bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyaniline decorated graphene oxide on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membrane for direct methanol fuel cells application
Authors: Yogarathinam Lukka Thuyavan , Jaafar Juhana , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Goh Pei Sean , Bin Mohamed Mohd Hilmi , Radzi Hanifah Mohamad Fahrul , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran , Peter Jerome
Published: September 2021

In direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), methanol crossover is a major issue which has reduced the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for energy generation. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and conductive polyaniline decorated GO (PANI‐GO) were used as additives in fabrication of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) nanocomposite PEM membrane to reduce methanol crossover. PANI‐GO was synthesized by in situ polymerization method and the formation of PANI coated GO nanostructures was confirmed by surface morphology and crystallinity analysis. The membrane morphology and topography analysis confirmed that GO and PANI‐GO were well dispersed on the surface of SPEEK membrane. 0.1 wt% PANI‐GO modified SPEEK nanocomposite membrane exhibited the highest water uptake and ion exchange capacity of 40% and 1.74 meq g−1, respectively. The oxidative stability of the nanocomposite membranes also improved. Lower methanol permeability of 4.33 × 10−7 cm−2S−1 was noticed for 0.1 wt% PANI‐GO modified SPEEK membrane. PANI‐GO modified SPEEK membrane enhanced the proton conductivity, which was due to the existence of acidic and hydrophilic group present in PANI and GO. PANI‐GO modified SPEEK membrane held higher selectivity of 1.94 × 104 S cm−3 s−1. Overall, these studies revealed that PANI‐GO modified SPEEK membrane is a potential material for DMFC applications.
Glomerular filtration rate in children and young adults with haemato‐oncological disease and infection is best described by three‐compartment iohexol model
Authors: Soeorg Hiie , Noortoots Aveli , Karu Maarja , Saks Kadri , Lass Jana , Lutsar Irja , Kõrgvee Lenne‐Triin
Published: September 2021

Background: Children with cancer and infection may develop glomerular hyperfiltration. With the aim to determine the prevalence of glomerular hyperfiltration in children and young adults with haemato‐oncological disease and infection, we developed population pharmacokinetic model of iohexol. We further aimed to assess the accuracy of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations and single‐ or two‐point measured GFR (mGFR) formulas compared with GFR based on iohexol clearance from our population pharmacokinetic model (iGFR).

Procedure: Hospitalised patients (0.5–25 years) with haemato‐oncological disease and infection were included if their eGFR was ≥80 ml/min/1.73 m2at the screening visit. Iohexol plasma concentrations were described by population pharmacokinetic model. Bias, precision and accuracy of 23 eGFR equations and 18 mGFR formulas were calculated.

Results: Total of 32 iohexol administrations were performed in 28 patients. Median (range) eGFR was 136 ml/min/1.73 m2 (74–234) and age 15.1 years (0.8–26.0). Three‐compartment model with allometric scaling of central, one peripheral compartment and clearance (with power 0.75) to weight fitted the best. Median (range) iGFR was 103 ml/min/1.73 m2(68–140). All except one eGFR equation overestimated GFR. Lund–Malmö revised eGFR equation performed the best, followed by Gao equation. Of single‐ or two‐point mGFR formulas, 15 overestimated iGFR. Modified Jacobsson formula at 5.5 hours performed the best, followed by Fleming formula at 3 hours.

Conclusions: In children and young adults with haemato‐oncological disease and infection, renal function is best described by iohexol clearance from three‐compartment pharmacokinetic model, while eGFR equations and single‐ and two‐point mGFR formulas overestimate iGFR.
An overview on current manufacturing technologies: Processing continuous rovings impregnated with thermoset resin
Authors: Arrabiyeh Peter A. , May David , Eckrich Maximilian , Dlugaj Anna M.
Published: September 2021

The demand for products made of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) is constantly growing. These lightweight products are characterized by high stiffness, high tensile strength, and high service life. FRPC processes that employ thermoset‐impregnated continuous rovings are easily automated and provide the products with the highest unidirectional tensile strength. A critical disadvantage of continuous fiber‐reinforced polymers is caused by relatively high production costs. Among others, three main factors contribute to these production costs: (1) material costs, especially when carbon fibers are used, (2) costs for manufacturing semi‐finished products, such as textiles or preimpregnated fabrics, and (3) costs for waste occurring along the entire chain of process steps. In this context, one group of processes shows outstanding characteristics: processes in which rovings are in situ impregnated with a thermoset resin and then directly processed. Wet filament winding and pultrusion are the most popular but not the only representatives of this group. For all these processes, in situ impregnation is the key element, and various technologies have been developed for this purpose, each with its own unique fluid‐mechanical effects on rovings. A fundamental understanding of these effects is crucial to achieve products of the utmost quality. The paper at hand provides an overview of manufacturing processes that employ in situ impregnation of continuous rovings, specifically focusing on impregnation technologies. On this basis, phenomenological models describing the effects on the rovings during processing (impregnation, tension, and spreading) are reviewed.
Influence of nanofillers on biodegradable composites: A comprehensive review
Authors: Jagadeesh Praveenkumara , Puttegowda Madhu , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart
Published: September 2021

The continuous delivery of E‐waste from petroleum‐based products creates ecological and environmental problems due to non‐biodegradable polymers, which release harmful chemicals and toxic gases. This results in biodegradable polymers/fibers appearance, which are biocompatible and degrade in the surrounding environments without causing any environmental pollution and these relieve environmental burden. However, the bio‐based materials are unable to meet certain properties in the way of flexibility, dielectric properties, electrical properties, water and gas vapor barrier properties. The current day's research focus is towards the implementation of biodegradable composites properties by introducing different nanostructures. The biopolymers/biofibers are used as raw material in concern with environmental aspects. Nowadays researchers are supplementing a new form of materials known as nanofillers in various biopolymer‐based composites in a small amount. This nanofillers will act as additives and helps in enhancing the different properties such as mechanical, thermal, flame retardancy and water absorption behavior of the nano composite materials as well as maintaining the optimum density of them. The nanocomposites applications are extended in various sectors for the reason of higher surface area, aspect ratio, and superior properties. This review outlines the types of biofibers/biopolymers and their characterization, types of nanofillers, and their characterization, and summarizes the various functional properties of nanocomposites with their applications.
Serial neurosonography in fetuses with congenital heart defects shows mild delays in cortical development
Authors: Everwijn Sheila M. , van Bohemen Jiska F. , van Geloven Nan , Jansen Fenna A. , Teunissen Aalbertine K. , Rozendaal Lieke , Blom Nico , van Lith Jan M. , Haak Monique C.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Neurodevelopmental delay is more common in children born with congenital heart defects (CHD), even with optimal perinatal and peri‐operative care. It is hypothesized that fetuses with CHD are prone to neurological impairment in utero due to their cardiac defect, possibly leading to delayed cortical development.

Methods

Cerebral cortical maturation was assessed with advanced neurosonographic examinations every 4 weeks in fetuses with CHD and compared to control fetuses. Five different primary fissures and four areas were scored (ranging 0–5) by blinded examiners using a cortical maturation scheme.

Results

Cortical staging was assessed in 574 ultrasound examinations in 85 CHD fetuses and 61 controls. Small differences in grading were seen in Sylvian and cingulate fissures. (Sylvian fissure: −0.12 grade, 95% CI (−0.23; −0.01) p = 0.05, cingulate fissure: −0.24 grade, 95% CI (−0.38; −0.10) p = <0.001. Other cortical areas showed normal maturation as compared to control fetuses.

Conclusion

Small differences were seen in three of the nine analyzed cortical areas in CHD fetuses, in contrast to previous reports on progressive third‐trimester delay. The clinical implications of the small differences however, remain unknown.
Recent advances in the early treatment of cystic fibrosis: Bridging the gap to highly effective modulator therapy
Authors: Lahiri Thomas , Sullivan Jillian S.
Published: September 2021

Highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been touted as one of the greatest advances to date in CF care. As these therapies are now available for many older children and adults with CF, marked improvement of their nutritional status, pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms has been observed. However, most infants and younger children are not current candidates for HEMT due to age and/or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation. For these young children, it is essential to provide rigorous monitoring and care to avoid potential disease sequelae while awaiting HEMT availability. The following article highlights recent advances in the care of infants and young children with CF with regard to surveillance and treatment of nutritional, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal disorders. Recent clinical trials in this population are also reviewed.
Effect of resveratrol on C‐reactive protein: An updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gorabi Armita Mahdavi , Aslani Saeed , Imani Danyal , Razi Bahman , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2021

We conducted a meta‐analysis on the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to assess the role of resveratrol in lowering C‐reactive protein (CRP) and high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) levels, as markers of inflammation, in various inflammatory disorders. Literature search through Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library yielded 35 RCTs (24 studies for hs‐CRP and 11 studies for CRP). Pooled results revealed that resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced the hs‐CRP (MWD = −0.40 mg/L; 95% CI: −0.70 to −0.09 mg/L; p = .01) and CRP (MWD = −0.31 mg/L; 95% CI: −0.47 to −0.15 mg/L; p < .001) levels in serum. Subgroup analysis revealed that resveratrol in group with ≥10 weeks significantly reduces hs‐CRP levels (MWD = −0.48 mg/L; 95% CI: −0.92 to −0.04 mg/L; p = .03) and CRP (WMD = −0.47 mg/L, 95% CI = −0.69 to −0.25, p < .001). A dose of ≥500 mg/day supplementation improves the levels of CRP, but not hs‐CRP. This meta‐analysis demonstrates that resveratrol consumption is effective in lowering the levels of CRP and hs‐CRP in inflammatory conditions, especially if supplementation takes place for ≥10 weeks with ≥500 mg/day.
Clinical and laboratory factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19): A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Minh Le Huu Nhat , Abozaid Ali Ahmed‐Fouad , Ha Nam Xuan , Le Quang Loc , Gad Abdelrahman Gamil , Tiwari Ranjit , Nhat‐Le Tran , Quyen Dinh Kim , AL‐Manaseer Balqees , Kien Nguyen Dang , Vuong Nguyen Lam , Zayan Ahmad Helmy , Nhi Le Huu Hanh , Surya Dila Kadek Agus , Varney Joseph , Tien Huy Nguyen
Published: September 2021

SARS Coronavirus‐2 is one of the most widespread viruses globally during the 21st century, whose severity and ability to cause severe pneumonia and death vary. We performed a comprehensive systematic review of all studies that met our standardised criteria and then extracted data on the age, symptoms, and different treatments of Covid‐19 patients and the prognosis of this disease during follow‐up. Cases in this study were divided according to severity and death status and meta‐analysed separately using raw mean and single proportion methods. We included 171 complete studies including 62,909 confirmed cases of Covid‐19, of which 148 studies were meta‐analysed. Symptoms clearly emerged in an escalating manner from mild‐moderate symptoms, pneumonia, severe‐critical to the group of non‐survivors. Hypertension (Pooled proportion (PP): 0.48 [95% Confident interval (CI): 0.35–0.61]), diabetes (PP: 0.23 [95% CI: 0.16–0.33]) and smoking (PP: 0.12 [95% CI: 0.03–0.38]) were highest regarding pre‐infection comorbidities in the non‐survivor group. While acute respiratory distress syndrome (PP: 0.49 [95% CI: 0.29–0.78]), (PP: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.34–0.97]) remained one of the most common complications in the severe and death group respectively. Bilateral ground‐glass opacification (PP: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.59–0.75]) was the most visible radiological image. The mortality rates estimated (PP: 0.11 [95% CI: 0.06–0.19]), (PP: 0.03 [95% CI: 0.01–0.05]), and (PP: 0.01 [95% CI: 0–0.3]) in severe‐critical, pneumonia and mild‐moderate groups respectively. This study can serve as a high evidence guideline for different clinical presentations of Covid‐19, graded from mild to severe, and for special forms like pneumonia and death groups.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplankton assemblages in the upper Mississippi River
Authors: Manier John T. , Haro Roger J. , Houser Jeffrey N. , Strauss Eric A.
Published: September 2021

Phytoplankton provide large quantities of organic carbon and biomolecules that support large river ecosystems. However, when certain groups become overabundant (e.g., cyanobacteria), they can pose a risk to human health and river biota. The purpose of this study was to examine the spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplankton community composition within the upper Mississippi River. More specifically, we analyzed samples from main channel, impounded, and backwater areas of Navigation Pools 8 and 13 to examine lateral variability within each of these pools. We analyzed samples from the main channel of Pool 26 to examine longitudinal variation among Pools 8, 13, and 26. Phytoplankton and water quality samples were collected during the summer months of 2006–2009. The main channels of Pool 8 and Pool 13 were generally dominated by diatoms, although cyanobacteria were (at times) more abundant. The backwaters were generally dominated by cyanobacteria and typified by flagellated species (e.g., cryptomonads and euglenoids). The main channel of Pool 26 was always dominated by diatoms. Discharge influenced phytoplankton community composition. In Pool 26, taxonomic richness tended to increase with increasing discharge. There were no linear correlations between cyanobacteria total or proportional biovolume and nutrient concentrations, indicating that nutrient limitation was not common. Differences in phytoplankton communities were generally associated with physical factors such as discharge, turbidity, and residence time.
An applied framework for assessing the relative deprivation of dam‐affected communities
Authors: Zhang Ruilian , Owen John R. , Kemp Deanna , Shi Guoqing
Published: September 2021

Over the past half century, hydropower dams have displaced 40–80 million people around the world. In the development literature, the outcome of these shocks is represented in the form of “absolute deprivation.” The policy norms surrounding development‐induced displacement and resettlement, across all industries, prioritize compensation as the primary means through which to address any short‐term deprivation caused by the shock of displacement. One dimension that has been overlooked is the force and effect of “relative deprivation (RD).” To demonstrate the merits of the RD approach, we develop a novel framework to assess the poverty conditions of affected communities across different resettlement schemes in Qinghai Province, China. A review of the case literature shows the scope and depth of deprivations experienced by those directly impacted by project‐induced displacement. Our findings offer two important insights. First, that restorative schemes that most closely resemble like‐for‐like appear to have the least negative impact in RD terms. Second, that the involuntary acquisition of land in hosting communities should be accounted for in the same way as the acquisition of land for the project. The impacts of “indirect” displacement can be significantly greater, particularly when the responsibility for managing or mitigating these impacts falls outside the formal scope of the project.
A simulation‐extrapolation approach for regression analysis of misclassified current status data with the additive hazards model
Authors: Li Shuwei , Tian Tian , Hu Tao , Sun Jianguo
Published: September 2021

Current status data arise when each subject is observed only once and the failure time of interest is only known to be either smaller or larger than the observation time rather than observed exactly. For the situation, due to the use of imperfect diagnostic tests, the failure status could often suffer misclassification or one observes misclassified data, which may result in severely biased estimation if not taken into account. In this article, we discuss regression analysis of such misclassified current status data arising from the additive hazards model, and a simulation‐extrapolation (SIMEX) approach is developed for the estimation. Furthermore, the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are established, and a simulation study is conducted to assess the empirical performance of the method, which indicates that the proposed procedure performs well. In particular, it can correct the estimation bias given by the naive method that ignores the existence of misclassification. An application to a medical study on gonorrhea is also provided.
Quantifying the feasibility of shortening clinical trial duration using surrogate markers
Authors: Wang Xuan , Cai Tianxi , Tian Lu , Bourgeois Florence , Parast Layla
Published: September 2021

The potential benefit of using a surrogate marker in place of a long‐term primary outcome is very attractive in terms of the impact on study length and cost. Many available methods for quantifying the effectiveness of a surrogate endpoint either rely on strict parametric modeling assumptions or require that the primary outcome and surrogate marker are fully observed that is, not subject to censoring. Moreover, available methods for quantifying surrogacy typically provide a proportion of treatment effect explained (PTE) measure and do not directly address the important questions of whether and how the trial can be ended earlier using the surrogate marker. In this article, we specifically address these important questions by proposing a PTE measure to quantify the feasibility of ending trials early based on endpoint information collected at an earlier landmark point in a time‐to‐event outcome setting. We provide a framework for deriving an optimally predicted outcome for individual patients at based on a combination of surrogate marker and event time information in the presence of censoring. We propose a non‐parametric estimator for the PTE measure and derive the asymptotic properties of our estimators. Finite sample performance of our estimators are illustrated via extensive simulation studies and a real data application examining the potential of hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose to predict treatment effects on long term diabetes risk based on the Diabetes Prevention Program study.
Magnetically Recyclable Heterogeneous Cobalt Ferrite Catalyst for the Direct N‐Alkylation of (Hetero)aryl Amines with Alcohols
Authors: Panigrahi Uttam Kumar , Bhat Venugopal T. , Ramakrishnan Vengadesh Kumara Mangalam
Published: September 2021

Herein we report the use of spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as an efficient and selective catalyst for the mono N‐alkylation of aryl and hetero aryl amines with various aromatic and aliphatic alcohols. Based on our experiments, the optimum condition for good to excellent yield were observed with alcohol (1.0 mmol), aniline (1.2 mmol), KOH (0.5 equiv), and CoFe2O4 nanocatalyst (10 mol%) in toluene at 130 °C in 24 hours. Further control experiment studies revealed that the reaction does not proceed in the absence of the catalyst or a strong base. This magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst does not require any ligands and is easily synthesized at low temperature. The reutilization of the recovered catalyst in a fresh reaction gave good to excellent yield. The experiment results strongly suggest a borrowing hydrogen pathway for N‐alkylation under our standard conditions. The utility of these nanocatalysts was also demonstrated for the dehydrogenative synthesis of heterocycles like indole and quinolines.
Hydroxypropylation of 1,2 Galactomannan by Taguchi's L9 Orthogonal Array Design
Authors: Tyagi Rakhi , Kumar Vineet , Sharma Pradeep , Nautiyal Raman
Published: September 2021

Hydroxypropyl guar is one of the industrially significant biopolymers. In the present study, hydroxypropylation of guar gum was investigated using Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array design of experiment. Reaction conditions were optimized to obtain higher hydroxypropyl content (%) in the derivatized sample. The optimized conditions comprised 7 mL and 0.12 g of propylene oxide and NaOH respectively, keeping the methanol: water ratio 7 : 3, and reaction time 3 h at 60 °C. The hydroxypropyl content of the derivative synthesized under optimized reaction conditions was determined as 0.830 %. The structural changes introduced by the modification were corroborated by FT‐IR, 1‐D (1H, 13C, and DEPT‐135), and 2‐D (HSQC, HMBC, and COSY) NMR spectroscopic analysis. Thermal studies of the hydroxypropyl derivatives vis a vis native guar using TGA, DSC, and DTG indicated better thermal stability of the hydroxypropyl derivative in comparison to the native guar gum. The studies demonstrate that Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array is a statistically sound approach for hydroxypropylation of guar gum involving lesser number of experiments than the conventional approach.
Interplay of Hydrogen and Halogen Bonding in the Crystal Structures of 2,6‐Dihalogenated Phenols
Authors: Bauer Jonathan O. , Koschabek Sarah , Falk Alexander
Published: September 2021

Hydrogen and halogen bonds are important anisotropic attractive interactions in the molecular crystalline state. 2,6‐dibromophenol (1) was analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction for the first time. The intermolecular interaction pattern was studied by Hirshfeld surface analysis along with 2D fingerprint diagrams. The characteristic interactions that dominate the crystal packing are electrostatic type‐II Br⋅⋅⋅Br interactions, O−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds, and an offset parallel π‐stacking arrangement. Compound 1 was compared with 2,6‐difluoro‐ (2) and 2‐bromo‐6‐chlorophenol (3) in terms of their interplay between hydrogen and halogen bonding. Whereas the O−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bond is more pronounced in the lighter homologues, the halogen⋅⋅⋅halogen interaction becomes a particularly important directional, attractive interaction in the crystal structure of 2,6‐dibromophenol.
Rigid Polyurethane Composites Reinforced with Carbon Fibers Decorated with a Skein‐like Silver Coating
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Weiwei , Zhou Yilong , Liu Huixin
Published: September 2021

Composites with high strength and toughness are the goals that people pursue. However, the strength and toughness of composites are generally contradictory, and the performances of carbon fibers (CFs) reinforced composites mainly depend on the interfacial bonding strength between fibers and matrix. By observing the skein, we designed a coating similar to the skein on the CF surface, so that the matrix could penetrate into the cavities of the “skein” to improve the interface bonding strength of the composites. In this work, the skein‐like silver coating was obtained on the CF surface by electrodeposition method, and the rigid polyurethane (RPU) matrix composites were prepared to evaluate the properties of materials. Compared with pure RPU, the strength and toughness of skein‐like Ag‐CFs/RPU composites were significantly improved by 87.1 % and 70.2 %, respectively. The satisfactory results were due to the skein‐like silver coating on the fiber surface. The skein structure made the interface between the matrix and the fibers stronger through penetration, and it could also play a pinning role and increase the crack propagation path. The silver coating also gave the composites better electromagnetic properties, which reflected the conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding performances were 2.4×10−5 S/M and 59.83 dB, respectively.
Photochemical Properties of a Mononuclear Mn(I) Triscarbonyl Complex in Water: An Insight into Different Oxidation States
Authors: Marchi Rafael C. , de Aguiar Inara , Camilo Mariana R. , Braga Adriano H. , Do Nascimento Eduardo S. P. , Santana Vinicius T. , Nascimento Otaciro R. , Carlos Rose M.
Published: September 2021

This study reports the photochemical behavior of fac‐[Mn(phen)CO3(4MeImH)]+ in neutral aqueous solution. The complex presents two 4MeImH linkage isomers, adjacent (A) and remote (R), which coexist in solution although with marked stability differences. In water, the steric effect converts A into an aqua‐complex while R remains stable. Photolysis of the mixture followed by UV‐vis, infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and cyclic voltammetry showed changes in the coordination sphere and oxidation state of each Mn center. Upon light irradiation, the mixture behaves as an antenna system to absorb light, producing the {Mn(II)(phen.−)}+ moieties and releasing CO, which provides open sites for water coordination. Upon successive irradiation, the EPR spectra showed an increasing signal at g=2.0 corresponding to Mn(II) centers, a phenanthroline anion (2.0046) that vanishes at longer irradiation time, and an increasing component (gx∼9.85 and gy∼3.9) corresponding to Mn(IV). This makes the spectroscopic properties, excited state character, and dynamics of fac‐[Mn(phen)(CO)3(4MeImH)]+ significantly different from those of all manganese complexes studied so far.
Photo‐Fenton Degradation of Nitroaromatic Explosives by Light‐Powered Hematite Microrobots: When Higher Speed Is Not What We Go For
Authors: Peng Xia , Urso Mario , Pumera Martin
Published: September 2021

Self‐powered micromachines are considered a ground‐breaking technology for environmental remediation. Light‐powered Janus microrobots based on photocatalytic semiconductors asymmetrically covered with metals have recently received great interest as they can exploit light to move and contemporarily degrade pollutants in water. Although various metals have been explored and compared to design Janus microrobots, the influence of the metal layer thickness on motion behavior and photocatalytic properties of microrobots have not been investigated yet. Here, light‐driven hematite/Pt Janus microrobots are reported and fabricated by depositing Pt layers with different thickness on hematite microspheres produced by hydrothermal synthesis. It has been demonstrated that the thicker the metal layer the higher the microrobots speed. However, when employed for the degradation of nitroaromatic explosives pollutants through the photo‐Fenton mechanism, higher rate of H2O2 consumption leads to higher propulsion speed of microrobots and lower pollutants degradation efficiencies owing to less H2O2 involved in the photo‐Fenton reaction. This work presents new insights into the motion behavior of light‐powered Janus micromotors and demonstrates that high speed is not what really matters for water purification via photo‐Fenton reaction, which is important for the future environmental applications of micromachines.
New information on the Jurassic lepidosauromorph Marmoretta oxoniensis
Authors: Griffiths Elizabeth F. , Ford David P. , Benson Roger B.J. , Evans Susan E.
Published: September 2021

The earliest known crown‐group lepidosaurs are known from the Middle Triassic; however, their stem group is poorly sampled, with only a few representative fossils found. This is partly due to the small size and delicate bones of early stem‐lepidosaurs (= non‐lepidosaurian lepidosauromorphs), which make both preservation in the fossil record and subsequent discovery less likely. The Middle Jurassic lepidosauromorph Marmoretta oxoniensis is re‐examined using high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography to reveal parts of the skull anatomy that were previously unknown. These include a squamosal, postorbital, more complete parietal, pterygoids, and an articulated posterior section of the mandible. Some differences between this and other Marmoretta specimens were identified as a result, such as the arrangement of palatal teeth and the shape of the parabasisphenoid. The status of Marmoretta as a stem‐lepidosaur or stem‐squamate has been debated. To evaluate this, we tested the phylogenetic position of Marmoretta by including our new data in an adapted phylogenetic character matrix. We recover Marmoretta as a stem‐lepidosaur and sister to Fraxinisaura rozynekae. Our findings support the hypothesis that both taxa belonged to a clade of non‐lepidosaurian lepidosauromorphs that co‐existed with lepidosaurs into the Middle Jurassic.
Impact of Negative Sequence Current on Electromagnetic Torque in Nuclear Power and Large Size Turbo‐Generators
Authors: Lv Pin , Wu Xiaojie , Su Xunwen , Zhu Xianhui , Yang Ying , Lin Peng , Li Mingjun , Li Baichuan
Published: September 2021

Distinguished from the former researchers, this article aims at researching the effect of the stator fundamental negative sequence current in turbo‐generators on the electromagnetic torque both from theoretical analysis and finite element simulation. Firstly, based on three sequence component analysis, coordinate system transform and interaction analysis of magneto‐motive force vectors, the concrete expression of direct component of the electromagnetic torque is given, and the concrete expression of second harmonic electromagnetic torque is presented by a new vectorial approach proposed in this article. Further, the impact of the stator fundamental negative sequence current on the electromagnetic torque has been discussed in details by the new approach proposed in this article. In order to prove the correctness of the analytical analysis by the new approach proposed in this article, two turbo‐generators have been taken as examples, and their finite element simulation models have been built up and tested through experimental data. Moreover, the simulation result verifies the effectiveness of the analytical expression and analytic analysis proposed in this article. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
China's Shaxian Snacks: A national brand's globalization challenge
Authors: Chen Min
Published: September 2021

This case study examines the growth of Shaxian Snacks, which became a nationally known fast food brand in China within the span of 20 years. Shaxian Snacks restaurants are found not only in all areas of China, but also in other countries such as the United States, Australia, and Portugal. Shaxian Snacks is unique since, unlike franchises such as McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), it is a collective brand, under which thousands of small fast food restaurants operate independently but offer similar menus, service, and price range. The case traces the development of Shaxian Snacks, analyzing the role of the local government, competitiveness dynamics, and challenges of this collective brand. A collective brand is not owned by a specific company or individual but is associated with a common product, originating in one location that can be used by any enterprise or individual as long as they follow common practices related to the brand. The case explores the inter‐relationships of Shaxian Snacks and local economic development, and projects the Shaxian Snacks brand's future. The case reveals how a local government can promote local economic development, and may inspire local governments of other developing regions and countries to pursue similar strategies in developing their economies.
Aminoxyl (nitroxyl or nitroxide) radical formation by the action of ozone on squalene containing secondary aromatic amine antioxidants
Authors: Cataldo Franco
Published: September 2021

Squalene, a model compound of polyisoprene or natural rubber, was employed as solvent to study the reaction between ozone and a series of N,N′‐substituted‐p‐phenylenediamines (PPDs) and other secondary aromatic amines. In all cases, it was found that nitroxyl radicals were formed nearly quantitatively by the action of ozone on the squalene solutions containing dissolved the selected additives. The resulting nitroxyl radicals from PPDs or from other secondary aromatic amines were easily detected by electron spin resonance spectroscopy at room temperature and the isotropic and anisotropic hyperfine interaction constants of the said nitroxides were determined. The FT‐IR spectroscopy was employed to show the easy oxidation of unprotected squalene when exposed to an ozone stream, while in presence of PPDs, ozone is quantitatively scavenged by the PPDs forming the resulting nitroxides and protecting completely squalene from ozonolysis reactions. The nitroxyl radicals formed by PPDs or secondary aromatic amine ozonation exert a permanent antioxidant activity entering in a redox cycle already known to ensure a long flex fatigue life or the given rubber compound.
Conserved motifs in the flavivirus NS3 RNA helicase enzyme
Authors: Du Pont Kelly E. , McCullagh Martin , Geiss Brian J.
Published: September 2021

Flaviviruses are a major health concern because over half of the world population is at risk of infection and there are very few antiviral therapeutics to treat diseases resulting from infection. Replication is an essential part of the flavivirus survival. One of the viral proteins, NS3 helicase, is critical for unwinding the double stranded RNA intermediate during flaviviral replication. The helicase performs the unwinding of the viral RNA intermediate structure in an ATP‐dependent manner. NS3 helicase is a member of the Viral/DEAH‐like subfamily of the superfamily 2 helicase containing eight highly conserved structural motifs (I, Ia, II, III, IV, IVa, V, and VI) localized between the ATP‐binding and RNA‐binding pockets. Of these structural motifs only three are well characterized for function in flaviviruses (I, II, and VI). The roles of the other structural motifs are not well understood for NS3 helicase function, but comparison of NS3 with other superfamily 2 helicases within the viral/DEAH‐like, DEAH/RHA, and DEAD‐box subfamilies can be used to elucidate the roles of these structural motifs in the flavivirus NS3 helicase. This review aims to summarize the role of each conserved structural motif within flavivirus NS3 in RNA helicase function.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Synthesis and Investigation of Magnetic Properties of Rod Shaped Micron Sized Ni4 and Co2Ni2 Cluster based MOFs
Authors: Singha Debal Kanti , Islam Shams Sohel , Das Chhatan , Ahmed KC Niyaz , Nath Ramesh Chandra , Mahata Partha
Published: September 2021

Two new metal cluster (Ni4 and Co2Ni2) based rod shaped micron sized metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) of formulas [Ni2(μ3‐OH)(μ2‐H2O)(pyrazine)(OBA)(OBAH)] (compound‐1) and [CoNi(μ3‐OH)(μ2‐H2O)(pyrazine)(OBA)(OBAH)] (compound‐2), {OBA=4,4′‐Oxybis(benzoate)} are synthesized via solvothermal technique. Structural, morphological and magnetic properties of both the compounds are characterized using x‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and DC magnetization measurements. The homogeneous presence of Co and Ni with a molar ratio of ∼1 : 1 in compound‐2 is confirmed by EDX elemental mapping analysis. Magnetic measurements reveal that both the compounds are magnetically frustrated due to competing antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) interactions. Compound‐1 has dominant FM while compound‐2 has dominant AFM interactions. At low temperatures, magnetic long‐range‐order sets in, which is identified to be canted FM and canted AFM type for compound‐1 and 2, respectively. Below the ordering temperature, multiple magnetic transitions including spin‐glass transitions are detected, which can be ascribed to the effect of strong frustration in both the compounds.
Wakanda Forever
Authors: Distiller Natasha
Published: September 2021

This chapter applies the ideas developed in the first two chapters to the notion of race in America and in the psychology practiced in the West. It defines race and racism, using historical and psychological lenses. It applies binary thinking to the development of racism and explores the history of race thinking in the psy disciplines. It applies the concept of complicity to racialized binary thinking through the film Black Panther.
Risk factors for developing anorectal dysfunction after anterior resection
Authors: Afshari Kevin , Smedh Kenneth , Wagner Philippe , Chabok Abbas , Nikberg Maziar
Published: September 2021

Background

Anterior resection (AR) may result in defecatory dysfunction and the cause is multifactorial. The aim was to explore if dysfunction could be related to the part of the colon used for anastomosis (sigmoid or descending) and to identify other possible risk factors for bowel dysfunction after AR.

Methods

This is a retrospective study based on prospectively registered data from a regional registry at the surgical department in Västmanland 1996–2019. Bowel function was registered at 1 year after AR or after stoma reversal. In total, 470 stage I–III rectal cancer patients had AR whereof 412 were included in this study.

Results

Clustering was seen in 57%, incontinence 29%, urgency 22%, and evacuatory dysfunction 16%. The part of the colon used for anastomosis, level of vascular tie, and gender were not significantly associated with defecatory dysfunction. The higher the anastomotic level, the lower the risk of incontinence (OR 0.75; CI 0.63–0.90; p < 0.001) and clustering (OR 0.78; CI 0.67–0.90; p < 0.001). Compared with patients without a loop-ileostomy, an increased risk of clustering (OR 1.89; 1.08–3.31; p = 0.03), incontinence (OR 2.48; 1.29–4.77; p < 0.01), and urgency (OR 4.61; CI 2.02–10.60; p < 0.001) was seen after loop-ileostomy closure. Preoperative radiotherapy had a negative impact on continence and clustering seen mainly in the unadjusted analysis.

Conclusion

The part of the colon used for anastomosis was not a significantly associated functional outcome after anterior resection. Low anastomotic level and having had a diverting ileostomy were independent risk factors associated with negative functional outcomes.
Media Arbitration Schemes: Addressing the Backlog of Defamation Cases in Malaysia
Authors: Suhaimi Imaduddin
Published: September 2021

The rise in defamation claims in Malaysia has placed an onerous workload on the courts to deal with such matters. Against this backdrop, Hamid Sultan Abu Backer JC (as his Lordship then was) (Hamid Sultan JC) suggested in two separate High Court decisions that to alleviate the courts’ burden, matters pertaining to libel and slander ought to be constrained to the criminal courts through appropriate statutory amendments, including to the Criminal Procedure Code (Malaysia). In this paper, the author cautions against the learned Hamid Sultan JC's recommendations and proffers an alternative proposal in the form of media arbitration schemes to handle the growing influx of defamation claims. In particular, the salient features of the IMPRESS and IPSO Schemes from the United Kingdom are scrutinized in detail and measured in terms of suitability for a potential arbitration scheme in the Malaysian jurisdiction.
Stationary soil steaming to combat invasive plant species for soil relocation
Authors: Bitarafan Zahra , Kaczmarek-Derda Wiktoria , Brandsæter Lars Olav , Fløistad Inger Sundheim
Published: September 2021

Eradication of alien invasive species in the soil with steam as an alternative to chemical fumigation may allow contaminated soil to be reused. We have investigated steam disinfestation of soil to combat invasive plant species in three experiments including different temperatures and exposure durations using a prototype stationary soil-steaming device. The experiments included effects on seed germination of bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllusLindl.), ornamental jewelweed (Impatiens glanduliferaRoyle), and wild oat (Avena fatuaL.; one population from Poland and one from Norway), as well as effects on sprouting rhizome fragments of Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensisL.) and Bohemian knotweed (ReynoutriaxbohemicaChrtek & Chrtková). In Experiment 1, we tested four different soil temperatures of 64, 75, 79, and 98 C with an exposure duration of 90 s. In Experiments 2 and 3, we tested exposure durations of 30, 90, and 180 s and 90, 180, and 540 s, respectively, at 98 C. Seed pretreatment of 14 d cooling forL. polyphyllusandI. glandulifera, no seed pretreatment and 12-h moistening forA. fatuapopulations, and 5- and 10-cm cutting size forR. xbohemicawere applied. Our results showed germination/sprouting was inhibited at 75 C forI.glandulifera(for 90 s) and 98 C for the other species; however, longer exposure duration was needed forL.polyphyllus. While 30 s at 98 C was enough to killA.fatuaseeds andS.canadensisandR. xbohemicarhizome fragments, 180-s exposure duration was needed to killL.polyphyllusseeds. The results showed promising control levels of invasive plant propagules in contaminated soil by steaming, supporting the steam treatment method as a potential way of disinfecting soil to prevent dispersal of invasive species.
Promoting Children’s Social-Emotional Learning Through Early Education: Piloting the Pyramid Model in Victorian Preschools
Authors: Swalwell Janene M. , McLean Louise A.
Published: September 2021

The Pyramid Model (PM) is an evidence-based, early educational framework designed to promote all young children’s social-emotional-behavioural (SEB) learning. The tiered PM early education practice framework, developed in North America, embeds strategies for children with exceptional needs naturally and coherently integrates apparently divergent approaches to promoting young children’s SEB skills. Responsive teaching, which is fundamental to early education practice, is shown to link with positive behaviour support practices by means of incidental and planned intentional teaching. These early education PM practices are intended to promote children’s SEB skills when used together purposefully, consistently, and intensively. The PM’s potential application in Australia was investigated with 4–5-year-olds in 4 Victorian preschools. Quantitative data from the study suggested that after training and subsequent coaching in the PM, there was significant change in intervention educators’ behaviour, which was independently observed and rated using the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool. Concurrently, the SEB skills of the children in the intervention groups were shown to have developed at a significantly greater rate than the children in the contrast groups as assessed using the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales.
Order in the Bazaar: The Transformation of Non-state Law in Afghanistan’s Premier Money Exchange Market
Authors: Choudhury Nafay
Published: September 2021

Based on fourteen months of ethnographic research on the central money exchange bazaar in Kabul, Afghanistan—Sarai Shahzada—this article examines the micro-dynamics of legal change within a close-knit community in a fragile setting. For most of its history, the bazaar has been governed by informal legal norms. New state-building measures after 2001 led to increased efforts by the state to regulate the bazaar, causing money exchangers to initiate internal transformations to protect their autonomy. While scholarship generally argues that state coercion substitutes for private legal norms, this study shows the centrality of the state in consolidating the bazaar legal system. Exchangers have cast their non-state legal system in the image of the state by formalizing new operating rules that have introduced a management structure and dispute resolution forum. New state licenses have also helped to safeguard the boundaries of the bazaar. This article contributes to private governance and legal pluralism scholarship by revealing that a private community, even in a fragile state, may be capable of maintaining an autonomous non-state legal system not in spite of, but rather by depending on, the state.
Truth and Closure in Cyprus: An Assessment of the Committee on Missing Persons
Authors: Hadjigeorgiou Nasia
Published: September 2021

There are two key limitations to the literature that explores the relationship between truth and closure in post-violence societies. The first is that this relationship has been assessed mostly as part of a larger debate focusing on the links between the truth and the seemingly related concept of reconciliation. The second is that to the extent that the literature has addressed the connections between truth and closure as such, it has focused almost exclusively on the operations and effects of courts and truth commissions. The article addresses both limitations by examining the relationship between truth and closure through the prism of a different institution, the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus. Relying on 34 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including relatives of missing persons on the island, it argues that the Committee's delivery of the truth has promoted closure in three distinct ways. At the same time it acknowledges that the type of truth and the way in which it is delivered can have detrimental consequences for the promotion of closure. A short video summarising the findings of this article is available here.
Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: fungal epidemic in a viral pandemic
Authors: Chouhan M , Solanki B , Shakrawal N
Published: September 2021

Background

Treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infection can result in immunosuppression. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a frequent co-infection, even after recovery.

Methods

An ambispective interventional study was conducted of 41 coronavirus patients with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis at a tertiary care centre from March to May 2021.

Results

There were 28 males and 13 females with a mean age of 48.2 years (range, 21–68 years). Twelve had long-standing diabetes mellitus and 28 had been recently diagnosed. Thirty-six had received systemic corticosteroids for coronavirus disease 2019. Nasal signs were present in 95 per cent of patients, ophthalmic symptoms and signs in 87 per cent, palatal necrosis in 46.3 per cent, facial signs in 24.3 per cent, nerve palsies in 60.9 per cent, and intracranial involvement in 21.9 per cent. Treatment with amphotericin B was based on clinical features and co-morbidities. Endonasal debridement was performed in 51.2 per cent of patients, total maxillectomy in 14.6 per cent and orbital exenteration in 9.7 per cent. At the last follow up, 37 patients (90.24 per cent) were on antifungal therapy; 4 (9.75 per cent) did not survive.

Conclusion

Early detection may improve survival. Follow up of high-risk patients after coronavirus disease 2019 infection is paramount.