bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of work values upon the potential economic behavior of students in Vladimir city
Authors: Sokolova Marina Vladimirovna , Golubkina Tat'yana Mikhailovna , Petrosyan Dmitrii Il'ich
Published: August 2020

The subject of this research is the work values of students of higher and specializes secondary educational establishments in Vladimir city, and their impact upon the potential economic behavior of youth. Online questionnaire-based survey of the students of a regional center, conducted via clusters election in accordance with quota sampling, comprised the empirical base for this research. Special attention is paid to the priority spheres of employment, students’ representation on worthy pay rate, impact of the type of work motivation upon the choice of the key life aspirations of young people. The main conclusion of the conducted research consists in the statement that the achievable orientations prevail within the work values of students. Young people are targeted towards high salary, career growth, and professional fulfillment. For increasing the level of personal wellbeing, they are willing to work harder. The presence of favorable conditions at work, as well as job in their degree field, are the secondary factors. Entrepreneurship, work in government authorities and administration, and enforcement agencies are the preferred spheres of activity. The authors’ special contribution consists in determination of the dependence between different type of motivation and work values of the youth.
Reform of the government structure of Russia in the framework documents of political parties (based on the materials of electoral campaigns of 2011 and 2016)
Authors: Timshina Ekaterina Leonidovna
Published: August 2020

Currently, the question of transformation of government institutions, including through the change of Constitution, is of primary importance on the political agenda. The subject of this research is the proposals of political parties on modernization of state structure and reform of the federal branches of government. The object of this research is the election programs of political parties on the elections to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in 2011 and 2016. The author examines the ideas of party actors regarding modernization in the sphere of public administration, attitude of the parties towards modification of powers of the federal branches of government, relationship format between the center and the federal subjects, strengthening of social control over government. Despite the critical approach of political parties, they did not suggest any integrated projects on modernization of the system, but rather expressed disparate opinion. Part of the proposals pertinent to the reforms of public administration were of populist nature and did not have a mechanism for their implementation. Most specific and realizable initiatives were associated with restoration of the previously existing norms. The parties made various proposals on the question problem of administrative and territorial structure of the country, demonstrating a range of approaches from strong decentralization to unitary state. It is assumed that the question of modernization of state structure will remain on the agenda in the next electoral cycle. However, the integrated approach most likely will not be demonstrated. Reforms of the Federal Assembly and judicial system will continue to be the key vectors of political discourse.
Contribution of Franz Joseph Gall in the establishment of criminal anthropology. Part I. Teaching on Localization of Brain Function
Authors: Bakharev Dmitry Vadimovich
Published: August 2020

This article represents a brief overview of the teaching of Austrian medical scholar and natural scientist Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828) on human anthropology and psychology. Soviet science viewed Gall as a creator of pseudoscience of phrenology, although in prerevolutionary period, he received mostly complimentary assessment. For example, the prominent Russian criminalist D. A. Dril called Gall a “father of criminal anthropology”. In order to determine the objectivity of such assessments, the author attempted to distill the essence of Gall’s doctrine and assess his conclusions regarding the formation of such branch of criminology as criminal anthropology. The research methodology is based on the analysis of monograph works of F. J. Gall and subsequent summarization of the key theses of psychophysiological doctrine of Austrian scholar. In his works, Gall substantiated the ides that the moral qualities and intellectual abilities are innate, and their manifestation depends on the organization of the brain, which is the organ of all propensities and aptitudes. In his opinion, different parts of brain are responsible for completely different functions. The author concludes that the widespread in Soviet science interpretation of the role of Gall in the area of phrenology is inadequate to reality. Firstly, Gall never attributed any special merits to himself pertaining to studying connection between the form of human skull and peculiarities of his psyche and intellect; and secondly, not disputing the existence of such connection, he however, did not establish any strong patterns.
Legal nature of mergers and acquisitions: a comparative legal research
Authors: Abrosimov Dmitrii Aleksandrovich
Published: August 2020

The subject of this article is the approaches towards legal nature of mergers and acquisitions. The goal consists in determination of the role of this phenomenon among the established within national legal system forms of organization of legal entities. Alongside the general scientific methods, the author also applies the methods of materialistic philosophy and formal logics, as well as interpretation and comparative jurisprudence. A conclusion is made that the characteristics of mergers and acquisitions exceptionally through the national forms of reorganization appears to be inadequate for determination of the role of this phenomenon. The article analyzes not only the doctrinal works, but also the provisions of foreign legislation that can be useful for the Russian Federation. Reference to the context of civil legal literature, as well as consideration of logical-philosophical, theoretical-legal and civil-legal representations allowed demonstrating an original view upon the subject in question, propose the grounds for substantiation or stipulation such construct. The main conclusion of the conducted research is the fact that the established in Russia understanding of reorganization cannot qualify for the methodological foundation for the more complete mergers and acquisitions. The analysis of foreign experience demonstrates that the common for Russia forms of reorganization can be regulated similarly to other phenomena, which has never been recognized as reorganization in Russia. The obtained results may be used in legislative and expert activity, as well as further theoretical and legal research.
To the questions of euthanasia in the BRICS countries: legal and moral-ethical framework in Brazil, Russia and China
Authors: Belikova Ksenia Michailovna
Published: August 2020

The subject of this research is the legal and moral-ethical framework of euthanasia (“a good death”) in such BRICS countries as Brazil, Russia and China from the perspective of analysis of the current regulatory and other acts and documents, doctrine, opinions of legal and medical experts, who provide pros and cons of such measure as euthanasia. The raised questions are viewed and analyzed from the position of an alternative to the previously researched aspects of therapeutic cloning, bioprinting (3D printing), growing organs and tissue that are developed and implemented in the context of the idea “No One Should Die”. The scientific novelty of this work is substantiated by articulation of the problem (examination from the perspective of law and moral-ethical perceptions), choice of countries (BRICS member-states), and analysis of the most recent materials (for example, Law of the People's Republic of China “On Basic Healthcare and Health Promotion” passed on December 28, 2019 (effected on June 1, 2020); Resolution of the Ministry of Health of Brazil of October 31, 2018 No.41 “On Recommendation for Organization of Palliative Care within the framework of Help Provided Through Unified Healthcare System”), and earlier, but also relevant acts and documents (Law of the Russian Federation of November 21, 2011 No. 323-FZ “On the Basis of Health Protection of Citizens in the Russian Federation”, amended on April 34, 2020, etc.). A conclusion is made that euthanasia could be only active and voluntary, when a decision is made by a person with incurable disease, of sound mind, who comprehends the actions and their consequences.
Regionalization and “new” regionalism
Authors: Butenko Vladyslav , Mohammadi Shoayb
Published: August 2020

This article is dedicated to the question of regionalization. The authors note that regions begin to play a more important role in the local and global political processes. Special attention is given to the “old” and “new” regionalism. The application of comparative method alongside the method of analysis and synthesis allowed determining the characteristic features of the two types of regionalism. If the “old” regionalism suggests a complicated system of relationships on different levels, partial transfer of state sovereignty, the peculiarities of “new” regionalism include the rejection of bureaucratic supranational institutions, equality of participants, and opportunity to be a member of other organizations. The article also describes the attributed to Russian and Near Eastern regionalisms. The problem of choosing the model of Russian regionalism is determined by the need for development of such value within the political culture as federalism. Despite repeated attempts, Near Eastern regionalism remains underdeveloped, which is substantiated by the simmering conflicts, ongoing wars, as well as external interference to the domestic affairs of other states. The scientific novelty consists in the comprehensive coverage of theoretical aspects of regionalism and comparison of its types. The authors conclude that the potential of “new” regionalism should be used for settlement the issues of regional (growing into global) character.
Plasticity and evolutionary convergence in the locomotor skeleton of Greater Antillean Anolis lizards
Authors: Feiner Nathalie , Jackson Illiam SC , Munch Kirke L , Radersma Reinder , Uller Tobias
Published: August 2020

Plasticity can put evolution on repeat if development causes species to generate similar morphologies in similar environments.Anolislizards offer the opportunity to put this role of developmental plasticity to the test. Following colonization of the four Greater Antillean islands,Anolislizards independently and repeatedly evolved six ecomorphs adapted to manoeuvring different microhabitats. By quantifying the morphology of the locomotor skeleton of 95 species, we demonstrate that ecomorphs on different islands have diverged along similar trajectories. However, microhabitat-induced morphological plasticity differed between species and did not consistently improve individual locomotor performance. Consistent with this decoupling between morphological plasticity and locomotor performance, highly plastic features did not show greater evolvability, and plastic responses to microhabitat were poorly aligned with evolutionary divergence between ecomorphs. The locomotor skeleton ofAnolismay have evolved within a subset of possible morphologies that are highly accessible through genetic change, enabling adaptive convergence independently of plasticity.
Atypical meiosis can be adaptive in outcrossed Schizosaccharomyces pombe due to wtf meiotic drivers
Authors: Bravo Núñez María Angélica , Sabbarini Ibrahim M , Eide Lauren E , Unckless Robert L , Zanders Sarah E
Published: August 2020

Killer meiotic drivers are genetic parasites that destroy ‘sibling’ gametes lacking the driver allele. The fitness costs of drive can lead to selection of unlinked suppressors. This suppression could involve evolutionary tradeoffs that compromise gametogenesis and contribute to infertility.Schizosaccharomyces pombe, an organism containing numerous gamete (spore)-killingwtfdrivers, offers a tractable system to test this hypothesis. Here, we demonstrate that in scenarios analogous to outcrossing,wtfdrivers generate a fitness landscape in which atypical spores, such as aneuploids and diploids, are advantageous. In this context,wtfdrivers can decrease the fitness costs of mutations that disrupt meiotic fidelity and, in some circumstances, can even make such mutations beneficial. Moreover, we find thatS. pombeisolates vary greatly in their ability to make haploid spores, with some isolates generating up to 46% aneuploid or diploid spores. This work empirically demonstrates the potential for meiotic drivers to shape the evolution of gametogenesis.
Vegetation influences soil properties along riparian zones of the Beijiang River in Southern China
Authors: Zhao Qinghe , Ding Shengyan , Liu Qian , Wang Shuoqian , Jing Yaru , Lu Mengwen
Published: August 2020

Riparian soils and vegetation are important factors influencing the biodiversity and biogeochemical processes of river ecosystems. Riparian soils and vegetation form the foundation for multiple ecosystem services provided by river ecosystems. However, it remains poorly understood how riparian soils and vegetation interact with one another to maintain these services. In this study, we sampled four common types of riparian vegetation associated with the Beijiang River in South China. These included forestland, bamboo forest, mixed forest, and grassland ecosystems. Specifically, we analyzed the spatial distribution of riparian soils and their response to environmental factors (i.e., coverage and height of trees, shrubs and grass, distance to river, and altitude). Our results indicate that soil properties in riparian zones were affected significantly by vegetation type. In particular, clay content, soil organic carbon, and nitrate nitrogen content were significantly correlated with vegetation type. In contrast, changes in soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus content were not associated with vegetation type. Moreover, soil physical and chemical properties interacted with one an other, as well as with vegetation characteristics. This was indicated by the significant correlation observed between soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and soil texture, with structural characteristics of the four vegetation types. We also found that height and cover of trees and shrubs were significantly correlated with soil chemical properties. However, the effects of topographic variables such as altitude and distance to river were not significant. Results from this study can thus provide a basis for the ecological restoration and land management of degraded iparian zones.
A IDEOLOGIA NEOLIBERAL: UM ESTUDO SOBRE O NEOLIBERALISMO BRASILEIRO A PARTIR DAS ANÁLISES DE IDADE E RENDA NA ELEIÇÃO DE 2002
Authors: De Oliveira Thiago Prestes
Published: August 2020

Nesse trabalho analisamos o pensamento político e econômico da população brasileira nas eleições realizadas no ano de 2002. Essa etapa foi um importante período de transição na nossa política, com a vitória do ex-presidente Lula nas eleições daquele ano, o Brasil passou de um modelo econômico neoliberal, com o Fernando Henrique Cardoso, para um modelo mais à esquerda, de conciliação de classes. Para dar sentido à proposta do trabalho e ao objeto de pesquisa, contextualizamos a ideologia política do período histórico estudado, tanto no aspecto mundial, quanto nacional. Usamos como referencial teórico principalmente as ideias de Perry Anderson (1995), para tratar do conceito de neoliberalismo, e Althusser (1969) para o conceito de neoliberalismo enquanto ideologia. Para a análise, utilizamos como variáveis independentes a idade e a renda dos entrevistados, e cruzamos com intenção de voto do entrevistado para presidente. Também consideramos questões socioeconômicas, como previdência social e impostos, levando em conta a propaganda midiática realizada no período pelos governos e os meios de comunicação, bem como a utilização de exemplos políticos, econômicos e ideológicos mundiais ocorridos durante as últimas décadas do século XX. Concluímos que esses acontecimentos tiveram influência significativa sobre a população brasileira, considerando principalmente sobre os jovens e a classe média.
CINEMA E UTOPIA: UMA ESPERANÇA POSSÍVEL PARA A AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Filho Cláudio Almeida Silva
Published: August 2020

O livro escrito por Bruno Vilas Boas Bispo analisa a trilogia da Batalha do Chile do cineasta Patrício Guzmán buscando compreender as representações utópicas presentes nos filmes. Através das imagens fílmicas o autor tem como horizonte a investigação dos elementos de utopia da realidade chilena expressas pela obra cinematográfica, a qual destaca o processo do governo de Salvador Allende na década de 1970. Dividido em quatro partes: Introdução; Cinema e realidade Social; A esperança enquanto perspectiva de construção de mundo; A batalha do Chile: a luta de um povo sem armas o livro destaca ao longo da sua análise dois elementos centrais, primeiro, a relação da arte com a sociedade e a sua potência de representar à objetividade, segundo, a capacidade que o cinema possui de viabilizar narrativas utópicas.
Beam characteristics of the first clinical 360° rotational single gantry room scanning pencil beam proton treatment system and comparisons against a multi‐room system
Authors: Shang Charles , Evans Grant , Rahman Mushfiqur , Lin Liyong
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to present the proton beam characteristics of the first clinical single‐room ProBeam Compact™ proton therapy system (SRPT) and comparison against multi‐room ProBeam™ system (MRPT).

Materials and Methods

A newly designed SRPT with proton beam energies ranging from 70 to 220 MeV was commissioned in late 2019. Integrated depth doses (IDDs) were scanned using 81.6 mm diameter Bragg peak chambers and normalized by outputs at 15 mm WET and 1.1 RBE offset, following the methodology of TRS 398. The in‐air beam spot profiles were acquired by a planar scintillation device, respectively, at ISO, upper and down streams, fitted with single Gaussian distribution for beam modeling in Eclipse v15.6. The field size effect was adjusted for the best overall accuracy of clinically relevant field QAs. The halo effects at near surface were quantified by a pinpoint ionization chamber. Its major dosimetric characteristics were compared against MRPT comparable beam dataset.

Results

Contrast to MRPT, an increased proton straggling in the Bragg peak region was found with widened beam distal falloffs and elevated proximal transmission dose values. Integrated depth doses showed 0.105–0.221 MeV (energy sigma) or 0.30–0.94 mm broader Bragg peak widths (Rb80–Ra80) for 130 MeV or higher energy beams and up to 0.48–0.79 mm extended distal falloffs (Rb20–Rb80). Minor differences were identified in beam spot sizes, spot divergences, proton particles/MU, and field size output effects. High passing scores are reported for independent end‐to‐end dosimetry checks by IROC and for initial 108 field‐specific QAs at 3%/3 mm Gamma index with fields regardless with or without range shifters.

Conclusions

The author highlighted the dosimetry differences in IDDs mainly caused by the shortened beam transport system of SRPT, for which new acceptance criteria were adapted. This report offers a unique reference for future commissioning, beam modeling, planning, and analysis of QA and clinical studies.
Elevated matrix metalloproteinase‐9 levels in neuronal extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gu Dongmei , Liu Fang , Meng Meng , Zhang Liling , Gordon Marc L. , Wang Ying , Cai Li , Zhang Nan
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate plasma neuronally derived extracellular vesicle (NDEV) levels of core pathological markers [amyloid‐β (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau] and inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

Thirty‐one patients with AD and 15 cognitively normal controls (NCs) were recruited. The diagnosis of AD was supported by fluorodeoxyglucose and Pittsburgh Compound‐B PET scans. Plasma extracellular vesicles were extracted, precipitated, and enriched for neuronal source by anti‐L1CAM antibody absorption. Levels of Aβ42, P‐T181‐tau, P‐S396‐tau, IL‐6, and MMP‐9 in plasma NDEVs were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Aβ42, P‐T181‐tau, and MMP‐9 levels in plasma NDEVs were significantly higher in patients with AD than NCs. However, P‐S396‐tau and IL‐6 levels in plasma NDEVs did not differ between AD patients and NCs. Moreover, there was no correlation between any of these biomarker levels and cognitive function as measured with Mini‐Mental State Examination in patients with AD.

Conclusions

These findings provide further support that levels of core pathological markers, including Aβ42 and P‐T181‐tau, are elevated in plasma NDEVs of patients with AD. Furthermore, MMP‐9 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, and is a promising inflammatory biomarker for AD.
Characterization of the Tensile Behavior of Expanded Polystyrene Foam as a Function of Density and Strain Rate
Authors: Zouzias Dimitris , De Bruyne Guido , Miralbes Ramon , Ivens Jan
Published: August 2020

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is a material, frequently used in a range of applications for its good energy absorption, thermal insulation, durability, and acoustic absorption. In this wide range of applications, the material undergoes a variety of loads that can extend from static to dynamic. When it comes to crush applications, these loading profiles create the need of well‐defined compression and tensile properties for a range of densities and strain rates. Herein, static and dynamic tension tests are conducted on EPS foam dog‐bone samples for material characterization. The target of the study is to obtain stress–strain curves for a range of densities spreading from 60 to 120 g L−1. For the low‐strain rates, tensile testing machines are used, whereas for the high‐strain rates, a modified drop tower set‐up is used. The influence of the strain rate on the stress–strain behavior, the dynamic strength, Young's modulus, and energy absorption capacities for different foam densities is measured. Furthermore, the experimental results for each density are compared with the predictions of Avalle's model for crushable foams to evaluate the validity of the model. The quality of fit obtained between experimental and theoretical is between 70% and 97% depending on the strain rate.
Inverse Solidification Induced by Active Janus Particles
Authors: Huang Tao , Misko Vyacheslav R. , Gobeil Sophie , Wang Xu , Nori Franco , Schütt Julian , Fassbender Jürgen , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Makarov Denys , Baraban Larysa
Published: August 2020

Crystals melt when thermal excitations or the concentration of defects in the lattice is sufficiently high. Upon melting, the crystalline long‐range order vanishes, turning the solid to a fluid. In contrast to this classical scenario of solid melting, here a counter‐intuitive behavior of the occurrence of crystalline long‐range order in an initially disordered matrix is demonstrated. This unusual solidification is demonstrated in a system of passive colloidal particles accommodating chemically active defects—photocatalytic Janus particles. The observed crystallization occurs when the amount of active‐defect‐induced fluctuations (which is the measure of the effective temperature) reaches critical value. The driving mechanism behind this unusual behavior is purely internal and resembles a blast‐induced solidification. Here, the role of “internal micro‐blasts” is played by the photochemical activity of defects residing in the colloidal matrix. The defect‐induced solidification occurs under non‐equilibrium conditions: the resulting solid exists as long as a constant supply of energy in the form of ion flow is provided by the catalytic photochemical reaction at the surface of active Janus particle defects. The findings could be useful for the understanding of the phase transitions of matter under extreme conditions far from thermodynamic equilibrium.
An Ultrastable Nonaqueous Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitor
Authors: Chen Maoxin , Wang Lei , Sheng Xinghao , Wang Tao , Zhou Jian , Li Shengyang , Shen Xiaohua , Zhang Meng , Zhang Qiusheng , Yu Xinzhi , Zhu Jian , Lu Bingan
Published: August 2020

Potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) show great potential in large‐scale energy storage due to the advantages of electrochemical capacitors and potassium‐ion batteries. However, their development remains at the preliminary stage and is mainly limited by the kinetic imbalance between the two electrodes. Herein, an architecture of NbSe2 nanosheets embedded in N, Se co‐doped carbon nanofibers (NbSe2/NSeCNFs) as flexible, free‐standing, and binder‐free anodes for PIHCs is reported. The NbSe2/NSeCNFs with hierarchically porous structure and N, Se co‐doping afford highly efficient channels for fast transportation of potassium ions and electrons during repeated cycling process. Furthermore, excellent electrochemical reversibility of the NbSe2/NSeCNFs electrode is demonstrated through in situ XRD, in situ Raman, ex situ transmission electron microscopy and element mapping. Thus, PIHCs with the NbSe2/NSeCNFs anode and active carbon cathode achieve a high energy of 145 W h kg−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1, as well as an ultra‐long cycle life of over 10 000 cycles at a high current density of 2 A g−1. These results indicate that the assembled PIHCs display great potential for applications in the field of ultra‐long cycling energy storage devices.
A Cost‐Effective, Aqueous‐Solution‐Processed Cathode Interlayer Based on Organosilica Nanodots for Highly Efficient and Stable Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Cui Mengqi , Li Dan , Du Xiaoyan , Li Na , Rong Qikun , Li Ning , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu , Wang Xinghua , Brabec Christoph J. , Nian Li
Published: August 2020

The performance and industrial viability of organic photovoltaics are strongly influenced by the functionality and stability of interface layers. Many of the interface materials most commonly used in the lab are limited in their operational stability or their materials cost and are frequently not transferred toward large‐scale production and industrial applications. In this work, an advanced aqueous‐solution‐processed cathode interface layer is demonstrated based on cost‐effective organosilica nanodots (OSiNDs) synthesized via a simple one‐step hydrothermal reaction. Compared to the interface layers optimized for inverted organic solar cells (i‐OSCs), the OSiNDs cathode interlayer shows improved charge carrier extraction and excellent operational stability for various model photoactive systems, achieving a remarkably high power conversion efficiency up to 17.15%. More importantly, the OSiNDs’ interlayer is extremely stable under thermal stress or photoillumination (UV and AM 1.5G) and undergoes no photochemical reaction with the photoactive materials used. As a result, the operational stability of inverted OSCs under continuous 1 sun illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2) is significantly improved by replacing the commonly used ZnO interlayer with OSiND‐based interfaces.
Smart Biopolymer‐Based Multi‐Layers Enable Consecutive Drug Release Events on Demand
Authors: Kimna Ceren , Winkeljann Benjamin , Song Jian , Lieleg Oliver
Published: August 2020

All implantation surgeries carry the risk of immediate or recurring infections at the surgical site. To combat this problem, employing implant coatings can be a useful strategy. A multi‐layered surface coating that actively responds to two different physiological stimuli with the liberation of two independent drug doses is presented here; the first dose is supposed to overcome an immediate inflammation caused by a contamination of the surgical site whereas the second dose may treat recurring infections. To make this possible, the strategy combines thermoresponsive liposomes with sacrificial layers and a transient condensation of biopolymer layers. Moreover, when the release is completed, the remaining surface coating provides beneficial long‐term properties such as improved lubricity. Due to its high specificity toward the two release triggers, its good loading capacity, and excellent release efficiency, the mechanism presented here may pave the way toward the development of a new generation of smart implant coatings that can autonomously combat two temporally separated infection events.
Electrochemically Enabled Intramolecular and Intermolecular Annulations of Alkynes
Authors: Sun Kai , Lei Jia , Liu Yingjie , Liu Bing , Chen Ning
Published: August 2020

Electrosynthesis is recognized as one of the most powerful and sustainable methods in organic chemistry. Recently, electrochemically enabled annulations of carbon‐carbon triple bonds have been successfully achieved, and have broadened prospects for the application of the emerging method with cyclization of alkynes. Thus, herein we outline the recent progress made on electrochemically enabled annulations of alkynes. In addition, an emphasis on the scope, limitations and the mechanisms of these reactions is made in this review.

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Water Soluble Cationic Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT‐N as a Versatile Conducting Polymer for Bioelectronics
Authors: Minudri Daniela , Mantione Daniele , Dominguez‐Alfaro Antonio , Moya Sergio , Maza Eliana , Bellacanzone Christian , Antognazza Maria Rosa , Mecerreyes David
Published: August 2020

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is the most popular conducting polymer in the emerging field of bioelectronics. Besides its excellent properties and commercial availability, its success is due to the aqueous processability of its anionically stabilized solutions or dispersions. In this work, a water soluble version of PEDOT is shown, which is cationically stabilized. This work reports the chemical oxidative (co)polymerization of EDOT‐ammonium derivative leading to PEDOT‐N (co)polymers. PEDOT‐N shows the typical features of PEDOT such as UV absorbance, bipolaron band, electrical conductivity, electrochemical behavior, and film formation ability. Furthermore, the PEDOT‐N films show good biocompatibility in the presence of the human embryonic kidney‐293 cell line. The water solubility of PEDOT‐N and its cationic nature allows its processability in the form of thin films obtained by the layer‐by‐layer technique or as conducting hydrogels.
Belowground biomass decomposition is driven by chemical composition in subtropical pastures and native rangelands
Authors: Kohmann Marta M. , Silveira Maria L. , Brandani Carolina B. , Aukema Kacey
Published: August 2020

Litter decomposition, particularly from belowground pools, is a key process controlling the flow of nutrients and the sustainability of native and cultivated grazinglands. This study evaluated in situ belowground decomposition of saw‐palmetto (Serenoa repens [W. Bartram] Small) and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge; BG), which corresponded to the predominant plant species in native and cultivated pastures in the southeastern United States. Belowground biomass decomposition (180 d) was estimated using the litterbag technique during the summer and winter. Season showed no effect on belowground decomposition. Decomposition followed a double exponential model (P ≤ .01) and was greater for BG than for native rangeland (NR) (−0.0008 and −0.0001 g g−1 d−1, respectively; P = .0035), resulting in less remaining material at the end of incubation for BG (74% compared with 93% for NR; P ≤ .002). Greater decomposition in BG occurred due to more favorable chemical composition than NR, namely greater initial N concentration (17 and 8 g kg−1 organic matter for BG and NR, respectively) and lower initial C/N ratio (29 and 65 for BG and NR, respectively), lignin/N ratio (13 and 54 for BG and NR, respectively), and C/P ratio (407 and 1,327 for BG and NR, respectively). Despite the differences in initial C/N ratios, remaining N was similar between BG and NR at end of incubation (96 and 84%, respectively; P = .3711). Land use intensification in grazinglands, in particular conversion of native rangelands to cultivated pastures, can have major impacts on belowground decomposition and on the biogeochemical cycle of nutrients in these ecosystems.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Tamoxifen and Analogues in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Tandon Nitin , Luxami Vijay , Tandon Runjhun , Paul Kamaldeep
Published: August 2020

Abstract: Tamoxifen is one of the important tricyclicethylene moieties and recognized as an important drug candidate because of extensive applications in the field of medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry. Recently, ample attention is given to this analogue by organic and medicinal chemistry community due to its successful utilization for the inhibition of estrogen receptor in MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines. Due to its structural character, tamoxifen is also useful in material chemistry. The synthesis of tamoxifen and its anlogues is desirable from easily available chemicals as an important drug candidate. Here, we report a review on various synthetic schemes for tamoxifen and its anlogues employing use of different strategies such as formation of C−C, C=C and C≡C bonds, C−H functionalization, addition to alkynes, insertion reaction, nucleophilic substitution and addition reactions, elimination reaction, reductive couplings etc.
Tackling challenges in care of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, now and in the future
Authors: Mok Vincent C.T. , Pendlebury Sarah , Wong Adrian , Alladi Suvarna , Au Lisa , Bath Philip M , Biessels Geert Jan , Chen Christopher , Cordonnier Charlotte , Dichgans Martin , Dominguez Jacqueline , Gorelick Philip B. , Kim SangYun , Kwok Timothy , Greenberg Steven M. , Jia Jianping , Kalaria Rajesh , Kivipelto Miia , Naegandran Kandiah , Lam Linda C.W. , Lam Bonnie Yin Ka , Lee Allen T.C. , Markus Hugh S. , O'Brien John , Pai Ming‐Chyi , Pantoni Leonardo , Sachdev Perminder , Skoog Ingmar , Smith Eric E. , Srikanth Velandai , Suh Guk‐Hee , Wardlaw Joanna , Ko Ho , Black Sandra E. , Scheltens Philip
Published: August 2020

We have provided an overview on the profound impact of COVID‐19 upon older people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and the challenges encountered in our management of dementia in different health‐care settings, including hospital, out‐patient, care homes, and the community during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We have also proposed a conceptual framework and practical suggestions for health‐care providers in tackling these challenges, which can also apply to the care of older people in general, with or without other neurological diseases, such as stroke or parkinsonism. We believe this review will provide strategic directions and set standards for health‐care leaders in dementia, including governmental bodies around the world in coordinating emergency response plans for protecting and caring for older people with dementia amid the COIVD‐19 outbreak, which is likely to continue at varying severity in different regions around the world in the medium term.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles: An Emerging Versatile Platform for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Xu Shuxin , Wang Lisheng , Liu Zhen
Published: August 2020

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are chemically synthesized affinity materials with tailor‐made binding cavities complementary to the template molecules in shape, size, and functionality. Recently, engineering MIP‐based nanomedicines to improve cancer therapy has become a rapidly growing field and future research direction. Because of the unique properties and functions of MIPs, MIP‐based nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) are not only alternatives to current nanomaterials for cancer therapy, but also hold the potential to fill gaps associated with biological ligand‐based nanomedicines, such as immunogenicity, stability, applicability, and economic viability. Here, we survey recent advances in the design and fabrication of nanoMIPs for cancer therapy and highlight their distinct features. In addition, how to use these features to achieve desired performance, including extended circulation, active targeting, controlled drug release and anti‐tumor efficacy, is discussed and summarized. We expect that this minireview will inspire more advanced studies in MIP‐based nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon‐Assisted One‐pot Tandem Reaction for Vinyl Chloride Production via Ethylene Oxychlorination
Authors: Ma Hongfei , Ma Guoyan , Qi Yanying , Wang Yalan , Chen Qingjun , Rout Kumar R. , Fuglerud Terje , Chen De
Published: August 2020

A bifunctional catalyst comprising CuCl2/Al2O3 and nitrogen‐doped carbon was developed for an efficient one‐pot ethylene oxychlorination process to produce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) up to 76 % yield at 250 °C and under ambient pressure, which is higher than the conventional industrial two‐step process (≈50 %) in a single pass. In the second bed, active sites containing N‐functional groups on the metal‐free N‐doped carbon catalyzed both ethylene oxychlorination and ethylene dichloride (EDC) dehydrochlorination under the mild conditions. Benefitting from the bifunctionality of the N‐doped carbon, VCM formation was intensified by the surface Cl*‐looping of EDC dehydrochlorination and ethylene oxychlorination. Both reactions were enhanced by in situ consumption of surface Cl* by oxychlorination, in which Cl* was generated by EDC dehydrochlorination. This work offers a promising alternative pathway to VCM production via ethylene oxychlorination at mild conditions through a single pass reactor.
Doped Zero‐Dimensional Cesium Zinc Halides for High‐Efficiency Blue Light Emission
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Feng Lu , Liu Yuefeng , Zheng Daoyuan , Sang Youbao , Zhao Wenyuan , Yang Yang , Yang Songqiu , Wei Donghui , Wang Guoxiong , Han Keli
Published: August 2020

All‐inorganic zero‐dimensional (0D) metal halides have recently received increasing attention due to their excellent photoluminescence (PL) performance and high stability. Herein, we present the successful doping of copper(I) into 0D Cs2ZnBr4. The incorporating of Cu+ cations enables the originally weakly luminescent Cs2ZnBr4 to exhibit an efficient blue emission centered at around 465 nm, with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 65.3 %. Detailed spectral characterizations, including ultrafast transient absorption (TA) techniques, were carried out to investigate the effect of Cu+ dopants and the origin of blue emission in Cs2ZnBr4:Cu. To further study the role of the A‐site cation and halogen, A2ZnCl4:Cu (A=Cs, Rb) were also synthesized and found to generate intense sky‐blue emission (PLQY≈73.1 %). This work represents an effective strategy for the development of environmentally friendly, low‐cost and high‐efficiency blue‐emitting 0D all‐inorganic metal halides.
Revealing the Magnesium‐Storage Mechanism in Mesoporous Bismuth via Spectroscopy and Ab‐Initio Simulations
Authors: Xu Xin , Chao Dongliang , Chen Biao , Liang Pei , Li Huan , Xie Fangxi , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: August 2020

We present mesoporous bismuth nanosheets as a model to study the charge‐storage mechanism of Mg/Bi systems in magnesium‐ion batteries (MIBs). Using a systematic spectroscopy investigation of combined synchrotron‐based operando X‐ray diffraction, near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure and Raman, we demonstrate a reversible two‐step alloying reaction mechanism Bi↔MgBi↔Mg3Bi2. Ab‐initio simulation methods disclose the formation of a MgBi intermediate and confirm its high electronic conductivity. This intermediate serves as a buffer for the significant volume expansion (204 %) and acts to regulate Mg storage kinetics. The mesoporous bismuth nanosheets, as an ideal material for the investigation of the Mg charge‐storage mechanism, effectively alleviate volume expansion and enable significant electrochemical performance in a lithium‐free electrolyte. These findings will benefit mechanistic understandings and advance material designs for MIBs.
Synthetische, C6‐funktionalisierte Aminoflavinkatalysatoren ermöglichen die aerobe Bromierung oxidationsanfälliger Substrate
Authors: Walter Alexandra , Storch Golo
Published: August 2020

Flavoenzyme katalysieren Oxidationsreaktionen mithilfe von Hydroperoxid‐Intermediaten, die durch Aktivierung von molekularem O2 gebildet werden. Diese Reaktionen, beispielsweise Hydroxylierung und Halogenierung, sind dabei von der zusätzlichen katalytischen Aktivität funktioneller Gruppen in der Peptidumgebung des Flavin‐Cofaktors abhängig. Wir stellen hier synthetische Flavinkatalysatoren vor, die C6‐Aminmodifikationen am Isoalloxazinkern aufweisen und somit Halogenierungen außerhalb der Peptidumgebung ermöglichen. Die Katalysatoren sind in der selektiven biomimetischen Bromierung von oxidationsanfälligen Phenolen, Flavonen und Flavanonen aktiv und benötigen ein Halogenidsalz zusammen mit 2,6‐Lutidiniumoxalat als Flavinreduktans sowie Bestrahlung mit sichtbarem Licht. Unsere Studien zeigen dabei den vorteilhaften Effekt gestapelter Bisflavine und die katalytische Aktivität der Flavinmodifikationen. Die entwickelten Flavinkatalysatoren übertreffen isoliertes natürliches (−)‐Riboflavin und tragen zu der fortlaufenden Suche nach maßgeschneiderten Flavinen für Oxidationsreaktionen bei.
An Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cell with Suppressed Defects by Employing Dithizone as a Lead Indicator
Authors: Hou Wenjing , Han Gaoyi , Ou Ting , Xiao Yaoming , Chen Qi
Published: August 2020

The defects in perovskite films are one of the most non‐negligible factors that can attenuate the performances of perovskite solar cell. This work fabricates defect‐reduced perovskite film by using the lead indicator (dithizone) as an additive of perovskite functional layer. The dithizone can retard the crystallization rate of perovskite films, passivate the defects, and enhance the structure stability of perovskite by coordinating with lead atoms. As a result, the device doped with dithizone yields outstanding power conversion efficiency and stability.
Synthetic C6‐Functionalized Aminoflavin Catalysts Enable Aerobic Bromination of Oxidation‐Prone Substrates
Authors: Walter Alexandra , Storch Golo
Published: August 2020

Flavoenzymes catalyze oxidations via hydroperoxide intermediates that result from activation of molecular O2. These reactions—such as hydroxylation and halogenation—depend on the additional catalytic activity of functional groups in the peptide environment of the flavin cofactor. We report synthetic flavin catalysts that contain C6 amino modifications at the isoalloxazine core and are consequently capable of mediating halogenations outside the peptide surrounding. The catalysts are competent in the selective, biomimetic bromination of oxidation‐prone phenols, flavones, and flavanones using a halide salt in combination with 2,6‐lutidinium oxalate as a flavin reductant under visible‐light irradiation. Our studies show the beneficial effect of stacked bisflavins as well as the catalytic activity of the flavin modifications. The designed flavin catalysts outperform isolated natural (−)‐riboflavin and contribute to the continuing search for tailored flavins in oxidation reactions.
Probe‐Free Direct Identification of Type I and Type II Photosensitized Oxidation Using Field‐Induced Droplet Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mu Chaonan , Wang Wei , Wang Jie , Gong Chu , Zhang Dongmei , Zhang Xinxing
Published: August 2020

While Type I and Type II photosensitizers are often carefully tailored to achieve their respective advantages in treating different cancers, the identifications of the Type I and II mechanisms as such, the key reaction intermediates, and the consequent oxidation products of the substrates have never been easy. Using our unique home‐built field‐induced droplet ionization mass spectrometry (FIDI‐MS) method that selectively samples molecules at the air–water interface, here we show the facile determination of both Type I and II mechanisms of a poster‐child photosensitizer, temoporfin, without the addition of any probes. The unstable doublet radical resulting from the hydrogen abstraction by the triplet temoporfin through the Type I mechanism is captured, manifesting the in situ advantage of FIDI‐MS. We anticipate that the method developed in this study can be widely utilized in the future designs of novel photosensitizers and the screening of their photosensitization mechanisms.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and catalytic activity of cis‐dioxidomolybdenum (VI) complexes with chiral tetradentate Schiff bases
Authors: Karman Marta , Romanowski Grzegorz
Published: August 2020

New chiral mononuclear cis‐dioxidomolybdenum (VI) complexes, MoO2L1–MoO2L10, with tetradentate Schiff bases derived from various substituted salicylaldehydes and 1S,2S‐(+)‐2‐amino‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1,3‐propanediol were synthesized. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, circular dichroism, electronic and IR spectroscopy. 1H NMR and also two‐dimensional (COSY, NOESY and gHSQC) NMR measurements made for MoO2L1–MoO2L10 complexes show that Schiff bases are coordinated to the MoO22+ cation, creating facial (fac) and meridional (mer) types of geometrical isomers. Moreover, catalytic activity studies were also performed for all complexes in asymmetric sulfoxidation of thioanisole and epoxidation of styrene, cyclohexene and two monoterpenes, i.e. S(−)‐limonene and (−)‐α‐pinene, using aqueous 30% H2O2 or tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as the oxygen source.
The preparation and thermomechanical properties of high‐temperature foams based on thermoplastic poly(phthalazinone ether ketone)
Authors: Yang Junyu , Shen Aaron , Velankar Sachin S.
Published: August 2020

Poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) is an amorphous thermoplastic polymer with a high glass transition temperature(Tg)exceeding 250°C. We describe the preparation of foams from PPEK and characterize their properties. PPEK foams were prepared using dichloromethane as a foaming agent. The foaming agent was swollen into discs of the PPEK, which were then foamed by heating. Foams could be prepared at temperatures far below theTgof the PPEK due to plasticization of the polymer by the foaming agent. Foams with densities ranging from 0.1 to 0.65 g/cm3were prepared. Their thermal conductivity and modulus (measured approximately by indentation tests) were found to decrease with density, and the trends were similar to those expected from existing models. The foams could be annealed at 200°C without collapse suggesting that they may be useful in structural or insulation applications where stability at high temperature is essential.
Evaluation of CO2‐philicity and thickening capability of multichain poly(ether‐carbonate) with assistance of molecular simulations
Authors: Chen Rui , Zheng Jieyuan , Ma Zhongzhu , Zhang Xianwei , Fan Hong , Bittencourt Carla
Published: August 2020

Phenyl‐centered tri‐chain poly(ether‐carbonate) (TMA‐PEC), phenyl‐centered double‐chain poly(ether‐carbonate) (TPA‐PEC), and phenyl‐centered four‐chain poly(ether‐carbonate) (TFA‐PEC) were synthesized to act as CO2 thickener. Their solubility in CO2 was measured by cloud point pressure. In order to explore the material characteristics that affect the solubility, dynamic simulations were used to analyze intermolecular polymer interactions, and the interaction between polymers and CO2. It was found that TPA‐PEC and TMA‐PEC has better solubility than TFA‐PEC in CO2 among the three polymers while the thickening effect is poor, TFA‐PEC possess the best viscosity thickening effect while the solubility in CO2 is unfavorable. The silicone unit 1,1,1,3,5,5,5‐heptamethyl‐3‐(3‐[oxiran‐2‐ylmethoxy] propyl)trisiloxane modified TFA‐PEC (TFA‐PEC‐SAGE) combine good solubility and good thickening ability together. The molecular simulations show that TPA‐PEC and TMA‐PEC have weaker intermolecular interactions and TPA‐PEC and TMA‐PEC have stronger interaction with CO2 which are beneficial to the solubility.