bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the Late Holocene climate and environmental history from North Bolgoda Lake, Sri Lanka, using lipid biomarkers and pollen records
Authors: Gayantha Kasun , Routh Joyanto , Anupama Krishnamurthy , Lazar Jean , Prasad Srinivasan , Chandrajith Rohana , Roberts Patrick , Gleixner Gerd
Published: March 2020

The catastrophic impact and unpredictability of the Indian Ocean Monsoon (IOM) over South Asia are evident from devastating floods, mudslides and droughts in one of the most densely populated regions of the globe. However, our understanding as to how the IOM has varied in the past, as well as its impact on local environments, remains limited. This is particularly the case for Sri Lanka, where erosional landscapes have limited the availability of well‐stratified, high‐resolution terrestrial archives. Here, we present novel data from an undisturbed sediment core retrieved from the coastal Bolgoda Lake. This includes the presentation of a revised Late Holocene age model as well as an innovative combination of pollen, source‐specific biomarkers, and compound‐specific stable carbon isotopes of n‐alkanes to reconstruct the shifts in precipitation, salinity and vegetation cover. Our record documents variable climate between 3000 years and the present, with arid conditions c. 2334 and 2067 cal a bp. This extreme dry period was preceded and followed by more wet conditions. The high‐resolution palaeoenvironmental reconstruction fills a major gap in our knowledge on the ramifications of IOM shifts across South Asia and provides insights during a time of major redistribution of dense human settlements across Sri Lanka.
Soil environment and growth adaptation strategies of Amorpha fruticosa as affected by mulching in a moderately saline wasteland
Authors: Liu Tao , Cao Yuanbo , Zhang Yingtuan , Wang Ruoshui , Xiao Huijie , Wang Baitian , Si Liqing
Published: March 2020

Understanding the growth adaptive strategies of Amorpha fruticosa in response to the changes of saline soil environment under different mulch types (plastic mulch [PM]; sand mulch [SM]; rice straw mulch [RSM]; and control with non‐mulching [CK]) is very important, as this determines afforestation success in a moderately saline soil. The species' soil microenvironments, fine root traits, and biomass allocation patterns were investigated in 2016 and 2017. Compared to CK, electrical conductivity of saturated paste extracts (ECe) reduced significantly under the mulching treatments especially under PM. Both PM and SM effectively increased soil temperature (Tsoil) and available nitrogen (AN), but reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) in 2016; while RSM increased soil nutrients, but reduced Tsoil. The A. fruticosa under RSM (following PM and SM) invested more biomass, to shoots relative to roots, to coarse roots relative to fine roots, and to stems and leaves at the expense of coarse roots and fine roots from 2016 to 2017, as its saline soil environment especially the low Tsoil improved. In both years, the fine roots of A. fruticosa under PM employed exploitation potential or ‘extensive strategy’ (fine root mass density; fine root length density) more successfully at the 0–40 cm, while the fine roots under CK used higher exploitation efficiency or ‘intensive strategy’ (specific root length; and specific root area). The indicators of intensive strategy at the 40–60 cm were higher under PM than SM and RSM. Therefore, PM will better help A. fruticosa adapt to the harsh soil environment during afforestation in a moderately saline wasteland.
The effects of land degradation on plant community assembly: Implications for the restoration of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Luo Jiufu , Ma Li , Li Guijing , Deng Dongzhou , Chen Dechao , Zhang Li , Zhu Xinwei , Zhou Jinxing
Published: March 2020

Understanding how biotic and abiotic filters drive plant distributions is critical for informing restoration efforts of degraded lands. However, it remains unclear whether or not it is possible to develop efficient restoration strategies that are based on field investigations? Here, we conducted a field‐based investigation along a land degradation gradient on the Tibetan Plateau. Along this gradient, we compared species composition, Pianka's niche overlap, and total aboveground biomass among grasses, sedges, legumes, and forbs. We also used Faith's (1992) phylogenetic diversity index (PD) and the net relatedness index (NRI) to measure community phylogenetic patterns. To understand the effects of abiotic filtering, we measured soil pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, total soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and microbial biomass nitrogen. Our results show that grasses replaced sedges and mesoxerophytes replaced mesohydrophytes with increasing land degradation. We also found that niche overlap declined with increasing degradation intensity. Furthermore, grass biomass increased, while sedges and legumes decreased, and forb biomass showed a hump‐shaped relationship with degradation intensity. In addition, the communities transitioned from a clustered to a more random phylogenetic pattern. Soil conditions changed from acidic to alkaline and from fertile to harsh (p < .05). High niche overlap indicates a high biotic filtering at lightly degraded land where abiotic filtering is less stressful. However, when degradation is intense, abiotic filtering is apparent, as indicated by low levels of niche overlap. Overall, we suggest that distantly related, arid tolerant and hardy plants, and soil reclamation should be considered in degraded alpine lands restoration.
Lipase C, Hepatic Type −250A/G (rs2070895) Variant Enhances Carotid Atherosclerosis in Normolipidemic and Asymptomatic Individuals from Brazil
Authors: Zago Vanessa H. S. , Parra Eliane S. , Virgínio Vítor W. M. , Vendrame Felipe , Gomes Érica I. L. , Scherrer Daniel Z. , Marson Fernando A. L. , de Faria Eliana C.
Published: March 2020

The common genetic variant in the promoter region of the hepatic lipase gene [LIPC −250G/A(rs2070895)] has an ambiguous association with cardiovascular disease. In this context, our study was performed to identify the relationships between the rs2070895 with carotid atherosclerosis, plasma lipids, and parameters of reverse cholesterol transport. A total of 285 normolipidemic and asymptomatic participants from an initial sample of 598,288 individuals (inclusion criteria: LDL‐C ≤130 mg/dL and triglycerides ≤150 mg/dL; age: 20–75 years, both genders; confirmation of clinical, anthropometric and laboratory data; attended all visits; DNA was achieved to perform genetic analysis) were enrolled and the rs2070895 variant was genotyped by TaqMan® OpenArray® Plataform. Carotid intima‐media thickness and the screening of atherosclerotic plaques were determined by B‐mode ultrasonography. The rs2070895 genotype frequencies were 0.44, 0.41, and 0.15 (GG, GA, and AA, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having plaques was increased in participants carrying the AA or AG genotypes (OR = 3.90; 95% CI = 1.54–10.33), despite an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, HDL diameter and apolipoprotein A‐I, as compared to the GG genotype. Hepatic lipase and endogenous lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase activities were reduced (38% and 19%, respectively) and lipoprotein lipase was increased by 30% (AA vs GG). Our results provide evidence that the AA or AG genotypes of the rs2070895 were associated with carotid atherosclerosis in apparently healthy participants, probably as a consequence of reduced reverse cholesterol transport and accumulation of HDL subfraction 2 rich in triglycerides and depleted in cholesteryl esters that could become dysfunctional.
Carbon release and transformation from coastal peat deposits controlled by submarine groundwater discharge: a column experiment study
Authors: Kreuzburg Matthias , Rezanezhad Fereidoun , Milojevic Tatjana , Voss Maren , Gosch Lennart , Liebner Susanne , Van Cappellen Philippe , Rehder Gregor
Published: March 2020

Although the majority of coastal sediments consist of sandy material, in some areas marine ingression caused the submergence of terrestrial carbon‐rich peat soils. This affects the coastal carbon balance, as peat represents a potential carbon source. We performed a column experiment to better understand the coupled flow and biogeochemical processes governing carbon transformations in submerged peat under coastal fresh groundwater (GW) discharge and brackish water intrusion. The columns contained naturally layered sediments with and without peat (organic carbon content in peat 39 ± 14 wt%), alternately supplied with oxygen‐rich brackish water from above and oxygen‐poor, low‐saline GW from below. The low‐saline GW discharge through the peat significantly increased the release and ascent of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the peat (δ13CDOC− 26.9‰ to − 27.7‰), which was accompanied by the production of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), implying DOC mineralization. Oxygen respiration, sulfate () reduction, and methane (CH4) formation were differently pronounced in the sediments and were accompanied with higher microbial abundances in peat compared to sand with‐reducing bacteria clearly dominating methanogens. With decreasing salinity andconcentrations, CH4emission rates increased from 16.5 to 77.3 μmol m−2d−1during a 14‐day, low‐saline GW discharge phase. In contrast, oxygenated brackish water intrusion resulted in lower DOC and DIC pore water concentrations and significantly lower CH4and CO2emissions. Our study illustrates the strong dependence of carbon cycling in shallow coastal areas with submerged peat deposits on the flow and mixing dynamics within the subterranean estuary.
Insights into the dynamics of the deep hypolimnion of Lake Geneva as revealed by long‐term temperature, oxygen, and current measurements
Authors: Lemmin Ulrich
Published: March 2020

In order to identify or shed light on dominant long‐term processes of the deep hypolimnion of Lake Geneva (309 m depth), time series of temperature and horizontal currents and profiles of temperature and oxygen, taken for over a decade in the deepest part of the lake, were analyzed. The focus was on the summer stratification period (May to October). During that period, temperatures near the bottom always increased quasi‐linearly with the same gradient and small amplitude variability. Vertical mean temperature gradients in the lowest 60 m of the water column remained nearly constant over the years and were comparable to those of the deep ocean. Mean current velocity at the deepest point was 3.0 ± 0.5 cm s−1 and ever‐present inertial motions clearly dominated currents. Oxygen decreased quasi‐linearly and eutrophication appeared not to affect this rate of decrease. It is suggested that as in the deep ocean, breaking internal waves and friction from decaying inertial motion occurring in the deep hypolimnion strongly contribute to turbulent mixing in that layer. The climate change‐induced long‐term warming trend seen in the upper layers of the lake was not detected in the deep hypolimnion. Instead, year‐to‐year climate change‐induced variability strongly affected the deep hypolimnion. During cooling in cold winters, lateral advection contributed more to temperature decrease and oxygen renewal in the deep hypolimnion than vertical convection. The present analysis has shown that the dynamics of this layer are highly three‐dimensional and that the processes occurring therein cannot be correctly described by traditional one‐dimensional concepts.
Exploration and Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Drug‐Free Macromolecular Therapeutics in Collagen‐Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis Mouse Model
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Li Yachao , Li Lian , Yang Jiyuan , Kopeček Jindřich
Published: March 2020

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against B cell antigens are extensively used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The B cell depletion therapy prevents RA symptoms and/or alleviates existing inflammation. The previously established two‐step drug‐free macromolecular therapeutics (DFMT) is applied in the treatment of collagen‐induced rheumatoid arthritis in a collagen‐induced rheumatoid arthritis mouse model. DFMT is a B cell depletion strategy utilizing Fab′ fragment of anti‐CD20 mAb for biorecognition and receptor crosslinking to induce B cell apoptosis. DFMT is composed from two nanoconjugates: 1) bispecific engager, Fab′‐MORF1 (anti‐CD20 Fab′ fragment conjugated with morpholino oligonucleotide MORF1), and 2) a crosslinking (effector) component P‐(MORF2)X (N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer grafted with multiple copies of complementary morpholino oligonucleotide MORF2). The absence of Fc fragment has the potential to avoid development of resistance and infusion‐related reactions. DFMT produces B cell depletion, keeps the RA score low for more than 100 days, and shows minimal cartilage and bone erosion and inflammatory cell infiltration. Further improvements will be explored to optimize DFMT strategy in autoimmune disease treatment.
Effect of Mo on corrosion behavior of Ni20Cr–xMo alloys in air with NaCl–KCl–CaCl2 vapor at 570°C
Authors: Izzuddin Hubby , Hayashi Shigenari , Yoneda Suzue , Kogin Takashi , Ishikawa Eiji , Noguchi Manabu
Published: March 2020

The effect of Mo on the corrosion behavior of Ni20Cr–xMo alloys in an oxidizing chlorine‐containing atmosphere using air mixed with the salt‐vapor mixture of NaCl–KCl–CaCl2 at 570°C was investigated. The results revealed that the corrosion performance of the Ni20Cr alloys in the oxidizing chlorine atmosphere was improved by Mo addition of up to 3 wt%. The Mo‐free alloy formed a potassium chromate during corrosion as a result of the reaction between the Cr2O3 scale and KCl vapor. The chromate formation increased the chlorine potential at the scale surface and induced the breakdown of the protective Cr2O3 scale, resulting in internal chromium chloride precipitates and a Cr‐depleted zone. In contrast, the presence of Mo resulted in the formation of a NiO scale, which did not react with the salt vapors and, therefore, prevented the formation of chromates. The beneficial effect of Mo on the high‐temperature chlorination of Ni–Cr alloys in salt‐vapor‐containing atmospheres was ascribed to the suppression of chlorine generation due to NiO scale formation.
What should we call this color? The influence of color‐naming on consumers' attitude toward the product
Authors: Chou Hsuan‐Yi , Chu Xing‐Yu (Marcos) , Chiang Yu‐Han
Published: March 2020

Many companies use unique color names to differentiate products, attract consumer attention, and promote sales. This study categorizes the names of colors in detail, and uses schema incongruity and affect regulation theory to elucidate the effects of color names with different typicality and ambiguity. We identify the underlying mechanism and explore how color attribute importance and color name valence moderate the effects of the color name. The results of five studies show the following: (a) atypical‐low ambiguity color names (vs. atypical‐high ambiguity and typical color names) create a more favorable consumer attitude toward the product; (b) when color is the primary attribute of the product, typical color names are more effective; when color is a secondary attribute, atypical color names yield more favorable effects; (c) for positively‐valenced color names, an atypical‐low ambiguity naming method yields a better response, while for negatively‐valenced color names, an atypical‐high ambiguity naming method yields a more favorable response; and (d) the color‐naming effects are mediated by perceived product uniqueness or playfulness, depending on different conditions.
A New Phosphine for Efficient Free Radical Polymerization under Air
Authors: Kirschner Julie , Becht Jean‐Michel , Klee Joachim E. , Lalevée Jacques
Published: March 2020

A new phosphine is proposed as efficient coinitiator for camphorquinone (CQ)‐based photoinitiating systems for the free radical polymerization of (meth)acrylates. Remarkably, this new co‐initiator can exhibit two functionalities: a phosphine moiety to overcome oxygen inhibition and an iodonium salt moiety as counter cation to initiate the polymerization process. Excellent polymerization performances in the presence of CQ for the free radical polymerization of methacrylates under blue light are observed, and amine‐free systems can be easily developed from the proposed structure. The photopolymerization of composites is also investigated in the presence of the new phosphine (without iodonium counter cation) and very interesting depth of cure can be obtained from the new developed photoinitiating system after only 20 s of irradiation with a blue light‐emitting diode.
Clinical aspects of Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome and identification of a novel mutation
Authors: Härter Bettina , Benedicenti Francesco , Karall Daniela , Lausch Ekkehard , Schweigmann Gisela , Stanzial Franco , Superti‐Furga Andrea , Scholl‐Bürgi Sabine
Published: March 2020

Background

Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in ANTXR2 which leads to loss of function of the transmembrane protein anthrax toxin receptor 2. It is distinguished by characteristic skin lesions, gingival hyperplasia, joint and bone disease, and systemic involvement.

Methods

Based on the case of an 11‐year‐old female patient with typical features of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome and the underlying pathogenic compound heterozygote variants in ANTXR2 we discuss the genetic and clinical aspects of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome.

Results

The novel mutation in ANTXR2 (c.1223T>C, p.Leu408Pro variant) seems to allow for a protracted course of the disease.

Conclusion

Our findings add to the phenotypic, genetic, and biochemical spectrum of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome.
Design of optimized high precision fractional‐N frequency synthesizer with low spur
Authors: Zhou Shuai
Published: March 2020

This article presents a novel multimode cascaded frequency division structure for a low‐spur wide‐bandwidth fractional‐N frequency synthesizer. In order to reduce fractional spur, the new ∆‐∑ modulators are designed as a three‐order structure and each of them is composed of a three‐bit three‐order hybrid feedback ∆‐∑ modulator. Besides, a mixing phase‐locked loop structure is designed to effectively cancel out the VCO cross‐coupling path to reduce spur. The synthesizer implemented in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process occupies a core area of 0.36 mm2 and generates a frequency ranging from 3 to 6 GHz using 50 MHz~100 MHz oscillator input. Measured results indicate that the fractional spur is lower than −80 dBc and the resolution is higher than 0.001 Hz.
Spectral efficiency optimization for intelligent reflecting surface aided multi‐input multi‐output terahertz system
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Chen Zhi , Ma Xinying , Chi Yaojia , Li Zhuoxun
Published: March 2020

Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is considered as a promising application in terahertz (THz) communications since it is able to enhance the THz communication with no additional power consumptions. In this letter, we consider a downlink multi‐input multi‐output system, where a base station (BS) communicates to a user with the aid of the IRS. Our goal is to optimize the spectral efficiency by designing discrete phase‐shifts at the IRS and the precoder at the BS, which is an intractable nonconvex optimization problem. To solve it, we approximate the problem into another form where we maximize the sum of path gains by designing the phase‐shifts of the IRS, and we propose a cross‐entropy based algorithm to search the optimal IRS phase‐shifts matrix. After that, we use the classical singular value decomposition and water‐filling solution to design the optimal precoder.
Small field output correction factors of the microSilicon detector and a deeper understanding of their origin by quantifying perturbation factors
Authors: Weber Carolin , Kranzer Rafael , Weidner Jan , Kröninger Kevin , Poppe Björn , Looe Hui Khee , Poppinga Daniela
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is the experimental and Monte Carlo‐based determination of small field correction factors for the unshielded silicon detector microSilicon for a standard linear accelerator as well as the Cyberknife System. In addition, a detailed Monte Carlo analysis has been performed by modifying the detector models stepwise to study the influences of the detector’s components.

Methods

Small field output correction factors have been determined for the new unshielded silicon diode detector, microSilicon (type 60023, PTW Freiburg, Germany) as well as for the predecessors Diode E (type 60017, PTW Freiburg, Germany) and Diode SRS (type 60018, PTW Freiburg, Germany) for a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator at 6 MV and a Cyberknife system. For the experimental determination, an Exradin W1 scintillation detector (Standard Imaging, Middleton, USA) has been used as reference. The Monte Carlo simulations have been performed with EGSnrc and phase space files from IAEA as well as detector models according to manufacturer blueprints. To investigate the influence of the detector’s components, the detector models have been modified stepwise.

Results

The correction factors for the smallest field size investigated at the TrueBeam linear accelerator (equivalent dosimetric square field side length Sclin = 6.3 mm) are 0.983 and 0.939 for the microSilicon and Diode E, respectively. At the Cyberknife system, the correction factors of the microSilicon are 0.967 at the smallest 5‐mm collimator compared to 0.928 for the Diode SRS. Monte Carlo simulations show comparable results from the measurements and literature.

Conclusion

The microSilicon (type 60023) detector requires less correction than its predecessors, Diode E (type 60017) and Diode SRS (type 60018). The detector housing has been demonstrated to cause the largest perturbation, mainly due to the enhanced density of the epoxy encapsulation surrounding the silicon chip. This density has been rendered more water equivalent in case of the microSilicon detector to minimize the associated perturbation. The sensitive volume itself has been shown not to cause observable field size‐dependent perturbation except for the volume‐averaging effect, where the slightly larger diameter of the sensitive volume of the microSilicon (1.5 mm) is still small at the smallest field size investigated with corrections <2%. The new microSilicon fulfils the 5% correction limit recommended by the TRS 483 for output factor measurements at all conditions investigated in this work.
Development of nursing care guideline for burned hands
Authors: Lotfi Mojgan , Mirza Aghazadeh Ahmad , Davami Babak , Khajehgoodari Mohammad , Aziz karkan Hanieh , Khalilzad Mohammad Amin
Published: March 2020

Aim

To develop an evidence‐based guideline to care for hand‐burned patients.

Design

An integrative review.

Method

The search was conducted of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Clinical Key, Iranmedex, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), Cochran, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases from January 2000–August 2019. Following the formation of the research team, two researchers independently selected the eligible studies. The initial search resulted in 2,230 records; ultimately, 40 articles were identified to be the review after screening the records based on the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality of selected studies was evaluated with the MMAT method.

Results

Data syntheses of selected studies, coded by highlighting the relevant parts of the text, and assigning code words to these areas were done. Following this, a constant comparison was used to develop categories by combining codes. Finally, hand burns nursing care guideline was developed by categorizing descriptive themes in two main phases.

Conclusion

This review results have shown that evidence‐based guidelines present high‐quality recommendations for the healthcare team, which improves the quality of clinical care. Due to a lack of established guidelines in our context, it seems to be helpful to use evidence‐based guidelines in managing burned hands.
Goods and services tax, cascading, and revenue performance: Analyzing Indian commodity taxation market
Authors: Khoja Ishfaq A. , Khan Naseer A.
Published: March 2020

Indian economy has finally introduced an improvised value‐added tax commonly known as goods and services tax (GST) with an explicit focus to target cascading. Cascading is by far the most serious issue of a tax structure as it leads to many other challenges like opaqueness, complexity, evasion besides deadweight losses. GST is a fiscal policy reform aimed at integrating and harmonizing the Indian tax structure and hence reduce the incidence of cascading. This study is an attempt to empirically analyze the possible impacts of GST on the cascading and hence revenue collection in the Indian economy. The study has employed a simple but representative simultaneous equation model representing the commodity taxation using time series data from 1990 to 2017. This study finds that reduced cascading under GST will enhance the revenue efficiency of the Indian commodity tax structure. The findings are corroborated by the post‐GST revenue performance of Indian states and the central government.
If only I could turn back time—Regret in bereaved parents
Authors: Sim Chu‐Won , Heuse Silke , Weigel Dorothée , Kendel Friederike
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Regret about loss is one of the most intense types of regret experienced in life. Little is known about the bereavement regret of parents whose child has died of cancer. Although knowledge about parents’ experiences after their child's death is vital for supporting these families, parents’ regret is mostly hidden from the treating clinical staff. This study aimed to explore these parents’ regret themes and their impact on their future lives.

Methods

An explorative questionnaire was sent to bereaved parents who lost a child to cancer. A total of 26 parents responded to the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Regret experiences were shared by almost all participants. The focus of regret issues include parenting and interaction with the child, reflection on existing values, dealing with the disease, and neglecting the remaining siblings. The regret experience had an impact on prioritizing values, future lifestyle and contacts.

Conclusions

Regret seems to be a general phenomenon among bereaved parents and strongly influences the grieving process, in the sense of reflecting on past experiences to reorient for future actions. As this study was explorative, it is significant toward deepening the understanding of bereavement regret in future. These insights are crucial when working with affected families to help them decide important issues they can care about now and will not regret later.
Preparation of Cationic Grafted‐Microfiltration Membrane of PSF‐g‐QPDMAEMA and Study on its Adsorption and Rejection Performance for Acid Dye
Authors: Du Ruikui , Gao Baojiao , Men Jiying
Published: March 2020

Chloromethylated polysulfone (CMPSF) microfiltration membrane were first prepared by using immersion‐precipitation phase transformation method, and then CMPSF membrane was modified into aminated PSF membrane (AMPSF membrane). A surface‐initiating system of –NH2/S2O82− was constituted at the interface between AMPSF membrane and a aqueous solution, in which monomer dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and initiator ammonium persulfate were dissolved. The graft polymerization of DMAEMA was successfully realized on AMPSF membrane, resulting in the grafted membrane PSF‐g‐PDMAEMA. And then quaternization modification of the grafted membrane PSF‐g‐PDMAEMA was performed, resulting in the cationic microfiltration membrane of PSF‐g‐QPDMAEMA. The isothermal adsorption experiments of PSF‐g‐QPDMAEMA membrane for two acid dyes, reactive brilliant red (RBR), and reactive light yellow (RLY), were carried out, and the permeation experiments were also conducted. The experimental results show that PSF‐g‐QPDMAEMA membrane has strong adsorption ability for acid dyes by right of the electrostatic interaction between the quaternary ammonium cations on the surface of PSF‐g‐QPDMAEMA membrane and the sulfonate anions in the molecules of acid dyes as well as by right of cation‐π interaction between the quaternary ammonium cations on PSF‐g‐QPDMAEMA membrane and the aromatic rings in the molecules of acid dyes. PSF‐g‐QPDMAEMA membrane displays excellent rejection and removing performance for acid dyes in water. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:900–908, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structural optimization of reversible dibromomaleimide peptide stapling
Authors: Lindsey‐Crosthwait Ayanna , Rodriguez‐Lema Diana , Walko Martin , Pask Christopher M. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: March 2020

Methods to constrain peptides in a bioactive α‐helical conformation for inhibition of protein‐protein interactions represent an ongoing area of investigation in chemical biology. Recently, the first example of a reversible “stapling” methodology was described which exploits native cysteine or homocysteine residues spaced at the i and i + 4 positions in a peptide sequence together with the thiol selective reactivity of dibromomaleimides (a previous study). This manuscript reports on the optimization of the maleimide based constraint, focusing on the kinetics of macrocyclization and the extent to which helicity is promoted with different thiol containing amino acids. The study identified an optimal stapling combination of X1 = L‐Cys and X5 = L‐hCys in the context of the model peptide Ac‐X1AAAX5‐NH2, which should prove useful in implementing the dibromomaleimide stapling strategy in peptidomimetic ligand discovery programmes.
The mechanism of Single strand binding protein–RecG binding: Implications for SSB interactome function
Authors: Ding Wenfei , Tan Hui Yin , Zhang Jia Xiang , Wilczek Luke A. , Hsieh Karin R. , Mulkin Jeffrey A. , Bianco Piero R.
Published: March 2020

The Escherichia coli single‐strand DNA binding protein (SSB) is essential to viability where it functions to regulate SSB interactome function. Here it binds to single‐stranded DNA and to target proteins that comprise the interactome. The region of SSB that links these two essential protein functions is the intrinsically disordered linker. Key to linker function is the presence of three, conserved PXXP motifs that mediate binding to oligosaccharide‐oligonucleotide binding folds (OB‐fold) present in SSB and its interactome partners. Not surprisingly, partner OB‐fold deletions eliminate SSB binding. Furthermore, single point mutations in either the PXXP motifs or, in the RecG OB‐fold, obliterate SSB binding. The data also demonstrate that, and in contrast to the view currently held in the field, the C‐terminal acidic tip of SSB is not required for interactome partner binding. Instead, we propose the tip has two roles. First, and consistent with the proposal of Dixon, to regulate the structure of the C‐terminal domain in a biologically active conformation that prevents linkers from binding to SSB OB‐folds until this interaction is required. Second, as a secondary binding domain. Finally, as OB‐folds are present in SSB and many of its partners, we present the SSB interactome as the first family of OB‐fold genome guardians identified in prokaryotes.
In vitro metabolism, reaction phenotyping, enzyme kinetics, CYP inhibition and induction potential of ataluren
Authors: Kong Ronald , Ma Jiyuan , Hwang Seongwoo , Moon Young‐Choon , Welch Ellen M. , Weetall Marla , Colacino Joseph M. , Almstead Neil , Babiak John , Goodwin Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

Ataluren promotes ribosomal readthrough of premature termination codons in mRNA which result from nonsense mutations. In vitro studies were performed to characterize the metabolism and enzyme kinetics of ataluren and its interaction potential with CYP enzymes. Incubation of [14C]‐ataluren with human liver microsomes indicated that the major metabolic pathway for ataluren is via direct glucuronidation and that the drug is not metabolized via cytochrome P450 (CYP). Glucuronidation was also observed in the incubation in human intestinal and kidney microsomes, but not in human pulmonary microsomes. UGT1A9 was found to be the major uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) responsible for ataluren glucuronidation in the liver and kidney microsomes. Enzyme kinetic analysis of the formation of ataluren acyl glucuronide, performed in human liver, kidney, and intestinal microsomes and recombinant human UGT1A9, found that increasing bovine serum albumin (BSA) levels enhanced the glucuronidation Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) and ataluren protein binding but had a minimal effect on maximum velocity (Vmax) of glucuronidation. Due to the decreased unbound Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km,u), the ataluren unbound intrinsic clearance (CLint,u) increased for all experimental systems and BSA concentrations. Human kidney microsomes were about 3.7‐fold more active than human liver microsomes, in terms of CLint,u/mg protein, indicating that the kidney is also a key organ for the metabolism and disposition of ataluren in humans. Ataluren showed no or little potential to inhibit or induce most of the CYP enzymes.
Classification and choice of antiarrhythmic therapies
Authors: Barton Anna K , McGowan Mark , Smyth Alison , Wright Gary A , Gardner Roy S
Published: March 2020

Antiarrhythmic medications are categorised according to where they act on the cardiac action potential, and choice of treatment should take into account the type of arrhythmia being managed, patient co‐morbidities and adverse effects. This article discusses the classification of antiarrhythmic therapies, their mechanisms of action, indications and side‐effect profiles, with a focus on the most common type of sustained arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation.
Negative Hygrothermal Expansion of Reinforced Double Arrowhead Microstructure
Authors: Lim Teik-Cheng
Published: March 2020

A microstructure, consisting of conventional rods, is herein shown to exhibit “negative hygroscopic expansion” (NHE) in the form of a reinforced double arrowhead with freely rotating joints, whereby the NHE occurs in the direction perpendicular to the reinforcing rods. A kinematic analysis enabled the condition of NHE, as well as the conditions of its “negative thermal expansion” (NTE) analogy, to be established. Results show that the likelihood of “negative expansion” is increased when the longer inclined rod expands to a much greater extent in contrast to the expansions of the reinforcing and the shorter inclined rods. Combined description of NHE and NTE not only allows the conditions of “negative hygrothermal expansion” (NHTE) to be put forth but also the condition by which “zero hygrothermal expansion” (ZHTE) is achieved by means of mutual cancellation between both types of expansions. This concept of ZHTE allows a more flexible design of materials and structures that are exposed to simultaneous changes in moisture concentration and temperature, as it does not require the minimization of both the coefficients of hygroscopic and thermal expansions.
Temperature‐Dependent Charge Carrier Diffusion in [0001¯] Direction of GaN Determined by Luminescence Evaluation of Buried InGaN Quantum Wells
Authors: Netzel Carsten , Hoffmann Veit , Tomm Jens W. , Mahler Felix , Einfeldt Sven , Weyers Markus
Published: March 2020

Temperature‐dependent transport of photoexcited charge carriers through a nominally undoped, c‐plane GaN layer toward buried InGaN quantum wells is investigated by continuous‐wave and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The excitation of the buried InGaN quantum wells is dominated by charge carrier diffusion through the GaN layer; photon recycling contributes only slightly. With temperature decreasing from 310 to 10 K, the diffusion length in direction increases from 250 to 600 nm in the GaN layer. The diffusion length at 300 K also increases from 100 to 300 nm when increasing the excitation power density from 20 to 500 W cm−2. The diffusion constant decreases from the low‐temperature value of ∼7 to 1.5 cm2 s−1 at 310 K. The temperature dependence of the diffusion constant indicates that the diffusivity at room temperature is limited by optical phonon scattering. Consequently, higher diffusion constants in GaN‐based devices require a reduced operation temperature. To increase diffusion lengths at a fixed temperature, the effective recombination time has to be prolonged by reducing the number of nonradiative recombination centers.
Disorder‐Induced Phonon Localization in Incipient Ferroelectric (Ni1/3Nb2/3)xTi1−xO2 Solid Solutions
Authors: Wang Jian , Gao Dandan , Xie Jiyang , Jiang Xiao-Ming , Hu Wanbiao
Published: March 2020

The phonon behavior in incipient ferroelectric (Ni1/3Nb2/3)xTi1−xO2 ceramic solid solutions is investigated with combined Raman, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), and dielectric spectroscopy. The (Ni+Nb) incorporation into rutile TiO2 leads to the Raman and infrared modes broadening, the Gaussian‐type Raman peak of A2u(LO) mode, and the dielectric constant (at 14 K) of different compositions being proportional to the mole ratio of Ti cations. It suggests that, with increasing (Ni + Nb)‐substitution, the cationic disorder gradually develops and the disorder‐induced phonon localization occurs. In particular, the soft A2u mode appears to be localized to Ti‐containing regions. This work demonstrates that the combined Raman, FTIR, and dielectric analysis can effectively probe the cationic disorder and phonon localization behaviors in incipient ferroelectric (Ni1/3Nb2/3)xTi1−xO2 and provides an experimental evidence of phonon localization in 3D disordered systems with mass and spring constant disorder, which enriches the understanding of the Anderson localization in vibrational systems.
Swelling of Steel Film by Hydrogen Absorption at Cathodic Potential in Electrolyte
Authors: Garai Debi , Carlomagno Ilaria , Solokha Vladyslav , Wilson Axel , Meneghini Carlo , Morawe Christian , Murzin Vadim , Gupta Ajay , Zegenhagen Jörg
Published: March 2020

An ≈4 nm FeCrNi film, deposited on a Ru/B4C multilayer (ML), is used to study cathodic hydrogen charging in electrolyte. A thin film on a ML allows obtaining precise quantitative information on surface metal composition and oxidation state using the X‐ray standing wave technique combined with near‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The metal composition is found being close to the composition of stainless steel (SS) 304, and, as for bulk steel, the outer 2 nm passive layer, consisting of oxidized iron and chromium, is depleted of nickel. Overall, it is found that the film represented a useful replica of the surface of bulk steel. Following exposure to 0.1 m KCl electrolyte at −0.6 V versus Ag/AgCl, 11.3 (±3)% swelling of the film by hydrogen absorption is observed. The estimated absorbed amount is exceeding reported bulk absorption under similar conditions by more than an order of magnitude. Strong hydrogen absorption appears to be enabled by the 2D character of the thin film, i.e., a significantly lower associated strain energy compared with bulk absorption. The strong surface swelling is suggested to be related to the lowering of the pitting corrosion resistance of SS surfaces reported following hydrogen exposure.
Hybridizing Plasmonic Materials with 2D‐Transition Metal Dichalcogenides toward Functional Applications
Authors: Sriram Pavithra , Manikandan Arumugam , Chuang Feng‐Chuan , Chueh Yu‐Lun
Published: March 2020

Recently, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become intriguing materials in the versatile field of photonics and optoelectronics because of their strong light–matter interaction that stems from the atomic layer thickness, broadband optical response, controllable optoelectronic properties, and high nonlinearity, as well as compatibility. Nevertheless, the low optical cross‐section of 2D‐TMDs inhibits the light–matter interaction, resulting in lower quantum yield. Therefore, hybridizing the 2D‐TMDs with plasmonic nanomaterials has become one of the promising strategies to boost the optical absorption of thin 2D‐TMDs. The appeal of plasmonics is based on their capability to localize and enhance the electromagnetic field and increase the optical path length of light by scattering and injecting hot electrons to TMDs. In this regard, recent achievements with respect to hybridization of the plasmonic effect in 2D‐TMDs systems and its augmented optical and optoelectronic properties are reviewed. The phenomenon of plasmon‐enhanced interaction in 2D‐TMDs is briefly described and state‐of‐the‐art hybrid device applications are comprehensively discussed. Finally, an outlook on future applications of these hybrid devices is provided.
Nanoassembled Peptide Biosensors for Rapid Detection of Matrilysin Cancer Biomarker
Authors: Behi Mohammadreza , Naficy Sina , Chandrawati Rona , Dehghani Fariba
Published: March 2020

Early detection of cancer is likely to be one of the most effective means of reducing the cancer mortality rate. Hence, simple and ultra‐quick methods for noninvasive detection of early‐stage tumors are highly sought‐after. In this study, a nanobiosensing platform with a rapid response time of nearly 30 s is introduced for the detection of matrilysin—the salivary gland cancer biomarker—with a limit of detection as low as 30 nm. This sensing platform is based on matrilysin‐digestible peptides that bridge gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) cores (≈30–50 nm) and carbon quantum dot (CDs) satellites (≈9 nm). A stepwise synthesis procedure is used for self‐assembly of AuNP‐peptide‐CDs, ensuring their long‐term stability. The AuNP‐peptide‐CDs produce ideal optical signals, with noticeable fluorescence quenching effects. Upon peptide cleavage by matrilysin, CDs leave the surface of AuNPs, resulting in ultra‐fast detectable violet and visible fluorescent signals.
Massively Multiplexed Submicron Particle Patterning in Acoustically Driven Oscillating Nanocavities
Authors: Tayebi Mahnoush , O'Rorke Richard , Wong Him Cheng , Low Hong Yee , Han Jongyoon , Collins David J. , Ai Ye
Published: March 2020

Nanoacoustic fields are a promising method for particle actuation at the nanoscale, though THz frequencies are typically required to create nanoscale wavelengths. In this work, the generation of robust nanoscale force gradients is demonstrated using MHz driving frequencies via acoustic‐structure interactions. A structured elastic layer at the interface between a microfluidic channel and a traveling surface acoustic wave (SAW) device results in submicron acoustic traps, each of which can trap individual submicron particles. The acoustically driven deformation of nanocavities gives rise to time‐averaged acoustic fields which direct suspended particles toward, and trap them within, the nanocavities. The use of SAWs permits massively multiplexed particle manipulation with deterministic patterning at the single‐particle level. In this work, 300 nm diameter particles are acoustically trapped in 500 nm diameter cavities using traveling SAWs with wavelengths in the range of 20–80 µm with one particle per cavity. On‐demand generation of nanoscale acoustic force gradients has wide applications in nanoparticle manipulation, including bioparticle enrichment and enhanced catalytic reactions for industrial applications.
Over 10% Efficient Pure CZTSe Solar Cell Fabricated by Electrodeposition with Ge Doping
Authors: Zhang Zhaojing , Gao Qing , Guo Jiajia , Zhang Yongheng , Han Yanchen , Ao Jianping , Jeng Ming-Jer , Liu Fangfang , Liu Wei , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2020

The fabrication of kesterite CZTSe solar cells via an electrodeposition method provides an attractive approach for the low‐cost and environment‐friendly energy supply, yet the highest conversion efficiency for such solar cells (around 9%) is still far away from the highest efficiency of Cu‐based kesterite solar cells. Herein, a 10.54% efficient CZTSe solar cell (0.28 cm2 active sized area, without an antireflection layer) is developed by introducing electrodeposited Cu–Ge alloy layer at the bottom of metal precursor. It is found that the presence of Ge element within the bottom of the film can promote downward diffusion of Sn element. Consequently, the distribution of Sn is relatively homogeneous during the annealing process; thus, the formation of undesirable defect clusters is inhibited and the band alignment of the CdS/CZTSe interface is optimized. As a result, the conversion efficiency of CZTSe thin‐film solar cells is increased from 6.74% to 10.54%, which is the highest efficiency reported for electrochemically fabricated CZTSe solar cells.
Cetratus: A framework for zero downtime secure software updates in safety‐critical systems
Authors: Mugarza Imanol , Parra Jorge , Jacob Eduardo
Published: March 2020

Safety‐critical systems are evolving into complex, networked, and distributed systems. As a result of the high interconnectivity among all networked systems and of potential security threats, security countermeasures need to be incorporated. Nonetheless, albeit cutting‐edge security measures are adopted and incorporated during the system development, such as latest recommended encryption algorithms, these protection mechanisms may turn out obsolete because of the long operational periods. New security flaws and bugs are continuously detected. Software updates are then essential to restore the security level of the system. However, system shutdowns may not be acceptable when high availability is required. As expressed by the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) “the research in the area of patching and updating equipment without disruption of service and tools” is needed. In this article, a novel live updating approach for zero downtime safety‐critical systems named Cetratus is presented. Cetratus, which is based on a quarantine‐mode execution and monitoring, enables the update of non‐safety‐critical software components while running, without compromising the safety integrity level of the system. The focus of this work lies on the incorporation of leading‐edge security mechanisms while safety‐related software components will remain untouched. Other non‐safety‐related software components could also be updated.