bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive Modification of Catechol/Polyethyleneimine onto Polyester Fabrics by Mussel‐Inspiration for Improving Interfacial Performance
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wu Xiaoqing , Wei Junfu , Wu Hailiang
Published: August 2020

Co‐deposition of catechol and polyethyleneimine onto polyethylene phthalate (PET) fiber by mussel‐inspiration is conducted and subsequently utilized to prepare polyethyleneimine/catechol modified PET fiber reinforced composites (polyethyleneimine (PEI)/CCh‐m‐PET FRCs). The surface polarity is characterized through the dynamic contact angle. The mechanical performances including tensile, flexural, and short beam shear strength are evaluated. Additionally, the single‐bundle pull‐out tests are carried out with the double‐end method. The analysis reveals that compared to the untreated PET reinforced composite, there are 33.49% and 34.35% increase of the critical load and peak load for PEI‐modified specimens, respectively, meanwhile the critical debonding energy and pull‐out energy calculated increase by 28.46% and 24.47%, respectively. The interlaminar shear strength and interfacial shear strength of modified PET can reach the values of 145.89 and 20.88 MPa, which are significantly improved by 58.01% and 70.94%.
The Effect of Calcium Carbonate on the Photo‐Oxidative Behavior of Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)
Authors: Titone Vincenzo , La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Mistretta Maria Chiara
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of nanosized CaCO3on the photo‐oxidation of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)‐based nanocomposites. The PBAT/CaCO3nanocomposites are prepared by using a corotating twin‐screw extruder with 0, 2, and 5 wt% of CaCO3. The films are obtained by film blowing process. Specimens of the nanocomposites and that of the pure polymer are subjected to accelerated aging with a cycle of 8 h of light at a temperature of 55 °C followed by 4 h condensation at 45 °C to evaluate the effects of the CaCO3addition on the photo‐oxidation of PBAT. The results indicate that the modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites are increased significantly after incorporation of nanosized CaCO3, but, however, the elongation at break remains almost unchanged. The presence of the calcium carbonate slightly increases the photo‐oxidation rate of the matrix due to the presence of a stearate coating.
The mediating role of natural and social resources in the corporate social responsibility—corporate financial performance relationship
Authors: Ratajczak Piotr
Published: August 2020

Failure to obtain definitive results regarding the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate financial performance (CFP) has prompted scholars to investigate mechanisms behind this relationship. This paper follows the same path and distinguishes two dimensions of CSR (social and environmental) to expand the pool of potential mediators on the basis of natural‐ and social resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm. In a unique dataset comprising seven potential mediators for 300 companies, a direct relationship only existed between environmental CSR and CFP, in contrast to the “new road” from social CSR to CFP that goes through external reputation and innovativeness—variables that form an opposing mediation.
A multitude of signaling pathways associated with Alzheimer's disease and their roles in AD pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Gadhave Kundlik , Kumar Deepak , Uversky Vladimir N. , Giri Rajanish
Published: August 2020

The exact molecular mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology continue to represent a mystery. In the past decades, comprehensive data were generated on the involvement of different signaling pathways in the AD pathogenesis. However, the utilization of signaling pathways as potential targets for the development of drugs against AD is rather limited due to the immense complexity of the brain and intricate molecular links between these pathways. Therefore, finding a correlation and cross‐talk between these signaling pathways and establishing different therapeutic targets within and between those pathways are needed for better understanding of the biological events responsible for the AD‐related neurodegeneration. For example, autophagy is a conservative cellular process that shows link with many other AD‐related pathways and is crucial for maintenance of the correct cellular balance by degrading AD‐associated pathogenic proteins. Considering the central role of autophagy in AD and its interplay with many other pathways, the finest therapeutic strategy to fight against AD is the use of autophagy as a target. As an essential step in this direction, this comprehensive review represents recent findings on the individual AD‐related signaling pathways, describes key features of these pathways and their cross‐talk with autophagy, represents current drug development, and introduces some of the multitarget beneficial approaches and strategies for the therapeutic intervention of AD.
Substrate reduction therapy with Miglustat in pediatric patients with GM1 type 2 gangliosidosis delays neurological involvement: A multicenter experience
Authors: Fischetto Rita , Palladino Valentina , Mancardi Maria M. , Giacomini Thea , Palladino Stefano , Gaeta Alberto , Di Rocco Maja , Zampini Lucia , Lassandro Giuseppe , Favia Vito , Tripaldi Maria E. , Strisciuglio Pietro , Romano Alfonso , Severino Mariasavina , Morrone Amelia , Giordano Paola
Published: August 2020

Background

In GM1 gangliosidosis the lack of function of β‐galactosidase results in an accumulation of GM1 ganglioside and related glycoconjugates in visceral organs, and particularly in the central nervous system, leading to severe disability and premature death. In the type 2 form of the disease, early intervention would be important to avoid precocious complications. To date, there are no effective therapeutic options in preventing progressive neurological deterioration. Substrate reduction therapy with Miglustat, a N‐alkylated sugar that inhibits the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase, has been proposed for the treatment of several lysosomal storage disorders such as Gaucher type 1 and Niemann Pick Type C diseases. However, data on Miglustat therapy in patients with GM1 gangliosidosis are still scarce.

Methods

We report here the results of Miglustat administration in four Italian children (average age: 55 months, range 20–125) affected by GM1 gangliosidosis type 2 treated in three different Italian pediatric hospitals specialized in metabolic diseases.

Conclusion

This treatment was safe and relatively well tolerated by all patients, with stabilization and/or slowing down of the neurological progression in three subjects.
Multiple homoclinic orbits for a class of the discrete p‐Laplacian with unbounded potentials
Authors: Kim Jae‐Myoung , Yang Soo‐Oh
Published: August 2020

This paper is devoted to study the existence results of a sequence of infinitely many homoclinic orbits for the discrete p‐Laplacian with unbounded potentials without the Ambrosetti and Rabinowitz condition. The strategy of the proof for these results is to approach the problem using the mountain pass theorem, the fountain theorem, and dual fountain theorem.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Oat Beta‐Glucan Regulated Fatty Acid Profiles along the Gut‐Liver‐Brain Axis of Mice Fed with High Fat Diet and Demonstrated Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Potentials
Authors: Yau Yu Fung , El‐Nezami Hani , Galano Jean‐Marie , Kundi Zuzanna Maria , Durand Thierry , Lee Jetty Chung‐Yung
Published: August 2020

Scope

This study takes a novel approach to investigate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of prebiotic oat beta‐glucan (OAT) and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) against high‐fat diets (HFD) by examining the fatty acid profiles in the gut‐liver‐brain axis.

Method and Results

HFD‐fed C57BL/6N mice are supplemented with OAT and/or LGG for 17 weeks. Thereafter, mass spectrometry‐based targeted lipidomics is employed to quantify short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and oxidized PUFA products in the tissues. Acetate levels are suppressed by HFD in all tissues but reversed in the brain and liver by supplementation with LGG, OAT, or LGG + OAT, and in cecum content by LGG. The n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio is elevated by HFD in all tissues but is lowered by LGG and OAT in the cecum and the brain, and by LGG + OAT in the brain, suggesting the anti‐inflammatory property of LGG and OAT. LGG and OAT synergistically, but not individually attenuate the increase in non‐enzymatic oxidized products, indicating their synbiotic antioxidant property.

Conclusion

The regulation of the fatty acid profiles by LGG and OAT, although incomplete, but demonstrates their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant potentials in the gut‐liver‐brain axis against HFD.
Peripheral nerve neurolymphomatosis: Clinical features, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Keddie Stephen , Nagendran Arjuna , Cox Tom , Bomsztyk Joshua , Jaunmuktane Zane , Brandner Sebastian , Manji Hadi , Rees Jeremy H. , Ramsay Alan D. , Rossor Alexander , D'Sa Shirley , Reilly Mary M. , Carr Aisling S. , Lunn Michael P.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: This series characterises nine patients with neurohistopathologically proven peripheral nerve neurolymphomatosis. Methods: A search of the hospital neuropathology database from 2002 to 2019 identified biopsy proven cases. Clinical data, investigation modalities, treatments, and outcomes were collated. Median age at neuropathy onset was 47 y, the neuropathy commonly as the initial lymphoma disease manifestation. Most (8/9) presented with painful asymmetrical sensory disturbance, with additional cranial nerve involvement in three. Neurophysiology typically demonstrated multiple axonal mononeuropathies. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was often raised (6/8). Magnetic resonance imaging suggested peripheral nerve infiltration in 6/9 and positron emission tomography CT in 4/9. Bone marrow biopsy was abnormal in 6/8. Treatment involved systemic or intrathecal chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Median survival was 23 mo. Discussion: Neurolymphomatosis is a rare but important cause of neuropathy, particularly in those lacking systemic evidence of lymphoma as correct aggressive treatment can prolong survival. Nerve biopsy is essential to classify lymphoma type and rule out alternatives.
OpenBNG: Central office network functions on programmable data plane hardware
Authors: Kundel Ralf , Nobach Leonhard , Blendin Jeremias , Maas Wilfried , Zimber Andreas , Kolbe Hans‐Joerg , Schyguda Georg , Gurevich Vladimir , Hark Rhaban , Koldehofe Boris , Steinmetz Ralf
Published: August 2020

Telecommunication providers continuously evolve their network infrastructure by increasing performance, lowering time to market, providing new services, and reducing the cost of the infrastructure and its operation. Network function virtualization (NFV) on commodity hardware offers an attractive, low‐cost platform to establish innovations much faster than with purpose‐built hardware products. Unfortunately, implementing NFV on commodity processors does not match the performance requirements of the high‐throughput data plane components in large carrier access networks. Therefore, programmable hardware architectures like field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), network processors, and switch silicon supporting the flexibility of the P4 language offer a promising way to account for both performance requirements and the demand to quickly introduce innovations into networks. In this article, we propose a way to offer residential network access with programmable packet processing architectures. On the basis of the highly flexible P4 programming language, we present a design and open source implementation of a broadband network gateway (BNG) data plane that meets the challenging demands of BNGs in carrier‐grade environments. In addition, we introduce a concept of hybrid openBNG design, realizing the required hierarchical quality of service (HQoS) functionality in a subsequent FPGA. The proposed evaluation results show the desired performance characteristics, and our proposed design together with upcoming P4 hardware can offer a giant leap towards highest performance NFV network access.
Diary for self‐observation: A self‐management tool for recipients of lung transplantation—A pilot study
Authors: Evald Laura , Graarup Jytte , Højskov Ida Elisabeth
Published: August 2020

Aim

To (a) explore how the diary contributes to patient motivation for monitoring self‐management and (b) explore the nurses' experience of how the diary supports the patients' self‐management after lung transplantation.

Design

A quantitative and qualitative study design.

Methods

Fifteen patients and four nurses participated. Data were analysed descriptively and thematically.

Results

This pilot study shows that the diary strengthens patients' self‐management in the first postoperative period. Nurses were confident that the patients were structured about self‐observation when using the diary.
Characterizing bird‐keeping user‐groups on Java reveals distinct behaviours, profiles and potential for change
Authors: Marshall Harry , Collar Nigel J. , Lees Alexander C. , Moss Andrew , Yuda Pramana , Marsden Stuart J.
Published: August 2020

Over 70 million cage‐birds are kept across 12 million households on the island of Java, Indonesia, fuelling serious concerns for the health of regional wild bird populations. Understanding the behaviours, preferences and demographic profiles of bird‐keepers will guide attempts to reduce demand for wild birds and hence the impact of trade on wild populations and their host ecosystems.

We profile three songbird‐keeping user‐groups based on interviews of nearly one thousand people across Java: hobbyists, who own birds primarily as pets; contestants, who own birds to enter in singing contests; and breeders, who own birds to breed and train for resale or as a pastime.

User‐groups diverged in their bird‐keeping habits and preferences. Hobbyists tended to own small numbers of inexpensive and typically native birds, while contestants and breeders owned larger numbers of often valuable birds. Hobbyists were far less likely to consider origin when buying a bird, owned a larger proportion of both potentially wild‐caught and globally threatened birds, but showed no preference for any taxon. By contrast, owning relatively large numbers of lovebirds Agapornis spp. and Zebra Doves Geopelia striata were key characteristics of contestants, while breeders owned the largest number of birds and species, in particular White‐rumped Shamas Kittacincla malabarica. Within a 2‐year period, user‐group membership was fluid, with much transitioning between non‐bird ownership and hobbyists, recruitment of non‐bird owners to contestants and movement both in and out of the breeder group.

Our study provides behavioural change efforts with demographic and geographic profiles to target bird‐keepers, who tended to be more affluent and urban and to live in the eastern provinces. Among bird‐keepers, hobbyists tended to be middle‐aged and lived in the western provinces, contestants were younger urban bird‐keepers employed in business and breeders were commoner in the eastern provinces, reflecting the cultural importance of bird‐keeping among the Javanese.

Efforts to increase the sustainability of bird‐keeping in Java should focus on emphasizing the importance of captive‐bred birds, in particular to hobbyists, the largest user‐group, whose bird‐keeping behaviour poses the biggest threat to wild bird populations, whilst also incentivizing legitimate breeding enterprises among contestants and breeders.
Retrospective study of hematologic complications in patients with slow‐flow vascular malformations undergoing sclerotherapy
Authors: Ricci Kiersten W. , Chute Carol , Hammill Adrienne M. , Dasgupta Roshni , Patel Manish
Published: August 2020

Background

Slow‐flow vascular malformations (SFVM) are associated with localized intravascular coagulopathy (LIC), which is characterized by elevated D‐dimer and, when severe, hypofibrinogenemia. LIC results in intralesional clotting and hemorrhage and increases risk for significant thrombotic and bleeding complications. Sclerotherapy has been a suggested potential trigger for LIC worsening to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Hematologic complications of sclerotherapy in SFVM, along with low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) used to prevent worsening LIC, are largely unstudied.

Procedure

Medical records of patients with SFVM and LIC who underwent sclerotherapy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from July 2008 to December 2016 were reviewed for periprocedural hematologic complications. LMWH dose, frequency, and course length were evaluated.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients with SFVM and LIC underwent 281 sclerotherapy procedures, of which 86% were in children. Eighty‐five percent of patients received periprocedural LMWH, although at various doses and course lengths. No thrombotic complications occurred in children. One adult on LMWH developed pulmonary emboli after sclerotherapy. No major bleeding complications occurred postoperatively. In four patients, fibrinogen dropped below 100 mg/dL post‐sclerotherapy, requiring cryoprecipitate. One patient required packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for sclerotherapy‐induced hemolysis. No intraoperative bleeding or thrombotic events occurred.

Conclusion

LMWH use, at subtherapeutic dosing, was common in this patient population and did not appear to increase risk of significant bleeding before, during, or after sclerotherapy. In children with SFVM, bleeding and thrombotic complications after sclerotherapy appear rare. Although safe, prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of LMWH to prevent worsening coagulopathy with procedures.
Age‐appropriate multidisciplinary approach to young children with cancer undergoing radiotherapy: The SIESTA procedure
Authors: Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Ferrari Andrea , Pecori Emilia , Diletto Barbara , Alessandro Ombretta , Pagani Bagliacca Elena , Veneroni Laura , Podda Marta Giorgia , Poli Andrea , Boni Eleonora , Gasparini Patrizia , Carabelli Gabriele , Frasca Sarah , Massimino Maura , Gandola Lorenza
Published: August 2020

A standardized multidisciplinary step‐by‐step approach to improve the compliance of young (or difficult) children having to undergo radiotherapy was described and applied. The procedure is called SIESTA, which stands for show‐imagination‐evaluation‐support‐treatment‐anesthesia. Preliminary assessments suggest that the SIESTA approach was effective: the rate of young patients (≤6 years) requiring anesthesia decreased from 27% (14/52 cases) in 2011‐2012 (before the procedure was adopted) to 13% (6/46) in 2018.
Micro‐flow model with a new algorithm of random fiber distribution over the transverse cross‐section
Authors: Liu Junling , Chen Li , Xie Junbo , Lin Ziyuan
Published: August 2020

A new algorithm to rapidly create representative volume elements (RVE) with random fibers distribution of high volume fractional was proposed. Derived from the classical hard core algorithm, and the “molecular force” effect was introduced to eliminate the irreversibility of the generation process. The new algorithm can create fiber microstructures with constant or random radius, and the volume fraction can reach 80% and 85% respectively. The stochastic statistical analysis of the generated fiber distribution shows that the generated microstructure is completely consistent with the spatial random distribution. Micro‐flow analysis was performed using the generated RVE, predicting the transverse permeability of the fiber tow, and the predicted results were in good agreement with the experimental results. A simple method for creating RVE with random distribution of fibers was provided for the micro‐mechanical analysis of composite materials.
Time‐related biases in pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Suissa Samy , Dell'Aniello Sophie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Observational studies using computerized healthcare databases have become popular to investigate the potential effectiveness of old drugs for new indications. Many of these studies reporting remarkable effectiveness were shown to be affected by different time‐related biases. We describe these biases and illustrate their effects using a cohort of patients treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

The Quebec healthcare databases were used to form a cohort of 124 030 patients with COPD, 50 years or older, treated between 2000 and 2015. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long‐acting bronchodilators were used as exposures, with diverse outcomes, including lung cancer, acute myocardial infarction and death, to illustrate protopathic, latency time, immortal time, time‐window, depletion of susceptibles, and immeasurable time biases.

Results

Protopathic bias affected bronchodilator‐defined cohort entry with an incident rate of lung cancer of 23.9 per 1000 in the first year, compared with around 12.0 in the subsequent years. When latency and immortal times were misclassified, ICS were associated with decreased incidence of lung cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 0.32; 95% CI: 0.30‐0.34), compared with 0.50 (95% CI: 0.48‐0.53) after correcting for immortal time bias and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91‐1.02) after also correcting for latency time bias. Time‐window, depletion of susceptibles and immeasurable time biases also affected the findings similarly.

Conclusions

Many observational studies of new indications for older drugs reporting unrealistic effectiveness were affected by avoidable time‐related biases. The apparent effectiveness often disappears with proper design and analysis. Future studies should consider these time‐related issues to avoid severely biased results.
A single‐population GWAS identified AtMATE expression level polymorphism caused by promoter variants is associated with variation in aluminum tolerance in a local Arabidopsis population
Authors: Nakano Yuki , Kusunoki Kazutaka , Maruyama Haruka , Enomoto Takuo , Tokizawa Mutsutomo , Iuchi Satoshi , Kobayashi Masatomo , Kochian Leon V. , Koyama Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Yuriko
Published: August 2020

Organic acids (OA) are released from roots in response to aluminum (Al), conferring an Al tolerance to plants that is regulated by OA transporters such as ALMT (Al‐activated malate transporter) and multi‐drug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE). We have previously reported that the expression level polymorphism (ELP) of AtALMT1 is strongly associated with variation in Al tolerance among natural accessions of Arabidopsis. However, although AtMATE is also expressed following Al exposure and contributes to Al tolerance, whether AtMATE contributes to the variation of Al tolerance and the molecular mechanisms of ELP remains unclear. Here, we dissected the natural variation in AtMATE expression level in response to Al at the root using diverse natural accessions of Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that more than half of accessions belonging to the Central Asia (CA) population show markedly low AtMATE expression levels, while the majority of European populations show high expression levels. The accessions of the CA population with low AtMATE expression also show significantly weakened Al tolerance. A single‐population genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of AtMATE expression in the CA population identified a retrotransposon insertion in the AtMATE promoter region associated with low gene expression levels. This may affect the transcriptional regulation of AtMATE by disrupting the effect of a cis‐regulatory element located upstream of the insertion site, which includes AtSTOP1 (sensitive to proton rhizotoxicity 1) transcription factor‐binding sites revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation‐qPCR analysis. Furthermore, the GWAS performed without the accessions expressing low levels of AtMATE, excluding the effect of AtMATE promoter polymorphism, identified several candidate genes potentially associated with AtMATE expression.
Historical overview of facility siting
Authors: Grounds Cheryl , Moosemiller Mike , Thomas James Kelly
Published: August 2020

Over the years, the term “facility siting” has had many meanings, has been conducted for varying, but related purposes, and has been performed with ever‐increasing degrees of sophistication following the advancement in computing capabilities. This paper describes the history of facility siting in terms of the industry events, resulting regulations and standards, improvements in modeling techniques, and expansion of computing power that have driven the changes.
Geographic mobility among older people and their adult children: The role of parents' health issues and family ties
Authors: Artamonova Alyona , Gillespie Brian Joseph , Brandén Maria
Published: August 2020

This research examines the relationship between older parents' health issues and (i) their relocations closer to their faraway adult children, (ii) their relocations into institutionalised care facilities, or (iii) having distant children move closer. Additionally, we investigate how these relocations are structured by children's gender and location. We focused on parents aged 80 years and older and their distant children. Multinomial logistic regression models were employed for older men and women based on data from administrative registers of Sweden. Whereas severe health problems were associated with an increased likelihood of parent relocations closer to their children or into institutions, they were not associated with the likelihood of children's moves towards parents. Mothers were more likely to move towards daughters or towards distant children who had at least one sibling living nearby. Children moved closer to their parents when there was at least one sibling living near the parent or in response to their own life circumstances.
Is China's public housing programme destined to fail? Evidence from the city of Changsha
Authors: Xu Ying , Luo Dan
Published: August 2020

Since 2011, China has implemented a large‐scale public housing programme, constructing tens of millions of apartments to cope with increasing housing shortages and difficulties. Using the case study of Changsha, this study explored the likely fate of this inchoate but significant social policy initiative. We propose a ghettoisation framework for the underlying and interrelated socio‐economic mechanisms that produce and maintain the problem‐ridden public housing development. By applying the analysis framework, this study assessed the status of physical, economic and social decay in public rental housing in Changsha. It is concluded that Chinese public housing projects foster physical dilapidation, economic deprivation and social marginalisation and, at the extreme, may be turned into urban ghettos similar to those found in many other countries, if this downward spiral of physical, economic and social decay persists. Chinese city governments have been aware of the physical dilapidation of public rental housing and have endeavoured with physical improvement and upgradation and government procurement of operation and management services. However, these endeavours are doomed to eventually be fruitless without systematic amelioration of economic and social decay. This study can be applied to worldwide cities with public housing development programmes, by guiding policymakers to advocate for concentrated efforts in problem‐ridden projects and for broader, system‐wide reforms to prevent the worst case scenario of ghettoisation.
Fabrication of (C4H9)4NPZnW11‐TiO2/PANI as an Efficient Nanocatalyst for Dye Degradation
Authors: Aghbolagh Zahra Shokri , Khorrami Mohammad Reza Khanmohammadi , Rahmatyan Mohammad Saim
Published: August 2020

In this study, (C4H9)4NPZnW11‐TiO2/PANI was synthesized as an efficient catalyst for dye decolorization of C16H18ClN3S (MB) from aqueous solution. The catalyst was successfully prepared using the reaction of quaternary ammonium salt of zinc (II)‐substituted Keggin‐type polyoxometalate [(C4H9)4N]PZnW11O39, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and polyaniline (PANI) at room temperature under sonication conditions. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to obtain maximum dye degradation and to determine the significance of the variables on the decolorization system under static conditions. The main parameters affecting decolorization efficiency on dye degradation, including process temperature (25–35 °C), catalyst dosage (0.001–0.006 gr), and reaction time (5–15 minutes), were investigated in detail. The optimum decolorization conditions were identified to be a temperature of 30 °C, catalyst dosage of 0.006 gr, and 14 minutes process time, giving an experimental dye removal value of 89.1%. The high regression coefficient between the variables and the response (R2=0.9642) displayed a good evaluation of the experimental results by polynomial regression model.
The Cycle Characteristics of Slurries in Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) of Fused Silica
Authors: Kang Chengxi , Gao Bin , Guo Dan , Luo Haimei , Pan Guoshun
Published: August 2020

The role of the polishing slurry is crucial in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of fused silica (FS). Researching on cycle characteristics of slurry contributes to exploring the deterioration mechanism and prolonging the service time. In this paper, cycle characteristics of colloidal silica slurry and ceria slurry applied in CMP of FS were investigated when the two slurries were recycled for 53 and 42 hours, respectively. The changes of the material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Rq) of FS were analyzed, and the material removal mechanism of both slurries had been discussed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to interpret the changes of the slurry characteristics. The results indicate that with the increase of recycling time, decrease of pH value and increase of solid content are two common factors which affected MRR improvement for both two kinds of slurries. For colloidal silica slurry, the Rq value fluctuates probably due to unchanged sizes and deformed shapes of SiO2. For ceria slurry, the Rq value increases probably due to the size reduction of ceria particles.
Comparison of Selective Catalytic Reduction Performance of Mn–Co Bi‐Metal Oxides Prepared by Different Methods
Authors: Yang Chen , Tang Xiaolong , Yi Honghong , Gao Fengyu , Zhao Shunzheng , Zhang Runcao , Zhu Wenjuan
Published: August 2020

In this work, the low dimensional flake Mn4Co1Ox composite oxides were prepared by four different methods (hydrothermal, template, co‐precipitation and one‐step, noted as HS, TM, OP and OS, respectively) and used for the ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH3‐SCR) at low temperatures. The results showed that the activity of the catalysts decreased in the sequence: Mn4Co1Ox‐HS > Mn4Co1Ox‐TM > Mn4Co1Ox‐OP> Mn4Co1Ox‐OS. The activity of the best catalyst (Mn4Co1Ox‐HS) was nearly 100 % NO conversion in the temperature range of 75–250 °C and the N2 selectivity remained above 50 % even at 250 °C. Mn4Co1Ox‐TM catalyst also maintained the NO conversion more than 90 % in the range of 100–250 °C, but the N2 selectivity was poor. The catalytic activity of the other two catalysts was slightly lower than the above two catalysts. Based on the comprehensive characterization, it was found that the Mn4Co1Ox‐HS catalyst had a higher NH3 adsorption and activation capacity, which was attributed to the higher surface area caused by its approximately two‐dimensional folded layered structure leading to more active sites. Meanwhile, it was rich in the surface acid sites, Mn3+, Co3+ and surface oxygen in the Mn−Co spinel structure, thus giving strong acidity and good redox capacity.
Clay/MgFe2O4 as a Novel Composite for Removal of Cr (VI) From Aqueous Media
Authors: Esmaeili Hossein , Hashemi Seyyed Ali Akbar
Published: August 2020

In this research, clay was modified by MgFe2O4 nanoparticles and was then used to remove Cr (VI) from aqueous media. The properties of the composite were characterized by several analyses such as Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX). According to the BET analysis, specific surface area and mean pores size for the clay/MgFe2O4 composite were obtained 71.23 m2/g and 96.14 °A, respectively, which illustrates that the aforementioned composite had a mesoporous structure. Also, the XRD analysis indicated that the clay/MgFe2O4 composite had a highly crystalline structure. Moreover, the sorption results indicated that the highest removal efficiency of Cr (VI) ion was obtained 96.05% after 15 min and pH value of 4.5. Furthermore, the maximum sorption capacity by the Langmuir model was determined 217.39 mg/g, which was a significant sorption capacity. Moreover, the reusability of the composite was studied after 8 cycles and the results showed that the composite could remove Cr (VI) with a removal efficiency of 94.55% after 4 times reusing the composite, which indicated a significant property of the adsorbent. Furthermore, the Langmuir isotherm was better fitted with the experimental data. Besides, the thermodynamic study indicated that the sorption of Cr (VI) using the clay/MgFe2O4 was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic.
Light‐Driven Proton Transfer for Cyclic and Temporal Switching of Enzymatic Nanoreactors
Authors: Moreno Silvia , Sharan Priyanka , Engelke Johanna , Gumz Hannes , Boye Susanne , Oertel Ulrich , Wang Peng , Banerjee Susanta , Klajn Rafal , Voit Brigitte , Lederer Albena , Appelhans Dietmar
Published: August 2020

Temporal activation of biological processes by visible light and subsequent return to an inactive state in the absence of light is an essential characteristic of photoreceptor cells. Inspired by these phenomena, light‐responsive materials are very attractive due to the high spatiotemporal control of light irradiation, with light being able to precisely orchestrate processes repeatedly over many cycles. Herein, it is reported that light‐driven proton transfer triggered by a merocyanine‐based photoacid can be used to modulate the permeability of pH‐responsive polymersomes through cyclic, temporally controlled protonation and deprotonation of the polymersome membrane. The membranes can undergo repeated light‐driven swelling–contraction cycles without losing functional effectiveness. When applied to enzyme loaded‐nanoreactors, this membrane responsiveness is used for the reversible control of enzymatic reactions. This combination of the merocyanine‐based photoacid and pH‐switchable nanoreactors results in rapidly responding and versatile supramolecular systems successfully used to switch enzymatic reactions ON and OFF on demand.
Fast Scanning Probe Microscopy via Machine Learning: Non‐Rectangular Scans with Compressed Sensing and Gaussian Process Optimization
Authors: Kelley Kyle P. , Ziatdinov Maxim , Collins Liam , Susner Michael A. , Vasudevan Rama K. , Balke Nina , Kalinin Sergei V. , Jesse Stephen
Published: August 2020

Fast scanning probe microscopy enabled via machine learning allows for a broad range of nanoscale, temporally resolved physics to be uncovered. However, such examples for functional imaging are few in number. Here, using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) as a model application, a factor of 5.8 reduction in data collection using a combination of sparse spiral scanning with compressive sensing and Gaussian process regression reconstruction is demonstrated. It is found that even extremely sparse spiral scans offer strong reconstructions with less than 6% error for Gaussian process regression reconstructions. Further, the error associated with each reconstructive technique per reconstruction iteration is analyzed, finding the error is similar past ≈15 iterations, while at initial iterations Gaussian process regression outperforms compressive sensing. This study highlights the capabilities of reconstruction techniques when applied to sparse data, particularly sparse spiral PFM scans, with broad applications in scanning probe and electron microscopies.
Disjunct support spike‐and‐slab priors for variable selection in regression under quasi‐sparseness
Authors: Andrade Daniel , Fukumizu Kenji
Published: August 2020

Sparseness of the regression coefficient vector is often a desirable property, because, among other benefits, sparseness improves interpretability. In practice, many true regression coefficients might be negligibly small, but nonzero, which we refer to as quasi‐sparseness. Spike‐and‐slab priors can be tuned to ignore very small regression coefficients and, as a consequence, provide a trade‐off between prediction accuracy and interpretability. However, spike‐and‐slab priors with full support lead to inconsistent Bayes factors, in the sense that the Bayes factors of any two models are bounded in probability. This is clearly an undesirable property for Bayesian hypotheses testing, where we wish that increasing sample sizes lead to increasing Bayes factors favoring the true model. As a remedy, we suggest disjunct support spike‐and‐slab priors, for which we prove consistent Bayes factors in the quasi‐sparse setting, and show experimentally fast growing Bayes factors favoring the true model. Several experiments on simulated and real data confirm the usefulness of our proposed method to identify models with high effect size, while leading to better control over false positives than hard‐thresholding.
Gallic acid improves recognition memory and decreases oxidative‐inflammatory damage in the rat hippocampus with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Diaz Alfonso , Muñoz‐Arenas Guadalupe , Caporal‐Hernandez Karen , Vázquez‐Roque Rubén , Lopez‐Lopez Gustavo , Kozina Anna , Espinosa Blanca , Flores Gonzalo , Treviño Samuel , Guevara Jorge
Published: August 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MS) results from excessive consumption of high‐calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles. Clinically, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are observed. MS has been considered a risk factor in the development of dementia. In the brain, a metabolically impaired environment generates oxidative stress and excessive production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that deteriorate the morphology and neuronal function in the hippocampus, leading to cognitive impairment. Therapeutic alternatives suggest that phenolic compounds can be part of the treatment for neuropathies and metabolic diseases. In recent years, the use of Gallic Acid (GA) has demonstrated antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects that contribute to neuroprotection and memory improvement in animal models. However, the effect of GA on hippocampal neurodegeneration and memory impairment under MS conditions is still unclear. In this work, we administered GA (20 mg/kg) for 60 days to rats with MS. The results show that GA treatment improved zoometric and biochemical parameters, as well as the recognition memory, in animals with MS. Additionally, GA administration increased hippocampal dendritic spines and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation. Our results show that GA treatment improves metabolism: reducing the oxidative and inflammatory environment that facilitates the recovery of the neuronal morphology in the hippocampus of rats with MS. Consequently, the recognition of objects by these animals, suggesting that GA could be used therapeutically in metabolic disorders that cause dementia.
Assessment of Matourea pratensis (Plantaginaceae: Gratioleae) reveals an older name for Achetaria
Authors: Colletta Gabriel Dalla , Scatigna André Vito , Souza Vinicius Castro
Published: August 2020

Matourea pratensis is a name published by Aublet in 1775 that has never been typified and whose identity has long been obscure. It was historically associated with Stemodia foliosa, as S. pratensis, a species with reported medical importance and wide distribution in the Neotropics. However, its morphology has also been interpreted as more similar to Achetaria, a genus widely distributed throughout the Neotropics and also with medicinal, ecological and economic value. After an extensive bibliographical survey, along with morphological study of type specimens of M. pratensis, S. foliosa, and Achetaria spp., we conclude that (1) S. foliosa and M. pratensis represent distinct taxa; and (2) M. pratensis is congeneric with Achetaria. As a result, we transfer the currently accepted species of Achetaria to Matourea, proposing eight new combinations (M. azurea, M. caparaoensis, M. crenata, M. erecta, M. latifolia, M. ocymoides, M. platychila, M. scutellarioides). Additionally, we designate lectotypes for M. pratensis, Tetraplacus platychilus f. longifolius, Otacanthus caparaoensis, O. fluminensis, and O. villosus, and a second‐step lectotype for Beyrichia scutellarioides.
Sketching, not representational competence, predicts improved science learning
Authors: Stieff Mike , DeSutter Dane
Published: August 2020

Representational competence is a target of novel learning environments given the assumption that improved representational competence improves learning in science. There exists little evidence, however, that improving representational competence is positively correlated with learning outcomes across science disciplines. In this report, we argue that the previously reported weak relationships between representational competence and science learning outcomes have resulted from designs that do not explicitly analyze the discipline‐specific skills related to the representational competence construct. Here, we demonstrate through a detailed analysis of students' representation use that at least two demonstrated skills comprising representational competence (e.g., construction and selection) are not strongly related to improved conceptual understanding in the domain. We discuss the implications of these results for the design of future learning environments that aim to improve learning through improved representational competence.
Assessing the efficacy of a tongue image analyzing system (TIAS) for the objective diagnosis of static blood: An observational, retrospective, single‐center study of Japanese Kampo medicine
Authors: Kainuma Mosaburo , Matsumura Chiaki , Kawashiri Takehiro , Kobayashi Daisuke , Murakami Aya , Nakaguchi Toshiya , Namiki Takao , Shimazoe Takao
Published: August 2020

Aim

Static blood (SB) is an important pathological concept of Kampo medicine. Although tongue findings are very useful in the diagnosis of SB, the relation between the severity of SB and tongue color (TC) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between the severity of SB and TC obtained by the use of a Tongue image analyzing system (TIAS).

Methods

We analyzed data from 227 new patients (age 20–85) who visited the Kyushu University Hospital Kampo Clinic between 2013 and 2018. The SB score was calculated based on the diagnostic criteria by Terasawa et al. and classified into three groups: non‐static blood (NSB) ≤20 points, SB 20.5 to 39.5 points, severe static blood (SSB) ≥40 points. TC was measured by the device‐independent international commission on Illumination 1976L*a*b* color space standards at four points: (i) edge; (ii) posterior; (iii) middle; and (iv) apex.

Results

SB and SSB occurred significantly more frequently in women and patients were of younger age than in the NSB group (P < 0.05). Analysis of TC found 1L* and 4L* to be significantly lower (P < 0.05), and 1a*, 2a*, 3a*, and 4a* significantly higher in SSB than in NSB (P < 0.05). The cutoff value of 2a* and the combination of 1L* + 1a* for SSB prediction obtained from the ROC curve were 2a*, 25.78 (Se: 43%, Sp: 85%, AUC: 0.65), 1L* + 1a*: 1L*, 61.31 and 1a*, 26.16 (Se: 51%, Sp: 82%, AUC: 0.65).

Conclusion

TC diagnosis with TIAS would be a useful screening tool for judging the severity of SB.
Land management in a post‐Brexit UK: An opportunity for integrated catchment management to deliver multiple benefits?
Authors: Klaar Megan J. , Carver Stephen , Kay Paul
Published: August 2020

Recent environmental policy bills outlined by the UK government in the wake of Brexit highlight an intention by the government to take a more holistic approach to land and water management. While previous legislation has taken a siloed approach to landscape management, often focusing on point source pollutions, the Agriculture and Environment Bills present the opportunity for effective protection of the environment while providing wider environmental benefits such as reduced flood risk, increased biodiversity and provision of cultural services. We outline how and why previous European Union legislation has failed to deliver the intended environmental improvements relating to agricultural land management in the UK. We highlight how the adoption of integrated catchment management and proposed “payment‐for‐outcome” schemes at a large scale could be used to push the United Kingdom into the forefront of sustainable farming, land management and championing environmental benefits to society.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water Quality

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Human Water > Water Governance
Privatizing climate adaptation: How insurance weakens solidaristic and collective disaster recovery
Authors: Lucas Chloe H. , Booth Kate I.
Published: August 2020

As losses from extreme weather events grow, many governments are looking to privatize the financing and incentivization of climate adaptation through insurance markets. In a pure market approach to insurance for extreme weather events, individuals become responsible for ensuring they are adequately covered for risks to their own properties, and governments no longer contribute funds to post‐disaster recovery. Theoretically, insurance premiums signal the level of risk faced by each household, and incentivize homeowners to invest in adaptive action, such as retrofitting, or drainage work, to reduce premiums. Where risk is considered too high by insurance markets, housing is devalued, in theory leading to retreat from risky areas. In this review article, we evaluate the suitability of private insurance as a mechanism for climate adaptation at a household and community level. We find a mismatch between social understandings of responsibility for climate risks, and the technocratic, market‐based home insurance products offered by private insurance markets. We suggest that by constructing increasingly individualized, technical, and calculative evaluations of risk, market‐based models of insurance for extreme weather events erode the solidaristic and collective discourses and practices that support adaptive behavior.

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanocoil Composite for High‐performance Humidity Sensor
Authors: Wang Luyu , Wen Jinguli , Wu Yuhang , Gao Junkuo
Published: August 2020

Designing a humidity sensor with high performance to quick and accurate detect relative humidity (RH) is important in various applications. Consideration must be given to both the high response and the quick reversibility. Here, based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensing platform, we utilized commercial graphene oxide as a sensing material, and added commercial carbon nanocoil to block the stacking of graphene oxide layers. The fabricated novel sensor possessed super high response (4618 Hz/97 % RH) and quick reversibility (2 s). This work not only expands the application of commercial carbon materials, but also achieves the development of high‐performance humidity sensor with commercial potential.