bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar‐powered microwave pyrolysis of corn stover for value‐added products and process techno‐economic assessment
Authors: Fodah Ahmed Elsayed Mahmoud , Ghosal Manoj Kumar , Behera Debaraj
Published: November 2020

Microwave pyrolysis, powered by the solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity has been studied for safe and effective disposal of one of the abundantly available agro‐residues that is, corn stover (CS) in India. The study focuses on maximizing the yields of value‐added products that is, wood vinegar and biochar, because of their several applications in the agriculture and easy trading among the farmers with a scope of earning higher economic benefits. The effects of different levels microwave power, reaction time, and various concentrations of additive (biochar) on the yields of the pyrolytic products have been investigated. Under the optimal conditions of pyrolysis (input power of 700 W for microwave, pyrolysis reaction duration of 20 minutes and use of 5% additive from biochar), the yields of wood vinegar and biochar were measured to be 31 and 34 wt%, respectively, with the lower yields of both tars (9.64 wt%) and gas (25.2 wt%). The wood vinegar, obtained from the study, contained about 28%‐32% acids, 10%‐15% phenols, 18%‐20% ketones, and 12% alcohol with the pH in the range of 2.94‐3.21. The lower heating value (LHV) of biochar ranged from 22‐27 MJ/kg. From the techno‐economic and environmental assessment, the monthly income, payback period and quantity of CO2 mitigation are estimated to be USD 44, 3.5 years and 25.6 tones in case of lab‐scale set up and USD 44114, 1.7 years, and 20 549 tones for scaled‐up production systems, respectively. These findings would contribute to diminish the greenhouse gases emissions, mitigate climate change, and help to derive economic benefits for the farmers along with the effective utilization of agro‐residues.
An experimental study on the performance evaluation of a combined sensible‐latent heat thermal energy storage
Authors: Suresh Charmala , Saini Rajeshwer Prasad
Published: November 2020

Thermal energy storage (TES) is one of the significant technologies for reducing the discrepancy between ever‐increasing energy demand and utilization. Sensible and latent heat based TES concepts are the most widely implemented technologies for thermal applications. However, these two storage technologies have drawbacks of lower energy storage ability, higher thermocline degradation for sensible heat storage and lower thermal conductivity of the phase change material (PCM) causing higher charge and discharge times for latent heat storage. To counter these issues, a novel combined sensible‐latent heat storage system has been proposed. The concept of combined sensible‐latent thermal storage is to place the latent heat storage media above the sensible storage media in the storage container. In the present experimental study, an experimental investigation of the proposed storage system and conventional sensible storage system was performed during charge and discharge cycles. The proposed storage system used concrete spheres as sensible storage media and paraffin encapsulated capsules having the same diameter of 38 mm, as a latent heat storage media. A comparative assessment has been made for two different configurations based on temperature profile, storage capacity, charge and discharge times, energy transferred, and energy recovered. The experimental results reveal that the novel combined sensible‐latent heat storage has lower thermocline degradation during discharge and higher energy storage capacity relative to the sensible storage system. The discharge time and energy utilization is prolonged by adding the PCM capsules above the concrete spheres and also the temperature drop at outlet of the storage system has been reduced than the sensible storage. Based on the analysis, the novel combined sensible‐latent heat storage was found to have a better performance compared with the conventional sensible heat storage system.
Brain mapping of auditory steady‐state responses: A broad view of cortical and subcortical sources
Authors: Farahani Ehsan Darestani , Wouters Jan , van Wieringen Astrid
Published: November 2020

Auditory steady‐state responses (ASSRs) are evoked brain responses to modulated or repetitive acoustic stimuli. Investigating the underlying neural generators of ASSRs is important to gain in‐depth insight into the mechanisms of auditory temporal processing. The aim of this study is to reconstruct an extensive range of neural generators, that is, cortical and subcortical, as well as primary and non‐primary ones. This extensive overview of neural generators provides an appropriate basis for studying functional connectivity. To this end, a minimum‐norm imaging (MNI) technique is employed. We also present a novel extension to MNI which facilitates source analysis by quantifying the ASSR for each dipole. Results demonstrate that the proposed MNI approach is successful in reconstructing sources located both within (primary) and outside (non‐primary) of the auditory cortex (AC). Primary sources are detected in different stimulation conditions (four modulation frequencies and two sides of stimulation), thereby demonstrating the robustness of the approach. This study is one of the first investigations to identify non‐primary sources. Moreover, we show that the MNI approach is also capable of reconstructing the subcortical activities of ASSRs. Finally, the results obtained using the MNI approach outperform the group‐independent component analysis method on the same data, in terms of detection of sources in the AC, reconstructing the subcortical activities and reducing computational load.
Marijuana legalization and disability claiming
Authors: Maclean Johanna Catherine , Ghimire Keshar M. , Nicholas Lauren Hersch
Published: November 2020

We study the effect of recent legalization of recreational marijuana use laws (RMLs) in the United States on new applications and allowances for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income over the period 2001–2019. We combine administrative caseload data from the Social Security Administration with state policy changes using two‐way fixed‐effects methods. We find that RML adoption increases applications for both benefits. However, there is no change in allowances post‐RML. We provide suggestive evidence that the observed changes in applications post‐RML are driven by increases in marijuana misuse and selective migration, and decreases in unemployment.
Obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistulas: Midvaginal and juxtacervical fistula repair outcomes in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Maroyi Raha , Shahid Usama , Vangaveti Venkat , Rane Ajay , Mukwege Denis
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aims to establish the postoperative success rates of midvaginal versus juxtacervical obstetric vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repairs. In addition, we aim to quantify the impact of patient sociodemographic variables, fistula classification, and surgical repair techniques associated with postoperative outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 420 women who had undergone a primary obstetric VVF repair. All data were collected from the Panzi Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo between 2015 and 2017. Patient notes were analyzed to determine sociodemographic variables, symptoms, fistula classification, surgical repair techniques, and postoperative follow up. Binary logistic regression presented as χ2 for trend was used to establish P values.

Results

Overall, 95.6% and 96.2% of midvaginal and juxtacervical VVF, respectively, underwent a successful repair. The principal prognostic factor associated with a statistically significant likelihood of a successful repair was the degree of fibrosis noted preoperatively (P =0.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.38–94.61). Furthermore, VVF were more likely to have a successful repair if they were closed in two layers (P = 0.004, 95% CI 1.86–25.81) and sutured vertically (P = 0.005, 95% CI 1.16–2.52).

Conclusion

Overall, high postoperative success rates of obstetric VVF repair can be expected among well‐trained surgeons but a complex interplay of factors means that the ability to preoperatively foreshadow individual outcomes remains difficult.
Using Question Generation to Improve Reading Comprehension for Middle‐Grade Students
Authors: Stevens Elizabeth A. , Murray Christy S. , Fishstrom Sarah , Vaughn Sharon
Published: November 2020

Students in the middle grades are expected to read complex texts to acquire content knowledge, particularly in social studies/history and science. Most students with disabilities are included in social studies/history and science classes yet read below grade level, requiring significant support with accessing text knowledge. Question generation is one high‐impact, evidence‐based practice that content area teachers can use to support students as they read complex text. This practice has been studied in rigorous research studies, and findings suggest that students’ reading comprehension increases when they apply the practice while reading. The authors provide an overview of question generation, including explanations of each step in the instructional process, so content area teachers can integrate this reading comprehension practice into their instruction.
Addressing pregnancy‐related concerns in women with inflammatory bowel disease: Insights from the patient's perspective
Authors: Flanagan Emma K , Richmond Jacqui , Thompson Alexander J , Desmond Paul V , Bell Sally J
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

Therapeutic options for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have expanded, as has the use of IBD medications in women during the reproductive period. However, no qualitative data exist that examine the pregnancy‐related concerns of women with IBD in the current era of widespread immunomodulator and biologic use. Hence, we aimed to explore in detail the impact of IBD on pregnancy from the patient's perspective.

Methods

This qualitative study used semistructured interviews to explore participants' experiences regarding IBD and pregnancy until no new themes emerged. Key themes were identified using thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen women with IBD were interviewed. The majority of participants reported lingering concerns regarding their IBD medications, despite advice from their gastroenterologist that the drugs were considered safe in pregnancy. Participants more often reported medication‐related fears, such as potential negative effects on their child's immune system, than concerns regarding the effect of the disease itself on their pregnancy outcomes. A common theme was a perceived lack of knowledge among non‐IBD clinicians regarding IBD medications during pregnancy, which augmented pre‐existing anxiety.

Conclusions

This study is the first of its kind to provide an in‐depth assessment of female patients' perspectives of IBD in relation to conception, pregnancy, and caring for offspring. In particular, this research characterizes the unique fears and persisting anxieties regarding IBD medications in pregnancy. The study has unearthed important insights into the specific concerns and support needs of women with IBD in order to facilitate nonjudgmental counseling designed around patient concerns and beliefs.
Liver stiffness assessment as an alternative to hepatic venous pressure gradient for predicting rebleed after acute variceal bleed: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Agarwal Samagra , Sharma Sanchit , Anand Abhinav , Gunjan Deepak , Saraya Anoop
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), although an important determinant in predicting rebleeding after an episode of acute variceal bleed (AVB), is seldom utilized in clinical practice. We aimed to study the role of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) after variceal bleeding as a potential noninvasive predictor of rebleed.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of clinical trial of patients undergoing HVPG (postbleed HVPG) and LSM (postbleed LSM) assessment within 3–5 days of index AVB. HVPG response was assessed after 4 weeks of pharmacotherapy. Comparative assessment of long‐term rebleeding rates stratified using postbleed LSM, postbleed HVPG, and HVPG response was performed. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to identify the most appropriate tool for routine use.

Results

Long‐term clinical and HVPG response data were available for 48 patients post‐AVB, of whom 45 patients had valid postbleed LSM. Rebleeding occurred in 13 (28%) patients over a median follow‐up of 4 years with no early rebleeds. Postbleed LSM >30 kPa and baseline HVPG >15 mm Hg were optimal cutoffs for identifying patients at high risk of rebleeding. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and competing risk analysis accounting for death showed similar discriminative values for all three stratification tools. At usual risk thresholds, HVPG response had maximum benefit on DCA followed by postbleed LSM. On DCA, 50–60 additional HVPGs were required to detect one additional patient at high risk of rebleed.

Conclusion

Liver stiffness measurement during AVB can potentially be used as an alternative to portal pressure indices in decompensated cirrhosis to identify those at high risk of late‐onset rebleed.
Morphological study of the integument and corporal skeletal muscles of two psammophilous members of Scincidae (Scincus scincus and Eumeces schneideri)
Authors: Canei Jérôme , Nonclercq Denis
Published: November 2020

Sand deserts are common biotopes on the earth's surface. Numerous morphological and physiological adaptations have appeared to cope with the peculiar conditions imposed by sandy substrates, such as abrasion, mechanical resistance and the potential low oxygen levels. The psammophilous scincids (Lepidosauria) Scincus scincus and Eumeces schneideri are among those. S. scincus is a species frequently used to study displacement inside a sandy substrate. E. schneideri is a species phylogenetically closely related to S. scincus with a similar lifestyle. The aims of this study focus on the morphology of the integument and the muscular system. Briefly, we describe interspecific differences at the superficial architecture of the scales pattern and the thickness of the integument. We highlight a high cellular turnover rate at the level of the basal germinal layer of the epidermis, which, we suggest, corresponds to an adaptation to cutaneous wear caused by abrasion. We demonstrate the presence of numerous cutaneous holocrine glands whose secretion probably plays a role in the flow of sand along the integument. Several strata of osteoderms strengthen the skin. We characterize the corporal (M. longissimus dorsi and M. rectus abdominus) and caudal muscular fibers using immunohistochemistry, and quantify them using morphometry. The musculature exhibits a high proportion of glycolytic fast fibers that allow rapid burying and are well adapted to this mechanically resistant and oxygen‐poor substrate. Oxidative slow fibers are low in abundance, less than 10% in S. scincus, but a little higher in E. schneideri.
Rapid adaptation and continuous performance evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 envelope gene (E‐gene) real‐time RT‐PCR assays to support the hospital surge in test demand
Authors: Ho Yolanda I. I. , Wong Ann H. , Leung Eddie C. M. , Wong River C. W. , Lai Raymond W. M.
Published: November 2020

We describe the timely adaption of both published WHO E‐gene protocol and commercially available LightMix Modular E‐gene assay to the test platform (ABI 7900 Fast real‐time analyzer and TaqMan Fast One‐step Virus Master Mix) available in an accredited tertiary hospital laboratory with an on‐going evaluation to ensure the provision of quality service within the time constraint. The LightMix Modular E‐gene was slightly more sensitive when compared to the WHO E‐gene, both analytically and diagnostically. The assay was recommended for screening of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. With the availability of technically competent staff through continuous training, the provision of round‐the‐clock service is feasible despite the test is of high complexity. The thermal cycling duration of the adapted LightMix E‐gene and WHO E‐gene is shortened by half and one hour respectively and allows the number of runs to double when 24‐h round‐the‐clock service is provided. An increase in testing capacity could support surges in testing demand, which is essential to control the current SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, to prevent potential overwhelming of the healthcare system, and to optimize utilization of the isolation beds.
Miniaturized tunable bandstop filter using multilayer technology
Authors: Qian Kewei , Tian Miao
Published: November 2020

A new type of miniaturized tunable bandstop filter (BSF) based on multilayer technology is presented in this letter. One of the transmission zero could be individually tuned by replacing an outer replaceable element, which can be considered as part of the inner resonant cell of the bandstop filter. Thus, a tradeoff between the stopband rejection depth and bandwidth can be conveniently realized according to different applications. A bandstop filter works from 3.1 to 4.2 GHz has been designed and fabricated in a low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) substrate to verify the proposed concept. By virtue of the LTCC multilayer technology, the filter occupies a very compact volume of 2.0 mm × 1.2 mm × 0.8 mm.
Deformable MR‐CBCT prostate registration using biomechanically constrained deep learning networks
Authors: Fu Yabo , Wang Tonghe , Lei Yang , Patel Pretesh , Jani Ashesh B. , Curran Walter J. , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

Radiotherapeutic dose escalation to dominant intraprostatic lesions (DIL) in prostate cancer could potentially improve tumor control. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to accurately register multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with CBCT images for improved DIL delineation, treatment planning, and dose monitoring in prostate radiotherapy.

Methods and materials

We proposed a novel registration framework which considers biomechanical constraint when deforming the MR to CBCT. The registration framework consists of two segmentation convolutional neural networks (CNN) for MR and CBCT prostate segmentation, and a three‐dimensional (3D) point cloud (PC) matching network. Image intensity‐based rigid registration was first performed to initialize the alignment between MR and CBCT prostate. The aligned prostates were then meshed into tetrahedron elements to generate volumetric PC representation of the prostate shapes. The 3D PC matching network was developed to predict a PC motion vector field which can deform the MRI prostate PC to match the CBCT prostate PC. To regularize the network’s motion prediction with biomechanical constraints, finite element (FE) modeling‐generated motion fields were used to train the network. MRI and CBCT images of 50 patients with intraprostatic fiducial markers were used in this study. Registration results were evaluated using three metrics including dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean surface distance (MSD), and target registration error (TRE). In addition to spatial registration accuracy, Jacobian determinant and strain tensors were calculated to assess the physical fidelity of the deformation field.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of our method were 0.93 ± 0.01, 1.66 ± 0.10 mm, and 2.68 ± 1.91 mm for DSC, MSD, and TRE, respectively. The mean TRE of the proposed method was reduced by 29.1%, 14.3%, and 11.6% as compared to image intensity‐based rigid registration, coherent point drifting (CPD) nonrigid surface registration, and modality‐independent neighborhood descriptor (MIND) registration, respectively.

Conclusion

We developed a new framework to accurately register the prostate on MRI to CBCT images for external beam radiotherapy. The proposed method could be used to aid DIL delineation on CBCT, treatment planning, dose escalation to DIL, and dose monitoring.
Highly porous nanocoatings tailored for inverse nanoparticle‐polymer composites
Authors: Hoffmann Ron , Strodtmann Laura , Thiel Karsten , Sloboda Laura , Urbaniak Tobias , Hubley Austin N. , Hartwig Andreas
Published: November 2020

A novel nanoparticle‐polymer composite is proposed, named inverse nanocomposites in this work. First, a rigid percolating scaffold of nanoparticles is formed, which is filled with a matrix and then polymerized. Targeted for use in thin‐film applications, these mesoporous nanoparticle scaffolds are prepared by combining the sol–gel chemistry of functionalized silanes with nanoparticles in dispersions. The nanoparticle coatings have high porosity, low density, good adhesion to the substrate, and interesting non‐classical properties, such as absorbency of highly viscous fluids. The porosity, which can be adjusted by changing the composition and preparation parameters, reaches 75%. The porous scaffold can be infiltrated with various fluids, including acrylic and epoxy monomers and even highly viscous pressure‐sensitive adhesives. If the monomers are polymerized after imbibition, the inverse nanocomposite is formed, consisting of a percolating particle network surrounded by a polymeric binder. Hence, the morphology comprises an interpenetrating system of two co‐continuous phases and not merely particles dispersed in a polymeric phase, as is typical for conventionally prepared nanocomposites.
A study over with four‐parameter Logistic and Gompertz growth models
Authors: Korkmaz Mehmet
Published: November 2020

In this study, in addition to classical Logistic and Gompertz models with three parameters, their growth models with four parameters were given. After that it is searched the effect of these growth models on the choice of appropriate growth model by using two separate data sets. For this purpose, classical Logistic and Gompertz growth models and their growth models with four parameters are compared with some model selection criteria such as such as error sum of squares, coefficient of determination, adjusted coefficient of determination and akaike information criteria. For the data set used in this study, it is found that the results of these growth models with four parameters are better than the results of these growth models. Thus, it is considered that these growth models with four parameters can be used in addition to these classical growth models. In addition, some other growth models with four parameters can be investigated for getting the best model choice. Even Logistic and Gompertz models with five and more parameters can be investigated for getting the best model choice.
Humanitarian crisis in north‐eastern Nigeria: Responses and sustainable solutions
Authors: Okunade Samuel Kehinde , Ogunnubi Olusola
Published: November 2020

Since 2009, the North‐Eastern part of Nigeria has been engulfed with the scourge of Boko Haram attacks leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and food insecurity within the region. Studies have shown that in the various internally displaced persons' (IDPs) camps, women and children are malnourished, depicting that there is a shortage of food. More importantly, upon the return of many of the local population into surrounding border communities, returning IDPs are met with ransacked houses, stolen food stuffs, and the decimation of their farmlands by members of the Boko Haram sect. This study investigates the various efforts of local and international actors towards addressing the humanitarian crisis within the region and the impact of these actions on women and children. Accordingly, the qualitative research model was adopted using a phenomenological case study approach. The findings from the study reveal the neglect of the inhabitants of border communities and the poor state of IDPs in the various camps as a direct result of the uncoordinated stakeholders' responses and the Nigerian government's inability to fulfil its role as the main actor responsible for providing relief support and coordinating the needed humanitarian solutions to the crisis. To address this problem, the article identified corruption as a major bane which needs to be tackled so that the government agencies responsible for coordinating humanitarian responses can effectively carry out their function. Second, the UN agencies and non‐governmental organisations stakeholders have a responsibility of putting away their differences and evolving a common approach for sustainable response and solutions.
The impact of COVID‐19 on an early intervention in psychosis service
Authors: Chakraborty Nandini , Carr Richard , Tromans Samuel
Published: November 2020

Establishing the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on utilisation of mental health services is a potentially useful means of measuring the psychiatric consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic and related lockdown. Here, the authors describe their study, which compared the use of an early intervention in psychosis service in the four weeks immediately prior to the COVID‐19 regulated lockdown in the UK, with the four weeks immediately subsequent to lockdown.
Management of delirium superimposed on dementia in a dementia service
Authors: FitzGerald James , Yan Matthew , Bandecar Anuya , Ratnasabapathy Vamini , Rubinsztein Judy , Hatfield Catherine , Ruhi Shamim
Published: November 2020

Delirium is associated with significant adverse outcomes, including prolonged length of hospital stay, increased dependency and increased mortality but there is a paucity of data pertaining to the management of delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) in dementia specialist services. Here, the authors discuss their results from measuring the current practice in the management of DSD in a UK dementia specialist unit and an older adult community crisis and home treatment team service and the subsequent action plan formulated to improve patient care.
Thermal Kinetic Performance and Thermal Safety of 3,3’‐Bis‐Oxadiazole‐5,5’‐Bis‐Methylene Dinitrate
Authors: Li Bingbo , Luo Yiming , Wang Hao , Ju Ronghui , Lei Wei , Zhang Mengmeng
Published: November 2020

DSC and TG/DTG were performed to investigate the thermal kinetic performance and thermal safety of 3,3’‐bis‐oxadiazole‐5,5’‐bis‐methylene dinitrate (BODN) under a non‐isothermal condition. The results reveal that the thermal behavior of BODN can be divided into three stages including a melting endothermic process and two decomposition exothermic processes. The apparent activation energy (E) and pre‐exponent parameters (A) of the first exothermic decomposition reaction are 147.45 kJ mol−1 and 1013.77 s−1, and its kinetic equation was obtained from the DSC curves. The self‐accelerating decomposition temperatures (TSADT), thermal ignition temperatures (TTIT), and critical temperatures of the thermal explosion (Tb) to evaluate its thermal stability and safety are 166.41 °C, 178.09 °C, and 204.47 °C, respectively. The positive values of free energy of activation (ΔG≠=135.49 kJ mol−1) indicate that the decomposition process of BODN must proceed under the heating condition.
Using Integrative Modeling Platform to compute, validate, and archive a model of a protein complex structure
Authors: Saltzberg Daniel J. , Viswanath Shruthi , Echeverria Ignacia , Chemmama Ilan E. , Webb Ben , Sali Andrej
Published: November 2020

Biology is advanced by producing structural models of biological systems, such as protein complexes. Some systems are recalcitrant to traditional structure determination methods. In such cases, it may still be possible to produce useful models by integrative structure determination that depends on simultaneous use of multiple types of data. An ensemble of models that are sufficiently consistent with the data is produced by a structural sampling method guided by a data‐dependent scoring function. The variation in the ensemble of models quantified the uncertainty of the structure, generally resulting from the uncertainty in the input information and actual structural heterogeneity in the samples used to produce the data. Here, we describe how to generate, assess, and interpret ensembles of integrative structural models using our open source Integrative Modeling Platform program (https://integrativemodeling.org).
Structural motifs in protein cores and at protein–protein interfaces are different
Authors: Hadarovich Anna , Chakravarty Devlina , Tuzikov Alexander V. , Ben‐Tal Nir , Kundrotas Petras J. , Vakser Ilya A.
Published: November 2020

Structures of proteins and protein–protein complexes are determined by the same physical principles and thus share a number of similarities. At the same time, there could be differences because in order to function, proteins interact with other molecules, undergo conformations changes, and so forth, which might impose different restraints on the tertiary versus quaternary structures. This study focuses on structural properties of protein–protein interfaces in comparison with the protein core, based on the wealth of currently available structural data and new structure‐based approaches. The results showed that physicochemical characteristics, such as amino acid composition, residue–residue contact preferences, and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity distributions, are similar in protein core and protein–protein interfaces. On the other hand, characteristics that reflect the evolutionary pressure, such as structural composition and packing, are largely different. The results provide important insight into fundamental properties of protein structure and function. At the same time, the results contribute to better understanding of the ways to dock proteins. Recent progress in predicting structures of individual proteins follows the advancement of deep learning techniques and new approaches to residue coevolution data. Protein core could potentially provide large amounts of data for application of the deep learning to docking. However, our results showed that the core motifs are significantly different from those at protein–protein interfaces, and thus may not be directly useful for docking. At the same time, such difference may help to overcome a major obstacle in application of the coevolutionary data to docking—discrimination of the intramolecular information not directly relevant to docking.
The effect of geniposide on chronic unpredictable mild stress‐induced depressive mice through BTK/TLR4/NF‐κB and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Tong , Liu Shengnan , Zheng Menglin , Li Yixuan , He Ling
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to estimate the pharmacological effect of geniposide (GEN) on depression, caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and explore its potential mechanism. During the 6 week CUMS procedure, the mice were treated with GEN (10, 40 mg/kg) by gavage once daily for 3 weeks. As a result, the GEN treatment remarkably improved the behavioral manifestations and suppressed the generations of inflammatory cytokines both in vivo and in vitro. The MDA level was significantly increased, while the activities of SOD, GSH‐PX were decreased in CUMS‐challenged mice and corticosterone‐stimulated PC12 cells. GEN administration significantly inhibited those changes. Moreover, GEN treatment could downregulate the expressions of p‐BTK, TLR4, MyD88, p‐NF‐κB proteins, and upregulate BDNF, p‐TrkB generations in CUMS‐induced mice. Moreover, GEN administration inhibited the protein levels of p‐BTK, TLR4, MyD88, p‐NF‐κB in corticosterone‐induced PC12 cell. In summary, the results suggested that GEN exerted a therapeutic effect on CUMS‐induced depressive mice possibly through the regulation of BTK/TLR4/NF‐κB and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways.
Santalum album extract exhibits neuroprotective effect against the TLR3‐mediated neuroinflammatory response in human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Suganya Kanmani , Liu Quan Feng , Koo Byung‐Soo
Published: November 2020

Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the nervous system that is associated with various neurological diseases including Alzheimer's diseases and others. Many studies evaluated the anti‐inflammatory potential of Santalum album (S. album) extract, but none of them analyzed its effects against neuroinflammatory response in vitro. In addition, the precise mechanism underlying the anti‐inflammatory effect of the extract has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of S. album extract on modulation of toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist polyinosnic‐polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C)‐induced neuroinflammatory response in human neuroblastoma cells. The TLR3‐mediated immune response was differentially modulated by S. album extract in SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, treatment of cells with the conditioned medium (CM) of S. album extract significantly increased the mRNA levels of IFN‐β, IFN‐α, MxA and OAS‐1 and decreased IL‐6, CXCL8, CCL2 and IP‐10. S. album extract has indirectly affected the expression of IFNs and inflammatory cytokines in SH‐SY5Y cells. Furthermore, the extract was able to modulate PolyI:C‐induced inflammatory response in Caco2 cells. Overall, S. album was capable to attenuate PolyI:C‐induced neuroinflammatory effect through the induction of TLR2, TLR4 and the modulation of TLR negative regulators of the TRAF3, IRF3 and NF‐κB pathways.
Cycloastragenol protects against glucocorticoid‐induced osteogenic differentiation inhibition by activating telomerase
Authors: Wu Jiahuan , Zeng Zhanwei , Li Yuyun , Qin Huiyi , Zuo Changqing , Zhou Chenhui , Xu Daohua
Published: November 2020

Glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP) that is mainly featured as low bone density and increased risk of fracture is prone to occur with the administration of excessive glucocorticoids. Cycloastragenol (CAG) has been verified to be a small molecule that activates telomerase. Studied showed that up‐regulated telomerase was associated with promoting osteogeneic differentiation, so we explored whether CAG could promote osteogenic differentiation to protect against GIOP and telomerase would be the target that CAG exerted its function. Our results demonstrated that CAG prominently increased the ALP activity, mineralization, mRNA of runt‐related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, collagen type I in both MC3T3‐E1 cells and dexamethasone (DEX)‐treated MC3T3‐E1 cells. CAG up‐regulated telomerase reverse transcriptase and the protective effect of CAG was blocked by telomerase inhibitor TMPyP4. Moreover, CAG improved bone mineralization in DEX‐induced bone damage in a zebrafish larvea model. Therefore, the study showed that CAG could alleviate the osteogenic differentiation inhibition induced by DEX in vitro and in vivo, and CAG might be considered as a candidate drug for the treatment of GIOP.
Multiferroic BaCoX2O7 (X = P, As) Compounds with Incommensurate Structural Waves but Collinear Spin Ingredients
Authors: Leclercq Bastien , Arévalo‐López Angel M. , Kabbour Houria , Daviero‐Minaud Sylvie , Pautrat Alain , Basu Tathamay , Colin Claire V. , Das Ranjana‐Rani , David Rénald , Mentré Olivier
Published: November 2020

A new paradigm in multiferroics is observed in BaCoX2O7 (X = As, P) compounds. They consist of one dimensional (1D) antiferromagnetic chains undulated by incommensurate structural modulations with unusually large atomic displacive waves, giving a mixed 1D/2D “real” magnetic topology. The magnetic ground state is antiferromagnetic (AFM) with k = [½ 0 0], leading to a nonmodulated collinear spin lattice despite the aperiodic atomic framework, and allows developing spin‐induced multiferroicity below TN. Severe arguments against the identified mechanisms for type‐II multiferroics, i.e., by inverse Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya, exchange striction and spin‐dependent p–d hybridizations, suggest an original scenario in which the atomic waves, the collinear magnetic structure, and magnetic dipole–dipole interactions may interact as crucial ingredients of the spin‐induced ferroelectric phase. Here, the specific role of the Co2+ spin–orbit coupling in the magnetoelectric (ME) phase diagram is demonstrated by comparison with the novel Heisenberg BaFeP2O7 isomorph, similarly structurally modulated. This compound shows a noncollinear modulated AFM ordering, while no ME coupling is detected in its case. Accordingly, both BaCoX2O7 and BaFeP2O7 also undergo metamagnetic transitions above 5–6 T promoted by the modulated distribution of spin exchanges, but the spin‐flop progressive alignment of the spins in the noncollinear spin structure (Fe2+ case) turns into an abrupt flip‐like transition in the uniaxial spin structure (Co2+ case).
Distributed finite‐time output consensus tracking for a class of high‐order nonlinear multiagent systems with the powers of positive odd rational numbers and output constraints
Authors: Liu Jiehan , Wang Chaoli , Ding Zhengtao
Published: November 2020

This article considers the distributed finite‐time output consensus tracking problem for a class of high‐order nonlinear multiagent systems with the powers of positive odd rational numbers and output constraints. First, since the finite‐time tracking design method for a single system with the powers of positive odd rational numbers cannot be extended to the finite‐time consensus tracking for multiagent systems, an especial configuration method of the powers is constructed. Second, a new exponential brake function (EBF) that purely depends on the outputs is proposed to address the asymmetric output constraints directly. By adjusting a related parameter, the large converted value can be avoided when the output approaches the constrained boundaries, which may reduce the control input over a large output scale. Third, given some reasonable assumptions, a distributed finite‐time output consensus tracking controller is proposed to guarantee that the tracking error converges to an adjustable small region around the origin in a finite time and that the output constraints of all subsystems are not violated. The result with output constraints can also be extended to the case without output constraints. Finally, simulation verifications also confirm the benefits and effectiveness of the proposed control methods.
Integrated model‐driven engineering of blockchain applications for business processes and asset management
Authors: Lu Qinghua , Binh Tran An , Weber Ingo , O'Connor Hugo , Rimba Paul , Xu Xiwei , Staples Mark , Zhu Liming , Jeffery Ross
Published: November 2020

Blockchain has attracted broad interests to build decentralised applications. A typical class of applications uses blockchain for the management of cross‐organisational business processes as well as assets. However, developing such applications without introducing vulnerabilities is hard for developers, not the least because the deployed code is immutable and can be called by anyone with access to the network. Model‐driven engineering (MDE) helps to reduce those risks, by combining proven code snippets as per the model specification, which is easier to understand than source code. Therefore, in this article, we present an approach for integrated MDE across business processes and asset management (e.g., for settlement). Our approach includes methods for fungible/non‐fungible asset registration, escrow for conditional payment, and asset swap. The proposed MDE approach is implemented in a smart contract generation tool called Lorikeet, and evaluated in terms of feasibility, functional correctness, and cost effectiveness.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Thermal Analyses of the New Bismuth Sulfates NaBi(SO4)2·H2O and ABi(SO4)2 (A = K, Rb, Cs)
Authors: Cheng Shuangsheng , Wu YuanDong , Mei Dajiang , Wen Shaoguo , Doert Thomas
Published: November 2020

Four alkali metal bismuth sulfates, NaBi(SO4)2·H2O (1) and ABi(SO4)2 [A = K (2), Rb (3), Cs (4)], were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal methods. The crystal structure of 1 features a three‐dimensional tunnel framework constructed by BiO9 tri‐capped trigonal prisms and SO4 tetrahedra interconnected via common corners and edges. Compound 2 exhibits a two‐dimensional 2∞[Bi(SO4)2]– double‐layered structure, assembled by one‐dimensional 1∞[BiS(1)O4]+ chains which are linked via S(2)O42– tetrahedra. The isostructural compounds 3 and 4 possess a two‐dimensional layered structure, and the layers being composed by BiO8 square antiprism and SO4 tetrahedra. The alkali metal cations are located between the layers or in the tunnels of the structures, respectively. The differences in the crystal structures of the title compounds can mainly be attributed to the different sizes of the alkali metal cations and their different coordination environments. Thermogravimetric analysis evidence that compound 1 losses one equivalent of water at 120 °C whereas the anhydrous compounds 2–4 are stable up to about 450, 575, and 578 °C, respectively. The solid‐state UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectra indicate bandgaps of approximately 4.48, 4.43, 3.98, and 3.96 eV for compounds 1–4, respectively.
Dynamics of a coupled system for nonlinear damped wave equations with variable exponents
Authors: Zennir Khaled , Miyasita Tosiya
Published: November 2020

We consider a coupled system of viscoelastic wave equation with weak, strong damping and power nonlinearity. For a single viscoelastic wave equation, we have already obtained a global solution, its decay rate and finite‐time blow‐up [1]. In this paper, we extend these results to a coupled system. First, we obtain a global solution and derive its decay rate by a decreasing energy. Finally, we apply the concavity method in order to show that the solution blows up in finite time under nonclassic constraint on kernel functions.
Digitalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit durch internationale Ansätze – Beispiele der HAW Hamburg
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Wolf Franziska , Pohlmann Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Der nachfolgende Beitrag beschreibt, wie Digitalisierung internationale Initiativen im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit unterstützen kann. Hierfür werden ausgewählte Ansätze erörtert, die an der Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg umgesetzt werden. Sie machen den Nutzen der Digitalisierung erlebbar und zeigen damit verbundene Chancen auf. Abschließend geben die Autorinnen und Autoren Handlungsempfehlungen, wie das Nachhaltigkeitsbewusstsein in Hochschulen durch die Digitalisierung – und damit verbundene Lehr- und Lerninnovationen – gesteigert werden kann.
Global well-posedness for a rapidly rotating convection model of tall columnar structure in the limit of infinite Prandtl number
Authors: Cao Chongsheng , Guo Yanqiu , Titi Edriss S.
Published: November 2020

We analyze a three-dimensional rapidly rotating convection model of tall columnar structure in the limit of infinite Prandtl number, i.e., when the momentum diffusivity is much more dominant than the thermal diffusivity. Consequently, the dynamics of the velocity field takes place at a much faster time scale than the temperature fluctuation, and at the limit the velocity field formally adjusts instantaneously to the thermal fluctuation. We prove the global well-posedness of weak solutions and strong solutions to this model.
Stratified Large-Amplitude Steady Periodic Water Waves with Critical Layers
Authors: Haziot Susanna V.
Published: November 2020

By means of a conformal mapping and bifurcation theory, we prove the existence of large-amplitude steady stratified periodic water waves, with a density function depending linearly on the streamfunction, which may have critical layers and overhanging profiles. We also provide certain conditions for which these waves cannot overturn.
Analysis of the small chromosomal Prionium serratum (Cyperid) demonstrates the importance of reliable methods to differentiate between mono- and holocentricity
Authors: Baez M. , Kuo Y. T. , Dias Y. , Souza T. , Boudichevskaia A. , Fuchs J. , Schubert V. , Vanzela A. L. L. , Pedrosa-Harand A. , Houben A.
Published: November 2020

For a long time, the Cyperid clade (Thurniceae-Juncaceae-Cyperaceae) was considered a group of species possessing holocentromeres exclusively. The basal phylogenetic position ofPrionium serratum(Thunb.) Drège (Thurniceae) within Cyperids makes this species an important specimen to understand the centromere evolution within this clade. In contrast to the expectation, the chromosomal distribution of the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3), alpha-tubulin and different centromere-associated post-translational histone modifications (H3S10ph, H3S28ph and H2AT120ph) demonstrate a monocentromeric organisation ofP. serratumchromosomes. Analysis of the high-copy repeat composition resulted in the identification of two centromere-localised satellite repeats. Hence, monocentricity was the ancestral condition for the Juncaceae-Cyperaceae-Thurniaceae Cyperid clade, and holocentricity in this clade has independently arisen at least twice after differentiation of the three families, once in Juncaceae and the other one in Cyperaceae. In this context, methods suitable for the identification of holocentromeres are discussed.
The Positive Influence of Therapeutic Agent on Relaxivities of Gadolinium-Loaded Liposomal Theranostics
Authors: Wereszczyńska Beata , Zalewski Tomasz
Published: November 2020

This study investigates changes in the MRI contrast properties of Gd(III)-containing paramagnetic liposomes following the incorporation of photosensitizing agent (ZnPc—zinc phthalocyanine). It provides identification of mechanisms responsible for enhancement of proton relaxation rate and hence, the increased both r1 and r2 relaxivities. Five liposomal formulations, containing fatty acids derivatives of Gd(III) salt and hydrophobic ZnPc, were synthesized. NMRD profiles of liposomal solutions (magnetic field range from 0.0002 to 9.4 T) were obtained and Modified Florence model was applied. The contrast properties of the model drug itself was separated from the lipid bilayer deformation influence, caused by its incorporation. The latter resulted, among other, in optimization of an apparent water exchange correlation time. As Gd(III) is located in the outer and inner lipid layers, some of the Gd(III) chelates are localized in aqueous interior of the liposomes, thus their contrasting efficiency depends on the water exchange rate through the membrane. The proposed approach raises the possibility of reducing the amount of potentially harmful contrast media based on gadolinium, by taking into account the increase of the relaxation effect caused by other components of the system.
Electrochemical stability of steel, Ti, and Cu current collectors in water-in-salt electrolyte for green batteries and supercapacitors
Authors: Giurlani Walter , Sergi Luca , Crestini Eugenio , Calisi Nicola , Poli Federico , Soavi Francesca , Innocenti Massimo
Published: November 2020

The electrochemical behaviour of steel, copper, and titanium current collectors was studied in aqueous solutions of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) at various concentrations, from 0.5 up to 20 m. As the concentration of the electrolyte increases, the electrochemical window of water stability widens according to the “water-in-salt” concept. The metal grids have been studied electrochemically, both under anodic and cathodic conditions, by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Subsequently, a microscopic analysis with SEM and compositional analysis with XPS was carried out to evaluate the surface modifications following electrochemical stress. We found that copper is not very suitable for this kind of application, while titanium and steel showed interesting behaviour and large electrochemical window.