bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suggestion of Measurement Management Criteria for Soil Slope Failure Based on Displacement
Authors: Choi Sun-Gyu , Suk Jae-Wook , Jeong Hyang-Seon
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the Measurement Management Criteria (MMC) of a soil slope failure based on displacement using literature reviews, small-scale experiments, large-scale experiments, and field data. Two types of measurement management criteria were developed, i.e., short-term criteria for slopes under construction or requiring urgent measurements, and long-term criteria for slopes under continuous management. First, the measurement criteria for the short term were determined based on small- and-large scale experiments, and were determined to be “1 mm/min for the watch level,” “4 mm/min for the caution level,” and “21 mm/min for the alert level.” Next, the criteria for the long term were determined through a literature review and field data, and were “2 mm/day for the watch level,” “8 mm/day for the caution level,” and “56 mm/day for the alert level”.
Non-Stationary Frequency Analysis and Uncertainty of Heat Wave Events
Authors: Seo Jiyu , Won Jeongeun , Choi Jeonghyeon , Lee Okjeong , Kim Sangdan
Published: March 2021

Due to global warming, there is an increasing concern regarding persistent and severe heat waves. The maximum daily surface air temperature observations show strong non-stationary features, and the increased intensity and persistence of heat wave events have been observed in many regions. The heat wave persistence day frequency (HPF) curve, which correlates the intensity of a heat wave persistence event for days with return periods, can be a useful tool to analyze the frequency of heat wave events. In this study, non-stationary HPF curves are developed to explain the trend in the increase of the surface air temperature due to climate change, and their uncertainty is analyzed. The non-stationary HPF model can be used in climate change adaptation management such as public health, public safety, and energy management.
Elucidating evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of diapause regulation using anin silicoapproach
Authors: Ajit Kamal , Murphy Bruce D. , Banerjee Arnab
Published: March 2021

Embryonic diapause is an enigmatic phenomenon that appears in diverse species. Although regulatory mechanisms have been established, there is much to be discovered. Herein, we have made the first comprehensive attempt to elucidate diapause regulatory mechanisms using a computational approach. We found transcription factors unique to promoters of genes in diapause species. From pathway analysis and STRING PPI networks, the signaling pathways regulated by these unique transcription factors were identified. The pathways were then consolidated into a model to combine various known mechanisms of diapause regulation. This work also highlighted certain transcription factors that may act as ‘master transcription factors’ to regulate the phenomenon. Promoter analysis further suggested evidence for independent evolution for some of regulatory elements involved in diapause.
Non‐Solvent Induced Phase Separation Enables Designer Redox Flow Battery Electrodes
Authors: Wan Charles Tai‐Chieh , Jacquemond Rémy Richard , Chiang Yet‐Ming , Nijmeijer Kitty , Brushett Fikile R. , Forner‐Cuenca Antoni
Published: March 2021

Porous carbonaceous electrodes are performance‐defining components in redox flow batteries (RFBs), where their properties impact the efficiency, cost, and durability of the system. The overarching challenge is to simultaneously fulfill multiple seemingly contradictory requirements—i.e., high surface area, low pressure drop, and facile mass transport—without sacrificing scalability or manufacturability. Here, non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) is proposed as a versatile method to synthesize tunable porous structures suitable for use as RFB electrodes. The variation of the relative concentration of scaffold‐forming polyacrylonitrile to pore‐forming poly(vinylpyrrolidone) is demonstrated to result in electrodes with distinct microstructure and porosity. Tomographic microscopy, porosimetry, and spectroscopy are used to characterize the 3D structure and surface chemistry. Flow cell studies with two common redox species (i.e., all‐vanadium and Fe2+/3+) reveal that the novel electrodes can outperform traditional carbon fiber electrodes. It is posited that the bimodal porous structure, with interconnected large (>50 µm) macrovoids in the through‐plane direction and smaller (<5 µm) pores throughout, provides a favorable balance between offsetting traits. Although nascent, the NIPS synthesis approach has the potential to serve as a technology platform for the development of porous electrodes specifically designed to enable electrochemical flow technologies.
Metamaterial Lenses and Their Applications at Microwave Frequencies
Authors: Tang Wenxuan , Chen Jia , Cui Tie Jun
Published: March 2021

Metamaterials (MTMs) are artificial structures characterized by flexible and designable electromagnetic (EM) properties, including permittivity, permeability, and refractive index. Because of their subwavelength‐scale composing units, MTMs are able to manipulate the propagation of EM waves at extremely fine resolutions and offer solutions for new‐concept devices and components with novel functionalities and challenge‐breaking properties. From among the attractive applications of MTMs, this review article focuses on MTM lenses (also termed metalenses) developed in recent years for the purpose of microwave engineering, including beam forming, beam steering, and imaging. Bulk lenses made of 3D MTMs and planar lenses made of 2D transmission‐type metasurfaces are both involved and investigated. Different categories of metalenses, together with the theory, principles, methods, and advantages of their designs, are introduced and discussed. Potential and future applications of metalenses at microwave frequencies are also presented.
Break‐and‐Build Strategy for the Synthesis of 2‐Benzoylbenzoxazoles from o‐Aminophenols and Acetophenones
Authors: Nguyen Le Anh , Ngo Quoc Anh , Retailleau Pascal , Nguyen Thanh Binh
Published: March 2021

Although compounds with a 2‐benzoylbenzoxazole motif are biologically relevant, there are only a few methods for synthesizing them, most of which relied on multistep process or required substrates bearing activating groups. Herein, we report an efficient method for the synthesis of such compounds by direct reactions of o‐aminophenols with acetophenones promoted by sulfur in DMSO. The reaction was found to proceed via a Willgerodt rearrangement‐type benzoxazolation of acetophenones followed by a benzylic oxidation to reinstall the carbonyl function. This method has a broad substrate scope and good tolerance for sensitive functional groups.

magnified image
Rhodaelektrokatalysierte bimetallische C‐H‐Oxygenierung durch schwache O‐Koordination
Authors: Tan Xuefeng , Massignan Leonardo , Hou Xiaoyan , Frey Johanna , Oliveira João C. A. , Hussain Masoom Nasiha , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2021

Rhodaelektrokatalysierte C‐H‐Oxygenierungen von Aromaten durch schwach O‐koordinierende Amide und Ketone wurden mittels bimetallischer Elektrokatalyse ermöglicht. Außerdem ermöglichte die sorgfältige Auswahl der Stromstärke den Zugang zu Dihydrooxazinonen durch zweifache C‐H‐Funktionalisierung. Detaillierte experimentelle mechanistische Studien sowie massenspektrometrische und cyclovoltammetrische Analysen deuten auf eine neuartige, elektrooxidativ eingeleitete C‐H‐Funktionalisierung durch bimetallische Rhodiumkatalyse hin.
Large‐Scale Rapid Positioning of Hierarchical Assemblies of Conjugated Polymers via Meniscus‐Assisted Self‐Assembly
Authors: Pan Shuang , Peng Juan , Lin Zhiqun
Published: March 2021

Rapid and deliberate patterning of nanomaterials over a large area is desirable for device manufacturing. We report a method for meniscus‐assisted self‐assembly (MASA)‐enabled rapid positioning of hierarchically assembled dots and stripes composed of luminescent conjugated polymer over two length scales. Periodically arranged conjugated poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) polymers, yield dots, punch‐holes and stripes at microscopic scale via MASA. Concurrent self‐assembly of PFOs into two‐dimensional lenticular crystals within each dot, punch‐hole and stripe is realized at nanoscopic scale. Hierarchical assembly is achieved by constraining the evaporation of the PFOs solution in two approximately parallel plates via a MASA process. The three‐phase contact line (TCL) of the liquid meniscus of the PFOs was printed using the upper plate, yielding an array of curved stripes. Rapid creation of hierarchical assemblies via MASA opens up possibilities for large‐scale organization of a wide range of soft matters and nanomaterials.
Massive Pressure Amplification by Stimulated Contraction of Mesoporous Frameworks**
Authors: Bon Volodymyr , Krause Simon , Senkovska Irena , Grimm Nico , Wallacher Dirk , Többens Daniel M. , Kaskel Stefan
Published: March 2021

Herein we demonstrate mesoporous frameworks interacting with carbon dioxide leading to stimulated structural contractions and massive out‐of‐equilibrium pressure amplification well beyond ambient pressure. Carbon dioxide, a non‐toxic and non‐flammable working medium, is promising for the development of pressure‐amplifying frameworks for pneumatic technologies and safety systems. The strong interaction of the fluid with the framework even contracts DUT‐46, a framework hitherto considered as non‐flexible. Synchrotron‐based in situ PXRD/adsorption experiments reveal the characteristic contraction pressure for DUT‐49 pressure amplification in the range of 350–680 kPa. The stimulated framework contraction expels 1.1 to 2.4 mmol g−1 CO2 leading to autonomous pressure amplification in a pneumatic demonstrator system up to 428 kPa. According to system level estimations even higher theoretical pressure amplification may be achieved between 535 and 1011 kPa.
Resin, cure, and polymer properties of photopolymerizable resins containing bio‐derived isosorbide
Authors: Lastovickova Dominika N. , Toulan Faye R. , Mitchell Joshua R. , VanOosten David , Clay Anthony M. , Stanzione Joseph F. , Palmese Giuseppe R. , La Scala John J.
Published: March 2021

We have developed photocurable bio‐derived isosorbide (meth)acrylates for use in photoinitiated additive manufacturing (AM). We have shown that the viscosity of isosorbide‐based resins obeyed logarithmic rule of mixtures, and the viscosity values were significantly lower than that of commercial stereolithography (SLA) resins as well as various other urethane (meth)acrylates and bisphenol A (meth)acrylates‐containing blends. Using isobornyl acrylate or 4‐acryloylmorpholine as reactive diluents, we were able to reduce the brittleness of the isosorbide‐based polymers and retain high glass transition temperatures (Tg) of up to 231°C. The isosorbide‐based resins were still somewhat brittle but had both greater Tg and strength relative to analogous bisphenol A dimethacrylate resins. Addition of oligomeric urethane (meth)acrylate crosslinkers further improved the mechanical properties of the polymers, whereby the strength approximately doubled to 55 MPa at 25°C, while maintaining high thermal properties, Tg > 190°C, and low viscosities, <140 cP, that are desirable for photoinduced AM applications. Furthermore, we were able to print this resin using SLA which produced specimens with similar moduls, but reduced strength relative to photocured resins and a commercial high temperature SLA resin.
Science and conservation of Amazonian crocodilians: a historical review
Authors: Marioni Boris , Barão‐Nóbrega José António L. , Botero‐Arias Robinson , Muniz Fábio , Campos Zilca , Da Silveira Ronis , Magnusson William E. , Villamarín Francisco
Published: March 2021

Crocodilians represent one of the oldest extant vertebrate lineages. They have co‐existed with humans throughout the Amazon basin for thousands of years, often having a strong cultural and economic influence on people's lives. Shifts in the socio‐economic and political reality of the Amazon basin during the last century have led crocodilian populations to face large variations in their numbers according to different levels of exploitation and strategies for their conservation.

This article reviews the scientific knowledge obtained between 1945 and 2019 on the biology, conservation and management for the four Amazonian crocodilian (caiman) species (Caiman crocodilus,Melanosuchus niger,Paleosuchus palpebrosusandPaleosuchus trigonatus). It provides a general overview on past and current population status and research efforts involving caimans in the Amazon basin and discusses perspectives for the future.

The most significant studies on the ecology, genetics and management strategies are examined in more detail and this information is contextualized to provide an overview of the most relevant findings that might explain caiman population trends over the last 75 years.

Systems for sustainable management in the Amazon basin have been discussed for the past 20 years, but remain rarely applicable. It is necessary to develop new ways to maintain healthy caiman populations through innovative management programmes. Sustainable harvesting of wildlife has been shown to promote conservation targets, especially those initiatives based on community co‐management. In this article, we propose some general guidelines for future management schemes, in the expectation that the information provided by the scientific community will be considered fully without political agendas determining the priorities.
Which Drains Get Claimed? Adopt‐a‐Drain Programs in Three US Cities
Authors: Saywitz Robin Rose , Teodoro Manuel P.
Published: March 2021

Key Takeaways

Adopt‐a‐Drain is a popular and growing program aimed at improving stormwater system performance and engaging the public to participate in water management.

Drain adoption in Houston, Seattle, and Virginia Beach is unrelated to flood risk but strongly correlated with demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Utilities’ public engagement and education programs should include outreach to high‐risk, low‐socioeconomic‐status, and/or demographically diverse neighborhoods.
Cloning, expression, and functional analysis of the β‐1,3‐glucanase gene in Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Liu Danmei , Wang Rui , Yang Jun , Yang Qing
Published: March 2021

The β‐1,3‐glucanase gene in Ostrinia furnacalis was first obtained by RT‐PCR. The real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression level of β‐1,3‐glucanase in the midgut of O. furnacalis was higher than in other tissues. Moreover, the expression level in the larval stage was higher in egg, pupa, and adult stages. The optimal pH of recombinant O. furnacalis β‐1,3‐glucanase OfLam to the substrate laminarin was 4.5, and the optimum reaction temperature was 50°C. The enzyme exhibited a KM of 1.59 ± 0.28 mg/mL and a kcat of 15.8 ± 0.66 s–1. Ostrinia furnacalis β‐1,3‐glucanase has a similar catalytic efficiency to other insect‐derived β‐1,3‐glucanases. The recombinant OfLam has a broad substrate spectrum and can hydrolyze fungal cell walls, suggesting a new source of enzymes for biological control strategies that target fungal cell walls.
Combination antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibition and anti‐PD1 immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis of safety, tolerance, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Laccetti Andrew L. , Garmezy Benjamin , Xiao Lianchun , Economides Minas , Venkatesan Aradhana , Gao Jianjun , Jonasch Eric , Corn Paul , Zurita‐Saavedra Amado , Brown Landon C. , Kao Chester , Kinsey Emily N. , Gupta Rajan T. , Harrison Michael R. , Armstrong Andrew J. , George Daniel J. , Tannir Nizar , Msaouel Pavlos , Shah Amishi , Zhang Tian , Campbell Matthew T.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Two separate antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immunotherapy (IO) combinations are FDA‐approved as front‐line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Little is known about off‐protocol and post‐front‐line experience with combination TKI–IO approaches.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of mRCC patients who received combination TKI–IO post‐first‐line therapy between November 2015 and January 2019 at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Duke Cancer Institute. Chart review detailed patient characteristics, treatments, toxicity, and survival. Independent radiologists, blinded to clinical data, assessed best radiographic response using RECIST v1.1.

Results

We identified 48 mRCC patients for inclusion: median age 65 years, 75.0% clear cell histology, 68.8% IMDC intermediate risk, and median two prior systemic therapies. TKI–IO combinations included nivolumab–cabozantinib (N +C; 24 patients), nivolumab–pazopanib (N+P; 13), nivolumab–axitinib (6), nivolumab–lenvatinib (2), and nivolumab–ipilimumab–cabozantinib (3). The median progression‐free survival was 11.6 months and the median overall survival was not reached. Response data were available in 45 patients: complete response (CR; n = 3, 6.7%), partial response (PR; 20, 44.4%), stable disease (SD; 19, 42.2%), and progressive disease (3, 6.7%). Overall response rate was 51% and disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) was 93%. Only one patient had a grade ≥3 adverse event.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case series reporting off‐label use of combination TKI–IO for mRCC. TKI–IO combinations, particularly N+P and N+C, are well tolerated and efficacious. Although further prospective research is essential, slow disease progression on IO or TKI monotherapy may be safely controlled with addition of either TKI or IO.
Impact of preoperative TACE on incidences of microvascular invasion and long‐term post‐hepatectomy survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yang Yun , Lin Kongying , Liu Lei , Qian Youwen , Yang Yuan , Yuan Shengxian , Zhu Peng , Huang Jian , Liu Fuchen , Gu Fangming , Fu Siyuan , Jiang Beige , Liu Hui , Pan Zeya , Lau Wan Yee , Zhou Weiping
Published: March 2021

Background

To study the influence of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on the incidence of microvascular invasion (MVI) and long‐term survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

Between January 1, 2010 and December 1, 2014, consecutive HCC patients who underwent curative liver resection were enrolled in this study. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent predictive factors of MVI. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare the incidences of MVI and prognosis between patients who did and did not receive preoperative TACE. Factors associated with Disease‐Free Survival (DFS) and Overall survival (OS) were identified using Cox regression analyses.

Results

Of 1624 patients, 590 received preoperative TACE. The incidence of MVI was significantly lower in patients with preoperative TACE than those without preoperative TACE (39.15% vs. 45.36%, p = 0.015). After PSM, the incidences of MVI were similar in the two groups (38.85% vs. 41.10%, p = 0.473). Multivariable regression analysis revealed preoperative TACE to have no impact on the incidence of MVI. Before PSM, survival of patients with preoperative TACE was significantly worse than those without preoperative TACE (p = 0.032 for DFS and p = 0.027 for OS). After PSM, the difference became insignificant (p = 0.465 for DFS and p = 0.307 for OS). After adjustment for other prognostic variables in the propensity‐matched cohort, preoperative TACE was still found not to be associated with DFS and OS after HCC resection. Both before and after PSM, the prognosis of patients was not significantly different between the two groups for BCLC stages 0, A, and B.

Conclusions

Preoperative TACE did not influence the incidence of MVI and prognosis of patients with HCC who underwent ‘curative’ liver resection.
Atrial flow regulator for drug‐resistant pulmonary hypertension in a young child
Authors: Vanhie Ellen , VandeKerckhove Kristof , Haas Nikolaus A. , De Wolf Daniel
Published: March 2021

This case describes the successful implantation of an Occlutech Atrial Flow Regulator in a young child with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension and recurrent syncope despite targeted combination therapy, with subsequent relief of symptoms.
Unlocking the Intrinsic Origin of the Reversible Oxygen Redox Reaction in Sodium‐Based Layered Oxides
Authors: Koo Sojung , Ko In‐Hwan , Lee Jaewoon , Kang Seok‐Mun , Yu Seung‐Ho , Kim Duho
Published: March 2021

Unlike cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries, oxygen redox (OR) processes at a high voltage (
4.2 V) during the first charge in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) employ some Li‐incorporated Mn oxides that is recovered during subsequent discharge. To determine the intrinsic origin, P2‐type Na0.6[Li0.2Mn0.8]O2 exhibiting a reversible OR‐induced two‐phase reaction was investigated using experiments and first‐principle calculations. First, operando X‐ray diffraction results in reversible P2‐Z phase transformations and thermodynamic analysis show the two‐phase reaction features Li migration into the tetrahedral sites from the transition‐metal layer in the latter phase. Second, Li‐induced decoupling of the oxygen 2p‐electron led to selective anion redox activity depending on the oxygen sites that are Li‐rich (redox‐active) and Mn‐rich (redox‐inactive) environments. Third, redox‐active oxygen coordinated to the Li vacancy predominantly participates in the formation of peroxo‐like dimers with distortion of the MnO6 octahedron, as observed in the reversible extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra during the OR reaction. Considering three physicochemical perspectives, we reveal that Li ions play a role in activating OR reactions and control OR participation in the charge‐compensation process. Our findings suggest that the Li/Mn ratio is a critical factor for achieving a reversible OR reaction, and broaden the possibilities of exploiting OR to reach high‐energy densities in next‐generation SIBs.
The wakefield and energy loss study of micro‐bunch trains passing through plasmas
Authors: Sun Kun‐Xiang , Zhao Xiao‐Ying , Xu Cheng‐Ye , Xie Zai‐Peng , Qi Xin , Wang Zhi‐Jun , He Yuan , Zhao Yong‐Tao
Published: March 2021

Particle‐in‐cell simulations are performed to study the wakefield and the energy loss of a train of micro‐bunches passing through background plasmas. The wakefield and the energy loss are found to be directly connected to the interval of each micro‐bunch. If the interval is once the length of the wakefield wavelength, the wakefield excited by each micro‐bunch will be superimposed. The energy loss of the micro‐bunch increases along the bunch train. On the other hand, if the interval is 1.5 times the length of the wakefield wavelength, the wakefield almost disappears. Micro‐bunches on the odd position of the train will transfer their energies to the plasma, and then, these energies are absorbed by the subsequent even micro‐bunches. Thus, the total energy loss of the train is greatly reduced.
Origin of the Isomer Stability of Polymethylated DOTA Chelates Complexed with Ln3+ Ions
Authors: Lee Yong‐Sok , Mou Zhongyu , Opina Ana Christina L. , Vasalatiy Olga
Published: March 2021

DOTA (1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid)‐based chelates that give only a single isomer in solution when complexed with lanthanide (Ln3+) ions is of value for studying protein dynamics and interactions via NMR. Herein, we have investigated the geometries, energetics, and electrostatic potentials of Lu complexed with DOTA (1), ring methylated M4DOTA (2), and arm methylated R‐DOTMA (3) and S‐DOTMA (4), as well as, both ring and arm methylated 4S‐4S‐M4DOTMA (5) and 4S‐4R‐M4DOTMA (6) at the level of M06‐L/6‐31+G(d)‐SDD, to elucidate the origin of the isomer stability. These analyses indicate that the electrostatic repulsion between the arm methyl and the neighboring carboxylate significantly destabilizes the square antiprism (SAP) isomer of Lu‐5 and the twisted square antiprism (TSAP) isomer of Lu‐6, while the steric repulsion between the ring and arm methyl groups attenuates the stability of both TSAP of Lu‐5 and SAP of Lu‐6. To rationalize the variable temperature proton NMR spectra, the energy barriers for the inter‐conversion in Lu‐5 and Lu‐6 via arm rotation were also calculated. The modulation of the stability and rigidity of Ln complexes via a modification of DOTA is also discussed. Our investigation will aid to design better chelates for the Ln3+ ions for its use in molecular medicine.
Acid‐ and Base‐Catalyzed Hydrolytic Hydrogen Evolution from Diboronic Acid
Authors: Wang Yi , Shen Jialu , Huang Yu , Liu Xiang , Zhao Qiuxia , Astruc Didier
Published: March 2021

The efficient production of H2 from hydrogen‐rich sources, particularly from water, is a crucial task and a great challenge, both as a sustainable energy source and on the laboratory scale for hydrogenation reactions. Herein, a facile and effective synthesis of H2 and D2 from only acid‐ or base‐catalyzed metal‐free hydrolysis of B2(OH)4, a current borylation reagent, has been developed without any transition metal or ligand. Acid‐catalyzed H2 evolution was completed in 4 min, whereas the base‐catalyzed process needed 6 min. The large kinetic isotopic effects for this reaction with D2O, deuteration experiments and mechanistic studies have confirmed that both H atoms of H2 originate from water using either of these reactions. This new, metal‐free catalytic system holds several advantages, such as high efficiency, simplicity of operation, sustainability, economy, and potential further use.
A Study of 3,5‐Dinitro‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐amine (PicADNP) as a New High Energy Density Booster Explosive
Authors: Bauer Daniel , Dosch Dominik E. , Fuchs Veronika , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Klapötke Thomas M.
Published: March 2021

Two improved, fast, feasible, scalable, and economic synthetic protocols for the laboratory scale manufacturing of 3,5‐dinitro‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐amine (PicADNP) are described. The previous set of analytical data from an earlier publication could be verified and complemented by additional measurements. The material was fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, spectroscopic methods, elemental analysis, DSC and DTA, as well as X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure was elucidated and Hirshfeld surface analysis, as well as 2D fingerprint plot analysis for the assessment of sensitivities towards external stimuli was applied. The sensitivity towards shock, friction and electrostatic discharge was also determined experimentally. The performance of the title compound was calculated by applying the EXPLO5 computer code and the theoretical results were compared with the results of SSRT and booster testing experiments. The title compound combines good energetic properties with improved safety characteristics and could find its way into application as a new booster explosive to replace the state‐of‐the‐art material PETN. The optimizations of the synthetic protocol comprise a greener solvent system, shorter reaction times, higher yields for the pure material and a nontoxic byproduct to make the manufacturing process more attractive and better suitable for a subsequent scale up to the technical and industrial scale.
Production of β‐carotene with Dunaliella salina CCAP19/18 at physically simulated outdoor conditions
Authors: Wolf Lara , Cummings Thomas , Müller Katharina , Reppke Manfred , Volkmar Marianne , Weuster‐Botz Dirk
Published: March 2021

Batch growth and β‐carotene production of Dunaliella salina CCAP19/18 was investigated in flat‐plate gas‐lift photobioreactors with a light path of 2 cm, operated in physically simulated outdoor conditions. Dunaliella salina CCAP19/18 showed robust growth with respect to pH 8.0‐9.0 and 15–35°C at increasing salinity, simulating the evaporation of open photobioreactors. The highest β‐carotene concentration of 25 mg L‐1 (3 mg gCDW−1) was observed in batch processes at pH 8.5, 15–30°C and increasing salinity up to 110 g L‐1, simulating a typical Mediterranean summer climate. Intracellular β‐carotene accumulation of D. salina CCAP19/18 was shown to be independent of light availability, although nutrient limitation (K2HPO4, MgSO4, and/or ammonium ferric citrate) seems to enable stable β‐carotene content in the algal cells despite increasing cell densities in the photobioreactor. Fully controlled, lab‐scale photobioreactors simulating typical climate conditions of any region of interest are valuable tools for enabling a realistic characterization of microalgae on a laboratory scale, for production processes projected in open photobioreactor systems (e.g. thin‐layer cascade photobioreactors).
Quantifying sedimentation patterns of small landslide‐dammed lakes in the central Oregon Coast Range
Authors: Wetherell Logan R. , Ely Lisa L. , Roering Joshua J. , Walsh Megan K. , Burchfield Molly J. , Nace Keifer E. , Wetherell Meaghan M. , Struble William T.
Published: March 2021

Understanding sedimentation patterns in small coastal watersheds due to landscape perturbations is critical for connecting hillslope and fluvial processes, in addition to managing aquatic habitats for anadromous fish and other aquatic species in the Oregon Coast Range (OCR). Changes in sedimentation patterns spanning the last 250 years are preserved in two landslide‐dammed lakes in small watersheds (< 10 km2) underlain by the Tyee Formation in the central OCR. Dendrochronology of drowned Douglas‐fir stumps in both lakes provided precise timing of the damming and formation of the lakes, with Klickitat Lake forming in winter ad 1751/52 and Wasson Lake in winter ad 1819/20. Perturbations from wildfires, logging and road development, and previously underappreciated snow events affect sedimentation rates in the lakes to different degrees, and are identified in the sediment record using cesium‐137 (137Cs), high‐resolution charcoal stratigraphy, local fire records, and aerial photography. Each lake has variable sedimentation accumulation rates (0.05–4.4 cm yr−1) and mass accumulation rates (0.02–1.42 g cm−2 yr−1). Sedimentation rates remained low from the landslide‐damming events until the mid‐19th century, when they increased following stand‐replacing wildfires. Aside from a sediment remobilization triggered by human modification of the landslide dam at Klickitat Lake around 1960, the largest peaks in mass accumulation rates in the mid‐20th century at both lakes in the early 1950s precede major road construction and logging activity in the watersheds. Subsequent sedimentation rates are lower, but variable, and possible effects of logging and road development might be exacerbated by abnormal precipitation and heavy snow events. A comparison of previous studies of landslide‐dammed lakes in larger watershed of the OCR are consistent with our findings of increased sedimentation in the mid‐20th century, as well as higher sedimentation rates in the debris‐flow dominated southern Tyee Formation than in the lower‐relief northern Tyee Formation.
An efficient interference mitigation approach for NavIC receivers using improved variational mode decomposition and wavelet packet decomposition
Authors: Silva Lorraine Kambham Jacob , Ramarakula Madhu
Published: March 2021

Reliable positioning, timing, and navigation services have become vitally important in safety and security applications. Hence, the need for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is growing continually. However, Continuous Wave Interference (CWI) was found to be one of the major potential threats of GNSS systems which degrades the receiver's performance. So, in this paper, a new approach using Improved Variational Mode Decomposition and Wavelet Packet Decomposition (IVMD‐WPD) has been proposed to mitigate CWI in NAVigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) receivers. Although VMD is considered as an excellent signal analysis tool in decomposing non‐stationary and complex signals, the accuracy of the decomposition results depends upon the parameter setting. To address this, firstly, Normalized Kurtosis Energy Ratio (nKER) evaluation index is constructed. Then, the principle of nKER maximum is implemented to find the optimal parameters of VMD. Using the optimized parameters, the received signal is decomposed by IVMD into sub‐signals. Secondly, the mutual information index is introduced to extract the information dominant modes. The extracted modes are then processed by wavelet packet filter and finally, the desired signal is reconstructed. The proposed IVMD‐WPD method not only reduces the jamming efficiently but also overcomes the limitations of VMD. Moreover, by integrating IVMD with wavelet packet filter, the remaining effects of jamming and noise present in desired modes can be filtered thereby enhancing the performance. Simulation results reveal that the proposed method performs better in comparison with the conventional techniques in case of a single tone, multi‐tone, and chirp jamming environments.
Limonin induces apoptosis of HL‐60 cells by inhibiting NQO1 activity
Authors: Chen Yunyi , Liang Jiaojiao , Liang Xiao , Chen Jiebiao , Wang Yue , Cao Jinping , Sun Chongde , Ye Jiaming , Chen Qingjun
Published: March 2021

Limonin is an important bioactive substance in citrus fruits, especially in seeds, which has great potential in cancer prevention and treatment. In order to explore the anticancer activity based on interaction between limonin and NQO1, Human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL‐60) were studied in vitro. We found that limonin could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of HL‐60 cells, and the effect was positively correlated with its dosage. Western blot results showed that limonin could activate the endogenous apoptosis pathway mediated by mitochondria via up‐regulating pro‐apoptotic proteins (Bax, cytochrome c, Caspase3, and Caspase9) and down‐regulating anti‐apoptotic proteins (Bcl‐2), thus inhibiting the proliferation of HL‐60 cells and promoting apoptosis, which further proved the anticancer activity of limonin from the molecular mechanism. At the same time, limonin down‐regulated the expression of NQO1, indicating that limonin may indirectly act on the apoptosis pathway by regulating the expression activity of antioxidant enzymes in vivo, thus exerting its inhibitory effect on tumor cells, which provides an idea for the molecular mechanism that natural products can indirectly exert their anticancer effect by regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Test–retest reliability of approach‐avoidance conflict decision‐making during functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy adults
Authors: McDermott Timothy J. , Kirlic Namik , Akeman Elisabeth , Touthang James , Clausen Ashley N. , Kuplicki Rayus , Aupperle Robin L.
Published: March 2021

Neural and behavioral mechanisms during approach‐avoidance conflict decision‐making are relevant across various psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety disorders. Studies using approach‐avoidance conflict paradigms in healthy adults have identified preliminary neural mechanisms, but findings must be replicated and demonstrated as reliable before further application. This study sought to replicate previous findings and examine test–retest reliability of behavioral (approach behavior, reaction time) and neural (regions of interest [ROIs]) responses during an approach‐avoidance conflict task conducted during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thirty healthy adults completed an approach‐avoidance conflict task during fMRI on two occasions (mean interval: 17 days; range: 11–32). Effects of task condition during three task phases (decision‐making, affective outcome and monetary reward) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated across time points. Results replicated that approach behavior was modulated by conflict during decision‐making. ROI activations were replicated such that dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) was modulated by conflict during decision‐making, and dACC, striatum, and anterior insula were modulated by valence during affective outcomes (p's <.0083). Approach behavior during conflict demonstrated excellent reliability (ICCs ≥.77). Activation of dACC during conflict decision‐making and anterior insula during negative outcomes demonstrated fair reliability (ICCs = .51 and .54), and dACC and striatum activation demonstrated good reliability during negative outcomes (ICCs = .63 and .69). Two additional ROIs (amygdala, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) showed good reliability during negative outcomes (ICCs ≥.60). These results characterize several specific behavioral and neuroimaging responses that are replicable and sufficiently reliable during approach‐avoidance conflict decision‐making to support future utility.
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Depletion Caused by electron transfer flavoprotein subunit alpha Haploinsufficiency Leads to Hepatic Steatosis and Injury in Zebrafish
Authors: Park Ki‐Hoon , Gooz Monika , Ye Zhi‐Wei , Zhang Jie , Beeson Gyda C. , Rockey Don C. , Kim Seok‐Hyung
Published: March 2021

The electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) complex, made up of the ETF alpha subunit (ETFA), ETF beta subunit (ETFB), and ETF dehydrogenase (ETFDH), regulates fatty acid β‐oxidation activity while scavenging leaked electrons through flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)/reduced form FAD (FADH2) redox reactions in mitochondria. Here, we hypothesized that ETF dysfunction‐mediated FAD deficiency may result in increased mitochondrial oxidative stress and steatosis and subsequent liver injury. We report that etfa haploinsufficiency caused hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hepatic steatosis and injury in adult zebrafish. Further, etfa+/

− mutant livers had reduced levels of FAD and glutathione and an increase in reactive oxygen species. Because FAD depletion might be critical in the pathogenesis of the liver lesion identified in etfa+/

− mutants, we used riboflavin to elevate FAD levels in the liver and found that riboflavin supplementation significantly suppressed hepatic steatosis and injury in etfa+/

− mutants through suppression of oxidative stress and de novo lipogenesis in the liver. Additionally, we found that adenosine triphosphate‐linked mitochondrial oxygen consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential were reduced in etfa+/

− primary hepatocytes and that riboflavin supplementation corrected these defects. Conclusion: FAD depletion caused by etfa haploinsufficiency plays a key role in hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress‐mediated hepatic injury in adult zebrafish. This raises the possibility that people with ETFA haploinsufficiency have a high risk for developing liver disease.
Mutual effects of chemical reaction and thermal radiation on MHD peristaltic transport of Jeffrey nanofluids: Tumor tissues treatment
Authors: Asfour Hanaa A. H.
Published: March 2021

As thermal radiation is one of the fundamental means of heat transfer, therefore, this study analyzes the impacts of thermal radiation and magnetic field on the peristaltic transport of a Jeffrey nanofluid in a nonuniform asymmetric channel. Further, Two models of viscosity are debated: Model (I), in which all parameters dependent on viscosity behave as a constant (as treated before in nanofluid research); Model (II), in which these known parameters are considered to vary with the temperature of the flow. Under the condition of long wavelength and low Reynolds number, the problem is rearranged. The resulting system of partial differential equations (PNE) is solved with aid of Mathematica 11. Furthermore, the streamline graphs are presented by significance of trapping bolus phenomenon. To emphasize the quality of solutions, comparisons between the previous results and recent published results by Reddy et al. have been made and signified. The comparisons are shown in Table 1 and are found to be in good agreement. As the thermal radiation increases, the diameter of nanoparticles rises (thermal radiation is a diminishing function of temperature, and with a decrease in the temperature, the diameter of the nanoparticles increases, that is, the size of nanoparticles increases and they become more active near malignant tumor tissues). Therefore, its work as agents for radiation remedy, produce limited radiation quantities, and selectively target malignant tumor for controlled mutilation (radiotherapy of oncology). Such a model is appropriate for the transportation of physiological flows in the arteries with heat and mass transfer (blood flow models).
Laparoscopic pyeloureterostomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction occurring in incomplete ureteral duplication of the solitary kidney
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiaki , Hanada Izumi , Higure Taro , Kawakami Masayoshi , Nakano Mayura , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Nitta Masahiro , Hasegawa Masanori , Shoji Sunao , Miyajima Akira
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with ureteral duplication is rare, with prevalence reported to be around 2–7%. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the lower pole with both complete and incomplete duplex systems is a common cause of obstruction. Here, we report a case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with incomplete ureteral duplication of the solitary kidney successfully treated by pyeloureterostomy.

Case presentation

The patient was a 39‐year‐old woman who presented with right hydronephrosis, right back pain, and deteriorated renal function. The patient was referred to our department from the rheumatology department. Her medical history included congenital left renal hypoplasia, Sjogren's syndrome, and hyperphospholipid antibody syndrome.

Conclusion

We encountered a case of hydronephrosis occurring in a solitary kidney with incomplete ureteral duplication. This case was successfully managed after pyeloureterostomy.
An automated and fast system to identify COVID‐19 from X‐ray radiograph of the chest using image processing and machine learning
Authors: Khan Murtaza Ali
Published: March 2021

A type of coronavirus disease called COVID‐19 is spreading all over the globe. Researchers and scientists are endeavoring to find new and effective methods to diagnose and treat this disease. This article presents an automated and fast system that identifies COVID‐19 from X‐ray radiographs of the chest using image processing and machine learning algorithms. Initially, the system extracts the feature descriptors from the radiographs of both healthy and COVID‐19 affected patients using the speeded up robust features algorithm. Then, visual vocabulary is built by reducing the number of feature descriptors via quantization of feature space using the K‐means clustering algorithm. The visual vocabulary train the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. During testing, an X‐ray radiograph's visual vocabulary is sent to the trained SVM classifier to detect the absence or presence of COVID‐19. The study used the dataset of 340 X‐ray radiographs, 170 images of each Healthy and Positive COVID‐19 class. During simulations, the dataset split into training and testing parts at various ratios. After training, the system does not require any human intervention and can process thousands of images with high precision in a few minutes. The performance of the system is measured using standard parameters of accuracy and confusion matrix. We compared the performance of the proposed SVM‐based classier with the deep‐learning‐based convolutional neural networks (CNN). The SVM yields better results than CNN and achieves a maximum accuracy of up to 94.12%.
Subwavelength optical localization with toroidal excitations in plasmonic and Mie metamaterials
Authors: Yang Ruisheng , Xu Jing , Shen Nian‐Hai , Zhang Fuli , Fu Quanhong , Li Junjie , Li Hongqiang , Fan Yuancheng
Published: March 2021

Since the performance of electronic circuits is becoming rather limited in face of intensively increasing of amount of information and related operations, all‐optical processing offers a promising strategy for future information system. It would benefit a great deal if the all‐optical processing could be implemented within the developed electronic chips of nanoscale structures. In that it is highly desirable to break the diffraction limit of light for achieving effective light manipulations with deep subwavelength structures compatible with the state‐of‐the‐art nanofabrication processes. It is of fundamental importance to get subwavelength optical localization, that is, squeeze light wave into subwavelength space for achieving freely manipulating of light fields. This review summarizes the development in realizing subwavelength optical localization by exciting toroidal mode in photonic metamaterials. The toroidal excitations in plasmonic metamaterials and Mie resonant metamaterials, in 3D structures and planar metamaterials, with single or few layers in spectral regime from microwave to optical frequencies are surveyed. Based on the discussion on the configurations of toroidal excitations, the recent development on toroidal‐related optical scattering control actively manipulates the toroidal excitations, and promising applications are further investigated and highlighted.

image
Variability in fluvial suspended and streambed sediment phosphorus fractions among small agricultural streams
Authors: Sandström Sara , Futter Martyn N. , O'Connell David W. , Lannergård Emma E. , Rakovic Jelena , Kyllmar Katarina , Gill Laurence W. , Djodjic Faruk
Published: March 2021

Agriculture is a major source of sediment and particulate phosphorus (P) inputs to freshwaters. Distinguishing between P fractions in sediment can aid in understanding its eutrophication risk. Although streams and rivers are important parts of the P cycle in agricultural catchments, streambed sediment and especially fluvial suspended sediment (FSS) and its P fractions are less studied. To address this knowledge gap, seasonal variations in FSS P fractions and their relation to water quality and streambed sediment were examined in three Swedish agricultural headwater catchments over 2 yr. Sequential fractionation was used to characterize P fractions in both streambed sediment and FSS. All catchments had similar annual P losses (0.4–0.8 kg ha–1), suspended solids (124–183 mg L–1), and FSS total P concentrations (1.15–1.19 mg g–1). However, distribution of P fractions and the dominant P fractions in FSS differed among catchments (p < .05), which was most likely dependent on differences in catchment geology, clay content, external P sources, and flow conditions. The most prominent seasonal pattern in all catchments was found for iron‐bound P, with high concentrations during low summer flows and low concentrations during winter high flows. Streambed sediment P fractions were in the same concentration ranges as in FSS, and the distribution of the fractions differed between catchments. This study highlights the need to quantify P fractions, not just total P in FSS, to obtain a more complete understanding of the eutrophication risk posed by agricultural sediment losses.