bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting hemorrhagic transformation and its timing from maximum cerebral lesion diameter in nonlacunar ischemic strokes
Authors: Muscari Antonio , Faccioli Luca , Lega Maria Vittoria , Lorusso Andrea , Masetti Marco , Pastore Trossello Marco , Puddu Giovanni M. , Spinardi Luca , Zoli Marco
Published: December 2019

Objectives

We performed this retrospective cohort study to establish which factors are mostly indicative of the appearance of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and of its time course in a sample of nonlacunar ischemic strokes.

Materials and Methods

In 402 patients with nonlacunar ischemic stroke (75.0 ± 12.7 years, 192 male), clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging variables obtained during the first 3 days of hospitalization were compared between patients with and without HT at computer tomography scan.

Results

HT was documented in 129 patients (32.1%), including 36 with parenchymal hematoma (PH), after a median time of 6 days (range 1–27). Many variables were univariately associated with HT, but only 5 of them were confirmed in Cox regression (Hazard Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval): maximum cerebral lesion diameter (CLD) in cm (1.12, 1.06–1.18; p = .0001), hemoglobin in g/dl (1.16, 1.06–1.27; p = .002), blood glucose in mmol/L (1.10, 1.03–1.18; p = .007), prior anticoagulant therapy (1.82, 1.10–3.03; p = .02), and edema with mass effect (1.72, 1.08–2.75; p = .02). Thus, the most significant predictor was CLD. The overall risk of HT was minimum for CLD < 2 cm (1.5%), intermediate for CLD ≥ 2 and < 5 cm (22%), and maximum for CLD ≥ 5 cm (58%). The residual probability of having HT decreased progressively over time, and a simple formula is proposed to predict, from CLD in cm, when the probability of HT falls below 10%.

Conclusions

The main determinant of HT was CLD, a simple quantitative parameter that could prove useful, in particular, in deciding the timing of anticoagulation in cardioembolic stroke patients.
Carbon disclosure and financial performance: UK environmental policy
Authors: Alsaifi Khaled , Elnahass Marwa , Salama Aly
Published: December 2019

The outcome of carbon disclosure, the importance of which has grown remarkably in recent years to become a strategic decision‐making issue for organisations in today's competitive environment, is a subject of lively debate but remains under‐researched in the environmental accounting literature. This study is motivated by this research gap and the growing interest in assessing the financial consequences of corporate involvement in climate change beyond regulatory compliance, as evidenced by firms' voluntary participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project. Using the resource‐based view of the firm as a theoretical framework and linking it to carbon disclosure through Carbon Disclosure Project, we conceptualise and empirically investigate the impact of adopting proactive carbon management policies and communicating them to stakeholders, focusing on the financial performance of the top FTSE350 companies between 2007 and 2015. By developing a comprehensive financial performance index and controlling for several firm characteristics, we find strong evidence that voluntary carbon disclosure is positively associated with firm financial performance. The findings in this paper provide new insights and policy implications for managers, financial stakeholders, and regulators.
Improved packing of preparative biochromatography columns by mechanical vibration
Authors: Martinez Andrés , Knaub Konstantin , Monter Marc , Hekmat Dariusch , Weuster‐Botz Dirk
Published: December 2019

The bioprocessing industry relies on packed‐bed column chromatography as its primary separation process to attain the required high product purities and fulfill the strict requirements from regulatory bodies. Conventional column packing methods rely on flow packing and/or mechanical compression. In this work, the application of ultrasound and mechanical vibration during packing was studied with respect to packing density and homogeneity. We investigated two widely used biochromatography media, incompressible ceramic hydroxyapatite, and compressible polymethacrylate‐based particles, packed in a laboratory‐scale column with an inner diameter of 50 mm. It was shown that ultrasonic irradiation led to reduced particle segregation during sedimentation of a homogenized slurry of polymethacrylate particles. However, the application of ultrasound did not lead to an improved microstructure of already packed columns due to the low volumetric energy input (~152 W/L) caused by high acoustic reflection losses. In contrast, the application of pneumatic mechanical vibration led to considerable improvements. Flow‐decoupled axial linear vibration was most suitable at a volumetric force output of ~1,190 N/L. In the case of the ceramic hydroxyapatite particles, a 13% further decrease of the packing height was achieved and the reduced height equivalent to a theoretical plate (rHETP) was decreased by 44%. For the polymethacrylate particles, a 18% further packing consolidation was achieved and the rHETP was reduced by 25%. Hence, it was shown that applying mechanical vibration resulted in more efficiently packed columns. The application of vibration furthermore is potentially suitable for in situ elimination of flow channels near the column wall.
Know thyself financially: How financial self‐awareness can benefit consumers and financial advisors
Authors: Chowdhry Nivriti , Dholakia Utpal M.
Published: December 2019

We consider the relationship between an individual's financial self‐awareness, defined as detailed knowledge about one's current financial assets, liabilities, and spending patterns, and financial outcomes. The results of three studies show that a higher level of financial self‐awareness is associated with positive financial decisions and satisfaction among individuals. This effect is mediated by perceived efficacy about handling personal finances. We also find that financial literacy strengthens the association between financial self‐awareness and investing and saving, but does not affect the association between financial self‐awareness and either financial satisfaction or spending decisions. Increasing the financial self‐awareness of clients offers a useful method for financial advisors and policy makers to encourage prudent financial decisions.
Exciplex Formation and Electromer Blocking for Highly Efficient Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence OLEDs with All‐Solution‐Processed Organic Layers
Authors: Ban Xinxin , Chen Feng , Pan Jie , Liu Yan , Zhu Aiyun , Jiang Wei , Sun Yueming
Published: December 2019

Highly efficient solution‐processable emitters are greatly desired to develop low‐cost organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The recently developed thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials are promising candidates, but blue TADF materials compatible with the all‐solution‐process have still not been achieved. Here, a series of TADF materials, named X‐4CzCN, are developed by introducing the bulky units through an unconjugated linker, which realizes high molecular weight to enhance the solvent resistance ability without disturbing the blue TADF feature. Meanwhile, the peripheral wrapping groups efficiently inhibit the triplet–triplet and triplet–polaron quenching by isolating the energy‐transfer and charge‐transporting channels. The photophysical measurements indicate that a small variation in peripheral unit will have a noticeable effect on the luminescence efficiency. The enlarged volume of peripheral units will make the electroluminescent spectra blueshift, while enhancing the energy transfer of exciplex and blocking the energy leakage of electromer can facilitate the exciton utilization. As a result, the fully solution‐processed blue OLED achieves a CIE of (0.16, 0.27), a low turn on voltage of 2.9 eV, and a high external quantum efficiency of 20.6 %. As far as we known, this is the first report of all‐solution‐processed TADF OLEDs with blue emission, which exhibits a high efficiency even comparable to the vacuum‐deposited devices.
Cardiac changes associated with vascular aging
Authors: Singam Narayana Sarma V. , Fine Christopher , Fleg Jerome L.
Published: December 2019

Cardiovascular aging is a complex process of adaptive structural and functional changes over time. With advancing age, the arterial tree thickens and decreases in compliance, resulting in increased pulse wave velocity, systolic blood pressure, and left ventricular afterload. In response to these arterial changes, the myocardium remodels to maintain systolic function and diastolic filling. These adaptive mechanisms are not necessarily pathologic but increase the susceptibility for myocardial ischemia and heart failure in the presence of common age‐associated comorbidities. This article reviews the pathophysiology of cardiovascular aging and discusses therapeutic interventions that may ameliorate these processes.
Improved Alkyl Glycoside Synthesis by trans‐Glycosylation through Tailored Microenvironments of Immobilized β‐Glucosidase
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Grey Carl , Pinelo Manuel , Woodley John M. , Daugaard Anders E. , Adlercreutz Patrick
Published: December 2019

We present how the microenvironment can directly improve biocatalytic selectivity of immobilized β‐glucosidase. β‐Glucosidase from Thermotoga neapolitana was immobilized on a variety of functionalized off‐stoichiometric thiol‐ene (OSTE) particles, where highest activities were observed for thiol and imidazole functional particles. Compared to the soluble enzyme, the selectivity (rs/rh) between trans‐glycosylation of p‐nitrophenyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside (pNPG) with 1‐propanol over hydrolysis was increased by a factor of 2–3 using particles containing imidazole (rs/rh of 6.7) and carboxylic acid moieties (rs/rh of 9.2), respectively. These results demonstrate clearly that enzyme selectivity depends directly on the local environment of the enzyme with the support.
Altitude shapes the environmental drivers of large‐scale variation in abundance of a widespread mammal species
Authors: Jacquier Mickaël , Calenge Clément , Say Ludovic , Devillard Sébastien , Ruette Sandrine
Published: December 2019

Aim

Habitat quality and heterogeneity directly influence the distribution and abundance of organisms at different spatial scales. Determining the main environmental factors driving the variation in species abundance is crucial to understand the underlying ecological processes, and this is especially important for widely distributed species living in contrasting environments. However, the responses to environmental variation are usually described at relatively small spatial scales. Here, we studied the variation in abundance of a widely distributed mustelid, the European badger (Meles meles), across France.

Location

The whole metropolitan France.

Methods

We used (a) direct detections of 9,439 dead and living badgers, from 2006 to 2009, to estimate badger relative abundance in 703 small agricultural regions of metropolitan France and (b) a Bayesian modeling approach to identify the main environmental determinants influencing badger abundance.

Results

Despite a continuous distribution of badger in France, we found large variation in badger abundance between regions, explained by environmental factors. Among a set of 13 environmental variables, we demonstrated that badger abundance in lowlands (<400 m a.s.l.) was mostly driven by biotic factors such as potential food resources (earthworm abundance and fruit crops) and forest fragmentation. Conversely, in mountainous areas, abiotic factors (i.e., soil texture and climate) drove the variation in badger relative abundance.

Main conclusions

These results underline the importance of mapping the abundance of wildlife species based on environmental suitability and highlight the complexity of drivers influencing species abundance at such large spatial scales. Altitude shaped the environmental drivers (biotic vs. abiotic) that most influenced relative abundance of a widespread species. In the case of badger, such abundance maps are crucial to identify critical areas for species management as this mustelid is a main wild vector of bovine tuberculosis in several countries.
Vanadium Sulfide@Sulfur Composites as High‐Performance Cathode for Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Xiaojuan , Du Gaohui , Zhang Miao , Kalam Abul , Ding Shukai , Su Qingmei , Xu Bingshe , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G.
Published: December 2019

Lithium–sulfur batteries have attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to their high theoretical capacity of 1675 mAh g−1 and low cost. However, the shuttle effect caused by the dissolution and migration of polysulfides and the destruction of cathode particles due to volume expansion during lithiation are key issues for their practical application. Herein, a one‐pot hydrothermal preparation of a VS2@S composite as a cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries is reported. The VS2@S composite shows uniform and flowerlike aggregates of nanoparticles of sizes around 50–80 nm. The porous structure among VS2@S nanoparticles can accommodate the volumetric expansion occurring during sulfur lithiation. Adsorption capability testing proves a strong interaction between VS2 and polysulfides. Therefore, the as‐prepared VS2@S composite exhibits good electrochemical performance, with a discharge capacity of 413 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a 1 C rate. After various rate cyclings from 0.1 to 2 C, the VS2@S electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 884 mAh g−1 when the current density switches to 0.1 C, demonstrating a notable improvement compared with pure sulfur electrodes.
Long noncoding RNA SOX2OT promotes the proliferation of pancreatic cancer by binding to FUS
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Qun , Ge Wanli , Meng Lingdong , Huang Xumin , Shen Peng , Yuan Hao , Shi Guodong , Miao Yi , Jiang Kuirong
Published: December 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors has one of the worst prognoses, and the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biological and pathological processes of pancreatic cancer, including tumor cell proliferation, is a popular topic in tumor research. Our previous study revealed the correlation between high levels of the lncRNA‐SOX2OT (SOX2OT) with poor survival outcomes. Cell Counting Kit‐8, EdU, Flow cytometry and Colony formation assays as well as Xenograft growth of PDAC cells in mice were used for the detection of PDAC cells proliferation progression. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA‐binding protein pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were also used to identify the putative mechanisms of SOX2OT participating in the tumor progression. SOX2OT and its potential downstream targets were verified by Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). SOX2OT was confirmed to promote the proliferation of PDAC cells. It was found to directly physically bind to FUS and we also demonstrated that FUS protein stability was affected by binding with SOX2OT and FUS could suppressed PDAC tumor by regulating cell cycle‐associated factors CCND1 and p27. Our findings suggest that SOX2OT may act as a tumor promoter in PDAC through physically binding FUS and regulating its downstream cell cycle‐associated factors CCND1 and p27. It may serve as an effective target for antitumor treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Novel ovarian cancer maintenance therapy targeted at mortalin and mutant p53
Authors: Ramraj Satish K. , Elayapillai Sugantha P. , Pelikan Richard C. , Zhao Yan D. , Isingizwe Zitha R. , Kennedy Amy L. , Lightfoot Stanley A. , Benbrook Doris M.
Published: December 2019

Current ovarian cancer maintenance therapy is limited by toxicity and no proven impact on overall survival. To study a maintenance strategy targeted at missense mutant p53, we hypothesized that the release of mutant p53 from mortalin inhibition by the SHetA2 drug combined with reactivation of mutant p53 with the PRIMA‐1MET drug inhibits growth and tumor establishment synergistically in a mutant‐p53 dependent manner. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and serous ovarian tumors were evaluated for TP53 and HSPA9/mortalin status. SHetA2 and PRIMA‐1MET were tested in ovarian cancer cell lines and fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells using isobolograms, fluorescent cytometry, Western blots and ELISAs. Drugs were administered to mice after peritoneal injection of MESOV mutant p53 ovarian cancer cells and prior to tumor establishment, which was evaluated by logistic regression. Fifty‐eight percent of TP53 mutations were missense and there were no mortalin mutations in TCGA high‐grade serous ovarian cancers. Mortalin levels were sequentially increased in serous benign, borderline and carcinoma tumors. SHetA2 caused p53 nuclear and mitochondrial accumulation in cancer, but not in healthy, cells. Endogenous or exogenous mutant p53 increased SHetA2 resistance. PRIMA‐1MET decreased this resistance and interacted synergistically with SHetA2 in mutant and wild type p53‐expressing cell lines in association with elevated reactive oxygen species/ATP ratios. Tumor‐free rates in animals were 0% (controls), 25% (PRIMA1MET), 42% (SHetA2) and 67% (combination). SHetA2 (p = 0.004) and PRIMA1MET (p = 0.048) functioned additively in preventing tumor development with no observed toxicity. These results justify the development of SHetA2 and PRIMA‐1MET alone and in combination for ovarian cancer maintenance therapy.
Regional output growth in the United Kingdom: More timely and higher frequency estimates from 1970
Authors: Koop Gary , McIntyre Stuart , Mitchell James , Poon Aubrey
Published: December 2019

Output growth estimates for regions of the UK are currently published at an annual frequency only, released with a long delay, and offer limited historical coverage. To improve the regional database this paper develops a mixed‐frequency multivariate model and uses it to produce consistent estimates of quarterly regional output growth dating back to 1970. We describe how these estimates are updated and evaluated on an ongoing, quarterly basis to publish online (at www.escoe.ac.uk/regionalnowcasting) more timely regional growth estimates. We illustrate how the new quarterly data can contribute to our historical understanding of business cycle dynamics and connectedness between regions.
A biochemometrics strategy combining quantitative determination, bioactivity evaluation and relationship analysis for identification of analgesic alkaloids of raw and vinegar‐processed Corydalis turtschaninovii
Authors: Tao Yi , Jiang Enci , Cai Baochang
Published: December 2019

A biochemometrics strategy combining quantitative determination, bioactivity evaluation, and relationship analysis was proposed for identification of analgesic components of herbs. First, a robust liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous determination of nine major alkaloids in crude and vinegar‐processed Corydalis turtschaninovii. Nine alkaloids were separated on a BEH C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water spiked with 0.1% formic acid and then detected by multiple reactions monitoring in the positive ion mode. Nitidine chloride was employed as the internal standard. The method displayed good linearity and the precisions of intra‐day and inter‐day were all within 3.0%. The recovery rates of each alkaloid ranged from 97.1 to 102.9%. The method was successfully applied for quantitative analysis of nine alkaloids in ten batches of crude and vinegar‐processed Corydalis turtschaninovii. Second, the analgesic effects of crude and vinegar‐processed Corydalis turtschaninovii were evaluated in mice. Third, principle component analysis, canonical correlation analysis, and partial least squares regression were used to analysis the relationship between the contents of nine major alkaloids and the analgesic effect of different crude and vinegar‐processed samples. Tetrahydropalmatine, coptisine, and dehydrocorydaline have a close positive correlation with the analgesic effect.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in Veterans with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Sarber Kathleen M. , Chang Katherine W. , Epperson Madison V. , Tabangin Meredith E. , Altaye Mekibib , Ishman Stacey L. , Dhanda Patil Reena
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a relatively healthy subset of the population. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of HNS in a veteran population with a high incidence of chronic disease and mental health disorders. Our secondary aim was to compare subjective outcomes and adherence between veterans with and without mental health disorders.

Methods

We included all patients who underwent HNS at our institution to date. Veterans were divided into two groups based on whether or not they carried a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and/or post‐traumatic stress disorder. Demographics, comorbidities, previous OSA treatments, adverse events, and adherence to therapy were recorded. Baseline and treatment outcome data were collected and analyzed including polysomnographic parameters, Epworth sleepiness scale score (ESS), and body mass index.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were identified: 93.5% male, median age = 63.0 years. Median apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 30.0 to 3.0 events/hour (P < .001) and median ESS dropped from 11.0 to 6.5 (P < .001). There was no difference between groups with regard to change in AHI or ESS (P = .31 and .61). Twenty‐six (89.7%) patients achieved surgical success (decrease in AHI > 50% and AHI < 20 events/hour) and 21 (72.4%) had AHI < 5 events/hour. The mean device usage was 5.4 hours/night which was not significantly different between groups (P = .55).

Conclusion

Our cohort exhibited similar declines in AHI and ESS compared to published studies with adequate adherence to HNS. There were no significant differences in ESS or adherence to therapy between veterans with and without mental health disorders.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2275–2280, 2020
The effect of titanium addition on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of Ni3Si alloys prepared by powder metallurgy method
Authors: Zhang X. , Niu M. , Wu C. , Chen J.
Published: December 2019

Ni3Si alloy with different content of titanium was fabricated by powder metallurgy method. The microstructures, hardness and tribological properties of the alloys were investigation. The results showed that pure Ni3Si alloy was composed of β1‐Ni3Si phase and γ‐Ni31Si12 phase, and Ni3Ti phase formed with titanium addition. The hardness of the alloy decreased with the increasing titanium content. The friction coefficient of pure Ni3Si alloy increased with the increasing load, while the friction coefficient of the alloy with titanium addition decreased. The wear rates of the alloys were all increased with increasing load, and the alloy with 5 % titanium addition had the best wear resistance properties. The wear mechanisms of the alloys were abrasive wear at low load, and the wear mechanisms changed to oxidative wear at high load.
Controlled saturation magnetization transfer for reproducible multivendor variable flip angle T1 and T2 mapping
Authors: A. G. Teixeira Rui Pedro , Neji Radhouene , Wood Tobias C. , Baburamani Ana A. , Malik Shaihan J. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The widespread clinical application of quantitative MRI has been hindered by a lack of reproducibility across sites and vendors. Previous work has attributed this to incorrect B1 mapping or insufficient spoiling conditions. We recently proposed the controlled saturation magnetization transfer (CSMT) framework and hypothesized that the lack of reproducibility can also be attributed to magnetization transfer effects. This work seeks to validate this hypothesis and demonstrate that reproducible multivendor single‐pool relaxometry can be achieved with the CSMT approach.

Methods

Three healthy volunteers were scanned on scanners from 3 vendors (GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens). An extensive set of images necessary for joint T1 and T2 estimation were acquired with (1) each vendor default RF pulses and spoiling conditions; (2) harmonized RF spoiling; and (3) harmonized RF spoiling and CSMT pulses. Different subsets of images were used to generate 6 different T1 and T2 maps for each subject’s data from each vendor. Cross‐protocol, cross‐vendor, and test/retest variability were estimated.

Results

Harmonized RF spoiling conditions are insufficient to ensure good cross‐vendor reproducibility. Controlled saturation magnetization transfer allows cross‐protocol variability to be reduced from 18.3% to 4.0%. Whole‐brain variability using the same protocol was reduced from a maximum of 19% to 4.5% across sites. Both CSMT and native vendor RF conditions have a reported variability of less than 5% for repeat measures on the same vendor.

Conclusion

Magnetization transfer effects are a major contributor to intersite/intrasite variability of T1 and T2 estimation. Controlled saturation magnetization transfer stabilizes these effects, paving the way for the use of single‐pool T1 and T2 as a reliable source for clinical diagnosis across sites.
Normally‐Off Operation of Lateral Field‐Effect Transistors Fabricated from Ultrapure GaN/AlGaN Heterostructures
Authors: Schmult Stefan , Wirth Steffen , Solovyev Victor V. , Hentschel Rico , Wachowiak Andre , Scheinert Tobias , Großer Andreas , Kukushkin Igor V. , Mikolajick Thomas
Published: December 2019

The presence of a 2D electron gas (2DEG) in GaN/AlxGa1–xN heterostructures with low aluminum mole fraction is found to depend on the residual background impurity concentration in the GaN/AlGaN layer stack. At a residual donor level of 2 × 1016 cm−3, a 2DEG is absent at 300 K in dark environment. Such a 2DEG can be generated at the GaN/AlGaN interface either by illumination with ultraviolet light or by applying an electrostatic potential. The latter results in inherently normally‐off switching characteristics of lateral field‐effect transistors.
Synthesis of a Ni‐Pt Electrocatalyst Supported on PRh/ZnO Nanocomposites and Its Electrocatalytic Behaviour towards Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: SoleimaniLashkenari Mohammad , Rezaei Sajjad , Lashkenari Atefe Soleymani , Peyravi Majid
Published: December 2019

Polyrhodanine/Zinc Oxides (PRh/ZnO) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized through an in‐situ polymerization method. After that, the nanocomposites served as a substrate for bimetallic nickel‐platinum (Ni−Pt) to form PRh/ZnO/Ni/Pt electrocatalyst. Characterization methods including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were then employed to investigate the morphology and chemical structure of synthesized samples. Next, the electrochemical activity of fabricated PRh/ZnO/Ni/Pt electrocatalyst in methanol electrooxidation reaction in alkaline media was investigated via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometric (CA) measurements. The experimental results indicated that the addition of Ni to the synthesized PRh/ZnO/Pt led to a higher electrochemically active surface area (EASA). Also, from the CV tests, a desirable amount of maximum anodic current density was achieved for the PRh/ZnO/Ni/Pt, which was as much as 35 mA cm−2. With regard to the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, computational results suggested that utilizing the PRh/ZnO structure beside Ni and Pt resulted in the improvement of the reactivity of catalyst and a decrease in the energy gap which was consistent with the experimental findings.
Decolorization and Degradation of a Mixture of Industrial Azo Dyes by Anodic Oxidation Using a Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.7O2 (DSA‐Cl2) Electrode.
Authors: Sandoval Miguel A. , Zúñiga‐Mallea Nury , Espinoza L. Carolina , Vidal Jorge , Jara‐Ulloa Paola , Salazar Ricardo
Published: December 2019

The electrochemical treatment of wastewaters from the textile industry is a promising alternative for the elimination of organic pollutants. This study approach the decolorization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from synthetic water (0.91 mM Acid Yellow 25 dye ‐ and ‐ 0.42 mM Acid Blue 29 dye), by anodic oxidation (AO) in batch mode using a Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.7O2 (DSA‐Cl2) electrode as anode and an AISI 304 stainless steel plate as cathode. The influence of pH (3, 7 and 10), type of supporting electrolyte (50 mM Na2SO4, 50 mM NaCl and 100 mM NaCl) and applied current density (10 < j < 80 mA cm–2) on COD removal and mineralization current efficiency was analyzed. The best AO test in terms of energy consumption was performed at pH 7, 50 mM NaCl and j=30 mA cm–2, obtaining a complete decolorization and COD removal. These operating parameters have an energy consumption between 0.41 and 0.82 kWh m–3. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC‐MS/MS) analyses indicated the presence of several organic intermediates and carboxylic acids.
NLO Properties of 2‐Napthol Monoazo Disperse Dyes by DFT and Z‐Scan Technique – A Detailed Study
Authors: Yadav Sagar B. , Sreenath Mavila C. , Chitrambalam Subramaniyan , Joe Isaac H. , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: December 2019

The non‐linear and linear optical properties of 2‐napthol based four monoazo dyes were examined by computational and Z‐scan methods. Time‐dependent (TD)‐density functional theory (DFT) computations were used to evaluate the linear polarizability (α), first‐order hyperpolarizability (β) and second‐order hyperpolarizability (γ) using global hybrid and range separated hybrid functionals at 6–311+ G (d) basis set. The functional, ωB97 performed better in the determination of linear polarizability (α) and ωB97X−D performed better in the determination of the first‐order hyperpolarizability (β) and second‐order hyperpolarizability (γ) among the global hybrid and range separated hybrid functionals. To support our theoretical findings for α, β, and γ, we have correlated with the Hammett‐coefficient (σ), excited state coefficient (σex) as well as by hyper‐hardness (Γ) relations. Third order NLO parameters – non‐linear refractive index (η2), non‐linear absorption coefficient (β), real parts and the imaginary parts of third order susceptibility (χ(3)), and second order hyperpolarizability (γ) were investigated by close and open aperture methods using Z‐scan technique. The –NO2 substituted dye 2 shows higher value of molecular susceptibility (χ(3)), polarizability (α), and hyperpolarizability (β, γ) parameters among the studied azo dyes. They are likely to have potential applications in optoelectronics and photonics.
Selective Oxidation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Supported Nano‐Au Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Fang , Wang Xiaoli , Wu Gongde , Zhang Changfei , Song Shihao , Lan Jianyang
Published: December 2019

A series of Cu‐containing trimetal mixed oxides supported nano‐Au catalysts were prepared and characterized by XRD, N2 sorption, elemental analysis and H2‐TPR. Then, their catalytic performance was firstly investigated in the selective oxidation of glycerol with 3% H2O2 or O2 as oxidants. It was found that both the elemental components of mixed oxides and the types of oxidant influenced remarkably the catalytic performance of the supported catalysts and the product distributions. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the highest yield of main product glyceric acid reached 66.5% over CuMnAl mixed oxide supported nano‐Au catalyst in the presence of O2. Moreover, the catalyst could be reused several times. In addition, the catalyst was further used in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol and cyclohexanol, and the best yield of benzaldehyde and cyclohexanone were 72.5% and 96.0%, respectively.
Preparation and Properties of Polycarbonate/Polystyrene Bead Alloy via Solvent Evaporation Method
Authors: Li Shu , Su Caiyun , Yang Jiaqi , Wen Fengyu , Wang Zhenyang , Chen Rui , He Qingxia , Mu Jianxin
Published: December 2019

In this study, a facile method to recycle wasted expandable polystyrene (PS) into polycarbonate (PC)/PS bead alloys is described in this paper, and compared with melt extrusion method. Results showed that the initial decomposition temperature of composite with 30 wt% PC increases by 25 °C and simultaneously enhances by 37.6% in tensile property compared to the neat PS via solvent evaporation method, however, a substantial drop in molecular weight with melt extrusion method. The solvent evaporation method provided several advantages, such as easy operation, low energy consumption, low contamination, high purity and high product yield. The expended solvent was recovered using an evaporation process that was put into practice along with the emulsification, making the process more productive and sustainable.
Synthesis of Highly Substituted Fluoro Chromenones in a “One‐Pot Four‐ Component Strategy” Using NFSI as a Fluorinating Reagent
Authors: Srikanth Reddy Narra , Krishna Swaroop Desireddy , Ravi Kumar Nagiri , Sreenivas Avula , Narsaiah Banda
Published: December 2019

An efficient one pot four component strategy has been developed for the synthesis of highly substituted fluoro chromenone derivatives (5 a‐p) in good yields from β‐aryl thio acetanilide, aldehydes, cyclic 1,3‐diketones and NFSI (N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide) in presence of water. The fluoro imino chromenone intermediate 6 is isolated under the inert condition in high yield.
RANS simulations of neutral atmospheric boundary layer flow over complex terrain with comparisons to field measurements
Authors: Han Yi , Stoellinger Michael Karl
Published: December 2019

Micro‐scale Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS) simulations of the neutral atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over complex terrain and a comparison of the results with conditionally averaged met‐tower data are presented. A robust conditional sampling procedure for the meteorological tower (met‐tower) data to identify near‐neutral conditions based on a criterion for the turbulence intensity is developed. The conditionally averaged wind data on 14 met‐towers are used for the model validation. The ABL flow simulations are conducted over complex terrain which includes a prominent hill using the OpenFOAM‐based simulator for on/offshore wind farm applications (SOWFA) with the k−ϵ and the SST k−ω turbulence models. The discretization of the production term in the transport equation for the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) is modified to greatly reduce the commonly observed nonphysical near surface TKE peak. The driving inflow is generated through an iterative approach using a precursor method to reproduce the measured wind statistics at the reference tower. Both of the RANS models are able to capture the flow behavior windward of the hill. The SST k−ω model predicts more intense flow separation than the k−ϵ model downstream of the steepest sections of the hill. The wind statistics predicted at the location of the met‐towers by both of the RANS models are fairly consistent. Overall, the comparisons of the direction, mean, and standard deviation of the wind between the simulations and the tower data show reasonable agreement except for the differences of the mean wind speeds at four met‐towers located closer to the main ridge of the hill in a region of strong terrain variations.
1-loop amplitudes from the Halohedron
Authors: Salvatori Giulio
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We recently proposed the Halohedron to be the 1-loop Amplituhedron for planar 𝜙3 theory. Here we prove this claim by showing how it is possible to extract the integrand for the partial amplitude

$$ {m}_n^1 $$

m
n
1

(l, ..., n|1, ... ,n) from the canonical form of an Halohedron which lives in an abstract space. This space is just a step away from ordinary kinematical space at 1-loop, because it is composed by abstract variables associated to propagators of 1-loop Feynman diagrams. Such variables, however, are unbound from momentum conservation relations that would give problems such as double poles. As an application of our construction, we exploit a well known recursion formula for the canonical form of a polytope in order to produce an expression for the 1-loop integrand which would not be evident starting from Feynman diagrams.
Road map through the desert: unification with vector-like fermions
Authors: Kowalska Kamila , Kumar Dinesh
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In light of null results from New Physics searches at the LHC, we look at unification of the gauge couplings as a model-building principle. As a first step, we consider extensions of the Standard Model with vector-like fermions. We present a comprehensive list of spectra that feature fermions in two distinct SU(3)C ×SU(2)L×U(1)Y representations, in which precise gauge coupling unification is achieved. We derive upper and lower limits on vector-like masses from proton decay measurements, running of the strong gauge coupling, heavy stable charged particle searches, and electroweak precision tests. We demonstrate that due to a particular hierarchy among the mass parameters required by the unification condition, complementarity of various experimental strategies allows us to probe many of the successful scenarios up to at least 10 TeV.
Modulation of SRSF2 expression reverses the exhaustion of TILs via the epigenetic regulation of immune checkpoint molecules
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Li Kun , Chen Wei , Wang Xiaoxia , Huang Yikun , Wang Weiming , Wu Wanjun , Cai Zhiming , Huang Weiren
Published: December 2019

The elevated expression of immune checkpoints by the tumor microenvironment is associated with poor prognosis in several cancers due to the exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and the effective suppression of the expression of these genes is key to reversing the exhaustion of TILs. Herein, we determined that serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2) is a target for blocking the tumor microenvironment-associated immunosuppressive effects. We found that the expression of SRSF2 was increased in exhausted T cells and that SRSF2 was involved in multiple immune checkpoint molecules mediating TILs’ exhaustion. Furthermore, SRSF2 was revealed to regulate the transcription of these immune checkpoint genes by associating with an acyl-transferases P300/CBP complex and altering the H3K27Ac level near these genes, thereafter influencing the recruitment of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to these gene promoters. Collectively, our data indicated that SRSF2 functions as a modulator of the anti-tumor response of T cells and may be a therapeutic target for reversing the exhaustion of TILs.
Are active labor market policies (cost-)effective in the long run? Evidence from the Netherlands
Authors: Lammers Marloes , Kok Lucy
Published: December 2019

The long-run effects of active labor market policies can be quite different from their short-run effects. Negative short-run effects can be explained by the lock-in effect: During training, the job search efforts of unemployed individuals decrease or even seize, thereby causing an initial drop in the probability of employment for those attending training programs. We show that in the long run (4–7 years after the start of a program) all programs have a positive and long-lasting impact on the probability of employment. However, the cost-effectiveness over the period of 4–7 years depends crucially on the magnitude of the initial lock-in effect. For programs whichincreasethe job search efforts of participants during the program, like placement services, no lock-in effect is observed. In the long run, only placement services and training courses are cost-effective.
The impact of frequency, pattern, intensity, and type of alcohol consumption, and its combined effect with smoking on inflammation, lipid profile, and the risk of myocardial infarction
Authors: Attard Ritienne , Dingli Philip , Doggen Carine J. M. , Cassar Karen , Farrugia Rosienne , Bezzina Wettinger Stephanie
Published: December 2019

Aim

To determine the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with pattern, frequency, and intensity of alcohol consumption, type of alcoholic beverage, and the combined effect of alcohol and smoking on risk of MI, inflammation, and lipid profile.

Method

A total of 423 cases with a first MI and 465 controls from the Maltese Acute Myocardial Infarction (MAMI) Study were analysed. Data was collected through an extensive interviewer-led questionnaire, along with measurements of various blood parameters. Medians and the Mann–Whitney test were used to assess effect of different drinking patterns, frequency, intensity, and smoking and drinking combinations on hs-CRP and lipid profile. Odds ratios, adjusted for the conventional risk factors of MI (AdjORs), were calculated as an estimate of the relative risk of MI.

Results

Regular alcohol consumption protected against MI [AdjOR 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.9)] while daily binge drinking increased risk [AdjOR 5.0 (95% CI 1.6–15.0)] relative to regular drinkers who did not binge drink. Whereas moderate weekly consumption of wine protected against MI, high weekly consumption of beer conveyed a deleterious effect. Alcohol consumption decreased risk of MI independent of smoking status. Frequent alcohol consumption was associated with higher HDL-, non-HDL-, total cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower hs-CRP. Total and HDL-cholesterol increased and BMI decreased with increasing quantity of weekly alcohol consumption relative to the non-regular drinkers. The effect of smoking on lipid profile and hs-CRP was less pronounced in current drinkers than in those who were non-regular drinkers.

Conclusion

The protective effect of alcohol consumption was dependent on the pattern, frequency, type, and intensity of alcohol consumed. Alcohol modified the effects of smoking on the lipid profile. Regular drinking attenuated the effect of smoking on hs-CRP and lipid profile.
Implementation of access and benefit-sharing measures has consequences for classical biological control of weeds
Authors: Silvestri Luciana , Sosa Alejandro , Mc Kay Fernando , Vitorino Marcelo Diniz , Hill Martin , Zachariades Costas , Hight Stephen , Weyl Philip , Smith David , Djeddour Djamila , Mason Peter G.
Published: December 2019

The Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol establish that genetic resources shall be accessed only upon the existence of prior informed consent of the country that provides those resources and that benefits arising from their utilization shall be shared. Pursuant to both agreements several countries have adopted regulations on access and benefit-sharing. These regulations have created a challenging obstacle to classical biological control of weeds. This paper reviews the experiences of Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, the USA, Canada and CABI in implementing access and benefit-sharing regulations and the implications these measures have on the effective and efficient access, exchange and utilization of biological control agents. We conclude that policy makers should be made aware of the key role biological control plays for agriculture and the environment and they are encouraged to develop tailored access and benefit-sharing legal frameworks that facilitate biological control research and implementation.
Spike morphology alternations in androgenic progeny of hexaploid triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) caused by nullisomy of 2R and 5R chromosomes
Authors: Kwiatek Michał T. , Banaszak Zofia , Skowrońska Roksana , Kurasiak-Popowska Danuta , Mikołajczyk Sylwia , Niemann Janetta , Tomkowiak Agnieszka , Weigt Dorota , Nawracała Jerzy
Published: December 2019

Induction of androgenesis, followed by chromosome doubling, is a crucial method to obtain complete homozygosity in one-generation route. However,in vitroandrogenesis can result in various genetic and epigenetic changes in derived triticale plants. In this study, we evaluated chromosome alternations and we associated them with the changes of spike morphology in androgenic progeny of triticale. We karyotyped offspring plants that derived from double haploid plants using fluorescencein situhybridization techniques. We distinguished four major groups of karyotypes: double ditelosomics, nullisomics N2R, nullisomics N5R, and triticale plants with a complete set of chromosomes. It is known that more than half of QTLs connected with androgenic response are located in R-genome of triticale but 2R, 5R, and 6R chromosomes are not included. We hypothesized that the reason why only aberrations of chromosomes 2R and 5R appear during androgenesis of triticale is that because these chromosomes are not involved in the stimulation of androgenic response and the following regeneration of plants is not disrupted. Concerning the established groups, we evaluated following quantitative traits: spike length, number of spikes per plant, number of spikelets per spike, and number of grains per spike. The nullisomy of chromosome 2R and 5R resulted in vast changes in spike architecture of triticale plants, which can be correlated with the location of major QTLs for spike morphology traits on these chromosomes. The spikes of nullisomic plants had significantly decreased spike length which correlated with the reduction of number of spikelets per spike and number of grains per spike.
How Many Impulses Redux
Authors: Taheri Ehsan , Junkins John L.
Published: December 2019

A central problem in orbit transfer optimization is to determine the number, time, direction, and magnitude of velocity impulses that minimize the total impulse. This problem was posed in 1967 by T. N. Edelbaum, and while notable advances have been made, a rigorous means to answer Edelbaum’s question for multiple-revolution maneuvers has remained elusive for over five decades. We revisit Edelbaum’s question by taking a bottom-up approach to generate a minimum-fuel switching surface. Sweeping through time profiles of the minimum-fuel switching function for increasing admissible thrust magnitude, and in the high-thrust limit, we find that the continuous thrust switching surface reveals theN-impulse solution. It is also shown that afundamentalminimum-thrust solution plays a pivotal role in our process to determine the optimal minimum-fuel maneuver for all thrust levels. Remarkably, we find that the answer to Edelbaum’s question is not generally unique, but is frequently a set of equal-Δvextremals. We further find, when Edelbaum’s question is refined to seek the number of finite-duration thrust arcs for a specific rocket engine, that a unique extremal is usually found. Numerical results demonstrate the ideas and their utility for several interplanetary and Earth-bound optimal transfers that consist of up to eleven impulses or, for finite thrust, short thrust arcs. Another significant contribution of the paper can be viewed as a unification in astrodynamics where the connection between impulsive and continuous-thrust trajectories are demonstrated through the notion ofoptimal switching surfaces.