bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEDNA – Sistema Emergencial para Desastres Naturais
Authors: Olivatti Yuri Marinho , Pereira André Kurt Amann , Maia Rodrigo Filev
Published: February 2020

Com o crescimento populacional em grandes polos urbanos a ocupação de áreas com risco de desastres naturais cresce constantemente, tornando o trabalho para evacuação, em momentos emergenciais, cada vez mais complexo. Atualmente, um dos dispositivos de comunicação mais difundidos são os celulares. Este trabalho propõe, utilizando modelos matemáticos, identificar a possibilidade de uma situação de risco ocorrer e acionar, por meio de um aplicativo móvel, a população que se encontra na área de risco e indicar uma área segura para evacuação. Espera-se, com o modelo utilizado, identificar potenciais ocorrências de desastres naturais e que estas informações possam ser suficientes para salvar a população local.
Ferramentas de computação visual para apoio ao treinamento de expressões faciais por autistas: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Pradi Thiago , Silva Luciano , Bellon Olga R. P. , Dória Gustavo M. S.
Published: February 2020

Os avanços nas pesquisas e aplicações de computação visual em ciências da saúde se tornaram importantes aliados na resolução de problemas enfrentados por indivíduos com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Esta população apresenta limitações em reconhecer e expressar emoções através da face, o que torna suas relações sociais menos adaptativas e funcionais. Este artigo apresenta uma análise de trabalhos que utilizam recursos de computação visual para apoiar o incremento da capacidade de reconhecimento de emoções expressas pela face. A partir deste estudo, levanta-se questões e indica-se direções futuras para o desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas para treinar o reconhecimento e a produção de expressões faciais em crianças com autismo.
L2PM: relato de uma experiência sobre o ensino integrado de Lógica, Programação e Matemática para Computação
Authors: Raeder Mateus , Py Mônica , Rigo Sandro , Pinheiro Josaine
Published: February 2020

Este artigo descreve e analisa uma experiência diferenciada de ensino de Lógica, Programação e Matemática para Computação, cujos sujeitos envolvidos são alunos da graduação das áreas de TI na UNISINOS. Constitui-se um grupo de estudos chamado L2PM, que teve como mediadores três professores e ocorreu em período extraclasse. Os encontros contemplaram em um mesmo ambiente aulas integradas das disciplinas em questão, realizadas em rodadas de 15 minutos, alternadas entre os professores e temas, finalizando com uma rodada que serve de integração, a qual reúne os conteúdos tratados no grupo. O resultado desta experiência aponta que a dinâmica adotada no L2PM possibilitou outras condições para a construção de conhecimento.
PortuCol: uma pseudo linguagem inspirada em C ANSI para o Ensino de Lógica de Programação e Algoritmos
Authors: Barbosa Lucas Lemos , Couto Christian Marlon Souza , Terra Ricardo
Published: February 2020

Linguagens de programação são intrinsecamente complexas, devido à variabilidade, generalidade e completude de suas construções. Isso justifica a adoção de pseudolinguagens de alto nível no ensino de Lógica de Programação e Algoritmos. Embora C ANSI e Java sejam as linguagens de programação mais utilizadas, Portugol – uma pseudolinguagem com instruções em português inspirada na linguagem obsoleta Pascal – é ainda largamente adotada por IES. Diante desse cenário, este artigo propõe PortuCol, uma pseudolinguagem de programação com instruções em português assim como Portugol, porém inspirada em C ANSI. Este artigo também descreve PortuCol2C, uma ferramenta que traduz código escrito em PortuCol para C ANSI e conduz estudos empíricos que demonstram estatisticamente que (i) PortuCol é 27% mais similar a C ANSI do que o Portugol e (ii) PortuCol é para C ANSI o que Portugol é para Pascal.
The impact of labour productivity on wages in Bulgaria, 2000-2017
Authors: Kostov Lyuboslav
Published: February 2020

In the post-crisis period, the traditional relationship between labour productivity and wages has been called increasingly into question as a result of recent changes in the labour-capital ratio. There is a growing public debate on this issue, but the available literature within Bulgaria has not, up to now, examined the link directly. This article reports the findings of a new study, specifically from the starting point that labour productivity is not a main factor in the dynamics of average wages in Bulgaria in the period 2000-2017. Through an econometric model, the author concludes that the impact of gross value added in terms of the change in average wages in Bulgaria has diminished as a result of the crisis; and that the dynamics of gross value added per employee do not play a decisive role in explaining the dynamics of average wages. The author points to the significance of this finding for future research, adding also that, at a time again of technological advance, innovation is likely to be one factor which further distorts classical understanding of the interdependence of labour productivity and wages.
The reality confronting the merit principle in the Albanian civil service: a historical comparison going back to the roots
Authors: Vuksanlekaj Kozeta
Published: February 2020

There have been many studies that have investigated the history of the meritocratic competitive testing of public officials, with historians of and researchers in administrative science concluding that China was the first country to apply the principle of merit in selecting public officials through open competition. The novelty of the approach set out in this article is to analyse historic facts through the eye of an employee who has significant experience in the public administration of Albania. There have been attempts to introduce the merit principle in Albania, but these have encountered significant difficulties due to the communist traditions of the country and the problems of its 28-year transition to democracy. In exploring the origin story developing in a faraway eastern country, the questions arise as to why China was the first country in the world to apply the principle of merit in selecting public officials and what lessons this has for Albania today. By combining historical and analytical method, analysing the history of meritocratic competitive testing, this article aims to serve the development of public administration in Albania.
Effects of Harvest Aids on Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) Drydown and Maturity
Authors: James Grichar William , A. Dotray Peter , Ray Langham Derald
Published: February 2020

Harvest aids are traditionally used to desiccate weeds to improve crop quality and harvest efficiency. Field studies were conducted in Texas to determine the effect of harvest aids (glyphosate, diquat-dibromide, glufosinate-ammonium, and carfentrazone-ethyl) on sesame drydown and yield. The objective was to identify one or more harvest aids that could (1) accelerate drydown, (2) burn-down green weeds, (3) even up a field with varying levels of drydown, (4) stop regrowth, (5) stop vivipary, and (6) prepare to plant a new crop. Other than diquat-dibromide, the herbicides were chosen based on the effect on weeds in other crops. The plan was to apply the herbicides 1 week before physiological maturity (PM), at PM, and 1 week after PM. However, sesame maturity is very sensitive to ground moisture, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. The weather was different in all trials and some stages could not be completed. In two cases, the trials had to be abandoned; however, certain patterns emerged. All the herbicides accelerated drydown compared to the untreated check. Diquat-dibromide and glufosinate-ammonium dried sesame faster than glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl. The higher rates of the herbicide dried down the sesame faster than the low rate. Although there were some differences in yields across the three application periods, there was no consistent pattern.
G.W. Leibniz: Sign and the Problem of Expression
Authors: Bayuk Dimitri A. , Fedorova Olga B. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The disciplinary differentiation of sciences attracted Leibniz’s attention for a long period of time. From nowadays prospects it looks very well grounded as soon as in Leibniz’s manuscripts a modern scholar finds clue ideas of any research field which would tempt him to consider Leibniz as one of the founders of this particular discipline. We argue that this is possible only in retrospection and would significantly distort the essence of Leibniz’s epistemology. Our approach implies, in contrary, the investigation of the Leibniz doctrine of signs on the background of the related philosophical problem, that of expression. The choice of semiotics is justified by the fact that it took a central place in his theoretical constructions, both those of natural sciences and of philosophy. In Leibniz system of knowledge the concept of notes (notae) and sings (signa) served a theoretical foundation of his most important and long-life aspiration to build up practical science of universal characteristics (characteristica universalis). In his eyes this practical science was the science of sciences (Scientia scientiarum), and we can consider it as the matrix for all possible scientific knowledge.
Science in Danger, or Technoscience Becomes Dangerous?
Authors: Koshovets Olga B. , Frolov Igor E. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

This paper summarizes the discussion on technoscience and its key question whether the phenomenon indicated by this term means a radical transformation of science and its replacement with some new social objectification. Based on the remarks of the discussion participants, we raise questions on mathematical rationality contribution in technoscience development, technical (magical) domination on nature (environment) and man as the leitmotif of the New European culture and the connection of techno-science, financial capital and liberal capitalism.
A high Mn(II)-tolerance strain, Bacillus thuringiensis HM7, isolated from manganese ore and its biosorption characteristics
Authors: Huang Huimin , Zhao Yunlin , Xu Zhenggang , Ding Yi , Zhou Xiaomei , Dong Meng
Published: February 2020

Microorganisms play a significant part in detoxifying and immobilizing excessive metals. The present research isolated a strain (HM7) with high Mn(II) tolerance from Mn(II)-contaminated soil samples. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that HM7 had a 99% similarity to Bacillus thuringiensis, which can survive under a high concentration 4,000 mg/L of Mn(II), and the highest removal rate was up to 95.04% at the concentration of 400 mg/L. The highest Mn(II) removal rate was detected at the contact time 72 h, temperature 30 °C, and pH 5.0, while the differences in strain growth and Mn(II) removal rate among different inoculation doses were insignificant. Scanning electron microscopy indicated B. thuringiensis HM7 cells appeared irregular and cracked under Mn(II) stress. Fourier transform infrared exhibited that functional groups like carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, sulfhydryl groups, and amide bands might take part in the complexation of Mn(II). In addition, HM7 suggested the ability of indoleacetic acid production, siderophore production, and P’ solubilization potential. Therefore, HM7 might have a potential to promote metal absorption by changing the form of heavy metals, and the experiments supported the application of B. thuringiensis HM7 as a biological adsorbent in Mn(II) contaminated environment remediation.
Floristic Inventory of Invasive Alien Aquatic Plants Found in Some Congolese Rivers, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mbale Henri Kunzi , Mukendi Michael Tshibangu , Bongo Gédéon Ngiala , Kikufi Anthony Batoba , Lukoki Félicien Luyeye
Published: February 2020

Aim: To identify invasive aquatic alien plant species found in the Pool Malebo and some rivers in Kinshasa city, their behavior as well as their socio-economic impacts.

Study Design: The study used a combination of purposive sampling and simple random sampling in order to select different sites where samples were collected.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in different rivers (Pool Malebo system (Kinkole, Kingabwa), and N'sele, Funa and Lukaya rivers) of Kinshasa city in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Pool Malebo is located along the Congo River. This was conducted between March and October 2013.

Methodology: The collection was performed after a direct observation. The location of collection depended on sites, at Kingabwa and Kinkole, we collected invasive species in the middle of the Congo river and to achieve that, we used canoe. While at N’sele, Lukaya and Funa rivers, samples were collected at the edges. The collection took place in the morning between 7 and 11 am. Recorded species were classified either alien species or invasive alien species according to the status in the study region. The identification of collected species was carried out according to APG III. Seeing the way these species invade the environment and how they disturb the ecology of rivers, the physico-chemical characteristics of waters were measured between 7:00 and 11:00 am with the appropriate electronic probe for each parameter. For each parameter, the comparison between the sites was carried out using the ANOVA test with XLSTAT 2013 software.

Results: Out of 151 specimens collected, 35 species have been identified of which 19 species as alien were identified and 4 proved to be invasive alien species, namely: Eichhornia crassipes, Echinochloa pyramidalis, Ludwigia peploides and Pistia stratiotes. These invasive species are used by farmers as livestock feed and also as green manure for different agricultural and farming activities, As to the physico-chemical characteristics, no significant differences were observed for the temperature and the turbidity in various sites while the pH and conductivity, there was a highly significant difference between different sites. The hydrology of these rivers is seriously disturbed due to the presence of these invasive alien species. These species constitute a serious threat in the erosion of aquatic biodiversity in the removal of native species in the formation of floating monospecific dense mats as observed.

Conclusion: The invasion of alien species is a consequence of human activities and a concern, which affects all sectors of the society. It constitutes a true challenge for ecologists, economists, social scientists, agricultural engineers, environmentalists and other in order to develop and implement strong risk analysis frameworks and environmental impact assessments.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium Isolated from Local Cheese in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Onifade Anthony Kayode , Omololu Oladapo Daniel
Published: February 2020

Aims: To determine the prevalence and current sensitivity status of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium. Typhimurium to commercial antibiotics in cheese at the Southern Western part of Nigeria.

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: Cheese samples were bought from nomad cheese vendors across various suburbs in three major districts (Akure, Ikare and Owo) of Ondo state.

Methodology: A total of two hundred and sixty (260) cheese samples were vended from various suburbs across the aforementioned senatorial districts of Ondo State. Isolation of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium. Typhimurium from cheese samples were carried out on Salmonella-shigella (S.S) and were identified biochemically through standard microbiological techniques. The identified strains were subjected to ten (10) conventional antibiotics for their sensitivity patterns.

Results: The distribution patterns of the S. enterica serovar typhimurium. Typhimurium isolated were 9(47.4%), 8(42.10%) and 2(10.5%) in Ikare, Akure, and Owo respectively. The degree of resistance of the Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium. Typhimurium to the various antibiotics used was 6.3% to Chloramphenicol (30 µg); 6.3% to Ofloxacin (10 µg); 6.3% of Sparfloxacin (10 µg); 12.5% to Streptomycin (30 µg); 18.8% to Sceptrin; 18.8% to Ciprofloxacin (10 µg); 25% to Gentamycin (10 µg); 31.3% to Amoxicillin (30 µg); 37.5% to Pefloxacin (10 µg) and 56.3% to Augmentin (30 µg).

Conclusion: Cheese creates a favourable environment for a variety of microorganisms and can be important source of foodborne pathogens.
Building Resiliency
Authors: Nadel Barbara A. , Smith Joseph L. , Herrle Kenneth W. , Denholm Martin , Chipley Michael , Ettouney Mohammed , Grant Roger J. , Smilowitz Robert , Atlas Randall I.
Published: February 2020

This chapter explores different aspects of resilience management, to control and help reduce the rapidly increasing costs of manmade and natural hazards and ensure that civil infrastructure exhibits a high degree of resilience. The effectiveness of a resilient infrastructure or enterprise depends upon its ability to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and/or rapidly recover from a potentially disruptive event. When planning and designing buildings, it is appropriate to try to mitigate the potential of the spiraling cost of operational failures by opting for more resilient performance through well‐thought‐out investments in better planning and designs. Stakeholders of buildings stand to benefit from resilience management. Community resilience is dependent on the resilience of the network's individual asset components. The chapter addresses design considerations to increase resilience primarily through strengthening and configuration to minimize the impact from natural and manmade hazard events.
Architectural Construction Documentation
Authors: Hayes Daniel , Hoke John Ray , McGee Cline , Khemlani Lachmi , Russell Brian , Swackhamer Marc
Published: February 2020

Modern architectural construction drawings can be so much more than a discrete assemblage of electronically generated parts and pieces. The
OmniClass
™ Construction Classification System is designed to provide a standardized basis for classifying information created and used by the North American architectural, engineering, and construction industry, throughout the full facility lifecycle, from conception to demolition, and encompassing all of the different types of construction that make up the built environment. UniFormat is an ideal organization concept to describe systems design intent for facility commissioning purposes. UniFormat can be used to document how systems and assemblies function. All component specification information is captured within a Building Information Modeling application, which means that any kind of data needed for design, analysis, visualization, documentation, and so on, can be derived from it, thus allowing the building to be simulated as it would be in real life.
Masonry
Authors: Lee Grace S. , Szoke Stephen S. , Trimble Brian E. ,   Facing Tile Institute,   Ceramic Glazed Masonry Institute,   National Concrete Masonry Association,   The McGuire & Shook Corporation, Beall Christine , Whiteside George M. , Lloyd James D. ,   Building Stone Institute, Keyes Alexander , Lokmanhakim A. Harris , Ramsey Charles George , Sleeper Harold Reeve
Published: February 2020

The thin brick can be adhered to a stud backing, attached to a concrete masonry backing, cast into a concrete panel, or laid into a preformed modular panel. The most common concrete masonry units used in building construction are load‐bearing units and concrete brick. Concrete masonry units are available in numerous sizes and configurations to accommodate construction needs. Sandstone is available in rubble masonry. Stone assemblies include both natural and cut stone that can be used in many construction applications. Ashlar masonry is composed of squared‐off building stone units of various sizes. Mortar conforming to the property specifications must be established by tests of laboratory‐prepared mortar, which should be mixed from the mortar materials to be used in the masonry structure. Anchors and ties with flexible components may accommodate limited differential movement between the structural frame and the masonry wall by allowing for in‐plane movement.
The Relation of the Chronic Disease Epidemic to the Health Care Crisis
Authors: Holman Halsted R.
Published: February 2020

Currently, some 50% of the US population has a chronic disease, creating an epidemic, and 86% of health care costs are attributable to chronic disease. The medical profession and its leadership did not recognize or respond appropriately to the rising prevalence of chronic disease. As a consequence, a health care crisis emerged, with inadequate access to care and quality of care together with excessive costs. In the years since the 1950s, when the chronic disease prevalence grew, the clinical literature did not follow. It remained preoccupied with acute disease. Similarly, medical education did not change. Studies and critiques gave little or modest attention to the rising dominance of chronic disease and neglected elements of good care. Recently, some health services responding to their growing number of patients with chronic illness have designed and tested new ways of providing care. They have found that, as a result, the patient's health outcomes were improved, costs of care were lower, and patient satisfaction was higher. These results and experiences provide examples of what can be done. The health care crisis and the emergence of a chronic disease epidemic coincided to a substantial degree. Although the epidemic did not cause the crisis, it contributed significantly. Now, the medical profession and its leadership are confronted by the responsibility to build a practice of medicine and a health care system that better meet the needs of patients with chronic illness and reduces the health care crisis.
Nanodiamond Glass with Rubber Bond in Natural Rubber
Authors: Kawahara Seiichi , Gannoruwa Asangi , Nakajima Ken , Liang Xiaobin , Akiba Isamu , Yamamoto Yoshimasa
Published: February 2020

Nanodiamond glass is an amorphous solid consisting of nanodiamond as a nanoparticle. The several‐nm‐space between the nanodiamonds is filled with a medium that reversibly deforms and recovers. Hence, nanodiamonds linked in the medium are arranged in several‐nm intervals. To prepare the nanodiamond glass, nanodiamonds are dispersed as inorganic nanoparticles with highly reactive functional groups into natural rubber as an incompressible medium exhibiting reversible deformation and recovery. Nanodiamond glass can be distinguished from nanodiamond‐filled rubber, which exhibits ordinary entropic elasticity. Natural rubber particles dispersed in water (i.e., latex) are used to prepare nanodiamond glass, chemically embed nanodiamonds onto the surface of the natural rubber particles, and subsequently attach the surfaces together to achieve close packing of the nanodiamonds. Increasing the modulus of natural rubber constrained in the nanospaces ensures the energetic elasticity of nanodiamond glass. This work demonstrates that nanodiamond glass with energetic elasticity is a new research field.
Nanofibrillar Decellularized Wharton's Jelly Matrix for Segmental Tracheal Repair
Authors: Xu Yong , Duan Liang , Li Yaqiang , She Yunlang , Zhu Junjie , Zhou Guangdong , Jiang Gening , Yang Yang
Published: February 2020

Wharton's jelly (WJ) is considered a potential scaffold in tissue‐engineered trachea for its similar composition and function to cartilage tissue. However, the feasibility of using WJ to construct engineered neocartilage tissue has not been reported, let alone tubular tracheal cartilage regeneration and segmental tracheal lesion repair. Here, electrospun nanofibrous membranes composed of three different decellularized WJ matrix (DWJM)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) ratios (8:2, 5:5, and 2:8) are fabricated. The results demonstrate improved degradation speed, absorption, and cell adhesion capacity but weakened mechanical properties with increased DWJM content, but satisfactory homogeneous cartilage regeneration is only achieved in the DWJM/PCL (8:2) group after 12 weeks in vivo culture. Furthermore, homogeneous, 3D, tubular, trachea‐shaped cartilage is constructed with a controllable lumen diameter and wall thickness based on the 2D nanofibrous membrane using a modified sandwich model, in which the chondrocyte‐membrane construct is rolled around a silicon tube. Most importantly, by combining the above schemes with previously established vascularization and epithelialization techniques, chondrification, vascularization, and epithelialization are achieved simultaneously thus realizing long‐term (6 months) circumferential tracheal lesion repair in a rabbit model with a biological structure and function similar to that of native trachea, representing a promising approach for the clinical application of tracheal tissue engineering.
Self‐Additive Low‐Dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite by the Incorporation of Glycine Hydrochloride for High‐Performance and Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Zheng Haiying , Wu Weiwei , Xu Huifen , Zheng Fangcai , Liu Guozhen , Pan Xu , Chen Qianwang
Published: February 2020

The recent rise of low‐dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites is notable for superior humidity stability, however they suffer from low power conversion efficiency (PCE). Suitable organic spacer cations with special properties display a critical effect on the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a new strategy of designing self‐additive low‐dimensional RP perovskites is first proposed by employing a glycine salt (Gly+) with outstanding additive effect to improve the photovoltaic performance. Due to the strong interaction between CO and Pb2+, the Gly+ can become a nucleation center and be beneficial to uniform and fast growth of the Gly‐based RP perovskites with larger grain sizes, leading to reduced grain boundary and increased carrier transport. As a result, the Gly‐based self‐additive low‐dimensional RP perovskites exhibit remarkable photoelectric properties, yielding the highest PCE of 18.06% for Gly (n = 8) devices and 15.61% for Gly (n = 4) devices with negligible hysteresis. Furthermore, the Gly‐based devices without encapsulation show excellent long‐term stability against humidity, heat, and UV light in comparison to BA‐based low‐dimensional PSCs. This approach provides a feasible design strategy of new‐type low‐dimensional RP perovskites to obtain highly efficient and stable devices for next‐generation photovoltaic applications.
Thermal‐Disrupting Interface Mitigates Intercellular Cohesion Loss for Accurate Topical Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Hu Benhui , Berkey Christopher , Feliciano Timothy , Chen Xiaohong , Li Zhuyun , Chen Chao , Amini Shahrouz , Nai Mui Hoon , Lei Qun‐Li , Ni Ran , Wang Juan , Leow Wan Ru , Pan Shaowu , Li Yong‐Qiang , Cai Pingqiang , Miserez Ali , Li Shuzhou , Lim Chwee Teck , Wu Yun‐Long , Odom Teri W. , Dauskardt Reinhold H. , Chen Xiaodong
Published: February 2020

Bacterial infections remain a leading threat to global health because of the misuse of antibiotics and the rise in drug‐resistant pathogens. Although several strategies such as photothermal therapy and magneto‐thermal therapy can suppress bacterial infections, excessive heat often damages host cells and lengthens the healing time. Here, a localized thermal managing strategy, thermal‐disrupting interface induced mitigation (TRIM), is reported, to minimize intercellular cohesion loss for accurate antibacterial therapy. The TRIM dressing film is composed of alternative microscale arrangement of heat‐responsive hydrogel regions and mechanical support regions, which enables the surface microtopography to have a significant effect on disrupting bacterial colonization upon infrared irradiation. The regulation of the interfacial contact to the attached skin confines the produced heat and minimizes the risk of skin damage during thermoablation. Quantitative mechanobiology studies demonstrate the TRIM dressing film with a critical dimension for surface features plays a critical role in maintaining intercellular cohesion of the epidermis during photothermal therapy. Finally, endowing wound dressing with the TRIM effect via in vivo studies in S. aureus infected mice demonstrates a promising strategy for mitigating the side effects of photothermal therapy against a wide spectrum of bacterial infections, promoting future biointerface design for antibacterial therapy.
Dual‐Region Resonant Meander Metamaterial
Authors: Manjunath Shridhar , Liu Mingkai , Raj Vidur , Aoni Rifat A. , Powell David A. , Shadrivov Ilya V. , Rahmani Mohsen
Published: February 2020

Metamaterials are engineered structures designed to interact with electromagnetic radiation, whereby the frequency range in which metamaterials respond depends on their dimensions. In this paper, it is demonstrated that a metamaterial can be functional in more than one frequency region. An advanced metamaterial is demonstrated that can interact with both terahertz (THz) and near‐infrared (NIR) frequencies, concurrently. This work exploits meander line resonators with nanoscale linewidth distributed over microscale areas, and experimentally demonstrates that such a metamaterial can simultaneously interact with NIR and THz waves. The engineered metamaterial acts as a plasmonic grating in the NIR range and simultaneously acts as an array of electric resonators in the THz range. Moreover, the performance of the engineered metamaterial is polarization‐independent in both wavelength regions. Finally, a unique feature of the proposed metamaterial is that it enables resonant frequency tuning in the THz region without affecting the NIR response. All these novel advantages of dual‐band meander metamaterial make it an ideal alternative for cutting‐edge applications such as bi‐functional sensing, imaging, filtering, modulation, and absorption.
FeS@BSA Nanoclusters to Enable H2S‐Amplified ROS‐Based Therapy with MRI Guidance
Authors: Xie Congkun , Cen Dong , Ren Zhaohui , Wang Yifan , Wu Yongjun , Li Xiang , Han Gaorong , Cai Xiujun
Published: February 2020

Therapeutic systems to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) have received tremendous success in the research of tumor theranostics, but suffered daunting challenges in limited efficacy originating from low presence of reactants and reaction kinetics within cancer cells. Here, ferrous sulfide‐embedded bovine serum albumin (FeS@BSA) nanoclusters, in an amorphous nature, are designed and synthesized via a self‐assembly approach. In acidic conditions, the nanoclusters degrade and simultaneously release H2S gas and Fe2+ ions. The in vitro study using Huh7 cancer cells reveals that Fe2+ released from FeS@BSA nanoclusters induces the toxic hydroxyl radical (·OH) effectively via the Fenton reaction. More interestingly, H2S gas released intracellularly presents the specific suppression effect to catalase activity of cancer cells, resulting in the promoted presence of H2O2 that facilitates the Fenton reaction of Fe2+ and consequently promotes ROS induction within the cells remarkably. After intravenous administration, the nanoclusters accumulate in the tumors of mice via the enhanced permeability and retention effect and present strong magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals. The findings confirm this therapeutic system can enable superior anti‐tumor performance with MRI guidance and negligible side effects. This study, therefore, offers an alternative gas‐amplified ROS‐based therapeutic platform for synergetic tumor treatment.
Challenge in differentiation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms between intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and mucinous cystic neoplasm: A case report
Authors: Pan Wei‐Chin , Chen Ming‐Jen , Wu Pao‐Shu , Chen Chih‐Jen
Published: February 2020

Incidental pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) are frequently detected as a result of advances in imaging technologies nowadays. Cystic lesions with higher malignant potential include mucinous neoplasms, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN). There are crucial differences between MCN and IPMN in their biological behavior and clinical prognosis. However, currently available tools are imperfect to differentiate between IPMN and MCN. We reported a case of a 46‐year‐old woman with incidental pancreatic tail cyst of 8 cm size. Computed tomography scan and endoscopic ultrasound with fine‐needle aspiration showed a tumor located at the pancreatic tail. The macrocystic lesion had septa and peripheral calcification, and cystic fluid analysis revealed high level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with low level of amylase. These clinical features are suggestive of MCN in previous experience. Patient underwent laparoscopic distal partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy. The final pathological result was IPMN. Following the application of updated 2017 consensus guideline and 2018 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guideline will provide more precise preoperative evaluation and postoperative surveillance. We try to explain the discrepancy between the diagnostic modalities, and more cost‐effective, validated biomarkers are required for differentiating PCNs in the future.
A rare case of infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma presented with neck mass
Authors: Lee Yu‐Kwang , Wang Chung‐Chieh , Chiu Yu‐Tse , Tseng Tai‐Chung
Published: February 2020

Infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poorer prognosis and is more difficult to diagnose compared to other HCC subtypes. The presented case is a man with metastatic infiltrative HCC presented with bilateral neck masses. This 57‐year‐old hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier man had HBV infection under control with no evidence of liver cirrhosis. Initially, there was a slight elevation of alpha fetal protein (AFP). Abdominal CT showed an ill‐defined lesion at liver without triphasic character of HCC and multiple abdominal lymphadenopathies. Yet there was no portal vein thrombosis. Cholangiocarcinoma was first favored. Later on, bilateral neck masses were noted. Cervical mass biopsy showed positive HepPar1 by immunohistochemical (IHC) stain. Metastatic infiltrative HCC was diagnosed, and he started to receive sorafenib. The size of neck lymphadenopathy decreased after 3‐month therapy, but the AFP value remained stationary. Infiltrative HCC is hard to detect. We reported a rare infiltrative HCC case with atypical finding on image study and cervical lymph node metastasis in hope that it would bring a better understanding of the disease.
Phylogeographic and population genetic analyses ofCucurbita moschatareveal divergence of two mitochondrial lineages linked to an elevational gradient
Authors: Hernández‐Rosales Helena S. , Castellanos‐Morales Gabriela , Sánchez‐de la Vega Guillermo , Aguirre‐Planter Erika , Montes‐Hernández Salvador , Lira‐Saade Rafael , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: February 2020

Premise

Domestication usually involves local adaptation to environmental conditions.Cucurbitaspecies are a promising model for studying these processes.Cucurbita moschatais the third major crop in the genus because of its economic value and because it displays high landrace diversity, but research about its genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeography is limited. We aimed at understanding how geography and elevation shape the distribution of genetic diversity inC. moschatalandraces in Mexico.

Methods

We sampled fruits from 24 localities throughout Mexico. We assessed 11 nuclear microsatellite loci, one mtDNAregion, and three cpDNAregions but found no variation in cpDNA. We explored genetic structure with cluster analysis, and phylogeographic relationships with haplotype network analysis.

Results

Mitochondrial genetic diversity was high, and nuclear genetic differentiation among localities was intermediate compared to other domesticatedCucurbita. We found high levels of inbreeding. We recovered two mitochondrial lineages: highland (associated with the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt) and lowland. Nuclear microsatellites show that localities from the Yucatan Peninsula constitute a well‐differentiated group.

Conclusions

Mexico is an area of high diversity forC. moschata, and these landraces represent important plant genetic resources. In Mexico this species is characterized by divergence processes linked to an elevational gradient, which could be related to adaptation and may be of value for applications in agriculture. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec may be a partial barrier to gene flow. Morphological variation, agricultural management, and cultural differences may be related to this pattern of genetic structure, but further studies are needed.
Management of Cyclosporine‐Influenced Gingival Enlargement With Azithromycin
Authors: Kumar Satish S. , Mohammad Husain , Kar Kian
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Management of drug‐influenced gingival enlargement is challenging, and surgery is most often indicated. However, because of a unique mechanism of action, azithromycin helps in the management of gingival enlargement caused by cyclosporine. An incidental observation of the effect of azithromycin in the cyclosporine‐influenced gingival enlargement by physicians in 1995 led to series of basic investigations and clinical trials confirming this observation and providing a non‐surgical treatment modality.

Case Presentation

In this report, successful management of cyclosporine‐influenced gingival enlargement in a 39‐year‐old renal transplant patient with the use of azithromycin without any surgical intervention is presented.

Conclusion

Use of azithromycin for managing cyclosporine‐influenced gingival enlargement is a useful alternative or adjunct to surgical management. It is hoped that this report will raise further awareness of this non‐surgical modality in patients taking cyclosporine.
Porous Si‐Cu3Si‐Cu Microsphere@C Core–Shell Composites with Enhanced Electrochemical Lithium Storage
Authors: Pei Shien , Guo Jianfeng , He Zhishun , Huang Liang‐ai , Lu Tongzhou , Gong Junjie , Shao Haibo , Wang Jianming
Published: February 2020

Low‐cost Si‐based anode materials with excellent electrochemical lithium storage present attractive prospects for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, porous Si‐Cu3Si‐Cu microsphere@C composites are designed and prepared by means of an etching/electroless deposition and subsequent carbon coating. The composites show a core–shell structure, with a porous Si/Cu microsphere core surrounded by the N‐doped carbon shell. The Cu and Cu3Si nanoparticles are embedded inside porous silicon microspheres, forming the porous Si/Cu microsphere core. The microstructure and lithium storage performance of porous Si‐Cu3Si‐Cu microsphere@C composites can be effectively tuned by changing electroless deposition time. The Si‐Cu3Si‐Cu microsphere@C composite prepared with 12 min electroless deposition delivers a reversible capacity of 627 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 2 A g−1, showing an enhanced lithium storage ability. The superior lithium storage performance of the Si‐Cu3Si‐Cu microsphere@C composite can be ascribed to the improved electronic conductivity, enhanced mechanical stability, and better buffering against the large volume change in the repeated lithiation/delithiation processes.
Enantioseparation processes and mechanisms in functionalized graphene membranes: Facilitated or retarded transport?
Authors: Gu Liangning , Chen Qibin , Li Xiaoxiao , Meng Chenchen , Liu Honglai
Published: February 2020

Up to date, functionalized graphene–based membranes have exhibited a promising potential in the enantioseparation. However, since precisely controlling the interlayer distance of two‐dimensional materials is a great challenge in practical experiments, the transport mechanism of chiral guests in such membranes, together with various critical parameters that play a controlling role in the transport behaviors of the preferentially binding enantiomer in narrow channels, remains to be explored. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, especially using the steered MD (SMD) method, might be an alternative way to investigate the enantioseparation processes and mechanisms of layered membranes with different interlayer distances. In this work, D‐alanine modified graphene sheets with different interlayer distances were built as membrane models, whereas D‐ and L‐phenylalanine were selected as chiral probes. The effect of the interlayer distance and the applied external force on the enantioseparation performance was examined. Results show that such two parameters exert a significant influence on the enantioseparation performance: (a) Increasing the interlayer distance would result in a conversion from the retarded to the facilitated mechanism at a proper external force (medium); (b) both the large and small driving forces would only lead to the appearance of the retarded transport for the preferential enantiomer, unlike the moderate force; (c) the interaction energy of L‐phenylalanine with D‐isomer selector decreases with the rising interlayer distances studied in this work, regardless of what the external force is. Our findings can provide guidance on the practical applications in the membrane‐based chiral separation.
Reactions of Rare‐Earth Metal Based Lewis Pairs with Azides†
Authors: Dong Yifan , Chang Kejian , Xu Xin
Published: February 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The reactivity of homoleptic rare‐earth metal aryloxide based Lewis pairs toward organic azide substrates has been investigated herein. Treatment of RE(OAr)3 (RE = La, Sm, Y, and Sc, Ar = 2,6‐tBu2‐C6H3), PEt3 and Me3SiN3 in 2 : 1 : 1 molar ratio resulted in formation of separated ion pair complexes [Me3Si‐PEt3]+[(ArO)3RE‐N=N=N‐RE(OAr)3]– under mild conditions. Replacement of phosphine with the nitrogen‐containing Lewis base 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) produced analogous rare‐earth azide complexes with [Me3Si‐DABCO]+ counterions. In contrast, reaction of the La(OAr)3/PEt3 Lewis pair with 1‐adamantyl azide (AdN3) afforded the typical frustrated Lewis pair‐type 1,1‐addition product. A tetrahydrofuran ring‐opening reaction was also observed for the resulting rare‐earth azide complex with the [Me3Si‐PEt3]+ cation, with cleavage of the C—O bond by Si/P cooperation.
Algal Cultivation for Treating Wastewater in African Developing Countries: A Review
Authors: Nwoba Emeka G. , Vadiveloo Ashiwin , Ogbonna Christiana N. , Ubi Benjamin E. , Ogbonna James C. , Moheimani Navid R.
Published: February 2020

The tremendous increase in human population and rapid decline in freshwater resources have necessitated the development of innovative and sustainable wastewater treatment methods. Africa as a developing continent is currently backing on sustainable solutions to tackle impending water resource crisis brought forward by wastewater‐induced environmental pollution and climate change. Microalgae‐based wastewater treatment systems represent an emerging technology that is capable of meeting the new demand for improved wastewater treatment and climate change mitigation strategies in an environmentally friendly manner. This review critically looks at the opportunities of Africa in harnessing and exploiting the potential of microalgae for the treatment of various wastewaters based on their capacity to recycle nutrients and for concurrent production of valuable biomass and several useful metabolites. Wastewaters, if improperly/completely untreated and discharged, simultaneously pollute freshwater sources and present significant health and environmental risks. Nutrients in wastewater can be utilized and recovered in the form of marketable biomass and products when integrated with the cultivation of microalgae. Several valuable bioproducts can be generated from wastewater‐grown microalgal biomass including biofuels, biofertilizers, animal feed, and various bioactive compounds. This biorefinery approach would most certainly improve wastewater treatment process economics, enhancing the technical feasibility of algae‐based wastewater remediation in African countries.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for blood cancers in the era of precision medicine and immunotherapy
Authors: Bair Steven M. , Brandstadter Joshua D. , Ayers Emily C. , Stadtmauer Edward A.
Published: February 2020

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) has been an integral component in the treatment of many hematologic malignancies. Since the development of HCT nearly 50 years ago, the role of this modality has evolved as newer treatment approaches have been developed and integrated into the standard of care. In the last decade, novel and highly active targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been approved for many hematologic malignancies, raising the question of whether HCT continues to retain its prominent role in the treatment paradigms of various hematologic malignancies. In this review, the authors have described the current role of autologous and allogeneic HCT in the treatment of patients with acute leukemias, aggressive B‐cell lymphomas, and multiple myeloma and discussed how novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies have changed the potential need, timing, and goal of HCT in patients with these diseases.
Development of novel perennial Sorghum bicolor × S. propinquum hybrids
Authors: Foster Tyler L. , Baldi Heather D. , Shen Xiaoqing , Burson Byron L. , Klein Robert R. , Murray Seth C. , Jessup Russell W.
Published: February 2020

Sorghum species provide a unique opportunity to develop perennial cropping systems due to their interspecific hybridization compatibility and phenotypic plasticity from annual to perennial life cycle. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a diploid (2n = 2x = 20) annual species that does not produce rhizomes, whereas Sorghum propinquum (Kunth) Hitchc. is a diploid (2n = 2x = 20) perennial, rhizomatous species native to Asia and is considered a wild relative of S. bicolor. Because of their relatively close taxonomic relationship, S. bicolor × S. propinquum hybrids offer both valuable insights between annuals and perennials, as well as hybridization opportunities for the introgression of perennialism into a major cereal crop. The objective of this study was to characterize a novel S. bicolor × S. propinquum F2 population for height, tillering capacity, days to flowering, and overwintering capacity. Our research identified F2 hybrids exhibiting transgressive segregation for height, whereas hybrids were intermediate between the parental extremes for days to mid‐anthesis and tillering capacity. Fortuitous harsh winter conditions in 2018 applied strong natural selection pressure for overwintering capacity, allowing for the identification of F2 hybrids with greater overwintering capacity than S. propinquum. The present results provide both novel perennial sorghum germplasm resources and insight towards developing effective breeding programs for perennial cereal cropping systems.
Recent Advances of Two‐Dimensional (2 D) MXenes and Phosphorene for High‐Performance Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Li Jingsha , Guo Chunxian , Li Chang Ming
Published: February 2020

The design and development of advanced electrode materials for high‐performance rechargeable batteries have been subjected to extensive studies. Very recently, two‐dimensional (2 D) nanomaterials have become promising candidates for batteries, owing to their unique physicochemical properties. In particular, MXenes and phosphorene, which exhibit tailored electrical conductivity and ion storage capability, have attracted increasing attention. This Review presents a comprehensive summary of recent advances in the development of 2 D MXenes and phosphorene as electrode materials for high‐performance batteries. Their physicochemical properties, including structural configurations and electronic properties of MXenes and direct band gap and anisotropic properties of phosphorene, are firstly discussed. Then, synthesis methods of the two materials are introduced. Thereafter, their applications as electrode materials in batteries, including lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, and metal–air batteries, are summarized and discussed in detail. An emphasis is placed on analyzing performance enhancement mechanisms to elucidate fundamental understanding. Finally, future challenges and opportunities for MXenes and phosphorene as electrode materials for batteries are considered.