bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Erasable and Rewritable Optoexcitonic Platform for Antitamper Hardware
Authors: Cheng Che‐Hsuan , Yang Da Seul , Kim Jinsang , Deotare Parag B.
Published: September 2020

In this work nanoscale strain engineering is utilized to create a self‐erasable and rewritable platform for antitamper hardware. The reversible structural change between trans and cis isomers in azobenzene (A3) molecules is utilized to strain the overlying tungsten diselenide (WSe2) monolayer, thereby affecting its optical bandgap. Using such hybrid material combination, large (>1%) local effective strain is generated that results in dramatic shift (>11 nm) in photoluminescence wavelength. The strain can be rapidly relaxed under exposure to visible light or can be retained up to seven days under dark condition. Thus, by utilizing hyperspectral imaging, a self‐erasable and rewritable optoexcitonic platform is demonstrated that responds to environmental changes (light/temperature) to detect tampering of hardware system. In addition, the results open avenues for varied applications in information storage, time sensitive self‐destructive memories to light detection.
Helicity‐Preserving Metasurfaces for Magneto‐Optical Enhancement in Ferromagnetic [Pt/Co]N Films
Authors: Abendroth John M. , Solomon Michelle L. , Barton David R. , El Hadri Mohammed S. , Fullerton Eric E. , Dionne Jennifer A.
Published: September 2020

All‐optical control and detection of magnetic states for high‐density recording necessitate nanophotonic approaches to amplify local light intensity below the diffraction limit. Sculpting the near‐field phase and polarization can additionally strengthen magneto‐optical effects that rely on circularly polarized pulses, such as all‐optical helicity‐dependent switching, imaging, and spin‐wave excitation. Here, high‐refractive‐index dielectric nanoantennas illuminated with circularly polarized light resonantly enhance local electric field rotation by more than sixfold within [Pt/Co]N thin films. Sub‐wavelength arrays of amorphous Si nanodisks, or metasurfaces, patterned on perpendicularly magnetized films support Mie‐type resonances that modulate reflection and transmission dissymmetry by >±2% in experiments. Spatial and spectral interference between dipolar modes, proximity effects, and gain are evaluated by varying disk aspect ratio, metasurface–metal separation, and magnetic film thickness, respectively. Simulated enhancements in magnetic circular birefringence and differential absorption are correlated with amplified local field rotation at electric dipolar modes. Greater achievable amplifications are shown via simulations with single‐crystalline Si metasurfaces exhibiting lower losses, including a 12‐fold strengthened electric field rotation within ferromagnetic layers. The metasurface design rules established here could enable nanoscale localization of all‐optical magnetic switching with lowered laser fluence thresholds, as well as enhanced magneto‐optical responses for light‐assisted reading in spintronic devices.
Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐2‐hydroxyethyl Dithiocarbamates via Regioselective Addition of Tetraalkylthiuram Disulfides to Styrenes under Transition‐Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Hao Shuai , Ye Xiefeng , Zhao Mingqin , Hu Jingyan , Wang Na , Li Jing , Wang Fangling , Zhang Mingyue , Wu Zhiyong
Published: September 2020

This paper describes a method for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐2‐hydroxyethyl dithiocarbamates via difunctionalization of alkenes involving C−S and C−O bonds formation with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides as the functional reagents. The reaction proceeded well under transition‐metal‐free conditions and afforded up to 88% yield of the desired products. Numerous useful functional groups were tolerated under the reaction conditions. This methodology provides a direct approach to β‐hydroxy dithiocarbamates, featuring readily available starting materials and broad substrate scope, which shows its practical synthetic value in organic synthesis.

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Coronavirus Impacts on Midwestern Row‐Crop Agriculture
Authors: Schnitkey Gary D. , Paulson Nicholas D. , Irwin Scott H. , Coppess Jonathan , Sherrick Bruce J. , Swanson Krista J. , Zulauf Carl R. , Hubbs Todd
Published: September 2020

Impacts from the coronavirus pandemic have depressed market returns to corn and soybean farmers in the Midwest, extending pressures that have existed since 2013 and worsened by trade disputes with China. Without large ad hoc federal aid, income on Midwestern grain farms would have been quite low and the ongoing cash flow crunch much worse. Farmland prices have not adjusted downward, in part due to continuing ad hoc federal aid, but also because interest rates have been historically very low. The financial (solvency) position of Midwestern grain farms is surprisingly strong because of the strength in land values. However, the financial condition of Midwestern row‐crop agriculture could deteriorate markedly if recent and large infusions of ad hoc federal aid dissipates or if interest rates rise sharply.
Genome‐wide association study of resistance to Mal de Río Cuarto disease in maize
Authors: Rossi Ezequiel A. , Ruiz Marcos , Bonamico Natalia C. , Balzarini Mónica G.
Published: September 2020

Argentine maize has been extensively screened for incidence (INC) and severity (SEV) of Mal de Río Cuarto disease (MRC), caused by Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV), family Reoviridae, genus Fijivirus, narrowing the breeding genetic basis. Both traits are highly heritable phenotypic measurements, and quantify the strong disease impact on grain yield. The adaptation of exotic germplasm to variation of those traits has not been explored. The aim of this work was to identify, in a non‐local and diverse panel of maize inbred lines, novel genomic regions associated with resistance to MRC. First, we phenotyped 206 maize inbred lines from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), in several environments of the MRC‐endemic area under natural virus infection, to obtain the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) of line effects regarding INC and SEV. A multi‐environment and multi‐trait mixed linear model was fitted to derive the multivariate BLUPs. Genetic variance and mean‐basis heritability were high in both traits and a significant genetic correlation among them was found. Second, we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) by linking the BLUPs with 78,376 SNP markers available for 186 lines. The GWAS identified new alleles for resistance to MRC in six genomic regions from the exotic germoplasm. Four of them reduce symultaneously the appearance and severity of disease symptoms. Improved susceptible parental lines through marker‐assisted recurrent selection would allow us to increase the resistance of maize hybrids to MRC disease.
Microstructure evidence of rice lodging resistance based on quantitative X‐ray microtomography
Authors: Liu Zhixuan , Xiao Tiqiao , Peng Guanyun , Li Juan , Zheng Zhongyi , Zhou Qingming
Published: September 2020

Even though lodging seriously affects the growth and development of rice (Oryza sativa L.) little is known about the stem and root microstructural characteristics of lodging resistant and non‐lodging resistant rice. In this study, one lodging resistant rice variety lingliangyou238 (R1), and two non‐lodging resistant rice varieties, luliangyou996 (S1) and zhuliangyou819 (S2), were used to conduct synchrotron‐based X‐ray micro‐computed tomography. We found that the lodging resistant rice variety R1 had a third internode (N3) length that was reduced by 37.4% compared to S1. Meanwhile, the area of stem cross section, area of the medullary cavity, and the number of large and small vascular bundles in the N3 of R1 increased by 73.56, 73.10, 18.55, and 17.74%, respectively, compared to S2. In the 3D structure, there are many pore structures in the inner wall of the rice stalk. Quantitative analysis showed that the ratio of length/width of the pores of R1 was lower than S1 and S2. In the fourth internode, the volume and surface area of the large vascular bundle vessel of R1 was greater than S1 and S2. In the root system, we found that R1 had more cortical cells, and its length/width value was lower than S1 and S2. Our findings implied that besides the 2D level, more 3D information is needed to reveal the relationship between lodging and the spatial structure of the crop.
Massive parallel sequencing of dried umbilical cord remnants
Authors: Sennaiyan Usha Nandhini , Phani Nagaraj M , Deepak Vuppu , Appaswamy Giridharan , Krishna Mani Ram
Published: September 2020

Genetic diagnosis depends on having available tissue to test. This can be important for many reasons, such as related to familial diagnosis in the case of another pregnancy. When blood or DNA samples from affected family members are not available, accurate prenatal diagnosis may be much more difficult and hence additional effort may be needed to obtain a genetic diagnosis in such families. We report two families with suspected monogenic disorders where attempts were made to establish the genetic etiology in deceased offspring using dried umbilical cord remnants which had been preserved by the family.
Prenatal delineation of a distinct lethal fetal syndrome caused by a homozygous truncating KIDINS220 variant
Authors: El‐Dessouky Sara H. , Issa Mahmoud Y. , Aboulghar Mona M. , Gaafar Hassan M. , Elarab Ahmed Ezz , Ateya Mohamed I. , Omar Heba H. , Beetz Christian , Zaki Maha Saad
Published: September 2020

Kinase D‐interacting substrate of 220 kDa (KIDINS220) is a transmembrane protein playing integral role in growth mediating pathways in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. KIDINS220 heterozygous truncating variants that affect the protein's C‐terminus have been associated with a phenotype, so far described only in few unrelated children, including spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, nystagmus, and obesity. More recently, a homozygous, more N‐terminal truncating variant in KIDINS220 gene was suggested to be associated with enlarged cerebral ventricles and limb contractures in three fetuses from a consanguineous family. We confirm the latter finding by presenting the first detailed prenatal identification of a fetal phenotype associated with novel homozygous deleterious frameshift variant in KIDINS220 gene in a consanguineous healthy Egyptian couple. History of unexplained seven miscarriages and a similar stillbirth were recorded. Prenatal ultrasonography revealed limb contractions and ventriculomegaly; in addition to previously unreported cerebellar anomalies, cardiac anomalies and hydrops fetalis. These findings represent an expansion of clinical and molecular spectrum associated with KIDINS220 variants and broaden our understanding of genotype–phenotype relationships in lethal congenital contractures syndromes and associated severe abnormal embryological development. More generally, our study adds KIDINS220 to the rare group of genes which may cause disease by either of two distinct mutational mechanisms.
Form in the context of function: Fundamentals of an energy effective striding walk, the role of the plantigrade foot and its expected size
Authors: Croft James L. , Bertram John E. A.
Published: September 2020

What morphological and functional factors allow for the unique and characteristic upright striding walk of the hominin lineage? Predictive models of locomotion that arise from considering mechanisms of energy loss indicate that collision‐like losses at the transition between stance limbs are important determinants of bipedal gait. Theoretical predictions argue that these collisional losses can be reduced by having “functional extra legs” which are physically the heel and the toe part of a single anatomical foot. The ideal spacing for these “functional legs” are up to a quarter of a stride length, depending on the model employed. We evaluate the foot in the context of the dynamics of a bipedal system and compare predictions of optimal foot size against empirical data from modern humans, the Laetoli footprint trackways, and chimpanzees walking bipedally. The dynamics‐based modeling approach provides substantial insight into how, and why, walking works as it does, even though current models are too simple to make predictions at a level adequate to anticipate specific morphology except at the most general level.
How ‘Blind’ Is a Mediator's Proposal?
Authors: Feit Norman
Published: September 2020

Toward the end of some mediations, when further progress seems stalled, the mediator's arsenal of tools to dislodge the stalemate includes what has become commonly known as the “double blind” proposal.
Synthesis, structure, characterization and biological evaluation of 3‐substituted 1‐pyridin‐2‐ylimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine‐based copper(I)–phosphine complexes for anticancer drug screening
Authors: Pathaw Larica , Khamrang Themmila , Selvakumaran Balasubramaniam , Murali Mariappan , Arul Prakash Pitchan , Mohamed Jaabir Mohamed Sultan , Velusamy Marappan
Published: September 2020

Copper(I) complexes of the types [Cu(N–N)(PPh3)2]NO3 (LC41–LC44) and [Cu(N–N)(PPh3)(NO3)] (LC45) carrying 3‐substituted 1‐pyridine‐2‐ylimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine (N–N) derivatives and triphenylphosphine (PPh3) ligands have been prepared. The synthesized copper(I)–phosphine complexes were fully characterized by NMR, IR, ESI‐MS and UV–visible spectroscopy as well as by cyclic voltammetry. Selected structures such as LC42, LC43 and LC45 were additionally analysed by single‐crystal X‐ray method, which show that copper(I) centre adopts a highly distorted tetrahedral geometry. The 1H and 13C NMR spectral data of the complexes throw light on the nature of metal–ligand bonding. They display dπ–π* metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition and show quasireversible CuI/CuII metal oxidation. Among the copper(I)–phosphine complexes, LC41–LC44 exhibit moderate cytotoxicity (IC50: 24 h, 67–74 μM; 48 h, 58–70 μM) against human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma A549 cells, whereas LC45 displays the best activity (IC50: 24 h, 42 μM; 48 h, 34 μM) for A549 cancer cell line, which is better than that of the commercial antitumor drug cisplatin. All the complexes also displayed excellent selectivity by being relatively inactive against the human lung epithelial L132 normal cell line with selectivity index (SI) values ranging from 3.4 to 7.4. The complexes block cell cycle progression of A549 cells in G0/G1 phase. FACSVerse analyses are suggestive of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptotic cell death induced by the LC41, LC43 and LC45. The induction of apoptosis in A549 cells was shown by Annexin V with propidium iodide (PI) and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining methods and established the ability of LC41, LC43 and LC45 to accumulate in the cell nuclei.
Properties and mechanism of a novel metallic‐hollow‐spheres/polyurethane acoustic composite
Authors: Yu Tianmiao , Jiang Fengchun , Cui Xu , Cao Mengxin , Guo Chunhuan , Wang Zhenqiang , Chang Yunpeng
Published: September 2020

In this article, 316L stainless steel hollow spheres (316L HS) and polyurethane (PU) resins were used to prepare a novel metallic‐hollow‐sphere/polyurethane (MHSP) acoustic composite by casting. The acoustic experimental results of this composite revealed that compared to monolithic PU, the sound transmission loss of the composites increased and the maximum sound absorption peak shifted to lower frequency with the change of acoustic impedance and resonance frequency. When the surface of metallic hollow sphere used in MHSP composite was modified by silane coupling agent, the sound insulation and sound absorption performance of MHSP composites were further improved. This is related to the addition of the molecular layer of coupling agent between MHSP matrix. In addition, the addition of silane coupling agent creates PU foaming in matrix, resulting in a large number of pores and gaps that can increase the sound waves energy loss through air friction and heat exchange.
Evaluation of hydrophilic cellulose nanofiber dispersions in a hydrophobic isotactic polypropylene composite
Authors: Morita Akitoshi , Matsuba Go , Fujimoto Megumi
Published: September 2020

An effective approach for the evaluation of dispersed hydrophilic cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) in hydrophobic isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is presented using scattering and microscopic techniques for fiber analysis on nanometer and micrometer scales. iPP composites reinforced with CNF fibrous fillers were characterized by small‐angle light scattering, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and polarized optical microscopy measurements in the molten state in order to evaluate the shape of CNF fillers and/or larger aggregates formed from these fibers. The best dispersion results in the molten state coincided with low concentrations of CNFs. We observed the effect of CNFs on the acceleration of iPP crystal growth using wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and differential scanning calorimeter measurements. It was even possible to observe the nucleation morphology around CNF fibrous fillers using transmission electron microscopy.
Preparation and performance of oleylamine modified silica‐reinforced natural rubber composites
Authors: Mei Junfei , Geng Haoran , Yu Han , Shi Jia , Zhao Yanfang , Yu Rentong , Liao Jianhe , Chen Yongping
Published: September 2020

Oleylamine (OA) modified silica (SiO2‐g‐OA) was prepared using γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy) propytrimethoxysilane (KH560) and OA, silica/natural rubber (NR) and SiO2‐g‐OA/NR composites were prepared by mechanical blending in an internal mixer, and SiO2‐g‐OA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analyzer, and contact angle analyzer. The mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, curing characteristics, Payne effect, and morphology of silica/NR and SiO2‐g‐OA /NR composites were investigated using universal testing machine, Akron abrasion tester, rubber processing analyzer, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results showed that SiO2‐g‐OA became more hydrophobic and had better compatibility with NR. Moreover, SiO2‐g‐OA/NR had weaker Payne effect, better vulcanization performance, and more excellent mechanical properties. As the content of filler was more than 30 phr, SiO2‐g‐OA/NR had lower rolling resistance and higher wet skid resistance. Compared with silica modified by other coupling agents, SiO2‐g‐OA had the best reinforcement effect on NR.
Effect ofDAPBOsegment on the structure and performance enhancement of powder foamedBTDA‐ODApolyimide
Authors: Liu Jian‐Ni , Wu Da‐Yong , Liang Wei‐Hua , Cao Jian‐Hua
Published: September 2020

Achieving excellent thermal stability, good mechanical strength, and low‐density in one product, is a big challenge in the design and synthesis of polyimide (PI) foams. We selected a rigid diamine monomer, 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzoxazole (DAPBO) to partially replace 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) in BTDA‐ODA system, and studied the effect on properties of foamed PI products. With various molar ratio between DABPO and ODA (0:5, 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1, 5:0), the diamine(s) polymerized with 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and produced six PI precursors (PAE‐0 ~ PAE‐5). After foaming and thermal imidization, corresponding PI foams (PI‐0 ~ PI‐5) prepared. Among them, PI‐3 has a glass transition temperature of 386°C, which is 95°C higher than PI‐0, and its compressive strength reaches 1.32 MPa. Moreover, PI‐3 has a uniform cell structure with an average pore size of ~200 μm. The analysis results show that PI‐3 is in a transition state from amorphous to partial crystalline, maintaining a balance between flexibility and rigidity. The addition of DABPO not only increases the rigidity of polymer molecular segments, but also introduces N and O atoms that can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds between molecules, which increases the packing density and arrangement regularity of polymer molecules.
Long‐term stability in core habitat of an endangered population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Implications for spatial management
Authors: Bennington Steph , Rayment Will , Currey Rohan , Oldridge Lucy , Henderson Shaun , Guerra Marta , Brough Tom , Johnston David , Corne Chloe , Johnson David , Slooten Liz , Dawson Steve
Published: September 2020

A small population of approximately 68 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, resident in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, is subject to physiologically challenging conditions, and is exposed to anthropogenic pressure from tourism.

A voluntary Code of Management incorporating dolphin protection zones (DPZs), in which tour boat access is limited, was established in 2008.

Kernel density estimation (KDE) was used to quantify dolphin habitat use over a 13‐year period in order to describe seasonal variation in habitat use and consistency of habitat use over a decadal period, and to provide quantitative estimates of the extent of overlap between DPZs and core areas (50% volume contour) of habitat use.

Habitat use varied seasonally, with the inner fjord area used more frequently in warmer months, and with a shift in use to the outer fjord in colder months. Patterns in habitat use were highly consistent over the 13‐year duration of the study.

The spatial overlap between the area of core dolphin habitat and DPZs was low (<18%) overall, and some DPZs were rarely used during colder periods.

Consistency in habitat use through time vindicates spatial management, but low overlap between core habitat and current DPZs suggests that an expansion of the DPZ areas would confer greater protection.
Cardiovascular and Renal Morbidity in Takayasu Arteritis: A Population‐Based Retrospective Cohort Study From the United Kingdom
Authors: Goel Ruchika , Chandan Joht Singh , Thayakaran Rasiah , Adderley Nicola J. , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Harper Lorraine
Published: September 2020

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major complication and cause of mortality in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), but population‐based controlled studies from the UK are lacking. We undertook the present study to investigate the frequency of morbidity and mortality related to CVD, as well as to cerebrovascular and kidney disease, among patients with TAK in the UK.

Methods

Yearly cohort and cross‐sectional studies were performed from 2000 to 2017 to estimate annual incidence and prevalence, respectively, of TAK. Using a UK primary care database (IQVIA Medical Research Data), an open retrospective matched cohort study was conducted to estimate risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and all‐cause mortality in TAK. Risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]) of the assessed comorbidities among patients with TAK compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls was estimated. Changes in medication prescription over time were examined in both groups.

Results

One hundred forty‐two patients with TAK (median age 53.4 years [interquartile range 33.8–70.7]) and 1,371 matched controls were included. The annual incidence and prevalence of TAK were 0.8 per million and 7.5 per million respectively. All‐cause mortality was increased in TAK (adjusted HR 1.88 [95% confidence interval 1.29–2.76]). Patients with TAK had an increased risk of developing ischemic heart disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack, combined CVD, and peripheral vascular disease compared to controls, but no increase in risk of hypertension, CKD, heart failure, or diabetes. Only ~50% of patients with TAK requiring secondary CVD prevention were prescribed statins or antiplatelet agents within 1 year after study entry.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular morbidity was increased among patients with TAK receiving primary care services in the UK. Treatment with statins and antiplatelet agents in these patients was suboptimal.
An Unexpected 4,5‐Diphenyl‐2,7‐naphthyridine Derivative with Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Mechanofluorochromic Properties Obtained from a 3,5‐Diphenyl‐4H‐pyran Derivative
Authors: Xiao Fuming , Wang Mengzhu , Lei Yunxiang , Xie Yufeng , Liu Miaochang , Zhou Yunbing , Gao Wenxia , Huang Xiaobo , Wu Huayue
Published: September 2020

For a specific fluorescent molecule, the increase of molecular conformation distortion is beneficial to endow it with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and mechanofluorochromic (MFC) properties. Herein, 3,5‐diphenyl‐4H‐pyran derivative 5 and 4,5‐diphenyl‐2,7‐naphthidine derivative 7 with highly twisted conformations were synthesized. For compound 5, although the introduction of phenyl rings with large steric hindrance at 3 and 5 positions of the 4H‐pyran skeleton realized the transformation from aggregation‐induced quenching (ACQ)‐active molecule to AIE‐active molecule, it only showed a low‐contrast MFC activity. Compound 7 was accidentally obtained from compound 5 and n‐butylamine via a ring‐opening and subsequent intramolecular ring‐closing mechanism. Compound 7 was confirmed to have a highly twisted molecular conformation by the crystal structural analysis and exhibited AIE activity originated from the restriction of intramolecular rotation. Furthermore, compound 7 exhibited reversible high‐contrast MFC activity. Upon grinding, the change of solid‐state fluorescence color from orange to yellow was confirmed to be due to the partial destruction of crystal structure. This work provides new ideas for the design and synthesis of novel AIE‐active and MFC‐active fluorescent molecules based on ACQ‐active parent molecules.
Heterostructure and Oxygen Vacancies Promote NiFe2O4/Ni3S4 toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Fu Zhaoqin , Liu Shilong , Mai Zequn , Tang Zhenghua , Qin Dong‐Dong , Tian Yong , Wang Xiufang
Published: September 2020

Developing high‐performance catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for the widespread applications of clean and sustainable energy through electrochemical devices such as zinc‐air batteries and (photo)electrochemical water splitting. Constructing heterostructure and oxygen vacancies have demonstrated great promises to boost the OER performance. Herein, we report a facile strategy to fabricate hetero‐structured NiFe2O4/Ni3S4 nanorods, where NiFe2O4 can be derived from Fe‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). The NiFe2O4/Ni3S4 catalyst exhibited excellent OER performance, evidenced by an overpotential value of 357 mV at the current density of 20 mA cm−2, and a small Tafel slope of 87.46 mV dec−1 in 1 M KOH, superior to the benchmark IrO2 catalyst. Moreover, NiFe2O4/Ni3S4 outperformed with regard to long‐term durability for OER than IrO2. Such outstanding OER performance is mainly accounted by the interface between NiFe2O4 and Ni3S4, and the presence of rich oxygen vacancies. When employed as air‐cathode in zinc‐air batteries, the NiFe2O4/Ni3S4 decorated battery had a high round‐trip efficiency of 62.1% at 10 h, and possessed long‐term stability of >50 h. This study may pave the way for fabricating non‐noble‐metal‐based cost‐effective, efficient and durable electrocatalysts for OER, zinc‐air batteries, and beyond.
Distributed containment control of fractional‐order multi‐agent systems using neural networks
Authors: Yuan Xiaolin , Mo Lipo , Yu Yongguang
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the containment problem for fractional‐order multi‐agent systems (FOMASs) with unknown nonlinear functions over a directed communication topology. To solve this problem, the unknown functions are emulated by radial basis function neural networks. Then, we design novel distributed containment algorithms with adaptive control gainsand deduce some sufficient conditions. By taking the properties of the Mittag–Leffler function, the convergence analysis is finished. Finally, simulation examples show the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Exact controllability of linear mean‐field stochastic systems and observability inequality for mean‐field backward stochastic differential equations
Authors: Ye Wenjie , Yu Zhiyong
Published: September 2020

This paper is concerned with the exact controllability of linear mean‐field stochastic systems with time‐variant random coefficients. We prove that the exact controllability, the validity of the observability inequality for the dual equation, the unique solvability of a family of optimal control problems, the unique solvability of a family of mean‐field forward‐backward stochastic differential equations (MF‐FBSDEs), and the unique solvability of a family of norm optimal control problems are all equivalent. Therefore, some approaches are provided to investigate the issue of exact controllability.
A thermophilic chitinase 1602 from the marine bacterium Microbulbifer sp. BN3 and its high‐level expression in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Li Ren Kuan , Hu Ya Juan , He Yu Jie , Ng Tzi Bun , Zhou Zhi Min , Ye Xiu Yun
Published: September 2020

Chitinases play an important role in many industrial processes, including the preparation of oligosaccharides with potential applications. In the present study, a 1,713 bp gene of Chi1602, derived from a marine bacterium Microbulbifer sp. BN3, encoding a GH18 family chitinase, was expressed at high levels in Pichia pastoris. Distinct from most of the marine chitinases, the recombinant chitinase 1602 exhibited maximal activity at 60 °C and over a broad pH range between 5.0 and 9.0, and was stable at 50 °C and over the pH range 4.0–9.0. The hydrolytic products derived from colloidal chitins comprised mainly (GlcNAc)2 and GlcNAc, indicating that rChi1602 is a GH18 processive chitinase in conformity with its hypothetical structure. However, rChi1602 showed traces of β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase activity on substrates such as powder chitin, chitosan, and ethylene glycol chitin. The thermophilic rChi1602, which manifests adaptation to a wide pH range and can be expressed at a high level in P. pastoris, is advantageous for applications in industrial processes.
Low‐cost and sustainable (nano)catalysts derived from bone waste: catalytic applications and biofuels production
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Soheili Bidgoli Nayyereh Sadat , Shafiei Nasrin , Soleimani Fahimeh , Nezafat Zahra , Luque Rafael
Published: September 2020

The application of (bio)wastes as alternatives to expensive existing catalysts is an approach that can be used to reduce environmental pollution problems. Animal bone wastes have attracted much attention as environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalysts for chemical transformations such as transesterification, oxidation, and biofuel production, owing to the substantial availability of valuable hydroxyapatite (HAp) in their structure. Most catalysts based on bone can be prepared easily by calcination. High‐temperature calcination yields highly active catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysts prepared from these renewable sources could also simply be reused and recovered without any important loss of catalytic performance. This paper reviews past efforts and recent progress on the development of different eco‐friendly catalysts derived from bone waste and some of their catalyzed chemical transformations. However, future challenges focus on crediting the conversion of unusable wastes to valuable sources to meet global requirements © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seeing the subjective as objective: People perceive the taste of those they disagree with as biased and wrong
Authors: Cheek Nathan N. , Blackman Shane F. , Pronin Emily
Published: September 2020

People think that they see things as they are in “objective reality,” and they impute bias and other negative qualities to those who disagree. Evidence for these tendencies initially emerged in the domain of politics, where people tend to assume that there are objectively correct beliefs and positions. The present research shows that people are confident in the correctness of their views, and they negatively judge those who disagree, even in the seemingly “subjective” domain of art. Across seven experiments, participants evaluated paintings and encountered others who agreed or disagreed with their evaluations. Participants saw others' evaluations as less objective when they clashed with their own, and as more influenced by biasing factors like conformity or financial incentives. These aesthetic preferences felt as objective as political preferences. Reminding people of their belief that artistic preferences are “matters of opinion” reduced this thinking, but did not eliminate it. These findings suggest that people's convictions of their own objectivity are so powerful as to extend to domains that are typically regarded as “subjective.”
Approximate maximum likelihood estimation for logistic regression with covariate measurement error
Authors: Cao Zhiqiang , Wong Man Yu
Published: September 2020

In nutritional epidemiology, dietary intake assessed with a food frequency questionnaire is prone to measurement error. Ignoring the measurement error in covariates causes estimates to be biased and leads to a loss of power. In this paper, we consider an additive error model according to the characteristics of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)‐InterAct Study data, and derive an approximate maximum likelihood estimation (AMLE) for covariates with measurement error under logistic regression. This method can be regarded as an adjusted version of regression calibration and can provide an approximate consistent estimator. Asymptotic normality of this estimator is established under regularity conditions, and simulation studies are conducted to empirically examine the finite sample performance of the proposed method. We apply AMLE to deal with measurement errors in some interested nutrients of the EPIC‐InterAct Study under a sensitivity analysis framework.
Gating and regulation of the calcium release‐activated calcium channel: Recent progress from experiments and molecular modeling
Authors: Huo Jun , Dong Hao
Published: September 2020

Calcium release‐activated calcium (CRAC) channels are highly calcium ion (Ca2+)‐selective channels in the plasma membrane. The transient drop of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ level activates its calcium sensor stromal interaction molecule (STIM) and then triggers the gating of the CRAC channel pore unit Orai. This process involves a variety of activities of the immune system. Therefore, understanding how the activation and regulation of the CRAC channel can be accomplished is essential. Here we briefly summarize the recent progress on Orai gating and its regulation by 2‐aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2‐APB) obtained from structural biology studies, biochemical and electrophysiological measurements, as well as molecular modeling. Indeed, integration between experiments and computations has further deepened our understanding of the channel gating and regulation.
Gaining momentum: Towards integrated reporting practices in Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed H. , Elmaghrabi Mohamed E. , Dunne Theresa , Hussainey Khaled
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The study focuses on all nonfinancial companies representing four Gulf countries namely: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar. It provides a comparative analysis of the extent of Integrated Reporting practices amongst 217 listed companies in 2013 and 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises all nonfinancial companies listed on the respective stock markets. An integrated reporting index comprising 43 items was developed based on a review of the extant literature and the IIRC framework. A descriptive analysis follows which explores the extent of integrated reporting amongst the sample companies.

Findings

The results indicate that the Integrated Reporting is still in an embryonic stage with companies listed on the UAE and Saudi Arabia stock exchanges taking the lead. The results show great variation amongst the surveyed companies which could reflect the voluntary nature of IR practices and the absence of a universally‐recognised framework that guides such practices, resulting in companies having discretion in terms of the nature and extent of their IR practices.

Practical Implications

This paper provides evidence from the Gulf region with respect to the extent of integrated reporting practiced there, as the majority of prior studies focus on countries with developed capital markets. The results presented in this paper should therefore be of interest to regulators and standard‐setters charged with developing accounting standards related to integrated reporting.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first study to investigate IR practices in the Middle East and North Africa region, so it could be regarded as an important step in understanding how this area of research is moving forward in developing countries context and should provide a springboard for future research in this area.
Shareholders' environmental profile and its impact on firm's environmental proactivity: An institutional approach
Authors: Bueno‐Garcia Manuel , Ortiz‐Perez Alejandro , Mellado‐Garcia Elena
Published: September 2020

Theorists and practitioners still argue about different shareholders' environmental preferences. Drawing on various processes of institutional theory such as deinstitutionalization and defensive institutionalism, we test the differences between foreign and national shareholders' influences on firms' environmental proactivity. Specifically, we focus on the country of origin of the dominant shareholders and the environmental culture of the countries of origin of the shareholders. Using unbalanced panel data from between 2006 and 2017, which includes 12,527 observations of 1532 different firms from 11 economic sectors and across 23 countries, our results show that foreign shareholders are more prone to modifying existing environmental practices, whereas national shareholders may accept them, despite being reluctant to implement such changes. We make a contribution by showing that the deinstitutionalization forces coming from foreign shareholders are stronger than the defensive institutionalism efforts of national shareholders. However, such forces are not always the best options for sustainability.
Seasonal variation in U.S. hospitalizations for chronic limb‐threatening ischemia
Authors: Altin S. Elissa , Kim Yeunjung G. , Aronow Herbert D. , Armstrong Ehrin J. , Goldsweig Andrew M. , Dardik Alan , Lanksy Alexandra J. , Mena‐Hurtado Carlos I. , Abbott J. Dawn
Published: September 2020

Background

Seasonal variation in coronary artery disease is well described, with a peak in the winter and a trough in the summer. However, little is known about seasonal trends in hospital admission for critical limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) and associated outcomes.

Methods

Patients admitted with CLTI from January 1, 2012 through August 31, 2015 were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample based upon administrative claims diagnosis codes. The primary outcome was seasonal hospitalization incidence, and secondary outcomes included mortality rates and rates of in‐hospital major and minor amputations among nondiabetics and diabetics.

Results

Of 1,276,745 hospitalizations for CLTI during the study period, 28.3% occurred in the spring, the peak admission season, and 19.1% occurred in the fall, the nadir. In‐hospital mortality was highest during the winter (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.14), and followed the highest seasonal rates of influenza in the fall; however, other important comorbidities did not differ significantly by season. For the overall cohort, there was no significant seasonal variation in rates of major or minor amputation, although seasonal rates were different according to diabetic status. Patients without diabetes had the highest odds of amputation in the spring (OR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02–1.12), although this trend was not identified among patients with diabetes.

Conclusions

There is significant seasonal variability in CLTI admissions and mortality but minimal variability in amputation rates. Understanding the seasonal variation in CLTI may help to identify individuals at greatest risk for hospitalization and death through patient and provider education efforts.
Effect of agronomic management on rice grain quality Part I: A review of Australian practices
Authors: Wood Rachael Maree , Waters Daniel L. E. , Mawson Andrew John , Blanchard Christopher L. , Dunn Brian W. , Oli Prakash
Published: September 2020

Crop yield dominates rice (Oryza sativa L.) industry research; however, it is grain quality that dictates the value and market acceptance of rice. Key parameters of rice grain quality include physical appearance, amenability to processing and the cooking and sensory properties. In Australia, rice farmers who do not meet defined high‐quality standards receive discounts to their payments. Consequently, even with high yields, poor grain quality can negatively impact grower returns. Despite the financial consequences, the quality of Australian grown rice is highly variable, because unfortunately, the underlying causes are poorly understood. The identification of genetic markers for specific traits largely dominates rice grain quality research, while research regarding the effect of crop management practices on grain quality is relatively sparse and generally lacks an Australian focus. Prior research that has assessed the effect of crop management practices on grain quality tends to focus primarily on milling quality and neglect the physicochemical and cooking properties. This review outlines the current state of knowledge of the role nutritional management, irrigation protocols, planting density, and the interaction with genotype and environment on rice grain quality. The review highlights the uniqueness of Australian management practices and that there is a need for future research to understand the impact of agronomic practices on rice grain quality in Australia. Understanding how each cultivar interacts with agronomic practices can help reduce the variability found within rice crops.
Facial nerve paralysis caused by a T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Nachtsheim Lisa , Wittersheim Maike , Kreissl Stefanie , Klussmann Jens Peter , Grosheva Maria
Published: September 2020

Key Clinical Message

Facial nerve paralysis due to the infiltration by a lymphoma is rare and the prognosis remains poor. If perineural spread and meningeosis are suspected, quick interdisciplinary diagnostic work‐up is recommended. It should include magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy of the lesion, bone marrow biopsy, and lumbar puncture. Therapy should be initiated immediately.
A rare case of dual expression of CD5 and CD10 in primary central nervous system diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with prominent starry sky appearance
Authors: McCorkle Colin , Graffeo Vincent
Published: September 2020

This case highlights the need for both tissue biopsy for diagnosis in suspected CNS malignancy and comprehensive immune profiling for accurate subclassification.
Envelopes: A new chapter in partial least squares regression
Authors: Cook R. Dennis , Forzani Liliana
Published: September 2020

We describe and elaborate on foundations that connect partial least squares regression with recently developed envelope theory and methodology. These foundations explain why PLS regression can work well in high‐dimensional regressions where the number of predictors exceeds the number of observations and set it apart from other predictive methodologies. We hope that our foundational perspective will stimulate cross‐fertilization between statistics and chemometrics, leading eventually to important methodological advancements.
Preparative separation of nebivolol isomers by improved throughput reverse phase tandem two column chromatography
Authors: Ingle Umesh , Lali Arvind
Published: September 2020

Development of preparative methods for the isolation of chiral molecules has been considered challenging by conventional unit operations due to their identical physical and chemical properties. This has evolved chiral stationary phases for the separation of chiral components using chromatography technique. However, separation method using chiral adsorbents requires high pressure, are expensive, and have low productivity. Generation of bulk quantities purified nebivolols using the available high pressure chiral separation methods is impractical and operating cost‐intensive. Thus, there is a need to develop economical methods using nonchiral adsorbents for the purification of nebivolols or similar active ingredients. The present work demonstrates a unique and scalable tandem two‐column method for the separation of isomers of nebivolol using inexpensive reverse phase adsorbents. The first column of the scheme causes removal of charged and nonisomeric impurities whereas tandem operation of second column increases resolution of d‐nebivolol and l‐nebivolol. The maximization of separation due to tandem operation of second column causes enhancement of the throughput of the process. The developed preparative process produces >98% purity of both d‐nebivolol and l‐nebivolol with overall loading capacity of 56 g (L of adsorbent)−1 and productivity of 20 g L−1 day−1.
The Real Structure of Pd(OAc)2 in Various Solvents†
Authors: Zhang Dongchao , Yang Dali , Wang Shengchun , Zeng Li , Xin Jie , Zhang Heng , Lei Aiwen
Published: September 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Pd(OAc)2 is an extensively utilized palladium source in the palladium initiated transformations either directly or as a catalyst precursor. However, the comprehension of the real structure of Pd(OAc)2 in solution is still vague. In this work, the structure of palladium acetate in solution was studied in detail by using X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that monomer is the main form for Pd(OAc)2 in the solution of 1,4‐dioxane, N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA), N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME), MeCN and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). In addition, Pd(II) could be reduced to Pd(0) in ethanol solution. The structural information in this research will benefit the understanding of the mechanism of Pd(OAc)2 involved organic reactions.
A negative T‐wave in electrocardiogram at 50 years predicted lifetime mortality in a random population‐based cohort
Authors: Sjöland Helen , Fu Michael , Caidahl Kenneth , Hansson Per‐Olof
Published: September 2020

Background

Severe electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects correlate with cardiovascular risk.

Hypothesis

The role of minor ECG abnormalities is less well‐known. We evaluated the association between a negative T‐wave and mortality, as a possible marker for prognosis.

Methods

A prospective, population‐based cohort, examined at 50 years, and followed until death. Time to death (event rates) and predictive role of a negative T‐wave (Cox regression) were analyzed.

Results

Participants (n = 839) with a negative T‐wave (7.3%) had significantly higher blood pressure (BP) (mean systolic 157.9 mmHg vs 136.8 mmHg without negative T‐wave, P = <.0001). A negative T‐wave correlated with elevated risk (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI] [confidence interval]) for all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) death (1.59 (1.20‐2.11) P = .0012 vs 1.91 (1.34‐2.73) P = .0004). The association remained after excluding coexisting Q/QS patterns and ST‐junction/segment depression ECG abnormalities (1.66 [1.13‐2.44] P = .0098 for all‐cause vs 1.87 [1.13‐3.09] P = .015 for CV death). Death from other causes was not associated with a negative T‐wave. A major negative T‐wave carried higher risk than a minor (2.17 [1.25‐3.76] P = .0062 vs 1.78 [1.13‐2.79] P = .012) for CV death.

Conclusion

A negative T‐wave at 50 years, in asymptomatic individuals, carried an increased risk of all‐cause and CV death during lifetime follow‐up.