bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User‐Interactive Thermotherapeutic Electronic Skin Based on Stretchable Thermochromic Strain Sensor
Authors: Lee Giwon , Bae Geun Yeol , Son Jong Hyun , Lee Siyoung , Kim Seong Won , Kim Daegun , Lee Seung Goo , Cho Kilwon
Published: June 2020

User‐interactive electronic skin (e‐skin) with a distinguishable output has enormous potential for human–machine interfaces and healthcare applications. Despite advances in user‐interactive e‐skins, advances in visual user‐interactive therapeutic e‐skins remain rare. Here, a user‐interactive thermotherapeutic device is reported that is fabricated by combining thermochromic composites and stretchable strain sensors consisting of strain‐responsive silver nanowire networks on surface energy‐patterned microwrinkles. Both the color and heat of the device are easily controlled through electrical resistance variation induced by applied mechanical strain. The resulting monolithic device exhibits substantial changes in optical reflectance and temperature with durability, rapid response, high stretchability, and linear sensitivity. The approach enables a low‐expertise route to fabricating dynamic interactive thermotherapeutic e‐skins that can be used to effectively rehabilitate injured connective tissues as well as to prevent skin burns by simultaneously accommodating stretching, providing heat, and exhibiting a color change.
A High‐Rate Aqueous Proton Battery Delivering Power Below −78 °C via an Unfrozen Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Jiang Heng , Shin Woochul , Ma Lu , Hong Jessica J. , Wei Zhixuan , Liu Yusung , Zhang Suoying , Wu Xianyong , Xu Yunkai , Guo Qiubo , Subramanian Mas A. , Stickle William F. , Wu Tianpin , Lu Jun , Ji Xiulei
Published: June 2020

The sluggish ion diffusion and electrolyte freezing with volumetric changes limit the low‐temperature performance of rechargeable batteries. Herein, a high‐rate aqueous proton battery (APB) operated at and below −78 °C via a 62 wt% (9.5 m) H3PO4 electrolyte is reported. The APB is a rocking‐chair battery that operates with protons commuting between a Prussian blue cathode and an MoO3 anode. At −78 °C, the APB full cells exhibit stable cycle life for 450 cycles, high round‐trip efficiency of 85%, and appreciable power performance. The APB delivers 30% of its room‐temperature capacity even at −88 °C. The proton storage mechanism is investigated by ex situ synchrotron XRD, XAS, and XPS. The APB pouch cells demonstrate no capacity fading at −78 °C, and thus offers a safe and reliable candidate for high‐latitude applications.
Changing the Criminal Justice System Response to Sexual Assault: An Empirical Study of a Participatory Action Research Project
Authors: Campbell Rebecca , Fehler‐Cabral Giannina , Pierce Steven J. , Sharma Dhruv B. , Shaw Jessica , Horsford Sheena , Feeney Hannah
Published: June 2020

In jurisdictions throughout the United States, thousands of sexual assault kits (SAKs; also known as a “rape kits”) have not been submitted by the police for forensic DNA testing. DNA evidence may be helpful to sexual assault investigations and prosecutions by identifying perpetrators, revealing serial offenders through DNA matches across cases, and exonerating those who have been wrongly accused. This paper describes a longitudinal action research project conducted in Detroit, Michigan after that city discovered approximately 11,000 untested sexual assault kits in a police department storage facility. We conducted a root cause analysis to examine individual, organizational, community, and societal factors that contributed to the development of the rape kit backlog in Detroit. Based on those findings, we implemented and evaluated structural changes to increase staffing, promote kit testing, and retrain police and prosecutors so that cases could be reopened for investigation and prosecution. As we conducted this work, we also studied how this action research project impacted the Detroit criminal justice system. Participating in this project changed stakeholders’ attitudes about the utility of research to address community problems, the usefulness of DNA evidence in sexual assault cases, and the impact of trauma on survivors. The results led to new protocols for SAK testing and police investigations, and new state legislation mandating SAK forensic DNA testing.
Curculigo recurvata W.T.Aiton exhibits anti‐nociceptive and anti‐diarrheal effects in Albino mice and an in silico model
Authors: Ahmad Shabbir , Nasrin Mst. Samima , Reza A. S. M. Ali , Chakrabarty Nishan , Hoque Md. Akramul , Islam Sanjida , Hafez Kabir Mohammad Shah , Tareq Syed Mohammed , Alam A. H. M. Khurshid , Haque Md. Areeful , Arman Md. Saiful Islam
Published: June 2020

Background

Curculigo recurvata (C. recurvata) is an enthnomedicinally important herb reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to explore the in vivo and in silico anti‐nociceptive and anti‐diarrheal effects of a C. recurvate rhizome methanol extract (Me‐RCR).

Methods

The analgesic effects of Me‐RCR were assessed using acetic acid‐induced writhing and the formalin‐induced flicking test. The drugs were administered intraperitoneally (IP) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw). Anti‐diarrheal activity was evaluated by assessing intestinal motility, hypersecretion, and fecal score in mice at oral doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg·bw. Computer facilitated analyses for anti‐nociceptive and anti‐diarrheal activities of three isolated compounds from C. recurvata were undertaken to identify the best‐fit phytoconstituents.

Results

The Me‐RCR showed significant (P < .05) peripheral anti‐nociception at the highest dose. The extract inhibited both early and late phases of nociception in the formalin‐induced writhing test. In the castor oil‐induced diarrhoea model, the extract significantly (P < .05) prolonged the onset time of diarrhoea, inhibited percentage of diarrhoea, and decreased both the volume and weight of intestinal contents. Rates of intestinal fluid accumulation inhibition were (33.61 ± 1.00)% and (46.44 ± 0.89)% at Me‐RCR doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg·bw, respectively. Moreover, a significant (P < .05) reduction in gastrointestinal motility was observed. An absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and/or toxicity (ADME/T) test showed that the selected compounds yielded promising results, satisfying Lipinski's rule of five for predicting drug‐like potential. Notably, of the three phytoconstituents curculigine and isocurculigine possessed the highest affinity for the COX‐1 and COX‐2. Isocurculigine was also identified as the most effective anti‐diarrheal compound in the computer‐facilitated model.

Conclusion

An extract of the plant C. recurvata showed potential analgesic and anti‐diarrheal activity due to the presence of one or more active secondary metabolite(s).
Influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on an emergency medical service system: a population‐based, descriptive study in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Kiyohara Kosuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Hayashida Sumito , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Aim

Novel coronavirus infection (COVID‐19) was confirmed in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and the COVID‐19 pandemic has spread around the world. However, no clinical studies on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on emergency medical service (EMS) systems have been carried out.

Methods

This was a retrospective study with a study period from 1 January 2020 to 14 April 2020. We included the patients transported by ambulance for acute diseases and traffic accidents in Osaka city, Japan. The main outcome of this study was the difficulty in hospital acceptance. We calculated the rate of difficulty of hospital acceptance for each month for acute diseases and traffic accidents.

Results

Between 1 January and 14 April 2020, 36,981 patients were transported to hospitals by ambulance for acute diseases and 3,096 patients for traffic accidents. There was no difference in the proportion of the difficulty in hospital acceptance due to traffic accidents between 2019 and 2020, but there was an increase in the proportion of the difficulty in hospital acceptance due to acute disease after the 13th week (25–31 March) of 2020 compared to that of 2019. The odds ratio in April was 2.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.84–2.58) for acute disease.

Conclusion

We assessed the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the EMS system in Osaka City, Japan and found that, since April 2020, the EMS system in Osaka City has been facing difficulty in terms of hospital acceptance of patients transported to hospital for acute diseases.
Numerical simulations of Carreau‐model fluid flows past a circular cylinder
Authors: Ohta Mitsuhiro , Toyooka Takashi , Matsukuma Yosuke
Published: June 2020

Numerical simulations of shear‐thinning and shear‐thickening fluid flows past a circular cylinder are performed using a lattice Boltzmann method. In this study, the property of shear‐thinning and shear‐thickening fluids is expressed by the Carreau model. We focus on the definition of an effective (representative) Reynolds number for describing the flow of shear‐thinning and shear‐thickening fluids past a circular cylinder. The fluid flows and viscosity profiles are clearly shown for fluids flowing across a circular cylinder depending on the Reynolds and Carreau numbers and the power index. A large value of Carreau number lead to the formation of low‐viscosity regions for shear‐thinning and high‐viscosity regions for shear‐thickening around a circular cylinder. Meanwhile, the change in the viscosity around the cylinder is not remarkable for a small Carreau number. The formulation of the effective Reynolds number defined using effective shear rate and viscosity is proposed in order to organize and understand the flow of Carreau‐model fluids across a circular cylinder. The effective Reynolds number counseled in this study allows one to completely describe the flow state of Carreau‐model fluids past a circular cylinder on an equal footing with Newtonian fluid flows. The usefulness of the effective Reynolds numbers is discussed, and the feature of Carreau‐model fluid flows past a circular cylinder is considered in terms of the effective Reynolds number.
Ensemble learning of daily river discharge modeling for two watersheds with different climates
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Zhang Qun , Liu Shuang , Zhang Shaojie , Jin Shengjie , Li Dongyu , Wu Xiaobo , Liu Xiaojing , Li Ting , Li Hao
Published: June 2020

In order to reduce the uncertainties and improve the river discharge modeling accuracy, several topography‐based hydrological models (TOPMODEL), generated by different combinations of parameters, were incorporated into an ensemble learning framework with the boosting method. Both the Baohe River Basin (BRB) with humid climate, and the Linyi River Basin (LRB) with semi‐arid climate were chosen for model testing. Observed daily precipitation, pan evaporation and stream flow data were used for model development and testing. Different Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients, the coefficient of determination and the Root Mean Square Error were adopted to implement a comprehensive assessment on model performances. Testing results indicated that ensemble learning method could improve the modeling accuracy by comparing with the best single TOPMODEL. During the validation periods, the boosting method could increase the modeling accuracy by 9 and 16% for BRB and LRB, respectively. The ensemble method significantly narrowed the gap of model performances over watersheds with different climatic conditions. Hence, using the ensemble learning to enhance the feasibility of hydrological models for different climatic regions is promising.
Carbon‐dot‐based ratiometric fluorescent probe of intracellular zinc ion and persulfate ion with low dark toxicity
Authors: Bu Dandan , Song Huanhuan , Li Zhanxian , Wei Liuhe , Zhang Hongyan , Yu Mingming
Published: June 2020

Metal ions and anions play significant roles in biological systems and industrial processes, therefore it is important to develop good fluorescent probes to detect metal ions and anions. Here, N,O‐co‐doped carbon quantum dots (CDs) that could detect Zn2+ via a ratiometric fluorescence method were fabricated. The reaction between the as‐prepared CDs and zinc acetate gave the composite CDs–Zn, in which fluorescence changed ratiometrically upon addition of S2O82−. With change in excitation light, the emission peaks of the CDs and CDs–Zn were kept fixed while intensity changed. CDs and CDs–Zn exhibited good photostability, thermal stability, selectivity, and strong anti‐interference ability. In addition, CDs and CDs–Zn displayed low dark toxicity under physiological temperatures. Ratiometric fluorescence imaging of intracellular Zn2+ and S2O82− was carried out in living HeLa cells for both of these probes. Compared with reported ratiometric fluorescent hybrid nanosensors based on organic dyes and inorganic nanomaterials, the as‐prepared CDs and CDs–Zn had low toxicity, and were easy to synthesize.
Biologically synthesized ZnS quantum dots as fluorescent probes for lead (II) sensing
Authors: Jacob Jaya Mary , Rajan Reju , Kurup Gayathri G.
Published: June 2020

This manuscript presents a robust strategy for selective Pb(II) sensing based on a fluorescence turn‐off mechanism using ZnS quantum dots (QDs) biosynthesized using Aspergillus sp. The biogenic nanoprobe displayed marked sensing efficiency in the presence of Pb ions over concentration ranges from 5 to 100 μM with limits of detection of around 2.45 μM. Performance optimization studies revealed that the maximum fluorescence quenching efficiency was obtained in the presence of [ZnS NPs] at 4 mg/ml, and alkaline pH of 10 recorded under stable ambient temperature for approximately 5 min for the quenching process. Advanced morphological analysis indicated that the bio‐sensing mechanism was essentially a surface‐based phenomenon in which the Pb ions were in very close proximity to the QDs and formed stable ground‐state Pb–ZnS complexes, resulting in a quenched fluorescence of the QDs. Simultaneously, a larger fraction of Pb ions interacted via collisions with the excited ZnS QDs and resulted in an effective energy transfer from the excited QDs to the Pb ions, therefore resulting in an obvious decrease in QD fluorescence. These insights were well supported by theoretical analysis using Stern–Volmer plots and sphere‐of‐action models.
The Improved Deformed Exponential‐type Potential Energy Model for N2, NI, ScI, and RbH Diatomic Molecules
Authors: Okorie Uduakobong S. , Ikot Akpan N. , Chukwuocha Ephraim O.
Published: June 2020

The dissociation energy and the equilibrium bond length have been employed as explicit parameters to obtain an improved version of the deformed exponential‐type potential (IDEP). The potential parameters have been defined in terms of the molecular parameters. The IDEP has been used to model an inter‐nuclear interaction potential curves for different electronic states of dinitrogen, nitrogen monoiodide, scandium monoiodide, and rubidium hydride molecules. Also, we have obtained the average absolute deviations of the IDEP from the experimental Rydberg‐Klein‐Rees (RKR) data points of the dissociation energy for the selected diatomic molecules. This study has shown to be highly relevant to the study of thermodynamic and thermochemical functions of diatomic molecules since the IDEP is considered efficient for the description of potential energy interaction.
Comparison of gross target volumes based on four‐dimensional CT, positron emission tomography‐computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in thoracic esophageal cancer
Authors: Li Huimin , Li Fengxiang , Li Jianbin , Zhu Youzhe , Zhang Yingjie , Guo Yanluan , Xu Min , Shao Qian , Liu Xijun
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The application value of 18F‐FDG PET‐CT combined with MRI in the radiotherapy of esophageal carcinoma was discussed by comparing the differences in position, volume, and the length of GTVs delineated on the end‐expiration (EE) phase of 4DCT, 18F‐FDG PET‐CT, and T2W‐MRI.

Methods

A total of 26 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer sequentially performed 3DCT, 4DCT, 18F‐FDG PET‐CT, and MRI simulation for thoracic localization. All images were fused with the 3DCT images by deformable registration. GTVCT and GTV50% were delineated on 3DCT and the EE phase of 4DCT images, respectively. The GTV based on PET‐CT images was determined by thresholds of SUV ≥ 2.5 and designated as GTVPET2.5. The images of T2‐weighted sequence and diffusion‐weighted sequence were referred as GTVMRI and GTVDWI, respectively. The length of the abnormality seen on the 4DCT, PET‐CT, and DWI was compared.

Results

GTVPET2.5 was significantly larger than GTV50% and GTVMRI (P = .000 and 0.008, respectively), and the volume of GTVMRI was similar to that of GTV50% (P = .439). Significant differences were observed between the CI of GTVMRI to GTV50% and GTVPET2.5 to GTV50% (P = .004). The CI of GTVMRI to GTVCT and GTVPET2.5 to GTVCT were statistically significant (P = .039). The CI of GTVMRI to GTVPET2.5 was significantly lower than that of GTVMRI to GTV50%, GTVMRI to GTVCT, GTVPET2.5 to GTV50%, and GTVPET2.5 to GTVCT (P = .000‐0.021). Tumor length measurements by endoscopy were similar to the tumor length as measured by PET and DWI scan (P > .05), and there was no significant difference between the longitudinal length of GTVPET2.5 and GTVDWI (P = .072).

Conclusion

The volumes of GTVMRI and GTV50% were similar. However, GTVMRI has different volumes and poor spatial matching compared with GTVPET2.5.The MRI imaging could not include entire respiration. It may be a good choice to guide target delineation and construction of esophageal carcinoma by combining 4DCT with MRI imaging. Utilization of DWI in treatment planning for esophageal cancer may provide further information to assist with target delineation. Further studies are needed to determine if this technology will translate into meaningful differences in clinical outcome.
The effect of brand anthropomorphism, brand distinctiveness, and warmth on brand attitude: A mediated moderation model
Authors: Zhang Mengwei , Li Li , Ye Yujian , Qin Ke , Zhong Jianan
Published: June 2020

Brand anthropomorphism is one of the most widely used marketing strategies, and numerous studies have confirmed the positive effect of anthropomorphism on consumers' brand attitude. However, anthropomorphism does not always produce positive effects in particular conditions. This study focuses on the interaction effect of brand anthropomorphism and brand distinctiveness on brand attitude and tests the mediating effect of warmth and competence using the Stereotype Content Model. The results of two experiments show that brand anthropomorphism positively predicts consumers' brand attitude, and brand position (distinctiveness vs. popularity) moderates this relationship. Anthropomorphism may improve consumers' attitudes when the brand is positioned to be popular but has no effect on consumers' attitudes when the brand is positioned to be distinctive. Additionally, warmth (not competence) mediates the interaction effect of anthropomorphism and brand position on brand attitude. This study expands the extant knowledge on anthropomorphism and stereotypes in the field of consumption psychology and provides marketers with more rational strategies when applying anthropomorphism in marketing campaigns.
Surface Modification of Luminescent LnIII Fluoride Core–Shell Nanoparticles with Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin): Synthesis, Spectroscopic and in Vitro Hemocompatibility Studies
Authors: Kwiatek Dorota , Mrówczyńska Lucyna , Stopikowska Natalia , Runowski Marcin , Lesicki Andrzej , Lis Stefan
Published: June 2020

Luminescent lanthanide fluoride core–shell (LaF3:Tb3+,Ce3+@SiO2‐NH2) nanoparticles, with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) coated on the surface have been obtained. The synthesized products, which combine the potential located in the silica shell with the luminescent activity of the core, were characterized in detail with the use of luminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. The in vitro effects of the modified luminescent nanoparticles on human red blood cell (RBC) membrane permeability, RBC shape, and sedimentation rate were investigated to assess the hemocompatibility of the obtained compounds. This study demonstrates that LaF3: Tb3+ 5 %, Ce3+ 10 %@SiO2‐NH2 nanoparticles with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) coated on the surface are very good precursors for multifunctional drug‐delivery systems or bio‐imaging probes that can be used safely in potential biomedical applications.
An Introduction to Model Compounds of Lignin Linking Motifs; Synthesis and Selection Considerations for Reactivity Studies
Authors: Lahive Ciaran W. , Kamer Paul C. J. , Lancefield Christopher S. , Deuss Peter J.
Published: June 2020

The development of fundamentally new valorization strategies for lignin plays a vital role in unlocking the true potential of lignocellulosic biomass as sustainable and economically compatible renewable carbon feedstock. In particular, new catalytic modification and depolymerization strategies are required. Progress in this field, past and future, relies for a large part on the application of synthetic model compounds that reduce the complexity of working with the lignin biopolymer. This aids the development of catalytic methodologies and in‐depth mechanistic studies and guides structural characterization studies in the lignin field. However, due to the volume of literature and the piecemeal publication of methodology, the choice of suitable lignin model compounds is far from straight forward, especially for those outside the field and lacking a background in organic synthesis. For example, in catalytic depolymerization studies, a balance between synthetic effort and fidelity compared to the actual lignin of interest needs to be found. In this Review, we provide a broad overview of the model compounds available to study the chemistry of the main native linking motifs typically found in lignins from woody biomass, the synthetic routes and effort required to access them, and discuss to what extent these represent actual lignin structures. This overview can aid researchers in their selection of the most suitable lignin model systems for the development of emerging lignin modification and depolymerization technologies, maximizing their chances of successfully developing novel lignin valorization strategies.
Regulatory roles of HSPA6 in Actinidia chinensis Planch. root extract (acRoots)‐inhibited lung cancer proliferation
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Hou Jiayun , Wang Jianxin , Zhu Zhenghua , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xuemei , Shen Hui , Wang Xiangdong
Published: June 2020

Actinidia chinensis Planch. root extract (acRoots) as one of Chinese traditional medications has been applied for antitumor therapy for decades, although the exact mechanisms have not been revealed. Our present study aimed to define the inhibitory specificity and pattern of acRoots in the lung cancer cell lines by comparing 40 types of cancer cell lines, select acRoots‐associated inflammation target genes from transcriptional profiles of acRoots‐sensitive and less‐sensitive lung cancer cell lines, and validate the correlation of acRoots‐associated inflammation target genes with prognosis of patients with lung cancer. We selected acRoots‐sensitive (H1299) and less‐sensitive lung cancer cells (H460) and found that the sensitivity was associated with the appearance of p53. The heat shock 70 kDa protein 6 (HSPA6) was defined as a critical factor in regulating cell sensitivity probably through the interaction with intra‐HSPA family members, inter‐HSP family members, and other families. The degree of cell sensitivity to acRoots increased in both sensitive and less‐sensitive cells after deletion of HSPA6 genes. Thus, our data indicate that HSPA6 and HSPA6‐dominated molecular network can be an alternative to modify cell sensitivity to drugs.
Conditional reprogramming: Modeling urological cancer and translation to clinics
Authors: Liu Wei , Ju Lingao , Cheng Songtao , Wang Gang , Qian Kaiyu , Liu Xuefeng , Xiao Yu , Wang Xinghuan
Published: June 2020

Patient‐derived models, including cell models (organoids and conditionally reprogrammed cells [CRCs]) and patient‐derived xenografts, are urgently needed for both basic and translational cancer research. Conditional reprogramming (CR) technique refers to a co‐culture system of primary human normal or tumor cells with irradiated murine fibroblasts in the presence of a Rho‐associated kinase inhibitor to allow the primary cells to acquire stem cell properties and the ability to proliferate indefinitely in vitro without any exogenous gene or viral transfection. Considering its robust features, the CR technique may facilitate cancer research in many aspects. Under in vitro culturing, malignant CRCs can share certain genetic aberrations and tumor phenotypes with their parental specimens. Thus, tumor CRCs can promisingly be utilized for the study of cancer biology, the discovery of novel therapies, and the promotion of precision medicine. For normal CRCs, the characteristics of normal karyotype maintenance and lineage commitment suggest their potential in toxicity testing and regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the applications, limitations, and future potential of CRCs in modeling urological cancer and translation to clinics.
Land transformation in tropical savannas preferentially decomposes newly added biomass, whether C3 or C4 derived
Authors: Wynn Jonathan G. , Duvert Clément , Bird Michael I. , Munksgaard Niels C. , Setterfield Samantha A. , Hutley Lindsay B.
Published: June 2020

As tropical savannas are undergoing rapid conversion to other land uses, native C3‐C4 vegetation mixtures are often transformed to C3‐ or C4‐dominant systems, resulting in poorly understood changes to the soil carbon (C) cycle. Conventional models of the soil C cycle are based on assumptions that more labile components of the heterogenous soil organic C (SOC) pool decompose at faster rates. Meanwhile, previous work has suggested that the C4‐derived component of SOC is more labile than C3‐derived SOC. Here we report on long‐term (18 months) soil incubations from native and transformed tropical savannas of northern Australia. We test the hypothesis that, regardless of the type of land conversion, the C4 component of SOC will be preferentially decomposed. We measured changes in the SOC and pyrogenic carbon (PyC) pools, as well as the carbon isotope composition of SOC, PyC and respired CO2, from 63 soil cores collected intact from different land use change scenarios. Our results show that land use change had no consistent effect on the size of the SOC pool, but strong effects on SOC decomposition rates, with slower decomposition rates at C4‐invaded sites. While we confirm that native savanna soils preferentially decomposed C4‐derived SOC, we also show that transformed savanna soils preferentially decomposed the newly added pool of labile SOC, regardless of whether it was C4‐derived (grass) or C3‐derived (forestry) biomass. Furthermore, we provide evidence that in these fire‐prone landscapes, the nature of the PyC pool can shed light on past vegetation composition: while the PyC pool in C4‐dominant sites was mainly derived from C3 biomass, PyC in C3‐dominant sites and native savannas was mainly derived from C4 biomass. We develop a framework to systematically assess the effects of recent land use change vs. prior vegetation composition.
Improved parallel reactive hybrid particle swarm optimization using improved neighborhood schedule generation method for the integrated framework of optimal production scheduling and operational planning of an energy plant in a factory
Authors: Kawaguchi Shuhei , Fukuyama Yoshikazu
Published: June 2020

This study proposes improved parallel reactive hybrid particle swarm optimization (IPRHPSO) using an improved neighborhood schedule generation method for the integrated framework of optimal production scheduling and operational planning of an energy plant in a factory. Conventionally, in an energy plant, fixed loads of various tertiary energies have been utilized to solve the optimal operational planning of an energy plant so far. Additionally, in production lines, only the minimization of production time has been yet considered. Therefore, the secondary energy cost of a factory cannot be reduced accurately. However, in this study, the loads of various tertiary energies are calculated according to the candidates of production scheduling and the optimal operational planning of an energy plant is determined using the tertiary energies. This can explicitly reduce the secondary energy cost of a factory. The proposed method was applied to 10 jobs and machine JSPs each. Accordingly, it was verified that it can minimize the secondary energy cost and production time simultaneously, and realize fast computation through parallel computation using IPRHPSO.
Triethyl Phosphite/Benzoyl Peroxide Mediated Reductive Dealkylation of O‐Benzoylhydroxylamines: A Cascade Synthesis of Secondary Amides
Authors: Aegurla Balakrishna , Mandle Ram D. , Shinde Prasad G. , Parit Ratan S. , Kamble Sanjay P. , Sudalai Arumugam , Senthilkumar Beeran
Published: June 2020

A new triethyl phosphite/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) mediated system has been developed for the synthesis of secondary amides with good to excellent yields in a single step. This unprecedented cascade process involves sequential reduction of N–O bond and benzoylation followed by dealkylation of N–C bond of O‐benzoylhydroxylamines (O‐BHA). The methodology is versatile as it tolerates a variety of aromatic and aliphatic O‐BHA as substrates to access secondary amides.
Optimized planning of repair works for pipelines in water distribution networks using genetic algorithm
Authors: Zangenehmadar Zahra , Moselhi Osama , Golnaraghi Sasan
Published: June 2020

One of the main reasons for pipeline breakage and leakage is aging. This results in a decline in system efficiency, and associated levels of service, which in turn may endanger public health and safety. Since the most expensive and significant part of a water supply system is the distribution network, repair strategies are necessary to protect the value of the assets when a pipeline reaches the end of its useful life. Usually, repair works are taken as a reaction to the detection of a leak, pressure improvement and other factors that eventually results in an inefficient management of allocated funds. Therefore, a careful computational analysis should be performed to efficiently utilize the allocated budge. This paper presents a near‐optimized budget allocation model that is able to find the near‐optimal scheduling plan for renewal and/or replacement. The aim of this paper is to suggest a new model in order to minimize the number of breaks over a given planning horizon and the overall cost of repair of water distribution networks (WDNs), including indirect damage cost, direct damage cost, and failure repair cost while fulfilling functional requirements. The model will identify the pipe segment that needs replacement, time of replacement, and the necessary interventions that should be carried out for the network. It also identifies those pipelines that need repair. The solution is usually constrained by the yearly limited budget. The optimization procedure results in a solution alternative that decision‐makers could use for their operational requirements. The outcome of the developed model is validated based on the available leakage and breakage data from the city of Montreal database and an existing validated model. The model forecast that, in the next 20 years, 19.7% of the network will need open trench repair, 25.3% could be repaired using trenchless techniques, while 50.9% of the pipelines will remain intact.
Investigation of the fractal characteristics of adsorption‐pores and their impact on the methane adsorption capacity of various rank coals via N2 and H2O adsorption methods
Authors: Chen Ming‐yi , Yang Ya‐pu , Gao Cai‐hong , Cheng Yuan‐ping , Wang Jing‐chun , Wang Ning
Published: June 2020

Coal seam is a sedimentary body with complex pore system. The gas adsorption property of coal is greatly determined by the adsorption‐pores (<100 nm), and the fractal dimension can be used an index to estimate the impact of the adsorption‐pores on the methane adsorption capacity of various rank coals. In this paper, low‐temperature N2 adsorption and H2O adsorption methods were used to study the adsorption‐pores structure and its fractal features. The results show that the development of adsorption‐pores closely depends on the coalification, and the degree of pore development exhibits a U‐shaped trend with increasing coal rank. Additionally, the pore size distributions of coal samples from N2 adsorption analysis and H2O adsorption analysis are similar, especially for samples LH7 and WLH8. Fractal analysis indicates that D2(N2) (0.5 < P/P0 < 1) can more accurately characterize the fractal features of adsorption‐pores than D2(H2O), which may be a result of the significant coal‐H2O interaction. Moreover, D2(N2) has stronger correlations with the coal pore parameters. With the increase in D2(N2), the Langmuir volume first decreases and then increases, which is probably associated with the competition effect of the pore structure and surface irregularity of coal. When D2(N2) < 2.7‐2.8, the pore structure plays a key role, while for D2(N2) > 2.7‐2.8, the influence of the specific surface area is more prominent. The equilibrium moisture content of the coal samples also has a positive correlation with D2, except for low‐rank coal sample YZG2 due to the presence of a large amount of oxygen‐containing functional groups, which increases its water‐holding capacity.
The mechanism of decrease in bearing capacity and performance evaluation of the yielding bolt in coal mine
Authors: Tai Yang , Huang Shaoping , Xia Hongchun , Zhou Yibo , Tian Xichun
Published: June 2020

With the increase of the coal mining depth, the surrounding rock shows characteristics of high stress and large deformation. However, the traditional bolt could not adapt to this surrounding rock environment and become invalid due to low elongation. In order to solve the problem, the new type of yielding bolt has been designed. It could release the deformation energy of the surrounding rock through its yielding pipe. However, few studies have been reported on the mechanism in bearing capacity decrease of the yielding pipe. Furthermore, the evaluation of the yielding bolt was not fully understood. Under such a background, a numerical model of the yielding model was established. According to the numerical simulation, the mechanism of the decrease in the bearing capacity of the yielding bolt is that the buckling occurs at different positions of the yielding pipe, making the material stiffness matrix turn negative, and the bearing capacity decreases significantly. Also, the performance of the yielding bolt could be evaluated from the use efficiency of the yielding pipe, the plastic strain characteristics of the components of the yielding bolt, and the energy absorption law. The evaluation results indicated that: (a) the deviation of the yielding pipe's Mises stresses was within the range of 1.0%‐4.0%. The stresses were distributed evenly, and the material use efficiency was high; (b) only the yielding pipe occurred the plastic failure during the yielding process, and other components were at the elastic stages. After the yielding, the yielding bolt was still effective for support. (c) The yielding pipe could absorb energy smoothly, which is helpful for the stability of the yielding bolt.
An integrated intrusion detection system using correlation‐based attribute selection and artificial neural network
Authors: Sumaiya Thaseen I. , Saira Banu J. , Lavanya K. , Rukunuddin Ghalib Muhammad , Abhishek Kumar
Published: June 2020

Serious concerns regarding vulnerability and security have been raised as a result of the constant growth of computer networks. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) have been adopted by network administrators to provide essential network security. Commercial IDS in the market do not have the capability to identify novel attacks but generate false alarms for legitimate user activities. Neural networks can be applied for the solution of these issues and for providing improved accuracy. Correlation‐based attribute selection ranks the features according to the highest correlation between the attributes and class label. In this article, the authors propose a correlation‐based feature selection integrated with neural network for identifying anomalies. Experimental analysis performed on NSL‐KDD and UNSW‐NB datasets, which are benchmark datasets of intrusion detection with current attacks. The results show that the proposed model is superior in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in comparison with some of the state‐of‐the‐art techniques. With the emergence of the Internet of Things Technology, such IDS can be deployed for securing the IoT servers in future. Wireless payment systems can be secured by building and deploying IDS. A secure integrated network management can be achieved which is error‐free and thereby improving performance.
Solving the fully nonlinear weakly dispersive Serre equations for flows over dry beds
Authors: Pitt Jordan P.A. , Zoppou Christopher , Roberts Stephen G.
Published: June 2020

We describe a numerical method for solving the Serre equations that can simulate flows over dry bathymetry. The method solves the Serre equations in conservation law form with a finite volume method. A finite element method is used to solve the auxiliary elliptic equation for the depth‐averaged horizontal velocity. The numerical method is validated against the lake at rest analytic solution, demonstrating that it is well‐balanced. Since there are currently no known nonstationary analytical solutions to the Serre equation that involve bathymetry, a nonstationary forced solution, involving bathymetry was developed. The method was further validated and its convergence rate established using the developed nonstationary forced solution containing the wetting and drying of bathymetry. Finally, the method is also validated against experimental results for the run‐up of a solitary wave on a sloped beach. The finite‐volume finite‐element approach to solving the Serre equation was found to be accurate and robust.
Anti‐Toxoplasma activity and chemical compositions of aquatic extract of Mentha pulegium L. and Rubus idaeus L.: An in vitro study
Authors: Mohammad Rahimi Hanieh , Khosravi Mojdeh , Hesari Zahra , Sharifdini Meysam , Mirjalali Hamed , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to determine the chemical compositions of crude aquatic extracts of M. pulegium L. and R. idaeus L., and their anti‐Toxoplasma activity. Crude aquatic extraction of aerial parts of R. idaeus L. and M. pulegium L. was performed. GC‐MS and HTPLC analyses were carried out. MTT assay was performed on Vero cells treated by different concentrations (Log −10 from 10−1 to 10−6) of the extracts. The anti‐Toxoplasma activity of the concentrations was investigated using vital staining. Menthol (99.23%) and limonene (0.227%) were the major compounds of the aquatic extract of M. pulegium L. Phytochemical compositions of R. idaeus L. were terpenoids, esterols, and flavonoids. The cell toxicity of M. pulegium L. was lower than R. idaeus L. (CC50 > 10−2 versus. ≥ 10−4). Aquatic extract of M. pulegium L. showed higher anti‐Toxoplasma activity (LC50 ≥ 10−6) than R. idaeus L. (LC50 ≥ 10−5). Statistically significant cell toxicity and anti‐Toxoplasma activity (p < .05) were seen regarding the different concentrations of R. idaeus L. and M. pulegium L. Both R. idaeus L. and M. pulegium L. revealed anti‐Toxoplasma activities. Cell toxicity of R. idaeus L. was significantly higher than M. pulegium L. M. pulegium L. extract could be more applicable due to its lower cell toxicity.
Subcellular diversion of cholesterol by gain‐ and loss‐of‐function mutations in PMP22
Authors: Zhou Ye , Borchelt David , Bauson Jodi C. , Fazio Sergio , Miles Joshua R. , Tavori Hagai , Notterpek Lucia
Published: June 2020

Abnormalities of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene, including duplication, deletion and point mutations are a major culprit in Type 1 Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) diseases. The complete absence of PMP22 alters cholesterol metabolism in Schwann cells, which likely contributes to myelination deficits. Here, we examined the subcellular trafficking of cholesterol in distinct models of PMP22‐linked neuropathies. In Schwann cells from homozygous Trembler J (TrJ) mice carrying a Leu16Pro mutation, cholesterol was retained with TrJ‐PMP22 in the Golgi, alongside a corresponding reduction in its plasma membrane level. PMP22 overexpression, which models CMT1A caused by gene duplication, triggered cholesterol sequestration to lysosomes, and reduced ATP‐binding cassette transporter‐dependent cholesterol efflux. Conversely, lysosomal targeting of cholesterol by U18666A treatment increased wild type (WT)‐PMP22 levels in lysosomes. Mutagenesis of a cholesterol recognition motif, or CRAC domain, in human PMP22 lead to increased levels of PMP22 in the ER and Golgi compartments, along with higher cytosolic, and lower membrane‐associated cholesterol. Importantly, cholesterol trafficking defects observed in PMP22‐deficient Schwann cells were rescued by WT but not CRAC‐mutant‐PMP22. We also observed that myelination deficits in dorsal root ganglia explants from heterozygous PMP22‐deficient mice were improved by cholesterol supplementation. Collectively, these findings indicate that PMP22 is critical in cholesterol metabolism, and this mechanism is likely a contributing factor in PMP22‐linked hereditary neuropathies. Our results provide a basis for understanding how altered expression of PMP22 impacts cholesterol metabolism.
Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of subjectively perceived decline in five cognitive domains: Results from a population‐based cohort study in Germany
Authors: Schütz Holger , Caspers Svenja , Moebus Susanne , Lux Silke
Published: June 2020

Objective

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) was frequently investigated for memory in healthy aging or in relation to diseases like dementia. It was found to be related to sociodemographic and psychological variables as well as cognitive abilities. The prevalence of SCD in other cognitive domains and their relation to these variables is largely unknown to date. The present study aimed to fill this gap.

Methods

A total of 807 subjects (18‐85 years of age, M = 57.8 years, female: 43%) completed the Juelich Questionnaire on Subjective Cognitive Decline, to investigate SCD in memory, attention, language, motor, and executive functions. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate association of depressive symptomatology, emotionality, and general cognitive performance as well as age, gender, and educational attainment with domain‐specific SCD.

Results

The highest prevalence rate was obtained for the memory domain (65.9%), followed by the attention (54.6%), motor (52.9%), executive (39.7%), and language domain (31.5%). Of the psychosocial factors, only age, depressive symptomatology and emotionality were consistently and strongly associated with domain‐specific SCD prevalence.

Conclusions

SCD is prevalent not only in the memory domain, but also in other major cognitive domains. Our results also suggest that the suspicion from previous research, that subjective memory decline might be more strongly associated with depressive symptomatology and emotionality than with actual decline of cognitive performance, might also apply to the attention, motor, executive, and language domain. Further investigations using neuropsychological testing for specific cognitive functions and employing longitudinal designs are required for substantiating this suspicion.
Altered resting activity patterns and connectivity in individuals with complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Di Pietro Flavia , Lee Barbara , Henderson Luke A.
Published: June 2020

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder that typically occurs in the limbs, usually the upper limb. CRPS usually develops from a peripheral event but its maintenance relies on changes within the central nervous system. While functional abnormalities in the thalamus and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of the brain are some of the most consistently reported brain findings in CRPS, the mechanisms are yet to be explored in full, not least of all how these two regions interact and how they might relate to clinical deficits, such as the commonly reported poor tactile acuity in this condition. This study recruited 15 upper‐limb CRPS subjects and 30 healthy controls and used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate infra‐slow oscillations (ISOs) in critical pain regions of the brain in CRPS. As hypothesised, we found CRPS was associated with increases in resting signal intensity ISOs (0.03–0.06 Hz) in the thalamus contralateral to the painful limb in CRPS subjects. Interestingly, there was no such difference between groups in S1, however CRPS subjects displayed stronger thalamo‐S1 functional connectivity than controls, and this was related to pain. As predicted, CRPS subjects displayed poor tactile acuity on the painful limb which, interestingly, was also related to thalamo‐S1 functional connectivity strength. Our findings provide novel evidence of altered patterns of resting activity and connectivity in CRPS which may underlie altered thalamocortical loop dynamics and the constant perception of pain.
Changing paradigms in sinus and skull base surgery as the COVID‐19 pandemic evolves: Preliminary experience from a single Italian tertiary care center
Authors: Karligkiotis Apostolos , Arosio Alberto D. , Battaglia Paolo , Sileo Giorgio , Czaczkes Camilla , Volpi Luca , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: June 2020

Background

Italy was the first European country suffering from COVID‐19. Health care resources were redirected to manage the pandemic. We present our initial experience with the management of urgent and nondeferrable surgeries for sinus and skull base diseases during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated in a single referral center during the first 2 months of the pandemic was performed. A comparison between the last 2‐month period and the same period of the previous year was carried out.

Results

Twenty‐four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A reduction of surgical activity was observed (−60.7%). A statistically significant difference in pathologies treated was found (P = .016), with malignancies being the most frequent indication for surgery (45.8%).

Conclusions

Although we feel optimistic for the future, we do not feel it is already time to restart elective surgeries. Our experience may serve for other centers who are facing the same challenges.