bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Activation of Anode Materials from Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries as High‐Performance Electrodes for Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Weng Jiaze , Wang Shiyong , Wang Gang , Zhang Peixin , Lu Bing , Jiang Jun , Li Changping
Published: December 2020

Mesophase microporous carbon spheres (MMCS), are the anode materials of spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIB), existing in large amounts on the earth that result in resource wastes and ecological pollution. In order to utilize the above waste resources, a new idea of recycling scrapped LIB anode materials was exploited to apply for capacitive deionization (CDI). Herein, the activated microporous carbon spheres (AMCS) were synthesized by a one‐step KOH activation of mesophase microporous carbon spheres (MMCS). By controlling the weight ratios of KOH to MMCS, the fabricated AMCS with the optimal specific surface area of 2626 m2 g−1 and the pore volume of 0.98 cm3 g−1 were fabricated. The AMCS3‐1 with a weight ratio of KOH to MMCS of 3 : 1 exhibits higher specific capacitance (196.9 F g−1) and lower charge transfer resistance. Importantly, the AMCS3‐1 electrode demonstrates excellent electrosorption capacity of 12.73 mg g−1 and fast salt adsorption rate of 2.64 mg g−1 min−1 at 1.2 V. In addition, the excellent repeatability over 50 regeneration cycles could be obtained for AMCS3‐1 electrode compared with commercial activated carbon electrode. The results reveal that the AMCS3‐1 is a promising candidate as high‐performance electrodes for CDI. The strategy of recycling MMCS from waste LIB anode materials for CDI is desirable, which displays great potential in the removal of sodium chloride (NaCl).
A parametric study through the modelling of hydrothermal gasification for hydrogen production from algal biomass
Authors: Kumar Mayank , Oyedun Adetoyese O. , Kumar Amit
Published: December 2020

Hydrothermal gasification (HTG) is applicable to high moisture content biomass feedstock such as wet microalgae. The key interests of this thermochemical processing are its ability to use whole algae instead of simply lipid extracts and to use a wide range of algal feedstocks. It employs water in the form of a reaction medium to disintegrate biomass into hydrogen gas. The products' composition and yields are a function of process parameters, namely feed concentration, pressure, and temperature. There is very limited literature available on model development to understand the impacts of various input parameters on the products of HTG. This study presents development of a detailed process model for HTG and the illustration of process parameters on the gas product yields. The approach includes developing the system model, identifying the key process parameters in the reactor setup that affect syngas yield, and understanding the overall process in terms of final product yield. A simulation of hydrothermal gasification based on thermodynamic equilibrium is studied. Based on the developed process model about 52.1 t/day of hydrogen can be produced from 500 t/day of wet algal biomass. This shows the potential of large‐scale hydrogen production through this process for hydrogen economy. The results from this study could be used by the gas processing industry and policymakers to determine the most feasible means of converting biomass‐based resources into gaseous fuels.
Superhydrophobic Flexible Supercapacitors Formed by Integrating Hydrogel with Functional Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Ximin , Duan Wei , Teng Wei , Liu Yibing , Xie Qing
Published: December 2020

Main observation and conclusion

With the rapid development of the wearable electronics, the flexible supercapacitor with high energy density has attracted more and more attentions. From the viewpoint of outdoor and underwater application, this research tried to impart the superhydrophobicity to the flexible supercapacitors. The polyvinyl alcohol/HNO3 hydrogel was utilized as the electrolyte, which could achieve self‐healing capability without the freezing/thawing process. Both microscale graphene and nanoscale carbon nanotubes were utilized as the electrode materials. After surface modification, the hydrophobic suspension composed of graphene and carbon nanotubes was sprayed onto the two sides of hydrogel electrolyte to construct superhydrophobic electrode. Hence, the superhydrophobicity endows the supercapacitor with outstanding self‐cleaning performance. The all‐in‐one structure endows the supercapacitor with improved capacitive ability, outstanding flexibility, good anti‐abrasion property, and reliable self‐healing capability. The combination of superhydrophobicity and flexible energy storage might have a broad application for the outdoor and underwater wearable electronics applications.
Linking radial growth patterns and moderate‐severity disturbance dynamics in boreal old‐growth forests driven by recurrent insect outbreaks: A tale of opportunities, successes, and failures
Authors: Martin Maxence , Krause Cornélia , Morin Hubert
Published: December 2020

In boreal landscapes, emphasis is currently placed on close‐to‐nature management strategies, which aim to maintain the biodiversity and ecosystem services related to old‐growth forests. The success of these strategies, however, depends on an accurate understanding of the dynamics within these forests. While moderate‐severity disturbances have recently been recognized as important drivers of boreal forests, little is known about their effects on stand structure and growth. This study therefore aimed to reconstruct the disturbance and postdisturbance dynamics in boreal old‐growth forests that are driven by recurrent moderate‐severity disturbances. We studied eight primary old‐growth forests in Québec, Canada, that have recorded recurrent and moderately severe spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) outbreaks over the 20th century. We applied an innovative dendrochronological approach based on the combined study of growth patterns and releases to reconstruct stand disturbance and postdisturbance dynamics. We identified nine growth patterns; they represented trees differing in age, size, and canopy layer. These patterns highlighted the ability of suppressed trees to rapidly fill gaps created by moderate‐severity disturbances through a single and significant increase in radial growth and height. Trees that are unable to attain the canopy following the disturbance tend to remain in the lower canopy layers, even if subsequent disturbances create new gaps. This combination of a low stand height typical of boreal forests, periodic disturbances, and rapid canopy closure often resulted in stands constituted mainly of dominant and codominant trees, similar to even‐aged forests. Overall, this study underscored the resistance of boreal old‐growth forests owing to their capacity to withstand repeated moderate‐severity disturbances. Moreover, the combined study of growth patterns and growth release demonstrated the efficacy of such an approach for improving the understanding of the fine‐scale dynamics of natural forests. The results of this research will thus help develop silvicultural practices that approximate the moderate‐severity disturbance dynamics observed in primary and old‐growth boreal forests.
Incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, 1986‐2018
Authors: Saito Tomohiro , Kobayashi Koji , Kobayashi Kisho , Mochizuki Mie , Yagasaki Hideaki , Makino Koichi , Narusawa Hiromune , Watanabe Daisuke , Mitsui Yumiko , Sato Kazumasa , Sano Tomoaki , Ohta Masanori , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Amemiya Shin
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Several studies have examined the incidence of childhood T1DM in Japan from the 1970s onwards, but none have been long‐term studies using registration data. We estimate the incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from 1986 to 2018 in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.

Methods

We began a population‐based, long‐term study of childhood T1DM in 1986 involving every hospital paediatrics department in Yamanashi Prefecture. In the Prefecture, every child newly diagnosed with T1DM is referred to a hospital, and therefore, almost 100% of new patients aged <15 years are registered. We calculated the incidence of T1DM among children aged <15 years from 1986 to 2018. All cases met the Japan Diabetes Society diagnostic criteria and were tested for T1DM‐related autoantibodies whenever possible.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients (44 boys and 55 girls) were newly diagnosed with T1DM. The annual incidence among 5‐ to 9‐year‐olds increased by 5.35% over the study period (95% confidence interval 2.34%‐8.35%, p = .0005), and there was a trend towards increasing 3‐year incidence (15.52% increase, p = .0516). There were also trends towards increasing annual and 3‐year incidence among 0‐ to 14‐year‐olds. However, there were no changes over time in annual or 3‐year incidence in the 0–4 year or 10–14 year age groups.

Conclusions

The incidence of T1DM in Yamanashi Prefecture increased among children aged 0‐14 years over the study period, with the most significant increase occurring among 5‐ to 9‐year‐olds. These data suggest that the number of children aged <15 years with T1DM is gradually increasing in one of the local prefectures in Japan, Yamanashi Prefecture and that the age of onset is decreasing.
Efficacy of environmental DNA sampling to detect the occurrence of endangered coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Mediterranean‐climate streams of California's central coast
Authors: Spence Brian C. , Rundio David E. , Demetras Nicholas J. , Sedoryk Maryna
Published: December 2020

Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as an important tool for investigating the occurrence and distribution of fish and other species in aquatic environments. However, in lotic systems, uncertainty remains about how environmental factors influence the downstream transport, degradation, and dilution of eDNA, and hence how detection probability varies with distance from the eDNA source. We conducted cage experiments and paired eDNA and snorkel surveys to evaluate the potential for eDNA methods to detect endangered coho salmon in Mediterranean‐climate streams of the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. Juvenile coho salmon at two densities were placed in cages, and water samples were collected and analyzed (qPCR) at seven locations from 10 to 1,000 m downstream. Although we detected coho salmon eDNA up to 1,000 m downstream of the cage, the vast majority of detections were within 200 m, and detections at greater distances occurred only at the higher fish density. In field collections from 21 stream reaches across the Santa Cruz Mountains, eDNA methods and snorkeling produced identical outcomes in terms of reach‐level detection of coho salmon. Probability of occurrence in a water sample and detection in a qPCR replicate both increased with observed fish density; however, even at the lowest densities, a protocol of three water samples and two qPCR replicates resulted in a >90% cumulative probability of detection. Overall, our studies suggest that detection probability decreased rapidly with distance in Santa Cruz Mountain streams, likely because low stream discharges, slow transport velocities, and strong interaction between the water column and stream substrate result in rapid degradation or settling of eDNA. Our findings thus support the use of eDNA methods for detecting rare species, but also indicate that local conditions strongly influence transport dynamics and hence need to be considered when developing survey designs.
Quantifying the effects of long‐duration earthquake ground motions on the financial losses of steel moment resisting frame buildings of varying design risk category
Authors: Hwang Seong‐Hoon , Mangalathu Sujith , Jeon Jong‐Su
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the effect of ground motion duration on risks to life safety and costs associated with low‐to‐medium‐rise reference steel moment resisting frame buildings classified as risk categories II and IV. The ductile steel resisting frame buildings are designed in the downtown area of Seattle, Washington, where long‐duration earthquakes are more likely to occur. For this purpose, two sets of spectrally equivalent long‐ and short‐duration ground motions are employed to perform nonlinear dynamic analyses for two‐dimensional nonlinear structural models of the steel frame buildings. It is shown that the consideration of the effects of long‐duration ground motion significantly increases the collapse risk of the steel frame buildings, by a factor of about 5 on average, in comparison to the short‐duration set. The destabilizing P‐Delta effects are found to increasingly aggravate the influence of long‐duration earthquakes on the risk to life safety of the medium‐rise steel frame buildings. For frequently occurring ground motion intensities, reparable damage to nonstructural components holds most of the total expected economic seismic loss in the reference buildings, regardless of the ground motion set and assigned risk category. The influence of ground motion duration on the economic seismic loss in the steel frame buildings starts to become important for strong ground motions associated with design‐level earthquakes or higher.
Weed colonization‐based performance improvement opportunities in dual‐mixed refrigerant natural gas liquefaction process
Authors: Qyyum Muhammad Abdul , Qadeer Kinza , Khan Mohd Shariq , Naqvi Muhammad , Rehman Ali , Wang Li , Lee Moonyong
Published: December 2020

Dual‐mixed refrigerant (DMR) process is a promising candidate for liquefying the natural gas (LNG) at onshore as well as offshore sites, thanks to its higher liquefaction capacity and flexibility in using full gas turbines. DMR involves two mixed refrigerant cycles to perform precooling and subcooling of natural gas (NG), and these refrigerant compositions need constant tweaking to match the ever‐changing NG cooling curve, as it is obtained from different gas fields. Mismatching of cooling curves often results in suboptimal operation, which ultimately leads to an increase in the overall energy consumption. Thus, this study is aimed at making DMR liquefaction operation close to optimal using the invasive‐weed paradigm. At first, the decision variables for performance improvement were determined using degrees of freedom analysis then through invasive‐weed paradigm the best set of parameters that results in minimal overall energy consumption were obtained. For the given set of conditions, it was found that after optimization, the DMR process can produce LNG using 16.2% less compression power compared to the published optimized DMR process. Taking into account the higher sensitivity of the DMR process against NG feed conditions, the IWO approach was also examined to find the multiple optimal solutions corresponding to different sets of feed conditions. The thermodynamic evaluation revealed that the mixed refrigerant involves in NG subcooling and interstage coolers have the highest level of exergy destruction. After successful performance improvement of the DMR process, it is also found that still, 62% improvement potential (based on avoidable/unavoidable exergy destruction analysis) is available in the DMR process that can be attained through either sole optimization or optimal retrofitting/revamping.
Earthen ridges in coastal sand dunes of the Caribbean coast, Venezuela: Anthropogenic or natural?
Authors: Bezada Maximiliano , Barros Haydn , Zavala Miguel , Pedraza Erika , Foghin Sergio , González Orlando , Godoy Darwin , Zambrano Eduardo , Herrera Roberto , Leal Alejandra
Published: December 2020

Earthen ridges that occur in the active Los Médanos de Coro dune fields of the Venezuelan Caribbean coast have been attributed either to anthropogenic or natural origins. Anthropogenic explanations have focused on their location, geometry, structure, and compaction, in the context of archaeological sites and artifacts throughout the dunes, to suggest an origin as causeways built by the extinct Caquetío people and/or their pre‐Hispanic ancestors. To assess this topic, geomorphic, physicochemical, and elemental analyses were carried out on the ridges and interdunal beaches and playas. The configuration, elevation, and composition of the ridges, along with three bulk sediment 14C dates that range 1900–3000 year BP, are here found to be most compatible with a natural origin as exhumed paleochannels. Past human occupants may, however, have used the features as causeways.
Relating land surface, water table, and weathering fronts with a conceptual valve model for headwater catchments
Authors: Brantley Susan L. , Lebedeva Marina I.
Published: December 2020

Knowing little about how porosity and permeability are distributed at depth, we commonly develop models of groundwater by treating the subsurface as a homogeneous black box even though porosity and permeability vary with depth. One reason for this depth variation is that infiltrating meteoric water reacts with minerals to affect porosity in localized zones called reaction fronts. We are beginning to learn to map and model these fronts beneath headwater catchments and show how they are distributed. The subsurface landscapes defined by these fronts lie subparallel to the soil‐air interface but with lower relief. They can be situated above, below, or at the water table. These subsurface landscapes of reaction are important because porosity developed from weathering can control subsurface water storage. In addition, porosity often changes at the weathering fronts, and when this affects permeability significantly, the front can act like a valve that re‐orients water flowing through the subsurface. We explore controls on the positions of reaction fronts under headwater landscapes by accounting for the timescales of erosion, chemical equilibration, and solute transport. One strong control on the landscape of subsurface reaction is the land surface geometry, which is in turn a function of the erosion rate. In addition, the reaction fronts, like the water table, are strongly affected by the lithology and water infiltration rate. We hypothesize that relationships among the land surface, reaction fronts, and the water table are controlled by feedbacks that can push landscapes towards an ‘ideal hill’. In this steady state, reaction‐front valves partition water volumes into shallow and deep flowpaths. These flows dissolve low‐ and high‐solubility minerals, respectively, allowing their reaction fronts to advance at the erosion rate. This conceptualization could inform better models of subsurface porosity and permeability, replacing the black box.
The mitochondria‐targeted hydrogen sulfide donor AP39 improves health and mitochondrial function in a C. elegans primary mitochondrial disease model
Authors: Fox Bridget C. , Slade Luke , Torregrossa Roberta , Pacitti Dario , Szabo Csaba , Etheridge Timothy , Whiteman Matthew
Published: December 2020

Primary mitochondrial diseases (PMD) are inherited diseases that cause dysfunctional mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, leading to diverse multisystem diseases and substantially impaired quality of life. PMD treatment currently comprises symptom management, with an unmet need for therapies targeting the causative mitochondrial defects. Molecules which selective target mitochondria have been proposed as potential treatment options in PMD but have met with limited success. We have previously shown in animal models that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by the disease process could be prevented and/or reversed by selective targeting of the “gasotransmitter” hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to mitochondria using a novel compound, AP39. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether AP39 could also restore mitochondrial function in PMD models where mitochondrial dysfunction was the cause of the disease pathology using C. elegans. We characterised several PMD mutant C. elegans strains for reduced survival, movement and impaired cellular bioenergetics and treated each with AP39. In animals with widespread electron transport chain deficiency (gfm‐1[ok3372]), AP39 (100 nM) restored ATP levels, but had no effect on survival or movement. However, in a complex I mutant (nuo‐4[ok2533]), a Leigh syndrome orthologue, AP39 significantly reversed the decline in ATP levels, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and increased movement and survival. For the first time, this study provides proof‐of‐principle evidence suggesting that selective targeting of mitochondria with H2S could represent a novel drug discovery approach to delay, prevent and possibly reverse mitochondrial decline in PMD and related disorders.
Quantification of tea‐derived catechins without the requirement for respective calibration curves by single reference liquid chromatography based on relative molar sensitivity
Authors: Takahashi Miki , Nishizaki Yuzo , Masumoto Naoko , Sugimoto Naoki , Sato Kyoko , Inoue Koichi
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Many studies report the monitoring of catechins in tea samples by chromatographic techniques. Unfortunately, only a small number of screening assays for catechins exist as a result of the complexity of authentic standards for the respective calibration curves. In the present study, a single reference (SR) exhaustive assay for the simultaneous quantification of tea‐derived catechins by liquid chromatography (LC) with photodiode array and fluorescence detectors based on relative molar sensitivity (RMS) was developed as a screening assay of common tea samples without respective calibration curves using authentic standards.

RESULTS

Three original SR standards were proposed based on flavonoid structures, evaluated by quantitative 1H‐NMR based on an indirect standard (1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl) benzene‐d4) and successfully separated in a LC chromatogram. In tea samples with these added SR calculated based on RMS, the concentrations of eight tea‐derived catechins could be measured with a relative SD of < 8.5% by a single LC run.

CONCLUSION

This LC screening assay based on RMS allows reliable quantification without the requirement for respective calibration curves using authentic standards. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A Simple Photochemical Route to Hyperbranched Polymers by Using Photolatent Inimer
Authors: Bener Semira , Aydogan Cansu , Yagci Yusuf
Published: December 2020

A novel and straightforward approach for the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) by photoinduced self‐condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) is explored. The SCVP is achieved using a divinyl monomer possessing photocleavable moiety in the inner structure, acting as both photoinitiator and inimer (photolatent inimer) in conjunction with methyl methacrylate (MMA) under UV irradiation. HBPs with different branching densities are successfully produced. Depending on the concentration of inimer and irradiation time, lightly branched, hyperbranched and cross‐linked polymers are formed. The described approach may lead to future directions of photopolymerization in various applications especially in bio related systems requiring highly branched structures without contamination of low‐molar mass photoinitiator fragments.
Measuring the continuation effects of market order entry: A dynamic model
Authors: He Dong‐Sing , Tebourbi Imen
Published: December 2020

The advantages of first movers are well‐known; it is also known that second movers can accumulate resources and gain competitive advantage via catching‐up strategies. We investigate the relationship between business performance and market‐entry time among Taiwanese semiconductor companies during the period 2008 to 2012 in order to provide the industry with useful guidelines for business strategies. We also investigate productivity change among Taiwanese semiconductor companies through the combined use of Malmquist productivity index and bootstrap. Our results show that the second movers presented a superior performance in productivity change, with an average improvement of 27.5%, indicating good continuation effects.
Free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator fascial flap for reconstruction of upper abdominal wall with extensive infected herniation: A case report
Authors: Sumiya Ryusuke , Tsukuura Reiko , Mihara Fuminori , Yamamoto Takumi
Published: December 2020

Complex abdominal wall reconstruction is challenging, and vascularized fascia is preferred for active infection cases. Pedicled tensor fascia lata flap is commonly used for lower abdominal wall reconstruction, and free vascularized fascial flap based on the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) is used for upper abdominal wall reconstruction. However, LCFA‐based flap transfer requires invasive and time‐consuming muscle dissection and a large recipient vessel. The purpose of this report was to present a new application of superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP)‐based fascial flap for upper abdominal wall reconstruction. A 70‐year‐old male suffered from a long‐lasting extensive abdominal wall herniation complicated with mesh infection and cutaneous fistulae following multiple herniation repair with synthetic mesh. After complete debridement of infected tissues, there was a 29 x 26 cm full‐thickness abdominal wall defect. Components separation was performed to minimize the defect size, after which 12 x 7 cm defect remained in the upper abdominal wall. A 20 x 10 cm SCIP deep fascial flap was elevated based on the deep branch of the SCIA. The SCIP flap was transferred to the defect to reconstruct the upper abdominal wall. The SCIP was anastomosed to the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator with supermicrosurgical perforator‐to‐perforator anastomosis. Postoperative course was uneventful with good functional and esthetic results of the donor and recipient sites 11 months after the surgery. Although further studies are required, SCIP fascial flap may be an option for upper abdominal wall reconstruction.
Alcohol drinking inhibits NOTCH–PAX9 signaling in esophageal squamous epithelial cells
Authors: Shi Menghan , Ren Shuang , Chen Hao , Li Jing , Huang Caizhi , Li Yahui , Han Yuning , Li Yong , Sun Zheng , Chen Xiaoxin , Xiong Zhaohui
Published: December 2020

Alcohol drinking has been established as a major risk factor for esophageal diseases. Our previous study showed that ethanol exposure inhibited PAX9 expression in human esophageal squamous epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular pathways through which alcohol drinking suppresses PAX9 in esophageal squamous epithelial cells. We first demonstrated the inhibition of NOTCH by ethanol exposure in vitro. NOTCH regulated PAX9 expression in KYSE510 and KYSE410 cells in vitro and in vivo. RBPJ and NOTCH intracellular domain (NIC) D1 ChIP‐PCR confirmed Pax9 as a direct downstream target of NOTCH signaling in mouse esophagus. NOTCH inhibition by alcohol drinking was further validated in mouse esophagus and human tissue samples. In conclusion, ethanol exposure inhibited NOTCH signaling and thus suppressed PAX9 expression in esophageal squamous epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Our data support a novel mechanism of alcohol‐induced esophageal injury through the inhibition of NOTCH–PAX9 signaling. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Registration of ‘KS Dallas’ hard red winter wheat
Authors: Zhang Guorong , Martin Terry J. , Fritz Allan K. , Li Yonghui , Bai Guihua , Bowden Robert L. , Chen Ming‐Shun , Jin Yue , Chen Xianming , Kolmer James A. , Seabourn Bradford W. , Chen Richard Y. , Marshall David S.
Published: December 2020

‘KS Dallas’ (Reg. no. CV‐1173, PI 693934) hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the wheat breeding program at the Agricultural Research Center–Hays, Kansas State University, and released by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2019. KS Dallas was selected from a three‐way cross KS08HW112‐6//TX03A0148/Danby TR made in 2009 at Hays, KS. The objective of this cross was to develop a hard winter wheat cultivar with adaptation to dryland production in western Kansas. KS Dallas was developed using a modified bulk breeding method. KS Dallas is an F6‐derived line and was tested in yield trials across Kansas for 4 yr. KS Dallas has medium maturity, medium height, and a medium‐long coleoptile. It has high grain yield potential in western Kansas and good resistance to the prevalent diseases including Wheat streak mosaic virus and leaf rust. It also has good bread‐making quality.
No positive cross‐resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins favors pyramiding strategy for management of Vip3Aa resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Gilreath Ryan T , Kerns David L , Huang Fangneng , Yang Fei
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops could delay insect resistance development by expressing multiple distinct Bt proteins to manage the same insect pest. The efficacy of pyramiding strategy for resistance management could be jeopardized by positive cross‐resistance, which is defined as insects showing resistance to one Bt protein also exhibiting resistance to other Bt proteins. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive agricultural pest and target of Vip3Aa. In this study, we evaluate the cross‐resistance of Vip3Aa resistance in S. frugiperda to Bt cotton and corn plants, as well as purified Bt proteins.

RESULTS

Diet bioassay showed that Vip3Aa‐resistant (RR), ‐heterozygous (RS), and ‐susceptible (SS) insects of S. frugiperda performed similarly against Cry2Ab2 purified protein. The data also indicated that genotypes RR and RS were more susceptible to Cry1F and Cry2Ae purified proteins relative to SS. The diet bioassays suggested that resistance to Vip3Aa does not confer any positive cross‐resistance to Cry1F, Cry2Ae or Cry2Ab2 in S. frugiperda. The plant bioassay indicated that the S. frugiperda resistance to Vip3Aa conferred no cross‐resistance to corn and no cross‐crop resistance to cotton plants expressing Cry1 and/or Cry2 proteins.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that a lack of positive cross‐resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins favors pyramiding strategy for managing S. frugiperda resistance to Vip3Aa protein. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Phase I clinical trial of intra-bone marrow cotransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in cord blood transplantation
Authors: Goto Tatsunori , Murata Makoto , Nishida Tetsuya , Terakura Seitaro , Kamoshita Sonoko , Ishikawa Yuichi , Ushijima Yoko , Adachi Yoshiya , Suzuki Satoshi , Kato Katsuyoshi , Hirakawa Akihiro , Nishiwaki Satoshi , Nishio Nobuhiro , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kodera Yoshihisa , Matsushita Tadashi , Kiyoi Hitoshi
Published: December 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory properties and support hematopoiesis in the bone marrow (BM). To develop a new strategy to not only prevent graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) but also to enhance engraftment, a phase I trial of cord blood transplantation (CBT) combined with intra-BM injection of MSCs (MSC-CBT) was designed. Third-party BM-derived MSCs were injected intra-BM on the day of CBT. The conditioning regimen varied according to patient characteristics. GVHD prophylaxis was tacrolimus and methotrexate. The primary endpoint was toxicity related to intra-BM injection of MSCs. Clinical outcomes were compared with those of six controls who received CBT alone. Five adult patients received MSC-CBT, and no adverse events related to intra-BM injection of MSCs were observed. All patients achieved neutrophil, reticulocyte, and platelet recoveries, with median times to recoveries of 21, 35, and 38 days, respectively, comparable with controls. Grade II-IV acute GVHD developed in three controls but not in MSC-CBT patients. No patients developed chronic GVHD in both groups. At 1 year after transplantation, all MSC-CBT patients survived without relapse. This study shows the safety of MSC-CBT, and the findings also suggest that cotransplantation of MSCs may prevent GVHD with no inhibition of engraftment. This trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry as number 000024291.
Visible‐Light‐Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities for Degradation of Organics by Chromium Acetylacetone Supported on UiO‐66‐NH2
Authors: Xu PanPan , Zhang Liuxue , Jia Xu , Wang Xiulian , Cao Yijie , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2020

The constructing of efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. In this paper, Cr /UiO‐66‐NH2 was synthesized by the chromium acetylacetone grafted on UiO‐66‐NH2 directly and UiO‐66‐NH2‐SA‐Cr (anchored on the Schiff base UiO‐66‐NH2‐SA with chemical bonds) was prepared by post‐synthesis method, which both provided such support in degrading tetracycline (TC) and xylenol orange (XO) under visible light. Compared with UiO‐66‐NH2 and Cr /UiO‐66‐NH2, the photocatalytic experiments indicated that UiO‐66‐NH2‐SA‐Cr possessed significant enhanced photocatalytic activity, with 76.5 % of tetracycline (TC) and 71.5 % of xylenol orange (XO) being removed under the optimization of experimental conditions. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of UiO‐66‐NH2‐SA‐Cr could be attributed to the obvious decrease in the band gap, which could enhance the capacity of visible‐light absorption, and the presence of catalytic sites on the Chromium Schiff base complex was also a key factor for the photocatalytic performance, which could achieve high‐efficiency catalytic activity. Furthermore, these materials also exhibited a good recyclability with almost unchanged degradation efficiency after five recycling tests. Above these indicated that these materials mentioned had great potential in the field of wastewater treatment and antibiotic contaminant.
Facile Ultrasound‐Based Synthesis, SC‐XRD, DFT Exploration of the Substituted Acyl‐Hydrazones: An Experimental and Theoretical Slant towards Supramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Ali Akbar , Abid Saba , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Khan Muhammad Usman , Ashfaq Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Ahmad Anees
Published: December 2020

Sono‐chemical synthesis is safest and greener methods to fabricate valuable scaffolds in short time. Currently, we are reporting an efficient ultrasound‐based synthesis of substituted acyl‐hydrazones, single crystal analysis and DFT exploration. The substituted acyl‐hydrazones synthesis i.e 2‐((6‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)oxy)‐N′‐((1E,2E)‐3‐phenylallylidene)acetohydrazide acetonitrile (1 : 1) (CPPAH)and (E)‐2‐((6‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)oxy)‐N′‐(4‐methylbenzylidene)acetohydrazide (MBPAH) was accomplished utilizing sono‐chemical approach.The structures of these molecules were characterized with NMR and SC‐XRD analysis. The experimental and theoretical analysis employed to determine non‐covalent, hyper‐conjugative interactions and favorable sites for reactivity. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) approach was utilized to acquire insights about FMO analysis. The global reactivity parameters established with aid of HOMO and LUMO energies. QT‐AIM and Hirshfeld analyses were computed to quantify non‐covalent interactions for both crystals. Theoretically observed structural chemistry of both crystals led to a fabulous overall agreement with obtained SC‐XRD patterns. The molecular stability and bond strengths of the aforesaid molecules were imparted owing to hyper‐conjugative interactions as well as charge delocalization process. Moreover, NBO based findings were rationalized to Hirshfeld analysis and SC‐XRD data.
Combined Application of Nanotechnology and Multiple Therapies with Tumor Immune Checkpoints
Authors: Yu Zhenghao , Sun Yuan , Sun Tiedong , Wang Ting
Published: December 2020

Tumor immunotherapy has received worldwide attention in cancer treatment owing to its apparent advantages, such as strong specificity and long curative effect. Among them, significant progress has been made on the immune checkpoint therapy in recent years. FDA approved PD‐L1/PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 immune checkpoint inhibitors have been broadly used in a variety of malignant tumors. However, because of the low response rate of immune checkpoint drugs, its clinical application has been greatly hindered. With the prominence of nanotechnology in bio‐medicine, the application of nanotechnology in immune checkpoints has also gained more and more attention. The combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, phototherapy, magnetic therapy and other methods in nanotechnology makes an excellent promoting effect in the treatment of immune checkpoint drugs. This article reviews the recent breakthroughs of nanotechnology in immune checkpoint blocking therapy, mainly focusing on the significant advantages of the combination of nanotechnology‐based immune checkpoint blocking therapy with other treatment methods. In addition, we also discussed the challenges in this area and pointed out some potential directions for future development.
Optimization of Catalytic Distillation for the Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Feng Yuchen , Guo Bao , Tang Shixiong , Liu Yida , Liu Jidong , Lv Jianhua
Published: December 2020

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was synthesized from methanol and ethylene carbonate (EC) in a reactive distillation column by transesterification using different composite oxide catalysts. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption‐ desorption, CO2‐TPD, and NH3‐TPD. The results show that the Zr−Al catalyst has the most strong base sites and weak acid sites compared with other catalysts. The synergistic effect of acid‐base sites makes it show excellent catalytic performance for DMC synthesis. The operation parameters including reflux ratio, feed molar ratio, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) and catalyst dosage were optimized by factorial design based on response surface methodology (RSM). The best optimization conditions was: reflux ratio=5.23 : 1, feed molar ratio=6.05 : 1, LHSV=0.48 h−1, catalyst dosage=119.04 ml, the relative error between measured value and predicted value is small, which indicated that the reliability of the optimized process is high.
Phase Segregated Pt–SnO2/C Nanohybrids for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Guan Jingyu , Zan Yongxi , Shao Rong , Niu Jin , Dou Meiling , Zhu Baoning , Zhang Zhengping , Wang Feng
Published: December 2020

Strengthening the interfacial interaction in heterogeneous catalysts can lead to a dramatic improvement in their performance and allow the use of smaller amounts of active noble metal, thus decreasing the cost without compromising their activity. In this work, a facile phase‐segregation method is demonstrated for synthesizing platinum–tin oxide hybrids supported on carbon black (PtSnO2/C) in situ by air annealing PtSn alloy nanoparticles on carbon black. Compared with a control sample formed by preloading SnO2 on carbon support followed by deposition of Pt nanoparticles, the phase‐segregation‐derived PtSnO2/C exhibits a more strongly coupled PtSnO2 interface with lattice overlap of Pt (111) and SnO2 (200), along with enhanced electron transfer from SnO2 to Pt. Furthermore, the PtSnO2 active sites show a strong ability to degrade reactive oxygen species. As a result, the PtSnO2/C nanohybrids exhibit both excellent activity and stability as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction, with an overall performance which is superior to both the control sample and commercial Pt/C catalyst. This phase‐segregation method can be expected to be applicable in the preparation of other strongly coupled nanohybrids and offers a new route to high‐performance heterogeneous catalysts for low‐cost energy conversion devices.
Stretchable Supercapacitors: From Materials and Structures to Devices
Authors: Shao Guangwei , Yu Rui , Chen Nanliang , Ye Meidan , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: December 2020

Stretchable supercapacitors have received widespread attention due to their potential applications in wearable electronics and health monitoring. Stretchable supercapacitors not only possess advantages such as high power density, long cycle life, safety, and low cost of conventional supercapacitors but also have excellent flexibility and stretchability, which make them well integrated with other wearable systems. In this review, various strategies to fabricate stretchable supercapacitors are focused. The preparation methods for stretchable electrodes/devices in the literature are carefully classified and analyzed. Three strategies for preparing stretchable electrodes/devices are summarized in detail—the design of elastic polymer substrates, stretchable electrode structures, and composite electrodes combined with elastic polymers and stretchable structures. Meanwhile, the interface problem of electrodes/devices in the stretching process is studied in depth. The research progress of multifunctional stretchable supercapacitors is also introduced. Finally, challenges and possible solutions that still need to be addressed in the future development of stretchable supercapacitors are highlighted and prospected. This review comprehensively discusses the latest research progress in the field of stretchable supercapacitors and systematically elucidates the electrochemical and mechanical properties of these devices, hoping to improve the roadmap for scientists and engineers to develop supercapacitors with high electrochemical performance and good stretchability.
Herstellung und Montage der Stahlgroßbrücken von 1850 bis 1900 – Entwicklung der Brückenmontage (Teil 1)
Authors: Pelke Eberhard , Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: December 2020

Die Grundprinzipien der Montage von Brücken mit und ohne Rüstung sind zwischen 1850 und 1870 rasch gefunden. Die ursprünglichen Regiebetriebe Deutschlands wachsen in wenigen Jahrzehnten zu industriellen Brückenbauanstalten heran. Dank des Aufbaus einer arbeitsteiligen Produktionskette von Materialanlieferung – Konstruktion – Herstellung – Versand – Montage werden sie um die Jahrhundertwende zum wesentlichen Innovationstreiber des deutschen Großbrückenbaus. Um 1900 finden die Montageverfahren in der großen Industrie des Stahlbrückenbaus ihre klassische Ausprägung.
Healthy waterways and ecologically sustainable cities in Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei urban agglomeration (northern China): Challenges and future directions
Authors: Kattel Giri , Reeves Jessica , Western Andrew , Zhang Wenjing , Jing Wei , McGowan Suzanne , Cuo Lan , Scales Peter , Dowling Kim , He Qiang , Wang Lei , Capon Samantha , Pan Zenghui , Cui Jiansheng , Zhang Lulu , Xiao Luo , Liu Chun , Zhang Ke , Gao Chuanyu , Tian Zaifeng , Liu Yongding
Published: December 2020

The cities across the northern dry region of China are exposed to multiple sustainability challenges. Beijing‐Hebei‐Tianjin (BTH) urban agglomeration, for example, experiences severe water shortages due to rapidly expanding urban populations, industrial use, and irrigation‐intensive agriculture. Climate change has further threatened water resources security. Overuse of water resources to meet the demand of various water sectors has far‐reaching health and environmental implications including ecosystem sustainability. Surface water and groundwater pollution present public health risks. Despite the extraordinary policies and efforts being made and implemented by the Government of China, the BTH region currently lacks coordination among stakeholders leading to poor water governance. Consultation among scientists, engineers and stakeholders on regional water security issues is crucial and must be frequent and inclusive. An international symposium was held in Shijiazhuang in early November 2019 to identify some of the key water security challenges and scope of an idealized future eco‐city in the region by developing a sustainability framework. This work drew on experiences from across China and beyond. Scientists agree that integration of science, technology, and governance within an appropriate policy framework was particularly significant for combating the issue of water insecurity, including in the region's newly developed city, Xiong'an New Area. An emerging concept, “Healthy Waterways and Ecologically Sustainable Cities” which integrates social, ecological and hydrological systems and acts as an important pathway for sustainability in the 21st century was proposed in the symposium to tackle the problems in the region. This high level biophysical and cultural concept empowers development goals and promotes human health and wellbeing. The framework on healthy waterways and ecologically sustainable cities can overcome sustainability challenges by resolving water resource management issues in BTH in a holistic way. To implement the concept, we strongly recommend the utilization of evidence‐based scientific research and institutional cooperation including national and international collaborations to achieve the Healthy Waterways and Ecologically Sustainable Cities goal in the BTH in future.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
A simple method for assessing the psychotomimetic activity of the substituted phenethylamines
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Shirazi Zeinab , Rezayat Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2020

A novel approach is introduced for the prediction of the psychotomimetic activity of the substituted phenethylamines as psychedelic drugs. In contrast to the available quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) methods where they need complex computer codes, unusual descriptors, and expert users, it requires the molecular structure of the desired phenethylamine derivative. The largest reported values for 116 different substituted phenethylamines are used to derive and test the new correlation by 93 and 23 experimental data, respectively. The new correlation is based on the contributions of specific isomers under certain conditions and halogen atoms. Cross validations of the new correlation corresponding to the coefficients of determination for leave‐one‐out (Q2LOO) and the leave‐many‐out (Q2LMO) are the same and equal to 0.895, which is close to the coefficient of determination (R2=0.900) of the training set. Further statistical parameters also confirm the goodness‐of‐fit, goodness‐of‐prediction, accuracy, and precision of the novel model. For eleven compounds where their outputs of external validation data set of psychotomimetic activity from multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) and non‐linear multiple regression analysis (MNLR) QSAR models were available, the values of root mean squared error (RMSE) of the new model, MLR and MNLR are 0.172, 0.624 and 0.539, respectively.
A Look at the Contemporary Family’s Life
Authors: Kraus Blahoslav
Published: December 2020

This introductory chapter approaches two basic categories of the whole monography which is a family and a lifestyle. The first subchapter deals with the complexity around the definition of the term family nowadays and difficulties with its definition. Furthermore, there is a description of post-war family development in Europe up to now, changes of the functions and further changes in the families’ lives differentiated in Western and Eastern part. It turns out that changes in society have caused significant changes in family lives (democratization, individualism, pluralism of family forms, dynamization, adaptability). The term lifestyle, as different concepts, is depicted in the next part of this chapter. It is perceived as a concept of multidimensional and multidisciplinary. The second subchapter contains several researches related to lives of the families. The project of our research and its goals, methods, selected sample (in total of 2437 respondents) and research process is described in the conclusion of the whole chapter.
The Social Question in Pre-apartheid South Africa: Race, Religion and the State
Authors: Seekings Jeremy
Published: December 2020

In the first half of the twentieth century, “social” issues in South Africa were framed by both rapid social and economic change (especially industrialisation and urbanisation) and racial division. The social question in South Africa was as much a racialised version of a “national question” as a social one, revolving around the social and economic inclusion (through state intervention) of “poor white” people and white workers and the reinforcement of a clear racial hierarchy. From the 1930s, political elites slowly moved towards the very partial inclusion of the African majority. Political and religious ideas, primarily from Europe, informed understandings of the social question among both supporters and opponents of public provision.