bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic process in high-temperature radiation field
Authors: Meng Guang-Wei  , Li Jing-Hong  , Pei Wen-Bing  , Zhang Wei-Yan  ,   Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathmatics, Beijing 100094, China;,   National High-Technology Inertial Confinement Fusion Committee, Beijing 100088, China
Published: December 2020

The ratio of radiation energy density to matter energy density is an important parameter to distinguish the characteristic of atomic processes in plasma. Actoring to this parameter, atomic processes in plasma can be divided into two typical categories: collision-dominated and radiation-dominated. According to numerical simulation, atomic processes of these two categories have different characteristics. The LTE state can be quickly reached in the collision-dominated plasma. However in the radiation-dominated plasma, the temperature of bound electrons, the ionization degree, and the temperature of free electrons have different relaxation time scales. There is some kind of quasi-LTE state.
Empirical study on spatiotemporal evolution of online public opinion
Authors: Gong Kai  , Tang Ming  , Shang Ming-Sheng  , Zhou Tao  ,   Web Sciences Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
Published: December 2020

To understand the spatiotemporal evolution of online public opinion and reveal its formation mechanism, we investigate the data from several popular online comments by means of statistical physics. Although the empirical results show that the heterogeneity of concerns exists in different areas, which follows a double power law, an obvious consistency of such concerns occurs during the evolution of online public opinion. Through correlation analysis, we reveal that the regional population and economy may have a significant influence on the concern about the event, and find that the consistency of concerns in different areas derives from the strong correlations among regions. On the other hand, the public opinion guide can significantly affect the concern about the event, and lead to the rapid increase of propagation velocity. By calculating the information entropy of propagation velocity, we find that the geographical distribution of online comments is relatively stable in most time, and the public opinion guide may help to maintain this consistency. Furthermore, the correlation analysis shows that the more developed areas tend to be more synchronized, which suggests the responses of these areas to the public opinion guide may be faster. Therefore, enhancing the guide of public opinion in developed areas can help our government to control the spread of the online public opinion.
Chaotic synchronization in complex networks with delay nodes by non-delay and delay couplings
Authors: Liang Yi  , Wang Xing-Yuan  ,   Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China;,   Department of Electronics and Information Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
Published: December 2020

The synchronization in complex network model with time-delay nodes is investigated. The model is applicable for two sorts of complex networks. With linear feedback controller and adaptive feedback controller, positive definite functions are designed respectively. The sufficient conditions of synchronization are given by Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the synchronization in complex networks.
Design and study of the two-dimensional ellptical scattering-shifting cloak
Authors: Wang Zhan  , Luo Xiao-Yang  , Liu Jin-Jing  , Dong Jian-Feng  ,   Institute of Optical Fiber Communication and Network Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Published: December 2020

Based on transformation optics theory, an elliptical scattering-shifting cloak is designed and the constitutive parameter tensor expressions are derived. Then full-wave simulations to mimic the ellptical dielectric and conductor cylinder are obtained by using finite-element software. The results of full-wave simulations validate the constitutive parameter tensors we derived and verify that the scattering-shifting cloak can imitate any object including dielectric and conductor: these results provide a new theoretical approach to design cloaks.
Spectral zooming birefringent imaging spectrometer
Authors: Li Jie  , Zhu Jing-Ping  , Zhang Yun-Yao  , Liu Hong  , Hou Xun  ,   Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, the School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
Published: December 2020

Existing static dispersive and interference imaging spectrometers use fixed spectral resolution to obtain a fixed spectral data cube. To satisfy a variety of application requirements, the spectral range must be large and the resolution must be fine. This will result in a huge data and reducing the S/N ratio of the instruments. To solve these problems, a novel birefringent Fourier transform imaging spectrometer with spectral zooming capability is proposed. Operating concept, theory and experimental demonstration are presented to validate that the designed setup has wide spectral zooming capability. It can adapt to different applications, significantly reduce the size of the imaging spectral data for capturing, saving and processing. This will effectively improve the system performance.
Reynolds number effect on passive-scalar characteristics of a circular cylinder wake
Authors: Ge Yang-Zhen  , Mi Jian-Chun  ,   State Key Laboratory of Turbulence & Complex Systems, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Published: December 2020

The effect of Reynolds number on a passive scalar field is investigated in the turbulent wake of a circular cylinder. The cylinder-diameter-based Reynolds number varies between 1200 and 8600. The temperature difference above the ambient temperature acts as a passive scalar quantity. In general, the Reynolds number is found to have significant influence on the scalar mixing characteristics in the wake flow. When Reynolds number increases, the mean scalar spreads out more rapidly and the scalar variance decays with downstream distance at a higher rate. It is also revealed that if is likely to have two regions where some relations for self-similarity are approximately valid, one is located in the late Karman vortex street and the other is the traditional self-preserving far-wake.
First-principles study on the electronic structures of Cr- and W-doped single-layer MoS2
Authors: Wu Mu-Sheng  , Xu Bo  , Liu Gang  , Ouyang Chu-Ying  ,   College of Physics and Communication Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
Published: December 2020

We study the electronic properties of Cr- and W-doped single-layer MoS2 using an ab initio method according to the density functional theory. Our calculated results show the energy band structures of MoS2 are significantly affected by Cr doping, but not by W doping at a high doping concentration. The effects of Cr doping manifest as the transition of energy band structure from direct to indirect, and the decrease of band gap. Our further analysis reveals that strain is the direct reason for the change of electronic structure in the Cr-doped MoS2.
Photo-conductivity decay properties of Fe-doped congruent lithium niobate crystals
Authors: Chen Xiao-Lan  , Zhang Yun  , Ran Qi-Yi  ,   School of Physical Science and Technology, South West University, Chongqing 400715, China
Published: December 2020

Photo-conductivity transient processes of Fe:LiNbO3 congruent crystals are investigated by electro-chemical analyzer. The experiments are executed with Fe:LiNbO3 crystals of different Fe concentrations in the conditions of different laser intensities. The results show that the transient photo-conductivity of the Fe-doped lithium niobate crystal is formed through a complex process of electron transport; the decay of photo-conductivity can be fitted to an exponential function and a stretched-exponential function. The dependences of the fitting parameters on laser intensity and iron-doped concentration are measured. The values of amplitudes σ1max, σ2max, time constant τ2 and stretching factor β increase strongly at low intensities, and τ2 and β reach their saturation value for higher intensities; with the increase of the concentration of Fe ions, the values of σ1max, σ2max and τ2 incerease, but β decreases. With experimental results, we propose a charge transfer model which includes the migration of electrons in the conduction band and the jumping of electrons between small-polarons. The model better explains the main features of photo-conductivity decay for Fe-doped congruent lithium niobate crystals.
New application of surface plasmon resonance-measurement of weak magnetic field
Authors: Jing Qing-Li  , Du Chun-Guang  , Gao Jian-Cun  ,   State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we present a new kind of surface plasma resonance (SPR) sensor. It comprises three layers, an upper coupling prism, a middle metal layer, and a bottom semi-infinite two-level atom medium. Based on theoretical analysis on this SPR system, it is found that there are some new phenomena due to the coexistence of two resonant effects, i.e., the surface plasmon resonance and the resonant quantum transition between atomic energy levels. An interesting phenomenon is that the reflectivity of the incident light is very sensitive to the shift of atomic level induced by external field. This phenomenon is absent in ordinary SPR systems. Because the shift of atomic level is determined by external field, ultimately, the reflectivity of the incident light is sensitive to the external field. In this paper calculations are presented in the case where the external field is a magnetic field. It is found that the reflectivity of the incident light is very sensitive to the magnetic field. This property can be used for measuring a very weak magnetic field near surface of matter , thus it can be used for developing a new detection technology.
The Structure and Function of Lexical Bundles in Communicative Saudi High School EFL Textbooks
Authors: Alzahrani Alaa
Published: December 2020

Current English Language Teaching (ELT) textbooks have largely adopted the communicative approach by using authentic materials to foster EFL students’ communicative competence. However, the communicative status of Saudi high school English textbooks has been underexplored. One way to assess the authenticity of Saudi EFL textbooks is by considering their use of a frequent linguistic item known as lexical bundles. Thus, the present study investigated whether the lexical bundles in communicative Saudi high school textbooks are representative of conversational English. This comparative corpus study used a lexical bundle approach to compare the ten most frequent lexical bundles in the textbooks to those in an English reference corpus. Results show that three and four-word lexical bundles are less frequent in the textbooks compared to the reference corpus and that there is considerable variation in the structural and functional patterns of the bundles in the two corpora. Pedagogical implications are discussed in light of the findings.
Interference of L1 (Urdu) in L2 (English) in Pakistan: Teaching English as a Second Language
Authors: Masood Muhammad Hamzah , Shafi Shahzeb , Yousaf Rahim Muhammad , Darwesh Maqsood Ali
Published: December 2020

Under the shadow of the inescapable fact that learning L2 (Second or Foreign Language) especially English in this global village is mandatory for academia in developing countries, thereupon, Pakistan faces akin conditions where learners are exposed to Urdu as National Language and English as Academic and Official Language besides L1 (First Language, Mother Tongue, Primary Language or Native Language). Within this confused sequential multilingualism, few achieve native-like accuracy or fluency or both, while others fall a prey to influence of L1 in L2. The current study extends to explore the different types of interferences Pakistani Urdu (L1) speakers face while learning English as Second Language (ESL) (L2). A random sample of thirty students of first semester BS (Hons.) program students with Urdu as L1 from eleven Pakistani universities were interviewed online and were examined utilizing qualitative approach for the investigation of syntactic interferences which were theoretically evaluated employing the Contrastive Analysis technique proposed by Ellis (1985). Findings unfolded four types of syntactic errors owing to interferences of L1 (Urdu) in the usage of L2 (English): Articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement and direct implications of Urdu (L1) words which were posing hurdles for Urdu as L1 speakers of Pakistan in learning ESL as L2.
Technology Integrated Online Classrooms and the Challenges Faced by the EFL Teachers in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hakim Badia
Published: December 2020

It is a widespread and strongly supported assumption in the educational arena that the integration of technology into language classrooms can lead to improved teaching and learning with a positive impact on language learners’ proficiency level. The current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic has provided language teachers with great many potential opportunities to implement online applications and instruments to develop learners’ language proficiency. In contrast to the previous norms of EFL classrooms, where technology integration used to be an important albeit a subsidiary component, the current COVID-19 state has put online teaching on the foreground as it is purely a techno-led teaching scenario. However, with the integration of technology-based learning strategies, challenges faced by EFL teachers have also increased. The current study aims to study technology-integrated classrooms and address the challenges before EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. To have a clear instrument development of data and research findings, the Exploratory Sequential Mixed Method Design was selected by the researcher after using a blend of questionnaires and online interview techniques. For data collection, 50 language instructors at the English Language Institute (King Abdulaziz University) participated in the research. Due to the pandemic control lockdown state, these teachers were teaching an online Module from March-May 2020. The research design was focused on obtaining data based on two aspects: 1. Investigating the positive impact of technology integration in online EFL classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Addressing the challenges faced by the teachers in techno-led online classes during the COVID-19 era. The research findings indicated that despite having access to various techno-led applications and techniques including the blackboard ultra, podcasting, vodcasting etc., still there were many challenges faced by Saudi language instructors. The most common challenges included, but were not limited to, the inability to have access to the modern equipment, interrupted or weak internet connection, learners’ low motivation level and attention deficit. Despite these issues, however, many language instructors reported a positive inclination towards the use of technology in EFL online classes. The findings of the study shed light on the productive use of techno-led online EFL classrooms, focusing on strategic skill-based learning taking place and establishing a strong virtual link between the instructors and learners. Furthermore, the results of this study would help policymakers, trainers, EFL teachers and professional development experts with the current aspects of COVID-19 and the pending issues determining technology integration in EFL online classrooms, thus enabling them to make better-informed decisions.
(Re)-interrogating the “Darkness” in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Achebe’s No Longer at Ease
Authors: Obo Akaji Nkama , Enudi Samuel
Published: December 2020

Over the years, many critics especially of the African extraction, have regarded and described Conrad’s Heart of Darkness as a racist tale based on the manner in which Africa(ns) is/are depicted in the novella. Of greatest importance is the manner in which Africa is represented as the “heart of darkness” which provoked Achebe’s 1975 response in his article - ‘An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness’ where he out rightly discarded the work as a racist tale. “Darkness” which is metaphorically translated to African primitivity, backwardness, uncivilization, illiteracy and crudity, is critically re-interrogated here with the evidential facts surging from the text which finds strong corresponding support in No Longer at Ease. The aim of the paper which is in two parts is first, to articulate the first-hand information from the “first-class agent,” in the text - Mr. Kurtz by paying particular close attention on his character to better interpret the events and condition of the “heart of darkness” and; second, to examine what has been argued as “darkness” which ironically is found present in Achebe’s No Longer at Ease and even still proliferates in many present day African societies. Through the process of this metacriticism, the real deals of what happened in the Interior are found, as directly extracted from the mouth of Mr. Kurtz while the issue of African backwardness (darkness) is also found to subsist within the African life as could be located in No longer at Ease.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Advertisements of Unilever Pakistan Limited
Authors: Hussain Jved , Shahzad Syed Khuram , Sadaf Nadia , Irshad Saima , Iqtadar Ahmed Rana
Published: December 2020

The present study observed the advertisement of Unilever Pakistan Limited from the angle of critical discourse analysis. The study primarily concerned with the usage of language in the commercials of Unilever Pakistan and the tactics used by the advertisers to attract and convince the consumers to buy their products. The analysis of this study is based on Norman Fairclough three-dimensional framework. It determines how the ideology of ‘home and personal care’ is used in the advertisements of Unilever Pakistan Limited. Qualitative research was done on the three advertisements of Unilever’s major products. The outcomes showed that promoters employed different techniques to grasp the attention of their consumers. The commercials lead the people to think that whatever is shown to them is based on reality. This study also demonstrated that the ideology of “home and personal care’ in the commercials of Unilever Pakistan is dominant, and the products of Unilever are mandatory to lead a better life. The language of the commercials is used to govern the minds of the people.
Electrochemical Sensing for Examining Vitamin D3 based on MIP using NOVA 1.7 and Autolab PGSTAT 302N
Authors: Singh Saveri , Batra Naresh , Ansari MA , Urooj Shabana
Published: December 2020

Introduction: An electrochemical sensor has the ability to transform the associated data containing electrochemical reactions into a reliable representative signal. The electrochemical sensors can be classified into potentiometric, conductometric, and ampere-metric or Volta-metric. Although, there are various electrochemical techniques for the detection of Vitamin D3, there is still a need for a simplified and cost-effective method. An electrochemical sensor provides great sensitivity towards the detection of the analyte. Aim: To fabricate an electrochemical sensor for the detection of Vitamin D3. The sensor used Molecular Imprinted Polymer (MIP) based Screen Printed Carbon Electrode (SPCE). Materials and Methods: The SPCE used was a three-electrode system consisting of silver working electrode, silver reference electrode and a counter carbon electrode. The reagents used in the experiment was p-Phenylenediamine, resorcinol and Vitamin D3 that were applied in a particular amount onto the SPCE. The process of electropolymerisation was carried out in order to form a non-conductive layer. Cavities were gradually formed on the surface of SPCE. A mediator was used to obtain reliable results for the detection of Vitamin D3. It is evident from the existing literature that the number of scans of electropolymerisation holds a significant role in this process. The procedure was applied for the formation of non-imprinted electrode in the absence of the analyte. Results: The presence of the template i.e., Vitamin D3 was recorded using the developed electrochemical sensor. The current decreased on rebinding of Vitamin D3 which resulted in the change of redox peak of ferricyanide. This signified the sudden increase in concentration of Vitamin D3 specifying its presence. Conclusion: The results obtained specifies the great sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor towards the template i.e., vitamin D3. The clinical relevance of such electrochemical sensors is that they produce simple, accurate and reproducible results which can be used to optimise the care of patients.
Planned Behavior in Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance in Ritual Activities of Homecoming (Case Study of Homecoming Travelers Using Motorcycle)
Authors: Latief Abdul , Sihabudin Ahmad , Widowati Dewi
Published: December 2020

Homecoming in Indonesia has become national traditions. One of transportation for homecoming is a motorcycle. Homecoming by motorcycle has many limitations and raises quite a high risk, as well as an appeal not to go home on a motorcycle from the government, but many still go home on a motorcycle. This study aims to find out what dissonances appear in the travelers who ride motorcycles, and how the travelers' behavioral, normative and control beliefs in dealing with this dissonance.

This research uses qualitative case study methods and data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, with analysis using Theory of Cognitive Dissonance and The Theory of Planned Behavior. Research activities on homecoming are included in the single case category, which researchers carry out on homecoming activities during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming moment in 2019 instead of May-June 2019, with research 18 informants.

The results showed that found cognitive dissonance conditions in the homecoming activities they live. This Dissonance is indicated from the finding that there is denial of one element which is then followed by or following other elements. This research also reveals the effort to eliminate dissonance using 3 (three) elements of The Theory of Planned Behavior, namely Behavioral belief, control belief, and normative belief, which are in line with the methods used by TCD in eliminating dissonance. This research also reveals elements of behavioral belief to overcome cognitive dissonance.
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes for Morpho-physiological Traits along with Grain Fe and Zn Content
Authors: Barman Mainak , Choudhary Vinay Kumar , Singh Satish Kumar , Parveen Rabiya , Gowda Abhishek K.
Published: December 2020

Character association studies help in assessing the relationship among yield and its components to enhance the selection utility. In view of this, the present research was carried out for assessing correlation and path coefficients among 30 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes using fifteen quantitative parameters. Correlation analysis demonstrated a noteworthy positive relationship of days to fifty per cent flowering, number of tillers/plant, flag leaf area, spike length, plant height, chlorophyll content, relative water content, number of grains/ ear, thousand-grain weight, days to maturity and harvest index, with grain yield per plant at both the phenotypic and genotypic level except canopy temperature which showed a significant negative relationship. Path coefficient analysis revealed that plant height, flag leaf area, relative water content and grain per ear had the maximum positive direct effect on grain yield. Hence, the present investigation can be helpful in executing a reliable selection of parental lines based on these above mentioned traits in addition to developing high-yielding varieties for further breeding programme.
Bioelectronic Implants and Their Role in Modern Medicine
Authors: Nenasheva Ekaterina Vladislavovna , Larina Aleksandra Olegovna , Achmad Harun , Timokhina Tatiana , Markov Alexander
Published: December 2020

Humanity turned to medicines millions of years ago, when medicinal plants were used for healing. In the century before last, a significant contribution to medicine was made by various fields of science; in particular, here one can name a device that has long been used to deliver medicine to the body – a syringe.

Today, the use of injections of drugs of biological origin is a common practice for the treatment of chronic diseases, but the injection procedure itself is often associated with painful perceptions, and the field of injection is limited. Modern advanced therapies are genetic, electronic and cellular therapies that can meet the needs of caregivers, as well as the patients themselves.

It is well known that digital processes in healthcare are currently undergoing intensive development, and in this context, innovative bioelectronic devices are being used to implement new strategies for personalized injection therapy. This paper examines aspects of the development of innovative methods of drug delivery to the patient's body, such as optogenetic therapy, optogenetic methods, and genetic therapy. For these purposes, bioelectronic implants are used today, in which electronics and optogenetics interact with the help of light, transmitting a certain induction signal to each other. By controlling the synthetic optogenetic pathway in the cell, drugs can be delivered to a particular organ within a clearly limited space or time.

Present technology is revolutionary in medicine, as it can replace a traditional syringe, increasing the accuracy of dosage and time of drug administration, while reducing the involvement of the human factor to a minimum. The technology under consideration also acts as minimally invasive, which minimizes the patient's discomfort when taking medications.
Applications of a Generalized Singular Boundary Value Problem for the Exact Solutions of Some Temperature/Concentration Equations
Authors: Ebaid Abdelhalim , Alharbi Fahad M.
Published: December 2020

In the field of fluid mechanics, the temperature distribution and the nanoparticles concentration are usually described by singular boundary value problems (SBVPs). Such SBVPs are also used to describe various models with applications in engineering and other areas. Generally, obtaining the analytic solutions of such kind of problems is a challenge due to the singularity involved in the governing equations. In this paper, a class of SBVPs is analyzed. The solution of this class is analyzed and investigated through developing several theorems and lemmas. In addition, the theoretical results are invested to construct several solutions for various models/problems in fluid mechanics in the literature. Moreover, the published results are recovered as special cases of our analysis.
Análise microbiológica e correlação do pH da água dos bebedouros utilizada para o consumo humano em escolas do município de Alagoa Grande - Paraíba
Authors: Alencar Eduardo Da Silva , Barros Rayanna Santana , Silva Junior Roberto Carlos Vieira da , Torquato Silvana Câmara , Marques Wennedy Luiz Silva
Published: December 2020

A análise microbiológica das águas disponíveis em escolas é de suma importância, visto que crianças em idade escolar são extremamente vulneráveis a desenvolver doenças por causa das condições do seu sistema gastrointestinal, o que ressalta a importância da qualidade da água oferecida nas escolas e a manutenção adequada dessa água. A água própria para consumo é aquela chamada de água potável. As águas que não se encaixam nos padrões de potabilidade podem conduzir patologias principalmente aos humanos através do seu consumo. As principais patologias veiculadas pelas águas são Febre tifoide, cólera, salmonelose, shigelose, poliomielite, hepatite A, verminoses, amebíase e giardíase. Com isso, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade bacteriológica da água de bebedouros destinados ao consumo humano de escolas de Alagoa Grande-PB. Foram realizadas análises microbiológicas das águas disponíveis nos bebedouros, analisando a potabilidade, bem como as torneiras destes, fazendo levantamento da quantidade de fungos e bactérias encontrados. Os testes foram realizados nos laboratórios da Faculdade Maurício de Nassau – Campina Grande e resultaram que 24% das amostras estudadas apresentaram positividade para o grupo coliforme e termotolerante, portanto, não estão em estado potável para o consumo, e que a manutenção da limpeza dos bebedouros que armazenam essa água está deficiente, revelando elevados números de microrganismos presentes e a presença de contaminação de todos. O fato do grupo coliforme e termotolerantes não ter sido detectado nas outras amostras de água analisadas, não significa que a água está totalmente segura, uma vez que foram encontrados elevados números de colônias fúngicas e bacterianas nos bicos dos bebedouros. Os resultados demonstraram que as higienizações dos aparelhos, bem como o monitoramento da água consumida nas escolas, são essenciais no controle de doenças que obviamente prejudicam o rendimento escolar dos alunos. As escolas em parcerias com instituições de saúde devem se mobilizar no sentido de capacitar e educar os funcionários que realizam a limpeza dos bebedouros, os alunos e a comunidade que os utilizam, visando colaboração de todos para melhorar a qualidade da água consumida.
The impact of reappraisal skills on aggressive children
Authors: Maixner‐Schindel Karin , Shechtman Zipora
Published: December 2020

The study investigated the effects of reappraisal training on aggressive children. A pre–post–follow‐up, experimental–control design was used to evaluate the impact of a small‐group intervention that offered practice in reappraisal skills to 89 aggressive children (another 60 were wait‐listed). Results indicate that treatment children benefitted in these skills more than their peers. Based on multiple sources of the report (child, parent, teacher), results also point to reduced aggression, anger, anxiety, and social problems, and an increase in self‐regulation, all of which sustained at follow‐up 7–8 months later. Finally, many outcomes were correlated with benefits in reappraisal skills. Qualitative data gleaned from the study supports these benefits and sheds light on group processes that were helpful. The findings suggest that reappraisal skills training is a useful intervention with aggressive children and can be successfully delivered in small groups.
Needles and syringes should be available OTC: Study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2020

In “Pharmacy Access to Sterile Injection Supplies for People Who Inject Drugs,” published in JAMA Internal Medicine online Nov. 30, Brian S. Barnett, M.D., and Nathaniel P. Morris, M.D., wrote that the role of injection drugs in spreading infectious diseases is a less visible but equally concerning problem as overdoses. As has been known since the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, expanding access to sterile injection supplies, so that drug users don't reuse needles and syringes, is essential. However, over‐the‐counter access to needles and syringes is difficult.
House passes MORE Act
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2020

This month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which decriminalizes marijuana. Specifically, the act removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes or possesses marijuana.
Confinement Synthesis Based on Layered Double Hydroxides: A New Strategy to Construct Single‐Atom‐Containing Integrated Electrodes
Authors: Fan Kui , Li Zhenhua , Song Yingjie , Xie Wenfu , Shao Mingfei , Wei Min
Published: December 2020

Highly efficient and low‐cost electrodes have a key role in the development of advanced energy devices such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. However, electrode performance is typically limited by low utilization of active sites, which causes a considerable drop in energy density. To overcome this issue, a single‐atom‐containing integrated electrode is developed through a confinement synthesis strategy by using organic molecule‐intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as precursors. The as‐prepared integrated electrode has a well‐defined nanosheet array structure with a homogeneous anchored single atomic Co catalyst and many exposed hierarchical pores. Moreover, the coordination environment of single atoms (CoN or CoS) is precisely controlled by regulating the type of interlayer molecules in the LDHs. Consequently, the optimized electrode exhibits high bifunctional activity toward both the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions. This electrode is directly assembled into an all‐solid‐state zinc–air battery that showed outstanding flexibility and long‐term charge/discharge stability. Because of the versatility of LDH materials, it is expected that the proposed strategy can be extended to the construction of other integrated electrodes for high‐performance energy storage and conversion devices.
Textile Technology for Soft Robotic and Autonomous Garments
Authors: Sanchez Vanessa , Walsh Conor J. , Wood Robert J.
Published: December 2020

Textiles have emerged as a promising class of materials for developing wearable robots that move and feel like everyday clothing. Textiles represent a favorable material platform for wearable robots due to their flexibility, low weight, breathability, and soft hand‐feel. Textiles also offer a unique level of programmability because of their inherent hierarchical nature, enabling researchers to modify and tune properties at several interdependent material scales. With these advantages and capabilities in mind, roboticists have begun to use textiles, not simply as substrates, but as functional components that program actuation and sensing. In parallel, materials scientists are developing new materials that respond to thermal, electrical, and hygroscopic stimuli by leveraging textile structures for function. Although textiles are one of humankind's oldest technologies, materials scientists and roboticists are just beginning to tap into their potential. This review provides a textile‐centric survey of the current state of the art in wearable robotic garments and highlights metrics that will guide materials development. Recent advances in textile materials for robotic components (i.e., as sensors, actuators, and integration components) are described with a focus on how these materials and technologies set the stage for wearable robots programmed at the material level.
Activatable Polymer Nanoenzymes for Photodynamic Immunometabolic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zeng Ziling , Zhang Chi , Li Jingchao , Cui Dong , Jiang Yuyan , Pu Kanyi
Published: December 2020

Tumor immunometabolism contributes substantially to tumor proliferation and immune cell activity, and thus plays a crucial role in the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Modulation of immunometabolism to boost cancer immunotherapy is mostly based on small‐molecule inhibitors, which often encounter the issues of off‐target adverse effects, drug resistance, and unsustainable response. In contrast, enzymatic therapeutics can potentially bypass these limitations but has been less exploited. Herein, an organic polymer nanoenzyme (SPNK) with near‐infrared (NIR) photoactivatable immunotherapeutic effects is reported for photodynamic immunometabolic therapy. SPNK is composed of a semiconducting polymer core conjugated with kynureninase (KYNase) via PEGylated singlet oxygen (1O2) cleavable linker. Upon NIR photoirradiation, SPNK generates 1O2 not only to exert photodynamic effect to induce the immunogenic cell death of cancer, but also to unleash KYNase and trigger its activity to degrade the immunosuppressive kynurenine (Kyn). Such a combinational effect mediated by SPNK promotes the proliferation and infiltration of effector T cells, enhances systemic antitumor T cell immunity, and ultimately permits inhibition of both primary and distant tumors in living mice. Therefore, this study provides a promising photodynamic approach toward remotely controlled enzymatic immunomodulation for improved anticancer therapy.
Coco Stretch: Strain Sensors Based on Natural Coconut Oil and Carbon Black Filled Elastomers
Authors: Lugoda Pasindu , Costa Júlio C. , Garcia‐Garcia Leonardo A. , Pouryazdan Arash , Jocys Zygimantas , Spina Filippo , Salvage Jonathan , Roggen Daniel , Münzenrieder Niko
Published: December 2020

A biocompatible inexpensive strain sensor constituting of an elastomer filled with natural coconut oil (CNO) and carbon black (CB) is presented here. Strain sensors are widely utilized for applications in human activity recognition, health monitoring, and soft robotics. Given that these sensors are envisioned to be present in a plethora of fields, it is important that they are low cost, reliable, biocompatible, and eco‐friendly. This work demonstrates that CNO can be used to create conductive percolation network in elastomers, without the necessity for harmful chemicals or expensive machinery. The sensor has a gauge factor of 0.77 ± 0.01, and the sensing material has a porous morphology filled with an oily suspension formed of CNO and CB. Results indicate that the liquid filled porous structure can improve the reliability of these resistive strain sensors in comparison to sensors fabricated utilizing commonly used non‐polar solvents such as heptane. Consequently, the sensor demonstrates a hysteresis of only 2.41% at 200% strain over 250 stretch/release cycles. Finally, to demonstrate the potential of this fabrication technique, a functionalized glove is developed and used to detect wrist motion. These easily manufacturable and cost‐effective sensors enable wearable on‐skin ergonomic intervention systems with minimal impact on the environment.
Kinetic Resolution and Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of γ‐Aryl‐Substituted Butenolides via Copper‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Hydroboration
Authors: Lee Soyeon , Ryu Do Hyun , Yun Jaesook
Published: December 2020

Kinetic resolution (KR) and dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of γ‐aryl and heteroaryl‐substituted butenolides via CuH‐catalyzed 1,4‐hydroboration using pinacolborane is reported. With a copper‐Ph‐BPE catalyst, selectivity factors were extremely high (s=>400) with regard to the kinetic resolution of β‐methyl‐γ‐phenyl butenolide; DKR was possible in the presence of an amine base (DBU), which facilitated racemization of the starting unsaturated lactones. The reaction provided easy access to highly enantioenriched γ‐butyrolactones (>99% ee) containing β,γ‐substituents.

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Development and Recent Progress on Ammonia Synthesis Catalysts for Haber–Bosch Process
Authors: Humphreys John , Lan Rong , Tao Shanwen
Published: December 2020

Due to its essential use as a fertilizer, ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and hydrogen is considered to be one of the most important chemical processes of the last 100 years. Since then, an enormous amount of work has been undertaken to investigate and develop effective catalysts for this process. Although the catalytic synthesis of ammonia has been extensively studied in the last century, many new catalysts are still currently being developed to reduce the operating temperature and pressure of the process and to improve the conversion of reactants to ammonia. New catalysts for the Haber–Bosch process are the key to achieving green ammonia production in the foreseeable future. Herein, the history of ammonia synthesis catalyst development is briefly described as well as recent progress in catalyst development with the aim of building an overview of the current state of ammonia synthesis catalysts for the Haber–Bosch process. The new emerging ammonia synthesis catalysts, including electride, hydride, amide, perovskite oxide hydride/oxynitride hydride, nitride, and oxide promoted metals such as Fe, Co, and Ni, are promising alternatives to the conventional fused‐Fe and promoted‐Ru catalysts for existing ammonia synthesis plants and future distributed green ammonia synthesis based on the Haber–Bosch process.
Which is better to use “body weight” or “standard liver weight”, for predicting small‐for‐size graft syndrome after living donor liver transplantation?
Authors: Toshima Takeo , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Shimagaki Tomonari , Wang Huanlin , Kurihara Takeshi , Nagao Yoshihiro , Itoh Shinji , Harada Noboru , Mori Masaki
Published: December 2020

Aim

Little evidence about whether to apply graft‐to‐recipient body weight ratio (GRWR) or graft weight to standard liver weight (GW/SLW) for graft selection has been published. The aim of the present study was to clarify the importance of the correct use of GRWR and GW/SLW for selecting graft according to the recipients’ physique in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

Data were collected for 694 recipients who underwent LDLT between 1997 and 2020.

Results

One of the marginal grafts meeting GW/SLW ≥ 35% but GRWR < 0.7% has been used in more recipients with men and higher body mass index (BMI), and the other meeting GRWR ≥ 0.7% but GW/SLW < 35% has been used in more recipients with women with lower BMI. In the cohort of BMI > 30 kg/m2, the recipients with GRWR < 0.7% had a significantly higher incidence of small‐for‐size graft syndrome (SFSS) compared to those with GRWR ≥ 0.7% (P = 0.008, 46.2% vs 5.9%), and using the cutoff of GW/SLW < 35% could not differentiate. In contrast, in the cohort of BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2, the recipients with GW/SLW < 35% also had a significantly higher incidence of SFSS (P = 0.013, 16.9% vs 9.4%). Multivariate analysis showed that GRWR < 0.7% [odds ratio (OR) 14.145, P = 0.048] was the independent risk factor for SFSS in obese recipients, and GW/SLW < 35% [OR 2.685, P = 0.002] was the independent risk factor in non‐obese recipients.

Conclusion

Proper use of the formulas for calculating GRWR and GW/SLW in choosing graft according to recipient BMI is important, not only to meet metabolic demand for avoiding SFSS but also to ameliorate donor shortages.
First‐line treatment of double‐hit and triple‐hit lymphomas: Survival and tolerance data from a retrospective multicenter French study
Authors: Laude Marie‐Charlotte , Lebras Laure , Sesques Pierre , Ghesquieres Herve , Favre Simon , Bouabdallah Krimo , Croizier Carolyne , Guieze Romain , Drieu La Rochelle Laurianne , Gyan Emmanuel , Chin Roza , Aurran‐Schleinitz Thérèse , Marouf Amira , Deau‐Fischer Bénédicte , Coppo Paul , Malot Sandrine , Roussel Xavier , Chauchet Adrien , Schwarz Marianne , Bescond Charles , Lamy de la Chapelle Thierry , Bussot Lucile , Carras Sylvain , Burlet Bénédicte , Rossi Cédric , Daniel Adrien , Morschhauser Franck , Subtil Fabien , Michallet Anne‐Sophie
Published: December 2020

Historically, double or triple hit lymphoma (DHL and THL) have poor outcomes with conventional chemotherapy, but there is currently no guideline. We report the French experience in managing DHL and THL in first line using collective data on both survival and tolerance. All consecutive patients with newly diagnosis of large B‐cell lymphoma with MYC, BCL2, and/or BCL6 rearrangements, as determined by FISH between January 2013 and April 2019 were included. Based on the eligibility criteria, 160 patients were selected among the 184 patients identified. With a median follow‐up of 32 months, 2‐ and 4‐year progression free survival (PFS) rates were 40% and 28% with R‐CHOP compared with 57% and 52% with intensive chemotherapy (P = .063). There was no difference in overall survival (OS). For advanced stages, PFS was significantly longer with intensive chemotherapy than with R‐CHOP (P = .029). There was no impact of autologous stem cell transplantation among patient in remission. For patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, the 2‐year PFS and OS rate was 21% and 39%, vs 57% and 75% without CNS disease (P = .007 and P < .001). By multivariate analysis, elevated IPI score and CNS disease were strongly and independently associated with a poorer survival, whereas treatment was not significantly associated with OS. This is the largest series reporting the treatment of DHL and THL in Europe. The PFS was significantly longer with an intensive regimen for advanced stage, but no difference in OS, supporting the need for a prospective randomized trial.
CDKN2A deletions are associated with poor outcomes in 101 adults with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wang Huan‐Ping , Zhou Yi‐Le , Huang Xin , Zhang Yi , Qian Jie‐Jing , Li Jian‐Hu , Li Xue‐Ying , Li Chen‐Ying , Lou Yin‐Jun , Mai Wen‐Yuan , Meng Hai‐Tao , Yu Wen‐Juan , Tong Hong‐Yan , Jin Jie , Zhu Hong‐Hu
Published: December 2020

The identification of genetic risk subgroups of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) may provide evidence for risk stratification and individualized treatment. We investigated the characteristics and prognostic value of tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A deletions in 101 patients with T‐ALL. The CDKN2A deletion was present in 23% (23/101) of T‐ALL by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The most common type of CDKN2A deletion was homozygous deletion (70%, 16/23). A lower frequency of CDKN2A deletion was found in patients with early T‐cell precursor (ETP) ALL than in patients with non‐ETP‐ALL (10.4% vs 34.0%; P = .008). Deletion of CDKN2A was significantly associated with younger age (P = .001), higher white blood cell (WBC) count (P < .001) and higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level (P = .002). Patients with CDKN2A deletion had lower 2‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) rates than patients without CDKN2A deletion (2‐year OS: 18.6% ± 8.9% vs 47.4% ± 6.2%, P = .032; EFS: 16.4 ± 8.3 vs 38.6 ± 5.9%, P = .022). In multivariable analysis, CDKN2A deletion was an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS (P = .016). In conclusion, adult T‐ALL patients with CDKN2A deletion had a poor prognosis, and these patients might benefit from intensive chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation.
Multi‐Color, Bleaching‐Resistant Super‐Resolution Optical Fluctuation Imaging with Oligonucleotide‐Based Exchangeable Fluorophores
Authors: Glogger Marius , Spahn Christoph , Enderlein Jörg , Heilemann Mike
Published: December 2020

Super‐resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) is a super‐resolution microscopy technique that overcomes the diffraction limit by analyzing intensity fluctuations of statistically independent emitters in a time series of images. The final images are background‐free and show confocality and enhanced spatial resolution (super‐resolution). Fluorophore photobleaching, however, is a key limitation for recording long time series of images that will allow for the calculation of higher order SOFI results with correspondingly increased resolution. Here, we demonstrate that photobleaching can be circumvented by using fluorophore labels that reversibly and transiently bind to a target, and which are being replenished from a buffer which serves as a reservoir. Using fluorophore‐labeled short DNA oligonucleotides, we labeled cellular structures with target‐specific antibodies that contain complementary DNA sequences and record the fluctuation events caused by transient emitter binding. We show that this concept bypasses extensive photobleaching and facilitates two‐color imaging of cellular structures with SOFI.