bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sensitivity of global surface air temperature to vegetation greenness
Authors: Yuan Xiuliang , Hamdi Rafiq , Ochege Friday Uchenna , Kurban Alishir , De Maeyer Philippe
Published: May 2020

Terrestrial vegetation plays a crucial role in governing the land surface energy budget, which in turn drives the climate of the Earth. The climatic feedbacks of vegetation changes are different across vegetation greenness gradients and climatological conditions, which has not been studied clearly. In this study, we used remote sensing and re‐analysis datasets to investigate global climatic feedbacks of vegetation changes on the surface air temperature (SAT). The Common Land Model (CoLM) was also used to reproduce land‐atmosphere energy processes and to explain the climatic feedbacks based on the biophysical mechanisms. Our results show that the sensitivity of SAT to the increase in vegetation greenness presents a convergent relationship. The sign and magnitude of the sensitivity are determined by the background climate conditions. The convergence sensitivity is regulated by the corresponding variations of satellite‐observed evapotranspiration (ET) and albedo, and the associated partitioning of surface energy between sensible and latent heat fluxes simulated by the CoLM. The exploration of the global climatic feedbacks of vegetation changes in this work will be helpful to identify future climate change required for the development of appropriate strategies for mitigating global warming.
Blocking CTGF/CCN2 reverses neural fibrosis and sensorimotor declines in a rat model of overuse‐induced median mononeuropathy
Authors: Barbe Mary F. , Hilliard Brendan A. , Amin Mamta , Harris Michele Y. , Hobson Lucas J. , Cruz Geneva E. , Dorotan Jocelynne T. , Paul Ryan W. , Klyne David M. , Popoff Steven N.
Published: May 2020

Encapsulation of median nerves is a hallmark of overuse‐induced median mononeuropathy and contributes to functional declines. We tested if an antibody against CTGF/CCN2 (termed FG‐3019 or Pamrevlumab) reduces established neural fibrosis and sensorimotor declines in a clinically relevant rodent model of overuse in which median mononeuropathy develops. Young adult female rats performed a high repetition high force (HRHF) lever‐pulling task for 18 weeks. Rats were then euthanised at 18 weeks (HRHF untreated), or rested and systemically treated for 6 weeks with either an anti‐CCN2 monoclonal antibody (HRHF‐Rest/FG‐3019) or IgG (HRHF‐Rest/IgG), with results compared with nontask control rats. Neuropathology was evident in HRHF‐untreated and HRHF‐Rest/IgG rats as increased perineural collagen deposition and degraded myelin basic protein (dMBP) in median nerves, and increased substance P in lower cervical dorsal root ganglia (DRG), compared with controls. Both groups showed functional declines, specifically, decreased sensory conduction velocity in median nerves, noxious cold temperature hypersensitivity, and grip strength declines, compared with controls. There were also increases of ATF3‐immunopositive nuclei in ventral horn neurons in HRHF‐untreated rats, compared with controls (which showed none). FG‐3019‐treated rats showed no increase above control levels of perineural collagen or dMBP in median nerves, Substance P in lower cervical DRGs, or ATF3‐immunopositive nuclei in ventral horns, and similar median nerve conduction velocities and thermal sensitivity, compared with controls. We hypothesize that neural fibrotic processes underpin the sensorimotor declines by compressing or impeding median nerves during movement, and that inhibiting fibrosis using an anti‐CCN2 treatment reverses these effects.
Industrial freezing effects on the content and bioaccessibility of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) polyphenols
Authors: Kamiloglu Senem
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Spinach is well recognized as a functional food owing to its diverse nutritional composition, including polyphenols. Freezing is an efficient preservation method that is used to maintain the physical and nutritional characteristics and extend the shelf life of spinach. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in polyphenols in the samples taken from various production steps of the industrial freezing process of spinach, and to evaluate the bioaccessibility of these bioactive compounds for raw material, by‐product, and frozen product using the standardized in vitro digestion model simulating the digestion in the mouth, stomach, and intestine.

RESULTS

Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with photodiode array detection analysis of spinach samples led to the identification of eight flavonoids and two phenolic acids. The changes occurring in flavonoids after blanching, chopping, and freezing steps were statistically not significant compared with the raw material (P > 0.05). On the other hand, by‐product was found to contain significantly lower amounts of flavonoids (98% in total) and phenolic acids (90% in total) (P < 0.05) compared with the raw material. Furthermore, after in vitro digestion, frozen spinach was found to contain higher amounts of bioaccessible flavonoids (15% in total) and phenolic acids (16% in total) compared with fresh spinach.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the current study highlighted that industrial freezing might be a good strategy to preserve the polyphenol content of fresh spinach as well as to enhance the total amount of bioaccessible polyphenols.
A novel fluorescence sensing strategy based on nanoparticles combined with spectral splicing and chemometrics for the recognition of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ and its storage year
Authors: Lan Wei , Wang Shuo , Wu Yue , Chen Hengye , Yang Jian , Wei Liuna , Xie Hongliang , Li Sijia , Guo Lanping , Fu Haiyan
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The fluorescence sensing method has been increasingly applied in food quality control because it is fast and sensitive. However, its application in quality evaluation is challenging. Using Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP; dried mandarin orange peel) as an example, we developed a simple and low‐cost fluorescence sensing strategy based on nanoparticles combined with spectral splicing and chemometrics for quality evaluation. This method can recognize Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ (CRC) from other CRP cultivars and further identify the storage year.

RESULTS

Nanogold particles and cadmium telluride quantum dots were selected as nanosensors and mixed with aqueous extracts of CRP separately to produce fluorescence quenching spectra. Then, a simple spectral splicing procedure was applied to obtain spliced spectra comprising different combinations of the self‐fluorescence and fluorescence quenching spectra of CRP samples. With the aid of partial least‐squares discriminant analysis, the new strategy achieved recognition rates of 100% in distinguishing CRC samples from other CRP samples, as well as recognition rates of 100% for the training set and 98.04% for the prediction set in the discrimination of the storage year of CRC. The recognition mechanism is dominated by interactions between the nanoparticles and the fluorescent components in the CRP samples, but other components also have concurrent effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel fluorescence sensing strategy not only provides a new tool for the quality evaluation of CRC but also has good prospects for the authentication and traceability of other foods and herbs. Crucially, the developed method is convenient, simple and effective. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The development of an improved artificial diet for the mass rearing of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Woods Michael J , Conlong Desmond E , Ngomane Nomalizo , Gillespie Denise Y , Hoffman Louwrens C , Pieterse Elsje
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

This study determined the nutrient requirements of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a serious sugarcane pest in South Africa, to develop a more efficient artificial diet for mass‐rearing purposes for sterile moth production. Diets tested consisted of a minimum specification (MS) diet representing a diet formulated according to the minimum specification of a summary of published diets, which yielded satisfactory results; an ideal amino acid profile (IAAP) diet, where amino acid composition was based on the profile of amino acids in the 2nd (IAAP2) and 5th/6th (IAAP5/6) instar larvae; and lastly two diets based on the nutrient composition of the natural diet of the insects, papyrus (PAP) and sugarcane (SC). Six treatments with 50 replications were randomly allotted to 300 25 mL plastic screw‐top vials. The diet (15 mL) was dispensed into each vial and inoculated with two freshly hatched larvae. Larvae, pupae, and moths were harvested at 28 days after inoculation. Overall survivability, pupal weight, sex ratio, and rate of development was determined and compared with the diet currently in use at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (CON). Physical characteristics of the diets such as the pH and the water‐holding capacity of the diets were also determined.

RESULTS

The natural diets (PAP and SC) were not viable as they did not yield any results. Survivability was significantly higher (78%) for the MS diet whilst IAAP2 and IAAP5/6 yielded the second highest survivability (74%) compared to CON (68%). There were no differences in male pupal weights between all treatment diets, as was the case for female pupae. Within dietary treatments, female pupae were heavier than male pupae for all treatment diets. CON (1.0: 1.6) produced significantly less male than female pupae with MS (1.0: 1.2), IAAP2 (1.0: 1.0) and IAAP5/6 (1.0: 1.1) all producing equal amounts of male and female pupae. The MS diet (16%) yielded fourfold the number of moths after 28 days compared to CON (4%) and IAAP2 (4%) diets. IAAP5/6 yielded no moths after 28 days. The life stages thus developed fastest in the MS diet. The pH of all treatment diets remained stable for the entire duration of the trial. No biological contamination was observed through all diets. Differences in water‐holding capacity were observed between most diets with PAP and SC losing the most moisture whilst the MS and IAAP2 diets retained the most moisture.

CONCLUSION

The MS diet most closely represented the nutrient requirements of E. saccharina, leading to its faster development on this formulation, which could be readily applied for large‐scale production of this lepidopteran pest as an aid in the mass rearing of sterile males as part of the integrated pest management plan. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Knowledge sharing and innovation: A systematic review
Authors: Castaneda Delio Ignacio , Cuellar Sergio
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this article is to investigate the ways in which innovation and knowledge sharing have been studied together in the academic literature. The method employed in this study was a systematic review that covered publications on knowledge sharing and innovation from 1973, when the first article relating the two topics was published, to 2017. The survey was based on 7,991 articles from the Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases using VantagePoint 11.0 software. Four periods were identified in the relationship between innovation and knowledge sharing: embryonic, emergent, growth young, and growth highest. The relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation continues to grow based on the number of papers published on the topic by year. This is the first systematic review of the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation.
Design of Potassium‐Selective Mixed Ion/Electron Conducting Polymers
Authors: Villarroel Marquez Ariana , Salinas Gerardo , Abarkan Myriam , Idir Maël , Brochon Cyril , Hadziioannou Georges , Raoux Matthieu , Kuhn Alexander , Lang Jochen , Cloutet Eric
Published: May 2020

An approach providing cation‐selective poly‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT):polyelectrolyte‐mixed conductors is presented in this communication based on the structural modification of this ambivalent (ionic and electronic conductive) polymer complex. First, an 18‐crown‐6 moiety is integrated into the styrene sulfonate monomer structure as a specific metal cation scavenger particularly targeting K+ versus Na+ detection. This newly functionalized monomer is characterized by 1H NMR titration to evaluate the ion selectivity. Aqueous PEDOT dispersion inks containing the polymeric ion‐selective moieties are designed and their electrical and electrochemical properties analyzed. These biocompatible inks are the first proof‐of‐concept step towards ion selectivity in view of their interfacing with biological cells and microorgans of interest in the field of biosensors and physiology.
Long‐Term β‐galacto‐oligosaccharides Supplementation Decreases the Development of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Mice Fed a Western‐Type Diet
Authors: Mistry Rima H. , Liu Fan , Borewicz Klaudyna , Lohuis Mirjam A. M. , Smidt Hauke , Verkade Henkjan J. , Tietge Uwe J. F.
Published: May 2020

Scope

The gut microbiota might critically modify metabolic disease development. Dietary fibers such as galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) presumably stimulate bacteria beneficial for metabolic health. This study assesses the impact of GOS on obesity, glucose, and lipid metabolism.

Methods and results

Following Western‐type diet feeding (C57BL/6 mice) with or without β‐GOS (7% w/w, 15 weeks), body composition, glucose and insulin tolerance, lipid profiles, fat kinetics and microbiota composition are analyzed. GOS reduces body weight gain (p < 0.01), accumulation of epididymal (p < 0.05), perirenal (p < 0.01) fat, and insulin resistance (p < 0.01). GOS‐fed mice have lower plasma cholesterol (p < 0.05), mainly within low‐density lipoproteins, lower intestinal fat absorption (p < 0.01), more fecal neutral sterol excretion (p < 0.05) and higher intestinal GLP‐1 expression (p < 0.01). Fecal bile acid excretion is lower (p < 0.01) in GOS‐fed mice with significant compositional differences, namely decreased cholic, α‐muricholic, and deoxycholic acid excretion, whereas hyodeoxycholic acid increased. Substantial changes in microbiota composition, conceivably beneficial for metabolic health, occurred upon GOS feeding.

Conclusion

GOS supplementation to a Western‐type diet improves body weight gain, dyslipidemia, and insulin sensitivity, supporting a therapeutic potential of GOS for individuals at risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Microscopic susceptibility anisotropy imaging
Authors: Kaden Enrico , Gyori Noemi G. , Rudrapatna S. Umesh , Barskaya Irina Y. , Dragonu Iulius , Does Mark D. , Jones Derek K. , Clark Chris A. , Alexander Daniel C.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The gradient‐echo MR signal in brain white matter depends on the orientation of the fibers with respect to the external magnetic field. To map microstructure‐specific magnetic susceptibility in orientationally heterogeneous material, it is thus imperative to regress out unwanted orientation effects.

Methods

This work introduces a novel framework, referred to as microscopic susceptibility anisotropy imaging, that disentangles the 2 principal effects conflated in gradient‐echo measurements, (a) the susceptibility properties of tissue microenvironments, especially the myelin microstructure, and (b) the axon orientation distribution relative to the magnetic field. Specifically, we utilize information about the orientational tissue structure inferred from diffusion MRI data to factor out the
‐direction dependence of the frequency difference signal.

Results

A human pilot study at 3 T demonstrates proxy maps of microscopic susceptibility anisotropy unconfounded by fiber crossings and orientation dispersion as well as magnetic field direction. The developed technique requires only a dual‐echo gradient‐echo scan acquired at 1 or 2 head orientations with respect to the magnetic field and a 2‐shell diffusion protocol achievable on standard scanners within practical scan times.

Conclusions

The quantitative recovery of microscopic susceptibility features in the presence of orientational heterogeneity potentially improves the assessment of microstructural tissue integrity.
Thermo‐mechanical and mechanical behavior of hybrid isotactic polypropylene glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRC) modified with calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
Authors: Barczewski Mateusz , Mysiukiewicz Olga , Andrzejewski Jacek , Matykiewicz Danuta , Medycki Dominik , Kloziński Arkadiusz , Skórczewska Katarzyna , Szostak Marek
Published: May 2020

The study investigates the thermo‐mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) hybrid composites in reference to various amounts of particle‐ and fiber‐shaped inorganic fillers. Three grades of hybrid composites were prepared as a function of filler amount: 5, 10, and 20 wt% and different ratios of glass fiber (GF) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The main objective is to describe the relationship between the hybridization efficiency and mechanical performance of polypropylene‐based composites. The analysis of the thermo‐mechanical properties of the composites shows that both the total amount of the filler and the ratio of GF and CaCO3clearly influence the properties of the composites. Hybrid composites with the highest amount of the GF display improved thermo‐mechanical stability. The presence of well‐dispersed CaCO3in the composites was found to improve elongation at break and Vicat softening temperature values. Even though it is glass fiber, which shows higher filler effectiveness and visibly reinforces the composite samples, causing an increase in tensile strength or reinforcing efficiency, replacing up to 50% of this filler with calcium carbonate does not result in a considerable deterioration of the properties of the material.
How to overcome endosomal entrapment of cell‐penetrating peptides to release the therapeutic potential of peptides?
Authors: Nadal‐Bufí Ferran , Henriques Sónia Troeira
Published: May 2020

Peptides gained a renascent interest as alternative pharmaceuticals, and in particular as anticancer drugs to inhibit intracellular proteins involved in cancer pathways, inaccessible to other pharmaceutical agents. However, the use of peptides as therapeutics is still limited by difficulties in reaching the protein target located in the cytosol. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are being explored as tools to deliver therapeutic peptides inside cells, but they often enter cells using endocytic pathways and become entrapped inside endosomes. Therefore, a strategy to unleash the potential of peptides as therapeutics is to control the release of CPPs from endosomes. In this review we summarize recent strategies employed to improve endosomal escape of CPPs. Lessons learned from these studies can guide the design of CPPs as tools to deliver peptide sequences able to inhibit cancer targets and accelerate their development as therapeutics.
Registration of oilseed sunflower maintainer germplasm HA 488, with resistance to the red sunflower seed weevil
Authors: DeGreef Michael G. , Prasifka Jarrad R. , Koehler Brady D. , Hulke Brent S.
Published: May 2020

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), as a native crop, has numerous insect pests that cause economic damage to producers in the United States. The red sunflower seed weevil is a notable seed‐infesting insect pest throughout the U.S. sunflower growing region that is controlled only by insecticides; therefore, growers would benefit from host‐plant resistance to help mitigate the economic costs associated with infestation. HA 488 (Reg. no. GP‐369, PI 691857) is a maintainer inbred germplasm developed by pedigree selection that provides resistance to the red sunflower seed weevil. HA 488 is as resistant to red sunflower seed weevil as the donor parent PI 431542, an open‐pollinated variety that was previously shown to be one of the most resistant sunflower varieties in a diversity panel. HA 488 was released by the USDA‐ARS, Fargo, ND, to fill the need for sources of host‐plant resistance to important insect pests.
Breaking the impasse: Towards a forward‐looking governance framework for gene editing with plants
Authors: Macnaghten Phil , Habets Michelle G.J.L.
Published: May 2020

Societal Impact Statement

The debate in Europe over how to govern novel techniques of gene editing in plants is fast developing into an impasse with actors rapidly consolidating positions on either side of the debate. Such polemic is not good for science nor for public policy if we are to develop the kinds of socio‐technical innovations that are needed to harness socially resilient solutions to pressing global societal challenges, such as food security and climate change. We analyze how we arrived at this impasse and explore novel ways to move beyond it.

In this paper we examine the controversy surrounding the governance of gene editing in plants in Europe.

First, we review social science scholarship, drawing lessons from the public controversy over GM crops and foods. Second, we describe the European policy debate on the gene editing of plants with a particular focus on how the debate is framed by dominant actors. Third, we review solutions other countries have sought, and in particular touch on a level‐based approval system that Norway is proposing, articulated recently in a Dutch Rathenau Instituut report. Fourth, we introduce frameworks of responsible innovation as a way of aligning innovation trajectories with articulations and negotiations of broader societal values.

We find that the lessons from the GM debate have been inadequately learnt and that the struggle over whether or not to amend the current GMO Directive has had the effect of reinforcing established positions. As ways forward, we argue that the application of the Norwegian level‐based regulatory framework can help move the focus away from assessments on safety to a tiered assessment of socio‐economic considerations, and that a framework of responsible innovation can help transform the cultures and practices of research.

We conclude by setting out some challenges for the plant science community to engage in responsible research and innovation, both to operate as an honest broker and to engage in early, constructive and on‐going public dialogue.
A General Strategy to Encapsulate Semiconducting Polymers within PEGylated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Optical Imaging and Drug Delivery
Authors: Lu Feng , Zhan Chen , Gong Yi , Tang Yufu , Xie Chen , Wang Qi , Wang Wenjun , Fan Quli , Huang Wei
Published: May 2020

Although semiconducting polymers (SPs) have become an important category for optical imaging and phototherapy, their biomedical application is still facing a number of challenges. Herein, a cationic surfactant–assisted approach to encapsulate hydrophobic SPs within highly PEGylated mesoporous silica (mSiO2) nanoparticles with excellent colloidal stability and enhanced fluorescence in aqueous solution is reported. In comparison to the previously reported amphiphilic polymer coating and silification method, this universal strategy not only suppresses the formation of empty polymer micelles and free silica nanoparticles, but also provides high specific surface area for drug loading. As a proof of concept, furan‐containing diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based semiconducting polymers (PDFT) are coated with mesoporous silica and utilized for fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared region (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) and drug delivery. In vivo blood vessel imaging and tumor imaging are achieved with high resolution (0.21 mm) and signal‐to‐background ratio (≈4.2). Additionally, pH‐responsive drug release and improved therapeutic effect are observed. By choosing desired SPs, different optical imaging and therapeutic modalities can also be achieved, thus the SP@mSiO2 nanostructures obtained here provide numerous opportunities for theranostic applications.
Bethe ansatz of electrons as a mean‐field wavefunction for chemical systems
Authors: Carrier Laurie , Fecteau Charles‐Émile , Johnson Paul A.
Published: May 2020

Eigenvectors of a Hamiltonian solvable by a Bethe ansatz (BA) are employed as a variational trial wavefunction for electrons. Energy expressions are developed showcasing the methods of BA. Numerical results are presented for atomic systems as well as molecular dissociations, which are numerically identical with the restricted Hartree‐Fock (HF) results. The present contribution serves as a bridge between HF and other BA wavefunctions to be employed as mean‐field methods for strongly correlated electrons.
Orbital Hybridization and Magnetic Coupling at Cuprate–Manganite Interfaces Driven by Manganite Doping
Authors: Schlueter Christoph , Yang Nan , Mazzoli Claudio , Cantoni Claudia , Tebano Antonello , Di Castro Daniele , Balestrino Giuseppe , Orgiani Pasquale , Galdi Alice , Herrero‐Martín Javier , Gargiani Pierluigi , Valvidares Manuel , Aruta Carmela
Published: May 2020

Fundamental understanding of interface mechanisms that generate unexpected physical properties in the cuprate/manganite heterostructures is essential for possible applications as spintronic devices. Here, CaCuO2/La1−xSrxMnO3 (CCO/LSMO) superlattices are investigated, where the infinite‐layer cuprate CCO does not have apical oxygen for Cu in the Ca‐plane so that the Mn–O–Cu superexchange coupling can be only present at the MnO2–(La,Sr)O–CuO2 interface. Two different doping states for the manganites are studied, namely x = 0.1 and x = 0.3, corresponding to the ferromagnetic insulating and ferromagnetic metallic states, respectively, in the manganite phase diagram. Linear and circular dichroism in X‐ray absorption by synchrotron radiation at Cu and Mn L‐edges clearly demonstrate that in the absence of apical oxygen in the cuprate block, the magnetic coupling between the LSMO and CCO is weakly ferromagnetic when LSMO is metallic, while it is antiferromagnetic when LSMO is insulating, along with an increased Cu 3d(3z2–r2) and Mn 3d(3z2–r2) orbital occupation. It is proposed that the Mn 3d valence band upward shift driven by the enhancement of Mn3+ content in the underdoped sample enhances the orbital hybridization. The stronger hybridization at the interface MnO2–(La,Sr)O–CuO2 gives rise to the antiferromagnetic coupling between cuprate and underdoped manganite.
Real‐time warming of Alpine streams: (re)defining invertebrates' temperature preferences
Authors: Niedrist Georg H. , Füreder Leopold
Published: May 2020

The accelerating climate crisis intensifies environmental changes in high‐altitude ecosystems worldwide, with rising air temperature among the main stressors. While past research in alpine streams has primarily focused on how retreating glaciers might affect the ecology of glacier‐fed streams on the long run, observations of real‐time alterations of water temperature in such pristine environments are rare. Using long‐term measurements of water temperature (2010–2017) together with datasets on benthic invertebrate communities from 18 glacial and nonglacial alpine and subalpine streams in the European Alps, we illustrate significant ecological relationships of water temperature regimes and the identity of benthic communities and forecast changes thereof due to considerable warming of stream water. Besides reporting multiannual warming of all observed streams during summer with a mean rate of 2.5(±0.6)°C decade−1, this work redefines temperature optima and ranges using robust regression modelling and thereby identifies potential winners and losers among the invertebrate species. We conclude that the various invertebrate taxa in alpine stream networks will respond differently to thermal alterations and that the herein modelled temperature ranges of invertebrates is an essential step towards the understanding of future shifts in species distributions and success.
STEM teacher agency: A case study of initiating and implementing curricular reform
Authors: Balgopal Meena M.
Published: May 2020

Most science curricular reform efforts are designed by administrators or science education experts. It is less common for teachers to work collaboratively across disciplines to create, implement, and disseminate an integrated STEM curriculum developed for noncollege‐bound students that ended up being popular across student populations at the school. The integrated Geometry in Construction curriculum was developed 12 years ago and has since been adopted by over 425 schools across the United States. This intrinsic case study describes the experiences and perceptions of two high school teachers (one in mathematics and one in industrial science/engineering) as they achieved agency to initiate a deep and sustained reform effort. Drawing on the theory of teacher agency, the factors motivating the teachers to enact their beliefs about students and teaching are described. As a result of increased professional agency (driven by professional discontentment, willingness to take risks, and encouragement by mentors), these two teachers (a) cogenerated integrated engineering‐math curriculum with one another and their students and (b) addressed the needs of their community for affordable housing.
The Charge Storage Mechanism of MnCO3 in Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Vardhan Palem Vishnu , Balarabe Idris Mustapha , Subramaniam Thiruvenkatam , Sappani Devaraj
Published: May 2020

Understanding the charge storage mechanism of MnCO3 is essential to improve its capacitance performance. Herein, we report the charge storage mechanism of MnCO3 in aqueous Na2SO4 and Mg(ClO4)2 electrolytes studied systematically by using ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Theoretical specific capacitance of MnCO3.H2O in the potential window of 0.1 to 1.0 V is 806 F g−1, however, it delivers a specific capacitance value of only 95 and 66 F g−1 in 0.1 M Mg(ClO4)2 and 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolytes, respectively, which suggests that only a limited fraction of MnCO3 is participating in the charge storage. The ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies reveal that the insertion and extraction of Mg2+‐ions into/from MnCO3 accompanied by redox reaction between Mn2+ and Mn1+ during charge/discharge are reversible and do not result in phase transformation in aqueous 0.1 M Mg(ClO4)2 electrolyte. In contrast, lattice expansion and contraction by insertion and extraction of Na+‐ions into/from MnCO3 result in a gradual transformation of MnCO3 into α‐MnO2 in aqueous 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte.
Regulatory Preparation of N/S Doped Carbon Quantum Dots and Their Applications as Fe(III) Ion Sensors
Authors: Deng Yafeng , Qian Jun , Zhou Yihua , Lu Fei
Published: May 2020

The nitrogen‐sulfur co‐doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (N/S‐CQDs) were synthesized from sulfanilic acid. The fluorescence emission was independent of the excitation wavelength. In this experiment, the carbonization degree of the precursors was adjusted by solvent‐thermal method to affect the sp2 conjugated dimension of CQDs, thus affecting the fluorescence performance of CQDs. They are well dispersed in water and ethanol, and have high selectivity for Fe3+. The detection range is 0.025∼0.4 mmol/L, and the detection limit is about 2.549 μmol/L. The CQDs prepared in this experiment emit light indirectly through the surface defect state. When CQDs is illuminated by light, the carriers generated by photons will emit light at a very fast speed due to the surface defect state, so the excited electrons in CQDs can be easily transferred to Fe3+, making the surface of CQDs more complete, thus leading to the quenching of CQDs fluorescence.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate: An Inexpensive Inorganic Polyelectrolyte “Primer” For Upconverting Nanoparticles/Mesoporous Silica Core‐Shell Synthesis
Authors: Torresan María Fernanda , Parra‐Florez Loreiny , Sorbello Cecilia , Azcárate Julio César , Etchenique Roberto , Wolosiuk Alejandro
Published: May 2020

We introduce a method for depositing a uniform mesoporous SiO2 layer onto upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) following a two step approach. First, thermolysis synthesized hydrophobic oleate‐capped UCNP were subjected to a ligand exchange procedure with sodium hexamethaphosphate (HMP) in order to obtain hydrophilic and exceptionally stable colloidal particles. In a second step, a uniform mesoporous SiO2 shell was anchored to the HMP‐UCNP using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a porogen agent. These porous layers are mesosotructured, chemically reactive and do not change the original optical properties of the UCNP. Moreover, anchoring HMP to the nanocrystal surface favors the formation of single UCNP@mesoporous SiO2 core‐shell entities with yields up to 86%.
Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde with Alcohol on Amorphous TiO2 Catalysts: Competitive Adsorption between H2O and Carbonyl
Authors: Qiao Simeng , Liu Xuechen , Zhou Yuanyi , Wang Haipeng , Zhang Ling , Wang Wenzhong
Published: May 2020

Reduced amorphous TiO2 (A‐TiO2), with high coverage of electrons and protons on its surface, supplies a steady‐state condition for selective hydrogenation reaction. Generally, there are some complex hydrogenation reaction products ascribed to the presence of multiple adsorption modes of cinnamaldehyde (CAL). In our work, the saturated aldehyde (∼48%) and unsaturated alcohol (52%) coexist in the products with a ratio of near 1 : 1, while the saturated alcohol is not produced in the reaction. Furthermore, the presence of H2O could suppress the adsorption of the C=O group while the C=C group could be strongly adsorbed on the surface of A‐TiO2, which results in the high selectivity of HCAL (∼84%). We explain these results by proposing a reaction mechanism with several adsorption modes of CAL affected by the solvents. This discovery also puts forward a new method for promoting the selectivity of COL by removing the H2O in the reaction system.
Cobalt Oxide Nanocubes Encapsulated in Graphene Aerogel as Integrated Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shao Jinxiao , Xiao Jinghao , Wang Yihan , Zhou Hu , Yuan Aihua
Published: May 2020

The development of metal oxides as anodes of lithium‐ion batteries is severely limited because of their poor conductivity and serious volume expansion during the cycles. This work focuses on the improvement of electronic conductivity and cycle stability of metal oxides. The nanocubes of Prussian blue analogues are firstly encapsulated in the network of graphene aerogel (GA), and then the Co3O4@GA composites are synthesized after the subsequent calcination treatment. The resulting products are used as free‐standing and high‐performance anodes of LIBs, and the optimal electrode delivers a specific capacity of 624 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles together with a good cycle stability. The extraordinary lithium‐storage performances can be ascribed to the synergistic interaction between metal oxides and GA substrate. The incorporation of GA improves the electrode conductivity and alleviates the aggregation and volume expansion of metal oxide particles upon cycling, whereas cobalt oxides contribute a high specific capacity.
Constructing Pure Phase Tungsten‐Based Bimetallic Carbide Nanosheet as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Chen Jianpo , Ren Bowen , Cui Hao , Wang Chengxin
Published: May 2020

Carbides are commonly regarded as efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, but their poor oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activities seriously limit their practical application in overall water splitting. Here, vertically aligned porous cobalt tungsten carbide nanosheet embedded in N‐doped carbon matrix (Co6W6C@NC) is successfully constructed on flexible carbon cloth (CC) as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting via a facile metal–organic framework (MOF) derived method. The synergistic effect of Co and W atoms effectively tailors the electron state of carbide, optimizing the hydrogen‐binding energy. Thus Co6W6C@NC shows an enhanced HER performance with an overpotential of 59 mV at a current density of −10 mA cm−2. Besides, Co6W6C@NC easily in situ transforms into tungsten actived cobalt oxide/hydroxide during the OER process, serving as OER active species, which provides an excellent OER activity with an overpotential of 286 mV at a current density of −10 mA cm−2. The water splitting device, by applying Co6W6C@NC as both the cathode and anode, requires a low cell voltage of 1.585 V at 10 mA cm−2 with the great stability in alkaline solution. This work provides a feasible strategy to fabricate bimetallic carbides and explores their possibility as bifunctional catalysts toward overall water splitting.
Semicentralized voltage control method using SVR based on past voltage measurements in distribution network
Authors: Murakami Kohei , Yoshizawa Shinya , Ishii Hideo , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Kondo Hiroshi , Kanazawa Yuki , Nomura Hideo , Kajikawa Takuya
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we propose a semicentralized voltage control method utilizing past voltage measurements obtained with sensors in a distribution network (DN) to improve the voltage control performance of a single‐step voltage regulator (SVR). In this method, the SVR basically performs autonomous voltage control referring to the control parameter, the reference voltage, but the parameter is updated with a specific interval via communication. To determine a time series of the reference voltage using the past voltage measurements, the simple averaging method and the probabilistic weighting method are considered. The effect of these methods on the voltage control performance is evaluated with a power flow simulation using a realistic 6.6 kV DN model with photovoltaic systems. The results show that the proposed semicentralized SVR control with these advanced parameter‐updating methods dramatically mitigate voltage violation compared to the conventional SVR operation in which the constant reference voltage is used for 1 year. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
COVID-19 und die Geschichte der sozialwissenschaftlichen Katastrophenforschung
Authors: Stehrenberger Cécile Stephanie
Published: May 2020

Dieser Beitrag ist Teil des Forums COVID-19: Perspektiven in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften. Mit Blick auf die sozialwissenschaftliche Katastrophenforschung des Kalten Krieges als Herkunftsort und als historisches Vergleichsmoment beschäftigt sich der Artikel mit der bisherigen sozialwissenschaftlichen Auseinandersetzung mit der COVID-19-Krise. Er behandelt erstens, wie die Rolle von sozialer Ungleichheit erörtert wird, zweitens die Idee der Katastrophe als „große Enthüllerin“ und drittens das Verhältnis von Katastrophenwissenschaft, Öffentlichkeit und Politik.
Single grain grinding: a novel approach to model the interactions at the grain/bond interface during grinding
Authors: Denkena Berend , Bouabid Abdelhamid , Kroedel Alexander
Published: May 2020

The influence of the bond on grinding processes remains one uncertainty in the investigation of grinding tool behavior. Among others, this is due to the lack of knowledge about the interactions between the grain/bond interface and the grinding process loads. Understanding these interactions allows for further process development by adjusting the bond to the grinding application. The interactions at the grain/bond interface during grinding depend on the single grain thermomechanical loads as well as the tool properties. This paper presents an approach to provide the boundary conditions which are needed to model the interactions at the grain/bond interface. The machining of tungsten carbide with a bronze-bonded diamond tool is considered as use case. For this purpose, a novel kind of tool extracted from the grinding layer that serves to quantify the loads affecting the active grains and consequently their grain/bond interfaces during grinding is developed. The results of different grain orientations are plotted in a so-called Acudiagram, which gives an overview of the mechanical loads for different grain orientations and chip thickness values, as they occur during grinding due to the stochastic orientation and distribution of the abrasive grains in the grinding tool. It is shown that depending on the engagement conditions, the single grain-cutting force can reach up to 300 N by chip thickness values of 20 μm, which implies different wear behavior of the active grains.
Unique Ergodicity for a Class of Stochastic Hyperbolic Equations with Additive Space-Time White Noise
Authors: Tolomeo Leonardo
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we consider a certain class of second order nonlinear PDEs with damping and space-time white noise forcing, posed on the d-dimensional torus. This class includes the wave equation for $$d=1$$

d
=
1

and the beam equation for $$d\le 3$$

d
≤
3

. We show that the Gibbs measure is the unique invariant measure for this system. Since the flow does not satisfy the strong Feller property, we introduce a new technique for showing unique ergodicity. This approach may be also useful in situations in which finite-time blowup is possible.
Local Anaesthesia Alone Versus Regional or General Anaesthesia in Excisional Haemorrhoidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xia Weisi , MacFater Hoani S. , MacFater Wiremu S. , Otutaha Bacil F. , Barazanchi Ahmed W. H. , Sammour Tarik , Hill Andrew G.
Published: May 2020

Background

Excisional haemorrhoidectomy has been traditionally performed under general or regional anaesthesia. However, these modes are associated with complications such as nausea, urinary retention and motor blockade. Local anaesthesia (LA) alone has been proposed to reduce side effects as well as to expedite ambulatory surgery. This systematic review aims to assess LA versus regional or general anaesthesia for excisional haemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched to 13 January 2020. All randomised controlled trials comparing LA only versus regional or general anaesthesia in patients who received excisional haemorrhoidectomy were included. The main outcomes included pain, adverse effects and length of stay.

Results

Nine trials, consisting of six studies comparing local versus regional anaesthesia and three comparing LA versus general anaesthesia, were included. Meta‐analysis showed a significantly lower relative risk for need of rescue analgesia (RR 0.32 [95% CI 0.16–0.62]), intra‐operative hypotension (RR 0.17 [95% CI 0.04–0.76]), headache (RR 0.13 [0.02–0.67]) and urinary retention (RR 0.17 [95% CI 0.09–0.29]) for LA when compared with regional anaesthesia. There was mixed evidence for both regional and general anaesthesia in regard to post‐operative pain.

Conclusions

LA alone may be considered as an alternative to regional anaesthesia for excisional haemorrhoidectomy with reduced complications and reduction in the amount of post‐operative analgesia required. The evidence for LA compared to general anaesthesia for haemorrhoidectomy is low grade and mixed.
Train‐Associated Injuries Pose a Significant Burden on Trauma Care Systems of Emerging Economies
Authors: Bagaria Dinesh Kumar , Banerjee Niladri , Gupta Amit , Kumar Subodh , Mishra Biplab , Choudhary Narendra , Kumar Abhinav , Priyadarshini Pratyusha , Sagar Sushma , R.M.Pandey
Published: May 2020

Background

The Indian railway system is the fourth largest in the world and causes about 15 deaths every day, due to intentional or unintentional reasons. This study presents a 5‐year retrospective analysis of patients injured due to train‐associated events, managed at a level‐1 trauma center in India.

Materials and methods

Hospital‐based trauma registry data of train‐associated injuries presenting between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. Data from 726 patients were analyzed for demographics, injury events, injury regions, their management and outcomes. ISS and NISS were used to quantify the injury severity.

Results

Mean age was 33 years, with male‐to‐female ratio 86 to 14%. The majority of patients (62%) were between 20–40 years. The median ISS was 9 (IQR 4–16), median hospital stays 11 days (IQR6‐23), with in‐hospital mortality of 17.4%. Presence of head injury; ISS > 9 and CPR in ED were independent risk factors of mortality. Trespassers on the rail track had significantly more severe injuries compared to passengers (Median ISS 13 vs. 9, p = 0.012; Median NISS 22 vs.17, p = 0.015); however, mortality and hospital length of stay were not significantly different. Location of injury event (on platform or tracks) showed no difference between the severity of injuries, mortality and hospital length of stay.

Conclusions

Current study reports comprehensive injury patterns and outcomes of train‐associated injuries from a low‐ and middle‐income country (LMIC). Apart from the mortality, there is a high incidence of permanent disabilities from extremity amputations. No significant difference was noted in the severity and outcomes among patients injured on or off train platforms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety measures including enforcement and promoting safe behavior not only on locations like train tracks but equally at platforms.
Real-world risk assessment and treatment initiation among patients with myelofibrosis at community oncology practices in the United States
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan , Yu Jingbo , Kish Jonathan K. , Paranagama Dilan , Kaufman Jill , Myerscough Callan , Grunwald Michael R. , Colucci Philomena , Mesa Ruben
Published: May 2020

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm with a prevalence of 4 to 6 per 100,000 people in the USA. Treatment recommendations are risk-adapted. This study was conducted to evaluate how physicians risk-stratify patients at the time of MF diagnosis, the accuracy of the risk stratification, and its effect on treatment selection. Medical charts were reviewed at US community hematology/oncology practices in the Cardinal Health Oncology Provider Extended Network; patient clinical characteristics, risk stratification, and treatment data were collected. Physician-assigned risk categorizations were compared with data-derived risk categorizations based on the International Prognostic Scoring System, the system recommended at diagnosis. A total of 491 patients diagnosed with MF between 2012 and 2016 (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 65.4 [11.8] years; 54.8% male, 69.2% with primary MF) were included. Risk categorization was not assigned for 30.1% of patients. Of the patients with a physician-assigned risk categorization (n = 343), a scoring system was used in 49.9%. Compared with data-derived risk categorizations, 42.9% of physician-assigned risk categorizations were incorrect; 85.0% of incorrect physician-assigned risk categorizations were underestimations. Notably, 38.5% of patients with data-derived intermediate- or high-risk categorizations did not initiate treatment within 120 days of diagnosis. Among patients with data-derived intermediate risk, those with an underestimated physician-assigned risk categorization were significantly less likely to receive treatment within 120 days of diagnosis (51.6% with correct physician-assigned categorization vs 18.5% with underestimated risk categorization; P = 0.0023). These results highlight the gap in risk assessment and the importance of accurate risk stratification at diagnosis.