bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An In‐Depth Study of Zn Metal Surface Chemistry for Advanced Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hao Junnan , Li Bo , Li Xiaolong , Zeng Xiaohui , Zhang Shilin , Yang Fuhua , Liu Sailin , Li Dan , Wu Chao , Guo Zaiping
Published: July 2020

Although Zn metal has been regarded as the most promising anode for aqueous batteries, it persistently suffers from serious side reactions and dendrite growth in mild electrolyte. Spontaneous Zn corrosion and hydrogen evolution damage the shelf life and calendar life of Zn‐based batteries, severely affecting their industrial applications. Herein, a robust and homogeneous ZnS interphase is built in situ on the Zn surface by a vapor–solid strategy to enhance Zn reversibility. The thickness of the ZnS film is controlled via the treatment temperature, and the performance of the protected Zn electrode is optimized. The dense ZnS artificial layer obtained at 350 °C not only suppresses Zn corrosion by forming a physical barrier on the Zn surface, but also inhibits dendrite growth via guiding the Zn plating/stripping underneath the artificial layer. Accordingly, a side reaction‐free and dendrite‐free Zn electrode is developed, the effectiveness of which is also convincing in a MnO2/ZnS@Zn full‐cell with 87.6% capacity retention after 2500 cycles.
Advanced Nanoscale Build‐Up Sensors for Daily Life Monitoring of Diabetics
Authors: El‐Safty Sherif A. , Shenashen Mohamed A.
Published: July 2020

High‐throughput screening, early diagnosis, prognosis, daily routine, and real‐time monitoring are the main factors in diabetes management. Novel nanodynamic sensory designs can support these processes by offering i) a great diversity of periodic glucose sensing assays, ii) multiple and large‐scale autosampling assessments of glucose levels, and iii) possible glucose analysis by using a small sample size. This work highlights the nano, biosensor design engineering rationales used to explore a wide range of glucose levels and transduce them into readable output signals for dead‐end and fast‐response analyses. Powerful nanoscale chemical sensor designs can be used as alternatives to traditional assessment and analytical methods in the laboratory and integrated into robotics, smartphones, or wearable devices. These innovations would offer the future steady progress required for biotechnological, analytical, and sensing applications with less time consumption and simple operation. A new generation of nano, bioglucose sensor designs featuring platforms with nanometric dimensions, geometries, surface functionality, and physical/chemical properties is also attractive as a candidate for developing diabetic sensing devices. Indeed, the developed fabrication of diabetic nanosensor devices with compact size miniaturization, autosampling analysis and collection, in situ controlling assays, and defined signaling read‐out detection is urgently needed to avoid a risk associated with diabetes.
Multiscale Patterned Plasmonic Arrays for Highly Sensitive and Uniform SERS Detection
Authors: Chen Yi , Yin Haojing , Sikdar Debabrata , Liu Huang , Zhu Qi , Yao Gang , Qi Huan , Gu Ning
Published: July 2020

The ability to rationally manipulate plasmonic nanoparticles into well‐defined hierarchically patterned arrays is crucial for exploiting the property of novel optical metamaterials and is of significance for designing plasmonic devices. Before the benefits offered by hybridized plasmon modes may be fully utilized in practice, programmable plasmonic nanostructures with preset morphology and composition should be developed in advance. However, it remains a grand challenge to fabricate large‐area patterned array with highly ordered nanostructure in a low‐expertise and straightforward route. Here, high‐throughput fabrication of multiscale patterned plasmonic arrays of macroscopic surfaces and nanoscale ordering is reported. The bottom‐up ligand‐guided crystallization of nanoparticles takes place upon drying‐mediated self‐assembly at air/solution/substrate interfaces, while the macroscopic topography is regulated by rational control over local nucleation in microwrinkles. Using bimetallic nanobricks as meta‐atoms, it is demonstrated that the configuration of patterned arrays can be finely engineered as required by simply customizing the wrinkled template. It is also proved that the fabricated plasmonic arrays exhibit nearly uniform hot‐spot distribution across the entire surface, which makes them as practical substrates for the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. This facile yet efficient methodology suggests a versatile step toward the fabricating of hierarchically patterned architectures for practical device construction.
Vertical Miscibility of Bulk Heterojunction Films Contributes to High Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: He Shi , Shen Zichao , Yu Jinde , Guan Huilan , Lu Guanghao , Xiao Tong , Yang Shuting , Zou Yingping , Bu Laju
Published: July 2020

The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic photovoltaic cells employing donor (polymer):acceptor (small molecule) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) are being rapidly improved. The phase segregation along vertical (film‐depth) direction of the active layer, referring to vertical immiscibility between donor and acceptor, leads to vertically varied and nonlinearly distributed composition, optical and electronic properties. However, the correlation between vertical miscibility and photovoltaic performance is still confusing. Here, it is semi‐empirically found that such vertical variations induced by vertical immiscibility deteriorate PCE. Subsequently, using PM6:Y6‐based binary and ternary BHJ as examples, a combined statistical, experimental, and numerical investigation on the dependence of photovoltaic performance on vertical miscibility is reported. The vertical phase evolution of BHJ significantly depends on solvents and processing methods. As compared with other donor:acceptor systems, polymer:Y6 deposited from appropriate solvents could have the best vertical miscibility which is nearly independent on film‐depth, leading to a higher PCE. PM6:Y6:fullerene ternary blends also have a good and uniform vertical miscibility, forming spatially well‐mixed ternary BHJ. Consequently, under this design guideline, the optimized film‐depth‐dependent miscibility contributes to optimized vertical distribution of optical and electronic properties, leading to an optimized PCE 17.1% with a low sensitivity to fluctuation of film thickness.
Toward Intelligent Metasurfaces: The Progress from Globally Tunable Metasurfaces to Software‐Defined Metasurfaces with an Embedded Network of Controllers
Authors: Tsilipakos Odysseas , Tasolamprou Anna C. , Pitilakis Alexandros , Liu Fu , Wang Xuchen , Mirmoosa Mohammad Sajjad , Tzarouchis Dimitrios C. , Abadal Sergi , Taghvaee Hamidreza , Liaskos Christos , Tsioliaridou Ageliki , Georgiou Julius , Cabellos‐Aparicio Albert , Alarcón Eduard , Ioannidis Sotiris , Pitsillides Andreas , Akyildiz Ian F. , Kantartzis Nikolaos V. , Economou Eleftherios N. , Soukoulis Costas M. , Kafesaki Maria , Tretyakov Sergei
Published: July 2020

Metasurfaces, the ultrathin, 2D version of metamaterials, have recently attracted a surge of attention for their capability to manipulate electromagnetic waves. Recent advances in reconfigurable and programmable metasurfaces have greatly extended their scope and reach into practical applications. Such functional sheet materials can have enormous impact on imaging, communication, and sensing applications, serving as artificial skins that shape electromagnetic fields. Motivated by these opportunities, this progress report provides a review of the recent advances in tunable and reconfigurable metasurfaces, highlighting the current challenges and outlining directions for future research. To better trace the historical evolution of tunable metasurfaces, a classification into globally and locally tunable metasurfaces is first provided along with the different physical addressing mechanisms utilized. Subsequently, coding metasurfaces, a particular class of locally tunable metasurfaces in which each unit cell can acquire discrete response states, is surveyed, since it is naturally suited to programmatic control. Finally, a new research direction of software‐defined metasurfaces is described, which attempts to push metasurfaces toward unprecedented levels of functionality by harnessing the opportunities offered by their software interface as well as their inter‐ and intranetwork connectivity and establish them in real‐world applications.
Profitability and profit persistence in EU food retailing: Differences between top competitors and fringe firms
Authors: Hirsch Stefan , Lanter David , Finger Robert
Published: July 2020

We investigate the drivers and persistence of profits in EU food retailing by focusing on differences between “top competitors” and fringe food retailers using a sample of 12,786 firms from France, Spain, and Sweden between 2006 and 2014. We detect a high degree of profit persistence in food retailing, presumably caused by strong bargaining power towards processors. Moreover, we find that profit persistence is higher for “top competitors” such as members of Top‐5 chains regarding sales and that independent/specialized supermarkets generate lower profitability. The results provide insights regarding power imbalances in food retailing and thus support the development of managerial strategies as well as measures to enhance market efficiency.
Methane and carbon dioxide in dual‐porosity organic matter: Molecular simulations of adsorption and diffusion
Authors: Rezlerová Eliška , Brennan John K. , Lísal Martin
Published: July 2020

Shale gas, which predominantly consists of methane, is an important unconventional energy resource that has had a potential game‐changing effect on natural gas supplies worldwide in recent years. Shale is comprised of two distinct components: organic material and clay minerals, the former providing storage for hydrocarbons and the latter minimizing hydrocarbon transport. The injection of carbon dioxide in the exchange of methane within shale formations improves the shale gas recovery, and simultaneously sequesters carbon dioxide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the properties of fluids such as methane and methane/carbon dioxide mixtures in narrow pores found within shale formations is critical for identifying ways to deploy shale gas technology with reduced environmental impact. In this work, we apply molecular‐level simulations to explore adsorption and diffusion behavior of methane, as a proxy of shale gas, and methane/carbon dioxide mixtures in realistic models of organic materials. We first use molecular dynamics simulations to generate the porous structures of mature and overmature type‐II organic matter with both micro‐ and mesoporosity, and systematically characterize the resulting dual‐porosity organic‐matter structures. We then employ the grand canonical Monte Carlo technique to study the adsorption of methane and the competing adsorption of methane/carbon dioxide mixtures in the organic‐matter porous structures. We complement the adsorption studies by simulating the diffusion of adsorbed methane, and adsorbed methane/carbon dioxide mixtures in the organic‐matter structures using molecular dynamics.
Genetics of somatotype and physical fitness in children and adolescents
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Maia José , Jelenkovic Aline , Pereira Sara , Gouveia Élvio , Antunes António , Thomis Martine , Lefevre Johan , Kaprio Jaakko , Freitas Duarte
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To analyze the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the variation in somatotype, physical fitness, and their mutual associations.

Methods

Twins from 214 pairs (87 monozygotic) of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal, from 3 to 18 years of age (51% girls) were assessed in anthropometry and physical fitness tests. We estimated endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy based on anthropometric measures and physical fitness using the Eurofit test battery. Two age categories were analyzed: children (3‐11 years) and adolescents (12‐18 years). Genetic and environmental variations were estimated using quantitative genetic twin modeling.

Results

No genetic sex differences were found, thus boys and girls were pooled in all genetic analyses. Heritability estimates were high for somatotype (a2 = 0.80‐0.93), physical fitness traits (a2 = 0.67‐0.83), and largely similar in children and adolescents. Positive correlations were found for ectomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with muscular strength (r = 0.25‐0.37). In contrast, negative associations were found for ectomorphy with muscular strength, as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance (−0.46 to −0.26). Twin modeling indicated that these associations were explained mostly by genetic factors in common to the two associated traits (84% or more).

Conclusions

Associations between somatotype and physical fitness tests are mainly explained by common genetic background in children and adolescents. Therefore, interventions in youth should consider that a child's performance in physical fitness tests partly reflects their inherited physique.
Boosting the Quantum Efficiency of Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence up to 52 % via Intramolecular Halogen Bonding
Authors: Yang Zhan , Xu Chao , Li Wenlang , Mao Zhu , Ge Xiangyu , Huang Qiuyi , Deng Huangjun , Zhao Juan , Gu Feng Long , Zhang Yi , Chi Zhenguo
Published: July 2020

Ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) has attracted increasing attention due to its potential applications in optoelectronics, bioelectronics, and security protection. However, achieving UOP with high quantum efficiency (QE) over 20 % is still full of challenges due to intersystem crossing (ISC) and fast non‐radiative transitions in organic molecules. Here, we present a novel strategy to enhance the QE of UOP materials by modulating intramolecular halogen bonding via structural isomerism. The QE of CzS2Br reaches up to 52.10 %, which is the highest afterglow efficiency reported so far. The crucial reason for the extraordinary QE is intramolecular halogen bonding, which can not only effectively enhance ISC by promoting spin–orbit coupling, but also greatly confine motions of excited molecules to restrict non‐radiative pathways. This work provides a reasonable strategy to develop highly efficient UOP materials for practical applications.
Solvation Rule for Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase Enabler in Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Su Chi‐Cheung , He Meinan , Shi Jiayan , Amine Rachid , Zhang Jian , Amine Khalil
Published: July 2020

Despite the exceptionally high energy density of lithium metal anodes, the practical application of lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs) is still impeded by the instability of the interphase between the lithium metal and the electrolyte. To formulate a functional electrolyte system that can stabilize the lithium‐metal anode, the solvation behavior of the solvent molecules must be understood because the electrochemical properties of a solvent can be heavily influenced by its solvation status. We unambiguously demonstrated the solvation rule for the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) enabler in an electrolyte system. In this study, fluoroethylene carbonate was used as the SEI enabler due to its ability to form a robust SEI on the lithium metal surface, allowing relatively stable LMB cycling. The results revealed that the solvation number of fluoroethylene carbonate must be ≥1 to ensure the formation of a stable SEI in which the sacrificial reduction of the SEI enabler subsequently leads to the stable cycling of LMBs.
Amine‐containing tertiary phosphine‐substituted diiron ethanedithioate (edt) complexes Fe2(μ‐edt)(CO)6‐nLn (n= 1, 2): Synthesis, protonation, and electrochemical properties
Authors: Li Jian‐Rong , Hu Meng‐Yuan , Lü Shuang , Gu Xiao‐Li , Jing Xing‐Bin , Zhao Pei‐Hua
Published: July 2020

As diiron subsite models of [FeFe]‐hydrogenases for catalytic proton reduction to hydrogen (H2), a new series of the phosphine‐substituted diiron ethanedithiolate complexes Fe2(μ‐edt)(CO)6‐nLn (n = 1, 2) were prepared from the variable substitutions of all‐CO precursor Fe2(μ‐edt)(CO)6 (A) and tertiary phosphines (L1‐L4) under different reaction conditions. While the Me3NO‐assisted substitutions of A and one equiv. ligands L1‐L4 [L = Ph2P(CH2NHBut), Ph2P(CH2CH2NH2), Ph2P(NHBut), and Ph2P(C6H4Me‐p)] produced the monosubstituted complexes Fe2(μ‐edt)(CO)5L (1–4) in good yields, the refluxing xylene solution of A and two equiv. ligand L1 prepared complex Fe2(μ‐edt)(CO)5{κ1‐Ph2P(CH2NHBut)} (1) in low yield. Meanwhile, the UV‐irradiated toluene solution of A and two equiv. ligand L3 resulted in the rare formation of the disubstituted complex Fe2(μ‐edt)(CO)4{κ1, κ1‐(Ph2PNHBut)2} (5) in low yield, whereas the Me3NO‐assisted substitution of A and two equiv. ligand L4 afforded the disubstituted complex Fe2(μ‐edt)(CO)4{κ1, κ1‐(Ph2PC6H4Me‐p)2} (6) in good yield. All the model complexes 1–6 have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, NMR spectroscopy, and particularly for 1, 3, 5 by X‐ray crystallography. Further, the protonations of complexes 1–4 are studied and compared with excess acetic acid (HOAc) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) by using FT‐IR and NMR techniques. Additionally, the electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of model complexes 1–6 are investigated and compared by cyclic voltammetry (CV), suggesting that they are electrocatalytically active for proton reduction to H2 in the presence of HOAc.
Antifungal activity of Allamanda polyantha seed extract and its iridoids promote morphological alterations in Cryptococcus spp.
Authors: Bresciani Fernanda R. , Santi Lucélia , Beys‐da‐Silva Walter O. , Berger Markus , Barcellos Vanessa de A. , Schripsema Jan , von Poser Gilsane L. , Guimarães Jorge A. , Vainstein Marilene H.
Published: July 2020

Cryptococcosis, caused by Cryptococcus spp., is an invasive fungal infection of the central nervous system, associated with high mortality, affecting mainly immunocompromised patients. Due to the development of resistance to the current therapy, there is an urgent need for less toxic and more effective antifungal agents. In this study, we describe the antifungal activity against Cryptococcus spp. of an aqueous seed extract from Allamanda polyantha (ASEAP) and two iridoids, plumieride and plumieridine, isolated from this extract with an antifungal activity. The capsule formation and the morphological alterations were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy. The cytotoxic activity was also investigated. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ASEAP for Cryptococcus gattii were 70 and 36 µg/ml (for the R265 and R272 strains, respectively) and 563 µg/ml for Cryptococcus neoformans H99. ASEAP inhibited C. neoformans H99 capsule formation, an important virulence factor, and decreased the cell body size for both the C. gattii strains. H99 cells also presented morphological alterations, with defects in bud detachment and nuclear fragmentation. Plumieride and plumieridine presented higher MIC values than ASEAP, indicating that other compounds might contribute to antifungal activity and/or that combination of the compounds results in a higher antifungal activity.
Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib Monotherapy in Methotrexate‐Naive Patients With Moderately‐to‐Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis (SELECT‐EARLY): A Multicenter, Multi‐Country, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Active Comparator–Controlled Trial
Authors: van Vollenhoven Ronald , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Pangan Aileen L. , Friedman Alan , Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F. , Chen Su , Rischmueller Maureen , Blanco Ricardo , Xavier Ricardo M. , Strand Vibeke
Published: July 2020

Objective

The SELECT‐EARLY trial was undertaken to study the effect of upadacitinib, an oral, reversible Janus kinase 1–selective inhibitor, as monotherapy in patients with predominantly early rheumatoid arthritis who were naive for or had limited exposure to methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

Patients (n = 947) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive once‐daily doses of upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg or weekly MTX (7.5–20 mg/week) for 24 weeks. The primary end points were the proportion of patients who met the American College of Rheumatology 50% (ACR50) improvement criteria at week 12, and the proportion in whom a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP) of <2.6 was achieved at week 24. Data are presented through week 24.

Results

At baseline, the median disease duration was 0.5 years (range 0–44 years). A total of 840 patients (89%) completed 24 weeks of treatment. The study met both primary end points for upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg versus MTX (ACR50 was achieved at week 12 in 52% and 56% of patients, respectively, versus 28% [P < 0.001], and DAS28‐CRP <2.6 was achieved at week 24 in 48% and 50% of patients, respectively, versus 19% [P < 0.001]). Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in multiple patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) were recorded for both upadacitinib doses versus MTX. Overall, 88% of patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg and 89% of patients receiving 30 mg, respectively, had no radiographic progression (modified total Sharp score ≤0) compared to 78% of those receiving MTX (P < 0.01). Through week 24, the frequency of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar between the MTX arm (65%) and upadacitinib 15 mg arm (64%), but was slightly higher in the upadacitinib 30 mg arm (71%). Six deaths were reported (2 in the upadacitinib 15 mg arm, 3 in the upadacitinib 30 mg arm, and 1 in the MTX arm).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that patients receiving either dose of upadacitinib monotherapy experienced significant improvements in clinical, radiographic, and PROs compared to patients receiving MTX.
A method for quick capital cost estimation of biorefineries beyond the state of the art
Authors: Tsagkari Mirela , Kokossis Antonis , Dubois Jean‐Luc
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the ‘process blocks build‐up estimating’ method for the capital cost estimation of biorefineries at Technology Readiness Levels 2 to 3 with a −50% to +100% accuracy, corresponding to a Class 5 estimate. Through systematic cost modeling, the method introduces a modular approach to cost estimation by breaking down a biorefinery into its major process blocks and using separate cost power functions. Suitable cost parameters (exponents and reference capital costs) for 11 biochemical, chemical and thermochemical biorefinery types are developed, as well as reference block efficiencies for estimating the costs of biorefineries within and beyond the state of the art. A framework for uncertainty modeling is also proposed to decide on contingencies for a biorefinery investment. The cost models are addressed to the biorefinery community, from experimental chemists to process engineers and decision makers, to assist them in selecting optimal pathways and budgeting new projects. The modular estimation approach is illustrated with a simple example on a biodiesel plant and a first‐of‐a‐kind polyhydroxybuturate (PHB) plant. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Doug Altman: Driving critical appraisal and improvements in the quality of methodological and medical research
Authors: Sauerbrei Willi , Bland Martin , Evans Stephen J. W. , Riley Richard D. , Royston Patrick , Schumacher Martin , Collins Gary S.
Published: July 2020

Doug Altman was a visionary leader and one of the most influential medical statisticians of the last 40 years. Based on a presentation in the “Invited session in memory of Doug Altman” at the 40th Annual Conference of the International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (ISCB) in Leuven, Belgium and our long‐standing collaborations with Doug, we discuss his contributions to regression modeling, reporting, prognosis research, as well as some more general issues while acknowledging that we cannot cover the whole spectrum of Doug's considerable methodological output. His statement “To maximize the benefit to society, you need to not just do research but do it well” should be a driver for all researchers. To improve current and future research, we aim to summarize Doug's messages for these three topics.
Molecular interaction studies of zinc sulphide nanoparticles with DNA and its consequence: a multitechnique approach
Authors: Mahanthappa Mallappa , Savanur Mohammed Azharuddin , Yellappa Shivaraj
Published: July 2020

Molecular interaction studies between nanoparticles (NPs) and biomolecules are of great importance in the field of nanomedicine as they affect many physiological processes. Therefore, the interaction of zinc sulphide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT DNA) and its significance was analyzed using ultraviolet (UV)–visible light, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), zeta potential, viscometry, electrochemical, and polymerase chain reaction methods. Fluorescence quenching analysis revealed that the fluorescence of ZnS NPs was quenched using CT DNA through a static quenching mechanism. The negative values of thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) showed that the binding process was spontaneous, exothermic, and van der Waals or hydrogen bonding plays an important role in the interaction of ZnS NPs with CT DNA. Thermal melting (Tm) studies indicated a decrease in the Tm of CT DNA, suggesting the destabilization of CT DNA upon interaction with ZnS NPs. In addition, the results obtained from competitive binding, zeta potential, CD, and viscometry measurements showed that the interaction of ZnS NPs with CT DNA is through groove binding. Electrochemical analysis further confirmed the observed results from various spectroscopic and other related studies, in which decrease in the redox peak current along with changes in peak potential (CV) and increase in the electrical resistance (EIS) indicated the interaction between ZnS NPs and CT DNA. Furthermore, PCR analysis using DNA polymerase revealed the potential of ZnS NPs to inhibit DNA replication in vitro. ZnS NP–CT DNA interaction studies can be explored to define new horizons in biomedical applications of ZnS NPs.
Evaluation of the recovery outcome of poststroke cognitive impairment after cluster needling of scalp acupuncture therapy based on functional near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Hui , Zeng Chao , Li Jingge , Zhao Bin
Published: July 2020

Background

Cognitive impairment often arises in patients suffered from stroke. Acupuncture is a recommended treatment option for stroke by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been shown to improve the cognitive function of patients with poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).

Methods

In the present study, we assessed the efficacy of scalp acupuncture with cluster needling on PSCI patients. Fifty six PSCI patients were randomly separated into the reference group who received drug treatment only and the treatment group who received cluster needling of scalp acupuncture on top of drug treatment. Cognitive function was compared between the two groups before and after treatment. We also took the advantage of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy to assess the cerebral hemoglobin levels.

Results

We reveal that applying cluster needling of scalp acupuncture on top of drug treatment can significantly improve the cognitive function and elevate the cerebral hemoglobin levels compared to patients treated with drug only.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that cluster needling of scalp acupuncture is an effective treatment against PSCI and shed light on its application on other neurological disorders.
Testing the institutional difference hypothesis: A study about environmental, social, governance, and financial performance
Authors: Garcia Alexandre Sanches , Orsato Renato J.
Published: July 2020

Considering the institutional, cultural, and regulatory differences across countries, this research investigates the association between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and financial performance of companies from emerging and developed countries. The institutional difference hypothesis (IDH) suggests that institutional weaknesses in emerging markets affect the relationship between financial performance and corporate social performance (CSP) of companies. This can occur because, under such circumstances, firms are more likely to prioritize the capital accumulation and not recognize the potential strategic benefit of socially responsible investments. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed a regression analysis of panel data study comprising 2,165 companies from developed and emerging countries, covering the period between 2007 and 2014. Our results suggest that there is a prevalence of the institutional environment in relation to the financial and ESG performances of companies. These results are in line with the logic of the IDH.
An investigation of key performance indicators for operational excellence towards sustainability in the leather products industry
Authors: Moktadir Md. Abdul , Dwivedi Ashish , Rahman Akib , Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel Jose , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Sultana Razia , Madaan Jitender
Published: July 2020

Operational excellence refers to a mixed management structure that enhances the productivity of an industry by exercising the best practices and efforts for continuous improvement. In order to achieve sustainability, operational excellence initiatives are practiced by different organizations. The intent is to investigate how to perform the practices of operational excellence towards sustainability in industries. In the existing literature, some studies investigated key performance indicators (KPIs) for other domains that are not readily applicable in the background of an emerging economy, principally for the leather products industry. To fulfill these research gaps, this study contributes to the operational excellence literature by recognizing the KPIs of operational excellence towards sustainability by examining the peer‐reviewed scientific articles and through expert's suggestions. The identified KPIs are segregated into six dominant categories and 27 sub‐KPIs in the field of leather products industry. Further, the prioritization of the KPIs is established by adopting the best‐worst method (BWM), which involves simple pairwise comparison matrices compared with other multicriteria decision making techniques. The findings indicate that the KPIs under the “Management” category are at the highest priority. It is anticipated that the results originated from the study will support the expert's to appropriately recognize the significant KPIs and drop insignificant KPIs for successful operational excellence towards sustainability practices in the supply chain of the emerging economy.
Water Soluble Coumarin Quaternary Ammonium Chlorides: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Karataş Mert O. , Noma Samir A. A. , Gürses Canbolat , Balcıoğlu Sevgi , Ateş Burhan , Alıcı Bülent , Çakır Ümit
Published: July 2020

In the present study, coumarin‐bearing three pyridinium and three tetra‐alkyl ammonium salts were synthesized. The compounds were fully characterized by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, LC/MS and IR spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The cytotoxic properties of all compounds were tested against human liver cancer (HepG2), human colorectal cancer (Caco‐2) and non‐cancer mouse fibroblast (L‐929) cell lines. Some compounds performed comparable cytotoxicity with standard drug cisplatin. Antibacterial properties of the compounds were tested against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis bacteria, but the compounds did not have any antibacterial effect against both bacteria. Enzyme inhibitory properties of all compounds were tested on the activities of human carbonic anhydrase I and II, and xanthine oxidase. All compounds inhibited both enzymes more effectively than standard drugs, acetazolamide and allopurinol, respectively. The biological evaluation results showed that ionic and water soluble coumarin derivatives are promising structures for further investigations especially on enzyme inhibition field.
Cancer Cell Metabolites: Updates on Current Tracing Methods
Authors: Maniam Subashani , Maniam Sandra
Published: July 2020

Cancer is the second leading cause of death‐1 in 6 deaths globally is due to cancer. Cancer metabolism is a complex and one of the most actively researched area in cancer biology. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells entails activities that involve several enzymes and metabolites to convert nutrient into building blocks that alter energy metabolism to fuel rapid cell division. Metabolic dependencies in cancer generate signature metabolites that have key regulatory roles in tumorigenesis. In this minireview, we highlight recent advances in the popular methods ingrained in biochemistry research such as stable and flux isotope analysis, as well as radioisotope labeling, which are valuable in elucidating cancer metabolites. These methods together with analytical tools such as chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry have helped to bring about exploratory work in understanding the role of important as well as obscure metabolites in cancer cells. Information obtained from these analyses significantly contribute in the diagnosis and prognosis of tumors leading to potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.
Re‐Evaluation of a Fulvene‐Based Self‐Replicating Diels–Alder Reaction System
Authors: Sevim İlhan , Pankau Wolf Matthias , von Kiedrowski Günter
Published: July 2020

We re‐evaluate our claim of a high diastereoselectivity in the self‐relicating Diels–Alder reaction between maleimide 1 and fulvene 3. It was shown that the system has a diastereoselectivity of 1.8:1 for NN‐4:NX‐4, which is contrary to the 16:1 ratio claimed by Dieckmann et al. The analysis of 1H NMR monitoring of the reaction revealed that both replicators show sigmoidal growth which is typical for auto‐catalytic systems.
Applied techniques for residual oil recovery from source rocks: A review of current challenges and possible developments
Authors: Abdulkareem Firas A. , Padmanabhan Eswaran
Published: July 2020

Depleted fossil fuel resources have led to an investigation of other promising alternatives such as renewable and unconventional energy sources. Shale formations have limited permeability. Therefore, several extraction techniques have been applied to improve residual oil recovery and production. In this work, the techniques applied above ground to extract the organic fractions from oil/gas shale are discussed. Studies related to compositional fractionation, ultrasonic‐assisted, microwave‐assisted, supercritical fluids, and surface retorting techniques have been conducted systematically in approximately 150 scholarly articles over the past 10 years. The impacts of each technique as well as the drawbacks and challenges are highlighted in this paper. The fractionation techniques are sufficient in general; however, they are time consuming as they include several stages and use a considerable amount of solvents. Ultrasonic and microwave techniques are highly reliant on formation transparency linked to the organic fraction heterogeneous distribution. The surface retorting method, which is highly efficient with up to 90% recovery, for example, the Galoter and Paraho methods, is still dependent on shale particulate size, generates a massive amount of spent shale as waste, and is prominently emissive. Therefore, assessments that can be used to overcome existing drawbacks are considered. This can provide practical insight about these techniques to overcome limitations and concerns in terms of efficiency, cost, environmental issues, and reliability features. The work highlights the dominant extraction techniques for further development.
Calorimetry is Now Faster, Easier and More Transparent Than Ever
Authors: Wagner Tom
Published: July 2020

Die Energiewende ist eine kulturelle Aufgabe. Sie ist gerade deshalb so schwierig, weil der Öffentlichkeit häufig nicht bewusst ist, dass die Chemie im Energiesektor große Bedeutung hat. Das kann der Chemieunterricht, im Speziellen das Themengebiet der Kalorimetrie, ändern: Vorgestellt wird daher ein Kalorimeter, das auf einem doppelwandigen Trinkbecher basiert, wodurch kalorimetrische Experimente schneller, einfacher und transparenter werden.
Modeling human‐specific interlaminar astrocytes in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Padmashri Ragunathan , Ren Baiyan , Oldham Braden , Jung Yoosun , Gough Ryan , Dunaevsky Anna
Published: July 2020

Astrocytes, a highly heterogeneous population of glial cells, serve as essential regulators of brain development and homeostasis. The heterogeneity of astrocyte populations underlies the diversity in their functions. In addition to the typical mammalian astrocyte architecture, the cerebral cortex of humans exhibits a radial distribution of interlaminar astrocytes in the supragranular layers. These primate‐specific interlaminar astrocytes are located in the superficial layer and project long processes traversing multiple layers of the cerebral cortex. However, due to the lack of accessible experimental models, their functional properties and their role in regulating neuronal circuits remain unclear. Here we modeled human interlaminar astrocytes in humanized glial chimeric mice by engrafting astrocytes differentiated from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells into the mouse cortex. This model provides a novel platform for understanding neuron‐glial interaction and its alterations in neurological diseases.
Multilayer thermal object identification in frequency domain using IR thermography and vector fitting
Authors: Strakowska Maria , Chatzipanagiotou Panagiotis , De Mey Gilbert , Chatziathanasiou Vasilis , Więcek Bogusław
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with the identification of the thermal parameters of multilayer objects using the concept of thermal impedance. In order to perform such identification, temperature evolution in time is obtained by an infrared camera after power excitation is applied in the investigated structure. Infrared thermography offers the advantage of being a noncontact temperature detection and measurement method. In many practical cases, it is impossible to use contact temperature measurements. Typically, the power in the form of a step function is applied. In order to calculate the thermal impedance of an object, temperature and power are converted into the frequency domain using the Laplace transform for s = jω. Then, the poles of the thermal impedance are identified using vector fitting, which allows calculating the thermal impedance as a sum of partial fractions. This corresponds directly to the Foster network of a thermal object. In addition, the vector fitting method offers much better convergence in comparison with other methods using the polynomial rational approximation of thermal impedance. A considerable improvement of the numerical Laplace transform in high frequency range is proposed. In this approach, the variable s = jω is replaced by
, and then, the integration result is corrected by the Taylor series. It leads to a kind of filtering of the temperature signal.
Rapid and robust on‐scene detection of cocaine in street samples using a handheld near‐infrared spectrometer and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Kranenburg Ruben F. , Verduin Joshka , Weesepoel Yannick , Alewijn Martin , Heerschop Marcel , Koomen Ger , Keizers Peter , Bakker Frank , Wallace Fionn , van Esch Annette , Hulsbergen Annemieke , van Asten Arian C.
Published: July 2020

On‐scene drug detection is an increasingly significant challenge due to the fast‐changing drug market as well as the risk of exposure to potent drug substances. Conventional colorimetric cocaine tests involve handling of the unknown material and are prone to false‐positive reactions on common pharmaceuticals used as cutting agents. This study demonstrates the novel application of 740–1070 nm small‐wavelength‐range near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to confidently detect cocaine in case samples. Multistage machine learning algorithms are used to exploit the limited spectral features and predict not only the presence of cocaine but also the concentration and sample composition. A model based on more than 10,000 spectra from case samples yielded 97% true‐positive and 98% true‐negative results. The practical applicability is shown in more than 100 case samples not included in the model design. One of the most exciting aspects of this on‐scene approach is that the model can almost instantly adapt to changes in the illicit‐drug market by updating metadata with results from subsequent confirmatory laboratory analyses. These results demonstrate that advanced machine learning strategies applied on limited‐range NIR spectra from economic handheld sensors can be a valuable procedure for rapid on‐site detection of illicit substances by investigating officers. In addition to forensics, this interesting approach could be beneficial for screening and classification applications in the pharmaceutical, food‐safety, and environmental domains.
Pelagic–benthic resource polymorphism in Schizopygopsis thermalis Herzenstein 1891 (Pisces, Cyprinidae) in a headwater lake in the Salween River system on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Qiao Jialing , Hu Jiaxin , Xia Qin , Zhu Ren , Chen Kang , Zhao Jie , Yan Yunzhi , Chu Ling , He Dekui
Published: July 2020

Resource polymorphism is a ubiquitous phenomenon in vertebrates and may represent a critical intermediate stage in speciation. Freshwater lakes in high‐altitude areas represent a natural system for understanding resource polymorphism in fishes benefiting from diverse lacustrine environments and species‐poor fish assemblages. We report resource polymorphism in a cyprinid fish, Schizopygopsis thermalis, in Lake Amdo Tsonak Co, a headwater lake in the upper Salween River system. Two discrete intraspecific morphs, planktivorous and benthivorous, were identified according to geometric morphometrics and traditional univariate linear measures. The planktivorous morph exhibits a longer head, longer upper and lower jaw, larger asymptotic standard length (L∞), lower growth rate (k), and higher growth performance index (φ) than the benthivorous morph. With respect to descriptive traits, the planktivorous morph possesses a large, terminal mouth and obvious mucus pores on the cheek and chin, while the benthivorous morph is characterized by a more inferior mouth with a sharpen horny edge on the lower jaw and unconspicuous mucus pores. The discrete pelagic–benthic resources and low interspecific competition in the lake system might drive the initial differentiation of the two morphs, and partial spatial reproductive isolation in breeding further maintains and reinforces the differences between them.
Fine‐scale fire patterns mediate forest structure in frequent‐fire ecosystems
Authors: Ritter Scott M. , Hoffman Chad M. , Battaglia Mike A. , Stevens‐Rumann Camille S. , Mell William E.
Published: July 2020

In frequent‐fire forests, wildland fire acts as a self‐regulating process creating forest structures that consist of a fine‐grained mosaic of isolated trees, tree groups of various sizes, and non‐treed openings. Though the self‐regulation of forest structure through repeated fires is acknowledged, few studies have investigated the role that fine‐scale pattern‐process linkages play in determining fire behavior and effects. To better understand the physical mechanisms driving these pattern‐process linkages, we used a three‐dimensional, physics‐based fire behavior model to investigate how the local arrangement of canopy fuels influences heat transfer from a surface fire to tree crowns and subsequent crown ignition and consumption. In particular, we were interested in the impacts of tree group size and crown separation distance on heat transfer. We found increased convective cooling for isolated individual trees and 3‐tree groups as compared to larger 7‐ and 19‐tree groups which resulted in a reduction of the net energy transferred from the surface fire to the tree crowns. Because isolated individuals and 3‐tree groups are exposed to less thermal energy, they require a greater surface fireline intensity to initiate torching and have less crown consumption than trees within larger groups. Similarly, we found that increased crown separation distance also reduced heat transfer and crown ignition. However, differences in crown ignition and consumption among various sized groups and separation distances depended upon the surface fireline intensity, suggesting that any change in crown consumption or tree mortality due to pattern‐process linkages may be best viewed as a conditional in nature. These findings identify the potential physical mechanisms responsible for supporting the complex forest structures typical of high‐frequency fire regimes, and the results may be useful for managers designing fuel hazard reduction and ecological restoration treatments.
Realization of 3‐degree‐of‐freedom control using fine‐grain parallel processing
Authors: Kurumatani Hiroki , Katsura Seiichiro
Published: July 2020

The article reports a sprout of 3‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) control. The limitation of feedback control, including 2‐DOF control, has been raised for a long time; however, a suitable control theory for overcoming those limitations has still not been formulated. An underlying reason is that the disturbance‐suppression performance and noise sensitivity cannot be decoupled. Several researches have tried to tackle this problem using a hardware approach, as a noise level depends on a hardware configuration. It should be noted that the hardware design expands spatiotemporal resolution of a system. This approach helps in reducing noise, namely, it works as the 3rd‐DOF for a control system. Therefore, an improvement in the hardware design could be a new angle for solving a mixed‐sensitivity problem. This article quantitatively presents the relation between noise‐reduction performance and the spatiotemporal resolution, and provides a foothold for the 3‐DOF control.
Synthesis, Structures and Magnetic Properties of CuII and CoII Compounds Based on Asymmetric 5‐(1H‐Imidazole‐1‐yl)‐3‐pyridine Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Li Jinpeng , Khan Misbha Rafiq , Liu Bin , Niu Xiaoge , Li Bohan , Hao Yaping , Liu Zhongyi
Published: July 2020

Five coordination compounds [Cu2(impc)2(µ2‐OH)Cl]n (1), [Cu2(impc)2(µ2‐OH)Br]n (2), [Co(impc)2(H2O)2]n (3), [Co4(impc)4(SO4)2(H2O)]n (4) and {[Co(impc)(H2O)2]·H2O} (5) based on asymmetric 5‐(1H‐imidazole‐1‐yl)‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid (Himpc) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 and 2 are isostructural and consist of binuclear CuII units and display two‐dimensional (2D) framework, where 1 and 2 present a new {(4.62)(42.65.82.10)(4)} topology. 3 features a 1D chain structure. Polymer 4, which also displays a new Schläfli symbol {(413.620.88.104)(43)2(4)}, contains tetranuclear CoII cluster and is a 2D structure. The planar‐type tetranuclear CoII cluster with SO42– bridge in 4 has not been reported. Compound 5 possesses a mononuclear structure. Magnetic susceptibility studies for 1 and 2 with Cu2 units reveal the antiferromagnetic coupling with J = –3.42 cm–1 for 1 and J = –3.83 cm–1 for 2. Contrary to the only example of class F2 ferromagnetic VII, 1 and 2 (class F2) exhibit different antiferromagnetic behavior. Compounds 3 and 5 exhibit ferromagnetic behavior, and their M(H) curve is consistent with the ferromagnetic nature. No peaks are observed in the out‐of‐phase (χ'') plots of 3, suggesting no long‐range order and no spin canting. For 4 with the Co4 units, it also exhibits ferromagnetic behavior, and the M(H) curve is consistent with the ferromagnetic nature.