root growth inhibition and alteration of the root morphology, whereas Zn slightly stimulates root growth and does not affect the morphology of Arabidopsis roots. This growth inhibition/stimulation correlated with the various sensitivities of microfilaments to Cd, Ni, Cu, and Zn action. It was established that Cd, Ni, and Cu affected predominantly the actin filaments of meristematic cells. Cells of transition and elongation zones demonstrated strong actin filament sensitivity to Cd and Cu. Microfilaments of elongating root cells were more sensitive to Ni and Cu. Although Cd, Ni, and Cu stimulated root hair growth after long‐term treatment, actin filaments were destroyed after 1 h exposure with these metals. Zn did not disrupt native actin filament organization in root cells. Thus, our investigation shows that microfilaments act as sensitive cellular targets for Cd, Ni, and Cu. More data on effects on native actin filaments organization would contribute to a better understanding of plant tolerance mechanisms to the action of these metals.
Unique Asymptotics of Compact Ancient Solutions to Three‐Dimensional Ricci Flow
Authors: Angenent Sigurd , Brendle Simon , Daskalopoulos Panagiota , Šešum Natasa
Published: October 2020

We consider compact ancient solutions to the three‐dimensional Ricci flow that are κ‐noncollapsed. We prove that such a solution either is a family of shrinking round spheres or has a unique asymptotic behavior as t →  − ∞, which we describe. This analysis applies in particular to the ancient solution constructed by Perelman. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Ligand Stabilized Ni1 Catalyst for Efficient CO Oxidation
Authors: Jian Minzhen , Zhao Chuanlin , Li Wei‐Xue
Published: October 2020

Supported single transition metal (TM1) catalysts have attracted broad attention in academia recently. Still, their corresponding reactivity and stability under reaction conditions are critical but have not well explored at the fundamental level. Herein, we use density functional theory calculation and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the role of reactants and ligands on the reactivity and stability of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) supported Ni1 for CO oxidation. We find out that supported bare Ni1 atoms are only metastable on the surface and tend to diffuse into the interlayer of g‐C3N4. Though Ni1 is catalytically active at moderate temperatures, CO adsorption induced dimerization deactivates the catalyst. Hydroxyl groups not only are able to stabilize the supported Ni1 atom, but also increase the reactivity by participating directly in the reaction. Our results provide valuable insights on improving the chemical stability of TM1 by ligands without sacrificing the reactivity, which are helpful for the rational design of highly loaded atomically dispersed supported metal catalysts.
A Small Dye Puzzle: π‐Conjugation of Perylenes with External Aromatic Compounds via Imidazo‐Quinoxaline Bridges
Authors: Dobeneck Michaela , Kaur Ramandeep , Platzer Benedikt , Guldi Dirk M. , Hirsch Andreas
Published: October 2020

The synthesis and characterization of a library of unprecedented π‐extended perylenes is reported. For this purpose, a successful step‐by‐step connection of three puzzle pieces, namely a perylene, an imidazole‐quinoxaline bridge and an o‐quinone was developed. Our synthetic route allows for facile access to linearly π‐extended perylenes in a highly chemoselective manner. The absorption and fluorescence properties are solvent dependent and are bathochromically shifted relative to unbridged perylene references. Overall, the fluorescence quantum yields are high with values ranging from 46 % to 11 %. To complete the physico‐chemical characterization, differential pulse and cyclic voltammograms were recorded showing two reductions and two oxidations for each of the linearly π‐extended perylenes.
Genetic diversity is indispensable for plant breeding to improve crops
Authors: Swarup Shilpa , Cargill Edward J. , Crosby Kate , Flagel Lex , Kniskern Joel , Glenn Kevin C.
Published: October 2020

Plant breeders face multiple global challenges that affect food security, productivity, accessibility, and nutritional quality. One major challenge for plant breeders is developing environmentally resilient crop cultivars in response to rapid shifts in cultivation conditions and resources due to climate change. Plant breeders rely on different crop genetic resources, breeding tools, and methods to incorporate genetic diversity into commercialized cultivars. Breeders use genetic diversity to develop new cultivars with improved agronomics, such as higher yield, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and to improve the nutritional quality of foods for a growing world population. Plant breeders perform the essential task of strategic integration of new genetic diversity while preserving important economic traits of individual crops such as relative maturity (maize, Zea mays L.), fruit type (tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), plant type (lettuce Lactuca sativa L.), and habitat type (canola, Brassica napus L.) that are highly specialized for specific consumer preferences or market needs. This review provides an industry perspective on how genetic diversity is incorporated for crop improvement by (a) using a real‐life example to highlight the vast amount of genetic diversity that exists in plants, (b) providing a conceptual example to illustrate strategic challenges a breeder faces while incorporating diversity, (c) describing how and why it can a decade or more to incorporate diversity into commercialized cultivars, even when advanced tools and technologies are used, and (d) sharing factors that plant breeders consider when applying various tools, including genome editing, at different stages of plant breeding.
Priority effects: How the order of arrival of an invasive grass, Bromus tectorum, alters productivity and plant community structure when grown with native grass species
Authors: Ploughe Laura Weber , Carlyle Cameron N. , Fraser Lauchlan H.
Published: October 2020

Theories and models attempt to explain how and why particular plant species grow together at particular sites or why invasive exotic species dominate plant communities. As local climates change and human‐use degrades and disturbs ecosystems, a better understanding of how plant communities assemble is pertinent, particularly when restoring grassland ecosystems that are frequently disturbed. One such community assembly theory is priority effects, which suggests that arrival order of species into a community alters plant–plant interactions and community assembly. Theoretically, priority effects can have lasting effects on ecosystems and will likely be altered as the risk of invasion by exotic species increases. It is difficult to predict how and when priority effects occur, as experimental reconstruction of arrival order is often difficult in adequate detail. As a result, limited experimental studies have explored priority effects on plant community assembly and plant invasions. To determine if and how priority effects affect the success of invasive species, we conducted a greenhouse study exploring how the arrival order of an invasive grass, Bromus tectorum, affects productivity and community composition when grown with native grasses. We found evidence for priority effects, as productivity was positively related to dominance of B. tectorum and was greater the earlier B. tectorum arrived. This suggests that priority effects could be important for plant communities as the early arrival of an invasive species drastically impacted the productivity and biodiversity of our system at the early establishment stages of plant community development.
Ignoring uncertainty in predictor variables leads to false confidence in results: a case study of duck habitat use
Authors: Behney Adam C.
Published: October 2020

An assumption of most regression analyses is that independent variables are measured without error. However, in ecological studies it is common to use independent variables that are derived from samples and therefore contain some uncertainty. For example, when assessing the assumption that energy availability on the landscape is the primary driver of duck distribution during nonbreeding seasons, investigators typically sample energy availability at sites and use the site‐level means as a covariate to predict duck abundance. This strategy ignores uncertainty in the estimates of energy availability, which should be propagated into estimates of effects and predicted values of the response variable. I used Bayesian hierarchical models to include uncertainty in site‐level covariates when modeling dabbling duck count data during the spring in northeastern Colorado, USA. I found that even after accounting for uncertainty in energy availability, it was an important predictor of dabbling duck use of sites. Counts were greater at sites with more energy available; however, credible intervals were substantially wider when uncertainty in predictor variables was included. Therefore, ignoring uncertainty leads to overly precise model outputs. Furthermore, I found that larger sites and those further east also supported more dabbling ducks. Using a sample as a covariate is common in ecological studies, and researchers can use the methods outlined here to account for this additional level of uncertainty. These case study results can be used by habitat managers and planners to guide how and where wetland restoration occurs with a more accurate idea of the uncertainty associated with various effects.
Fulminant myocarditis in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 and rapid myocardial recovery following treatment
Authors: Gay Hawkins C. , Sinha Arjun , Michel Eriberto , Mozer Anthony B. , Budd Ashley , Feinstein Matthew J. , Benzuly Keith H. , Al‐Qamari Abbas , Pawale Amit A. , Vorovich Esther E.
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a global pandemic increasingly encountered in the clinical setting. It typically manifests as a respiratory illness, although cardiac involvement is common and portends a worse prognosis. We present the case of a 56‐year‐old male admitted with COVID‐19 fulminant myocarditis and cardiogenic shock. We discuss important aspects of the multidisciplinary and interventional care involved in treating cardiogenic shock as well as the likely mechanisms of, and potential treatment for, COVID‐19 myocarditis. The various pathways of myocardial injury, including direct viral damage, macrophage activation, and lymphocytic infiltration, are outlined in detail in addition to associated pathology such as cytokine release syndrome. COVID‐19 is a complex and multisystem disease process; in addition to supportive care, specific consideration should be given to the underlying mechanism of injury for each patient.
Elevated plasma endothelin‐1 is related to low natriuresis, clinical signs of congestion, and poor outcome in acute heart failure
Authors: Zymliński Robert , Sierpiński Radosław , Metra Marco , Cotter Gad , Sokolski Mateusz , Siwołowski Paweł , Garus Mateusz , Gajewski Piotr , Tryba Joanna , Samorek Maria , Jankowska Ewa A. , Biegus Jan , Ponikowski Piotr
Published: October 2020

Aims

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a potent vasoconstrictor, which regulates renal and vascular function. We aimed to relate plasma levels of ET‐1 with the clinical picture and outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods and results

We studied 113 patients with AHF [mean age 65 ± 13 (years), median (upper and lower quartiles) N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, 5422 (2689; 8582) (pg/mL)], in whom plasma levels of ET‐1 were serially measured at admission (10.8 ± 5.2), Day 1 (9.5 ± 3.4), and Day 2 (8.9 ± 3.8) (pg/mL). The population was divided into tertiles across baseline ET‐1 levels. Patients in the highest ET‐1 tertile had predominant clinical signs of peripheral congestion; however, no difference was observed in pulmonary congestion and severity of dyspnoea. They also presented lower spot urine sodium at admission (75 ± 35 vs. 99 ± 43 vs. 108 ± 30), 6 h (84 ± 34 vs. 106 ± 43 vs. 106 ± 35), and Day 1 (75 ± 38 vs. 96 ± 36 vs. 100 ± 35) (mmol/L), when compared with the second and first tertile, respectively (all P < 0.05); furthermore, they received higher doses of intravenous furosemide from Day 2 and had longer intravenous diuretics, as median switch to oral furosemide was 4 (3; 4) vs. 3 (2; 4) vs. 2 (2; 3) (days), respectively, P < 0.05. There was no difference in serum creatinine, urea, and renal injury biomarkers (kidney injury molecule‐1, serum cystatin C, and urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin) between the ET‐1 tertiles. Higher values of ET‐1 measured at each time point were related with a higher risk of 1 year mortality.

Conclusions

Elevation of ET‐1 is related to clinical signs of peripheral congestion, low urine sodium excretion, and poor outcome in AHF.
‘Drawing a line in the sand’: Physician diagnostic uncertainty in paediatric chronic pain
Authors: Neville Alexandra , Noel Melanie , Clinch Jacqueline , Pincus Tamar , Jordan Abbie
Published: October 2020

Background

Diagnostic uncertainty is the subjective perception of an inability to provide an accurate explanation of the patient's health problem or that a label is missing or incorrect. While recently explored in youth with chronic pain and families, this is the first study to investigate diagnostic uncertainty from the perspectives of physicians.

Methods

Individual, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 paediatricians who assess and/or treat youth who experience complex chronic pain. Interviews explored paediatricians’ perceptions, beliefs and confidence regarding the assessment and management of chronic pain in youth and how they manage uncertainty regarding the diagnosis. Interviews were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Analyses generated one prominent theme: ‘drawing a line in the sand’. Within this theme, physicians discussed uncertainty as inherent to their role treating youth with chronic pain. The metaphor of ‘drawing a line in the sand’ was used to describe a process of identifying a point at which physicians no longer sought a new diagnosis for the child's pain or continued diagnostic investigations. This line was influenced by numerous factors, which are highlighted through four subthemes: physician training, experience and mentorship; individual patient and family factors; perceived reassurance of diagnostic investigations; and the broader social context and implications.

Conclusions

How physicians manage diagnostic uncertainty must be understood, as it is likely to critically impact how a diagnosis of chronic pain is communicated, the diagnostic investigations undertaken, the wait time to receiving a diagnosis, and ultimately youths’ pain experiences.
Broad white matter impairment in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Del Campo Natalia , Phillips Owen , Ory‐Magne Françoise , Brefel‐Courbon Christine , Galitzky Monique , Thalamas Claire , Narr Katherine L. , Joshi Shantanu , Singh Manpreet K. , Péran Patrice , Pavy‐LeTraon Anne , Rascol Olivier
Published: October 2020

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the widespread aberrant accumulation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn). MSA differs from other synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD) in that α‐syn accumulates primarily in oligodendrocytes, the only source of white matter myelination in the brain. Previous MSA imaging studies have uncovered focal differences in white matter. Here, we sought to build on this work by taking a global perspective on whole brain white matter. In order to do this, in vivo structural imaging and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging were acquired on 26 MSA patients, 26 healthy controls, and 23 PD patients. A refined whole brain approach encompassing the major fiber tracts and the superficial white matter located at the boundary of the cortical mantle was applied. The primary observation was that MSA but not PD patients had whole brain deep and superficial white matter diffusivity abnormalities (p < .001). In addition, in MSA patients, these abnormalities were associated with motor (Unified MSA Rating Scale, Part II) and cognitive functions (Mini‐Mental State Examination). The pervasive whole brain abnormalities we observe suggest that there is widespread white matter damage in MSA patients which mirrors the widespread aggregation of α‐syn in oligodendrocytes. Importantly, whole brain white matter abnormalities were associated with clinical symptoms, suggesting that white matter impairment may be more central to MSA than previously thought.
How can employees adapt to change? Clarifying the adaptive performance concepts
Authors: Park Sohee , Park Sunyoung
Published: October 2020

Global and technological environments have rapidly become dynamic, ambiguous, and complex. Thus, it is critical for organizations to develop employees who are capable of working effectively within the context of these changes. As such, scholars and practitioners have discussed the importance of employees' attributes to help them adapt to change. However, the literature has used several terms to discuss these attributes. The purpose of this study is to investigate, compare, and clarify six concepts (adaptive performance, proactivity, resilience, role flexibility, learning agility, and workforce agility) related to employees' ability to adapt to new and changing situations in organizations. Based on our analytic framework with three categories, awareness, process, and direction/outcome, we found that all six concepts have a change orientation. The different emphases of the six concepts are elaborated, followed by discussion, implications, and recommendations.
Thermal and rheological effects in a classical Graetz problem using a nonlinear Robertson‐Stiff fluid model
Authors: Khan Muhammad Waris Saeed , Ali Nasir , Asghar Zeeshan
Published: October 2020

The present article elaborates the Graetz problem for the Robertson‐Stiff fluid model with imposed iso‐thermal conditions. The closed‐form expression of Robertson‐Stiff fluid velocity is obtained. Employing the classical separation of variables approach, the energy equation of the said problem is reduced into an eigenvalue problem. The solution of the eigenvalue problem is developed numerically via the MATLAB built‐in algorithm BVP4C. The constants appearing in series solutions are computed by Simpson's rule. The special case of this analysis with appropriate scaling is also applicable for the Bingham, power‐law, and Newtonian fluid models. The impact of the dissipation function on Nusselt numbers and mean temperature is also considered. The pictorial representation of average temp7erature and Nusselt number are discussed in the presence of the plug radius, power‐law index, and Brinkman number. It is observed that the presence of the plug radius and power‐law index delay the prevalence of fully developed conditions for the Nusselt number. Moreover, the local Nusselt number for channel confinement attains higher values as compared with tube confinement. The present investigation has numerous applications in the field of engineering, nanotechnology, biomedical sciences, and development of several thermal types of equipment or microfluidic devices.
Dimensional stability of glass fiber reinforced poplar scrimber
Authors: Guo X. , Zhu Z. , Wang J. , Lin Y. , Chen G.
Published: October 2020

Fiber reinforced materials have been widely used in the different fields in terms of their excellent properties. In this work, glass fiber reinforced poplar scrimber was in focus, and special attention was given to its dimensional stability with respective of different layers (0, 1, 2, 3) and mass fraction (1.5 wt.%, 3.0 wt.%, 4.5 wt.%, 6.0 wt.%, 7.5 wt.%) of glass fiber mesh. The experimental results showed that the glass fiber reinforced poplar scrimber with 2 layers and 6.0 % mass fraction of glass fiber mesh has the greatest dimensional stability and energy efficiency ratio. It is proposed to be adopted in the industrial processing of glass fiber reinforced poplar scrimber to improve its application and production benefit.
NAMI, community partners supporting frontline workers
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2020

Recognizing the added stresses encountered by frontline professionals during this pandemic, while observing World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), along with various community and public health partners, launched an initiative to support those frontline professionals with both their immediate and future health needs.
Rapid MR relaxometry using deep learning: An overview of current techniques and emerging trends
Authors: Feng Li , Ma Dan , Liu Fang
Published: October 2020

Quantitative mapping of MR tissue parameters such as the spin‐lattice relaxation time (T1), the spin‐spin relaxation time (T2), and the spin‐lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ), referred to as MR relaxometry in general, has demonstrated improved assessment in a wide range of clinical applications. Compared with conventional contrast‐weighted (eg T1‐, T2‐, or T1ρ‐weighted) MRI, MR relaxometry provides increased sensitivity to pathologies and delivers important information that can be more specific to tissue composition and microenvironment. The rise of deep learning in the past several years has been revolutionizing many aspects of MRI research, including image reconstruction, image analysis, and disease diagnosis and prognosis. Although deep learning has also shown great potential for MR relaxometry and quantitative MRI in general, this research direction has been much less explored to date. The goal of this paper is to discuss the applications of deep learning for rapid MR relaxometry and to review emerging deep‐learning‐based techniques that can be applied to improve MR relaxometry in terms of imaging speed, image quality, and quantification robustness. The paper is comprised of an introduction and four more sections. Section 2 describes a summary of the imaging models of quantitative MR relaxometry. In Section 3, we review existing “classical” methods for accelerating MR relaxometry, including state‐of‐the‐art spatiotemporal acceleration techniques, model‐based reconstruction methods, and efficient parameter generation approaches. Section 4 then presents how deep learning can be used to improve MR relaxometry and how it is linked to conventional techniques. The final section concludes the review by discussing the promise and existing challenges of deep learning for rapid MR relaxometry and potential solutions to address these challenges.
Telecommunications network design: Technology impacts and future directions
Authors: Wong Richard T.
Published: October 2020

During the past 50 years telecommunication network technology has raced ahead powered by exponential advances in computer chip and fiber optic technology. The introduction of packet‐switched networks and the Internet has increased network traffic demands exponentially and has nurtured a variety of new telecommunication services (e.g., email, web‐surfing, social media, streaming services, e‐commerce, the Internet of Things, etc.) over the past 30 years. This rapidly changing environment (along with certain technical considerations) has made it very difficult to give accurate forecasts of traffic demands for both the short‐term (intraday) and for the longer term (year‐to‐year). Telecommunications network design has evolved from the voice‐only networks of the 1970s where operations research (OR) methodology was indispensable to current multiservice packet‐switched data networks whose uncertainty and rapid evolution has reduced the utility of classical optimization models that rely on accurate traffic demand forecasts. After summarizing the major developments in telecommunications network design technologies/services, we describe some promising future research directions to address an environment where technology is ever‐changing and traffic forecasting is difficult. In particular, we focus on the public Internet and emphasize possible work where OR/optimization methodology may be useful in understanding and solving telecommunications network routing and design problems.
Nonlinear analysis of government expenditure and tax rate on income inequality in India
Authors: Padhan Hemachandra , Haouas Ilham , Hammoudeh Shawkat , Tiwari Aviral Kumar
Published: October 2020

Using annual data for India, we examine the impact of taxation and government expenditure on income inequality by endogenizing GDP, urbanization, economic globalization, remittances inflows and net FDI flows. For the empirical analysis, we use the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model, which indicates a long‐run interplay between government expenditure and taxation on income inequality. Further, the results show that a rise in taxation increases the income inequality, while government expenditure reduces the income inequality in the long‐run. Contrastingly, the findings reveal that GDP, urbanization and economic globalization worsen and remittance inflows and net FDI flows exacerbate income inequality. Therefore, the study suggests that the active policy makers in India can curb rising income inequality by looking at both government expenditure and the sources of taxation before framing any policies related to income distribution. Our results also underscore the close interlinkages between development strategies pursued by India and the wealth gap, which have facilitated the redistribution of gains among those already enjoying high income levels.
Diverse presentation and tailored treatment of infantile myofibromatosis: A single‐center experience
Authors: Manisterski Michal , Benish Marganit , Levin Dror , Shiran Shelly I. , Sher Osnat , Gortzak Yair , Elhasid Ronit
Published: October 2020

Background

Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a rare benign fibrous tumor with diverse clinical presentations and treatments, such as watchful waiting, surgical excision, and low‐dose chemotherapy.

Procedure

Clinical presentation and tailored treatment of five infants with solitary and generalized IM are described, together with a review of the literature.

Results

Three patients underwent total‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at diagnosis and during follow up, which revealed disease extension that aided in designing treatment. Visceral involvement included central nervous system, cardiac, gastrointestinal, muscle, bone, and subcutaneous tissue lesions. The patient with the solitary form of IM was followed up without treatment and had spontaneous improvement. Patients with the multicentric form received intravenous low‐dose methotrexate and vinblastine chemotherapy. One patient who received oral methotrexate due to cardiac involvement and unfeasible central line access had excellent results. Recurrence was successfully treated by the same methotrexate and vinblastine regimen as that administered at diagnosis.

Conclusions

We suggest screening all patients with one or more IM lesions by means of total body MRI due to its inherent superior soft tissue resolution. Total‐body MRI may also be used for routine follow up. Oral methotrexate can be administered successfully in patients that lack central line access, and recurrent lesions can be treated with the same chemotherapeutic combination as that given at diagnosis. Long‐term follow up is needed, since recurrence could appear years after initial presentation of the disease.
Studies on conducting polymer intercalated layered double hydroxide nanocomposites: Antituberculosis drug delivery agents
Authors: Riaz Ufana , Singh Neetika , Verma Anurakshee , Aazam Elham S.
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of layered double hydroxide (LDH) was carried out using different ratios of Mg:Al. The intercalation of polypyrrole (Ppy) within interlayer space of LDH was carried out via ultrasonication using different loadings of the conducting polymer. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and XRD analysis showed successful intercalation of Ppy in LDH while UV‐visible spectra confirmed polaronic state of the conducting polymer within the LDH. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies showed successful incorporation of Ppy and loading of the drug was also established. The concentration of Rifampicin, an antituberculosis drug in LDH/Ppy, was confirmed by Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The in vitro release characteristics showed sustained release behaviour at pH 7.4 for a period of 180 hours. The nanocomposites exhibited immense potential for their application as Rifampicin drug carriers.
Understanding photothermal interactions will help expand production range and increase genetic diversity of lentil (Lens culinarisMedik.)
Authors: Wright Derek M. , Neupane Sandesh , Heidecker Taryn , Haile Teketel A. , Chan Crystal , Coyne Clarice J. , McGee Rebecca J. , Udupa Sripada , Henkrar Fatima , Barilli Eleonora , Rubiales Diego , Gioia Tania , Logozzo Giuseppina , Marzario Stefania , Mehra Reena , Sarker Ashutosh , Dhakal Rajeev , Anwar Babul , Sarkar Debashish , Vandenberg Albert , Bett Kirstin E.
Published: October 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Lentil is a staple in many diets around the world and growing in popularity as a quick‐cooking, nutritious, plant‐based source of protein in the human diet. Lentil varieties are usually grown close to where they were bred. Future climate change scenarios will result in increased temperatures and shifts in lentil crop production areas, necessitating expanded breeding efforts. We show how we can use a daylength and temperature model to identify varieties most likely to succeed in these new environments, expand genetic diversity, and give plant breeders additional knowledge and tools to help mitigate these changes for lentil producers.

Summary

Lentil (Lens culinarisMedik.) is cultivated under a wide range of environmental conditions, which has led to diverse phenological adaptations and resulted in a decrease in genetic variability within breeding programs due to reluctance in using genotypes from other environments.

We phenotyped 324 genotypes across nine locations over three years to assess their phenological response to the environment of major lentil production regions and to predict days from sowing to flowering (DTF) using a photothermal model.

DTF was highly influenced by the environment and is sufficient to explain adaptation. We were able to predict DTF reliably in most environments using a simple photothermal model, however, in certain site‐years, results suggest there may be additional environmental factors at play. Hierarchical clustering of principal components revealed the presence of eight groups based on the responses of DTF to contrasting environments. These groups are associated with the coefficients of the photothermal model and revealed differences in temperature and photoperiod sensitivity.

Future climate change scenarios will result in increased temperature and/or shifts in production areas. The ability to use the photothermal model to identify genotypes most likely to succeed in these new environments has important social impacts with respect to traditional cropping systems.
Broflanilide effectively controls Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua exhibiting diverse susceptibilities to chlorantraniliprole and emamectin benzoate
Authors: Tang Tao , Hu Fang , Wang Pei , Fu Wei , Liu Xueyuan
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), and the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), are two major polyphagous lepidopteran pests of cultivated crops. They develop various levels of resistance to many frequently applied broad‐spectrum insecticides. Here, the larval susceptibilities of a laboratory population and six field‐collected populations per pest from Hunan Province, China to three insecticides were determined using a standard leaf‐dipping method in the laboratory. Field‐plot trials were conducted to verify the control efficacies of broflanilide 100 g L−1 suspension concentrate (SC), chlorantraniliprole 5% SC and emamectin benzoate 5.7% water‐dispersible granule, against H. armigera and S. exigua larvae using foliar sprays in 2013 and 2019.

RESULTS

Variations among H. armigera and S. exigua field populations in their susceptibility levels to the three insecticides were observed in Linli, Yueyang and Changsha counties from 2013 to 2019. They were still high susceptibility to broflanilide only, but developed low and/or moderate levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole and emamectin benzoate. In addition, broflanilide at 25 g ha−1 provided an excellent control efficacy of 81.92% to 96.46% against these pests during the 3–14‐days period after treatment in both years, whereas chlorantraniliprole at 50 g ha−1 and emamectin benzoate at 4.5 g ha−1 exhibited significantly decreased efficacies, which were consistent with their corresponding toxicity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that broflanilide should be an important new tool for the effective control of diamide‐ and avermectin‐resistant H. armigera and S. exigua. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Mid‐Infrared Photodetector Based on Selenium‐Doped Black Phosphorus
Authors: Jalaei Somaye , Karamdel Javad , Ghalami-Bavil-Olyaee Hassan
Published: October 2020

Black phosphorus (BP), a new elemental 2D material, is a suitable candidate for broadband photodetection from the visible to the infrared (IR) range of the spectrum because of its tunable bandgap and high carrier mobility. Herein, the electrical and optical properties of pristine and Se‐doped BP have been investigated, using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The results show that the Se‐doped BP has an indirect bandgap of 0.4 eV which is smaller than that of the pristine monolayer BP. Moreover, the Se‐doped BP exhibits higher optical absorption compared with pristine BP in the low energy regions. Furthermore, the simulation results of designed (12 nm thick) field‐effect transistors, based on Se doped BP, show excellent optoelectronic properties in the mid‐IR photodetector applications. The responsivity of this device reaches up to about in a mid‐IR region of 4 μm with an excitation intensity of 0.0001 W cm−2 and bias voltage and drain voltage of 1 and 0.5 V, respectively. Finally, the results demonstrate that doping BP with Se improves device performance by increasing optical properties and enhances responsivity of the mid‐IR photodetector.
Characteristics and Validity of an Instrument for Assessing Motivations for Online Reading to Learn
Authors: Forzani Elena , Leu Donald J. , Yujia Li Eva , Rhoads Christopher , Guthrie John T. , McCoach Betsy
Published: October 2020

Motivation for reading is important to comprehension and has been studied extensively in offline reading contexts. However, little is known about the role of motivation in online reading, a new and increasingly important context for reading, largely because of a lack of valid and reliable instruments to estimate a student’s motivation for online reading. The authors report on the development of the Motivations for Online Reading Questionnaire (MORQ) among 1,798 seventh‐grade students in two states. Results from confirmatory factor analysis revealed a three‐factor solution for the MORQ: curiosity/value, self‐efficacy, and self‐improvement beliefs. Additionally, measurement invariance across female and male students was established. Predictive validity of the MORQ was supported by the positive and significant contribution of the MORQ to the Online Research and Comprehension Assessment, an established measure of online reading comprehension. Results help establish the MORQ as a well‐validated instrument for measuring online reading motivation. Results are discussed in relation to theory, research, and practice.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antitumor Evaluation of Some Carbazole‐Based Thiazole, Thiophene, and 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Bondock Samir , Nasr Tamer , Alqahtanti Salwa
Published: October 2020

In continuation to our efforts to discover new powerful antitumor agents, a series of new carbazole‐based thiazole, thiophene, and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives were conveniently synthesized, spectrally characterized, and mechanistically discussed. The synthetic strategy involves the cyclization reactions of two easily attainable commencing materials, N‐(9‐ethylcarbazol‐3‐yl)‐2‐cyanoacetamide (1) and 2‐((9‐ethylcarbazol‐3‐yl)hydrazono)‐3‐oxo‐N‐phenylbutanethioamide (20), with α‐chlorocarbonyl reagents, α‐chloronitrile, and hydrazonoyl chlorides in a basic medium. They were also assessed against three human tumor cell lines (HCT‐116, HepG‐2, and MCF‐7) and one non‐tumor human cell line (REP1) for their in vitro antitumor activity. The results demonstrated that seven carbazoles 4, 15 a, 15 b, 15 d, 20, 22 b, and 29 a had high antitumor activity, having IC50 values in the range 5.24–9.70 μM. The most potent carbazoles 15 b, 20 and 22 b inhibited the growth of all tested tumor cell lines and did not display human toxicity.
Carbon Dots Derived from Facile Tailoring of Shaerhu Lignite as a Novel Fluorescence Sensor with High‐Selectivity and Sensitivity for Cu2+ Detection
Authors: Shi Chong , Wei Xian‐Yong , Liu Fang‐Jing , Zong Zhi‐Min
Published: October 2020

This study aims to find an appropriate method to produce fluorescent carbon dots (FCDs) from a low‐rank coal, understand the fluorescence mechanism, and explore the application prospect of the FCDs. We reported a mild, green, and cheap top‐down strategy to make the FCDs by oxidizing Shaerhu lignite (SL) with H2O2, which could accelerate post‐processing and avoid the release of highly toxic gases. Our approach shows a great potential for the large‐scale production of FCDs using a lignite as the feedstock. SL‐derived FCDs (SLDFCDs) exhibit different emission modes, in which the short wavelength emission intensity was significantly enhanced by partial reduction. Evolution of the surface states and the analysis of electronic structure show that different fluorescence centers, domains and surface defects, and nanosized sp2 carbon could result in different emission characteristics of the SLDFCDs. The size of SLDFCDs also affects luminescence. The reduced SLDFCDs (RSLDFCDs) can be used as an efficient label‐free fluorescent sensing material to detect Cu(II) ions with a low detection limit of 2.0 nM, which shows their great potential as sensors in a complex real water environment. This study provides an alternative way of directional lignite utilization for fabricating carbon materials. We also found a better way out for lignite utilization, which could lead to the development of a low cost sensor using lignites as the precursor.
Probing into Bifunctional Luminomagnetic Upconverting Nanorods for External Magnetic Tracking Applications
Authors: Singh Satbir , Ghorai Biswajit , Kumar Yadav Pramod , Kumar Ghorai Uttam , Upadhyay Chandan , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: October 2020

A strategy to synthesize a bi‐functional luminomagnetic Er3+/Yb3+‐doped NaGdF4 nanorods, using a facile base‐catalyzed hydrothermal method, is demonstrated. This luminomagnetic nanorods material is investigated for its structural/microstructural, optical, and magnetic properties to validate applications in the bio‐medical field. The as‐synthesized nanorods exhibit highly intense green emission peaking at 539 nm upon excitation with 980 nm wavelength using a diode laser. Further, the effect of 980 nm laser power on the emission spectrum of these Er3+/Yb3+‐doped NaGdF4 nanorods is investigated and a mechanism for the upconversion process is proposed. The CIE (French: International Commission on Illumination) coordinates at all the input laser powers lie in the close vicinity of x=0.28 and y=0.68 and thus suggest the color purity of the Er3+/Yb3+‐doped NaGdF4 nanorods. Moreover, these nanorods also exhibit strong paramagnetic behavior as confirmed by M−H and M−T measurements. We have also demonstrated the application of these nanorods for external magnetic field tracking applications. The cellular cytotoxicity analysis of the nanorods against the MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐10 A cell lines suggests their applicability in biomedical applications. Thus, the co‐existence of luminescence and magnetism in a single entity suggests its suitability as a bi‐functional nanoprobe in biological applications.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Monodisperse Phenothiazinevinylene‐Based Conjugated Oligomers
Authors: Qiu Xianping , Lu Ran
Published: October 2020

A series of novel monodisperse, structurally well defined vinylene‐linked phenothiazine oligomers containing up to 7 phenothiazine units have been designed and synthesized by Heck reaction and McMurry reaction with a convergent approach. These conjugated oligomers showed a progressive bathochromic shift of the absorption maxima and high fluorescence quantum yields in solutions. Notably, the oligomers without strong donor and acceptor units exhibit two‐photon absorption properties, and the two‐photon absorption cross sections (δ) increase with the number of covalently linked phenothiazine units, and δ reaches up to 2071 GM for the one with 7 phenothiazine units at 800 nm. The oligomers might be used as models to study structure–property relationship for their corresponding polymers or applied in organic electronic materials.
In Vitro Electrochemical Behavior of Sol‐Gel Derived Hydroxyapatite/Graphene Oxide Composite Coatings on 316L SS for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sebastin Arul Xavier Stango , Uthirapathy Vijayalakshmi
Published: October 2020

Development of bioceramic coatings on the metallic implant surface with superior properties such as good bonding strength, better corrosion resistance and bioactivity was one of the key tasks for the present biomaterial scientists. Hydroxyapatite (Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2) was one of the hopeful calcium phosphate‐based ceramic biomaterials which can be enforced as a layer on the metallic substrate due to its resemblance with the human bone in chemical composition. Current effort defines the in‐situ blending of HAP/graphene oxide composite by the sol‐gel process. The prepared HAP/GO composites were characterized using FT‐IR, XRD, SEM and TEM analysis. A triple‐layered composite coating was attained at the spin speed of 3000 rpm/min further sintered at 600 °C for 2 hrs. In‐vitro corrosion resistance behavior of the coatings on 316 L SS implant were studied on simulated body fluid. The average crystallite size of the synthesized powders was reduced from 40.58 to 21.08 nm with the addition of graphene oxide, anti‐bacterial study for the HAP/GO composite powder competently inhibits the growth of pathogens. Electrochemical studies and adhesion studies showed increased corrosion resistance with superior bonding strength on 316 L SS surface, which results its use for long term biomedical applications.