bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ricci η‐recurrent real hypersurfaces in 2‐dimensional nonflat complex space forms
Authors: Wang Yaning
Published: September 2020

Let M be a Hopf hypersurface in a nonflat complex space form , , of complex dimension two. In this paper, we prove that M has η‐recurrent Ricci operator if and only if it is locally congruent to a homogeneous real hypersurface of type (A) or (B) or a non‐homogeneous real hypersurface with vanishing Hopf principal curvature. This is an extension of main results in [17, 21] for real hypersurfaces of dimension three. By means of this result, we give some new characterizations of Hopf hypersurfaces of type (A) and (B) which generalize those in [14, 18, 26].
Noncompact quasi‐Einstein manifolds conformal to a Euclidean space
Authors: Ribeiro Jr Ernani , Tenenblat Keti
Published: September 2020

The goal of this article is to investigate nontrivial m‐quasi‐Einstein manifolds globally conformal to an n‐dimensional Euclidean space. By considering such manifolds, whose conformal factors and potential functions are invariant under the action of an ‐dimensional translation group, we provide a complete classification when and or .
Solubilizing Side Chain Engineering: Efficient Strategy to Improve the Photovoltaic Performance of Novel Benzodithiophene‐Based (X‐DADAD)n Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Kuznetsov Ilya E. , Nikitenko Sergey L. , Kuznetsov Petr M. , Dremova Nadezhda N. , Troshin Pavel A. , Akkuratov Alexander V.
Published: September 2020

Conjugated polymers represent a promising family of semiconductor materials for thin‐film organic solar cells (OSCs). An efficient approach to improve the photovoltaic performance of conjugated polymers is engineering the side chains attached to the polymer backbone. This work reports the impact of different alkyl substituents on the optoelectronic properties, charge carrier mobilities, thin film morphology, and photovoltaic performance of novel (X‐DADAD)n conjugated polymers incorporating benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene moieties. It has been shown that loading conjugated polymers with appropriate alkyl side chains results in a spectacular performance improvement from 6.8% to 9% in OCSs using a model fullerene acceptor [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester. The obtained results feature side‐chain engineering as a facile and efficient strategy for designing high‐performance conjugated polymers for organic photovoltaics.
Recent developments in targeting genes and pathways by RNAi‐based approaches in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jebelli Asiyeh , Baradaran Behzad , Mosafer Jafar , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Tayebi Lobat
Published: September 2020

A wide spectrum of genetic and epigenetic variations together with environmental factors has made colorectal cancer (CRC), which involves the colon and rectum, a challenging and heterogeneous cancer. CRC cannot be effectively overcomed by common conventional therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone replacement which highlights the need for a rational design of novel anticancer therapy. Accumulating evidence indicates that RNA interference (RNAi) could be an important avenue to generate great therapeutic efficacy for CRC by targeting genes that are responsible for the viability, cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, metastasis, and invasion of CRC cells. In this review, we underline the documented benefits of small interfering RNAs and short hairpin RNAs to target genes and signaling pathways related to CRC tumorigenesis. We address the synergistic effects of RNAi‐mediated gene knockdown and inhibitors/chemotherapy agents to increase the sensitivity of CRC cells to common therapies. Finally, this review points new delivery systems/materials for improving the cellular uptake efficiency and reducing off‐target effects of RNAi.
Global solution and global orbit to reaction–diffusion equation for fractional Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann operator with subcritical exponent
Authors: Tan Zhong , Xie Minghong
Published: September 2020

We consider the reaction–diffusion equation for fractional Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann operator with subcritical exponent motivated by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and a need to overcome the non‐locality of a fractional differential equation for modeling anomalous diffusion. We mainly deal with the asymptotic behavior of global solution and the boundedness of global orbit, which allows us to show that any global solution is classical solution using Moser iteration technique.
Selectivity‐enhancement technique for parallel‐coupled SIR based dual‐band bandpass filter
Authors: Li Daotong , Wang Ju‐An , Liu Ying , Chen Zhen , Yang Lisheng
Published: September 2020

A selectivity‐enhancement technique is presented for design of parallel‐coupled stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) based dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) in this article. The presented dual‐band BPF consists of two short‐circuited coupled lines (SCCLs) and a couple of parallel‐coupled SIRs. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations on the proposed parallel‐coupled dual‐band BPF and SCCLs are implemented, respectively. Additionally, by loading the two different SCCLs at the input and output ports of the parallel‐coupled dual‐band BPF separately, two transmission zeros can be created beside each passband, which will enhance the skirt selectivity and stopband performances significantly. For demonstration, a dual‐band BPF prototype with the center frequencies of 2.3 and 4.4 GHz is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measurement results agree well with the simulation ones, which verifies the feasibility of the technique.
High‐resolution multi‐T1–weighted contrast and T1 mapping with low sensitivity using the fluid and white matter suppression (FLAWS) sequence at 7T
Authors: Beaumont Jérémy , Gambarota Giulio , Saint‐Jalmes Hervé , Acosta Oscar , Ferré Jean‐Christophe , Raniga Parnesh , Fripp Jurgen
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To demonstrate that fluid and white matter suppression (FLAWS) imaging can be used for high‐resolution T1 mapping with low transmitted bias field () sensitivity at 7T.

Methods

The FLAWS sequence was optimized for 0.8‐mm isotropic resolution imaging. The theoretical accuracy and precision of the FLAWS T1 mapping was compared with the one of the magnetization‐prepared two rapid gradient echoes (MP2RAGE) sequence optimized for low sensitivity. FLAWS images were acquired at 7T on six healthy volunteers (21 to 48 years old; two women). MP2RAGE and saturation‐prepared with two rapid gradient echoes (SA2RAGE) datasets were also acquired to obtain T1 mapping references and maps. The contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) between brain tissues was measured in the FLAWS‐hco and MP2RAGE‐uni images. The Pearson correlation was measured between the MP2RAGE and FLAWS T1 maps. The effect of on FLAWS T1 mapping was assessed using the Pearson correlation.

Results

The FLAWS‐hco images were characterized by a higher brain tissue CNR (, , ) than the MP2RAGE‐uni images (, , ). The theoretical accuracy and precision of the FLAWS T1 mapping () were in agreement with those provided by the MP2RAGE T1 mapping (). A good agreement was found between in vivo T1 values measured with the MP2RAGE and FLAWS sequences (r = 0.91). A weak correlation was found between the FLAWS T1 map and the map within cortical gray matter and white matter segmentations (; ).

Conclusion

The results from this study suggest that FLAWS is a good candidate for high‐resolution T1‐weighted imaging and T1 mapping at the field strength of 7T.
The gerontological nurse specialist’s core competencies in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chunlan Bai , Lihui Pu , Hongxiu Chen , Xiuying Hu
Published: September 2020

Aim

Todescribe the core competencies of gerontological nurse specialists and investigate the factors that contribute to the development of core competencies.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted from August 2015–March 2016.

Methods

The descriptive study of gerontological nurse specialists’ core competencies used a self‐assessment instrument with three first‐level domains (attitude, skill and knowledge) and 9 s‐level dimensions. A total of 225 gerontological nurse specialists from ten provinces in China were selected by a convenience sampling method.

Results

The average core competency score of the gerontological nurse specialists was 3.78, in the middle level(3.30–4.17/5.00). Core competency was associated with gerontological nurse specialists’ age (p = .005), professional title (p = .017), hospital level (p = .006) and passion for geriatric nursing (p = .000). The average scores of attitude, skill and knowledge were 4.45, 4.02 and 4.18, respectively. All first‐level domains were related to age (p ≤ .021) and passion for geriatric nursing (p ≤ .008); knowledge and skill were associated with professional title (p ≤ .045) and attitude and skill were associated with hospital level (p ≤ .020).
Effects of a health education intervention on knowledge and attitudes towards chronic non‐communicable diseases among undergraduate students in Jordan
Authors: Almomani Maysa H. , Rababa Mohammad , Alzoubi Fatmeh , Alnuaimi Karimeh , Alnatour Ahlam , Ali Reem A
Published: September 2020

Aim

To assess the effect of a health promotion course on knowledge and attitudes towards chronic non‐communicable diseases (CNCDs) among undergraduate students in a Jordanian university.

Design

A one‐group pre‐test–post‐test study design was used.

Methods

A convenience sample of 178 undergraduate students registered in a 3‐credit health promotion course was enrolled in the study and completed both pre‐ and post‐tests. This course is offered as an elective course for undergraduate students by the Faculty of Nursing at a large public university in Jordan. Twelve, one‐hour interactive sessions regarding CNCDs topics were delivered over 3 weeks as part of the health promotion course. A computer‐based questionnaire was used to evaluate students’ knowledge and attitudes towards CNCDs including diabetes, hypertension and cancer, before and after undertaking the course.

Results

There was a significant improvement in the overall knowledge (Cohen's d effect size (d) = 1.08) and attitudes (d = 0.62) among all the students, regardless of gender. The overall knowledge and attitudes scores were significantly higher among females in the pre‐test, but the differences in their overall scores became insignificant in the post‐test. Education on specific topics was effective in improving university students’ knowledge and attitudes about health‐promoting behaviours, thereby preventing CNCDs. It is important to incorporate health promotion education regarding CNCDs into university curricula using innovative approaches to enhance healthy behaviours in young adults.
Brief communication: Immunohistochemical detection of ACE2 in human salivary gland
Authors: Usami Yu , Hirose Katsutoshi , Okumura Masashi , Toyosawa Satoru , Sakai Takayoshi
Published: September 2020

The novel, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) was firstly reported in late December of 2019 and subsequently caused a global outbreak. It has been shown that SARS‐CoV‐2 uses ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) as a cellular receptor for host cell entry through the surface unit of SARS‐CoV spike glycoprotein. In this brief report, we analyze ACE2 protein expression and localization in human salivary gland, and propose a possible role of saliva in the pathogenesis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).
Controlling radiation degradation of aCMCsolution to optimize the swelling of acrylic acid hydrogel as water and fertilizer carriers
Authors: Ghobashy Mohamed Mohamady , El‐Damhougy Basem Kh , El‐Wahab Hamada Abd , Madani Mohamed , Amin Mohamed A. , Naser Abd Elrhaman M. , Abdelhai Farag , Nady Norhan , Meganid Abeer S. , Alkhursani Sheikha A. , Alshangiti Dalal M.
Published: September 2020

A copolymer hydrogel consisting of Polyacrylic Acid (PAAc) combined with an irradiated solution of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, 1 wt%) was prepared. The focus was on controlling the radiation degradation of CMC by exposing it to different six doses of γ‐irradiation from 0 up to 3 kGy. After the irradiation process, the six CMC solution samples were mixed with 10 vol% of Acrylic Acid (AAc) monomer and re‐irradiated at a dose of 25 kGy to begin the polymerization process. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to image the macroporous structure of the obtained (CMC/PAAc) hydrogel. Moreover, the SEM image confirmed the interpenetrating and semi‐interpenetrating polymer network structure based on the irradiation process. The controlled release of urea is achieved due to the binding between urea and the functional groups of the investigated hydrogel by hydrogen bonds. The growth of common bean plant (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) and chlorophyll contents were increased when soils were treated with (CMC/PAAc) compared with soils with free hydrogel in water‐stress conditions.
Overexpression of the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 is induced by cigarette smoke in bronchial and alveolar epithelia
Authors: Liu Aibin , Zhang Xin , Li Ronggang , Zheng Mingzhu , Yang Shasha , Dai Longxia , Wu Anhua , Hu Chengping , Huang Yanming , Xie Mingxuan , Chen Qiong
Published: September 2020

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as the functional receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and a target for disease prevention. However, the relationship between ACE2 expression and its clinical implications in SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis remains unknown. Here, we explored the location and expression of ACE2, and its correlation with gender, age, and cigarette smoke (CS), in a CS‐exposed mouse model and 224 non‐malignant lung tissues (125 non‐smokers, 81 current smokers, and 18 ex‐smokers) by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the correlations of ACE2 with CS‐induced oxidative stress‐related markers, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) were investigated. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays identified the cause of ACE2 overexpression in human primary lung epithelial cells. We demonstrated that ACE2 was predominantly overexpressed on the apical surface of bronchial epithelium, while reduced in alveolar epithelium, owing to the dramatically decreased abundance of alveolar type II pneumocytes in CS‐exposed mouse lungs. Consistent with this, ACE2 was primarily significantly overexpressed in human bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells in smokers regardless of age or gender. Decreased ACE2 expression was observed in bronchial epithelial cells from ex‐smokers compared with current smokers, especially in those who had ceased smoking for more than 10 years. Moreover, ACE2 expression was positively correlated with the levels of HIF‐1α, iNOS, and 4‐HNE in both mouse and human bronchioles. The results were further validated using a publicly available dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and our previous integrated data from Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 microarray (AE‐meta). Finally, our results showed that HIF‐1α transcriptionally upregulates ACE2 expression. Our results indicate that smoking‐induced ACE2 overexpression in the apical surface of bronchial epithelial cells provides a route by which SARS‐CoV‐2 enters host cells, which supports clinical relevance in attenuating the potential transmission risk of COVID‐19 in smoking populations by smoking cessation. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on mechanical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of raw and alkali treated Cordia dichotoma‐polyester composite
Authors: Reddy Bandi Madhusudhan , Reddy Yerasu Venkata Mohana , Reddy B. Chandra Mohan , Kumar Gudimetta Suresh , Reddy P. Venkateshwar , Rao H. Raghavendra
Published: September 2020

Currently, natural fibers used as reinforcement with polymer composite materials is trending among many researchers, due to their significant properties like low density, light weight and biodegradability. One of such fibers is Cordia dichotoma, which are cheap and available in abundance. The Cordia dichotoma ffibers were extracted from its bark using water‐retting process. These unidirectional fibers were reinforced in a polyester matrix, and mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural properties of the resulting composite were determined experimentally. The Cordia dichotoma fibers were alkali treated with 5% NaOH solution to enhance bonding with matrix and the effect of this treatment on properties of the composite were explored. It was observed that 5% NaOH treatment gives considerable improvement in mechanical properties of the composite. FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups and chemical compositions of the raw and alkali treated fiber composites. SEM analysis was carried out and resulting images revealed the existence of impurities on the surface of the raw fiber in the composite. Removal of the impurities with alkali treatment of fibers made the surface of the fibers rough and lead to improving the mechanical properties. Further, thermal stability (degradation temperature and weight loss) of raw and alkali treated fiber reinforced composites was studied using TGA.
The state of the world’s urban ecosystems: What can we learn from trees, fungi, and bees?
Authors: Stevenson Philip C. , Bidartondo Martin I. , Blackhall‐Miles Robert , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Cooper Amanda , Geslin Benoît , Koch Hauke , Lee Mark A. , Moat Justin , O’Hanlon Richard , Sjöman Henrik , Sofo Adriano , Stara Kalliopi , Suz Laura M.
Published: September 2020

Social Impact Statement

Positive interactions between people and nature inspire behaviours that are in harmony with biodiversity conservation and also afford physical and mental health benefits. Since most people live in towns and cities, urban greenspaces are key points of influence for conservation, but also provide diverse ecosystem services. City trees are a foundation for biodiversity in urban ecosystems, and their belowground interactions with mycorrhizal fungi and aboveground interactions with pollinators must be central to urban ecosystem planning. Messaging about biodiversity must be clearer to avoid unintended negative outcomes from conservation actions such as low diversity tree planting and unsustainable levels of urban beekeeping

Trees are a foundation for biodiversity in urban ecosystems and therefore must be able to withstand global change and biological challenges over decades and even centuries to prevent urban ecosystems from deteriorating. Tree quality and diversity should be prioritized over simply numbers to optimize resilience to these challenges. Successful establishment and renewal of trees in cities must also consider belowground (e.g., mycorrhizas) and aboveground (e.g., pollinators) interactions to ensure urban ecosystem longevity, biodiversity conservation and continued provision of the full range of ecosystem services provided by trees. Positive interactions with nature inspire people to live more sustainable lifestyles that are consistent with stopping biodiversity loss and to participate in conservation actions such as tree‐planting and supporting pollinators. Interacting with nature simultaneously provides mental and physical health benefits to people. Since most people live in cities, here we argue that urban ecosystems provide important opportunities for increasing engagement with nature and educating people about biodiversity conservation. While advocacy on biodiversity must communicate in language that is relevant to a diverse audience, over‐simplified messaging, may result in unintended negative outcomes. For example, tree planting actions typically focus on numbers rather than diversity while the call to save bees has inspired unsustainable proliferation of urban beekeeping that may damage wild bee conservation through increased competition for limited forage in cities and disease spread. Ultimately multiple ecosystem services must be considered (and measured) to optimize their delivery in urban ecosystems and messaging to promote the value of nature in cities must be made widely available and more clearly defined.
Plant Power: Opportunities and challenges for meeting sustainable energy needs from the plant and fungal kingdoms
Authors: Grace Olwen M. , Lovett Jon C. , Gore Charles J. N. , Moat Justin , Ondo Ian , Pironon Samuel , Langat Moses K. , Pérez‐Escobar Oscar A. , Ross Andrew , Suzan Abbo Mary , Shrestha Krishna K. , Gowda Balakrishna , Farrar Kerrie , Adams Jessica , Cámara‐Leret Rodrigo , Diazgranados Mauricio , Ulian Tiziana , Sagala Saut , Rianawati Elisabeth , Hazra Amit , Masera Omar R. , Antonelli Alexandre , Wilkin Paul
Published: September 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Bioenergy is a major component of the global transition to renewable energy technologies. The plant and fungal kingdoms offer great potential but remain mostly untapped. Their increased use could contribute to the renewable energy transition and addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” Current research focuses on species cultivated at scale in temperate regions, overlooking the wealth of potential new sources of small‐scale energy where they are most urgently needed. A shift towards diversified, accessible bioenergy technologies will help to mitigate and adapt to the threats of climate change, decrease energy poverty, improve human health by reducing indoor pollution, increase energy resilience of communities, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.

Bioenergy derived from plants and fungi is a major component of the global transition to renewable energy technologies. There is rich untapped diversity in the plant and fungal kingdoms that offers potential to contribute to the shift away from fossil fuels and to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” Energy poverty—the lack of access to modern energy services—is most acute in the Global South where biodiversity is greatest and least investigated. Our systematic review of the literature over the last 5 years (2015–2020) indicates that research efforts have targeted a very small number of plant species cultivated at scale, mostly in temperate regions. The wealth of potential new sources of bioenergy in biodiverse regions, where the implementation of SDG7 is most urgently needed, has been largely overlooked. We recommend next steps for bioenergy stakeholders—research, industry, and government—to seize opportunities for innovation to alleviate energy poverty while protecting biodiversity. Small‐scale energy production using native plant species in bioenergy landscapes overcomes many pitfalls associated with bioenergy crop monocultures, such as biodiversity loss and conflict with food production. Targeted trait‐based screening of plant species and biological screening of fungi are required to characterize the potential of this resource. The benefits of diversified, accessible bioenergy go beyond the immediate urgency of energy poverty as more diverse agricultural landscapes are more resilient, store more carbon, and could also reduce the drivers of the climate and environmental emergencies.
Monitoring the three‐dimensional distribution of endogenous species in the lungs by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Flinders Bryn , Morrell Josie , Marshall Peter S. , Ranshaw Lisa E. , Heeren Ron M.A. , Clench Malcolm R.
Published: September 2020

Rationale

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) is routinely employed to monitor the distribution of compounds in tissue sections and generate two‐dimensional (2D) images. Whilst informative the images do not represent the distribution of the analyte of interest through the entire organ. The generation of 3D images is an exciting field that can provide a deeper view of the analyte of interest throughout an entire organ.

Methods

Serial sections of mouse and rat lung tissue were obtained at 120 μm depth intervals and imaged individually. Homogenate registration markers were incorporated in order to aid the final 3D image construction. Using freely available software packages, the images were stacked together to generate a 3D image that showed the distribution of endogenous species throughout the lungs.

Results

Preliminary tests were performed on 16 serial tissue sections of mouse lungs. A 3D model showing the distribution of phosphocholine at m/z 184.09 was constructed, which defined the external structure of the lungs and trachea. Later, a second experiment was performed using 24 serial tissue sections of the left lung of a rat. Two molecular markers, identified as [PC (32:1) + K]+ at m/z 770.51 and [PC (36:4) + K]+ at m/z 820.52, were used to generate 3D models of the parenchyma and airways, respectively.

Conclusions

A straightforward method to generate 3D MALDI‐MS images of selected molecules in lung tissue has been presented. Using freely available imaging software, the 3D distributions of molecules related to different anatomical features were determined.
Tiered approach to sustainability analysis in sediment remediation decision making
Authors: McNally Amanda D. , Fitzpatrick Anne G. , Harrison David , Busey Andrew , Apitz Sabine E.
Published: September 2020

All active remediation results in both desirable and undesirable environmental, economic, and social impacts. Balancing such impacts through sustainability assessment poses normative questions—not just objective and science‐based, but those rooted in societal values, requiring engagement and a careful consideration of diverse stakeholders' priorities. Regardless of the site complexity, these priorities should be integrated into assessment approaches, a necessary evolution of sustainability for sediment remediation projects. We explore how analyses of environmental, social, and economic sustainability can be tailored for different tiers of assessment for sediment remediation projects, ranging from simple to complex. Tiers (1, 2, and 3) can be used to categorize evaluations of sediment projects across a range of complexity. Site size and complexity, availability of data, time, resources, expertise, and the level of engagement of various stakeholder groups may dictate the appropriate complexity, tools, and metrics to be used in a sustainability assessment. Assessment approaches in each pillar of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social), listed in order of increasing complexity (i.e., Tier 1 to 3) include:

Environmental: (1) best management practices; (2) footprint assessment; and (3) life cycle assessment;

Economic: (1) incremental cost‐effectiveness analysis; (2) addition of economic impact analysis with a detailed economic impact model (IMPLAN);and (3) substitution of a more comprehensive and complex economic impact model (Regional Economic Models, Inc.); and,

Social: (1) qualitative inference of stakeholder values; (2) quantification of metrics in a multicriteria analysis; and (3) targeted engagement with elicited values from a broad group of stakeholders.

Tools at all assessment tiers add value for a project; they can effectively provide context and trade‐offs for stakeholders and decision‐makers. A Tier 1 assessment requires fewer resources and less time than more complex assessments; however, it carries greater uncertainty and may not provide the detail or completeness needed to evaluate the tradeoffs between alternatives, across pillars. The range of options available for Tier 2 medium‐complexity analyses span qualitative and quantitative metrics; aggregation methods are tailored to the governing regulatory framework or stakeholder values; and a variety of tools for measuring environmental, social, and economic impacts. Tier 3 assessments, like those completed for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site, provide the most complex and complete assessments, including a detailed means of obtaining stakeholder values to aggregate the metrics. Tier 3 assessments require greater time and budget but may highlight important differences between remedial alternatives that could be obscured at lower tiers.
Nd‐Doping‐Induced Enhancement in the Antibacterial Activity of Synthesized ZnO Heretostructures
Authors: Fkhar Lahcen , Oualid Hicham Abou , Sayout Ahlam , Abdellaoui Youness , Brahmi Younes , Mounkachi Omar , Romane Abderrahmane , Ali Mustapha Ait
Published: September 2020

Highly metal oxide heterostructures are well known for their high effectiveness toward the growth of many pathogens. ZnO oxide was widely studied for this purpose; however, the doping effect on its antibacterial properties is still not satisfactory. In this context, the present work aimed to prepare a series of mesoporous ZnO doped with different neodymium (Nd) loading using a ball‐milling method and examine their antibacterial activities against gram‐positive and gram‐negative pathogens. All as‐synthesized materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope coupled with elemental mapping (SEM‐EDS), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption analysis (BET). The results exhibited a successful formation of mesoporous Nd‐doped ZnO composites with a homogeneous distribution of Nd on the surface of ZnO. Antibacterial behavior of Nd‐doped ZnO composites was performed against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria strains: Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SARM) P637, Enterobacter aerogenes P1260and Klebsiella oxytoca BU9399. Antibacterial activities results proved the bacteriostatic properties of prepared Nd‐ZnO composites. In particular, a strong potency against Klebsiella oxytoca BU9399 was recorded with MIC and MBC values of 2 and 2.67 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the present work recommends an important kind of material that could be used as a protective antibiofilm coating formed by human pathogenic bacteria. Nd‐doped ZnO composites were found to be a good candidate for antimicrobial application and possible antioxidant and anti‐imflammatory evaluation in biomedical sector.
Redox Polyelectrolyte Modified Gold Nanoparticles Enhance the Detection of Adenosine in an Electrochemical Split‐Aptamer Assay
Authors: Coria‐Oriundo Lucy L. , Ceretti Helena , Roupioz Yoann , Battaglini Fernando
Published: September 2020

We present an electrochemical sandwich‐type assay based on the splitting of an aptamer into two fragments. Gold nanoparticles are modified with one of the fragments and a redox polyelectrolyte. The first is used as the recognition element, while the other for the electrochemical signal generation. The split‐aptamer used here can detect adenosine, used as a model system for recognizing small molecules. The multiple binding sites on the nanoparticle, along with the high number of redox probes, yield a selective and sensitive assay for adenosine, achieving a limit of detection of 3.1 nM and a linear range up to 75 nM. The obtained results are analyzed in terms of the nanoparticle and electrode architectures. The assay can be easily extended to other small molecules and sandwich assays, representing a promising tool for detecting metabolites at the nanomolar level.
Ninhydrin Adducts as Valid Synthon in Organic Synthesis: A Review
Authors: Das Suven , Dutta Arpita
Published: September 2020

Ninhydrin (1,2,3‐indanetrione hydrate) is a powerful electrophile having enormousapplications in organic and bio‐organic sciences. In the last few years, reactivity of various ninhydrin adducts have been exploited extensively for the development of diverse organic scaffolds. The present review focuses on the applications of readily accessible ninhydrin adducts as building block towards the synthesis of a variety of compounds including N‐inserted compounds, spiro‐heterocycles, medium ring compounds, polycyclic molecules, propellanes, cycloadducts, allylic anions, axially chiral molecules etc. Interestingly, some of the compounds have profound biological activities and a few display important photophysical properties. Most of the reactions described here are simple and carried out with easily available starting materials under green conditions.
Synthesis, Characterization, DNA Binding, Docking, and Anticancer Studies of Novel Bis‐1,2,3‐triazoles Phthalonitrile
Authors: Yahya Alraqa Shaya , Alsayed Soliman Moataz , Aljuhani Ateyatallah , Rezki Nadjet , Reda Aouad Mohamed , Ali Imran
Published: September 2020

Due to a great demand of new anticancer agents, novel series of phtalonitrile‐bis(1,2,3‐triazoles) appended with different functionalities were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy techniques. These were also screened for DNA binding, docking and anticancer activities. The DNA binding constants were in the range of 1.33×105 to 12.60×105 M−1; indicating strong binding affinity. The maximum anticancer activity was 79 % in A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines. The docking study suggested good interactions of the reported molecules with DNA through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. All these results confirmed that the reported molecules have good anticancer activities. Therefore, these 1,2,3‐triazole scaffolds may be promising molecules as potential anticancer candidates in the future.
A Collaborative Strategy for Boosting Lithium Storage Performance of Iron Phosphide by Fabricating Hollow Structure and Doping Cobalt Species
Authors: Xiao Jinghao , Zhou Hu , Wang Sheng , Yuan Aihua
Published: September 2020

Transition metal phosphides have received increasing attention in the field of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their potential advantages in optimizing electrochemical performances. In order to improve the structural stability and electrochemical reaction kinetics of metal phosphides, it's an effective strategy for introducing foreign metal atoms to isolate bimetallic phosphides. Herein, a metal‐organic‐framework (MOF)‐templated protocol is utilized to synthesize CoFeP hollow nanorods as high‐performance LIBs anode materials. The results reveal that the substitution of Co ions enriches Fe‐based MOF‐derived structure with active sites, meanwhile the Co doping boosts the electronic conductivity. Therefore, the obtained CoFeP electrode displays a superior lithium‐storage ability to single metal phosphide (FeP), in terms of specific capacity, cycle stability, and rate capability. The reversible specific capacity of CoFeP at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 is as high as 897.2 mA h g−1, and the capacity can be still maintained at 478.5 mA h g−1 even at 1 A g−1 after 800 cycles. The intriguing LIBs performance of CoFeP is mainly ascribed to the collaborative contribution of hollow structure and Co doping.
CIGS Mini‐Modules with Dispensed Metallization on Transparent Conductive Oxide Layer
Authors: Gensowski Katharina , Jimenez Ana , Freund Timo , Wengenmeyr Noah , Tepner Sebastian , Pospischil Maximilian , Clement Florian
Published: September 2020

This article presents the application of a parallel dispensing device for low‐temperature silver paste metallization on transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers of Cu(In1 − xGax)Se2 (CIGS) substrates as an alternative metallization technology to screen printing and inkjet printing. A curing variation experiment is performed to analyze the effect of different curing conditions on the resulting contact resistivity of the metal grid. Contact resistivity values below 5 mΩcm2 are achieved. Furthermore, CIGS mini‐modules are metallized with three different low‐temperature paste formulations obtaining a record core finger geometry of 25 μm and an average optical aspect ratio of 0.46 using 25 μm nozzle openings. The dispensed metal grid on the TCO layers achieves the comparable current density values of jsc = 32.2 mA cm−2 and the open‐circuit voltages values per cell of Voc = 672 mV as the screen printed metal grid on CIGS mini‐modules and, hence, a nominal power of 2.05 W. The metal grid enables the use of broader cell widths compared with grid‐free CIGS samples and results in a reduced dead area.
Author classification using transfer learning and predicting stars in co‐author networks
Authors: Abbasi Rashid , Kashif Bashir Ali , Chen Jianwen , Mateen Abdul , Piran Jalil , Amin Farhan , Luo Bin
Published: September 2020

The vast amount of data is key challenge to mine a new scholar that is plausible to be star in the upcoming period. The enormous amount of unstructured data raise every year is infeasible for traditional learning; consequently, we need a high quality of preprocessing technique to expand the performance of traditional learning. We have persuaded a novel approach, Authors classification algorithm using Transfer Learning (ACTL) to learn new task on target area to mine the external knowledge from the source domain. Comprehensive experimental outcomes on real‐world networks showed that ACTL, Node‐based Influence Predicting Stars, Corresponding Authors Mutual Influence based on Predicting Stars, and Specific Topic Domain‐based Predicting Stars enhanced the node classification accuracy as well as predicting rising stars to compared with contemporary baseline methods.
Nachträgliches klebtechnisches Fügen von Haltern auf Beschichtungen mit ungenügender Haftfestigkeit
Authors: Momber Andreas , Fröck Linda , Marquardt Tom
Published: September 2020

Es wird ein Verfahren zum nachträglichen klebtechnischen Fügen von Haltern beschrieben, das auch für Bereiche mit ungenügender Haftung der Beschichtung zum Substrat eine hohe mechanische Beständigkeit unter Zugscherbeanspruchung gewährleistet. Das Verfahren ermöglicht eine umweltverträgliche, nahezu emissionsfreie und materialschonende örtliche Vorbereitung von Beschichtungsbereichen mit ungenügender Haftung zur Stahloberfläche. Eine integrierte mechanisierte Haftfestigkeitsmessung gestattet eine objektive Bewertung der Tragfähigkeit von beschichteten Oberflächen und eine Entscheidung darüber, ob das klebtechnische Fügen auf der beschichteten oder der teilweise freigelegten Stahloberfläche erfolgen kann.
Valorisation of Fruits, their Juices and Residues into Valuable (Nano)materials for Applications in Chemical Catalysis and Environment
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Shafiei Nasrin , Nezafat Zahra , Sadat Soheili Bidgoli Nayyereh , Soleimani Fahimeh , Varma Rajender S.
Published: September 2020

One of the most abundant wastes from all around the world is nutrient resources. Among them, fruits, their extracts, and residues comprise a major portion, which contain many valuable components that get lost during disposal or become burden on the shrinking landfills. These concerns are addressed by seeking sustainable processing methods that would have a minimal environmental impact. The crops contain renewable chemicals which are useful for catalysis, wastewater treatment, or preparation of nanomaterials; there has been an upsurge for the industrial applications of (nano)materials as their environmental and catalytic appliances is a fascinating subject to design cheaper and safer catalytic systems. Due to the excellent chemical properties of the fruit extracts, they have garnered attention as cost‐eﬀective catalysts and support materials. This review focuses on the preparation of (nano)materials and their catalytic and environmental applications and highlights the potential appliances and industrial benefits derived from these low‐cost renewable and sustainable greener sources thus essentially converting waste into wealth.
Towards the ultimate differential SMEFT analysis
Authors: Banerjee Shankha , Gupta Rick S. , Reiness Joey Y. , Seth Satyajit , Spannowsky Michael
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We obtain SMEFT bounds using an approach that utilises the complete multi-dimensional differential information of a process. This approach is based on the fact that at a given EFT order, the full angular distribution in the most important electroweak processes can be expressed as a sum of a fixed number of basis functions. The coefficients of these basis functions — the so-called angular moments — and their energy dependance, thus form an ideal set of experimental observables that encapsulates the complete multi-dimensional differential information of the process. This approach is generic and the observables constructed allow to avoid blind directions in the SMEFT parameter space. While this method is applicable to many of the important electroweak processes, as a first example we study the pp → V(ℓℓ)h(bb) process (V ≡ Z/W±, ℓℓ ≡ ℓ+ℓ−/ℓ±ν), including QCD NLO effects, differentially. We show that using the full differential data in this way plays a crucial role in simultaneously and maximally constraining the different vertex structures of the Higgs coupling to gauge bosons. In particular, our method yields bounds on the $$ {hV}_{\mu \nu}{V}^{\mu \nu},{hV}_{\mu \nu}{\tilde{V}}^{\mu \nu} $$

hV
μν

V
μν

,

hV
μν

V
˜

μν

and $$ hVff\left( ff\equiv f\overline{f}/f\overline{f}^{\prime}\right) $$
hVff

ff
≡
f

f
¯

/
f

f
¯

′

couplings, stronger than projected bounds reported in any other process. This matrix-element-based method can provide a transparent alternative to complement machine learning techniques that also aim to disentangle correlations in the SMEFT parameter space.
Supersymmetric phases of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM at large N
Authors: Cabo-Bizet Alejandro , Murthy Sameer
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We find a family of complex saddle-points at large N of the matrix model for the superconformal index of SU(N ) $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory on S3× S1 with one chemical potential τ . The saddle-point configurations are labelled by points (m, n) on the lattice Λτ = ℤτ + ℤ with gcd(m, n) = 1. The eigenvalues at a given saddle are uniformly distributed along a string winding (m, n) times along the (A, B) cycles of the torus ℂ/Λτ . The action of the matrix model extended to the torus is closely related to the Bloch-Wigner elliptic dilogarithm, and the related Bloch formula allows us to calculate the action at the saddle-points in terms of real-analytic Eisenstein series. The actions of (0, 1) and (1, 0) agree with that of pure AdS5 and the supersymmetric AdS5 black hole, respectively. The black hole saddle dominates the canonical ensemble when τ is close to the origin, and there are new saddles that dominate when τ approaches rational points. The extension of the action in terms of modular forms leads to a simple treatment of the Cardy-like limit τ → 0.
The effect of heat stress on sugar beet recombination
Authors: Arrieta Mikel , Willems Glenda , DePessemier Jérôme , Colas Isabelle , Burkholz Alexandra , Darracq Aude , Vanstraelen Sigrid , Pacolet Pieter , Barré Camille , Kempeneers Paul , Waugh Robbie , Barnes Steve , Ramsay Luke
Published: September 2020

Meiotic recombination plays a crucial role in plant breeding through the creation of new allelic combinations. Therefore, lack of recombination in some genomic regions constitutes a constraint for breeding programmes. In sugar beet, one of the major crops in Europe, recombination occurs mainly in the distal portions of the chromosomes, and so the development of simple approaches to change this pattern is of considerable interest for future breeding and genetics. In the present study, the effect of heat stress on recombination in sugar beet was studied by treating F1 plants at 28 °C/25 °C (day/night) and genotyping the progeny. F1 plants were reciprocally backcrossed allowing the study of male and female meiosis separately. Genotypic data indicated an overall increase in crossover frequency of approximately one extra crossover per meiosis, with an associated increase in pericentromeric recombination under heat treatment. Our data indicate that the changes were mainly induced by alterations in female meiosis only, showing that heterochiasmy in sugar beet is reduced under heat stress. Overall, despite the associated decrease in fertility, these data support the potential use of heat stress to foster recombination in sugar beet breeding programmes.
Getting it Right the First Time: Frozen Sections for Diagnosing Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Nawijn Femke , Hietbrink Falco , van Dijk Marijke R.
Published: September 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate which histopathologic findings are most indicative for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) in ambivalent cases.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgical exploration for suspected NSTIs with obtainment of incisional biopsies for histopathological assessment were included from January 2013 until August 2019. The frozen sections and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples were retrospectively re‐assessed. The primary outcome was the discharge diagnosis.

Results

Twenty‐seven (69%) biopsies of the 39 included samples were from patients with NSTIs. Microscopic bullae (p = 0.043), severe fascial inflammation (p < 0.001) and fascial necrosis (p < 0.001) were significantly more often present in the NSTI group compared to the non‐NSTI group. Muscle edema (n = 5), severe muscle inflammation (n = 5), muscle necrosis (n = 8), thrombosis (n = 10) and vasculitis (n = 5) were most frequently only seen in the NSTI group. In thirteen tissues samples, there were some discrepancies between the severity of findings in the frozen section and the FFPE samples. None of these discrepancies resulted in a different diagnosis or treatment strategy.

Conclusion

Microscopic bullae, severe fascial or muscle inflammation, fascial or muscle necrosis, muscle edema, thrombosis and vasculitis upon histopathological evaluation all indicate a high probability of a NSTI. At our institution, diagnosing NSTIs is aided by using intra‐operative frozen section as part of triple diagnostics in ambivalent cases. Based on the relation between histopathologic findings and final presence of NSTI, we recommend frozen section for diagnosing NSTIs in ambivalent cases.
Incidence and outcome of salvage cystectomy after bladder sparing therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schuettfort Victor M. , Pradere Benjamin , Quhal Fahad , Mostafaei Hadi , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Mori Keiichiro , Sari Motlagh Reza , Fisch Margit , D’Andrea David , Rink Michael , Gontero Paolo , Soria Francesco , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: September 2020

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the available literature regarding the surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing salvage radical cystectomy (SV-RC) for recurrence or failure of bladder sparing therapy (BST) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Google Scholar databases in May 2020. We included all studies of patients with ≥ cT2N0/xM0 bladder cancer that were eligible for all treatment modalities at the time of treatment decision who underwent BST including radiotherapy (RTX). A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled rate of several variables associated with an increased need for SV-RC. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using MINORS criteria.

Results

73 studies comprising 9110 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. Weighted mean follow-up time was 61.1 months (range 12–144). The pooled rate of non-response to BST and local recurrence after BST, the two primary reasons for SV-RC, was 15.5% and 28.7%, respectively. The pooled rate of SV-RC was 19.2% for studies with a follow-up longer than 5 years. Only three studies provided a thorough report of complication rates after SV-RC. The overall complication rate ranged between 67 and 72% with a 30-day mortality rate of 0–8.8%. The pooled rates of 5 and 10-year disease-free survival after SV-RC were 54.3% and 45.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

Approximately one-fifth of patients treated with BST with a curative intent eventually require SV-RC. This procedure carries a proportionally high rate of complications and is usually accompanied by an incontinent urinary diversion.