bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Race Pedagogy
Authors: Wong Shelley D. , Eng Susanna C. , Esch Kerry Soo Von
Published: June 2018

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a theoretical tool that can be applied to analyze and understand how racism and linguicism impact the teaching of English language learners (ELLs). Emerging from the field of legal studies, four dimensions from CRT's theoretical foundations are discussed and evidenced in examples of teaching ELLs: (a) the centrality of race, racism, and racial stereotyping in the American experience; (b) the questioning of claims of equality and equity grounded in neutrality, colorblindness, and meritocracy; (c) the advocacy for a contextual, historical, and contemporary analysis of the law, educational policies, programs, and practices; and (d) the respect for and inclusion of the experiential knowledge of people of color and historically marginalized communities as legitimate evidence in the analysis of law, education, and society. Four strategies are suggested for teachers working with ELLs to adopt culturally responsive and anti‐oppressive pedagogy aligned with CRT.
EFL
Education in
I
ran
Authors: Sadeghi Karim , Ghaderi Farah
Published: June 2018

There is an increasing interest in English education in Iran among the younger generation; the ELT industry is flourishing by leaps and bounds in the private sector and attending private English lessons is in vogue. This entry compares public and private EFL education in Iran by drawing on the age at which public and private EFL education starts in Iran, the level of motivation and interest among learners, the system of education and assessment in these contexts, the output of the system, and, finally, the student and teacher recruitment procedures. It will be suggested that more investment is expected to take place in English education in Iran with new language centers opening on a regular basis. Future directions in EFL education in Iran (i.e., the need for more competent teachers and to raise student motivation as well as policy issues on English education) are also discussed.
EMPATHICS: A Complex Dynamic Systems (CDS) Vision of Language Learner Well‐Being
Authors: Oxford Rebecca L.
Published: June 2018

Positive psychology, initiated by Martin Seligman, is gaining attention in the ELT field. The ELT Dimensions section shows that Seligman's (2011) PERMA model offers potentially useful ideas about components of human well‐being (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment). However, PERMA confusingly portrays well‐being components as independent, incorrectly judges so‐called “negative” emotions, and fails to mention that well‐being is intimately tied to complex dynamic systems (CDS), some key features of which are interconnectedness, nonlinearity, dynamism, and multicausality. The Future Directions section presents a very different positive‐psychological vision for ELT: EMPATHICS, which has 21 components, does not rail against painful emotions, and is known for embodying CDS. As an improvement upon PERMA, EMPATHICS starts with emotions and empathy (“E”) and leads to four “self” (“S”) components. For multiple reasons, EMPATHICS, compared with PERMA, is at least as valuable for application in ELT and possibly more so.
Functional Multichannel Poly(Propylene Fumarate)‐Collagen Scaffold with Collagen‐Binding Neurotrophic Factor 3 Promotes Neural Regeneration After Transected Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhao Yannan , Li Xing , Xiao Zhifeng , Yao Yuanjiang , Chu Yun , Farkas Balázs , Romano Ilaria , Brandi Fernando , Dai Jianwu
Published: June 2018

Many factors contribute to the poor axonal regrowth and ineffective functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Biomaterials have been used for SCI repair by promoting bridge formation and reconnecting the neural tissue at the lesion site. The mechanical properties of biomaterials are critical for successful design to ensure the stable support as soon as possible when compressed by the surrounding spine and musculature. Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) scaffolds with high mechanical strength have been shown to provide firm spatial maintenance and to promote repair of tissue defects. A multichannel PPF scaffold is combined with collagen biomaterial to build a novel biocompatible delivery system coated with neurotrophin‐3 containing an engineered collagen‐binding domain (CBD‐NT3). The parallel‐aligned multichannel structure of PPF scaffolds guide the direction of neural tissue regeneration across the lesion site and promote reestablishment of bridge connectivity. The combinatorial treatment consisting of PPF and collagen loaded with CBD‐NT3 improves the inhibitory microenvironment, facilitates axonal and neuronal regeneration, survival of various types of functional neurons and remyelination and synapse formation of regenerated axons following SCI. This novel treatment strategy for SCI repair effectively promotes neural tissue regeneration after transected spinal injury by providing a regrowth‐supportive microenvironment and eventually induces functional improvement.
Functionalization of the C−H Bond of N‐Heteroaromatics Assisted by Early Transition‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Nagae Haruki , Kundu Abhinanda , Inoue Mariko , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi
Published: June 2018

This review focuses on direct C−H bond functionalization reactions of N‐heteroaromatic compounds by group 3 and 4 organometallic complexes. Early transition‐metal‐carbon and ‐nitrogen bonds are highly reactive to C−H bond activation via a σ‐bond metathesis pathway to form new organometallic species. By further inserting other unsaturated molecules into the new metal‐carbon bond, C−H bond functionalized products are selectively obtained. To clarify the reaction mechanism, we categorize the reaction by the chelation size of the metallacycle intermediate generated from the organometallic species with N‐heteroaromatic compounds, and include both stoichiometric and catalytic reactions with their reaction mechanism.
New magnetic supported hydrazone Schiff base dioxomolybdenum (VI) complex: An efficient nanocatalyst for epoxidation of cyclooctene and norbornene
Authors: Sarkheil Marzieh , Lashanizadegan Maryam
Published: June 2018

A new dioxomolybdenum (VI) complex with tridentate hydrazone Schiff base ligand (H2L) derived from 2‐hydroxy‐5‐nitrobenzaldehyde and benzhydrazide was synthesized and designated as [MoO2L (DMF)]·2H2O. The Fe3O4@SiO2‐CPS‐L‐MoO2 (EtOH) nanocatalyst was successfully prepared by grafting H2L ligand on modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles followed by reacting with MoO2 (acac)2. The complex and nanocatalyst were characterized by various techniques such as elemental analysis, mass, FT‐IR, UV–Vis, 1H NMR, 13C{1H}‐NMR, TGA, XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM and VSM. The catalytic activity of [MoO2L (DMF)]2H2O and Fe3O4@SiO2‐CPS‐L‐MoO2 (EtOH) were evaluated for the oxidation of various alkenes (cyclooctene, norbornene, cyclohexene, styrene and α‐methyl styrene) in the presence of tert‐butylhydroperoxide as oxidant. The results revealed that the catalysts were especially efficient for oxidation of cyclooctene and norbornene with 100% selectivity towards corresponding epoxide product. Fe3O4@SiO2‐CPS‐L‐MoO2 (EtOH) showed higher catalytic activity, shorter reaction time and higher turnover number (TON) compared with homogeneous complex [MoO2L (DMF)]·2H2O. Moreover, simple magnetic recovery from the reaction mixture and reuse for several times with no significant loss in activity were other advantages of the nanocatalyst.
Encapsulation of Silver Nanoparticles in an Amine‐Functionalized Porphyrin Metal–Organic Framework and Its Use as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for CO2 Fixation under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Dutta Gargi , Jana Ajay Kumar , Singh Dheeraj Kumar , Eswaramoorthy M. , Natarajan Srinivasan
Published: June 2018

A new porphyrin‐based compound, [Zn3(C40H24N8)(C20H8N2O4)2(DEF)2](DEF)3 (1; DEF=N,N‐diethylformamide), has been synthesized by employing 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin, 1,2‐diamino‐3,6‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)benzene, and Zn2+ salt at 100 °C under solvothermal conditions. The structure, as determined by single‐crystal XRD studies, is three‐dimensional with threefold interpenetration. The usefulness of free −NH2 groups in the ligand was exploited for anchoring silver nanoparticles through a simple solution‐based route. The silver‐loaded sample, Ag@1, was characterized by powder XRD, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, high‐resolution TEM, SEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma MS analysis, which clearly indicated that silver nanoparticles with a size of 3.83 nm were uniformly distributed within the metal–organic framework (MOF). The Ag@1 sample was evaluated for possible catalytic activity for the carboxylation of a terminal alkyne by employing CO2 under atmospheric pressure; this gave excellent results. The Ag@1 catalyst was found to be robust, active, and recyclable. The present studies suggest that porphyrin MOFs not only exhibit interesting structures, but also show good heterogeneous catalytic activity towards the fixation of CO2.
Calix[5]phyrin for Fluoride Ion Sensing with Visible and Near Infrared Optical Responses
Authors: Higashino Tomohiro , Kumagai Atsushi , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

Fluoride (F−) ion sensing is an important topic due to its roles in health, medical, and environmental sciences. In this regard, colorimetric sensors with a near infrared (NIR) optical response are useful in biological systems because they can avoid interference from endogenous chromophores. Although calix[n]phyrins are highly attractive as sensors with the NIR optical response, studies on calix[n]phyrins are still limited owing to their intrinsic instability against ambient light and air. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new calix[5]phyrin bearing one sp3‐hybridized carbon atom as a π‐expanded calix[n]phyrin. Upon addition of tetrabutylammonium fluoride, the calix[5]phyrin exhibited distinct NIR absorptions at 908 and 1064 nm as well as a visible color change. Importantly, it revealed an excellent selectivity for F− ion. These results demonstrate that calix[5]phyrins are promising colorimetric and NIR sensors of F− ion.
Disturbance Rejection Control for a Vibrating String System
Authors: Zhao Zhijia , Xiao Ying , Li Zhifu , Liu Hua
Published: June 2018

This paper is concerned with disturbance rejection control for a vibrating flexible string system in the presence of unknown disturbances. First, the boundary disturbance observer is proposed to deal with the boundary disturbance and the infinite dimensional disturbance observer is introduced to mitigate the effects of the distributed disturbance. Subsequently, the boundary control and distributed control are developed to suppress the vibration and globally stabilize the string system at its equilibrium position. Under the control proposed, the uniformly bounded stability of the controlled system is testified employing rigorous analysis without resorting to discretization of the partial differential equation dynamics depending on the time and space. Finally, the simulation and comparison results verify the performance of the derived control.
How great is current curative expenditure and catastrophic health expenditure among patients with cancer in China? A research based on “System of Health Account 2011”
Authors: Zheng Ang , Duan Wenjuan , Zhang Lin , Bao Xintong , Mao Xiaoyun , Luo Zhuojun , Jin Feng
Published: June 2018

In recent years, the incidence and mortality of cancer have witnessed a dramatic increase. Cancer has already caused severe economic burdens on society, especially in developing countries and has become a major public health concern. This study evaluates the medical economic burden, including total current curative expenditure (CCE) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) on cancer in Liaoning Province, China. A total of 252 medical institutions were investigated with multistage stratified cluster random sampling. We established a standardized database of 3 532 517 samples. “System of Health Account 2011”, a new internationally recognized accounting system, was established to analyze the CCE on six most common cancers. CHE were estimated from the extracted 1344 patients with cancer, which performed a cross‐sectional study. The association of individual and contextual factors with CHE was evaluated using logistic regression models. CCE for all the patients with the six types of cancer was 2801.38 million CNY in Liaoning Province, the highest of which was lung cancer. The incidence of CHE was 42.78%, while the threshold was 40%. The average and relative distance were 10.41% and 24.32%, respectively. Influencing factors were length of stay, type of health insurance, location of household, etc. Our findings highlight the need to address medical economic burden in the cancer population. Households with the cancer are more likely to incur CHE. Financial intervention to prevent it should target on poor households. We provide suggestions in aspects of health insurance and health service management to reduce CHE.
SERS‐Based Plasmon‐Driven Reaction and Molecule Detection on a Single Ag@MoS2 Microsphere: Effect of Thickness and Crystallinity of MoS2
Authors: Shen Yunfeng , Miao Peng , Hu Chang , Wu Jie , Gao Mansha , Xu Ping
Published: June 2018

Plasmon‐driven catalysis on a single particle has attracted great attention in recent years, while the relationship between reaction efficiency and substrate remains to be deeply studied. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of a novel Ag@MoS2 core‐shell single particle SERS substrate by coating MoS2 film on Ag microspheres through the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique, where the thickness and crystallinity of MoS2 can be effectively controlled by the PLD time and temperature. It is revealed that both the thickness and crystallinity of MoS2 can greatly influence the hot electron transfer process, and thus the plasmon‐driven reaction (4‐NTP into DMAB) efficiency and Raman enhancement of dye molecules on Ag@MoS2 substrates. Generally, high crystallinity and thin thickness of MoS2 can lead to accelerated plasmon‐driven reaction efficiency and greatly enhanced Raman signals of target molecules. This study opens up a new avenue for broadening the research area of the plasmon‐driven catalysis and Raman enhancement on the hybrid system of two‐dimensional materials and metal nanostructures.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of N‐Acetyl Benzoxazinones
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Li Rui , Li Hao‐Peng , Peng Jin‐Bao , Ying Jun , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: June 2018

A palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular carbonylation reaction for the synthesis of N‐acetyl benzoxazinones has been achieved for the first time. To avoid the using of toxic and flammable CO gas, formic acid was utilized as the CO source here. This carbonylative process is conducted under mild reaction conditions with high reaction efficiency. A variety of the desired N‐acetyl benzoxazinone products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields with very good functional group compatibility. The presents of acid anhydride holds two roles here: formic acid activator and acyl source.
Direct Methylation of Benzene with Methane Catalyzed by Co/MFI Zeolite
Authors: Nakamura Koshiro , Okuda Akihito , Ohta Kiyotaka , Matsubara Hitoshi , Okumura Kazu , Yamamoto Kana , Itagaki Ryosuke , Suganuma Satoshi , Tsuji Etsushi , Katada Naonobu
Published: June 2018

Cobalt‐loaded MFI zeolite showed distinct activity for direct methylation of benzene with methane into toluene. High activity was found at around 0.6 of Co/Al molar ratio. Incorporation of carbon from methane into the methyl group of toluene was confirmed with isotope tracer experiments and mass spectroscopy. Ammonia infrared‐mass spectroscopy temperature‐programmed desorption, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure indicated that Lewis acidic divalent (+II of oxidation state) Co species mono‐atomically dispersed on the ion exchange site of MFI zeolite was the active species.
Highly Efficient Aromatic C−H Oxidation with H2O2 in the Presence of Iron Complexes of the PDP Family
Authors: Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Ottenbacher Roman V. , Lyakin Oleg Y. , Zima Alexandra M. , Samsonenko Denis G. , Talsi Evgenii P. , Bryliakov Konstantin P.
Published: June 2018

The catalytic activity of a series of iron complexes of the PDP family (PDP=N,N′‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐2,2′‐bipyrrolidine) in the oxidation of aromatic substrates with H2O2 has been studied. In the presence of acetic acid, these complexes efficiently catalyze the oxidation of benzene and alkylbenzenes with high selectivity for oxygen incorporation into the aromatic ring (up to 93 %), performing up to 84 catalytic turnovers. The parent complex, [(PDP)(OTf)2], has demonstrated the highest catalytic efficiency and aromatic oxidation selectivity. The yield of products of oxidation of different substrates increases in line with increasing number of electron‐donating alkyl groups of the substrates: halogenbenzenes<benzene<monoalkylbenzenes<dialkylbenzenes, which, together with the results of competitive oxidation experiments and the observation of inverse primary kH/kD (0.90–0.92), agrees with the SEAr oxidation mechanism. Low‐temperature EPR studies have witnessed the presence of low‐spin (g1=2.071, g2=2.008, g3=1.960) perferryl intermediates, demonstrating direct reactivity toward benzene. The oxidation of m‐xylene in the presence of H218O has shown the same probability of 18O incorporation into the aromatic ring and the aliphatic moieties, which is indicative that both the aromatic and aliphatic oxidations are conducted by the same active species.
Stable Bifunctional Perylene Imide Radicals for High‐Performance Organic–Lithium Redox‐Flow Batteries
Authors: Li Lei , Gong Hai‐Xian , Chen Dong‐Yang , Lin Mei‐Jin
Published: June 2018

The search for high‐performance organic redox‐active materials for non‐aqueous redox‐flow batteries remains a key challenge. Organic radicals and aromatic imides are two promising classes of redox‐active materials with complementary advantages, such as the specific capacity, operating voltage, and stability, etc. Herein, this work reports two stable bifunctional radicals synthesized by the C−C coupling of redox‐active phenoxyl radicals and perylene diimides (PDIs, 1.) or benzo[ghi]perylene triimides (BPTIs, 2.). The incorporation of electron‐deficient PDIs or BPTIs into phenoxyl radicals is desired, to not only increase the number of redox‐active groups per molecule and, thus, improve their specific capacities, but also to increase the redox potential and the stability of the phenoxyl radicals and, thus, enhances their battery voltages and cycle lives. When serving as the redox‐active species in the catholyte of a non‐aqueous static redox‐flow battery, both radicals 1. and 2. exhibited a cooperatively enhanced performance with an unprecedented initial discharge voltage up to 3.12 V versus Li+/Li, which is the hitherto most presentable potential for imide‐ and radical‐based energy storage materials in redox‐flow batteries.
Does obesity affect the outcomes in takotsubo cardiomyopathy? Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 2010‐2014
Authors: Desai Rupak , Singh Sandeep , Baikpour Maryam , Goyal Hemant , Dhoble Abhijeet , Deshmukh Abhishek , Kumar Gautam , Sachdeva Rajesh
Published: June 2018

Background

Obesity can lead to increased oxidative stress which is one of the proposed mechanisms in the etiopathogenesis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM).

Hypothesis

The presence of obesity adversely impacts clinical outcomes in TCM patients.

Methods

We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2010‐2014) to identify adult patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of TCM with and without obesity. We compared the categorical and continuous variables by Pearson χ2 and Student t test, respectively, in propensity‐score matched cohorts.

Results

The study cohort comprised 612 obese TCM (weighted n = 3034) and 5696 nonobese TCM (weighted n = 28 186) patients. Obese TCM patients were more often younger and private‐insurance enrollees. Cardiac complications including acute myocardial infarction (9.0% vs 7.4%; P = 0.04), cardiac arrest (2.3% vs. 0.4%; P < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (4.3% vs. 3.2%; P = 0.03), congestive heart failure (5.0% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.02), respiratory failure (12.9% vs. 11.0%; P = 0.021) and use of mechanical hemodynamic support (Impella; 0.2% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.02) were significantly higher among obese TCM patients. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in all‐cause mortality (1.0% vs. 0.8%; P = 0.35), arrhythmia (24.5% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.123), length of stay (3.7 ±3.5 vs. 3.7 ±3.6 days; P = 0.68), and total hospital charges ($40 780.16 vs. $42 575.14; P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Obese TCM patients were more susceptible to developing TCM‐related cardiac complications than were nonobese TCM patients, without any impact on all‐cause in‐hospital mortality, LOS, and hospital charges.
False‐positive stress testing: Does endothelial vascular dysfunction contribute to ST‐segment depression in women? A pilot study
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Mehta Puja K. , Arsanjani Reza , Sedlak Tara , Hobel Zachary , Shufelt Chrisandra , Jones Erika , Kligfield Paul , Mortara David , Laks Michael , Diniz Márcio , Bairey Merz C. Noel
Published: June 2018

Background

The utility of exercise‐induced ST‐segment depression for diagnosing ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women is unclear.

Hypothesis

Based on evidence that IHD pathophysiology in women involves coronary vascular dysfunction, we hypothesized that coronary vascular dysfunction contributes to exercise electrocardiography (Ex‐ECG) ST‐depression in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease, so‐called false positive results. We tested our hypothesis in a pilot study evaluating the relationship between peripheral vascular endothelial function and Ex‐ECG.

Methods

Twenty‐nine asymptomatic women without cardiac risk factors underwent maximal Bruce protocol exercise treadmill testing and peripheral endothelial function assessment using peripheral arterial tonometry (Itamar EndoPAT 2000) to measure reactive hyperemia index (RHI). The relationship between RHI and Ex‐ECG ST‐segment depression was evaluated using logistic regression and differences in subgroups using 2‐tailed t tests.

Results

Mean age was 54 ± 7 years, body mass index 25 ± 4 kg/m2, and RHI 2.51 ± 0.66. Three women (10%) had RHI <1.68, consistent with abnormal peripheral endothelial function, whereas 18 women (62%) met criteria for positive Ex‐ECG based on ST‐segment depression in contiguous leads. Women with and without ST‐segment depression had similar baseline and exercise vital signs, metabolic equivalents achieved, and RHI (all P > 0.05). RHI did not predict ST‐segment depression.

Conclusions

Our pilot study demonstrates high prevalence of exercise‐induced ST‐segment depression in asymptomatic, middle‐aged, overweight women. Peripheral vascular endothelial dysfunction did not predict Ex‐ECG ST‐segment depression. Further work is needed to investigate the utility of vascular endothelial testing and Ex‐ECG for IHD diagnostic and management purposes in women.
A Compact and Synthetically Accessible Fluorine‐18 Labelled Cyclooctyne Prosthetic Group for Labelling of Biomolecules by Copper‐Free Click Chemistry
Authors: Murrell Emily , Kovacs Michael S. , Luyt Leonard G.
Published: June 2018

A new fluorine‐containing azadibenzocyclooctyne (ADIBO‐F) was designed using a synthetically accessible pathway. The fluorine‐18 prosthetic group was prepared from its toluenesulfonate precursor and isolated in 21–35 % radiochemical yield in 30 minutes of synthetic time. ADIBO‐F has been incorporated into azide‐functionalized, cancer‐targeting peptides through a strain‐promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition with high radiochemical yields and purities. The final products are novel peptide‐based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents that possess high affinities for their targets, growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR‐1a) and gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), with IC50 values of 9.7 and 0.50 nm, respectively. This is a new and rapid labelling option for the incorporation of fluorine‐18 into biomolecules for PET imaging.
Comprehensive Theoretical Study of Interactions between Ag+ and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Liu Shuyang , Rogachev Andrey Yu.
Published: June 2018

The first comprehensive and systematic theoretical exploration of the bonding nature and energetics of the interactions between Ag(I) cation and a wide set of π‐ligands was accomplished. This set ranges from simple ethylene and aromatic benzene to planar and curved polyaromatic molecules and to closed‐cage C60‐fullerene. Simultaneous application of two energy decomposition schemes based on different ideas, namely, NBO‐NEDA and EDA‐NOCV, allowed shedding light on the nature of the bonding and its energetics. Importantly, our results unambiguously indicate that reliable results can be obtained only if using more than one theoretical approach. All methods clearly revealed the importance and even domination of the ionic contribution of the bonding in all adducts, except for those of C60‐fullerene, in which the covalent component was found to be the largest. Subsequent decomposition of the orbital term onto components showed that it consists of two major parts: (i) ligand‐to‐metal (π(C=C)→s(Ag), L→M) and (ii) metal‐to‐ligand (M→L) terms, with significant domination of the former. Interestingly, while the L→M component is essentially the same for all systems considered, the nature of the M→L one depends on the coordination site of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In most of adducts, the M→L can be described as dxy(Ag)→π*(C=C) donation, whereas for systems [Ag‐spoke‐C12H8]+ and [Ag‐spoke‐C20H10]+ it corresponds to the dz2(Ag)→π*(C=C) type of interaction. As a result, the coordination mode in such complexes is switched from η2‐type to η1. Thus, the nature of the bonding, its energetics and even coordination mode in adducts of unsaturated hydrocarbons with late transition metal cations should be considered as a function of many components, which primarily includes the topology and aromaticity of the (poly)aromatic molecules.
Hierarchical Porous NiO/β‐NiMoO4 Heterostructure as Superior Anode Material for Lithium Storage
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Zhang Shilin , Zeng Hai , Zhao Haimin , Sun Wei , Jiang Meng , Feng Chuanqi , Liu Jianwen , Zhou Tengfei , Zheng Yang , Guo Zaiping
Published: June 2018

Ternary transition metal oxides (TTMOs) have attracted considerable attention for rechargeable batteries because of their fascinating properties. However, the unsatisfactory electrochemical performance originating from the poor intrinsic electronic conductivity and inferior structural stability impedes their practical applications. Here, the novel hierarchical porous NiO/β‐NiMoO4 heterostructure is fabricated, and exhibits high reversible capacity, superior rate capability, and excellent cycling stability in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), which is much better than the corresponding single‐phase NiMoO4 and NiO materials. The significantly enhanced electrochemical properties can be attributed to its superior structural characteristics, including the large surface area, abundant pores, fast charge transfer, and catalytic effect of the intermediate product of metallic nickel. The NiO/β‐NiMoO4 heterostructure delivers a high capacity of 1314 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 100 cycles. Furthermore, even after 400 cycles at 1 A g−1, the reversible capacity remains at around 500 mA h g−1. These results indicate that the NiO/β‐NiMoO4 heterostructure shows great potential as an anode material for high‐performance LIBs.
Molecular Engineering of Zinc‐Porphyrin Sensitisers for p‐Type Dye‐Sensitised Solar Cells
Authors: Lu Jianfeng , Liu Zonghao , Pai Narendra , Jiang Liangcong , Bach Udo , Simonov Alexandr N. , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Spiccia Leone
Published: June 2018

Invited for this month's cover are the groups of Prof. Dr. Udo Bach, Prof. Dr. Yi‐Bing Cheng, and Prof. Dr. Leone Spiccia (Monash University, Australia), and Dr. Mingkui Wang (Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China). The cover picture shows the charge‐transfer processes between a novel porphyrin dye adsorbed on nickel oxide and tris(acetylacetonato) iron(III/II) redox mediator after excitation by sunlight. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201800104.
Prevalence and prognostic impact of non‐cardiac co‐morbidities in heart failure outpatients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction: a community‐based study
Authors: Iorio Annamaria , Senni Michele , Barbati Giulia , Greene Stephen J. , Poli Stefano , Zambon Elena , Di Nora Concetta , Cioffi Giovanni , Tarantini Luigi , Gavazzi Antonello , Sinagra Gianfranco , Di Lenarda Andrea
Published: June 2018

Aim

To assess adverse outcomes attributable to non‐cardiac co‐morbidities and to compare their effects by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) group [LVEF <50% (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF), LVEF ≥50% (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF)] in a contemporary, unselected chronic heart failure population.

Methods and results

This community‐based cohort enrolled patients from October 2009 to December 2013. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and the population attributable fraction (PAF) were used to compare the contribution of 15 non‐cardiac co‐morbidities to adverse outcome. Overall, 2314 patients (mean age 77 ±10 years, 57% men) were recruited [n = 941 (41%) HFrEF, n = 1373 (59%) HFpEF]. Non‐cardiac co‐morbidity rates were similarly high, except for obesity and hypertension which were more prevalent in HFpEF. At a median follow‐up of 31 (interquartile range 16–41) months, 472 (20%) patients died. Adjusted mortality rates were not significantly different between the HFrEF and HFpEF groups. After adjustment, an increasing number of non‐cardiac co‐morbidities was associated with a higher risk for all‐cause mortality [HR 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.26; P < 0.001], all‐cause hospitalization (HR 1.17; 95% CI 1.12–1.23; P < 0.001), heart failure hospitalization (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.19–1.38; P < 0.001), non‐cardiovascular hospitalization (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.11–1.22; P < 0.001). The co‐morbidities contributing to high PAF were: anaemia, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral artery disease. These findings were similar for HFrEF and HFpEF. Interaction analysis yielded similar results.

Conclusions

In a contemporary community population with chronic heart failure, non‐cardiac co‐morbidities confer a similar contribution to outcomes in HFrEF and HFpEF. These observations suggest that quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing co‐morbidities may be similarly effective in HFrEF and HFpEF.
Ruthenium Arene Complexes with α‐Aminoacidato Ligands: New Insights into Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions and Cytotoxic Behaviour
Authors: Biancalana Lorenzo , Abdalghani Issam , Chiellini Federica , Zacchini Stefano , Pampaloni Guido , Crucianelli Marcello , Marchetti Fabio
Published: June 2018

The RuII arene complexes [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene)(κ2N,O‐aa)Cl] (aa = l‐glutaminato, 1; l‐homoserinato, 2; l‐tyrosinato, 3; l‐serinato, 4; l‐prolinato, 5; trans‐4‐hydroxyl‐l‐prolinato, 6; l‐threoninato, 7; glycinato, 8) were synthesized in high yields by the reactions of [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene)Cl2]2 with aa/MOH (M = Na, K). The salt [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene)(κ2N,O‐l‐serinato)(PPh3)][CF3SO3], 9[CF3SO3], was prepared in 68 % yield from 4 and AgSO3CF3/PPh3. All the products were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods, moreover the X‐ray structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1–7 and 9[CF3SO3] were studied as catalytic precursors for the transfer hydrogenation reaction (THR) of acetophenone, using 2‐propanol or sodium formate (in water) as hydrogen sources, under variable experimental conditions. The catalytic process was investigated also under microwave irradiation. In general, all the catalytic reactions selectively afforded 1‐phenylethanol, and the best results were achieved with 5 and 6, in terms of both activity and enantioselectivity (enantiomeric excess up to 78 %). The in vitro cytotoxicity of 1, 4, 5 and 9[CF3SO3] was assessed towards the human pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC3 and the mouse embryo fibroblast Balb/3T3 Clone A31 cell line, all of the investigated compounds showing to be substantially inactive. The catalytic and biological results will be discussed in relation to the relevant chemical behaviour of the compounds in water solution.
Solvent Control of Ligand–Metal Electron Transfer in Mononuclear Copper Complexes with Redox‐Active Bisguanidine Ligands
Authors: Schrempp David F. , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: June 2018

Intramolecular electron transfer (IET) processes between the metal and a redox‐active ligand in a transition‐metal complex are currently intensively studied, as they represent key steps of some redox‐catalytic reactions in synthetic chemistry and of some enzymatic redox reactions in biological systems. Using a combination of experimental results and quantum chemical calculations, we herein examine in detail the role of the solvent polarity and seemingly small modifications at the redox‐active ligand on IET processes in mononuclear copper complexes with redox‐active bisguanidine ligands. A direct and simple correlation between the coordination mode and the electronic structure in these complexes is established, assisting in the fine‐tuning of the ligand properties for optimal promotion of IET.
BaLiZn3B3O9: a Mixed‐Cation KBe2BO3F2‐Type Zinc‐Borate with a (LiZn3B3O9)∞ Network
Authors: Duan Meihong , Xia Mingjun , Li Rukang
Published: June 2018

The mixed‐cation KBe2BO3F2‐type polyborate, BaLiZn3B3O9, has been obtained. It was constituted by a three‐dimensional (LiZn3B3O9)∞ network with perpendicularly connected (LiZn3B3O16)∞ layers. Within each single layer, a KBe2BO3F2‐type six‐membered ring structure is perfectly maintained. In the structure of BaLiZn3B3O9, the interlayer connection between adjacent (LiZn3B3O16)∞ layers contains not only Ba–O ionic bonds but also Zn‐O covalent bonds, which help to overcome the plate‐like growth nature of KBe2BO3F2‐type polyborates.
Preparation of Substituted Tetrahydro‐1‐benzazepines by Lithiation‐Trapping
Authors: Aeyad Tahani , Jones Callum G. , Coldham Iain
Published: June 2018

The tetrahydro‐1‐benzazepine or benzo[b]azepine ring system is found in a number of drug molecules although methods to access 2,2‐disubstituted derivatives are rare. Here we report the preparation of N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐2‐phenyltetrahydro‐1‐benzazepine followed by lithiation and trapping with electrophiles. The metallation reaction was optimized by using React‐IR spectroscopy, and VT‐NMR spectroscopy allowed the determination of the rate of rotation of the Boc group (approximate ΔG‡ 63 kJ/mol at –50 °C). The resulting organolithium was quenched to give either 2,2‐disubstituted products or, with certain electrophiles, the ortho‐substituted products, presumably through an η3‐coordinated benzyllithium intermediate. The chemistry was shown to be amenable to extension to the 7‐methoxy analog. Removal of the Boc group from the nitrogen atom led to amine products.
Electric Field Poling Effect on the Electrocatalytic Properties of Nitrogen‐Functionalized Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Jahan Maryam , Li Kuo , Zhao Guang‐Lin
Published: June 2018

Fuel cells are attractive new technologies for producing sustainable and green energy. However, the high cost of its components such as Pt electrocatalyst is a major challenge. Heteroatom doped carbon nano‐materials show potential applications for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) which can be used for fuel cells and may be promising replacement of Pt catalyst. Recently, we implemented a facile method for preparing partially nitrogen functionalized graphene oxide (PNG) nano‐sheets. To achieve better nitrogen functionalization, graphene oxide was annealed in ammonia solution for 12 h at 220 oC. The electrochemical measurement data show that the PNG synthesized in NH3 environment possesses good electrocatalytic activities for ORR. In addition, we identified a physical method for the first time to drive the randomly oriented graphene nano‐sheets to be aligned parallel to the surface of electrode for electrocatalytic application by using an AC electric field. An additional effect of the applied electric field is the induction of a polarization on PNG nano‐sheets that create a dielectrophoresis phenomenon. The poling effect of the electric field on the sample shows much improved electrocatalytic performance. The enhanced catalysis can be used for ORR as an important reaction in fuel cells. The reported new method can achieve a low cost capability for preparing new electrocatalyst electrodes for large‐scale applications.
Validation of the nickel biotic ligand model for locally relevant species in Australian freshwaters
Authors: Peters Adam , Merrington Graham , Schlekat Christian , De Schamphelaere Karel , Stauber Jennifer , Batley Graeme , Harford Andrew , van Dam Rick , Pease Ceiwen , Mooney Tom , Warne Michael , Hickey Chris , Glazebrook Peter , Chapman John , Smith Ross , Krassoi Rick
Published: June 2018

Australian freshwaters have relatively low water hardness and different calcium (Ca) to magnesium (Mg) ratios compared with those in Europe. The hardness values of a substantial proportion of Australian freshwaters fall below the application boundary of the existing European nickel biotic ligand models (Ni BLMs) of 2 mg Ca/L. Toxicity testing was undertaken using Hydra viridissima to assess the predictive ability of the existing Ni BLM for this species in extremely soft waters. This testing revealed an increased competitive effect of Ca and Mg with Ni for binding to the biotic ligand in soft water (<10 mg CaCO3/L) than at higher water hardness. Modifications were made to the Ni BLM by increasing the binding constants for Ca and Mg at the biotic ligand to account for softer waters encountered in Australia and the more important competitive effect of Ca and Mg on Ni toxicity. To validate the modified Ni BLM, ecotoxicity testing was performed on 5 Australian test species in 5 different natural Australian waters. Overall, no single water chemistry parameter was able to indicate the trends in toxicity to all of the test species. The modified Ni BLMs were able to predict the toxicity of Ni to the test species in the validation studies in natural waters better than the existing Ni BLMs. The present study suggests that the overarching mechanisms defining Ni bioavailability to freshwater species are globally similar and that Ni BLMs can be used in all freshwater systems with minor modifications. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2566–2574. © 2018 SETAC
A collaborative mobile edge computing and user solution for service composition in 5G systems
Authors: Al Ridhawi Ismaeel , Aloqaily Moayad , Kotb Yehia , Al Ridhawi Yousif , Jararweh Yaser
Published: June 2018

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is an emergent technology that has revolutionized traditional cloud service solutions. Mobile edge computing extends cloud computing by providing processing, storage, and networking capabilities at the edge of the mobile network. Delay‐sensitive and context‐aware applications are able to execute within close proximity of mobile users. Additionally, today's cloud services are not tailored to user specifications, but rather diversified toward a group of users. To guarantee delivery of user‐specific services in 5G networks, service composition techniques should be incorporated. This article envisions a real‐time, context‐aware, service‐composition collaborative framework that lies at the edge of the network, comprising MEC and user devices for fast composite service delivery. The proposed solution decomposes cloud data into a set of files and services, which are then replicated to MEC nodes. Frequently requested files and services are further cached onto user mobile devices for faster access. Both MEC nodes and mobile users advertise their services onto the collaborative edge/user space, where services are delivered either composite or unrendered according to users' requests. Service composition is achieved through a learning‐based workflow‐net approach that relies on previous composition results to build service composition models to be used for new compositions. The presented solution provides guaranteed and fast delivery of the requested cloud composite services to end users while sustaining QoS requirements and load balancing among edge and mobile nodes.
Transmitter power control for a multicarrier visible light communication system
Authors: Kamwangala Christian , Cox Mitchell A. , Cheng Ling
Published: June 2018

Higher bandwidth becomes a major challenge in the development and implementation of visible light communication systems as transmission rates increase. One way of increasing bandwidth is through wavelength division multiplexing in multicarrier systems that use red, green, and blue light‐emitting diodes to produce white light. However, these systems often suffer from low performance as a result of crosstalk interference, mainly caused by the imperfect nature of optical filters used to discriminate between the colors. This paper demonstrates the use of centralized transmitter power control to predict the trends in the performance of a multicarrier visible light communication system that employs red and blue light emitting diodes. We have shown that, using a model that takes into consideration the effects of optical filters used for detection of colors at the receiver, one is able to predict the trends in the overall system's performance. This enables us to adequately determine the optimal power levels in the red and blue channels, which will result in the best overall performance of the system. Our model can be used in the design and implementation of multicarrier systems to minimize the crosstalk, which improves the performance, and lead to efficient higher bandwidth. The model is first implemented in computer simulations and then tested on an experimental set‐up to validate the results.
Obstacles to the development of the organic food market in Poland and the possible directions of growth
Authors: Jarczok‐Guzy Magdalena
Published: June 2018

The general purpose of the work was to assess the development of the organic food market in Poland and to indicate the reasons for the limited development of this market from the marketing point of view. To carry out the research, a survey has been conducted on a sample of consumers to check the attitude of Polish consumers to organic food and to the marketing elements associated with this food. Consumers’ knowledge about this food in Poland and shopping habits have also been examined. The reasons for the limited development of this market in Poland have also been diagnosed. The survey conducted on a sample of consumers shows that almost all the people (94%) have heard about organic food but the reason for the lack of interest in organic food by the consumer is ignorance about its labeling (20%) and high prices (48%). The research has been made on 1159 customers from Silesian Voivodeship. In selection, the snowball method has been used as a selection method, then the statistical analyze has been made with using Excel.
Indoor proximity detection: The case study of a smart pet door
Authors: Borreggine Simone , Serafino Pietro , Boccadoro Pietro
Published: June 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) era is revolving sensing and communication capabilities from industrial applications to daily life use cases. Some of them concern home automation toward the IoTs, in which smart objects help pets' owners to smartly monitor animals. These applications are made possible by low‐power technologies enabling interactions based on proximity. This work demonstrates the suitability of both open source rapid prototyping solutions and Bluetooth Low Energy in proximity‐based applicative scenarios. Here, received signal strength indication is enhanced with classification algorithms. By comparing neural networks and K‐nearest neighbor solutions, the system effectively realizes secure access management and continuous monitoring. Classification precision reached the 80% in almost all cases and betters as distance decreases.
Speckle illumination holographic non‐scanning fluorescence endoscopy
Authors: Lin Wei‐Tang , Lin Chen‐Yen , Singh Vijay Raj , Luo Yuan
Published: June 2018

Optical sectioning endoscopy such as confocal endoscopy offers capabilities to obtain three‐dimensional (3D) information from various biological samples by discriminating between the desired in‐focus signals and out‐of‐focus background. However, in general confocal images are formed through point‐by‐point scanning and the scanning time is proportional to the 3D space‐bandwidth product. Recently, structured illumination endoscopy has been utilized for optically sectioned wide‐field imaging, but it still needs axial scanning to acquire images from different depths of focal plane. Here, we report wide‐field, multiplane, optical sectioning endoscopic imaging, incorporating 3D active speckle‐based illumination and multiplexed volume holographic gratings, to simultaneously obtain images of fluorescently labeled tissue structures from different depths, without the need of scanning. We present the design, and implementation, as well as experimental data, demonstrating this endoscopic system's ability to obtain optically sectioned multiplane fluorescent images of tissue samples, with cellular level resolution in wide‐field fashion, and no need for mechanical or optical axial scanning.(A) Schematic drawing of the SIHN endoscopy to simultaneously acquire multiplane images from different depths. (B) Uniform, and (C) SIHN illuminated images of standard fluorescence beads (25 μm in diameter) for the two axial planes. (D) Intensity profile on fluorescently labeled signal (ie, in‐focus) and background (ie, out‐of‐focus) of microspheres.
Fracture Risk in Dialysis and Kidney Transplanted Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sidibé Aboubacar , Auguste David , Desbiens Louis‐Charles , Fortier Catherine , Wang Yue Pei , Jean Sonia , Moore Lynne , Mac‐Way Fabrice
Published: June 2018

Chronic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of fracture and cardiovascular mortality. The risk of fracture in hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and kidney transplant (KT) patients is higher when compared with the general population. However, there exists a knowledge gap concerning which group has the highest risk of fracture. We aimed to compare the risk of fracture in HD, PD, and KT populations. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies evaluating the risk of fracture in HD, PD, or KT patients. Eligible studies were searched using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from their inception to January 2016, and in grey literature. Incidences (cumulative and rate) of fracture were described together using the median, according to fracture sites, the data source (administrative database or cohort and clinical registry), and fracture diagnosis method. Prevalence estimates were described separately. We included 47 studies evaluating the risk of fracture in HD, PD, and KT populations. In administrative database studies, incidence of hip fracture in HD (median 11.45 per 1000 person‐years [p‐y]), range: 9.3 to 13.6 was higher than in KT (median 2.6 per 1000 p‐y; range 1.5 to 3.8) or in PD (median 5.2 per 1000 p‐y; range 4.1 to 6.3). In dialysis (HD+PD), three studies reported a higher incidence of hip fracture than in KT. Prevalent vertebral fracture (assessed by X‐rays or questionnaire) reported in HD was in a similar range as that reported in KT. Incidence of overall fracture was similar in HD and KT, from administrative databases studies, but lower in HD compared with KT, from cohorts or clinical registry studies. This systematic review suggests an important difference in fracture risk between HD, PD, and KT population, which vary according to the diagnosis method for fracture identification. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.