bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Decolorization and Treatment of Textile Dye Wastewater Through Adsorption on Acid Modified Corncob Derived Biochar
Authors: Sonu Kumar , Sogani Monika , Syed Zainab , Dongre Aman , Sharma Gopesh
Published: October 2020

Eco‐friendly biochar derived from the cost‐effective and easily accessible agricultural waste corncob has been utilized as an adsorbent for decolorization of real textile dye wastewater (RTDW). Slow pyrolysis of the corncob was done in a temperature range of 450–550 °C with a consistent heating rate to produce biochar. The biochar yield reduced with increasing temperature of pyrolysis. Chemical treatment of biochar (BC) with sulfuric acid was done to improve the adsorption efficiency. Batch studies were carried out for decolorization of RTDW by varying key reaction parameters in order to further optimize these ones. Significantly high decolorization efficiency of up to 98 % was obtained using acid modified biochar (MBC). The maximum adsorption of dyes with MBC was found to be 6.02 mg g−1 in 45 minutes at ambient temperature. Advance analytics including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Zeta Potential etc. were carried out to characterize the adsorbents and to see the changes during the pyrolysis and adsorption processes. The kinetic studies demonstrated that Lagergren's pseudo‐II order model was the best fit for both BC and MBC. Also, MBC showed good recyclability as adsorbent when used two more times after degeneration. The germination % of Vigna radiata L. was studied to evaluate the toxicity of the effluents which depicted that dye wastewater after the adsorption by MBC was safe for agricultural use.
Fluorescent Noble Metal Nanoclusters Loaded Protein Hydrogel Exhibiting Anti‐Biofouling and Self‐Healing Properties for Electrochemiluminescence Biosensing Applications
Authors: Han Cuiyan , Guo Weiwei
Published: October 2020

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) showed great potential in various analytical applications, especially in the sensing of biotargets, taking advantage of its high sensitivity, selectivity, ease of spatial and temporal control, and simplified optical setup. However, during the sensing of complex biological samples, ECL sensors often suffered severe interferences from unavoidable nonspecific‐binding of biomacromolecules and physical damages of ECL sensing interfaces. Herein, a hydrogel based ECL biosensing system exhibiting excellent anti‐biofouling and self‐healing properties is developed. A protein hydrogel composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) directed fluorescent Au/Ag alloy nanoclusters (Au/Ag NCs) is applied in building ECL sensing systems. The hydrogel matrix facilitates the immobilization of fluorescent Au/Ag NCs as excellent ECL probes, and the porous hydrophilic structure allows the free diffusion of small molecular biotargets while rejecting macromolecular interferences. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits excellent self‐healing property, with the ECL intensity recovered rapidly in 10 min after cutting. The hydrogel ECL system is successfully applied in sensing glutathione (GSH) in serum, confirming the applicability of the hydrogel based anti‐biofouling ECL sensing system in sensing complex biological samples. This research may inspire the development of novel anti‐biofouling and self‐healing ECL biosensors for biosensing applications.
Graphene Oxide “Surfactant”‐Directed Tunable Concentration of Graphene Dispersion
Authors: Luo Jiajun , Yang Liangwei , Sun Danping , Gao Zhenfei , Jiao Kun , Zhang Jin
Published: October 2020

Homogeneous graphene dispersions with tunable concentrations are fundamental prerequisites for the preparation of graphene‐based materials. Here, a strategy for effectively dispersing graphene using graphene oxide (GO) to produce homogeneous, tunable, and ultrahigh concentration graphene dispersions (>150 mg mL−1) is proposed. The structure of GO with abundant edge‐bound hydrophilic carboxyl groups and in‐plane hydrophobic π‐conjugated domains allows it to function as a special “surfactant” that enables graphene dispersion. In acidic solutions, GO sheets tend to form edge‐to‐edge hydrogen bonds and expose the π‐conjugated regions which interact with graphene, thereby promoting graphene dispersion. While in alkaline solutions, GO sheets tend to stack in a surface‐to‐surface manner, thereby blocking the π‐conjugated regions and impeding graphene dispersion. As the concentration of GO‐dispersed graphene dispersion (GO/G) increases, a continuous transition between four states is obtained, including a dilute dispersion, a thick paste, a free‐standing gel, and a kneadable, playdough‐like material. Furthermore, GO/G can be applied to create desirable structures including highly conductive graphene films with excellent flexibility, thereby demonstrating an immense potential in flexible composite materials.
From Octahedron Crystals to 2D Silicon Nanosheets: Facet‐Selective Cleavage and Biophotonic Applications
Authors: Cheng Ziqiang , Cui Haodong , Xiao Quanlan , Huang Hao , Kang Yihong , Liu Qian , Wang Jiahong , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: October 2020

2D silicon nanosheets (SiNSs) are promising materials for biomedicine but facile synthesis of SiNSs remains a challenge. Herein, by means of a sulfur‐iodine co‐assisted chemical vapor transport method, octahedron silicon (oct‐Si) crystals with fully exposed {111} planes are prepared as precursors for efficient synthesis of SiNSs by facet‐selective exfoliation. The 13 nm thick SiNSs have good biocompatibility and the sharp Raman scattering signal facilitates intracellular Raman imaging upon exposure to a near‐infrared (NIR) laser. Furthermore, the SiNSs have excellent NIR photothermal characteristics such as a large extinction coefficient of 11.3 L g−1 cm−1 and high photothermal conversion efficiency of 21.4% at 1064 nm. In vitro experiments demonstrate superior NIR‐II photothermal therapeutic effects in killing cancer cells. Comparing to conventional methods, the novel facet‐selective cleavage strategy is more controllable and environmentally friendly boding well for the fabrication of non‐van der Waals 2D materials. The multimodal photonic behavior also suggests large potential of the SiNSs pertaining to integrated multi‐NIR biophotonic techniques using single nanomaterials.
Spontaneous Relaxation of Heteroepitaxial Thin Films by van der Waals‐Like Bonding on Te‐Terminated Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Jovanovic Stephen M. , El‐Sherif Hesham M. , Bassim Nabil D. , Preston John S.
Published: October 2020

Here the novel direct heteroepitaxial growth method of a 3D heteroepitaxial system is demonstrated on a 3D substrate, CdTe (111)/Al2O3 (0001), which forms a spontaneous vdW‐like bond at the interface, instead of the two 3D crystals being strongly bound. Despite a large lattice mismatch, the thin films are single crystals and maintain high quality due the compliance of the interface which accommodates strain. This weak bonding interface is accomplished by the self‐assembly of a pseudomorphic chalcogenide layer on the sapphire surface during growth. Since the vdW‐like interface forms spontaneously in situ during growth, it is easily scalable to large wafer sizes, without the need to layer transfer 2D materials onto the growth substrate for remote epitaxy. Further, the weak adhesion of the films on the substrates allow for epitaxial film transfer to a variety of other substrates, leaving the original growth substrate for future reuse. This type of 3D/3D vdW‐like interface is exploitable as a compliant interlayer for additional epitaxy, and may even be observable directly in other material systems grown on complex oxides, allowing for the production of large area high quality freestanding and layer transferred epitaxial devices for material systems not currently possible by conventional processing techniques.
Optimization of Bulk Defects in Sn/Pb Mixed Perovskite Solar Cells Through Synergistic Effect of Potassium Thiocyanate
Authors: Chen Qin , Wu Jiawei , Matondo Jadel Tsiba , Bai Luyun , Maurice Davy Malouangou , Guli Mina
Published: October 2020

The organic–inorganic Sn–Pb mixed perovskite has achieved great progress during the last 10 years and is considered as one of the most promising low‐bandgap photovoltaic materials. It has lower toxicity, outstanding optoelectrical properties, and achieved remarkable performance. However, there are still plenty of challenges in controlling the morphology, crystallinity, and defects of the Sn–Pb mixed perovskite film because of the inferior chemical stability of Sn compared with Pb. Herein, it is found that the synergistic effect of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) in the Sn–Pb mixed perovskites can enlarge the grain size, enhance the crystallization, improve the film morphology, and obtain high‐quality perovskite films which effectively eliminate the bulk defects and smooth carrier transportation of Sn–Pb mixed perovskite solar cells. Through optimizing the concentration of KSCN, a high‐performance MA0.5FA0.5Pb0.5Sn0.5I3 solar cell with an efficiency of 15.14% and improved stability is obtained. This work lays a key foundation for the fabrication of efficient and stable Sn‐based or Sn–Pb mixed perovskite solar devices.
Effect of saltwater intrusion on activated sludge flocculation
Authors: Berde Manisha , Jolis Domènec
Published: October 2020

Saltwater addition negatively impacted the settling properties of the activated sludge in a sequencing batch reactor, which in turn caused the effluent quality and the dewatering properties to deteriorate. Experiments showed that increasing sodium ion concentrations above 1 meq/L interfered with bio‐flocculation by ion exchange of calcium ions displaced by sodium in mixed liquor flocs, causing increases in the sludge volume index, total suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand concentrations of the final effluent and in the times of the time to filter test of the mixed liquor. Experiments were also conducted to reverse mixed liquor de‐flocculation by adding calcium ions in wastewater with different sodium chloride concentrations and a positive relationship was found between calcium ion added and improved effluent quality. Calcium ion concentrations above 1.6 meq/L proved to be beneficial for adhesion of microbial aggregates leading to the formation of stable flocs and improved sludge dewatering by reversing the ion exchange phenomenon observed with sodium concentrations above 1 meq/L. Monovalent‐to‐divalent ratios did not provide predictive information on de‐flocculation. Hence, individual ion concentrations in addition to monovalent‐to‐divalent cation ratios are important in the onset of de‐flocculation effects while a system‐specific concentration threshold was measured under which no adverse effects were observed.

Practitioner points

The adverse effects of varying concentrations of sodium chloride on the biological process affecting bioflocculation and effluent quality.

Impact of sodium on the health of the mixed liquor as well as on dewatering processes.

Prediction of sea level rise due to climate change will impact utilities situated along the coast with saltwater intrusion problems.

Management of dewatered flows containing saltwater from onsite construction

Identify management practices to reduce the impact of saltwater on the wastewater treatment plant.
One-loop non-planar anomalous dimensions in super Yang-Mills theory
Authors: McLoughlin Tristan , Pereira Raul , Spiering Anne
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We consider non-planar one-loop anomalous dimensions in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and its marginally deformed analogues. Using the basis of Bethe states, we compute matrix elements of the dilatation operator and find compact expressions in terms of off-shell scalar products and hexagon-like functions. We then use non-degenerate quantum-mechanical perturbation theory to compute the leading 1/N2 corrections to operator dimensions and as an example compute the large R-charge limit for two-excitation states through subleading order in the R-charge. Finally, we numerically study the distribution of level spacings for these theories and show that they transition from the Poisson distribution for integrable systems at infinite N to the GOE Wigner-Dyson distribution for quantum chaotic systems at finite N.
A diagnostic marker kit for Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic diseases resistance in pigeonpea
Authors: Saxena Rachit K. , Hake Anil , Bohra Abhishek , Khan Aamir W. , Hingane Anupama , Sultana Rafat , Singh Indra Prakash , Naik S. J. Satheesh , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: October 2020

Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic diseases (SMD) are key biotic constraints to pigeonpea production. Occurrence of these two diseases in congenial conditions is reported to cause complete yield loss in susceptible pigeonpea cultivars. Various studies to elucidate genomic architecture of the two traits have revealed significant marker–trait associations for use in breeding programs. However, these DNA markers could not be used effectively in genomics-assisted breeding for developing FW and SMD resistant varieties primarily due to pathogen variability, location or background specificity, lesser phenotypic variance explained by the reported QTL and cost-inefficiency of the genotyping assays. Therefore, in the present study, a novel approach has been used to develop a diagnostic kit for identification of suitable FW and SMD resistant lines. This kit was developed with 10 markers each for FW and SMD resistance. Investigation of the diversity of these loci has shown the role of different alleles in different resistant genotypes. Two genes (C.cajan_03691 and C.cajan_18888) for FW resistance and four genes (C.cajan_07858, C.cajan_20995, C.cajan_21801 and C.cajan_17341) for SMD resistance have been identified. More importantly, we developed a customized and cost-effective Kompetitive allele-specific PCR genotyping assay for the identified genes in order to encourage their downstream applications in pigeonpea breeding programs. The diagnostic marker kit developed here will offer great strength to pigeonpea varietal development program, since the resistance against these two diseases is essentially required for nominating an improved line in varietal release pipeline.
Left Ventricular Geometrical Changes in Severely Obese Adolescents: Prevalence, Determinants, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Talib Ali , Roebroek Yvonne G. M. , Paulus Givan F. , van Loo Kris , Winkens Bjorn , Bouvy Nicole D. , van Heurn Ernst L. W. E.
Published: October 2020

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is independently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adults. Adiposity is a risk factor for LVH, independent of blood pressure. Potential causes of this nonhemodynamic pathogenesis identified in adults include adverse body fat distribution, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). In severely obese adolescents, the determinants of obesity-induced changes in left ventricular structure are poorly characterized. Cardiac ultrasonographic, demographic, anthropometric, and comorbidity-related data were prospectively collected in adolescents with severe obesity refractory to conservative treatment who presented for surgical therapy. Differences between adolescents with LVH and without LVH were evaluated using independent samples t, chi-square, or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations with left ventricular structural changes, corrected for body mass index (BMI) z score. Forty-three patients entered analysis, of whom 24 (55.8%) showed LVH. The most common geometrical change was eccentric LVH (eLVH), occurring in 21 subjects (48.8%). Demographic and anthropometric variables did not differ between patients with and without LVH. Independent of BMI z score, left ventricular mass index was significantly associated with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) (regression parameter B = 0.8; 95% CI 0.3 to 1.2). Interventricular septum thickness (IVST) was significantly associated with HOMA-IR values (B = 0.1; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.2), HDL-cholesterol (B = − 1.2; 95% CI − 2.2 to 0.1), and triglyceride levels (B = 0.5; 95% CI 0.001 to 0.9). LVH, especially eLVH, is highly prevalent amongst severely obese adolescents. Adverse changes in cardiac structure, increased IVST in particular, are independently associated with several nonhemodynamic comorbidities that are common in this population, namely OSA, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
Usual or unusual presentations of Dirofilaria repens in two sibling dogs: a case report
Authors: Barlozzari Giulia , Felice Tiziana , Salvato Laura , Conti Raffaella , De Liberato Claudio , Furzi Federica , Gabrielli Simona , Scarpulla Manuela
Published: October 2020

This study describes two different manifestations of Dirofilaria repens infection in sibling dogs with microfilaremia. Dog 1, asymptomatic, harbored a gravid female of D. repens on the parietal layer of tunica vaginalis of one testicle and showed a marked circulating eosinophilia (3.3·103/μL). Both testicles were normal in shape and size without any gross lesions. Dog 2 had a pyotraumatic dermatitis. The cases were confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The sequences obtained showed 100% identity with those of D. repens isolated from human scrotum in Croatia. The treatment with moxidectin 2.5% and imidacloprid 10%/kg was effective in eliminating microfilariae after just one application, as demonstrated by negative modified Knott’s tests and PCR analyses of blood samples. This status was maintained during the post-treatment observation period. The classical localization of D. repens in dogs is in subcutaneous tissues, within nodules or free; however, it can also occur with some frequency in testicles, as described in humans. The infection can be associated with circulating eosinophilia or pyotraumatic dermatitis, as reported in this study. Thus, in endemic areas, it is advisable to carefully inspect the removed testicles at neutering since parasite localization can take place without any macroscopic changes. Moreover, in the case of circulating eosinophilia or pyotraumatic dermatitis, investigations should include modified Knott’s test and PCR to ensure that D. repens is not the cause of these alterations. Rapid and sensitive tests for the early detection of infected animals would help to prevent or limit the spread of this zoonosis.
Characterisation of the Fe(III):H+ Defect Centre in Natural Amethyst
Authors: Di Benedetto Francesco , Zoleo Alfonso , Romanelli Maurizio
Published: October 2020

A natural single crystal of amethyst was investigated by means of continuous-wave and pulsed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), with the aim of structurally characterizing the substitutional S2 Fe(III):H+ centre. In this centre, Fe(III) replaces Si(IV) in the tetrahedral site, whereas H+ is coupled to Fe(III) to maintain the charge balance. The spectroscopic investigations, mainly the interpretation of the Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation, allowed a detailed localisation of the proton to be obtained. H+ occurs in the channels crossing the crystal parallel to the crystallographic c axis, in a largely eccentric position. The Fe(III)-H+ distance, evaluated in 2.70 Å, is found associated with a non-negligible isotropic hyperfine coupling, which can be linked to the relative stability of the S2 centre in natural amethyst.
General bounds for incremental maximization
Authors: Bernstein Aaron , Disser Yann , Groß Martin , Himburg Sandra
Published: October 2020

We propose a theoretical framework to capture incremental solutions to cardinality constrained maximization problems. The defining characteristic of our framework is that the cardinality/support of the solution is bounded by a value $$k\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

k
∈
N

that grows over time, and we allow the solution to be extended one element at a time. We investigate the best-possible competitive ratio of such an incremental solution, i.e., the worst ratio over all k between the incremental solution after k steps and an optimum solution of cardinality k. We consider a large class of problems that contains many important cardinality constrained maximization problems like maximum matching, knapsack, and packing/covering problems. We provide a general 2.618-competitive incremental algorithm for this class of problems, and we show that no algorithm can have competitive ratio below 2.18 in general. In the second part of the paper, we focus on the inherently incremental greedy algorithm that increases the objective value as much as possible in each step. This algorithm is known to be 1.58-competitive for submodular objective functions, but it has unbounded competitive ratio for the class of incremental problems mentioned above. We define a relaxed submodularity condition for the objective function, capturing problems like maximum (weighted) d-dimensional matching, maximum (weighted) (b-)matching and a variant of the maximum flow problem. We show a general bound for the competitive ratio of the greedy algorithm on the class of problems that satisfy this relaxed submodularity condition. Our bound generalizes the (tight) bound of 1.58 slightly beyond sub-modular functions and yields a tight bound of 2.313 for maximum (weighted) (b-)matching. Our bound is also tight for a more general class of functions as the relevant parameter goes to infinity. Note that our upper bounds on the competitive ratios translate to approximation ratios for the underlying cardinality constrained problems, and our bounds for the greedy algorithm carry over both.
Paraglacial rock-slope deformations: sudden or delayed response? Insights from an integrated numerical modelling approach
Authors: Spreafico Margherita Cecilia , Sternai Pietro , Agliardi Federico
Published: October 2020

Glacial and paraglacial processes have a major influence on rock slope stability in alpine environments. Slope deglaciation causes debuttressing, stress and hydro-mechanical perturbations that promote progressive slope failure and the development of slow rock slope deformation possibly evolving until catastrophic failure. Paraglacial rock slope failures can develop soon after or thousands of years after deglaciation, and can creep slowly accelerating until catastrophic failure or nucleate sudden rockslides. The roles of topography, rock properties and deglaciation processes in promoting the different styles of paraglacial rock slope failure are still elusive. Nevertheless, their comprehensive understanding is crucial to manage future geohazards in modern paraglacial settings affected by ongoing climate change. We simulate the different modes and timing of paraglacial slope failures in an integrated numerical modelling approach that couples realistic deglaciation histories derived by modelling of ice dynamics to 2D time-dependent simulations of progressive failure processes. We performed a parametric study to assess the effects of initial ice thickness, deglaciation rate, rock-slope strength and valley shape on the mechanisms and timing of slope response to deglaciation. Our results allow constraining the range of conditions in which rapid failures or delayed slow deformations occur, which we compare to natural Alpine case studies. The melting of thicker glaciers is linked to shallower rockslides daylighting at higher elevation, with a shorter response time. More pronounced glacial morphologies influences slope lifecycle and favour the development of shallower, suspended rockslides. Weaker slopes and faster deglaciations produce to faster slope responses. In a risk-reduction perspective, we expect rockslide differentiation in valleys showing a strong glacial imprint, buried below thick ice sheets during glaciation.
A comparison of modeling approaches for current transport in polysilicon-channel nanowire and macaroni GAA MOSFETs
Authors: Mannara Aurelio , Malavena Gerardo , Sottocornola Spinelli Alessandro , Monzio Compagnoni Christian
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we compare quantitatively the results obtained from the numerical simulation of current transport in polysilicon-channel MOSFETs under different modeling assumptions typically adopted to reproduce the basic physics of the devices, including the effective medium approximation and the description of polysilicon as the haphazard ensemble of monocrystalline silicon grains separated by highly defective grain boundaries. In the latter case, both pure drift-diffusion transport and a mix of intra-grain drift-diffusion and inter-grain thermionic emission are considered. Interest is focused on cylindrical nanowire and macaroni gate-all-around structures, due to their relevance in the field of 3-Dimensional NAND Flash memories, focusing not only on the average behavior but also on the variability in the electrical characteristics of the devices.
Completions and algebraic formulas for the coefficients of Ramanujan’s mock theta functions
Authors: Klein David , Kupka Jennifer
Published: October 2020

We present completions of mock theta functions to harmonic weak Maass forms of weight $$\nicefrac {1}{2}$$

1
2

and algebraic formulas for the coefficients of mock theta functions. We give several harmonic weak Maass forms of weight $$\nicefrac {1}{2}$$

1
2

that have mock theta functions as their holomorphic part. Using these harmonic weak Maass forms and the Millson theta lift, we compute finite algebraic formulas for the coefficients of the appearing mock theta functions in terms of traces of singular moduli.
The correlation between Jun N-terminal kinase pathway-associated phosphatase and Th1 cell or Th17 cell in sepsis and their potential roles in clinical sepsis management
Authors: Yu Dan , Peng Xiaohong , Li Peng
Published: October 2020

Background

We aimed to investigate the association between Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway-associated phosphatase (JKAP) and T helper type 1 (Th1) cell or Th17 cell, and their clinical values in sepsis patients.

Methods

Totally 125 sepsis patients and 100 healthy subjects as controls were included. Peripheral blood was extracted from each sepsis patient and each control, then serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) were separated. JKAP and inflammatory cytokines were detected in serum by ELISA; Th1 cell or Th17 cell proportion was detected in PBMC using flow cytometry.

Results

JKAP level was downregulated while Th1 and Th17 cell proportions were upregulated in sepsis patients compared with controls. JKAP level negatively correlated with Th1 cell proportion in sepsis patients and controls, while was only negatively associated with Th17 cell proportion in sepsis patients but not in controls. In sepsis patients, JKAP level negatively associated with TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17 expressions. Meanwhile, JKAP level negatively but Th17 cell proportion positively correlated with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores; however, Th1 cell proportion only positively associated with APACHE II score but not SOFA score. Additionally, JKAP level was reduced, while Th1 and Th17 cell proportions were increased in septic deaths compared with survivors. Multivariate logistic regression model disclosed that JKAP level and Th17 cell proportion independently predicted 28-day mortality.

Conclusion

Blood JKAP correlates with decreased Th1 and Th17 cells, also associates with reduced inflammatory cytokines, disease severity, and favorable outcome in sepsis patients.
Acute Distress Respiratory Syndrome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Incidence and Impact on the Outcome in a Large Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Mazeraud Aurélien , Robba Chiara , Rebora Paola , Iaquaniello Carolina , Vargiolu Alessia , Rass Verena , Bogossian Elisa Gouvea , Helbok Raimund , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Citerio Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

Background

Respiratory complications are frequently reported after aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), even if their association with outcome remains controversial. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most severe pulmonary complications after aSAH, with a reported incidence ranging from 11 to 50%. This study aims to assess in a large cohort of aSAH patients, during the first week after an intensive care unit (ICU) admission, the incidence of ARDS defined according to the Berlin criteria and its effect on outcome.

Methods

This is a multicentric, retrospective cohort study in 3 European intensive care units. We collected data between January 2009 and December 2017. We included adult patients (≥ 18 years) with a diagnosis of aSAH admitted to the ICU.

Results

A total of 855 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. ARDS was assessable in 851 patients. The cumulative incidence of ARDS was 2.2% on the first day since ICU admission, 3.2% on day three, and 3.6% on day seven. At the univariate analysis, ARDS was associated with a poor outcome (p = 0.005) at ICU discharge, and at the multivariable analysis, patients with ARDS showed a worse neurological outcome (Odds ratio = 3.00, 95% confidence interval 1.16–7.72; p = 0.023).

Conclusions

ARDS has a low incidence in the first 7 days of ICU stay after aSAH, but it is associated with worse outcome.
Pyrolysis of Dry Toilet Substrate as a Means of Nutrient Recycling in Agricultural Systems: Potential Risks and Benefits
Authors: Bleuler M. , Gold M. , Strande L. , Schönborn A.
Published: October 2020

Biochar is increasingly being applied as a soil amendment in agriculture. Biochar is typically produced from plant biomass and contains relatively low amounts of plant nutrients (e.g., N, P, and K), thus providing limited fertilizer value. Human excreta contains plant nutrients that could be recycled to create sustainable agricultural nutrient cycles. This study investigated the potential of biochar derived from a dry toilet substrate as soil amendment. The substrate consisted of urine, faeces, and wood chips, and was pyrolyzed at 500–650 °C for 10 min. The biochar was analyzed for plant available P, water leachable P and K, carbon stability, pH, electrical conductivity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and germination tests with barley and lettuce were conducted to estimate the biochar fertilizer value and potential bio-toxicity. The biochar contained 25.0 ± 1.0 g N/kg dry mass (DM), 33.1 ± 2.1 g P/kg DM and 20.7 ± 0.2 g K/kg DM. 65% DM P was extractable by formic acid solution, 31.7% DM P and 60.5% DM K were water leachable in a ten-day column water-leaching experiment. The biochar complied with European regulations for PAHs, PCBs, dioxins and heavy metal concentrations, except for Zn and Ni. Germination of salt-resistant barley was not affected by biochar doses < 50% DM, while salt-sensitive lettuce germination was inhibited at doses ≥ 2% DM, indicating that the dry toilet substrate biochar induced salt stress. Based on these results, it is recommended that urine separation should be considered for biochar of excreta, which could reduce salt stress while maintaining concentrations of “fixed” or bioavailable nitrogen.

Graphic Abstract
The Child's Environment
Authors: Bradley Robert H.
Published: October 2020

The focus of this Element is on the environment and how it is implicated in children's development.A very broad array of social and physical features connected to children's home life and to the neighborhoods where children live, including multiple aspects of parenting, housing characteristics and the increased prevalence of media in daily life are addressed.Attention is also given to the broader social, economic, and geographic contexts in which children live, such as neighborhood surroundings and conditions in less developed countries.There is a focus on how various aspects of the home context (e.g., crowding) and key parental characteristics, such as mental illness and substance abuse problems, affect the behavior of parents. Consideration also given to how various forms of chaos and instability present challenges for parents and children and how those circumstances are implicated in both children's development and caregiver behavior.
Voltaire's Correspondence
Authors: Cronk Nicholas , Roe Glenn
Published: October 2020

Voltaire's correspondence has been described as his 'greatest masterpiece' – but if it is, it is also his least studied. One of the most prodigious correspondences in Western literature, it poses significant interpretative challenges to the critic and reader alike. Considered individually, the letters present a series of complex, subtle, and playful literary performances; taken together, they constitute a formidable, and even forbidding, ensemble. How can modern readers even attempt to understand such an imposing work? This Element addresses this question through the use of digital reading methods and resources that enhance our understanding of this complex literary object and its relationship to Voltaire's more canonical literary output, and indeed to the Enlightenment world at large. Nicholas Cronk and Glenn Roe provide scholars and students with new pathways into this particular corpus, using tools and approaches that can then be applied to correspondences and life-writing texts in all languages and periods.
The 'Ulama in Contemporary Pakistan
Authors: Saif Mashal
Published: October 2020

In this book, Mashal Saif explores how contemporary 'ulama, the guardians of religious knowledge and law, engage with the world's most populated Islamic nation-state: Pakistan. In mapping these engagements, she weds rigorous textual analysis with fieldwork and offers insight into some of the most significant and politically charged issues in recent Pakistani history. These include debates over the rights of women; the country's notorious blasphemy laws; the legitimacy of religiously mandated insurrection against the state; sectarian violence; and the place of Shi'as within the Sunni majority nation. These diverse case studies are knit together by the project's most significant contribution: a theoretical framework that understands the 'ulama's complex engagements with their state as a process of both contestation and cultivation of the Islamic Republic by citizen-subjects. This framework provides a new way of assessing state - 'ulama relations not only in contemporary Pakistan but also across the Muslim world.
Executive Underreach, in Pandemics and Otherwise
Authors: Pozen David E. , Scheppele Kim Lane
Published: October 2020

Legal scholars are familiar with the problem of executive overreach, especially in emergencies. But sometimes, instead of being too audacious or extreme, a national executive's attempts to address a true threat prove far too limited and insubstantial. In this Essay, we seek to define and clarify the phenomenon of executive underreach, with special reference to the COVID-19 crisis; to outline ways in which such underreach may compromise constitutional governance and the international legal order; and to suggest a partial remedy.
Short Supply Conditions and the Law of International Trade: Economic Lessons from the Pandemic
Authors: Sykes Alan O.
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by shortages and potential shortages of products critical to the public health response. Many nations have responded with export restrictions on these products, restrictions that are permitted under international trade law as a temporary response to short supply conditions generally and to public health emergencies in particular. This Essay argues that such export restrictions are economically counterproductive from a global efficiency perspective, and that governments acting unilaterally will nevertheless employ them due to international externalities that propagate through the “terms of trade.” This observation raises a puzzle as to why international law should facilitate rather than curtail them. The most plausible answer is that legal authority for such measures is a politically necessary “escape clause” in trade agreements, akin to safeguard measures.
The WHO in the Age of the Coronavirus
Authors: Alvarez José E.
Published: October 2020

The responses of states and the WHO to the COVID-19 pandemic reveal the considerable weaknesses of international organizations. Although the Trump administration has misdiagnosed the WHO's ills, the WHO has indeed failed to meet the public health threat posed by the coronavirus. The WHO's responses to the current crisis demonstrate that it shares five disorders common to other UN system expert-driven organizations: overdependence on states; singular reliance on “managerial” approaches to enforcement; inflexible emergency declarations; absence of regularized systems for inter-regime collaboration; and common bureaucratic pathologies.
Beyond Ideology: Reassessing the Threat of Belarusian Opposition in Interwar Poland
Authors: Fedorowycz Daniel
Published: October 2020

The historical literature on interwar Polish policy on Belarusians and other minorities focuses primarily on the relationship between the regime in power and minority groups as a single block, failing to note instances in which regime policies toward specific organizations have not been uniform. Despite the fact that Belarusian ethnic identity was ambiguous and national consciousness low, no fewer than 13 political organizations in interwar Poland claimed to represent the minority. The most influential organization was the Belarusian Peasants’ and Workers’ Union Hromada. Less than two years after the organization’s inception, it was banned in 1927. This article examines why an organization like Hromada, which did not resort to violence and in fact took pains to operate within the legal framework of the Polish constitution, was shuttered by the state, while other organizations with similar profiles were allowed to operate. The article reveals that Hromada was not banned strictly due to what the government considered its radical ideology or because it was an antisystem party, but rather it was banned for its ability to suppress organizational pluralism among Belarusian organizations. The article advances the existing literature by (a) shifting away from analyzing the dynamics between a state and an ethnic group as a whole, by disaggregating the level of analysis to focus on minority political organizations, and by (b) going beyond ideology as the main explanatory variable dictating state policies toward minorities.
On the impact of network size and average degree on the robustness of centrality measures
Authors: Martin Christoph , Niemeyer Peter
Published: October 2020

Measurement errors are omnipresent in network data. Most studies observe an erroneous network instead of the desired error-free network. It is well known that such errors can have a severe impact on network metrics, especially on centrality measures: a central node in the observed network might be less central in the underlying, error-free network. The robustness is a common concept to measure these effects. Studies have shown that the robustness primarily depends on the centrality measure, the type of error (e.g., missing edges or missing nodes), and the network topology (e.g., tree-like, core-periphery). Previous findings regarding the influence of network size on the robustness are, however, inconclusive. We present empirical evidence and analytical arguments indicating that there exist arbitrary large robust and non-robust networks and that the average degree is well suited to explain the robustness. We demonstrate that networks with a higher average degree are often more robust. For the degree centrality and Erdős–Rényi (ER) graphs, we present explicit formulas for the computation of the robustness, mainly based on the joint distribution of node degrees and degree changes which allow us to analyze the robustness for ER graphs with a constant average degree or increasing average degree.
The Wane of Command: Evidence on Drone Strikes and Control within Terrorist Organizations
Authors: RIGTERINK ANOUK S.
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates how counterterrorism targeting terrorist leaders affects terrorist attacks. This effect is theoretically ambiguous and depends on whether terrorist groups are modeled as unitary actors or not. The paper exploits a natural experiment provided by strikes by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) “hitting” and “missing” terrorist leaders in Pakistan. Results suggest that terrorist groups increase the number of attacks they commit after a drone “hit” on their leader compared with after a “miss.” This increase is statistically significant for 3 out of 6 months after a hit, when it ranges between 47.7% and 70.3%. Additional analysis of heterogenous effects across groups and leaders, and the impact of drone hits on the type of attack, terrorist group infighting, and splintering, suggest that principal-agent problems—(new) terrorist leaders struggling to control and discipline their operatives—account for these results better than alternative theoretical explanations.
Cellular dehydration acutely degrades mood mainly in women: a counterbalanced, crossover trial
Authors: Suh HyunGyu , Lieberman Harris R. , Jansen Lisa T. , Colburn Abigail T. , Adams J. D. , Seal Adam D. , Butts Cory L. , Kirkland Tracie M. , Melander Olle , Vanhaecke Tiphaine , Dolci Alberto , Lemetais Guillaume , Perrier Erica T. , Kavouras Stavros A.
Published: October 2020

It is unclear if mild-to-moderate dehydration independently affects mood without confounders like heat exposure or exercise. This study examined the acute effect of cellular dehydration on mood. Forty-nine adults (55 % female, age 39 (sd 8) years) were assigned to counterbalanced, crossover trials. Intracellular dehydration was induced with 2-h (0·1 ml/kg per min) 3 % hypertonic saline (HYPER) infusion or 0·9 % isotonic saline (ISO) as a control. Plasma osmolality increased in HYPER (pre 285 (sd 3), post 305 (sd 4) mmol/kg; P < 0·05) but remained unchanged in ISO (pre 285 (sd 3), post 288 (sd 3) mmol/kg; P > 0·05). Mood was assessed with the short version of the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS). The POMS sub-scale (confusion-bewilderment, depression-dejection, fatigue-inertia) increased in HYPER compared with ISO (P < 0·05). Total mood disturbance score (TMD) assessed by POMS increased from 10·3 (sd 0·9) to 16·6 (sd 1·7) in HYPER (P < 0·01), but not in ISO (P > 0·05). When TMD was stratified by sex, the increase in the HYPER trial was significant in females (P < 0·01) but not in males (P > 0·05). Following infusion, thirst and copeptin (surrogate for vasopressin) were also higher in females than in males (21·3 (sd 2·0), 14·1 (sd 1·4) pmol/l; P < 0·01) during HYPER. In conclusion, cellular dehydration acutely degraded specific aspects of mood mainly in women. The mechanisms underlying sex differences may be related to elevated thirst and vasopressin.
Relative validity and reliability of a novel diet quality assessment tool for athletes: the Athlete Diet Index
Authors: Capling Louise , Gifford Janelle A. , Beck Kathryn L. , Flood Victoria M. , Halar Fiona , Slater Gary J. , O’Connor Helen T.
Published: October 2020

Diet quality indices are a practical, cost-effective method to evaluate dietary patterns, yet few have investigated diet quality in athletes. This study describes the relative validity and reliability of the recently developed Athlete Diet Index (ADI). Participants completed the electronic ADI on two occasions, 2 weeks apart, followed by a 4-d estimated food record (4-dFR). Relative validity was evaluated by directly comparing mean scores of the two administrations (mAdm) against scores derived from 4-dFR using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman (B–A) plots. Construct validity was investigated by comparing mAdm scores and 4-dFR-derived nutrient intakes using Spearman’s coefficient and independent t test. Test–retest reliability was assessed using paired t test, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and B–A plots. Sixty-eight elite athletes (18·8 (sd 4·2) years) from an Australian sporting institute completed the ADI on both occasions. Mean score was 84·1 (sd 15·2; range 42·5–114·0). The ADI had good reliability (ICC = 0·80, 95 % CI 0·69, 0·87; P < 0·001), and B–A plots (mean 1·9; level of agreement −17·8, 21·7) showed no indication of systematic bias (y = 4·57–0·03 × x) (95 % CI −0·2, 0·1; P = 0·70). Relative validity was evaluated in fifty athletes who completed all study phases. Comparison of mAdm scores with 4-dFR-derived scores was moderate (rs 0·69; P < 0·001) with no systematic bias between methods of measurement (y = 6·90–0·04 × x) (95 % CI −0·3, 0·2; P = 0·73). Higher scores were associated with higher absolute nutrient intake consistent with a healthy dietary pattern. The ADI is a reliable tool with moderate validity, demonstrating its potential for application to investigate the diet quality of athletes.
Non-planar coil winding angle optimization for compatibility with non-insulated high-temperature superconducting magnets
Authors: Paz-Soldan C.
Published: October 2020

The rapidly emerging technology of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) opens new opportunities for the development of non-planar non-insulated HTS magnets. This type of HTS magnet offers attractive features via its simplicity and robustness, and is well suited for modest size steady-state applications such as a mid-scale stellarator. In non-planar coil applications the HTS tape may be subject to severe hard-way bending strain (

$\epsilon _{\textrm {bend}}$

), torsional strains (

$\epsilon _{\textrm {tor}}$

) and magnetic field components transverse to the HTS tape plane (

$B_{\perp }$

), all of which can limit the magnet operating space. A novel method of winding angle optimization is here presented to overcome these limitations for fixed input non-planar coil filamentary geometry. Essentially, this method: (i) calculates the peak

$\epsilon _{\textrm {bend}}$

and

$B_{\perp }$

for arbitrary winding angle along an input coil filamentary trajectory, (ii) defines a cost function including both and then (iii) uses tensioned splines to define a winding angle that reduces

$\epsilon _{\textrm {tor}}$

and optimizes the

$\epsilon _{\textrm {bend}}$

and

$B_{\perp }$

cost function. As strain limits are present even without

$B_{\perp }$

, this optimization is able to provide an assessment of the minimum buildable size of an arbitrary non-planar non-insulating HTS coil. This optimization finds that for standard 4 mm wide HTS tapes the minimum size coils of the existing HSX, NCSX and W7-X stellarator geometries are around 0.3–0.5 m in mean coil radius. Identifying the minimum size provides a path to specify a mid-scale stellarator capable of achieving high-field or high-temperature operation with minimal HTS tape length. For coils larger than this size, strain optimization allows use of wider (higher current capacity) HTS tapes or alternatively permitting a finite (yet tolerable) strain allows reduction of

$B_{\perp }$

. Reduced

$B_{\perp }$

enables a reduction of the HTS tape length required to achieve a given design magnetic field or equivalently an increase in the achievable magnetic field for fixed HTS tape length. The distinct considerations for optimizing a stellarator coilset to further ease compatibility with non-insulated HTS magnets are also discussed, highlighting relaxed curvature limits and the introduction of limits to the allowable torsion.