bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative care service in patients with childhood cancer from a tertiary pediatric oncology center
Authors: Ho Karin KH , Cheng Frankie WT , Lin Molin KY , Wai Shirley , Lee Vincent , Li Chi‐kong
Published: January 2019

Importance

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) has gained great attention in western countries, however data on Hong Kong children receiving PPC are limited. There are gaps in knowledge about the PPC needs in local children with cancer.

Objective

To assess the current situation of PPC service of Hong Kong children with cancer.

Methods

We performed a 10‐year retrospective review in a tertiary pediatric oncology unit and studied the referral pattern, clinical characteristics and services provided.

Results

Totally 117 children were referred to PPC Team which constituted 65% deceased children within the study period. The commonest diagnoses were central nervous system tumour (32.5%), leukaemia (25.6%) and neuroblastoma (9.4%). Ninety‐one percent of children were referred after the last relapse or stopping curative treatment. The median time of referral to death was 77 days [interquartile range (IQR): 35, 182]. The median number of hospital admission after referral was 2 (IQR: 1, 5), with a median of 27 days total hospital stay (IQR: 10, 60). The reasons for admission were palliative chemotherapy (16.1%), pain control (12.1%) and platelet transfusion (11.2%). For the death episode, the median duration of hospital stay was 15 days (IQR: 2, 46). Most patients received oxygen (82.0%), intravenous fluid (81.2%) and intravenous analgesic (52.1%). A total of 111 (94.9%) children died in hospital, 15 had been admitted into intensive care unit (ICU) but only 5 (4.5%) died in ICU.

Interpretation

Pain control and platelet transfusion were common reasons of readmission. Death in ICU and at home was uncommon in Hong Kong situation.
Quantitative monitoring of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia using TEL‐AML1 fusion transcript as a marker
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxi , Gao Chao , Cui Lei , Li Weijing , Liu Shuguang , Zhang Ruidong , Liu Yi , Wu Minyuan , Li Zhigang
Published: January 2019

Importance

By demonstrating with TEL‐AML1, this study indicated that mRNAs transcribed from fusion genes are ideal targets for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and that different thresholds are needed to apply them into the risk stratification.

Objective

TEL‐AML1 expression was measured at three time points to 1) determine cut‐off values for predicting acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse; 2) investigate the prognostic value of this method and how well the results at these time points correlated; 3) determine the correlation between MRD levels assessed using this marker and that determined by immunoglobulin/T‐cell receptor (Ig/TCR) rearrangement detection.

Methods

TEL‐ AML1 expression in 62 children with ALL was quantitated by real‐time quantitative PCR at day 15, day 33, and month 3. The relationship between patient outcome and TEL‐AML1 level was analyzed at each time point. The correlation between the MRD levels determined by TEL‐AML1 or Ig/TCR rearrangements was also analyzed.

Results

For day 33, 6.68 TEL‐AML1 copies/104 ABL copies was determined to be the best cut‐off value. Higher levels were correlated with relapse (P = 0.001). For day 15 and month 3, the best cut‐off values were 336.5 and 0.85 copies/104 ABL copies respectively; patients with higher expression levels had lower RFSs (day 15: P = 0.027; month 3: P = 0.023). For days 15 and 33, MRD levels assessed using TEL‐AML1 or Ig/TCR rearrangements were strongly correlated [Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ) = 0.729 (day 15), 0.719 (day 33); P < 0.001 (both)], and both methods were equally effective at predicting relapse. At month 3, there was moderate correlation between the results derived from the two markers (ρ = 0.418, P = 0.003); however, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that TEL‐AML1 was a better prognostic marker.

Interpretation

TEL‐AML1 is an effective marker for MRD assessment and relapse prediction in children with ALL.
Crystallinity and Property Enhancements in Neat Polylactic Acid by Chilled Extrusion: Solid‐State Shear Pulverization and Solid‐State/Melt Extrusion
Authors: Blumer Ethan M. , Lynch Brian B. , Fielding Alexander S. , Wakabayashi Katsuyuki
Published: January 2019

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biopolymer of significant interest to both industry and the scientific community, but an incomplete understanding of the practical processing‐structure‐property relations is limiting its application range. The study applies alternative, chilled extrusion technologies called solid‐state shear pulverization (SSSP) and solid‐state/melt extrusion (SSME) to neat, commercial PLA, and investigates the effect of the resulting morphological features upon the thermomechanical behavior. Although conventional, heated twin‐screw extrusion leads to significant thermal degradation of PLA chains, which in turn facilitates crystal growth due to enhanced chain mobility, chilled SSSP imparts chain defects and branching, which serve as heterogeneous nucleation sites in the polymer and promotes the formation of a rigid amorphous phase. A hybrid SSME process brings unique interplay of both chain architecture effects, resulting in a synergistic thermomechanical behavior involving the α' crystal polymorph formation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E286–E295, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
A novel silicon heterojunction IBC process flow using partial etching of doped a‐Si:H to switch from hole contact to electron contact in situ with efficiencies close to 23%
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Radhakrishnan Hariharsudan , Uddin M.D. Gius , Xu Menglei , Cho Jinyoun , Ghannam Moustafa , Gordon Ivan , Szlufcik Jozef , Poortmans Jef
Published: January 2019

We present a novel process sequence to simplify the rear‐side patterning of the silicon heterojunction interdigitated back contact (HJ IBC) cells. In this approach, interdigitated strips of a‐Si:H (i/p+) hole contact and a‐Si:H (i/n+) electron contact are achieved by partially etching a blanket a‐Si:H (i/p+) stack through an SiOx hard mask to remove only the p+ a‐Si:H layer and replace it with an n+ a‐Si:H layer, thereby switching from a hole contact to an electron contact in situ, without having to remove the entire passivation. This eliminates the ex situ wet clean after dry etching and also prevents re‐exposure of the crystalline silicon surface during rear‐side processing. Using a well‐controlled process, high‐quality passivation is maintained throughout the rear‐side process sequence leading to high open‐circuit voltages (VOC). A slightly higher contact resistance at the electron contact leads to a slightly higher fill factor (FF) loss due to series resistance for cells from the partial etch route, but the FF loss due to J02‐type recombination is lower, compared with reference cells. As a result, the best cell from the partial etch route has an efficiency of 22.9% and a VOC of 729 mV, nearly identical to the best reference cell, demonstrating that the developed partial etch process can be successfully implemented to achieve cell performance comparable with reference, but with a simpler, cheaper, and faster process sequence.
Mechanisms of the reaction between benzonitrile and 4‐octyne catalyzed by Ni(PMe3)2: A theoretical investigation
Authors: Zhou Da‐Gang , Wang Peng
Published: January 2019

The reaction mechanisms of benzonitrile and 4‐octyne catalyzed by Ni(PMe3)2 have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) level, and the conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) model was applied to simulate the solvent effect. The computational results suggest that benzonitrile has three possible paths to generate metallic intermediate. Then insertion and reductive elimination reactions happen between the metallic intermediate and 4‐octyne to yield the final product (Z)‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propyl‐2‐hexenenitrile. The analysis of frontier molecular orbital and electron density difference could help to reveal the substance of this reaction. And the results could provide valuable insights into these types of interactions and related ones.
Gravitational Waves from Generalized Newtonian Sources
Authors: van Holten J. W.
Published: January 2019

I review the elementary theory of gravitational waves on a Minkowski background and the quadrupole approximation. The modified conservation laws for energy and momentum keeping track of the gravitational‐wave flux are presented. The theory is applied to two‐body systems in bound and scattering states subject to newtonian gravity generalized to include a force allowing for orbital precession. The evolution of the orbits is studied in the adiabatic approximation. From these results I derive the conditions for capture of two bodies to form a bound state by the emission of gravitational radiation.
Memantine protects thalamocortical hyper‐glutamatergic transmission induced by NMDA receptor antagonism via activation of system xc−
Authors: Okada Motohiro , Fukuyama Kouji , Kawano Yasuhiro , Shiroyama Takashi , Ueda Yuto
Published: January 2019

Deficiencies in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)/glutamate receptor (NMDAR) signaling have been considered central to the cognitive impairments of schizophrenia; however, an NMDAR antagonist memantine (MEM) improves cognitive impairments of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. These mechanisms of paradoxical clinical effects of NMDAR antagonists remain unclear. To explore the mechanisms by which MK801 and MEM affect thalamocortical transmission, we determined interactions between local administrations of MK801, MEM, system xc− (Sxc), and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) on extracellular glutamate and GABA levels in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MDTN) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using dual‐probe microdialysis with ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography. Effects of MK801 and MEM on Sxc activity were also determined using primary cultured astrocytes. Sxc activity was enhanced by MEM, but was unaffected by MK801. MK801 enhanced thalamocortical glutamatergic transmission by GABAergic disinhibition in the MDTN. In the MDTN and the mPFC, MEM weakly increased glutamate release by activating Sxc, whereas MEM inhibited thalamocortical glutamatergic transmission. Paradoxical effects of MEM were induced following secondary activation of inhibitory II‐mGluR and III‐mGluR by exporting glutamate from astroglial Sxc. The present results suggest that the effects of therapeutically relevant concentrations of MEM on thalamocortical glutamatergic transmission are predominantly caused by activation of Sxc rather than inhibition of NMDAR. These demonstrations suggest that the combination between reduced NMDAR and activated Sxc contribute to the neuroprotective effects of MEM. Furthermore, activation of Sxc may compensate for the cognitive impairments that are induced by hyperactivation of thalamocortical glutamatergic transmission following activation of Sxc/II‐mGluR in the MDTN and Sxc/II‐mGluR/III‐mGluR in the mPFC.
Novel Spark Method for Deposition of Metal Oxide Thin Films: Deposition of Hexagonal Tungsten Oxide
Authors: Louloudakis Dimitrios , Thongpan Winai , Mouratis Kyriakos , Koudoumas Emmanouel , Kiriakidis George , Singjai Pisith
Published: January 2019

Hexagonal tungsten trioxide (WO3) layers are grown on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates using a novel spark deposition system. The effects of deposition time, substrate temperature, and oxygen (O2) flow rate through the chamber on the structural and morphological characteristics as well as the electrochemical response of the layers are examined. It is found that a deposition temperature of 400 °C and O2 flow rate at 60 mL min−1 through the chamber can result in hexagonal WO3 with improved crystallinity and quite effective electrochemical/electrochromic response.
Optoelectronic Properties of Zinc Oxide: A First‐Principles Investigation Using the Tran–Blaha Modified Becke–Johnson Potential
Authors: Almeida Rosely M. V. S. , da Rosa Andreia Luisa , Frauenheim Thomas , de Almeida Jailton S.
Published: January 2019

In this work, density functional theory (DFT) is used to investigate the influence of semi‐local exchange and correlation effects on the electronic and optical properties of zinc oxide. It is found that the inclusion of such effects using the Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson potential yields an excellent description of the electronic structure of this material giving an energy band gap which is systematically larger than the one obtained with standard local functionals such as the generalized gradient approximation. The discrepancy between the experimental and theoretical band gaps is then significantly reduced. We also calculated the dielectric functions of ZnO and find a violet shift to the absorption edge which is in good agreement with experimental results.
Immunosuppressive effects of the standardized extract of Zingiber zerumbet on innate immune responses in Wistar rats
Authors: Ghazalee Nor Shazliana , Jantan Ibrahim , Arshad Laiba , Haque Md. Areeful
Published: January 2019

Zingiber zerumbet rhizome has been used in traditional medicine mainly for the treatment of various immune‐inflammatory related ailments and has been shown to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological effects especially antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the immunosuppressive effects of the standardized 80% ethanol extract of Z. zerumbet at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg on the innate immune responses in male Wistar rats. The immune parameters determined were chemotaxis of neutrophils, Mac‐1 expression, engulfment of Escherichia coli by neutrophils, reactive oxygen species production, and plasma lysozyme and ceruloplasmin levels. Zerumbone was qualitatively and quantitatively determined in the extract by using a validated reversed‐phase HPLC, whereas liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry (LC ‐MS/MS) was used to profile the secondary metabolites. Z. zerumbet significantly inhibited the migration of neutrophils, expressions of CD11b/CD18 integrin, phagocytic activity, and production of reactive oxygen species in a dose‐dependent manner. The extract also dose‐dependently inhibited the expressions of lysozyme and ceruloplasmin in the rat plasma. Z. zerumbet extract possessed strong inhibitory effects on the innate immune responses and has potential to be developed into an effective immunosuppressive agent.
Innovation, intermediation, and the nature of entrepreneurship: A historical perspective
Authors: Toms Steven , Wilson Nick , Wright Mike
Published: January 2019

Research Summary

We consider two sources of innovation, technical and financial, and examine their separate and joint impacts, through the process of financial intermediation, on the nature of entrepreneurial opportunity. These impacts are time dependent and reflect the institutional context of entrepreneurship. As illustrations, we investigate three historical episodes, ranging from the product led innovations of the industrial revolution, to the closely aligned innovations of the buyout wave of the 1980s to the more recent effects of finance led innovation. We identify systematic underlying factors that can cause significant differences in the entrepreneurial opportunity set.

Managerial Summary

We provide lessons from three historical periods regarding how policy toward entrepreneurship might ensure technical and financial innovations are successfully intermediated. This implies an alliance‐based notion of entrepreneurship, underpinned by enabling systems of governance and suitable institutions reduced dependence on specific individuals or generations. A balance also should be struck to mitigate risky investment through sharing, and specifically equalizing rights and information between borrowers and lenders. Regulatory changes should discourage capital and information hoarding and support risky lending to asset‐backed, knowledge‐based industrial projects.
An Amphiphilic Mesoporous Polymer Comprising a “built‐in” Imidazolium Ionic Liquid via Nanocasting Method as a Novel Catalyst Support with Combined Prospects
Authors: Karimi Babak , Artelli Zahra , Mohammadi Fariba , Mansouri Fariborz , Hasannia Maliheh , Marefat Mohammad Reza , Vali Hojatollah , Mastrorilli Piero , Todisco Stefano
Published: January 2019

An imidazolium based ionic liquid bearing triethylene glycol (TEG) tag was employed as a functional monomer together with divinylbenzene to prepare a novel hydrophilic mesoporous polymer containing ionic liquid functionalities via nanocasting method using SBA‐15 as a hard template. The material was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 sorption analysis, thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), elemental analysis (CHN), solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and contact angle measurement. It was found that the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of initial template, stepwise addition of monomers and initiator as well as amount of carrier solvent are of the important parameters in preparation of the polymer with uniform pore structure. Benefited from the combined properties such as incorporation of ionic liquid within the pore system of a flexible organic matrix together with its hydrophilic character, the material was found as an appropriate support to generate highly dispersed and very small size of Pd nanoparticles inside the pores. The prepared catalyst in this way, demonstrated outstanding activity, recyclability and high durability in the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction of varied aryl halides with boronic acids in water as a green reaction medium. The beneficial role of imidazolium ionic liquid in the formation of small and highly active Pd nanoparticles was confirmed with comparative experiments.
One‐Pot Catalytic Conversion of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) to Propylene at 240 °C
Authors: Kang Shimin , Chen Huigan , Zheng Yuying , Xiao Yukui , Xu Yongjun , Wang Zepan
Published: January 2019

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), a renewable feedstock from microorganisms, was a good resource for propylene production by a simple one‐pot reaction. The reaction was catalyzed by triruthenium dodecacarbonyl (TD) at relatively mild temperature (240 °C), and the yield and selectivity of propylene reached 22.9 wt% and 46.8%, respectively. A small part of hydrocarbon oils reached 9 wt% was also obtained, which contained 79.1 wt% of carbon and 12.3 wt% of hydrogen, with a theoretical high heating value of 41.2 MJ/kg.
Schiff Bases of Tetrahydrocurcumin as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Mahal Ahmed , Wu Ping , Jiang Zi‐Hua , Wei Xiaoyi
Published: January 2019

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is a metabolite of curcumin and a valuable lead structure in medicinal chemistry due to its curcumin‐induced biological effects and its derivatives can be promising antitumor agents. Thirteen Schiff base derivatives of THC (1‐13) were synthesized by direct condensation of THC with various primary amines in moderate to very good yield (45‐94%) and their structures confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS and IR techniques. Furthermore, these compounds were screened for in vitro anticancer activity against three human cancer cell lines including human epithelial lung carcinoma (A549), human epithelial cervical cancer (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7). Most compounds exhibit moderate to good anticancer activity against all three tested cell lines and are significantly more active than THC. Compound 12 bears an N‐(4‐trifluromethyl)phenylethyl group and is the most active compound with IC50 values ranging from 4.8 to 12.7 μM. The results obtained herein are important for further structure modifications of THC and the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of THC derivatives as anticancer agents.
Flexible Solid‐State Supercapacitor Based on Carbon Nanotube/Fe3O4/Reduced Graphene Oxide Binary Films
Authors: Xie Shuxiao , Dong Fei , Li Jinsong
Published: January 2019

A novel flexible nanoarchitecture is fabricated via the facile electrophoresis of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) network on carbon nanotube (CNT)‐Fe3O4 film for supercapacitor electrode applications. The interconnected networks of graphene with large specific surface area (248.4 m2 g−1) improve the diffusion of the electrolyte ions into the electrode. The resulting supercapacitor exhibits a high specific energy density of 36.7 Wh kg−1, specific capacitance of 275.6 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and excellent cyclic stability with only 7.1% loss of its initial specific capacitance after 10000 change‐discharge cycles. These results suggest that such CNT‐Fe3O4‐rGO composite is very promising for next generation high‐performance supercapacitors.
Sequential Oscillations in the Ferroin‐Catalyzed Belousov‐Zhabotinsky Reaction: The Case of Oxalacetic Acid Substrate
Authors: Nagy Tibor , Szászi József , Kovács Sándor , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor
Published: January 2019

A novel sequential, dual‐frequency oscillations were found in the Ferroin‐catalyzed Belousov‐Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction when oxalacetic acid was employed as the substrate. The reactions were followed spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 490 nm. The reaction revealed a “trumpet”‐shape oscillation pattern at relatively low oxalacetic acid (OAA) concentration, while at higher OAA concentration oscillation splits into a low and a high frequency region separated by a short second “induction period”. Furthermore, the effect of the initial reactant concentrations such as those of bromate, ferroin, sulfuric acid and oxalacetic acid were also investigated. It was observed that oscillation started to appear at shorter reaction time upon increasing the concentrations of bromate and ferroin, while it changed according to a minimum curve as a function of sulfuric acid concentration. However, in the case of OAA increasing its concentration resulted in increasing “induction periods”, i. e., the onset of oscillation shifted to longer reaction times. The origin of the “trumpet”‐shape oscillation patterns and the two‐phase oscillation was interpreted by means of the Oregonator model.
A Turn‐on Fluorescence Probe For Rapid, Sensitive And Visual Detection of Formaldehyde
Authors: Cheng Huan‐ren , Zou Li‐wei , Yang Ling , Wang Zhi‐guo , Lu Xiao‐ju
Published: January 2019

The sensitive and selective determination of formaldehyde is very significant in food safety and environmental protection. In this paper, a novel perylenediimide based fluorescent probe for formaldehyde has been constructed. The probe can be used to detect formaldehyde rapidly, facilely and sensitively, and it exhibited an obvious fluorescence enhancement (at 582 nm) within 1 minutes, and the enhanced yellow fluorescence can be easily observed by the naked eyes. Importantly, the probe showed strong anti‐interference abilities to protons and other small molecules. Moreover, the density functional theory was performed to understand the Turn‐On process and the probe was successfully used to detect formaldehyde in living cells.
Improved Dispersion and Ultradeep Activity of HDS Catalyst by New Synthesis Approach
Authors: Ganiyu Saheed A. , Ali Syed Ahmed , Alhooshani Khalid
Published: January 2019

The syntheses of highly dispersed NiMoS catalysts for ultradeep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of refractory organosulfur compounds is carried out by adopting different metal deposition strategies on mesoporous silica: (i) single‐pot approach (SP), (ii) modified‐single‐pot approach (MSP); and (iii) addition of chelating agent (CA) with MSP (MSP‐CA). The characteristics of catalysts were evaluated by means of N2‐physisorption, chemisorption by thermal desorption and reduction (TPD and TPR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and spectroscopy techniques; X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence (XRF), photoelectron (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and with pyridine adsorption (FTIR‐pyridine). Simultaneous desulfurization activity of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and dimethyl‐dibenzothiophene (4,6‐DMDBT) was carried out in a batch autoclave reactor at 350 °C and 5 MPa. MSP approach showed notable improvement in the Ni loading, textural properties and dispersion of active metals compared to the SP method. Consequently, MSP catalyst outperformed for the HDS rate of refractory organosulfur compounds (DBT and 4,6‐DMDBT) by both the direct desulfurization and hydrogenation routes. The addition of CA further improved the performance of MSP, especially for the HDS of 4,6‐DMDBT.
Encapsulated Textile Organic Solar Cells Fabricated by Spray Coating
Authors: Li Yi , Arumugam Sasikumar , Krishnan Chirenjeevi , Charlton Martin D. B. , Beeby Stephen P.
Published: January 2019

Solution based processes such as screen printing and spray coating are established processes for fabricating organic solar cells (OSCs) on flexible polymer substrates. However, realizing a flexible solar cell on a textile substrate remains a significant challenge due to the properties of the textile itself, which can present an absorbent, rough and fibrous surface. The textile also limits processing temperatures which can reduce functional materials performance. In this work, we demonstrate an optimized fabrication approach using entirely spray coating to fabricate textile OSCs with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.4 %. An interface layer is first deposited on the standard woven textile that forms a smooth supporting layer for the subsequent spray coated functional layers. A top encapsulation layer is deposited on top of the fabricated textile OSCs, which improves the durability and life time of the OSCs is evidenced by cyclic bending test.
Nanostructured Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)‐Derived Solid Electrolytes Realizing Fast Lithium Ion Transportation Kinetics in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Wu Jian‐Fang , Guo Xin
Published: January 2019

Solid‐state batteries are hindered from practical applications, largely due to the retardant ionic transportation kinetics in solid electrolytes (SEs) and across electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Taking advantage of nanostructured UIO/Li‐IL SEs, fast lithium ion transportation is achieved in the bulk and across the electrode/electrolyte interfaces; in UIO/Li‐IL SEs, Li‐containing ionic liquid (Li‐IL) is absorbed in Uio‐66 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The ionic conductivity of the UIO/Li‐IL (15/16) SE reaches 3.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C. Owing to the high surface tension of nanostructured UIO/Li‐IL SEs, the contact between electrodes and the SE is excellent; consequently, the interfacial resistances of Li/SE and LiFePO4/SE at 60 °C are about 44 and 206 Ω cm2, respectively. Moreover, a stable solid conductive layer is formed at the Li/SE interface, making the Li plating/stripping stable. Solid‐state batteries from the UIO/Li‐IL SEs show high discharge capacities and excellent retentions (≈130 mA h g−1 with a retention of 100% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C; 119 mA h g−1 with a retention of 94% after 380 cycles at 1 C). This new type of nanostructured UIO/Li‐IL SEs is very promising for solid‐state batteries, and will open up an avenue toward safe and long lifespan energy storage systems.
Using SnO2 QDs and CsMBr3 (M = Sn, Bi, Cu) QDs as Charge‐Transporting Materials for 10.6%‐Efficiency All‐Inorganic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells with an Ultrahigh Open‐Circuit Voltage of 1.610 V
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Duan Jialong , Yuan Haiwen , Wang Yudi , Yang Xiya , He Benlin , Tang Qunwei
Published: January 2019

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of state‐of‐the‐art perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with mesoscopic titanium dioxide (TiO2) has rushed to 23.7% in recent years. However, photodegradation of perovskites under illumination (including ultraviolet light), assisted by TiO2, significantly reduces the long‐term stability of the corresponding device, which in turn limits the commercialization of PSCs. Owing to the advantages of high electron mobility, wide bandgap, high transparency, and good photostability, nanostructured tin oxide (SnO2) is demonstrated to be a more promising electron‐transporting material for planar PSCs. Herein, low‐temperature solution‐processed SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) are employed as the electron transport layer (ETL) for all‐inorganic cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) PSC applications. Through optimizing the aging time of SnO2 QDs and adding a hole transport layer (HTL) of CsMBr3 (M = Sn, Bi, Cu) QDs between the CsPbBr3 layer and carbon electrode, the all‐inorganic PSC with a structure of FTO/SnO2/CsPbBr3/CsMBr3/carbon achieves a good PCE of 10.60% with an ultrahigh open‐circuit voltage up to 1.610 V. These optimized devices, free of encapsulation, present excellent stability in 80% humidity or temperature of 80 °C. The maximized PCE report to date and improved environmental‐tolerance for all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 solar cells provide new opportunities to dramatically promote the commercialization of PSC platforms.
Assessment of Operational and Structural Factors Influencing Performance of Fish Collectors in Forebays of High‐Head Dams
Authors: Kock Tobias J. , Verretto Nicholas E. , Ackerman Nicklaus K. , Perry Russell W. , Beeman John W. , Garello Michael C. , Fielding Scott D.
Published: January 2019

Providing efficient downstream passage is critical for improving populations of migratory fishes in impounded river systems. High‐head dams, such as those used for water storage or flood‐risk management, pose unique passage challenges requiring unique solutions. Systems to collect fish in dam forebays (“forebay collectors”) for transport to downstream release locations have been used at some high‐head dams in the western United States since the 1950s. Collection efficiency of these facilities has ranged from nearly 0% to 100%, suggesting the need for a better understanding of factors affecting performance in these complex environments if they are to be designed and deployed at new sites. We compiled information on environmental, structural, and performance characteristics of seven existing forebay collectors to quantify factors affecting their performance based on a meta‐analysis using a data set containing 52 separate collection estimates. Covariates included species type (steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss, Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha, Coho Salmon O. kisutch, and Sockeye Salmon O. nerka), collector inflow, collector entrance area, relative size of the dam forebay, and whether or not nets were used to enhance collection. We found that inflow, the use of lead nets, the size of the collector entrance area, the relative size of the dam forebay, and the interaction between collector entrance and forebay areas were significant predictors of collection performance. There was also evidence for differences between species. Chinook Salmon exhibited the lowest collection rates among the projects we examined, while steelhead collection rates were highest. These results provide guidance to design more efficient forebay collectors and improve the success of existing systems.
Fish Growth Changes over Time in a Midwestern U.S. Lake
Authors: Katzenmeyer Eric D. , Colvin Michael E. , Stewart Timothy W. , Pierce Clay L. , Grummer Scott E.
Published: January 2019

Growth of Walleyes Sander vitreus, Yellow Bass Morone mississippiensis, Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, and Black Bullheads Ameiurus melas was assessed in Clear Lake, Iowa, over several decades and in relation to environmental variables. Growth of Common Carp was positively correlated with phytoplankton concentration. Recent Black Bullhead growth was faster than in the 1950s and 1990s, which may be a consequence of their recent decline in abundance. Growth of Common Carp and Yellow Bass was faster in the 1940s than in more recent time periods. Relative to their entire range, Common Carp first‐year growth was below average, whereas length at later ages was above average. Walleye relative growth showed a similar pattern. The large changes in growth over several decades suggest that as the Clear Lake ecosystem continues to change, growth rates of its important fish species are also likely to continue changing.
Airfoil optimisation for vertical‐axis wind turbines with variable pitch
Authors: De Tavernier Delphine , Ferreira Carlos , van Bussel Gerard
Published: January 2019

To advance the design of a multimegawatt vertical‐axis wind turbine (VAWT), application‐specific airfoils need to be developed. In this research, airfoils are tailored for a VAWT with variable pitch. A genetic algorithm is used to optimise the airfoil shape considering a balance between the aerodynamic and structural performance of airfoils. At rotor scale, the aerodynamic objective aims to create the required optimal loading while minimising losses. The structural objective focusses on maximising the bending stiffness. Three airfoils from the Pareto front are selected and analysed using the actuator cylinder model and a prescribed‐wake vortex code. The optimal pitch schedule is determined, and the loadings and power performance are studied for different tip‐speed ratios and solidities. The comparison of the optimised airfoils with similar airfoils from the first generation shows a significant improvement in performance, and this proves the necessity to properly select the airfoil shape.
Anaerobic treatability and residual biogas potential of the effluent stream of anaerobic digestion processes
Authors: Ülgüdür Nilüfer , Demirer Göksel Niyazi
Published: January 2019

Although anaerobic digestion is a well‐established technology, the treatment and disposal of the digestate still presents a challenge due to lack of viable methods for processing. The residual organic matter in digestates also creates a significant residual biogas potential. This fact indicates that the digestates need further processing not only to reduce their organic content for disposal, but also to capture the biogas associated with this residual organic content. This study investigated anaerobic treatment and residual biogas potential of digestates obtained from five full‐scale farm‐based digesters. The results indicated that it was possible to reduce the total chemical oxygen demand (CODt) of the digestates with an efficiency of 21%–84%. The corresponding biogas yields of digestates ranged between 0.078 and 0.326 Lbiogas/g VSadded. This level of biogas production is comparable to the biogas production potential of several commonly used raw substrates.

Practitioner points

Significant CODt reduction and biogas capture can be attained by AD of digestates.

The digestates subjected to anaerobic treatment yielded up to 82% CODt removal.

Residual biogas yields of digestates ranged between 0.078–0.326 Lbiogas/g VSadded.

Biogas yields obtained were comparable to many raw feedstocks of biogas plants.
Optimization of defluoridation using Ficus benghalensis leaf biosorbent through Taguchi's method
Authors: George Aju Mathew , Tembhurkar Ajay R.
Published: January 2019

Present research focuses on optimization of process parameters for defluoridation on novel Ficus benghalensis leaf biosorbent using Taguchi design tool. The maximum fluoride removal is obtained at pH 7, initial concentration 5 mg/L, contact time 120 min, adsorbent dose 10 g/L, and temperature 30°C, and its percentage contribution is found using ANOVA in the following order: pH 50.76% > initial concentration of adsorbate 44.76% > contact time 2.54% > adsorbent dose 1.17% > temperature 0.76%. It follows Langmuir isotherm with constants “a” and “b” obtained as 2.183 mg/g and 0.667 L/mg and fitting well with pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The thermodynamic study indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature (ΔH = 15,530.55 J/mol). Advanced Analyses, viz., BET, FESEM‐EDS, and FTIR are done to know the characteristics of Ficus benghalensis leaf biosorbent. Experiment on defluoridation of contaminated groundwater indicated over 90% removal efficacy, and the concentration of treated water satisfies drinking water standards for fluoride.

Practitioner points

A fundamental research leading towards development of a novel biosorbent from Ficus benghalensis leaves waste for defluoridation.

Necessary adsorption equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies to arrive at optimum operating parameters using Taguchi method and constants useful for designing defluoridation unit and advanced analysis mainly BET, FESM‐EDS and FTIR to have better insight.

Validation on real field samples to prove its technical feasibility of defluoridation using the novel biosorbent developed.
Effect of solids residence time on dynamic responses in chemical P removal
Authors: Conidi Daniela , Parker Wayne J. , Smith Scott
Published: January 2019

The impact of solids residence time (SRT) on the dynamics of phosphorus (P) removal by hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) floc was characterized through experimental and modeling studies. Three abiotic process conditions were considered in systems operated over a range of SRTs (~3 to 27 days): uptake in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) under (a) constant and (b) dynamic P loading conditions, and (c) uptake in batch sorption tests with preformed HFO solids. P removal under all conditions was characterized by an initial period of fast removal followed by a period of slower removal until pseudo‐equilibrium was reached. The initial removal rate increased with increasing P concentrations and was attributed to a larger concentration gradient between soluble‐ and adsorbed‐phase concentrations. A kinetic model was developed and found to describe the dynamic behavior of P adsorption onto HFO floc under all conditions tested. A consistent mass transfer rate coefficient (k) was found to describe mass transfer over a range of SRTs for low initial P concentrations. At elevated SRTs (23–27 days) and elevated influent P concentrations, k values were found to deviate from those estimated at reduced SRTs. Differences in process mixing conditions were reflected in the estimated rate coefficients (k). Integration of the kinetic model with existing equilibrium models in wastewater process simulators will improve the ability to predict P uptake onto HFO floc under dynamic loading conditions in water resource recovery facilities. Models that consider the kinetics of P uptake will be particularly relevant for facilities that are required to achieve ultralow P concentrations.

Practitioner points

This work provides a kinetic model that can be integrated with existing equilibrium models in wastewater process simulators to improve the ability to predict P uptake onto HFO floc under dynamic loading conditions.

This research can be used to assist WRRFs to achieve ultralow effluent P requirements.
Reduction of hydrogen sulfide gas in a small wastewater collection system using sodium hydroxide
Authors: Wiley Patrick E.
Published: January 2019

The Kennebunk Sewer District collection system experienced H2S‐induced corrosion downstream of terminus manholes for the Wells Road and Boothby Road pumping stations. An automated odor control system using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was developed to mitigate further corrosion. System performance was quantified by recording the [H2S] in the terminus manholes before and after NaOH treatment. Preliminary evaluation at the Wells Road facility demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the average [H2S] between the treatment (4.8 ± 0.3 ppm) and control (67 ± 1.5 ppm). Permanent systems installed at both facilities in 2017 yielded similar positive results. The average [H2S] in the Wells and Boothby Road terminus manholes reduced from 89.4 ± 1.0 to 8.0 ± 0.1 ppm and from 7.9 ± 0.2 to 0.82 ± 0.06 ppm, respectively. This work demonstrates the ability of the NaOH system presented here to minimize emission of corrosive H2S gas in small collection systems.

Practitioner points

Biologically‐produced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas corrodes sewer collection system components and results in premature asset failure.

Maintaining wastewater pH above 8.5 by injecting sodium hydroxide (NaOH) minimizes H2S emission by shifting the molar distribution of sulfur species and partially inhibiting the anaerobes that produce H2S.

The practical application of this approach may be limited to small wastewater collection systems.
Tropical geometry and five dimensional Higgs branches at infinite coupling
Authors: Cabrera Santiago , Hanany Amihay , Yagi Futoshi
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Superconformal five dimensional theories have a rich structure of phases and brane webs play a crucial role in studying their properties. This paper is devoted to the study of a three parameter family of SQCD theories, given by the number of colors N

c
for an SU N

c
gauge theory, number of fundamental flavors N

f
, and the Chern Simons level k. The study of their infinite coupling Higgs branch is a long standing problem and reveals a rich pattern of moduli spaces, depending on the 3 values in a critical way. For a generic choice of the parameters we find a surprising number of 3 different components, with intersections that are closures of height 2 nilpotent orbits of the flavor symmetry. This is in contrast to previous studies where except for one case (N

c
= 2, N

f
= 2), the parameters were restricted to the cases of Higgs branches that have only one component. The new feature is achieved thanks to a concept in tropical geometry which is called stable intersection and allows for a computation of the Higgs branch to almost all the cases which were previously unknown for this three parameter family apart form certain small number of exceptional theories with low rank gauge group. A crucial feature in the construction of the Higgs branch is the notion of dressed monopole operators.
Initial correlations of the Glasma energy-momentum tensor
Authors: Albacete Javier L. , Guerrero-Rodríguez Pablo , Marquet Cyrille
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We present an analytical calculation of the covariance of the energy-momentum tensor associated to the gluon field produced in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions at early times, the Glasma. This object involves the two-point and single-point correlators of the energy-momentum tensor (〈T

μν
(x
⊥)T

σρ
(y
⊥)〉 and 〈T

μν
(x
⊥)〉, respectively) at proper time τ = 0+. Our approach is based on the Color Glass Condensate effective theory, which allows us to map the fluctuations of the valence color sources in the colliding nuclei to those of the energy-momentum tensor of the produced gluon fields via the solution of the classical equations of motion in the presence of external currents. The color sources in the two colliding nuclei are characterized by Gaussian correlations, albeit in more generality than in the McLerran-Venugopalan model, allowing for non-trivial impact parameter and transverse dependence of the two-point correlator. We compare our results to those obtained under the Glasma Graph approximation, finding agreement in the limit of short transverse separations. However, important differences arise at larger transverse separations, where our result displays a slower fall-off than the Glasma Graph result (1/r
2 vs. 1/r
4 power-law decay), indicating that the color screening of the correlations in the transverse plane occurs at distances larger than 1/Q

s
by a logarithmic factor sensitive to the infrared. In the Glasma flux tube picture, this implies that the color domains are larger than originally estimated.
Investigations into PoyH, a promiscuous protease from polytheonamide biosynthesis
Authors: Helf Maximilian J , Freeman Michael F , Piel Jörn
Published: January 2019

Polytheonamides are the most extensively modified ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide natural products (RiPPs) currently known. In RiPP biosynthesis, the processed peptide is usually released from a larger precursor by proteolytic cleavage to generate the bioactive terminal product of the pathway. For polytheonamides, which are members of a new RiPP family termed proteusins, we have recently shown that such cleavage is catalyzed by the cysteine protease PoyH acting on the precursor PoyA, both encoded in the polytheonamide biosynthetic gene cluster. We now report activity for PoyH under a variety of reaction conditions for different maturation states of PoyA and demonstrate a potential use of PoyH as a promiscuous protease to liberate and characterize RiPPs from other pathways. As a proof of concept, the identified recognition motif was introduced into precursors of the thiopeptide thiocillin and the lanthipeptide lichenicidin VK1, allowing for their site-specific cleavage with PoyH. Additionally, we show that PoyH cleavage is inhibited by PoyG, a previously uncharacterized chagasin-like protease inhibitor encoded in the polytheonamide gene cluster.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: A Double-Blind, Randomized-Control Trial Using Tadalafil
Authors: Pattanaik Smita , Kaundal Pawan , Mavuduru Ravimohan S. , Singh Shrawan K. , Mandal Arup K.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To assess whether tadalafil improves endothelial dysfunction(EnD) in a placebo-controlled randomized-control trial.

Methods

Erectile dysfunction and EnD were assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery respectively, at baseline and 4 weeks by blinded observer. Patients with FMD of < 15% were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive either placebo or tadalafil. Both placebo and tadalafil in similar-appearing capsules but coded separately, were dispensed by a blinded co-investigator. Compliance and drug-related events were recorded. The randomization codes were then decoded and appropriate statistical tests applied.

Results

89 patients were randomized and 82 completed the study. Both groups were comparable. Posttreatment, there were significant improvements in IIEF-5 score (pre- vs posttreatment; tadalafil: 11.432 vs 15.937, P < .001 and placebo 11.232 vs 14.935, P < .00) and FMD% pre- vs posttreatment; tadalafil: 11.222 vs 13.827, P < .001 and placebo: 11.617 vs 14.027, P < .001). Intergroup comparison did not show any significant difference in IIEF scores (mean change in tadalafil vs placebo group: 3.719 vs 4.433, P = .223) and FMD% (mean change tadalafil vs placebo group: 2.426 and 2.829, P = .528). The adverse events were significantly more in the tadalafil group (tadalafil vs placebo 14 adverse reactions [ADR] vs 5 ADR, P < .001).

Conclusion

The response of low-dose tadalafil on IIEF and FMD is largely similar to placebo; however, the utility of FMD% in young patients and placebo effect needs to be studied further.