bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IN SITU MASS SPECTROMETERS FOR APPLICATIONS IN SPACE
Authors: Vazquez Timothy , Vuppala Sinduri , Ayodeji Ifeoluwa , Song Linxia , Grimes Nathan , Evans‐Nguyen Theresa
Published: September 2020

Mass spectrometry (MS) has played a remarkable role in exploring the chemical make‐up of our solar system. In situ probes were historically developed to analyze inorganic/elemental compositions while leveraging native ions or harsh ionization methods to aid in exploring astrophysics applications (e.g., heliophysics). The part played by MS is demonstrated in a majority of scientific payloads focused on exploration, particularly at the turn of the century with missions including Cassini‐Huygens, Rosetta, and now Mars Science Laboratory. Plasma mass spectrometers have grown more sophisticated to interrogate fundamental inorganic analysis (e.g., solar wind and magnetospheres) including both native ions and neutrals. Cosmic dust floating in‐between and orbiting planetary bodies has been targeted by unique sampling via impact ionization. More complex systems rely on landed planetary instrumentation with lessons learned from pioneering missions in the 1970s and 1980s to near neighbors Mars and Venus. Modern probes have expanded applicable target chemicals by recognizing the needs to provide for molecular analyses, extended mass range, and high resolution to provide unequivocal detection and identification. Notably, as the field surrounding astrobiology has gained momentum, so has the in situ detection of complex molecular chemistry including the chemical evolution of organic molecules. Mission context often includes long term timelines from spacecraft launch to arrival and additionally the diverse target environments across various planets. Therefore, customized experimental designs for space MS have been born of necessity. To this point, the development of MS instrumentation on Earth has now far outpaced development for experiments in space. Therefore, exciting developments lie ahead among various international space agencies conducting current and future mission planning with increasingly enhanced instrumentation. For instance, near‐neighbor Mars has entertained considerable attention with complex MS instrumentation with laser desorption ionization aboard the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer instrument. To study comets, the Rosetta mission employs a secondary ionization mechanism. Meanwhile, the various moons of Jupiter and Saturn have intriguing surface and subsurface properties that warrant more advanced analyzer systems. Instrumentation design will continue to evolve as requirements develop and this review serves as a reflection of the contribution of in situ MS to space exploration in the past 20 years and the anticipated contribution yet to come. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
Evaluating the role of NTHL1 p.Q90* allele in inherited breast cancer predisposition
Authors: Kumpula Timo , Tervasmäki Anna , Mantere Tuomo , Koivuluoma Susanna , Huilaja Laura , Tasanen Kaisa , Winqvist Robert , de Voer Richarda M. , Pylkäs Katri
Published: September 2020

Background

Rare protein truncating variants of NTHL1 gene are causative for the recently described, recessively inherited NTHL1 tumor syndrome that is characterized by an increased lifetime risk for colorectal cancer, colorectal polyposis, and breast cancer. Although there is strong evidence for breast cancer being a part of the cancer spectrum in these families, the role of pathogenic NTHL1 variants in breast cancer susceptibility in general population remains unclear.

Methods

We tested the prevalence of NTHL1 nonsense variant c.268C>T, p.Q90*, which is the major allele in NTHL1 families and also shows enrichment in the Finnish population, in a total of 1333 breast cancer patients. Genotyping was performed for DNA samples extracted from peripheral blood by using high‐resolution melt analysis.

Results

Sixteen NTHL1 p.Q90* heterozygous carriers were identified (1.2%, p = 0.61): 5 in hereditary cohort (n = 234, 2.1%, p = 0.39) and 11 in unselected cohort (n = 1099, 1.0%, p = 0.36). This frequency is equal to that in the general population (19/1324, 1.4%). No NTHL1 p.Q90* homozygotes were identified.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that NTHL1 p.Q90* heterozygous carriers do not have an increased risk for breast cancer and that the variant is unlikely to be a significant contributor to breast cancer risk at the population level.
Nearly 20 years later, demand steady for 9/11‐related health support
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2020

For much of the nation, the annual remembrance of the 9/11 attacks brings about brief moments of reflection, or perhaps a closer look back during a milestone anniversary year. But for those who share the experience of having been present in the days and months following the 2001 attacks, 9/11 continues to carry profound effects, in some cases not coming to light until a triggering life event nearly two decades later.
Photomultiplication type near‐infrared organic photodetectors with a mixed active layer
Authors: Wu Lishuang , Xu Rudan , Yao Guangping , Su Dasheng , Su Zisheng , Yang Huishan
Published: September 2020

Photomultiplication type near‐infrared (NIR) organic photodetectors (OPDs) are constructed with lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) and C60 acted as the donor and acceptor, respectively. Compared with the PbPc/C60 planar heterojunction device, the PbPc:C60 mixed active layer devices show enhanced NIR responses. The optimized mixed active layer device displays an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.8% at 870 nm under zero bias, which is about 45% higher than that of planar heterojunction device. Moreover, it also presents a detectivity in the order of 1012 Jones and an EQE of 400% under applied bias of −8 V, indicating a photocurrent gain obtained in the device. Although the mixed active layer devices have a lower absorption in the NIR region, the donor: acceptor mixed structure increases the donor/acceptor contact area and forms continuous carrier transport paths, which increases the excitons dissociation efficiency and the photogenerated carriers collection efficiency and hence the response of the devices.
Experimental studies on the effects of fog and haze on free‐space optical link at 405 nm
Authors: Aovuthu Sree Madhuri , Immadi Govardhani , Madhavareddy Venkata Narayana
Published: September 2020

Free‐space optics (FSO) is a perfect line of sight communication which is gaining a lot of popularity in the current research as it offers many advantages such as license free communication, high bandwidth, high speed, low bit error rate, and so on. Like the other communication technologies, FSO also suffers from adverse effects due to the climatic changes in the atmosphere. Some of the prominent effects that degrade the strength of the signal in free space are the fog, snow, haze, and rain. In this paper, the effects of fog and haze on the FSO link were investigated with the support of both simulated and experimental results. An experimental setup consisting of a single‐channel FSO system enclosed in a glass cabinet is used for generating the experimental results, and the simulation is carried out in OptiSystem using the Kim, Kruse, and Alnaboulsi prediction models. Results demonstrate that the simulated and experimental results follow the same pattern that as the intensity fog or the intensity of haze increases the received voltage levels decline.
Ankylosing spondylitis and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis: The relationship between living with these diseases and psychological well‐being
Authors: Kelly Kate
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

This study explored the psychological impact of living with chronic pain as a result of ankylosing spondylitis or undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. The aim was to investigate individual's current pain experience and their current psychological state.

Methods

A total of 161 individuals who had a clinical diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis or undifferentiated spondyloarthritis participated in an online survey. This survey measured daily/weekly pain, quality of life and psychological wellbeing.

Results

Results indicated that participants reported feeling high levels of pain consistently that impaired their daily functioning more than 50% of the time. Furthermore, on average participants reported experiencing extremely severe levels of psychological distress, that significantly correlated with their experience with pain.

Conclusions

This research is significant as it highlights a need to address the psychological well‐being of individuals who are diagnosed with chronic rheumatic disease in conjunction with the support they receive for their physical well‐being. Furthermore, health professionals need to be mindful of the degree of debilitation associated with these diseases.
Advances in OLEDs, IJP, Display Glass, and More
Authors: Werner Ken
Published: September 2020

Roving reporter Ken Werner assesses some of the most intriguing technical papers to come out of Display Week 2020.
β‐Adrenoceptor regulates contraction and inflammatory cytokine expression of human bladder smooth muscle cells via autophagy under pathological hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Chen Guo , Jin Xi , Luo Deyi , Ai Jianzhong , Xiao Kaiwen , Lai Junyu , He Qin , Li Hong , Wang Kunjie
Published: September 2020

Aims

Abnormal intravesical pressure created by partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) triggered the progression from chronic inflammation to fibrosis, initiating structural and functional alterations of bladder. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of contraction and inflammatory response, we investigated the isolated human bladder smooth muscle cells (hBSMC) under pathological hydrostatic pressure (HP) mimicking the in vivo PBOO condition.

Methods

hBSMCs were subjected to HP of 200 cm H2O to explore the contraction and inflammatory cytokine expression of hBSMC treated with β‐adrenoceptors (ADRBs) and/or autophagy signaling pathway agonists and/or antagonists.

Results

We showed that pathological HP induced the release of the proinflammatory cytokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor, and interleukin‐6. HP downregulated ADRB2 and ADRB3 expression, which was consistent with the results of the PBOO rat model. ADRB2 or autophagy activation repressed pathological HP‐induced proinflammatory cytokine production. ADRB2, ADRB3 or autophagy activation ameliorated the HP‐enhanced contraction. The increased contraction and autophagy activity by ADRB2 agonist under HP conditions were reversed by pretreatment with antagonists of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Conclusion

The present study provides evidence that the ADRB3 agonist suppresses hBSMC contraction under pathological HP conditions. Moreover, the ADRB2 agonist negatively regulates the contraction and inflammatory response of hBSMCs through AMPK/mTOR‐mediated autophagy under pathological HP. These findings provide a theoretical basis for potential therapeutic strategies for patients with PBOO.
Pregnancy in Women with Metastatic Sarcomas
Authors: Yazigi Alexandre , Lecointe-Artzner Estelle , Cesne Axel Le , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Blay Jean-Yves
Published: September 2020

Successful pregnancy in women with metastatic cancer is rare in the published literature. We report here on four women with sarcoma who started and conducted their first pregnancies while in metastatic disease. All four pregnancies were first pregnancies, and all four women are long-term survivors from 20 to 248 months after pregnancy. One patient had three pregnancies. All four women stopped systemic cancer treatment during their pregnancies, and two had RECIST progression during treatment interruption. Three patients still have unresectable metastatic disease, whereas one is in complete remission. In selected metastatic sarcomas with indolent courses, successful pregnancies are possible with no or minor impact on cancer progression and with prolonged life duration after pregnancy. As metastatic cancer becomes more often a chronic disease, this possibility opens important practical and ethical questions on how to best to advise women of childbearing age with metastatic cancers who are long-term survivors.
Donor‐Stabilized Monocarba‐Bridged Bis(cyclopentadienyl)alanes
Authors: Haider Wasim , Huch Volker , Morgenstern Bernd , Schäfer André
Published: September 2020

Five monocarba‐bridged bis(cyclopentadienyl)aluminum halide NHC and thione complexes and one monocarba‐bridged bis(cyclopentadienyl)phosphanylalane NHC complex are reported. The former were synthesized by transmetalation of a C[1]magnesocenophane with the corresponding aluminum(III) chloride and aluminum(III) bromide donor adducts. The phosphanylalane complex was obtained by a subsequent functionalization of the corresponding bromoalane with lithium diphenylphosphide. All complexes were characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Bonding energies of the NHC and thione ligands to the aluminum centres were estimated by DFT calculations.
Patients with cystic fibrosis and advanced lung disease benefit from lumacaftor/ivacaftor treatment
Authors: Ejiofor Linnea Chika Kristensen , Mathiesen Inger Hee Mabuza , Jensen‐Fangel Søren , Olesen Hanne Vebert , Skov Marianne , Philipsen Lue Katrine Drasbæk , Pedersen Camilla Lundgren , Pressler Tacjana
Published: September 2020

Background

Several studies have assessed safety and efficacy outcomes for lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy. We report on lumacaftor/ivacaftor's impact on lung function, physical performance, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in a subpopulation of Danish people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF; PWCF) with advanced pulmonary disease who would not fulfill inclusion criteria for these studies.

Methods

This follow‐up study examined lumacaftor/ivacaftor's effect in a highly selected CF population. Inclusion criteria included low percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1), fast deteriorating ppFEV1, low body mass index (BMI), and difficult‐to‐treat infections. Primary endpoints included change in ppFEV1 slope, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and all domains of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised (CFQ‐R). Secondary outcomes included change in ppFEV1, BMI Z‐score, and sweat chloride concentration.

Results

A total of 21 patients homozygous for the F508del mutation and a median ppFEV1 of 38.7 were included. We found significant improvements in ppFEV1 (+4.2 p < .01, +5.8 p < .01, +4.8 p < .01 and +3.8 p = .03 ppFEV1 after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment compared to baseline), ppFEV1 slope (+6.84 ppFEV1/year between the year before and the year after treatment initiation; p = .02), and saturation at CPET initiation (+1.4%, p < .02) and termination (+2.6%, p < .01) after 6 months of treatment. Finally, HRQOL improved significantly in all CFQ‐R domains except Emotion and Treat.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that lumacaftor/ivacaftor reduces lung function decline, improves lung function, physical performance, and HRQOL to a greater extent in PWCF with severe lung disease than previously recognized.
PAINT using proteins: A new brush for super‐resolution artists
Authors: Oi Curran , Mochrie Simon G. J. , Horrocks Mathew H. , Regan Lynne
Published: September 2020

PAINT (points accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography) refers to methods that achieve the sparse temporal labeling required for super‐resolution imaging by using transient interactions between a biomolecule of interest and a fluorophore. There have been a variety of different implementations of this method since it was first described in 2006. Recent papers illustrate how transient peptide–protein interactions, rather than small molecule binding or DNA oligonucleotide duplex formation, can be employed to perform PAINT‐based single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We discuss the different approaches to PAINT using peptide and protein interactions, and their applications in vitro and in vivo. We highlight the important parameters to consider when selecting suitable peptide–protein interaction pairs for such studies. We also note the opportunities for protein scientists to apply their expertise in guiding the choice of peptide and protein pairs that are used. Finally, we discuss the potential for expanding super‐resolution imaging methods based on transient peptide–protein interactions, including the development of simultaneous multicolor imaging of multiple proteins and the study of very high and very low abundance proteins in live cells.
Impact of baseline serum IL‐8 on metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer outcomes in the Phase 3 CHAARTED trial (E3805)
Authors: Harshman Lauren C. , Wang Victoria X. , Hamid Anis A. , Santone Gabriella , Drake Charles G. , Carducci Michael A. , DiPaola Robert S. , Fichorova Raina N. , Sweeney Christopher J.
Published: September 2020

Background

The immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin‐ 8 (IL‐8), produced by tumor cells and some myeloid cells, promotes inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In our discovery work, elevated serum IL‐8 at androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) initiation portended worse overall survival (OS). Leveraging serum samples from the phase 3 CHAARTED trial of patients treated with ADT +/− docetaxel for metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), we validated these findings.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐three patients had serum samples drawn within 28 days of ADT initiation. The samples were assayed using the same Mesoscale Multiplex ELISA platform employed in the discovery cohort. After adjusting for performance status, disease volume, and de novo/metachronous metastases, multivariable Cox proportional hazards models assessed associations between IL‐8 as continuous and binary variables on OS and time to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The median IL‐8 level (9.3 pg/ml) was the a priori binary cutpoint. Fixed‐effects meta‐analyses of the discovery and validation sets were performed.

Results

Higher IL‐8 levels were prognostic for shorter OS (continuous: hazard ratio [HR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–3.6, p = .001; binary >9.3: HR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.4, p = .007) and time to CRPC (continuous: HR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.6–3.3, p < .001; binary: HR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3–2.5, p < .001) and independent of docetaxel use, disease burden, and time of metastases. Meta‐analysis including the discovery cohort, also showed that binary IL‐8 levels >9.3 pg/ml from patients treated with ADT alone was prognostic for poorer OS (HR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.7, p = .007) and shorter time to CRPC (HR 1.4, 95% CI: 0.99–1.9, p = .057).

Conclusions

In the phase 3 CHAARTED study of men with mHSPC at ADT initiation, elevated IL‐8 portended worse survival and shorter time to castration‐resistant prostate cancer independent of docetaxel administration, metastatic burden, and metachronous versus de novo metastatic presentation. These findings support targeting IL‐8 as a strategy to improve mHSPC outcomes.
Strawberry pollen as a source of UV‐B protection ingredients for the phytoseiid mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Yuan Lifeng , Mori Shinnosuke , Haruyama Naoto , Hirai Nobuhiro , Osakabe Masahiro
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

A new physical control method using ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) lamps and light‐reflecting sheets (UV method) significantly suppressed a spider mite population on greenhouse strawberries. Although UV‐B radiation may adversely affect the survival of phytoseiid mites, previous research has suggested that Neoseiulus californicus can improve its survival on exposure to UV‐B irradiation by consuming antioxidants contained in tea and peach pollen. In this study, we evaluated strawberry pollen as an alternative food source for N. californicus and examined whether antioxidants in the pollen mitigated UV‐B damage to N. californicus.

RESULTS

The fecundity of N. californicus females reared on Tetranychus urticae decreased on shifting their diet to pollen. By contrast, females reared continuously on strawberry pollen produced as many eggs as females reared continuously on T. urticae. Survival and fecundity after UV‐B irradiation were higher in females on the pollen diet. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity analysis revealed that the high antioxidant activity of strawberry pollen was due to four hydroxycinnamoyl spermidine derivatives.

CONCLUSION

Strawberry pollen was an adequate alternative food source for N. californicus. Feeding on strawberry pollen, which contains spermidine derivatives with high antioxidant activity, mitigated UV‐B damage. This shows the potential of combining the UV‐method with N. californicus for controlling T. urticae in strawberries.
Side‐sensitive modified group runs charts with and without measurement errors for monitoring the coefficient of variation
Authors: Saha Sajal , Khoo Michael B. C. , Castagliola Philippe , Haq Abdul
Published: September 2020

The coefficient of variation (CV) is used in process monitoring when the process mean and standard deviation are proportional to each other. In this work, a side‐sensitive modified group runs CV (SSMGR CV) chart is proposed for monitoring the process CV. The run length performance of the SSMGR CV chart is compared to those of the existing CV charts in terms of the average and standard deviation of the run length criteria. The SSMGR CV chart is found to outperform the existing CV charts. In addition, the run length performance of the SSMGR CV chart is also evaluated in the presence of measurement errors, as these errors are not only unavoidable in practice but they also affect the sensitivity of a control chart in detecting an out‐of‐control situation. The results obtained show that the accuracy and precision errors affect the performance of the SSMGR CV chart in detecting an out‐of‐control situation.
On two fundamental approaches for reliability improvement and risk reduction by using algebraic inequalities
Authors: Todinov Michael T.
Published: September 2020

The paper introduces two fundamental approaches for reliability improvement and risk reduction by using nontrivial algebraic inequalities: (a) by proving an inequality derived or conjectured from a real system or process and (b) by creating meaningful interpretation of an existing nontrivial abstract inequality relevant to a real system or process. A formidable advantage of the algebraic inequalities can be found in their capacity to produce tight bounds related to reliability‐critical design parameters in the absence of any knowledge about the variation of the controlling variables. The effectiveness of the first approach has been demonstrated by examples related to decision‐making under deep uncertainty and examples related to ranking systems built on components whose reliabilities are unknown. To demonstrate the second approach, meaningful interpretation has been created for an inequality that is a special case of the Cauchy‐Schwarz inequality. By varying the interpretation of the variables, the same inequality holds for elastic elements, resistors, and capacitors arranged in series and parallel. The paper also shows that meaningful interpretation of superadditive and subadditive inequalities can be used with success for optimizing various systems and processes. Meaningful interpretation of superadditive and subadditive inequalities has been used for maximizing the stored elastic strain energy at a specified total displacement and for optimizing the profit from an investment. Finally, meaningful interpretation of an algebraic inequality has been used for reducing uncertainty and the risk of incorrect prediction about the magnitude ranking of sequential random events.
Acceptance of patients towards task‐autonomous robotic cochlear implantation: An exploratory study
Authors: Jank Bernhard J. , Haas Markus , Riss Dominik , Baumgartner Wolf‐Dieter
Published: September 2020

Background

Recently, task‐autonomous image‐guided robotic cochlear implantation has been successfully completed in patients. However, no data exist on patients' perspective of this new technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of patients towards task‐autonomous robotic cochlear implantation (TARCI).

Methods

We prospectively surveyed 63 subjects (51 patients and 12 parents of infants) scheduled for manual cochlear implantation. We collected sociodemographic and clinico‐pathological characteristics and their attitude towards TARCI for themselves or their child using a questionnaire. Differences between variables were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance and Spearman's rho was used to test for correlation.

Results

Seventy‐three percent of patients and 84% of parents expressed a high acceptance towards TARCI for themselves, or their child, respectively. Interestingly, patients with a negative attitude towards TARCI were significantly younger.

Conclusion

The attitude of patients and parents likely does not represent a barrier towards application of this new technology.
Removal of substituted phenols onto iron‐treated Nostoc sp. biomass
Authors: Gururani Namrata , Srivastava Anjana , Sharma Anita , Srivastava Prakash Chandra
Published: September 2020

This study explored the possibility of removing 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP) from water by using a dead blue‐green algae, Nostoc sp., dried and untreated and dried and treated with iron (Fe‐treated with 0.1 M ferric chloride solution for 1 day). The Nostoc sp. untreated and Fe‐treated biomass were used to study the sorption and desorption of 4‐NP and 2,4‐DCP. The effects of solute concentration, ionic strength, and temperature on sorption and desorption in the presence of untreated and treated Nostoc sp. biomass were investigated. The Fe‐treated Nostoc sp. biomass sorbed higher amounts of both 4‐NP and 2,4‐DCP than the untreated biomass. The percent cumulative desorption decreased from 6.41% to 0.28% and 1.84% to 0.19%, respectively, for 4‐NP and 2,4‐DCP for the Fe‐treated biomass. Biosorption of 4‐NP and 2,4‐DCP onto untreated and Fe‐treated Nostoc sp. biomass conformed to Freundlich isotherms. Iron treatment of Nostoc sp. biomass increased the value of ln K from 8.07 to 8.59 for 4‐NP and from 8.04 to 8.51 for 2,4‐DCP but decreased their desorption. An increase in ionic strength (0.003–0.03) increased the biosorption of both substituted phenols and decreased their percent desorption. An increase in temperature in the range of 15–35°C decreased the sorption of 4‐NP and 2,4‐DCP onto both untreated and Fe‐treated Nostoc sp. biomass and increased their desorption, indicating that the biosorption of both substituted phenols onto untreated and Fe‐treated Nostoc sp. biomass was principally a physical process. The results of this study suggest that Fe‐treated dried Nostoc sp. biomass could be explored as an inexpensive and eco‐friendly material for the effective removal of these phenols and, potentially, other chemicals from industrial wastewater and contaminated groundwater.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2: Current advances in therapeutic targets and drug development
Authors: Suganya Sakthivel , Divya Suresh , Parani Madasamy
Published: September 2020

The current pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has quickly emerged as a global health concern with government bodies worldwide taking drastic control measures. Understanding the virology of SARS‐CoV‐2, its molecular mechanisms, and its pathogenesis are required for a targeted therapeutic approach. In this review, we highlight the current molecular and drug advances that target SARS‐CoV‐2 at the genome level. We also summarize studies that therapeutically target the host angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and proteases. Finally, we summarize antibody‐mediated therapeutic approaches, as well as recent trends in vaccine development. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate different molecular targets in SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis and their usefulness in developing strategies for drug development.
Robust fault diagnosis and fault‐tolerant control for uncertain multiagent systems
Authors: Yao Lina , Wu Yawei
Published: September 2020

This article considers the problem of fault diagnosis and fault‐tolerant control for uncertain multiagent systems. First, the multiagent system model with disturbances and uncertainty parameters is shown in the article. Then, a new robust adaptive observer based on relative estimation error is used to estimate actuator faults and the parameters of the observer can be obtained by solving the proposed linear matrix inequality. After the fault estimation information is obtained, a robust output feedback fault‐tolerant control algorithm based on fault estimation is proposed and the condition that the controller parameters need to be satisfied is given. Finally, the multiagent system with four aircrafts is used as an example to further prove the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this article.
Robust sampled‐data controller design for uncertain nonlinear systems via Euler discretization
Authors: Coutinho Pedro H.S. , Bernal Miguel , Palhares Reinaldo M.
Published: September 2020

Robust stabilization of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems through a sampled‐data control law is considered in this work. Based on the forward discrete‐time Euler approximation, conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities are provided to synthesize a discrete controller that guarantees the states to be asymptotically driven to the origin, regardless of the presence of bounded parametric uncertainties. In contrast with other approaches, the system is not required to be Lure‐type nor the conditions to have predefined gains to be tested. Examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposal.
The influence of isolated thunderstorms and the low‐level wind field on nocturnally migrating birds in central North America
Authors: Van Den Broeke Matthew S. , Gunkel Timothy J.
Published: September 2020

Seasonal bird migration occurs on large spatial scales and is influenced by many factors including weather conditions. Weather can include thunderstorms, which may force migrants to land or cause them to reroute a migration path. In this study, a sample of isolated thunderstorms was analyzed from the domains of three weather radars in the central United States to test hypotheses regarding the influence of thunderstorms on the distribution of migrants. Migrating bird density was often reduced in the wake of storms, and this wake reduction was typically more pronounced for larger, more intense and faster‐moving storms, particularly in eastern Nebraska. Wind conditions more strongly influence the distribution and density of migrating birds in fall than in spring, providing evidence that migrating birds respond to environmental signals more readily in the fall. This finding supports the concept that birds are more strongly obligated to cover distance in the spring and arrive in their breeding range on time. Wind conditions at the surface were generally more important to migrant density and distribution than wind conditions closer to flight level.
Conservation tillage supports soil macrofauna communities, infiltration, and farm profits in an irrigated maize‐based cropping system of Colorado
Authors: Deleon Emmanuel , Bauder Troy A. , Wardle Erik , Fonte Steven J.
Published: September 2020

In the past several decades conservation tillage systems have been introduced to address the negative impacts of intensive tillage, but the potential of these technologies to improve soil function and maintain yields is still not fully understood. This study sought to examine the effects of conservation tillage on key soil quality parameters and profitability at a production scale. We evaluated soil properties and yields during the fifth and sixth years (2015 and 2016) of a field study comparing two conservation tillage systems: minimum tillage (MT) and strip tillage (ST), versus a conventional tillage control (CT). Measurements included residue cover, macrofauna abundance and diversity, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), aggregate stability, and infiltration. Results from both years suggest that conservation tillage can enhance macrofauna abundance (especially earthworms) and diversity. For example, ST had higher abundance of macrofauna (486 ind. m‒2) than CT (178 ind. m‒2) in 2015, while MT had greater species richness than CT (4.12 vs. 2.00 taxa sample‐1; respectively). Infiltration rate in the ST treatment was 18% higher when compared with CT in 2015. Residue cover was positively correlated with earthworm abundance, while earthworm abundance was positively correlated with aggregated stability and infiltration. When comparing economic costs and profitability across systems, ST and MT treatments had a 34% and 22% greater net return relative to CT. These results suggest that conservation tillage has potential to improve soil quality, water dynamics, and increase farmer incomes within furrow‐irrigated systems of Colorado and beyond.
To tolerate or to agree: A tutorial on tolerance intervals in method comparison studies with BivRegBLS R Package
Authors: Francq Bernard G. , Berger Marion , Boachie Charles
Published: September 2020

The well‐known agreement interval by Bland and Altman is extensively applied in method comparison studies. Two clinical measurement methods are considered interchangeable if their differences are not clinically significant. The agreement interval is commonly applied to assess the spread of the differences. However, this interval is approximate (too narrow) and several authors propose calculating a confidence interval around each bound. This article demonstrates that this approach is misleading, awkward, and confusing. On the other hand, tolerance intervals are exact and can include a confidence level if needed. Tolerance intervals are also easier to calculate and to interpret. Real data sets are used to illustrate the tolerance intervals with the R package BivRegBLS under normal or log‐normal assumptions. Furthermore, it is also explained how to assess the coverage probabilities of the tolerance intervals with simulations.
Multiscale Network Structure Analysis by Time Domain 1H DQ NMR and DMA of Resorcinol Diglycidyl Ether‐Jeffamine Matrices
Authors: Mattar Nour , Renard Estelle , Langlois Valérie , Rios de Anda Agustin
Published: September 2020

Epoxy‐amine networks have found their way in everyday and technical applications for the past several years. Special attention on biosourced monomers has increased for sustainable development applications. This work investigates the influence of the chemical structure on the thermomechanical behavior of biosourced epoxy‐based matrices through a multiscale approach. Resorcinol Diglycidyl Ether (RE) was hardened with Jeffamines (molecular weights MW≈230, 500, 800, and 2000 g mol−1). Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (DGEBA) was also studied for comparison. By combining Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), it was proven that the difference in the chemical structure of Jeffamines yielded matrices with distinct network morphologies, influencing the behavior of the matrices. A linear relationship between the crosslink densities probed by DMA and Time NMR was observed, demonstrating a direct influence of the network structure at the molecular level with the obtained macroscopic properties. It was demonstrated that physical entanglements in these matrices act as mechanical reinforcements. This work shows a novel and robust multiscale experimental approach allowing to understand key structure‐property relationships for epoxy‐amine thermosets.
Establishing Multifunctional Interface Layer of Perovskite Ligand Modified Lead Sulfide Quantum Dots for Improving the Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Ruiman , Ren Zhenwei , Li Can , Wang Yong , Huang Zhanfeng , Zhao Yong , Yang Tingbin , Liang Yongye , Sun Xiao Wei , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: September 2020

While organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show great potential for realizing low‐cost and easily fabricated photovoltaics, the unexpected defects and long‐term stability against moisture are the main issues hindering their practical applications. Herein, a strategy is demonstrated to address the main issues by introducing lead sulfide quantum dots (QDs) on the perovskite surface as the multifunctional interface layer on perovskite film through establishing perovskite as the ligand on PbS QDs. Meanwhile, the multifunctions are featured in three aspects including the strong interactions of PbS QDs with perovskites particularly at the grain boundaries favoring good QDs coverage on perovskites for ultimate smooth morphology; an inhibition of iodide ions mobilization by the strong interaction between iodide and the incorporated QDs; and the reduction of the dangling bonds of Pb2+ by the sulfur atoms of PbS QDs. Finally, the device performances are highly improved due to the reduced defects and non‐radiative recombination. The results show that both open‐circuit voltage and fill factor are significantly improved to the high values of 1.13 V and 80%, respectively in CH3NH3PbI3‐based PSCs, offering a high efficiency of 20.64%. The QDs incorporation also enhances PSCs’ stability benefitting from the induced hydrophobic surface and suppressed iodide mobilization.
Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Oxides and Chalcogenides for Advanced Photocatalysis: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Zhuang Guoxin , Yan Jiawei , Wen Yonglin , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan
Published: September 2020

Sunlight‐driven catalytic reactions are appealing for resolving energy and environmental problems. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) and chalcogenides (TMCs) comprise one of the most popular categories of photocatalysts, thanks to their high stability, low cost, Earth abundance, and outstanding catalytic activity. Downsizing TMOs and TMCs to 2D materials offers additional opportunities to finely tune their surface, electronic, and catalytic properties. However, 2D TMOs and TMCs fall into a less mature field than other well‐established 2D materials. Less is known about their “form‐to‐function” relationship, and mechanisms for their synthesis await more research. Herein, the progress toward the rational design of layered and nonlayered 2D TMOs and TMCs is summarized, as well as principles to engineer their nanosheets (NSs) into 3D architectures for practical application. The formation mechanisms and crystal growth models of these 2D materials are included. The key factors that determine the electronic, surface structures, and catalytic properties of 2D TMOs and TMCs are examined in particular, which are key considerations in tuning their performance in light absorption, charge carrier transfer/separation, molecule capture and activation, etc. Finally, the present challenges and future research directions in this promising field are illustrated.
Improving Efficiency and Stability of Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells by a Multifunctional Triple‐Layer System: Antireflective, UV‐Protective, Superhydrophobic, and Self‐Cleaning
Authors: Keshavarzi Reza , Molabahrami Narjes , Afzali Niloufar , Omrani MirKazem
Published: September 2020

Low‐cost carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) without a hole transport layer (HTL) and metal contact are highly promising for marketing. However, lower efficiency than conventional PSCs and instability during the penetration of moisture through the porous carbon electrode as well as the incoming of ultraviolet (UV) light from the glass side of the device remain challenges. Herein, a multifunctional triple‐layer system containing TiO2/SiO2/CeO2 porous nanomaterials is numerically simulated and experimentally used on the glass side of HTL‐free C‐PSCs. This strategy is designed to increase cell efficiency by enhancing the antireflective feature and long‐term stability via the UV light blocking and superhydrophobic properties introduced to the surface. Furthermore, this system is durable against environmental pollutants due to the photocatalytic self‐cleaning effect of TiO2. A superhydrophobic carbon back contact is also used to sandwich the perovskite active layer between two superhydrophobic surfaces and further the humidity resilience of the device. The device with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)–TiO2/SiO2/CeO2/glass/meso‐TiO2/MAPbI3/superhydrophobic‐carbon configuration shows an efficiency of 16.60% among the HTL‐free C‐PSCs and superior long‐term stability (maintaining 98.5% of the initial efficiency without encapsulation) against UV light and relative humidity of 90% at 50 °C.
Putting Order into PM6:Y6 Solar Cells to Reduce the Langevin Recombination in 400 nm Thick Junction
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Mehrdad , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Lee Young Woong , Zou Yingping , Woo Han Young , Neher Dieter , Shoaee Safa
Published: September 2020

Increasing the active layer thickness without sacrificing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is one of the great challenges faced by organic solar cells (OSCs) for commercialization. Recently, PM6:Y6 as an OSC based on a non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) has excited the community because of its PCE reaching as high as 15.9%; however, by increasing the thickness, the PCE drops due to the reduction of the fill factor (FF). This drop is attributed to change in mobility ratio with increasing thickness. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that by regulating the packing and the crystallinity of the donor and the acceptor, through volumetric content of chloronaphthalene (CN) as a solvent additive, one can improve the FF of a thick PM6:Y6 device (≈400 nm) from 58% to 68% (PCE enhances from 12.2% to 14.4%). The data indicate that the origin of this enhancement is the reduction of the structural and energetic disorders in the thick device with 1.5% CN compared with 0.5% CN. This correlates with improved electron and hole mobilities and a 50% suppressed bimolecular recombination, such that the non‐Langevin reduction factor is 180 times. This work reveals the role of disorder on the charge extraction and bimolecular recombination of NFA‐based OSCs.
On the Paramount Role of Absorber Stoichiometry in (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 Wide‐Gap Solar Cells
Authors: Keller Jan , Stolt Lars , Sopiha Kostiantyn V. , Larsen Jes K. , Riekehr Lars , Edoff Marika
Published: September 2020

This contribution evaluates the effect of absorber off‐stoichiometry in wide‐gap (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 (ACIGS) solar cells. It is found that ACIGS films show an increased tendency to form ordered vacancy compounds (OVCs) with increasing Ga and Ag contents. Very little tolerance to off‐stoichiometry is detected for absorber compositions giving the desired properties of 1) an optimum bandgap (EG) for a top cell in tandem devices (EG = 1.6–1.7 eV) and at the same time 2) a favorable band alignment with a CdS buffer layer. Herein, massive formation of either In‐ or Ga‐enriched OVC patches is found for group I‐poor ACIGS. As a consequence, carrier transport and charge collection are significantly impeded in corresponding solar cells. The transport barrier appears to be increasing with storage time, questioning the long‐term stability of wide‐gap ACIGS solar cells. Furthermore, the efficiency of samples with very high Ga and Ag contents depends on the voltage sweep direction. It is proposed that the hysteresis behavior is caused by a redistribution of mobile Na ions in the 1:1:2 absorber lattice upon voltage bias. Finally, a broader perspective on OVC formation in the ACIGS system is provided and fundamental limitations for wide‐gap ACIGS solar cells are discussed.
Analysis of recent Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) conference abstracts: How many progress to publication?
Authors: Pinson Jo‐Anne
Published: September 2020

Introduction

This study seeks to determine the first Australian conference abstract to publication rate for recent Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) conferences. Secondary outcomes include analysis of conference location, abstract distribution for posters and oral presentations, abstract author institution, and citation number of identified publications.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of ASA conference abstracts published in Sonography Special Issues from 2015 – 2017 was conducted. Data from 605 published abstracts was reduced to 297 Australian abstracts. Thirty five New Zealand and International, 133 workshops, and 140 incomplete conference abstracts with missing data were excluded from final analysis. Use of Google Scholar, PubMed and Google databases was undertaken. Abstract titles, key words, institutions and/or authors' names and institutions were used to find peer‐reviewed papers authenticated through open access, publicly available author information or library access.

Results

Between 2015 and 2017, posters averaged 16.00 ± 7.0 abstracts, and oral presentations 83.0 ± 17.0 abstracts. Fifty‐nine publications from sixty‐three Australian conference presentations were identified, distributed across twenty‐nine journals. The ASA conference abstract to full publication rate was 19.9%. Publications found had in excess of 430 citations.

Conclusion

The conference abstract to publication rate was 19.9%, at the lower end of reported radiology conferences, and comparable to sonography conference abstract to publication rates.
Experimental investigation on compressive strength of concrete with sticky rice pulp at different ages (the experiment of concrete with sticky rice pulp)
Authors: Zhang Huzhi , Zhou Xiaofeng , Wang Gongxun , He Peigen , Yang Qunyu , Shang Yucheng
Published: September 2020

The combination of sticky rice pulp and tabia is a building material in ancient China, while the concrete preparation with sticky rice pulp instead of water is a new concept, and exploratory experimental study on its working and mechanical properties is indispensable. Therefore, on the basis of concrete substrates of Chinese C25, sticky rice pulp with different concentrations was used to replace water to complete the preparation of concrete, and its slump and compressive strength test under different ages was carried out. The results showed that sticky rice pulp could be a retarder and reduce the water‐cement ratio to a certain extent, and amylopectin in sticky rice pulp could also play the role of template. In addition, there is cementation of coarse and fine aggregate by adhesive components in sticky rice pulp. These effects cause the compressive strength of concrete to decrease at the early stage and increase at the later stage, and in terms of strength alone, the optimal concentration of sticky rice pulp that replaces water is about 1%. According to the test results, the influence functions of cube compressive strength of concrete with sticky rice pulp at 3d and 28d ages, as well as the correlation function of cube compressive strength and two variables about concentration and age of sticky rice pulp were also fitted. The results of the above series of exploration provide basis for the engineering application of concrete with sticky rice pulp in future, which is an environmentally friendly building material.