bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Restrictive Hemoglobin Transfusion Threshold of Less Than 7 g/dL Decreases Blood Utilization Without Compromising Outcomes in Patients With Hip Fractures
Authors: Amin Raj M. , DeMario Vincent M. , Best Matthew J. , Shafiq Babar , Hasenboehler Erik A. , Sterling Robert S. , Frank Steven M. , Khanuja Harpal S.
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

In patients with hip fracture, a transfusion threshold of hemoglobin (Hb) <8 g/dL is associated with similar or better outcomes than more liberal thresholds. Whether a more restrictive threshold of <7 g/dL Hb produces equivalent outcomes in such patients is unknown. The aim of the study was to examine whether a restrictive threshold of <7 g/dL Hb is safe in this population.

Methods:

In January 2015, a blood management program was implemented that uses a restrictive transfusion threshold of <7 g/dL Hb in hemodynamically stable patients and <8 g/dL in patients with symptomatic anemia or a history of coronary artery disease. We identified 498 patients treated for hip fractures from January 2013 through May 2017. We compared perioperative outcomes of 207 patients treated before with those of 291 patients treated after restrictive threshold implementation.

Results:

After restrictive threshold implementation, the proportion of patients receiving packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions decreased from 51% to 33% (P < 0.001); the mean number of PRBC units transfused per patient decreased by 40% (from 1.1 to 0.7; P < 0.001); inpatient cardiac morbidity decreased from 22.2% to 12.4% (P = 0.004); 30-day readmissions decreased from 14% to 8.6% (P = 0.04); and length of stay was unchanged (P = 0.06). Compared with the prerestrictive threshold cohort, the postrestrictive threshold group had lower odds of transfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29 to 0.62); transfusion of >1 unit of PRBCs (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.52); and inpatient cardiac morbidity (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.75). No significant differences were observed in inpatient morbidity, mortality, 30-day readmission, or 90-day survival.

Discussion:

A restrictive threshold of <7 g/dL Hb in hemodynamically stable patients with hip fractures is associated with noninferior perioperative outcomes and less blood utilization compared with a threshold of <8 g/dL.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study
Modernising English Land Law
Authors: McBain Graham
Published: March 2019

Modernising English Land Law
Homesickness and Displacement in Arab American Poetry
Authors: Alkahtib Wafa Yousef
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study is to address the nostalgic elements found in the Writings of the Arab American poet Naomi Shihab Nye. Nye is an American Palestinian poet whose works are mainly concerned with revealing her father’s homesickness and detailing his lomging for his homeland and childhood memories.

The study makes an attempt to prove that the overwhelming nostalgia bonds the person with his lost homeland, and prevents him from forgetting his past; therefore’ these feelings stand as a barrier between him and his new world. Displacement and homesickness are the main elements that increased the nostalgia of the immigrants for their homelands. To emphasize this, the current paper analysed some of Nye's poems which handle the sever nostalgia that Nye's father started suffering since the early beginning of his arrival to San Antonio, Texas in the United States of America.

Besides, the study argues that the nostalgic feeling for the homeland has been transmitted from father to son/ daughter, although the later doesn't have any memories in his/ her ex- homeland. Thus, Nye herself started feeling the nostalgia for a past she has never lived and to a homeland she has never seen.
Application of Fenton Reaction and Nanofiltration for the Recovery of Process Water
Authors: Żyłła Renata , Kos Lech
Published: March 2019

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Analysis of the Competitiveness of the Turkish Textile and Clothing Sector in the European Union Market
Authors: Kanat Seher
Published: March 2019

The Turkish textile and clothing sector maintains its significance and place in the national economy and exports despite the increasing international competition. The European Union-28 (EU-28) countries are some of the most significant markets in which the sector possesses a net foreign trade surplus. In this context, this study aims to analyse the competitiveness of the Turkish textile and clothing sector in the EU market. Therefore Turkey’s textile and clothing trade with the EU-28 countries is analysed in detail within the scope of the research. Besides this, the decadal unit export prices of Turkey and its rivals in the EU-28 market are calculated and evaluated. Finally the competitiveness of Turkey and its rivals in the EU market is analysed with Balassa and Vollrath indices. According to the results obtained, the Turkish textile and clothing sector maintains its importance and competitiveness in the EU market with regard to average unit export prices per kilogram and average Balassa and Vollrath index values.
Scouring Test of Sheep Wool Intended for Sorption
Authors: Braniša Jana , Jomová Klaudia , Porubská Mária
Published: March 2019

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Analysis of the Twist Influencing Factors of Self-twist Yarns
Authors: Cui Hong , Gao Xiuli , Gao Dawei , Lin Hongqin
Published: March 2019

aaass
Investigation of the Deposition Time of Electrosprayed Textile Chemicals
Authors: Kapar Bilgen , Gunesoglu Cem
Published: March 2019

aasass
Hexachlorobenzene. Determination in workplace air
Authors: Kowalska Joanna
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to develop and validate
a method for determining of inhalable fraction of
hexachlorobenzene in workplace air. The determination
method is based on the adsorption of hexachlorobenzene
on a polypropylene filter, extraction with
hexane and an analysis of the resulting solution with
gas chromatography with electron capture detection
(GC-ECD). A capillary column with HP-5 (30 m ×
0.32 mm, i.d. × 0.25 μm film thickness) was used.
The method is linear within the working range from
0.018 μg/ml to 0.375 μg/ml, which is equivalent to
air concentrations from 0.0003 to 0.006 mg/m3 for
a 120-L air sample. The analytical method described in
this paper enables selective determination of analytes in
workplace air in the presence of coexisting substances.
The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria
for procedures for measuring chemical agents listed
in Standard No. EN 482. This method can be used for
assessing occupational exposure to hexachlorobenzene
and the associated risk to workers’ health. The
developed method of determining hexachlorobenzene
has been recorded as an analytical procedure (see
appendix). This article discusses the problems of occupational
safety and health, which are covered by health
sciences and environmental engineering.
Mathematical Model of the Surveillance, Tracking and Fire Control System of the Short-Range ADGM System
Authors: ZYGMUNT Bogdan , SIENICKI Konrad , WOJTYRA Damian
Published: March 2019

The paper presents the development and simulation of a mathematical model of an automatic tracking and fire control system. The authors focused on very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) gun/missile systems.
Simulation Method of Assessing the Destructive Effect of Fragmentation
Authors: PODCIECHOWSKI Maciej , ŻYGADŁO Stanisław
Published: March 2019

The paper presents an outline of a simulation method for assessing the fragmentation effectiveness of ammunition equipped with proximity fuses. The method, developed at the Military University of Technology (MUT – Warsaw, Poland) is based on an unambiguous fragmentation action model with a defined and justified degree of simplification. It is a versatile method suitable for all weapons, designed to test the effects of individual parameters describing shells decomposition on the effectiveness of their fragmentation.
Vilniaus miesto viešųjų erdvių sistema
Authors: Bokmota Tautvydas , Šabanovas Simonas
Published: March 2019

Straipsnyje supažindinama su viešųjų erdvių sistemos tyrimais, viešosios erd­vės samprata ir viešųjų erdvių sistemos koncepcija. Ypatingas dėmesys skiriamas Vilniaus miesto viešųjų erdvių sistemos, jos ypatumų bei probleminių arealų analizei ir aptarimui.
Nustatyta, kad Vilniaus miesto viešųjų erdvių sistema teritoriniu požiūriu yra susiformavusi netolygiai. Vienose Vilniaus miesto dalyse, pavyzdžiui, senamiestyje, viešųjų erdvių sistema yra išvystyta, didelis plotas viešųjų erdvių, jų tinklas yra tankus, o kitose Vilniaus miesto dalyse, pavyzdžiui, „miegamuosiuose“ priemiesčiuose ar sovietinio laikotarpio gyvenamuosiuose rajonuose, viešųjų erdvių tiek kiekis, tiek plotas yra mažesnis, jaučiamas jų trūkumas.
Puesta al día y nuevas reflexiones sobre el libro y su editor y el editor y su libro en el Siglo XVI
Authors: Pedraza Manuel José
Published: March 2019

Se analiza la figura del editor en el siglo XVI desde la perspectiva de las actuaciones que realiza en su labor. Para ello, en primer lugar, se presenta su figura dentro del proceso editorial de la época; en segundo lugar, se analiza su actividad en ese proceso. Este análisis se realiza a partir de documentación conservada desde tres perspectivas: económica, técnica y jurídica. Se concluye que la intervención del editor en el proceso de producción del libro es mucho más importante de lo que hasta el momento se ha pensado. En consecuencia, el editor tiene más responsabilidad sobre la morfología y el aspecto del libro que lo que se creía. Por tanto, es preciso profundizar en los estudios sobre el editor para definir su grado de participación a la hora de elaborar una determinada edición.
One-Substitution and Noun Ellipsis in English and Danish
Authors: Dahl Maria Mørch
Published: March 2019

When a speaker of English does not want to repeat the same noun too many times, one-substitution is often used: "She would rather have a big house than a small one" (i.e., a small house). An alternative construction of an elliptical noun phrase is to simply leave out the noun, as when a Danish speaker says: Jeg vil hellere have et stort hus end et lille: "I would rather have a big house than a small". Beginning with observations about one-substitution in English, this paper outlines and discusses one-substitution and noun ellipsis in Danish. With some reservations, the paper supports the argument presented by Günther (2018) that differences between languages regarding one-substitution are based on the inflectional properties of the languages.
De l’acte commercial à l’acte de l’entreprise dans le Code civil du Québec
Authors: Goudreau Mistrale
Published: March 2019

L’article procède à l’analyse de la théorie de l’entreprise introduite par le Code civil du Québec. Il comporte deux parties : une première identifie les différences entre la thèse du nouveau Code et les théories de la commercialité retenues pour l’application du Code civil du Bas-Canada. En particulier, l’auteur indique dans quelle mesure le concept législatif d’entreprise s’éloigne du modèle proposé par la doctrine dans la thèse de l’entreprise. L’auteur souligne aussi les difficultés d’application des nombreux articles qui font appel à la notion d’entreprise. Dans la deuxième partie, l’article suggère des avenues d’interprétation possibles des textes législatifs qui auraient l’avantage d’assurer une certaine cohérence au Code et qui permettraient une application des articles fidèle à leur finalité.
« Il est décédé d’une manière subite et inattendue » : les enquêtes du coroner du district judiciaire de Trois-Rivières, 1850-19501
Authors: Ricard Nathalie
Published: March 2019

Au Québec, rares sont les travaux qui offrent un portrait exhaustif des décès portés à l’attention du coroner. Cet article examine 460 enquêtes menées dans le district judiciaire de Trois-Rivières entre 1850 et 1950. À la confluence de la démographie historique et de l’histoire du droit et de l’État, cette documentation, malgré ses biais, permet la reconstitution de l’économie particulière du risque et des vulnérabilités auxquelles les populations d’autrefois faisaient face. L’urbanisation et l’industrialisation ont modifié la fragilité de la vie et la forme que pouvait prendre la mort subite dans le cours d’existences souvent déjà modestes. Il ne faut pas non plus négliger la manière dont ces morts étaient mises en mots, construites discursivement, phénomène qui a varié au fil du temps.
L’amour de l’enfant inconnu. La construction socio-cognitive de l’affection parentale
Authors: Pereprosova Ekaterina
Published: March 2019

Cet article analyse les mécanismes socio-cognitifs de la genèse des sentiments de parenté à travers les cas de l’adoption plénière nationale et internationale en France. Il s’agit de démontrer que l’affection parentale se construit dans le travail bilatéral des parents qui élaborent et intériorisent leur projet d’adoption ainsi que les institutions qui participent à ces processus par l’imposition des normes et des contraintes. La dimension cognitive de l’affection aux premières étapes de la construction de parenté est explorée à travers le concept de fiches mentales emprunté à la philosophie analytique. L’ambition de cet article est alors d’analyser les façons dont les candidats construisent et s’approprient les fiches mentales des enfants adoptifs ainsi que les manières d’inscrire ces derniers dans leurs lignées familiales.
DNA metabarcoding allows non-invasive identification of arthropod prey provisioned to nestling Rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus)
Authors: Moran Alison J. , Prosser Sean W.J. , Moran Jonathan A.
Published: March 2019

Hummingbirds consume sugars from nectar, sap and honeydew, and obtain protein, fat and minerals from arthropods. To date, the identity of arthropod taxa in hummingbird diets has been investigated by observation of foraging or examination of alimentary tract contents. Direct examination of nestling provisioning adds the extra complication of disturbance to the young and mother. Here, we show that arthropod food items provisioned to Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) nestlings can be identified by a safe and non-invasive protocol using next-generation sequencing (NGS) of DNA from nestling fecal pellets collected post-fledging. We found that females on southern Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada) provisioned nestlings with a wide range of arthropod taxa. The samples examined contained three Classes, eight Orders, 48 Families, and 87 Genera, with from one to 15 Families being identified in a single pellet. Soft-bodied Dipterans were found most frequently and had the highest relative abundance; hard-bodied prey items were absent from almost all samples. Substantial differences in taxa were found within season and between years, indicating the importance of multi-year sampling when defining a prey spectrum.
Biotechnology: An Advanced Tool for Crop Improvement
Authors: Adlak Tinee , Tiwari Sushma , Tripathi M. K. , Gupta Neha , Sahu Vinod Kumar , Bhawar Punamchand , Kandalkar V. S.
Published: March 2019

Plant breeding is mainly concerned with genetic improvement of crops through hybridization, screening and selection of advance lines. The conventional methods give advance varieties with desirable traits but take consume more time (6 to 12 years) to achieve. Biotechnology tools makes breeding methods more advance by reducing the time to get improved varieties. Other than conventional methods varietal advancement can be achieved by applying plant tissue culture, transgenic approaches and molecular breeding methods. Crop improvement by using biotechnology approaches is mostly concerned with protoplast fusion to get somatic hybrids, gene transfer to get genetically modified organisms and use of DNA markers to select trait of interests. Variety with improved biotic and abiotic stress resistance can be developed in less time and more accuracy using recent biotechnological approaches. Several advance tools are being utilized for that purpose including, nanotechnology, bioinformatics tools offers new era of genomics assisted molecular breeding. Next Generation Sequencing and high throughput genotyping approaches are increasing efficiency and output of biotechnological tools in agriculture. Current review focused on overview of biotechnological tools being applied for crop improvement.
Study of Combining Ability and Nature of Gene Action for Yield and Yield Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Singh Birender , Abhishek Abhinav , Nirala R. B. P. , Mandal S. S. , Ranjan Tushar
Published: March 2019

The present investigation was carried out using thirty eight genotypes (eight parents, twenty eight F1's and two checks) using Griffing's half diallel mating design. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications during kharif 2017 at the research farm of Bihar Agriculture College, Sabour. Observations were recorded for six pre-harvest characters viz days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, anthesis silking interval, days to 75% brown husk, plant height, ear height and seven post-harvest characters viz cob length, cob diameter, number of kernel rows per cob, number of kernels per row, 1000 seed weight, shelling percentage and grain yield at 15% moisture. The mean sum of square of treatments was found to be significant for days to 75% brown husk and shelling per cent and highly significant for all other characters. The mean sum of square for GCA was found to be significant for cob length, no. of kernel row per cob, no. of kernels per row and highly significant for remaining all the characters except days to 75% brown husk and shelling%. The mean sum of square for SCA was significant for days to 75% brown husk and highly significant for all the remaining characters. On the basis of GCA effect for grain yield at 15% moisture, the parents BML-7, VQL-1 and SML-1 were found to be good general combiners. The ratio of GCA variance to SCA variance was found to be less than 1 for all the traits which indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action. On the basis of SCA effects better performing crosses for grain yield at 15% moisture were DTPYC-9 × LM-13, CLQRCY-44 × VQL-1, CML-161 × SML-1 and CML-161× BML-7.
A Rapid and Inexpensive Method of DNA Extraction from Palmyra Palm (Borassus flabellifer)
Authors: Kumari Soni , Rani Ruby , Kumar Jitesh , Kumar Ravi Ranjan , Ranjan Tushar
Published: March 2019

Aims: The study aims to highlight the simple optimisation, inexpensive and rapid procedure for DNA isolation from tough leaves (Palmyra palm) without compromising the yield and purity of DNA.

Study Design: Leaf of palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) was used to conduct the experiment followed by laboratory analysis, DNA extraction and PCR amplification.

Results and Discussion: The results showed that different buffers examined for the extraction of DNA provided significantly different levels of yield and purity. DNA isolated by lysis buffers C showed satisfactory amplifications in PCR. The fingerprint we obtained by using the DNA extracted by these buffers provided higher resolution than those using buffers.

Conclusion: This study suggests that grinding of Palmyra palm leaves with sterile sand or cover slips and inclusion of SDS, Tween 20, and NaCl (1.4 M) in the lysis buffer without the costly use of liquid nitrogen, PVP and β mercaptoethanol, provides a DNA yield of sufficient purity, suitable for PCR amplification and subsequent use.
Outdoor Hatchery Larval Biology and Seed Production of Ganga River Prawn Macrobrachium gangeticum (Bate)
Authors: Prasad Suday
Published: March 2019

Macrobrachium gangeticum (Bate) the third largest freshwater prawn in habitat in the river Ganga and Brahmaputra, which drain into Bay of Bengal. Seed production of this species (M. gangeticum) in India is done in indoor hatcheries. An outdoor hatchery system has been developed by the author at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, in which M. gangeticum post larvae are produced. Larval rearing trials for M. gangeticum were carried out during the year 2008. The hatchery shades were covered with non transparent polythene sheets at the roof top to avoid direct sunlight. Larvae were reared in brackish water of 8-14 ppt (part per thousand) salinity for growth and development. Ten thousand larvae were stocked in 300 L tank and fed with live nauplii of Artemia salina twice in a day and after that 1 or 2 days, green algae developed in the larval rearing tank due to open sunlight, these algae were found to be ingested by larvae. The larvae fed voraciously and grew faster because of availability of green algae in the larval rearing tanks. The larvae passed through 15 molts, showing the characteristics of 11 distinct larval stages. First occurrence of post larvae (PL) has been recorded within 20 days and trial was conducted on the 35 days. The water quality parameters viz. water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen; total hardness and alkalinity were recorded. Production of PL in trials during rearing was 6,480 and 5,870 with 21.6 and 19.56 PL/L respectively. The result of the present trials, the post larval production and shorter larval duration in M. gangeticum indicated the potential of commercial culture and hatchery operation in inland region.
Genetic Diversity Analysis in Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Using SSR Molecular Markers
Authors: Kumari Soni , Kumar Jitesh , Kumar Ravi Ranjan , Kumar Anand , Nimmy M. S. , Ranjan Tushar , Kumar Vinod
Published: March 2019

The study of genetic diversity among Lathyrus sativus L. may give fundamental insights into extent of genetic variation and provide options to meet the climate change challenge. 20 SSR loci were employed to assess the genetic diversity of 32 grasspea genotypes. Eleven markers proved to be polymorphic across examined genotypes in aggregation to allow detection of a total of 21 alleles with an average of 1.91 alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content (PIC) calculated as a relative measure of informativeness for each of the SSR markers, ranged from 0.11 to 0.34. The dendrogram from the neighbour-joining UPGMA cluster analysis of the pair-wise simple matching dissimilarity coefficients matrix grouped genotypes into three main clusters. Therefore the characters contributing maximum to genetic diversity may be given importance during grasspea hybridization program and these genotypes may be utilized in further grasspea breeding program aimed to enhance grain yield.
Varietal Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Linseed for Yield Performance in Aurangabad District of Bihar
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Singh Rajeev , Kumar Ravi Ranjan , . Nityanand , Kumar Dinesh , Sohane R. K. , Singh A. K. , Mehta Sangita
Published: March 2019

Linseed is locally known as Tissi, common Flax and Alsi. It belongs to family Linaceae. It is a rabi oil seed crop. It has medicinal and industrial importance. It is rich source of essential fatty acid (alfa-linolenic acid) known as Omega-3 fatty acid, antioxidants and fibre. The present study was carried out in KVK Aurangabad district of Bihar during the year 2017-2018 on the varietal evaluation of different genotypes of linseed for yield performance. The experiment was laid out at the five farmers field. Four linseed varieties (T1-Ruchi, T2-Sabour Tissi, T3-BRLS-102 and T4-Shekhar) were evaluated and screened for their agronomic performance, Net return, B:C ratio and correlation amongst yield and its contributing traits were calculated. Among the four genotypes, the no. of seeds per plant was found to be maximum BRLS-102 (8.35) in followed by Shekhar (8.25) and Sabour Tissi-1 (7.46) which is at par with Ruchi (6.0). The average yield performance of BRLS-102, Sabour Tissi-1, Shekhar and Ruchi was (10.61q/h), (10.08 q/h), (9.58q/h) and (9.10 q/h) respectively. Among the four genotypes of linseed, the net return and B:C ratio has also found to be maximum with BRLS-102 (24,150), (2.32) followed by Sabour Tissi-1 (22,030), (2.20): Shekhar (20,030), (2.09) and which is at par with the genotype Ruchi (18,110)(1.99).

The new genotypes (BRLS-102) & Sabour Tissi-1 possess the potential to become future varieties for cultivation in Aurangabad district of Bihar.
Vegetable Grafting: A Multiple Crop Improvement Methodology
Authors: Tirupathamma T. Lakshmi , Ramana C. Venkata , Naidu L. Naram , Sasikala K.
Published: March 2019

Grafting is a simple method of propagation in which desired rootstocks are obtained to induce vigor, precocity, enhanced yield and quality, better survival under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Grafting reduced the dependency upon chemicals required to treat the soil borne diseases and has opened new vista in organic farming of vegetables. Grafting is the popular technology among vegetable growers and researchers to develop resistance in the crops or improve tolerance to biotic and environmental stresses in the various crops mentioning solanaceous and cucurbitaceous crops. The technology of grafting is potential in promoting the cultivation of vegetables in customized and fragile agricultural-ecosystem. It is a alternative tool which is rapid in case of relatively slow breeding methodology and useful in sustainable horticulture which takes low input for future agriculture system. Further, inventions in mechanized and robotic grafting have given a fillip to this novel eco-friendly approach. Mechanization will considerably reduce the cost of grafted seedling production in the future.
Eastern Thoughts, Western Practices: Meditation and Mindfulness Relaxation Activities for Learning and Well‐Being in Adult and Higher Education
Authors: Sun Qi
Published: March 2019

This chapter presents mindfulness relaxation activities used in a first‐year seminar, discusses Eastern ancient meditation methods as alternative Western contemplative inquiry, and suggests teaching practices in adult and higher education for holistic education and well‐being.
From Microbial Fuel Cells to Biobatteries: Moving toward On‐Demand Micropower Generation for Small‐Scale Single‐Use Applications
Authors: Gao Yang , Mohammadifar Maedeh , Choi Seokheun
Published: March 2019

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that generate electricity generation from a broad diversity of biomass and organic substrates through microbial metabolism have attracted considerable research interest as an alternative clean energy technology and energy‐efficient wastewater treatment method. Despite encouraging successes and auspicious pilot‐scale experiments of the MFCs, increasing doubts about their viability for practical large‐scale applications are being raised. Low performance, expensive core parts and materials, energy‐intensive operation, and scaling bottlenecks question a sustainable development. Instead, special MFCs for low‐power battery‐reliant devices might be more applicable and potentially realizable. Such bacteria‐powered biobatteries would enable i) a truly stand‐alone device platform suitable for use in resource‐limited and remote regions, ii) simple, on‐demand power generation within a programmed period of time, and iii) a tracelessly biodegradable battery due to the use of the bacteria used for power generation. The biobattery would be an excellent power solution for small‐scale, on‐demand, single‐use, and disposable electronics. Recent progress of small‐scale MFC‐based biobatteries is critically reviewed with specific attention toward various device platforms. Furthermore, comments and outlook related to the potential directions and challenges of the biobatteries are discussed to offer inspiration to the community and induce fruitful future research.
Electronic Structure Engineering of LiCoO2 toward Enhanced Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaobo , Chen Yaping , Zheng Xusheng , Zhao Guoqiang , Rui Kun , Li Peng , Xu Xun , Cheng Zhenxiang , Dou Shi Xue , Sun Wenping
Published: March 2019

Developing low‐cost and efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction is of critical significance to the practical application of some emerging energy storage and conversion devices (e.g., metal–air batteries, water electrolyzers, and fuel cells). Lithium cobalt oxide is a promising nonprecious metal‐based electrocatalyst for oxygen electrocatalysis; its activity, however, is still far from the requirements of practical applications. Here, a new LiCoO2‐based electrocatalyst with nanosheet morphology is developed by a combination of Mg doping and shear force‐assisted exfoliation strategies toward enhanced oxygen reduction and evolution reaction kinetics. It is demonstrated that the coupling effect of Mg doping and the exfoliation can effectively modulate the electronic structure of LiCoO2, in which Co3+ can be partially oxidized to Co4+ and the Co–O covalency can be enhanced, which is closely associated with the improvement of intrinsic activity. Meanwhile, the unique nanosheet morphology also helps to expose more active Co species. This work offers new insights into deploying the electronic structure engineering strategy for the development of efficient and durable catalysts for energy applications.
Boosting Non‐Radiative Decay to Do Useful Work: Development of a Multi‐Modality Theranostic System from an AIEgen
Authors: Wang Dong , Lee Michelle M. S. , Xu Wenhan , Shan Guogang , Zheng Xiaoyan , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Hu Xianglong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2019

The efficient utilization of energy dissipating from non‐radiative excited‐state decay of fluorophores was only rarely reported. Herein, we demonstrate how to boost the energy generation of non‐radiative decay and use it for cancer theranostics. A novel compound (TFM) was synthesized which possesses a rotor‐like twisted structure, strong absorption in the far red/near‐infrared region, and it shows aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the TFM aggregate is in an amorphous form consisting of disordered molecules in a loose packing state, which allows efficient intramolecular motions, and consequently elevates energy dissipation from the pathway of thermal deactivation. These intrinsic features enable TFM nanoparticles (NPs) to display a high photothermal conversion efficiency (51.2 %), an excellent photoacoustic (PA) effect, and effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In vivo evaluation shows that the TFM NPs are excellent candidates for PA imaging‐guided phototherapy.
A C5N2 Nanoparticle Based Direct Nucleus Delivery Platform for Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Weihua , Liu Jianhua , Wang Ying , Jiang Chunhuan , Yu Bin , Sun Zhen , Lu Lehui
Published: March 2019

Intracellular targeting has the same potential as tissue targeting to increase therapy efficacy, especially for drugs that are toxic to DNA. By adjusting intracellular traffic, we developed a novel direct‐nucleus‐delivery platform based on C5N2 nanoparticles (NPs). Supramolecular interactions of C5N2 NPs with the cell membrane enhanced cell uptake; abundant edge amino groups promoted fast and effective rupture of early endosomes; and the appropriate size of the NPs was also crucial for size‐dependent nuclear entry. As a proof of concept, the platform was not only suitable for the effective delivery of molecular drugs/dyes (doxorubicin, hydroxycamptothecine, and propidium iodide) and MnO2 nanoparticles to the nucleus, but was also photoresponsive for nucleus‐targeting photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) to further greatly increase anticancer efficacy. This strategy might open the door to a new generation of nuclear‐targeted enhanced anticancer therapy.
Rhodaelectrocatalysis for Annulative C−H Activation: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons through Versatile Double Electrocatalysis
Authors: Kong Wei‐Jun , Finger Lars H. , Oliveira João C. A. , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2019

Rapid access to structurally diversified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a controlled manner is of key significance in materials sciences. Herein, we describe a strategy featuring two distinct electrocatalytic C−H transformations for the synthesis of novel nonplanar PAHs. The combination of rhodaelectrooxidative C−H activation/[2+2+2] alkyne annulation of easily accessible boronic acids with electrocatalytic cyclodehydrogenation provided modular access to diversely substituted PAHs with electricity as a sustainable oxidant. The unique molecular topology as well as the photophysical and electronic properties of the thus obtained PAHs were fully analyzed. The unique power of this metallaelectrocatalysis method was demonstrated by the chemoselective assembly of synthetically useful iodo‐substituted PAHs.
Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of Pd(II) complex immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles for the ligand‐free cyanation of aryl halides using K4Fe(CN)6
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Maryami Mahboobe , Sajjadi Mohaddeseh , Mehdipour Ebrahim
Published: March 2019

This work shows the preparation of a novel magnetic catalyst via immobilization of Pd(II)‐N‐benzyl‐N‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole complex on the Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The application of Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs supported Pd(II)‐N‐benzyl‐N‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole complex [Fe3O4@SiO2‐BAT‐Pd(II)] nanocatalyst is described for the cyanation of aryl iodides and bromides to the corresponding aryl nitriles using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) [K4Fe(CN)6] as a non‐toxic and economic cyanating agent under ligand‐ and additive‐free conditions. Some aryl nitriles were efficiently synthesized from the corresponding aryl bromides and iodides in the presence of Fe3O4@SiO2‐BAT‐Pd(II) nanocomplex. The core‐shell nanocomplex demonstrated the superior catalytic performance for the synthesis of synthetically valuable aryl nitriles within good to excellent yields. This process eliminates the need to handle highly toxic metal cyanides, and it can be easily recovered and reused for six consecutive runs with no decreasing of its catalytic capability.

Highlights

Preparation of Pd(II) complex immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles [Fe3O4@SiO2‐BAT‐Pd(II) nanocomplex].

Characterization of Fe3O4@SiO2‐BAT‐Pd(II) nanocomplex using XRD, FT‐IR, EDS, VSM, TEM and FESEM analyses.

Catalytic cyanation of the various aryl halides with K4Fe(CN)6 under ligand‐free conditions.

The nanocomplex can be recovered and isolated six times with no significant loss of its catalytic ability.
Fabrication of carboxymethylated cellulose fibers supporting Ag NPs@MOF‐199s nanocatalysts for catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Duan Chao , Liu Chaoran , Meng Xin , Lu Wanli , Ni Yonghao
Published: March 2019

In this work, we prepared high‐performance and recyclable nanocatalysts that consist of small and well‐dispersed silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) immobilized onto Cu‐ based metal–organic framework (MOF‐199 s) supported by carboxymethylated cellulose fibers (CCFs). The as‐prepared green nanohybrid catalysts, namely Ag NPs@ MOF‐199 s/CCFs, were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD and FT‐IR techniques. The catalytic performances showed that Ag NPs@ MOF‐199 s/CCFs catalysts exhibited a very high catalytic efficiency towards the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol. The enhanced catalytic performances are attributed to the improved dispersity, small particles of Ag NPs stabilized by the MOF‐199 s, and the porous catalyst structures. The introduction of cellulose fiber further facilitates the reuse and sustainability of the nanohybrid catalysts, showing a stable and high reusability (more than 91% of catalytic activity) even after five runs.
Spectral and crystallography studies of new palladacycle complexes with P,C‐ and C,C‐donor ligands; Application of (OAL16) to optimizing the yield of Mizoroki‐Heck reaction
Authors: Sabounchei Seyyed Javad , Badpa Khadijeh , Hashemi Ali , Moniriyan Faezeh , Gable Robert W.
Published: March 2019

The new symmetrical diphosphonium salt [Ph2P(CH2)2PPh2(CH2C(O)C6H4Br)2] Br2 (S) was synthesized in the reaction of 1,2‐bis (diphenylphosphino) ethane (dppe) and related ketone. Further treatment with NEt3 gave the symmetrical α‐keto stabilized diphosphine ylide [Ph2P(CH2)2PPh2(CHC(O)C6H4Br)2] (Y1). The unsymmetrical α‐keto stabilized diphosphine ylide [Ph2P(CH2)2PPh2(CHC(O)C6H4Br)] (Y2) was synthesized in the reaction of diphosphine in 1:1 ratio with 2.3′‐dibromoacetophenone, then treatment with NEt3. The reaction of dibromo (1,5‐cyclooctadiene)palladium (II), [PdBr2(COD)] with this ligand (Y1) in equimolar ratio gave the new C,C‐chelated [PdBr2(Ph2P(CH2)2PPh2(C(H)C(O)C6H4Br)2)] (1) and with unsymmetrical phosphorus ylide [Ph2P(CH2)2PPh2C(H)C(O)C6H4Br] (Y2) gave the new P, C‐chelated palladacycle complex [PdBr2(Ph2P(CH2)2PPh2C(H)C(O)Br)] (2). These compounds were characterized successfully by FT‐IR, NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectroscopic methods and the crystal structure of Y1 and 2 were elucidated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The results indicated that the complex 1 was C, C‐chelated whereas complex 2 was P, C‐chelated. These air/moisture stable complexes were employed as efficient catalysts for the Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling reaction of several aryl chlorides, and the Taguchi method was used to optimize the yield of Mizoroki‐Heck coupling. The optimum condition was found to be as followed: base; K2CO3, solvent; DMF and loading of catalyst; 0.005 mmol.
Perylene diimide‐modified magnetic γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2 nanoparticles as peroxidase mimics for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of Vitamin C
Authors: Lian Jiajia , Liu Pei , Li Xiaocai , Gao Linna , Luo Xiliang , Zhang Xiao , Shi Zhiqiang , Liu Qingyun
Published: March 2019

Perylene diimide‐modified magnetic γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2 nanoparticles (γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2‐PDI) were prepared and exhibited excellent peroxidase‐like activity. The samples were characterized by HR‐TEM, XRD, Raman, N2 adsorption, magnetic strength and XPS. The obtained γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2‐PDI had size of 10~20 nm with high specific surface area of 77 m2/g, and could be easily separated from the aqueous solution by using a magnet, which are in favor of its practical application. Due to the decoration of PDI, the γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2‐PDI possessed more surface defects (Ce3+) and active oxygen species than that of γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2, resulting in the outstanding catalytic performance. And the composite catalyst also showed highly sensitive and selectivity toward VC with a limit of detection of 0.45 μM. Based on the fluorescent results, a possible hydroxyl radical (•OH) catalytic mechanism was proposed. It is believed that the as‐prepared γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2‐PDI nanoparticles are promising biosensors applied for biomedical and food analysis.
Plume dispersion behaviour and hazard identification for large quantities of liquid hydrogen leakage
Authors: Pu Liang , Shao Xiangyu , Zhang Shengqi , Lei Gang , Li Yanzhong
Published: March 2019

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier. The primary issue of hydrogen utilisation is safety in various scenarios for the coming hydrogen economy. This study focuses on liquid hydrogen leakage, which is typically induced by structural failure in refuelling stations and transit vehicles. In the present study, the authors reveal the plume dispersion behaviour and the underlying mechanism from a macro perspective and identify the associated hazards in the whole dispersion history. These problems have drawn little attention in previous studies. A numerical investigation was conducted, and the flow‐field data were deeply investigated, which were insufficient in the previous experiment. The local turbulence and mixing induced by the temperature difference was revealed to be the major cause of hydrogen dispersion. The lift force induced by the density difference enhanced the dispersion. The dispersion behaviour was classified into three phases: the dense‐gas phase, rise phase, and passive phase. The rise phase is the major one for cryogenic hydrogen dispersion. The frostbite hazard can be ignored, owing to insufficient exposure duration. For wind velocities of 2.2, 5.0, and 10.0 m/s, the durations of the hazardous cloud are 56, 51, and 47 s, respectively. The maximum heights of the hazardous cloud are 23.6, 12.1, and 6.2 m, respectively. There is a high fire/explosion probability in the dense‐gas phase and a low probability in the latter two phases.
Structure evolution mechanism of polyacrylonitrile films incorporated with graphene oxide during oxidative stabilization
Authors: Li Fengmei , Chen Yankun , Li Mengzhu , Liu Yunfei , Wang Biao
Published: March 2019

Oxidative stabilization is a key process for polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐based carbon materials. During this process, oxygen has a significant influence on the formation of cyclization structure and crosslinking structure of PAN matrix. Here, graphene oxide (GO) was used as filler in PAN matrix, the structure evolution of GO/PAN composite was studied during oxidative stabilization. Solubility measurement revealed that the crosslinking degree increased, while the cyclization degree of stabilized films decreased after GO incorporation. The effect of GO on the structure of PAN film was characterized by XRD, DSC, DMA, FTIR, and XPS. These results verified that GO could initiate the cyclization reaction of PAN at a lower temperature. The carboxylic groups on GO sheets might take part in the cyclization reactions during the heat treatment. Moreover, the oxygen‐containing molecules released from GO decomposition during the heat treatment were beneficial to the formation of crosslinking structure. The possible mechanism of the structure evaluation was proposed in this article. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47701.
Interdecadal changes in potential predictability of the summer monsoon in East Asia and South Asia
Authors: Li Baosheng , Ding Ruiqiang , Qin Jianhuang , Zhou Lei , Hu Shuai , Li Jianping
Published: March 2019

Interdecadal changes in the potential predictability of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) were investigated using the signal‐to‐noise ratio of daily reanalysis data from 1948 to 2017. Results reveal that variations in the SASM predictability are out of phase with those in EASM predictability, and that SASM predictability is higher (lower) than EASM predictability before (after) the 1980s. The out‐of‐phase relationship of the predictability of the two monsoon systems is attributed mainly to temporal changes in their relationships with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The relationship between the EASM and ENSO is related to the position of the ENSO heating center, which is located in the central Pacific before the 1980s but shifted to the eastern Pacific after the 1980s, accompanied by a strengthening (weakening) in the relationship between ENSO and the EASM (SASM). The shift in the position of the ENSO heating center was found to have contributions from the modulation of the Pacific decadal oscillation.
UHPLC–MS/MS analysis of sphingosine 1‐phosphate in joint cavity dialysate and hemodialysis solution of adjuvant arthritis rats: Application to geniposide pharmacodynamic study
Authors: Xuejing Dai , Wenyu Wang , Hong Wu , Zhengrong Zhang , Li Dai , Jun Fu , Ran Deng , Feng Li , Yan Wang , Xiang Zhan
Published: March 2019

Geniposide (GE) is an iridoid glycoside compound with anti‐inflammatory effect. The potential of sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) as a plasma marker in human diseases was suggested recently in the literature, which demonstrated that, in patients with inflammatory diseases, plasma S1P was elevated. It follows that the obstructive coronary artery disease can be predicted with serum S1P. Therefore, S1P can also be potentially used as a pharmacodynamic marker to study adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats. In the current study, a UHPLC–MS/MS method combined with the microdialysis sampling technique (using FTY720 phosphate as an internal standard) was adopted and validated to measure S1P levels in the hemodialysis fluid and joint cavity dialysates of AA rats after oral administration of GE. A S1P concentration–time curve in the dialysate was established in this study. It was demonstrated that GE exerted an anti‐inflammatory effect by reducing AA‐induced elevated S1P levels. It is showed that changes in S1P concentrations over time can be used to monitor the pharmacodynamic effects of GE in treating AA rats in pharmacodynamic studies.
Analyzing the use of adaptive learning in a flipped classroom for preclass learning
Authors: Kaw Autar , Clark Renee , Delgado Eleonora , Abate Nicholas
Published: March 2019

Preclass learning, an obstacle in the success of a flipped classroom, is addressed via placing lessons on an online adaptive platform. The lessons combine the power of video lectures, textbook content, simulations, and assessments while using personalized paths for each student. This article describes the development of the adaptive lessons for a course in Numerical Methods, and the interpretation of the analytic data collected via the adaptive lesson platform and student focus groups over a two‐semester period with 146 students. Analytical data includes student metrics, such as the lesson scores and the time spent and lesson metrics, such as the percentage of students who completed the lesson and the percentage of possible adaptive paths used by students. The focus groups were conducted for two different demographic groups—students who are “white males” (comprise the majority of students in public engineering schools in the USA) and “other than white males”—to compare their perspectives on adaptive learning. Students in the focus group of the “other than white male” pupils demonstrated more favorable and positive perspectives towards the adaptive learning compared with the “white males”, although both groups identified benefits with the adaptive platform. Final examination scores were found to be correlated with the raw score of the adaptive lessons.
Isomers of Dithienocyclopentapyrene‐Based Non‐Fullerene Electron Acceptors: Configuration Effect on Photoelectronic Properties
Authors: Wu Jianglin , Chen Yao , Hu Bin , Pang Zhenguo , Lu Zhiyun , Huang Yan
Published: March 2019

One pair of isomers, centrosymmetric anti‐Py‐1 and axisymmetric syn‐Py‐2, was designed and synthesized with an acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) structure by choosing dithienocyclopentapyrene with four 4‐hexylphenyl side chains as the D unit, and 2‐(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene) malononitrile as the A unit. In‐depth structure–property relationship studies revealed that the isomers have similar UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, and energy levels but significant differences in molecular shape, polarity, and charge mobility. Solution‐processed bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) small‐molecule organic solar cells with Py‐1 as the electron‐acceptor material and PTB7‐Th as the electron‐donor material exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.07 %, or 60 % higher than that of Py‐2 (3.7 %), which could be mainly attributed to the higher and more balanced hole/electron mobilities and better phase separation of the Py‐1‐based active layer.
Analysis, modeling, and implementation of a new transformerless semi‐quadratic Buck–boost DC/DC converter
Authors: Hasanpour Sara , Mostaan Ali , Baghramian Alfred , Mojallali Hamed
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a novel transformerless semi‐quadratic buck‐boost converter (SQBuBoC). In the proposed SQBuBoC, two power switches with simultaneous operation are used and a higher step‐up/step‐down voltage conversion ratio is achieved compared with the traditional buck‐boost, Cuk, single‐ended primary‐inductor converter, and Zeta converters. The positive polarity of the output voltage, along with low ripple continuous input current and common ground between the source and the output voltages, are some features that make the suggested topology more suitable for many applications with wide range of output voltage such as photovoltaic systems. Moreover, the total voltage stress across the power switches in this converter is lower than the cascade boost, and the traditional buck‐boost converters led to power MOSFETs selection with lower drain‐source ON resistance (Rds) and efficiency improvement. All the steady‐state analysis and comparisons in continuous conduction mode (CCM) are discussed in details. In addition, to study the low frequency behavior of the SQBuBoC by means of the state‐space averaging technique, the small and large signal models of this converter in CCM are presented. Finally, the SQBuBoC analysis is justified using experimental results of a 50 W step‐up 25 V to 120 V and a 28 W step‐down 25 V to 14 V laboratory prototypes.