bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flower structure and development in Vietnamese Sciaphila (Triuridaceae: Pandanales): refined knowledge of the morphological misfit family and implications for taxonomy
Authors: Nuraliev Maxim S. , Remizowa Margarita V. , Sokoloff Dmitry D.
Published: October 2020

The monocot family Triuridaceae is a morphological misfit with respect to several traits of floral morphology, including the uniformly apocarpous polymerous gynoecium and the famous inside-out flowers of Lacandonia. Although Triuridaceae are crucially important for understanding the floral evolution of Pandanales and angiosperms in general, significant knowledge gaps exist which hamper adequate morphological analysis of flowers in this family. The scarcity of morphological data is also reflected in numerous taxonomic inconsistencies. Here we provide a comprehensive study of reproductive organs of four species of Sciaphila occurring in Vietnam (S. arfakiana, S. densiflora, S. nana and S. stellata) including the first investigation of early floral development and gynoecium phyllotaxis. Our observations are mainly based on SEM images. We confirm the perianth (studied in male flowers) to be two-whorled and report a rare sequence of initiation of perianth parts: the outer tepals show a late congenital fusion, as their free lobes appear before the common perianth tube, whereas the inner tepals show an early congenital fusion, with their free lobes initiating on the tube rim. We interpret the stamen appendages as basal adaxial outgrowths of the stamen filaments. We discuss the number of thecae and locules in anthers of Sciaphila, and conclude that 3- and 4-, but not 2-locular anthers are characteristic of this genus. We describe the carpels as consisting of both ascidiate and plicate zones, the former being extremely short and completely obscured by anthesis. The single ovule is attached in the cross-zone. The style is non-plicate. We analyze gynoecium phyllotaxis by estimating its contact parastichies, and by investigating the number and arrangement of the outermost carpels. The carpel arrangement in a given gynoecium is a result of the balance between whorled and irregular (but not spiral) phyllotaxis. We recognize the following figures of gynoecium merism: 6, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 and 12, with the prevalence of those divisible by three. We discuss our results in the light of general diversity of floral structure of monocots. Our data allow to clarify several issues in taxonomy of Asian Sciaphila and indicate directions of further studies. We report a significant range extension for S. densiflora, which is newly recorded for the flora of Vietnam. We describe for the first time staminodes in female flowers of this species. We reveal two distinct morphs of S. nana in Vietnam. We highlight the need of a thorough revision of S. secundiflora species complex in order to verify the species boundaries and, in particular, to test the identity of the Vietnamese S. stellata.
Desenvolvimento socioeconômico no oeste do Paraná no início do século XXI
Authors: Amaral Josineide Aquino da Silva , Bernardo Luciana Virginia Mario , Rippel Ricardo
Published: October 2020

Há consenso na literatura sobre as contribuições da educação, via formação de capital humano, para o desenvolvimento de uma localidade. A educação proporciona o desenvolvimento de habilidades e competências que auxiliam no processo de tomada de decisão em atividades cotidianas. Ela contribui com o desenvolvimento de ações que resultam em inovações e na agregação de valor, além de possibilitar melhores oportunidades laborais às pessoas. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor (e analisar) o Índice de Desenvolvimento Socioeconômico para a região Oeste do Paraná, considerando os anos de 2000 e 2010. A metodologia utilizada foi a Análise Fatorial Exploratória e a Análise de Clusters. Os resultados mostraram que as variáveis utilizadas formaram dois fatores que, juntos, explicam 90,42% de variância das variáveis. A Análise de Cluster mostrou que em 2000 os municípios estavam agrupados em três clusters: baixo, médio e alto desenvolvimento. Já em 2010 formaram-se dois clusters: médio e alto desenvolvimento. Isto indica melhora em relação à análise geral da região. O município de Diamante do Sul não se agrupou a nenhum cluster por possuir baixo desenvolvimento.
Caracterização geográfica, política e socioeconômica da Região Metropolitana de Ribeirão Preto-SP
Authors: Hayashi Carmino
Published: October 2020

Com o processo de conurbação, inúmeros problemas ultrapassam os interesses e limites dos municípios, implicando na necessidade de uma gestão metropolitana. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar e analisar a Região Metropolitana de Ribeirão Preto em relação aos atributos geográficos, políticos e socioeconômicos, além de traçar um perfil comparativo com as demais regiões metropolitanas do estado de São Paulo, visando propor orientações e alternativas viáveis em termos de gestão e desenvolvimento regional. A metodologia utilizada apoia-se em abordagem qualitativa e analítica, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. A RMRP é formada por 34 municípios, subdividida em quatro regiões, tendo como base de agregação e desenvolvimento os fatores econômicos (industriais e comerciais) relacionados ao agronegócio e à indústria sucroalcooleira, de equipamentos e tecnologias na área da saúde, além de produtos como soja, minérios de estanho e seus derivados, e outros itens relacionados à alimentação e nutrição animal e seus insumos. Por ser a sexta região criada no estado de São Paulo e devido à sua localização estratégica e às suas características socioeconômicas fortes, é exigido um debate integrado entre os municípios-membros, visando maior desenvolvimento e respeito mútuo entre as partes.
Emotional Stability of Day Scholars and Boarders Adolescent Boys: A Study
Authors: Sharma Savita
Published: October 2020

Emotions are found in all living beings of the earth and our most powerful force that influence actions. As emotional stability refers to the person's ability to remain stable and balanced, the life of adolescents a very much influenced by the emotions and instincts. The emotional changes during adolescence include anxiety, agitation, fear, anger, pleasure, love, envy, and competitions. The present study examines the difference between boarding and day scholars adolescent boys in terms of emotional stability and medium. The sample of the study consists of 24 boarders and 28- day scholars. A purposive sampling technique was used. The data was collected using an Emotional Stability Test for Children (ESTC). Statistical analysis was done using a t-test. The findings indicated a significant difference between boarding and day scholar adolescent boys concerning emotional stability and no significant difference was found in the emotional stability of adolescent boys concerning medium.
Molecular Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analysis of Released Hybrids and Varieties of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]
Authors: Ambawat Supriya , Satyavathi C. Tara , Meena Rajbala , Khandelwal Vikas , Meena R. C.
Published: October 2020

Pearl millet is a climate-resilient crop which is most widely grown in the arid and semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa over 26 mha. It is a highly nutritious cereal crop and rightly termed as nutricereal. This crop requires low inputs and delivers high cost-effective benefits. Development of high yielding hybrids is the major target of pearl millet researchers globally. The understanding of genetic diversity is very important and must for developing superior hybrids and crop improvement programs. In the present study, we evaluated the diversity among 30 different released hybrids and varieties of pearl millet using 125 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Out of these, 61 polymorphic SSRs were reported giving 191 alleles with an average of 3.13 alleles per primer. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) varied from 0.33 to 0.76 with an average of 0.55 PIC value. The cluster analysis based on these SSR markers categorized the genotypes into four major clusters viz., I, II, III, IV with similarity coefficient ranging from 0.58 to 0.73. The results depicted that sufficient genetic variability exists among the different hybrids and varieties used in the study which can further prove useful for pearl millet improvement programs. The study also reveals that SSR markers are proficient and may be used efficiently for genetic diversity studies in pearl millet. It is also anticipated that findings of this study may be further used for DNA fingerprinting and varietal identification.
Adaptive interconnection and damping assignment passivity‐based control for linearly parameterized discrete‐time port controlled Hamiltonian systems via I&I approach
Authors: Alkrunz Mohammed , Yalçın Yaprak
Published: October 2020

In this paper, discrete‐time adaptive control of linearly parameterized fully actuated Port‐controlled Hamiltonian systems with parameter uncertainties in energy function is considered. A discrete‐time adaptive interconnection and damping assignment passivity‐based control (IDA‐PBC) method, utilizing the immersion and invariance (I&I) approach, for the considered uncertain Hamiltonian system, is presented. A discrete‐time parameter estimator based on the immersion and invariance approach is derived to obtain an automatic tuning mechanism for the IDA‐PBC controller. The stability analysis for the estimator and the closed‐loop system is done using the Lyapunov theory. The proposed method is applied to two fully actuated physical systems and its performance is tested by simulations. Simulation results show that the proposed I&I‐based adaptive IDA‐PBC controller successfully preserves the performance of the IDA‐PBC controller designed with true parameters under a large amount of uncertainty.
Reinforcing the Near Eutectic Aluminum–Silicon Alloy with Graphene: An Approach toward Self‐Lubricating Composite
Authors: Singh Harprabhjot , Kumar Sanjeet , Kumar Deepak , Srivastav Mayank , Kumar Ritesh , Jain Jayant , Chouhan Ajay , Khatri Om P.
Published: October 2020

Mechanical and physical properties of aluminum alloys make them suitable for automotive and other structural applications. The high silicon content in aluminum improves the hardness to a great extent but at the cost of ductility. Herein, the reinforcement of near eutectic Al–Si (ADC12) alloy with the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is demonstrated. The ADC12 alloy and its composite with rGO are cast using the gravity stir die‐casting process. The structural, mechanical, metallurgical, and tribological characteristics are conducted to understand the role of rGO as a reinforcement phase. The 0.7 wt% rGO as a reinforcement phase to ADC12 alloy reduces the friction and wear volume by 50% and ≈90%, respectively, whereas it improves the hardness by 27%. The high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image reveals the wrapping of microstructural silicon by rGO, which inhibits the growth of primary silicon and improves the interfacial strengthening. The high mechanical strength and low shearing properties of rGO, uniform dispersion in the ADC12 alloy, and restrained growth of primary silicon make the ADC12 alloy‐based composites potential materials for structural and low‐frictional building blocks in a diversified range of applications.
The Pitfalls in Nonaqueous Electrochemistry of Al‐Ion and Al Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kravchyk Kostiantyn V. , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: October 2020

The quest for cost‐effective and TWh‐scale stationary energy storage systems has caused a surge of research on novel post‐Li‐ion batteries that consist solely of abundant chemical elements. Nonaqueous Al batteries, inter alia, are appealing as an inexpensive electrochemical technology owing to the high natural abundance of aluminum. A critical assessment of the literature on Al batteries, however, points to numerous misconceptions in this field. The latter is primarily linked to the false assessment of the charge storage redox reactions occurring upon cycling of Al batteries. To ensure the constructive progress of Al batteries, in this essay, the current scientific understanding of the operational mechanisms of two commonly studied Al battery systems, Al‐ion and Al dual‐ion batteries are summarized. Furthermore, the main pitfalls in interpretation and reporting of the electrochemical performance of Al cathode materials and cell‐level energy densities of Al batteries are clarified along with core challenges currently limiting their development. Toward this end, the subject of the charge storage balancing of Al dual‐ion batteries is discussed.
Atomically Dispersed Co‐Pyridinic N‐C for Superior Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ha Yuan , Fei Ben , Yan Xiaoxiao , Xu Hongbin , Chen Ziliang , Shi Lingxia , Fu Maosen , Xu Wei , Wu Renbing
Published: October 2020

Engineering transition metal‐nitrogen‐carbon (TM‐N‐C) catalysts with high‐density accessible active sites and optimized electronic structure holds great promise in the context of the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, a novel modification of a lysozyme‐modified zeolitic imidazolate framework with isolated Co atoms anchored on dominated pyridinic‐N doped carbon (Co‐pyridinic N‐C) is reported. The atomically dispersed Co allows the maximum active site exposure while the introduction of pyridinic N can greatly reduce the electron localization around the Co centers and improve the interaction with oxygenated species, and thus lowering the energy barriers of the intermediates and facilitating the favorable four‐electron ORR pathway. Owing to the synergistic effects of single‐atom Co and coordinated pyridinic N, the Co‐pyridinic N‐C catalyst exhibits an exceptional ORR activity and remarkable stability in both alkaline and more challenging acidic media, representing one of the most active Co‐N‐C catalysts reported. This work may open an avenue for the rational design of TM‐N‐C catalysts to boost their catalytic performance for application in the ORR.
Engineering 2D Materials: A Viable Pathway for Improved Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Lin Liangxu , Chen Jun , Liu Dezheng , Li Xifei , Wallace Gordon G. , Zhang Shaowei
Published: October 2020

Electrochemical energy storage (EES) plays a critical role in tackling climate change and the energy crisis, unfortunately it faces several challenges. Unlike conventional electrode materials which are gradually approaching their capacity limit, the emerging atomically thin 2D materials can potentially open up various new possibilities for design and fabrication of novel EES devices. The studies in this area to date have laid the groundwork in understanding fundamental physics and chemistry of 2D materials, enabling a toolbox of engineering strategies to be used to improve the EES performance. This report reviews recent progress in engineering 2D materials for EES applications. Both theoretical and experimental investigations in this area are summarized, and pathways toward improved EES performance and their novel applications are highlighted based on appropriate integration of promising strategies such as the surface activation, chemical doping, phase engineering, and hybrid structures.
High Interfacial Hole‐Transfer Efficiency at GaFeO3 Thin Film Photoanodes
Authors: Sun Xin , Tiwari Devendra , Fermin David J.
Published: October 2020

The photoelectrochemical properties of polycrystalline GaFeO3 (GFO) thin films are investigated for the first time. Thin films prepared by sol–gel methods exhibit phase‐pure orthorhombic GFO with the Pc21n space group, as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Optical responses are characterized by a 2.72 eV interband transition and sub‐bandgap d–d transitions associated with octahedral and tetrahedral coordination of Fe3+ sites. DFT‐HSE06 electronic structure calculations show GFO is highly ionic with very low dispersion in the valence band maximum (VBM) and conduction band minimum (CBM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals n‐type conductivity with a flat band potential (Ufb) of 0.52 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, indicating that GFO has the most positive CBM reported of any ferrite. The photoelectrochemical oxidation of SO32− shows an ideal semiconductor–electrolyte interfacial behavior with no evidence of surface recombination down to the Ufb. Surprisingly, the onset potential for the oxygen evolution reaction also coincides with the Ufb, showing interfacial hole‐transfer efficiency above 50%. The photoelectrochemical properties are limited by bulk recombination due to the short‐diffusion length of minority carriers as well as slow transport of majority carriers. Strategies towards developing high‐efficiency GFO photoanodes are briefly discussed.
Dichiral [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane copper(II) cluster derived from a tripodal ligand having unsymmetrical podands and the linker: Synthesis, structure, surface grafting and catalytic aspects
Authors: Singh Hemant , Taya Navneet , Agarwal Jyoti , Singh Raghubir , Kaur Varinder
Published: October 2020

Pseudo‐atranes have a significant role in catalysis; however, obtaining chiral pseudo‐atranes for covalent functionalization of heterogeneous catalytic surfaces is very challenging. Herein, synthesis of a chiral tripodal amine [N{CH (CH2Ph)CH2OH}{CH2(4BrC6H3OH)}{CH2(2CHO4MeC6H2OH)}] (1) and a dichiral [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane copper(II) cluster, that is, (Cu[N{CH (CH2Ph)CH2OH}{CH2(4BrC6H3O)}{CH2(2CHO4MeC6H2O)}])2 (2) is described. The compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography (for 2). The compound 2 is the first example of chiral pseudo‐copper(II)atrane in which three unsymmetrical arms (two phenolic and a chiral ethanolic arm) are fused via CuN transannular bond. The free CHO group present in one of the tricyclic arms of the 2 is tested as a linker to load it on 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane‐functionalized magnetic nanosilica for catalytic applications. The loading of 2 on magnetic nanosilica through CHO was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy, and the 2‐loaded magnetic nanosilica (Fe3O4@SiO2/2) was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping. The Fe3O4@SiO2/2 was found highly efficient, retrievable, eco‐friendly and green catalyst for obtaining β‐amino alcohols in excellent yields in an aqueous medium. Overall, present work is the first report on synthetic, structural and catalytic aspects of dichiral cluster of copper(II)atrane possessing unsymmetrical tricyclic arms.
Influence of calcination temperature on SO2 resistance of Mn‐Fe‐Sn/TiO2 catalysts at low‐temperature
Authors: Huang Xianjin , Duan Yufeng , Meng Jialin , Wu Xiang , Zhao Weimeng , Hu Peng , Zhu Chun , Wei Hongqi , Ma Yonggui
Published: October 2020

The Mn‐Fe‐Sn/TiO2(MFST) catalysts for NO and Hg co‐removal with SO2 resistance at low temperature were prepared by the impregnation method under different calcination temperatures (300, 400, 500, and 600°C). The influences of calcination temperatures on SO2 resistance and of SO2 concentration on both denitration and demercuration performances of the Mn‐Fe‐Sn/TiO2 catalysts were investigated in a fixed‐bed reaction system. Surface physicochemical characteristics and SO2 resistance mechanism of MFST catalysts were analyzed by means of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the NO and Hg0 removal efficiency of the MFST catalysts was not affected by reaction temperature between 200–280°C in the absence of SO2. However, the NO and Hg0 removal efficiency was affected mostly in SO2‐containing atmosphere. Appropriate calcination temperature can alleviate SO2 poisoning and improve catalytic activity. When the calcination temperature was below 500°C, MFST catalysts have good resistance to the SO2, and it was found that at calcination temperature of 400°C, the NO and Hg0 removal efficiency had the minimum decay from 95% to 70% and 99% to 93% at 700 ppm SO2, respectively, which was higher than that of other catalysts. That was mainly due to the abundant BET surface area and pore parameters and the high ratio of Mn4+/(Mn4+ + Mn3+), Fe3+/(Fe3+ + Fe2+), and Oα/(Oα + Oβ) on catalyst surface. At lower calcination temperature (≤400°C), the metal active ingredient did not calcined sufficiently that made the NO and Hg0 removal efficiency declined. While at higher calcination temperature (>400°C), the catalyst tended to agglomeration and MnO2 was converted into Mn2O3 gradually. Furthermore, doping Fe and Sn can effectively reduce the consumption of Mn4+, which greatly improved the catalytic activity and the SO2 resistance.
Preparation and anti‐leakage properties of sesbania gum‐grafted copolymers
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Cheng Sha , Zhao Junji , Qiu Xueyan , Zhang Wenxu , Ma Guofu , Lei Ziqiang
Published: October 2020

A sesbania gum‐g‐poly (acrylic acid‐co‐vinyl acetate) (SG‐g‐P (AA‐co‐VAc)) emulsion was prepared by free radical polymerization using environmental‐friendly sesbania gum (SG) as raw material and grafted with acrylic acid and vinyl acetate. It was applied to study the performance of preventing water leakage from the soil. The effects of acrylic acid/vinyl acetate (AA/VAc) monomer ratio, neutralization degree of AA, content of ammonium persulfate and polymerization temperature on the properties of emulsion were investigated. Characterization of the emulsion by FTIR, SEM, TGA, and particle size distribution showed that AA and VAc were successfully grafted onto SG. SG‐g‐P (AA‐co‐VAc) had good stability under the optimum synthesis condition. Compared to SG, the thermal stability of the product was improved. The consolidation layer was formed after the product was added to the soil, which might reduce the voids between soil particles and reduce the water penetration rate. This greatly expanded its application in the research of anti‐leakage performance.
Improving the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of epoxy composites using flame retardants with red mud waste
Authors: Kusakli Sefa , Kocaman Suheyla , Ceyhan Ayhan Abdullah , Ahmetli Gulnare
Published: October 2020

In this study, a novel flame retardant ammonium tetrafluoroborate (ATFB) was successfully synthesized using boric acid (H3BO3) and ammonium hydrogen difluoride (NH4HF2) as the reactants. In addition to ATFB, aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) was used as a flame retardant and red mud (RM) waste was used as a filler to prepare epoxy composite materials with enhanced flammability properties. The appropriate ratio of RM:ATFB:Al(OH)3both in terms of combustion and mechanical properties was found to be 15:10:5 wt%. The tensile strength of the composite in this ratio was obtained as 112 MPa, while the neat ER was 46 MPa. The burnout of the composite with the appropriate RM:ATFB:Al(OH)3ratio decreased in the first 10 seconds, and extinguished in 32 seconds. Moreover, the burned area of this composite was the smallest among all the others. The experimental and estimatedLOIvalues for this composite was found as 26 and 29, respectively.
Comparison of two high temperature treatment methods on preparing electrically conductive polysulfide/Ag composites for aerospace sealant applications
Authors: Li Jiaxiong , Song Bo , An Dong , Ren Yanjuan , Hah Jinho , Wang Xueqiao , Zhang Rong , Moon Kyoung‐sik , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: October 2020

High electrical conductivity of aircraft fuel tank sealant is vital to prevent charge accumulation during operation. In this work, we prepare highly conductive polysulfide (PS)/Ag composite (106 S m−1) via two thermal treatment methods‐namely post cure annealing and high temperature (HT) curing, where the room temperature (RT) cured sample was previously found insulative. The HT cure samples resulted in a milder hardness increase compared to the RT cure‐annealed ones. Through various chemical and thermal analyses, a strong coordination of the sulfide components on Ag surfaces is found blocking the electron tunneling pathways at RT, which turns out to be weakened at HT. Post cure annealing causes the decomposition of the coordinated segments and provides intimate contact of Ag particles to support conductivity. HT cure on the other hand prevents the Ag/S coordination in the first place, therefore producing highly conductive PS/Ag composite with softness well maintained which makes it the preferred method for conductive sealant applications.
Mapping the online presence of small local sporting clubs
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Parker Craig M. , Bingley Scott
Published: October 2020

The contribution of local (“grassroots”) sporting clubs to their economies amounts to billions of dollars. These clubs typically rely on volunteers who use Internet platforms (such as websites and social media) to support their roles. Use of the Internet can assist these volunteers by facilitating improved information access, communication, and efficiency. Little is known about how local sporting clubs use this important information systems' function. This study extends Burgess' (2016) web presence pyramid model to examine factors leading to differences in Internet use by athletics and cricket clubs in the United Kingdom and Australia. The findings suggest that higher adoption levels of websites set up by clubs and social media and more sophisticated Internet usage are apparent in “upper” level (or well‐resourced) local clubs than in “lower” level clubs, but with some important variations (such as interventions by sport governing bodies) that may assist smaller clubs to adopt online platforms. Guidance on using the extended model in other contexts is offered, as is advice for clubs and sporting associations looking to improve their use of Internet platforms.
Role of C‐Defective Sites in CO Adsorption over ϵ‐Fe2C and η‐Fe2C Fischer‐Tropsch Catalysts
Authors: Cao Junbo , Song Nan , Chen Wenyao , Cao Yueqiang , Qian Gang , Duan Xuezhi , Zhou Xinggui
Published: October 2020

Herein, we report the crucial importance of C‐defective sites on the CO adsorption over ϵ‐Fe2C and η‐Fe2C Fischer‐Tropsch catalysts via systematic DFT calculations. The simulated XRD and Wulff construction show the significant differences in their equilibrium shapes and most exposed surfaces. It is observed that the ϵ‐Fe2C exposes a high proportion (89 %) of facets (1
1) with similar structure to that of η‐Fe2C (011) which has been proved to be the active surface of CO activation.
Revealing Topological Influence of Phenylenediamine Unit on Physicochemical Properties of Donor‐Acceptor‐Donor‐Acceptor Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Macrocycles
Authors: Izumi Saika , Nyga Aleksandra , de Silva Piotr , Tohnai Norimitsu , Minakata Satoshi , Data Przemyslaw , Takeda Youhei
Published: October 2020

A new thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)‐displaying macrocyclic compound m‐1 comprising of two electron‐donors (N,N’‐diphenyl‐m‐phenylenediamine) and two electron‐acceptors (dibenzo[a,j]phenazine) has been synthesized. The macrocycle developed herein is regarded as a regioisomer of the previously reported TADF macrocycle p‐1, which has two N,N’‐diphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamines as the donors. To understand the influence of the topology of the phenylenediamine donors on physicochemical properties of TADF‐active macrocycles, herein the molecular structure in the single crystals, photophysical properties, electrochemical behavior, and TADF properties of m‐1 have been investigated compared with those of p‐1. The substitution of p‐phenylene donor with m‐phenylene donor led to distinct positive solvatoluminochromism over the full visible‐color range, unique oxidative electropolymerization, and slightly lower contribution of TADF, due to the lower CT character in the excited states.
Entwicklung neuartiger Holz‐Betonverbunddecken in Fertigteilbauweise
Authors: Woschitz Richard , Deix Karl , Huber Christian , Kampitsch Thomas
Published: October 2020

Der Einsatz von Holz im Bauwesen als natürlicher und nachhaltiger Baustoff wird immer bedeutender. Neue Entwicklungen gehen dahin, Holz auch im mehrgeschossigen Wohn‐ und Bürobau zu verwenden. Neben den ökologischen Vorteilen steht für den Nutzer auch das günstige Raumklima und das unmittelbare Erleben von Holzoberflächen an Wand und Decke im Vordergrund. Im Geschossbau hat sich insbesondere die Holz‐Betonverbundbauweise, die die statischen Vorteile beider Baustoffe optimal nutzt, als zukunftsweisend erwiesen. Die hier beschriebene Holz‐Betonverbunddecke besteht aus CLT‐Platten und Betonfertigteilelementen. Sie stellt eine Neu‐ und Weiterentwicklung herkömmlicher Verbunddecken mit Aufbeton dar. Das Holzelement nimmt dabei überwiegend die Zug‐ bzw. Biegezugkräfte und die Betonplatte hauptsächlich die Druck‐ bzw. Biegedruckkräfte auf. Die notwendige Schubverbindung erfolgt dabei über sog. Knaggen (Schubkerven), die im Holz eingefräst und im Beton in komplementärer Form geschalt sind. Die Verbindung ist des Weiteren mit einer Klebeverbindung gesichert. Neben der schrittweisen Entwicklung der Konstruktion, insbesondere der Knagge, und der passenden Herstellungsmethode wurden zur Bestimmung des Tragverhaltens experimentelle Untersuchungen in Form von Schubversuchen an Kleinkörpern und mehreren Großbiegeversuchen an Deckenelementen im Maßstab 1 : 1 durchgeführt. Im Vordergrund stand dabei die Untersuchung der Funktionsweise der Knaggen und der Eignung der Verbunddecke selbst. Um ein geeignetes Berechnungsverfahren zu finden, wurden das Gamma‐Verfahren und das diskrete Verfahren angewendet und mit den Ergebnissen der Biegeversuche verglichen.
Unfavorable postnatal outcome with significant dilation of the fetal main pulmonary artery near term
Authors: Murlewska Julia , Sylwestrzak Oskar , Respondek‐Liberska Maria
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Fetal echocardiography in third trimester is relatively rare reported and there is no data, what is the clinical meaning of the main pulmonary artery (MPA) dilatation in third trimester or before the delivery in fetuses with congenital heart defect. We analyzed the neonatal follow‐up in cases of significantly dilated MPA diameter to better understand its clinical significance.

Material and Methods

Retrospectively 238 healthy singleton fetuses were selected as a reference group. Consecutive percentiles for MPA diameter according to the gestational age were calculated. In second step, we selected cases whose MPA diameter measured at the level of three vessel trachea view (3VT view) was pointedly above 95th centile in third trimester of pregnancy, according to the obtained data of our healthy population.

Results

There were 11 fetuses, with dilated MPA diameter (range 12–13.5 mm), who had last echocardiography performed at 37.6 weeks of gestation. There were 11 isolated heart defects: 7 cases with HLHS, 2 with d‐TGA, and 2 cases with CoA. Mean neonatal weight was 3,345 g, with Apgar score 8–10. About 10 newborns out of 11 had cardiac surgery at the mean 12th day of the postnatal life and 8 of them died on the mean 23rd day. Autopsy was performed in 5 cases. In all of them histopathology reports described pulmonary hypertension in addition to cardiac structural abnormalities.

Conclusion

Severe dilation of the fetal MPA before the delivery suggested prenatal abnormal lung development and was a poor prognostic factor. In these cases postnatal pulmonary hypertension should be suspected.
Cerebral autoregulation is heterogeneous in different stroke mechanism of ischemic stroke caused by intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis
Authors: Tian Ge , Ji Zhong , Lin Zhenzhou , Pan Suyue , Yin Jia
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is the most common cause of ischemic stroke (IS) and is associated with stroke recurrence. It results in IS due to a variety of mechanisms. However, the influence of brain reserve mechanism on different stroke mechanism is still unclear. Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is an important brain reserve mechanism and is impaired after IS. This study aimed to explore the impaired pattern of CA and assess the association between CA and stroke risk factors in different stroke mechanism caused by ICAS.

Methods

IS patients with ICAS (50%–99% stenosis/occlusion) in middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery were enrolled to receive CA examinations within 7 days after onset. Healthy volunteers were also recruited as controls. CA was recorded from spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure and MCA flow velocity. Transfer function analysis was used to derive CA parameters, including phase difference (PD) and coherence in the low‐frequency range (0.06–0.12 Hz).

Results

A total of 89 IS patients and 90 healthy controls were included. Compared with controls, CA was impaired ipsilaterally in patients with parent artery atherosclerosis occluding penetrating artery (POPA) while CA was bilaterally impaired in other stroke mechanisms. And CA on ipsilateral hemisphere was correlated with hypertension/hyperlipidemia in patients with POPA (r = −0.481, p = .008; r = −0.484, p = .008). While CA on ipsilateral hemisphere was correlated with perfusion parameter including the arterial spin‐labeling (ASL) parameter cerebral blood flow (CBF) (r = 0.893, p = .007) and collateral circulation status the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) (r = 0.610, p = .021) in patients with hypoperfusion mechanism.

Conclusion

In IS patients, CA was impaired heterogeneously and was correlated with different risk factors in varied stroke mechanism. CA can be as an informative determinant of stroke risk in patients with ICAS and to help improving individualized treatment strategies in the presence of ischemic stroke caused by ICAS.
Competitive sustainability and stakeholder engagement: Exploring awareness, motivation, and capability
Authors: Schniederjans Dara G. , Khalajhedayati Mehrnaz
Published: October 2020

In adding to competitive dynamics and sustainability literature, this study examines the role of a supplier and consumer on a focal firm's sustainability competitiveness through the awareness, motivation, and capability (AMC) perspective and stakeholder engagement research. Regression analyses are performed utilizing secondary sustainability and financial data to test proposed environmental and social competitiveness hypotheses. A constraint factor model is also tested. This study finds that a focal firm's motivation is positively associated with its own sustainability competitiveness. The study also finds that awareness and capability are negatively associated with environmental and social competitiveness. Finally, whereas suppliers' AMC have no significant impact, customer awareness and capability do. The findings reflect both conformity and divergence from the AMC model when applying it to a supply chain context as well as enhance the managerial understanding of how a supply and customer base can impact their own sustainability competitiveness.
Chemically Diverse Multifunctional Peptide Platforms with Antimicrobial and Cell Adhesive Properties
Authors: Martin‐Gómez Helena , Oliver‐Cervelló Lluís , Buxadera‐Palomero Judit , Ginebra Maria‐Pau , Mas‐Moruno Carles
Published: October 2020

Bacterial infections and incomplete biomaterial integration are major problems that can lead to the failure of medical implants. However, simultaneously addressing these two issues remains a challenge. Here, we present a chemical peptide library based on a multifunctional platform containing the antimicrobial peptide LF1‐11 and the cell‐adhesive motif RGD. The scaffolds were customized with catechol groups to ensure straightforward functionalization of the implant surface, and linkers of different length to assess the effect of peptide accessibility on the biological response. The peptidic platforms significantly improved the adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells and showed antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Of note is that peptides bearing spacers that were too long displayed the lowest efficiency. Subsequently, we designed a platform replacing linear RGD by cyclic RGD; this further enhanced eukaryotic cell adhesion while retaining excellent antimicrobial properties, thus being a suitable candidate for tissue engineering applications.
Right atrial mass‐multimodality imaging—Massive lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum
Authors: Kotaru Veera Pavan K. , Martin David , Tokala Hemasri , Kalavakunta Jagadeesh K.
Published: October 2020

Asymptomatic cardiac masses are often diagnosed incidentally. Massive lipomatous hypertrophy can be confused for other cardiac masses and need careful evaluation including multimodality imaging to manage appropriately.
Microwave‐heated γ‐Alumina Applied to the Reduction of Aldehydes to Alcohols
Authors: Dhokale Bhausaheb , Susarrey‐Arce Arturo , Pekkari Anna , Runemark August , Moth‐Poulsen Kasper , Langhammer Christoph , Härelind Hanna , Busch Michael , Vandichel Matthias , Sundén Henrik
Published: October 2020

The development of cheap and robust heterogeneous catalysts for the Meerwein‐Ponndorf‐Verley (MPV) reduction is desirable due to the difficulties in product isolation and catalyst recovery associated with the traditional use of homogeneous catalysts for MPV. Herein, we show that microwave heated γ‐Al2O3 can be used for the reduction of aldehydes to alcohols. The reaction is efficient and has a broad substrates scope (19 entries). The products can be isolated by simple filtration, and the catalyst can be regenerated. With the use of microwave heating, we can direct the heating to the catalyst rather than to the whole reaction medium. Furthermore, DFT was used to study the reaction mechanism, and we can conclude that a dual‐site mechanism is operative where the aldehyde and 2‐propoxide are situated on two adjacent Al sites during the reduction. Additionally, volcano plots were used to rationalize the reactivity of Al2O3 in comparison to other metal oxides.
Analysis of the Electrochemical Response of Surface‐confined Bidirectional Molecular Electrocatalysts in the Presence of Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: González Joaquín , Sequí José‐Alfonso
Published: October 2020

A theoretical model for the response of bidirectional surface confined molecular electrocatalysts in the presence of intermolecular interactions is presented. Particular cases corresponding to Nernstian and fully irreversible redox behaviour are discussed, with the main features of the stationary current‐potential response being analysed in detail. This analysis has revealed important nuances in the understanding of the overall process relative to the limits of validity of some frequent assumptions, as for example, a Nernstian behaviour of the charge transfer step and therefore of the complete catalytic mechanism. The presence of interactions leads to a distortion of the current‐potential responses for which, in the case of repulsive interactions, higher overpotential values are required for a given conversion rate. In the case of non‐Nernstian charge transfer processes, high catalytic rates give rise to an increase of the overall irreversibility of the catalytic currents. The experimental verification of the model corresponding to the response of binary 11‐(ferrocenyl)undecanethiol/decanethiol in presence of ferro/ferricyanide is presented and discussed. The impact of the experimental conditions on the apparent values of the formal potential and redox rate constants of the molecular electrocatalyst is also analysed.
Highly Efficient CO2 to CO Transformation over Cu‐Based Catalyst Derived from a CuMgAl‐Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)
Authors: Chen Yi , Hong Hengfeng , Cai Jingyu , Li Zhaohui
Published: October 2020

Supported Cu‐based catalysts are promising catalysts for RWGS reactions. Herein, CuMgAl‐LDHs (LDHs: Layered double hydroxides) were used as the precursors to obtain supported Cu with good dispersion and high stability. The reduction of CuMgAl‐LDH at 400 °C led to the formation of 0.3CuMgAl‐LDH‐400, with Cu nanoparticles well dispersed on MgO/Al2O3, which exhibited superior activity and high stability for RWGS. 33.5 % of CO2 was converted, with selectivity of almost 100 % to CO at 350 °C under a high space velocity, among the highest for RWGS ever reported for Cu‐based catalysts, especially at a low reaction temperature. In‐situ DRIFTS and CO2‐TPD revealed that its superior performance is attributed to high Cu dispersion which is beneficial for the dissociation of H2, as well as the presence of variety of basic sites for adsorption towards CO2 to facilitate the formation of formates. This study demonstrates the great opportunity of LDHs in the preparations of supported metal‐based catalysts.
First Tribo‐Excited Chemical Reaction of a Stacked Lanthanide Coordination Polymer with an in Situ Reaction Monitor
Authors: Kitagawa Yuichi , Naito Ayu , Fushimi Koji , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: October 2020

A tribo‐excited chemical reaction using a stacked lanthanide coordination polymer is demonstrated for the first time. The polymer is composed of a EuIII ion, hexafluoroacetylacetonato ligands, and an anthracene‐based phosphine oxide bridge. The tightly stacked structure with hydrogen bonding was characterized by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. The mechanical stimulus leads to tribo‐excited oxidation in the EuIII coordination polymer. Electron ionization mass spectroscopy and photo‐spectroscopic analysis reveal that the chemical product afforded by tribo‐oxidation is different from that obtained by photo‐oxidation.
Photoactivatable Fluorophore for Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) Microscopy and Bioconjugation Technique for Hydrophobic Labels
Authors: Weber Michael , Khan Taukeer A. , Patalag Lukas J. , Bossi Mariano , Leutenegger Marcel , Belov Vladimir N. , Hell Stefan W.
Published: October 2020

The use of photoactivatable dyes in STED microscopy has so far been limited by two‐photon activation through the STED beam and by the fact that photoactivatable dyes are poorly solvable in water. Herein, we report ONB‐2SiR, a fluorophore that can be both photoactivated in the UV and specifically de‐excited by STED at 775 nm. Likewise, we introduce a conjugation and purification protocol to effectively label primary and secondary antibodies with moderately water‐soluble dyes. Greatly reducing dye aggregation, our technique provides a defined and tunable degree of labeling, and improves the imaging performance of dye conjugates in general.
Inequitable access to surveillance colonoscopy among Medicare beneficiaries with surgically resected colorectal cancer
Authors: Sanchez Janeth I. , Shankaran Veena , Unger Joseph M. , Madeleine Margaret M. , Selukar Subodh R. , Thompson Beti
Published: October 2020

Background

After colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, surveillance with colonoscopy is an important step for the early detection of local recurrence. Unfortunately, surveillance colonoscopy is underused, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. This study assesses the association between patient and neighborhood factors and receipt of surveillance colonoscopy.

Methods

This retrospective, population‐based cohort study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked data (2009‐2014). Beneficiaries with surgically resected stage II or III CRC between the ages of 66 and 85 years were identified, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the effect of factors on receipt of colonoscopy.

Results

Overall, 57.5% of the patients received initial surveillance colonoscopy. After adjustments for all factors, Blacks and Hispanics had lower odds of receiving colonoscopy than non‐Hispanic Whites (NHWs; 29.6% for Blacks; P = .002; 12.9% for Hispanics; P > .05). NHWs with Medicaid coverage had 35% lower odds of surveillance colonoscopy than NHWs without Medicaid coverage. Minority patients with Medicaid were more likely to receive colonoscopy than their racial/ethnic counterparts without Medicaid coverage (P > .05). Hispanics residing in neighborhoods with incomes of ≥$90,000 had significantly lower odds of surveillance colonoscopy than Hispanics residing in neighborhoods with incomes of $0 to $30,000.

Conclusions

Receipt of initial surveillance colonoscopy remains low, and there are acute disparities between Black and NHW patients. The association between factors that assess a patient's ability to access colonoscopy and actual receipt of colonoscopy suggests inequitable access to surveillance colonoscopy within and across racial/ethnic groups.
Tragacanth Gum as Green Binder for Sustainable Water‐Processable Electrochemical Capacitor
Authors: Scalia Alberto , Zaccagnini Pietro , Armandi Marco , Latini Giulio , Versaci Daniele , Lanzio Vittorino , Varzi Alberto , Passerini Stefano , Lamberti Andrea
Published: October 2020

Enabling green fabrication processes for energy storage devices is becoming a key aspect in order to achieve a sustainable fabrication cycle. Here, the focus was on the exploitation of the tragacanth gum, an exudated gum like arabic and karaya gums, as green binder for the preparation of carbon‐based materials for electrochemical capacitors. The electrochemical performance of tragacanth (TRGC)‐based electrodes was thoroughly investigated and compared with another water‐soluble binder largely used in this field, sodium‐carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Apart from the higher sustainability both in production and processing, TRGC exhibited a lower impact on the obstruction of pores in the final active material film with respect to CMC, allowing for more available surface area. This directly impacted the electrochemical performance, resulting in a higher specific capacitance and better rate capability. Moreover, the TRGC‐based supercapacitor showed a superior thermal stability compared with CMC, with a capacity retention of about 80 % after 10000 cycles at 70 °C.
The open versus blind weight conundrum: Amultisiterandomized controlled trial across multiple levels of patient care for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Murray Stuart B. , Levinson Cheri A. , Farrell Nicholas R. , Nagata Jason M. , Compte Emilio J. , Le Grange Daniel
Published: October 2020

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disorder characterized by a profound fear of weight gain, resulting in significant weight loss, as well as behavioral symptoms that interfere with weight normalization. In concert, weight gain remains a proximal goal of treatment, and patient weighing is a critical component of treatment. However, divergent approaches exist in how patient weighing is undertaken in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a brief course of open weighing (sharing weight data with patients) versus blind weighing (not sharing weight data with patients) on distress around being weighed and AN symptom severity.

Method

216 patients with AN and atypical AN will be randomized to receive 4 weeks of open or blind weighing practices across residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment settings, within the context of manualized empirically supported treatment. Following 4 weeks of open or blind weighing, all patients will be enrolled into open weighing practices. Primary outcomes of interest will be patient‐reported distress around being weighed at week 5 and eating disorder symptom severity at week 5. Secondary outcomes will assess weight prediction error, intolerance of uncertainty, and the fear of food.

Discussion

No best practice guidelines exist in determining optimal practices around weighing patients with AN. This multisite randomized controlled trial will provide the first known data on the impact of open versus blind weighing practices upon weight‐related distress and AN symptom severity.