bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical electrical sounding data inversion using continuous ant colony optimization algorithm: A case study from Hassi R'Mel, Algeria
Authors: Bouchaoui Lyes , Ferahtia Jalal , Farfour Mohammed , Djarfour Nouredine
Published: April 2022

Among the existing geophysical methods, the vertical electrical sounding remains a fast and economical way to detect groundwater resources. However, the interpretation of the vertical electrical sounding data often suffers from non‐uniqueness due to the ill‐posed nature of the inverse problem. In recent years, metaheuristic algorithms have been successfully used for solving ill‐conditioned and ill‐posed problems. This work presents a scheme that uses the continuous ant colony optimization (ACOR) technique to invert vertical electrical sounding data. The ACOR is a global search algorithm that explores and finds the globally optimal solution over a search space by mimicking the behaviour of biological ants. The development of this algorithm was due to the requirement to interpret a set of vertical electrical sounding collected at the region of Hassi R'Mel (Algerian Sahara). The area has a particular geological/geoelectrical structure, which renders the interpretation of vertical electrical sounding challenging as standard inversion approaches tend to fail to recover a reliable resistivity model. The ACOR algorithm was initially tested with synthetic data from models simulating the geological/hydrogeological structure of the studied area. The results verified the robustness and stability of the ACOR algorithm even in the presence of a high level of noise. Furthermore, the tests indicated that the ACOR algorithm performed better when compared to other inversion techniques for this particular geoelectrical structure. Five vertical electrical sounding profiles using a Schlumberger array collected in the region of Hassi R'Mel were inverted using the ACOR algorithm. The models confirmed the presence of the two central aquifer systems and showed the geometry of the aquifer with the most favourable conditions for water accumulations.
Plant growth promotion by the interaction of a novel synthetic small molecule with GA‐DELLA function
Authors: Sukiran Nur Afiqah , Pollastri Susanna , Steel Patrick G. , Knight Marc R.
Published: April 2022

Synthesized small molecules are useful as tools to investigate hormonal signaling involved in plant growth and development. They are also important as agrochemicals to promote beneficial properties of crops in the field. We describe here the synthesis and mode of action of a novel growth‐promoting chemical, A1. A1 stimulates enhanced growth in both shoot and root tissues of plants, acting by increasing both dry and fresh weight. This suggests that A1 not only promotes uptake of water but also increases production of cellular material. A1 treatment of Arabidopsisleads to the degradation of DELLA growth‐inhibitory proteins suggesting that A1‐mediated growth promotion is dependent upon this mechanism. We performed genetic analysis to confirm this and further dissect the mechanism of A1 action upon growth in Arabidopsis. A quintuple dellamutant was insensitive to A1, confirming that the mode of action was indeed via a DELLA‐dependent mechanism. The ga1‐5gibberellin synthesis mutant was similarly insensitive, suggesting that to promote growth in ArabidopsisA1 requires the presence of endogenous gibberellins. This was further suggested by the observation that double mutants of GID1 gibberellin receptor genes were insensitive to A1. Taken together, our data suggest that A1 acts to enhance sensitivity to endogenous gibberellins thus leading to observed enhanced growth via DELLA degradation. A1 and related compounds will be useful to identify novel signaling components involved in plant growth and development, and as agrochemicals suitable for a wide range of crop species.
AIBIIICVI2 (A = Cu, Ag; B = Ga, In; C = S, Se, Te) based photonic crystal superlattices: Optical properties
Authors: Simsek Sevket , Palaz Selami , Akhundov Chingiz , Mamedov Amirullah M. , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: April 2022

In this study, we present an investigation of the optical properties and band structures for the photonic structures based on AIBIIICVI2 with a Fibonacci sequence that can act as a multi‐wavelength birefringent filter. The filtering wavelengths are analyzed by the indices concerning the quasi‐periodicity of a Fibonacci sequence and the average lattice parameter. The transmittances of filtering wavelengths can be tuned by varying structure parameters such as the lengths of poled domains, filling factor, and dispersion relation. In our simulation, we employed the finite‐difference time domain (FDTD) technique, which implies a solution from Maxwell equation.
Electrical conductivity improved Cu2SnS3 thermoelectrics
Authors: Nakamura Shigeyuki , Funabiki Hiroyuki , Shiga Shinya
Published: April 2022

Cu2SnS3 is an attractive earth abundant material for not only solar cells but also thermoelectrics because high thermoelectric performance is predicted by the first principle calculation. In our previous work, Cu2SnS3 is successfully synthesized by solid phase reaction with binary compounds and obtained a high Seebeck coefficient and a low thermal conductivity. However, a low electric conductivity results in a low figure of merit (ZT) of less than 0.1. In this work, CuS and In2S3 are added to starting materials to enhance the electrical conductivity and it has been improved by one order of magnitude.

CuS and In2S3 addition enhance electrical conductivities.
Effect of surface treatment on the Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films using a cationic surfactant
Authors: Miyazaki Hisashi , Aono Masami , Kishimura Hiroaki , Jimbo Kazuo , Katagiri Hironori
Published: April 2022

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is one of the promising materials for high efficiency thin film solar cells. Here we report on the chemical and structural characterization of the CZTS thin films after the surface treatment by using 1% Br2‐methanol etchant with and without cationic surfactant, oleylamine. Raman scattering spectroscopy results showed that the etching with surfactant of oleylamine did not affect the bulk structural characterization. Cu, Zn, and S chemical composition ratio decreases after etching process without surfactant of oleylamine. However, in the case of the sample etched by using surfactant of oleylamine, the surface composition changes to only Cu‐poor composition. Moreover, we report the first time that the oleylamine additive is possible of selective etching of Cu‐related compounds of CZTS.
Nickel in silicon: Room‐temperature in‐diffusion and interaction with radiation defects
Authors: Yarykin Nikolai , Weber Jörg
Published: April 2022

Nickel is incorporated into silicon wafers during chemomechanical polishing in an alkaline Ni‐contaminated slurry at room temperature. The nickel in‐diffusion is detected by DLTS depth profiles of a novel Ni183 level, which is formed due to a reaction between the diffusing nickel and the VO centers introduced before the polishing. The Ni183 profile extends up to 10 μm after a 2 min polishing. The available data provide a lower estimate for the room‐temperature nickel diffusivity DNi > 10−9 cm2 s−1.
Quartz modification by Zn ion implantation and swift Xe ion irradiation
Authors: Privezentsev Vladimir , Kulikauskas Vaclav , Didyk Alexander , Skuratov Vladimir , Steinman Edward , Tereshchenko Alexey , Kolesnikov Nikolay , Trifonov Alexey , Sakharov Oleg , Ksenich Sergey
Published: April 2022

The quartz slides were implanted by 64Zn+ ions with dose of 5 × 1016/cm2 and energy of 100 keV. After implantation, the amorphous metallic Zn nanoparticles with an average radius of 3.5 nm were created. The sample surface becomes nonuniform, its roughness is increased and its values rise up to 6 nm compared to virgin state, and the roughness maximum is at a value of about 0.8 nm. The surface is made up of valleys and hillocks which have a round shape with an average diameter about 200 nm. At the center of these hillocks are pores with a depth up to 6 nm and a diameter of about 20 nm. After implantation in UV‐vis diapason, the optical transmission decreases while PL peak (apparently due to oxygen deficient centers) at wavelength of 400 nm increases. Then the samples were subjected to swift Xe ion irradiation with the fluences of 1 × 1012–7.5 × 1014/cm2 and energy of 167 MeV. After Xe irradiation, the sample surface roughness shat down to values of 0.5 nm and the roughness maximum is at a value of about 0.1 nm. Optical transmission in UV‐vis diapason increases. The PL peak at wavelength of 400 nm is decreased while a PL peak at wavelength of 660 nm is raised. This peak is presumably due to non‐bridging oxygen hole centers or/and NPs with structure Si(core)/SiO2(shell).

HRTEM image of Zn‐implanted quartz subsurface layer. One can see the Zn amorphous nanoparticles, which confirms the electron diffraction pattern (insert).
Influence of irradiation on mechanical properties of Si‐Ge alloys
Authors: Sichinava Avtandil , Bokuchava Guram , Chubinidze Giorgi , Gapishvili Nodar , Archuadze Giorgi
Published: April 2022

Impact of various irradiation (Ar and He ions, high energy electrons) on microhardness and indentation of monocrystalline Si0,98Ge0,02 alloy is studied. Samples of Si and SiGe alloy are obtained by Czochralski (CZ) method in the [111] direction in the atmosphere of high purity Ar. High energy electron irradiation with fluence of ∼1012 cm−2 is conducted at the Clinac 2100iX. Ar and He ion implantation is performed on modernized “VEZUVI‐3M” plant. It is shown that for all types of irradiation the microhardness and indentation modulus versus load are characterized by reverse indentation size effect (ISE). With the increase of fluences of Ar and He ions, the maximum value of the effect increases. At high values of loading force impact on the indenter the mechanical characteristics slowly decrease. Impact of isochronous thermal annealing on mechanical properties of high energy electron irradiated samples is studied. Non‐monotonic changes of microhardness and indentation modulus are revealed in the temperature range of 200–260 °C. It is proposed that such changes are caused by radiation defects transformation.
Low‐k Spacers for 22 nm FDSOI Technology
Authors: Koehler Fabian , Antonioli Bianca , Triyoso Dina H. , Tao Han , Hempel Klaus
Published: April 2022

As standard planar transistors have reached their scaling limit new sophisticated architectures have found their way into mass production. One option is the Fully Depleted Silicon‐on‐Isolator (FDSOI) technology, which combines performance efficiency with a cost effective, planar architecture. Approximately, 75% of the process steps in FDSOI can be leveraged from the established 28 nm bulk technology, while there are certain process modules that require the introduction of new processes, i.e., low‐k spacer deposition and the epitaxial growth of SiGe gate channels and Si:B, SiGe:B source/drain regions. In this article, we want to focus on the deposition of the low‐k spacer, which provides low gate‐to‐drain capacitances. The standard SiN spacer was replaced by a SiBCN spacer. Electrical results show a clear 10% increase in ring‐oscillator frequency.
Effect of Interstitials Embedded in Pre‐Patterned Si Substrate on Location of Ge Nanoislands
Authors: Novikov Pavel L. , Atovullaev Timur , Smagina Zhanna V. , Dvurechenskii Anatoly V. , Pavskii Kirill V.
Published: April 2022

Large‐area periodical pattern on Si(100) was fabricated using combination of nanoimprint lithography and ion irradiation through mask. Ordered structures with grooves and ridges were prepared by the selective etching of regions amorphized by ion irradiation. Laterally ordered chains of Ge nanoislands were grown by molecular beam epitaxy of Ge on the pre‐patterned Si substrates. It was shown, that the location of subsequently grown Ge nanoislands depends upon the sidewall inclination in grooves. The effect is ascribed to strain induced by Ge interstitials under the groove's bottom. Our proposal was confirmed by molecular dynamics calculations that allowed the determination of strain in grooves as dependent on the groove's shape.
Vibrational Properties of Monodispersed CdS Nanoparticles Immersed in a Matrix Constituted of SnO2 Nanostructured Thin Films
Authors: Campos‐González Enrique , Rodríguez‐Fragoso Patricia , Santoyo‐Salazar Jaime , Tomás S. A. , de Moure‐Flores F. , González de la Cruz Gerardo , Zelaya‐Angel O.
Published: April 2022

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles immersed in a tin oxide (SnO2) matrix were deposited on glass substrates by r.f. sputtering. X‐ray diffractograms of the CdS‐SnO2 thin films revealed the growth of CdS quantum dots (QD's) in the hexagonal wurtzite phase while SnO2 nanoparticles crystallized in the tetragonal phase. The radius of CdS QD's lies in the 2.0–8.5 nm interval, and the energy band gap in the 2.5–3.1 eV range. Transmission electron microscopy images supported the particle size and the spherical aspect of the CdS QD. Raman spectra showed the presence of the A1(LO), E2(LO), and A1(TO) vibrational modes of CdS at the Γ point of the first Brillouin zone. The energy‐position of the A1(LO) band showed that this mode hardens as the radius (R) decreases. This unexpected phononic behavior in CdS nanoparticles is due to the uniaxial compressive stress, as a consequence of the SnO2 capping. The E2(LO) and A1(TO) modes hardened when R decreased, in agreement with dispersion curves when the translational symmetry of the lattice is broken for low‐dimensional systems.
Study on Strain Relaxation Distribution in GaN‐Based µLEDs by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Zhan Jinglin , Chen Zhizhong , Jiao Qianqian , Feng Yulong , Li Chengcheng , Chen Yifan , Jiao Fei , Kang Xiangning , Li Shunfeng , Yu Tongjun , Zhang Guoyi , Shen Bo
Published: April 2022

Polarization in InGaN quantum‐wells (QWs) is the key issue for GaN‐based light emitting diodes (LEDs). Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is used to detect the strain relaxation distribution on the mesa of micro LEDs (µLEDs). The results of KPFM are analyzed with the help of numerical calculation. The effects of space charge layer (SCL) and polarization on the band structures are taken into consideration. Comparing the data of KPFM getting from µLEDs with different diameter, the smaller size µLEDs have larger area affected by strain relaxation. This phenomenon guarantees the excellent performance for µLEDs.
Early breakthrough of short‐chain perfluoroalkyl substances in adsorptive media treatment
Authors: Crawford Scott , Thomas Ryan , Taylor Fred , Dore Sophia , Marley Michael , Crawford Laurel , Occhialini Jim , McKnight Taryn , Farmer Norman
Published: April 2022

Activated carbon (AC) adsorption continues to be the default technology to remove low levels of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water, despite varying reports of the relatively early breakthrough of short‐chain PFAS and high operating costs. Ion‐exchange processes using regenerable and single‐use media have been emerging as practical alternatives which may provide improved treatment and system performance. However, long‐term performance with respect to the more difficult to remove short‐chain PFAS such as perfluorobutanoic acid and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid is less often reported. Treatability testing on PFAS‐impacted groundwater using batch‐equilibration reactors and column flushing apparatus experiments was implemented to compare removal efficiency, breakthrough, and longevity of various media, specifically for shorter chain PFAS. Adsorbents tested included surface‐modified natural media, synthetic resin, and AC. Results indicated that both surface modified natural media and AC achieved >99 percent removal of all detected PFAS after approximately 10,300‐bed volumes (16 weeks) of column flushing, and outperformed the selected resin under site‐specific conditions. In addition, unconventional breakthrough patterns (i.e., the breakthrough of longer chain PFAS before shorter chain PFAS) were observed for some PFAS including perfluoropentanoic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. The results of this study suggested that, while the generally accepted breakthrough patterns for PFAS can be reasonably anticipated, column flushing studies were preferred over batch sorption tests to reveal site‐specific or media‐specific breakthrough patterns that can impact overall performance.
Preferential transport of phosphorus from surface‐applied poultry litter in soils from karst and nonkarst landscapes
Authors: Katuwal Sheela , Ashworth Amanda J. , Moore Philip A. , Brye Kristofor , Schmidt Michael , Vanotti Matias , Owens Phillip Ray
Published: April 2022

Preferential transport of P in manure‐amended soils through soil macropores can be a substantial source of nonpoint P pollution, although studies quantifying P losses from intact soil columns are lacking. Large, intact soil columns (45 cm diam. by 100‐cm height) collected from karst and nonkarst landscapes (three replicates per soil) were used to evaluate the role of preferential flow in P leaching from surface‐applied poultry litter. Losses of P in leachate, dissolved P, and total P were quantified following poultry litter application (5.6 Mg ha–1) and three successive simulated rain events (3.9 cm h–1 for 2 h). Dissolved P constituted the major fraction of leachate‐P loss as more than 80% of TP, which peaked (5.61 mg L–1) following the first irrigation event after poultry litter application and decreased to about half (2.88 mg L–1) by the third irrigation event. Soils from the karst landscape had greater (p < .05) leachate volume and total leached P, with approximately six times greater losses occurring than nonkarst soils. Results indicate that the top 1 m of soil obtained from karst landscapes is vulnerable to vertical P transport into deeper soil layers. Therefore, soils with substantial preferential flow pathways may increase legacy P in subsurface soil and pose a threat to surface and groundwater over time.
Organic materials‐based cathode for zinc ion battery
Authors: Cui Huilin , Ma Longtao , Huang Zhaodong , Chen Ze , Zhi Chunyi
Published: April 2022

The quest for advanced energy storage devices with cheaper, safer, more resource‐abundant storage has triggered intense research into zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). Among them, organic materials as cathode materials for ZIBs have attracted great interest due to their flexible structure designability, high theoretical capacity, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. Although numerous organic electrode materials have been studied and different redox mechanisms have been proposed in the past decade, their electrochemical performance still needs further improvement, and the mechanisms require further exploration. This paper provides a systematical overview of three types of organic materials (bipolar‐type conductive polymer, n‐type conjugated carbonyl compounds, and p‐type material) on the energy storage mechanisms and distinct characteristics. We then focus on discussing the design strategies to improve electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the challenges and future research directions are discussed to provide a foundation for further developing organic‐based ZIBs.
Electricity‐Boosted Solar‐to‐Vapor Conversion upon Fiber‐Supported CDs@CuS for Rapidly Vaporizing Seawater
Authors: Liu Chitai , Su Juwen , Chang Qing , Li Ying , Yang Jinlong , Hu Shengliang
Published: April 2022

A novel proof‐of‐concept strategy to enhance the evaporation rate (ER) and solar conversion efficiency of the solar‐driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) technique is presented. This strategy is able to employ photovoltaic (PV) electricity for powering photothermal convertor, thus the photoinduced electrons from the nanocomposite of carbon dots (CDs) and CuS can be fully converted into heat for rapidly vaporizing seawater. The presented system enables a steam generation rate of above 6.66 kg m−2 h−1 with a solar‐to‐vapor efficiency of up to 183% in 3.5% salt brine under one sun. Such high performance is ascribed to the instantaneous release of more heat energy within the confined photothermal layer, resulting in the vaporization of more water adsorbed in this layer. Moreover, the experimental results reveal that the solar evaporation performances of the presented system are determined by the applied voltages and interfacial charge transfer efficiency of the sunlight harvesting agent under constant solar illumination.
Watermelon Flesh‐Derived Carbon Aerogel with Hierarchical Porous Structure for Interfacial Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Zhu Bo , Zhao Jiangtong , Meng Yangfan , Liu Zixiao , Yu Nuo , Zhang Lisha , Chen Zhigang
Published: April 2022

Solar‐enabled interfacial steam generation is emerging as a sustainable seawater desalination technology, but its practical application is impeded by the high cost of materials and low evaporation rate. To solve these problems, a three‐dimensional (3D) carbon aerogel (CA) is prepared with hierarchical pores by the hydrothermal‐carbonization/freeze‐drying/carbonization treatment of watermelon flesh. The CA is composed of frizzy carbon thin sheets (thickness: ≈2 μm) and large pores (size: 200–400 μm), deriving from the carbonization of plant cells. Especially, plenty of ≈200 nm nanoparticles are located on these thin sheets, accompanying the formation of nanopores with a size of 200–400 nm. These hierarchical macro/nanopores can act as the “light traps,” conferring the broad (250–2500 nm) and strong photoabsorption (absorbance efficiency: 93%). Then, the CA is inserted into a ring‐like polystyrene foam to construct a 3D evaporator, which can float on seawater. Under the irradiation of simulated sunlight (1 kW m−2), the evaporator exhibits a high evaporation rate of 2.32 kg m−2 h−1and long‐term stability. Therefore, the CA acts as an efficient photothermal material for solar‐enabled desalination and also provides some insights for developing other biomass‐derived evaporators.
International perspectives on faculty professional development
Authors: Groccia James E. , Gillespie Andrew R. , Mason Jennifer L. , Long Kalani A.
Published: April 2022

Preparing tomorrow's faculty members to respond to emerging challenges presented by the ever‐changing realities of international higher education requires faculty professional development that mirrors high‐impact practices advocated for tomorrow's students. Auburn University, through its Global Teaching Academy and International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium, continues to provide opportunities to respond to these challenges to enhance learning for the world‐wide context.
Foreign‐ and US‐educated faculty members’ views on what constitutes excellent teaching: Effects of prior graduate training, rank, and teaching experience
Authors: Ismail Emad A. , Groccia James E.
Published: April 2022

This chapter compared views of US‐ and foreign‐educated faculty who teach in American universities on what represents excellent teaching using an online version of the teacher behavior checklist (TBC). Demographic criteria (including prior graduate training in teaching, rank, and teaching experiences) were used as bases for comparison. Both groups agreed on eight qualities of excellent teaching (although in different order) and the results underscore the role of prior graduate training in teaching, rank, and years of teaching experience in how faculty perceive excellent teaching. The results contribute novel and useful insights into the literature on master teaching as well as to faculty/instructional developers in higher education.
Universes of Learning (UoL) as creative educational experiences: Exploring the TSPACK and Renaissance Foundry Model as catalysts for learning transformations
Authors: Arce Pedro E. , Arce‐Trigatti Andrea , Loggins Lacy , Sanders J. Robby , Guerrero‐Pérez Juan S. , Bolaños Barrera Gustavo E. , Oyanader Mario A.
Published: April 2022

This chapter describes specific examples of the implementation of TSPACK framework in Foundry‐guided contexts using a case study approach, featuring applications in both regional and international contexts. As education shifts toward active learning, discovery processes, and collaboration across disciplines, a space that fosters the facilitation of such interaction is invaluable. The TSPACK framework paired with the Renaissance Foundry Model elevates space as an essential element for the exchange of ideas that fosters equitable opportunities for new knowledge construction.
Developing critical global citizenship: Vocational reflection in international learning experiences
Authors: Ooi Su‐Mei
Published: April 2022

This chapter argues that the challenge to global education lies in helping students develop critical global citizenship and suggests that the high‐impact practice of vocational reflection can change misplaced attitudes toward the purpose of global engagement.
An innovative approach to assessing student outcomes in internationalized education
Authors: Torres Belkys , Cozzolino Marzia , Lovorn Michael
Published: April 2022

This article provides an overview of the unique model and comprehensive approach to tracking, enhancing, and assessing students’ global learning outcomes at the University of Pittsburgh's University Center for International Studies (UCIS). In the conclusion, the authors provide a discussion of strengths and challenges of this model that will be particularly useful to institutions implementing similar models.
Generalizable approaches for genomic prediction of metabolites in plants
Authors: Brzozowski Lauren J. , Campbell Malachy T. , Hu Haixiao , Caffe Melanie , Gutiérrez Lucı́a , Smith Kevin P. , Sorrells Mark E. , Gore Michael A. , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: April 2022

Plant metabolites are important traits for plant breeders seeking to improve nutrition and agronomic performance yet integrating selection for metabolomic traits can be limited by phenotyping expense and degree of genetic characterization, especially of uncommon metabolites. As such, developing generalizable genomic selection methods based on biochemical pathway biology for metabolites that are transferable across plant populations would benefit plant breeding programs. We tested genomic prediction accuracy for >600 metabolites measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) in oat (Avena sativa L.) seed. Using a discovery germplasm panel, we conducted metabolite genome‐wide association study (mGWAS) and selected loci to use in multikernel models that encompassed metabolome‐wide mGWAS results or mGWAS from specific metabolite structures or biosynthetic pathways. Metabolite kernels developed from LC‐MS metabolites in the discovery panel improved prediction accuracy of LC‐MS metabolite traits in the validation panel consisting of more advanced breeding lines. No approach, however, improved prediction accuracy for GC‐MS metabolites. We ranked model performance by metabolite and found that metabolites with similar polarity had consistent rankings of models. Overall, testing biological rationales for developing kernels for genomic prediction across populations contributes to developing frameworks for plant breeding for metabolite traits.
Determination of oleamide bulk‐to‐surface distribution in polypropylene for medical use depending on sterilization method and storage time
Authors: Berghaus Eva , Ruppel Hendrik , Martin Lara‐Sophie , Petersen Svea
Published: April 2022

Oleamide is used as a lubricant in the manufacturing and application of polypropylene (PP) medical devices. Samples of PP were prepared with 0, 1500, and 15 000 ppm oleamide content as lubricant. The samples were either left non‐sterile, sterilized with ethylene oxide (ETO), γ‐radiation (γ) or autoclaved (A) and stored for up to 4 weeks. To determine the oleamide bulk‐to‐surface distribution depending on sterilization method and storage time an extraction method and a washing technique were applied. The oleamide content was determined by gas chromatography (GC‐FID) and compared with the coefficient of friction (COF). The COF dependent on the measured lubricant content at the surface. The content of lubricant on the surface depends on the type of sterilization: ETO increased the lubricant content to some extent, γ‐sterilization and autoclaving reduced it. After storage, no migration of the lubricant to the surface could be detected.
Pyrite‐assisted denitrification in recirculated biofilter tolerates pH lower than 5
Authors: Di Capua Francesco , Esposito Giovanni
Published: April 2022

This study demonstrates the feasibility of pyrite‐assisted denitrification to treat mildly acidic wastewaters and proposes a convenient solution for nitrogen removal from acidic mining waters. Pyrite is a highly available and low‐cost electron donor for autotrophic denitrification, whereas mining waters represent a source of nitrogen (N) contamination due to the use of N‐containing explosives during mining operations and cyanide (CN)‐based compounds for ore processing. In this study, the denitrification performance of a recirculated pyrite‐packed biofilter (RPPB) treating simulated N‐contaminated acidic mining waters is evaluated under decreasing pH conditions. The effect of feed organic carbon on the autotrophic process has been also investigated. N removal efficiencies (NRE) > 60% could be achieved at feed pH ≥ 4.5 and HRT ≥ 5 h. Decrease of influent pH to 3.0 reduced the NRE to 20%. The addition of 10 and 20 mg/L of ethanol to the influent did not significantly impact NRE of the RPPB.

Practitioner Points

Pyrite‐assisted denitrification is proposed for treating acidic wastewaters.

Nitrogen removal >60% was maintained at feed pH as low as 4.7.

Decrease of feed pH to 3 strongly inhibited denitrification.

The presence of organic carbon in the feed did not affect the autotrophic process.
Introduction
Authors: Azinović Boris , Kilar Vojko , Koren David
Published: April 2022

The introduction discusses the content of the monograph in the context of the European Bauhaus initiative and the EU Green Deal, as well the importance of earthquake (structural) safety and energy efficiency.
Entwicklung eines spindelzelligen Plattenepithelkarzinoms auf dem Boden eines lang bestehenden Pyoderma gangraenosum
Authors: Drexler Konstantin , Berneburg Mark , Karrer Sigrid
Published: April 2022

Das Pyoderma gangraenosum (PG) wird den neutrophilen Dermatosen zugeordnet und präsentiert sich klinisch in Form von schmerzhaften Ulzerationen mit einem häufig livid-erythematös unterminierten Randsaum. Die Behandlung mit immunsuppressiven Medikamenten ist oft langwierig. Über die Entstehung von malignen Tumoren in einem Pyoderma gangraenosum ist bisher in der Literatur nicht berichtet worden.
Improving VLBI analysis by tropospheric ties in GNSS and VLBI integrated processing
Authors: Wang Jungang , Ge Maorong , Glaser Susanne , Balidakis Kyriakos , Heinkelmann Robert , Schuh Harald
Published: April 2022

Tropospheric delay modeling is challenging in high-precision Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) analysis due to the rapid water vapor variation and imperfect observation geometry, where observations from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) co-locations can enhance the VLBI analysis. We investigate the impact of tropospheric ties in the VLBI and GNSS integrated processing during the CONT05–CONT17 campaigns, and present a method that automatically handles the systematic tropospheric tie biases. Applying tropospheric ties at VLBI–GNSS co-locations enhances the observation geometry and improves the solution reliability. The VLBI network is stabilized, with station coordinate repeatability improved by 12% horizontally and by 28% vertically, and the network scale improved by 32%. The Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) improve by up to 20%. Both zenith delay and gradient ties contribute to the improvement of EOP, whereas the gradient ties contribute mainly to the improvement of length of day and celestial pole offsets.
Determinants of firm boundaries and organizational performance: an empirical investigation of the Chilean truck market
Authors: Balcells Christian
Published: April 2022

The boundaries of a firm, particularly those of manufacturers that import heavy-duty Class 8 trucks and tractors into the Chilean automotive market, depend on economizing transaction costs. This empirical study investigates the vertical integration of these manufacturers and their respective dealers. By conducting a transaction cost analysis, this study results in two distinct cases. For the first case, the generalized linear models’ estimations and hypothesis tests for the count data of the ‘types of units sold’ consider the firms’ specificity as emissions standards, asset specificity as brand culture, and firms’ endowments as offering finance for their dealers. The second case examines environmental uncertainty with respect to dynamic indicators that interfere with manufacturers’ external transaction-based efficiency. Overall, the results strengthen transaction cost theory, suggesting that European manufacturers with vertical integrated structures economize on brand reputation, while their industry competitors derive gains from uncertainty of the exchange rate. The evolution of their boundaries coincides with the immediate adaptations of price of the truck, uncertainty concerning the demand for Chile’s leading export commodity, and technology uncertainty of emissions regulations. To reduce transaction costs, manufacturers avoid the production of off-assembly-line trucks and tend to circumvent integration with their dealers through investments.
On the singular locus of a plane projection of a complete intersection
Authors: Voorhaar Arina
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we compute the number of self-intersections of a plane projection of a generic complete intersection curve defined by polynomials with given support. Moreover, we discuss the tropical counterpart of this problem.
The association between appendicitis severity and patient age with appendiceal neoplasm histology—a population-based study
Authors: Alajääski Jenny , Lietzén Elina , Grönroos Juha M. , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Leppäniemi Ari , Nordström Pia , Rautio Tero , Rantanen Tuomo , Sand Juhani , Paajanen Hannu , Ollila Helena , Salminen Paulina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Recent studies have reported alarming appendiceal tumor rates associated with complicated acute appendicitis, especially in patients presenting with a periappendicular abscess. However, the data on histology of appendiceal tumors among acute appendicitis patients is limited, especially in patient cohorts differentiating between uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis. We have previously reported the association of increased appendiceal tumor prevalence with complicated acute appendicitis in this population-based study. The objective of this secondary analysis was to evaluate the association of both appendicitis severity and patient age with appendiceal tumor histology.

Methods

This nationwide population-based registry study (The Finnish Cancer Registry) was conducted from 2007 to 2013. All appendiceal tumors (n = 840) and available medical reports (n = 504) of these patients at eight study hospitals were previously evaluated, identifying altogether 250 patients with both acute appendicitis and appendiceal tumor.

Results

The severity of acute appendicitis was significantly associated with more malignant tumor histology. The risk of adenocarcinoma or pseudomyxoma was significantly higher among patients with periappendicular abscess (OR 15.05, CI 95% 6.98–32.49, p < 0.001) and patients presenting with perforated acute appendicitis (OR 4.09, CI 95% 1.69–9.90, p = 0.0018) compared to patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Similarly, patient age over 40 years was significantly associated with the risk of adenocarcinoma and pseudomyxoma (OR 26.46, Cl 95% 7.95–88.09, p < 0.001). Patient sex was not associated with a more malignant appendiceal tumor histology (p = 0.67).

Conclusion

More malignant appendiceal tumor histology of adenocarcinoma or pseudomyxoma was significantly associated with patient age over 40 years and complicated acute appendicitis, especially periappendicular abscess.
APOE4 exacerbates α-synuclein seeding activity and contributes to neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease with Lewy body pathology
Authors: Jin Yunjung , Li Fuyao , Sonoustoun Berkiye , Kondru Naveen Chandra , Martens Yuka A. , Qiao Wenhui , Heckman Michael G. , Ikezu Tadafumi C. , Li Zonghua , Burgess Jeremy D. , Amerna Danilyn , O’Leary Justin , DeTure Michael A. , Zhao Jing , McLean Pamela J. , Dickson Dennis W. , Ross Owen A. , Bu Guojun , Zhao Na
Published: April 2022

Approximately half of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains have concomitant Lewy pathology at autopsy, suggesting that α-synuclein (α-SYN) aggregation is a regulated event in the pathogenesis of AD. Genome-wide association studies revealed that the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE4) gene, the strongest genetic risk factor for AD, is also the most replicated genetic risk factor for Lewy body dementia (LBD), signifying an important role of APOE4 in both amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-SYN pathogenesis. How APOE4 modulates α-SYN aggregation in AD is unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine how α-SYN is associated with AD-related pathology and how APOE4 impacts α-SYN seeding and toxicity. We measured α-SYN levels and their association with other established AD-related markers in brain samples from autopsy-confirmed AD patients (N = 469), where 54% had concomitant LB pathology (AD + LB). We found significant correlations between the levels of α-SYN and those of Aβ40, Aβ42, tau and APOE, particularly in insoluble fractions of AD + LB. Using a real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay, we measured the seeding activity of soluble α-SYN and found that α-SYN seeding was exacerbated by APOE4 in the AD cohort, as well as a small cohort of autopsy-confirmed LBD brains with minimal Alzheimer type pathology. We further fractionated the soluble AD brain lysates by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) ran on fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and identified the α-SYN species (~ 96 kDa) that showed the strongest seeding activity. Finally, using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, we showed that amplified α-SYN aggregates from AD + LB brain of patients with APOE4 were highly toxic to neurons, whereas the same amount of α-SYN monomer was not toxic. Our findings suggest that the presence of LB pathology correlates with AD-related pathologies and that APOE4 exacerbates α-SYN seeding activity and neurotoxicity, providing mechanistic insight into how APOE4 affects α-SYN pathogenesis in AD.
Post-treatment Stability in Orthodontic Retention with Twistflex Retainers—Do Patients Benefit from Additional Removable Retainers?
Authors: Knaup Isabel , Schulte Ulrike , Bartz Jenny Rosa , Niederau Christian , Craveiro Rogerio Bastos , Jäger Andreas , Wolf Michael
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To evaluate post-treatment movements of lower anterior teeth during orthodontic retention in patients with fixed twistflex retainers versus those with combined fixed and removable retainers.

Materials and Methods

This study was based on a retrospective data analysis of 57 adult patients during orthodontic retention. They were assigned to two groups: In group 1 (n = 30) the lower jaw was provided with twistflex retainers only and in group 2 (n = 27) with a twistflex combined with a removable retainer for night-time use. Orthodontic study models of the lower jaw were digitalized and superimposed. Tooth movements were analyzed at the retainer bonding (t0) and follow-up appointment ≥ six months later (t1). Rotational tooth movements (°) were measured around the x-axis (mesial/distal direction), the y-axis (buccal/lingual direction) and the z-axis (longitudinal direction, tooth axis). Translational tooth movements (mm) were registered along the x-axis (buccal/lingual direction), the y-axis (mesial/distal direction) and the z-axis (apical/coronal direction).

Results

Canine and incisor position changes during orthodontic retention were more pronounced in group 1 compared to group 2 except for canine rotations around the z-axis. In both groups in most of the cases stable lower incisor alignment could be found, but the proportion was significant higher in group 2 (group 1: 56.7% vs. group 2: 81.5%). Severe misalignment was present in 13.3% of the participants of group 1 and only in 7.4% of group 2. The extent of canine tipping and movements along the x- and y-axis in severe misalignment cases was significantly lower in group 2 compared to 1.

Conclusions

Lower incisor alignment was more stable in patients with combined fixed and removable retainers compared to fixed retainers only.

Clinical Relevance

Based on the present findings, the routinely application of supplementary removable retainers can be recommended to enhance anterior tooth alignment in patients with fixed twistflex retainers.
Efficacy of tolvaptan on advanced chronic kidney disease with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Komiya Shiro , Katsumata Mari , Ozawa Moe , Haze Tatsuya , Kawano Rina , Ohki Yuki , Suzuki Shota , Kobayashi Yusuke , Fujiwara Akira , Saka Sanae , Tamura Kouichi , Hirawa Nobuhito
Published: April 2022

Background

Tolvaptan (TLV) is reported to improve diuretic effects in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) when furosemide (FUR) is not sufficiently effective. However, it is not clear whether TLV addition is effective for advanced CKD patients with heart failure.

Methods

An open-label, parallel-group randomized trial was performed. The subjects were 33 patients with CKD stage G3–G5 who had fluid overload despite taking 20–100 mg/day FUR. They were divided into two groups: a group administered 15 mg/day TLV plus their original FUR dose for 7 days (TLV group), and a group administered 120–200 mg/day FUR (i.e., 100 mg/day over their previous dose) for 7 days (FUR group).

Results

The mean change in urine volume was significantly higher in the TLV group compared to the FUR group (637 ml vs 119 ml; p < 0.05). The difference was greater when the urine osmolality before treatment was high. Serum creatinine was increased only in the FUR group. The incidence of worsening renal function (WRF) was significantly lower in the TLV group (18.8% vs 58.8%; p < 0.05). Serum sodium decreased significantly in the FUR group, but did not change in the TLV group.

Conclusions

In patients with advanced CKD with fluid overload, the addition of TLV achieved a significantly higher urine volume with less adverse effects on renal function compared with increasing the dose of FUR. The efficacy and safety of TLV were higher in patients who had higher urine osmolality and lower serum sodium before treatment.

Clinical trial registration

UMIN000014763.
Spatiotemporal tubelet feature aggregation and object linking for small object detection in videos
Authors: Cores Daniel , Brea Víctor M. , Mucientes Manuel
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the problem of exploiting spatiotemporal information to improve small object detection precision in video. We propose a two-stage object detector called FANet based on short-term spatiotemporal feature aggregation and long-term object linking to refine object detections. First, we generate a set of short tubelet proposals. Then, we aggregate RoI pooled deep features throughout the tubelet using a new temporal pooling operator that summarizes the information with a fixed output size independent of the tubelet length. In addition, we define a double head implementation that we feed with spatiotemporal information for spatiotemporal classification and with spatial information for object localization and spatial classification. Finally, a long-term linking method builds long tubes with the previously calculated short tubelets to overcome detection errors. The association strategy addresses the generally low overlap between instances of small objects in consecutive frames by reducing the influence of the overlap in the final linking score. We evaluated our model in three different datasets with small objects, outperforming previous state-of-the-art spatiotemporal object detectors and our spatial baseline.
Phase 1/2 study of topical submicron particle paclitaxel for cutaneous metastases of breast cancer
Authors: Lacouture Mario E. , Goldfarb Shari B. , Markova Alina , Chawla Sant P. , Dewnani Karan , Iacobucci Marc , Lang Julie E.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This Phase 1/2 study evaluated safety and efficacy of a topical submicron particle paclitaxel (SPP) in an anhydrous ointment base (SOR007), primarily in breast cancer patients with cutaneous metastases (CM).

Methods

One of three concentrations of SOR007 SPP (0.15%, 1.0%, or 2.0%) was applied twice daily over an area of 50 cm2 under a 3 + 3 phase 1 design for up to 28 days, with the option for expansion to an additional 28 days at the highest dose under a Phase 2a once safety was established. Efficacy was analyzed by lesion measurements and photographs to determine overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), and progression free survival by day 28 or 56.

Results

Twenty-three subjects were enrolled, 21 with cutaneous metastases of breast cancer (CMOBC). Four subjects received SOR007 0.15% for a median of 28 days (range = 17–29), three at a dose of 1.0% for a median of 28 days (range = 6–29), and sixteen at 2.0% for a median of  55 days (range = 6–60). All doses were well tolerated, and 19 subjects were evaluable for efficacy. At day 28 across all dose levels, 16% (95% CI 3.4 to 39.6%) of subjects achieved an ORR and another 63% (95% CI 34.9–96.8%) had stable disease (SD). The proportion of patients being progression free at 28 days across all treatments was 79% (95 CI 54–94%).

Conclusion

Application of SOR007 0.15%, 1.0%, and 2.0% to CM was safe and well tolerated with some reduction in lesion pain, and minimal systemic absorption of paclitaxel. Lesion stabilization was observed in most subjects over the study period. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial to confirm these findings is warranted.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT03101358.
Cognitive enhancement and authenticity: moving beyond the Impasse
Authors: Gordon Emma C.
Published: April 2022

In work on the ethics of cognitive enhancement use, there is a pervasive concern that such enhancement will—in some way—make us less authentic (e.g., Bublitz and Merkel 2009; Juth 2011). Attempts to clarify what this concern amounts to and how to respond to it often lead to debates on the nature of the “true self” (e.g., Maslen et al. 2014) and what constitutes “genuine human activity” (e.g., Kass 2003). This paper shows that a new and effective way to make progress on whether certain cases of cognitive enhancement problematically undermine authenticity is to make use of considerations from the separate debate on the nature of authenticemotion. Drawing in particular on Wasserman and Liao (2008), the present paper offers new conditions that can help us assess the impact of cognitive enhancements on authenticity.
Entrepreneurial exit intentions in emerging economies: a neoinstitutional perspective
Authors: Widz Marta , Kammerlander Nadine
Published: April 2022

Current research has shown that entrepreneurial exit is driven by individual- and firm-level antecedents. We draw from neoinstitutional theory and propose that contextual factors affect family succession intentions as opposed to family-external exit intentions and theorize how regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive institutional pillars affect exit intentions in the context of transition economies—a special case of emerging economies with no path dependence related to an entrepreneurial exit—characterized by institutional voids, which are filled in by the national culture. We argue and find—analyzing a sample of 222 Polish SME founders’ survey responses—that labor market development decreases, normative pressure of reference groups increases, and paternalistic leadership style decreases family succession intentions. This study contributes to the literature about entrepreneurial exit, family firm succession, and neoinstitutional theory.