bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision-making Skills among Managers Employed in Public and Private Organizations of Udaipur City, India
Authors: Arya Pooja , Rathore Hemu
Published: May 2020

Decision-making is the process of identifying and choosing alternatives based on the values and preferences of the decision-maker. This research examines the decision-making skills of managers employed in public and private organizations. The methodology entails a survey of 60 randomly selected managers (i.e. 30 from public organizations and 30 from private organizations) in Udaipur city, India. An online questionnaire technique was used for data collection. Secondary data was also used to get a better insight into the research problem. Frequency, percentage and means weighted scores were used for the analysis of data. The major limitation of this study is that it was conducted in Udaipur city alone, while the work culture of organizations other than in Udaipur city may be different. Results showed that decision-making skills were at a good level among most of the managers in public organizations (63.3%) but in private organizations the majority of managers (60%) were at an excellent level. Maintenance Window Scheme (MWS) were higher in decision making statements of private organizations in comparison to public organizations. There is difference among managers’ managerial skills of public and private organizations.
Hyphal Formation is Enhanced by 121°C Heat Inactivation of Serum Added to Culture Media
Authors: He Hong , Wang Xueting , Li Congcong , Deng Xiaotong , Fan Yan , Han Jianxin
Published: May 2020

Background: A novel method for inducing hyphae formation, was described.

Methods: Mycelia of experimental and clinical strains from 100 patients with oral lichen planus were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium with 56°C or 121°C inactivated calf sera. After these strains were cultured for 2 h to 7 days, the average hyphae formation rate was observed under light microscopy.

Results: The 121°C inactivated calf serum showed better outcomes than 56°C inactivated calf serum in terms of time and amounts of hyphae products.

Conclusions: For Candida albicans hyphae culture, the 121°C inactivated serum is superior to the 56°C inactivated serum.
Evaluation of provider satisfaction with mental health clinical pharmacy specialists in outpatient mental health clinics
Authors: Terry Hannah , Frazier Erica , Adler Tamara , Yates Derek
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Mental health services are an area of high need in many health care systems in the United States. With a limited number of psychiatric providers and a projected increase in the deficit of psychiatrists, a call for increased mental health services is apparent. The inclusion of mental health clinical pharmacy specialists (MH-CPS) as part of interdisciplinary care teams has enabled the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Clinics as well as numerous other Veterans Affairs sites to improve access to mental health providers when pharmacists serve as an integral part of the mental health team. Our objectives were to (1) evaluate impressions of nonpharmacist mental health providers of MH-CPS and (2) assess for areas of improvement in MH-CPS services.

Methods

A survey was formulated, using 5-point Likert scale criteria, to evaluate impressions of MH-CPS from other mental health providers. Questions were designed to address impressions of clinical skills, knowledge, team contribution, and comfort with MH-CPS providers. These were distributed and completed in December 2018 by members of mental health treatment teams at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Clinics.

Results

Overall, mental health team members rated satisfaction with MH-CPS highly across all evaluated criteria.

Discussion

Per review of these results, MH-CPS are a valued and respected part of the mental health team.
Relapse rates among veterans on maintenance doses of combination buprenorphine and naloxone for opioid use disorder
Authors: Binger Katie J. , Ansara Elayne D. , Miles Talia M. , Schulte Samantha L.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Opioid use disorder (OUD) can cause significant morbidity and mortality with more than 115 people dying from an opioid overdose daily in the United States. Treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NAL) can be effective; however, there is conflicting evidence on the utility of higher doses in preventing relapse. This study was designed to assess BUP/NAL maintenance doses and the rate of relapse in veterans with OUD.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with OUD who received a prescription for BUP/NAL through the substance use disorder recovery program were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were categorized into 2 treatment groups: those prescribed ≤16 mg of BUP/NAL daily and those prescribed >16 mg of BUP/NAL daily. The primary outcome was to determine rates of relapse between maintenance doses of BUP/NAL. Secondary outcomes included evaluating the difference in rates of relapse between daily versus take-home dosing, tablets versus films, time to relapse, and use of illicit substances during treatment.

Results

Patients prescribed >16 mg of BUP/NAL daily had statistically significantly lower rates of relapse compared to patients prescribed ≤16 mg of BUP/NAL daily (P = .0018). Regarding secondary outcomes, there was a statistically significant difference in time to relapse (P = .036) and dosage form (P = .0124). Difference in administration of dose and illicit substance use during treatment were not statistically significant.

Discussion

This study identified that rate of relapse can be lowered and time to relapse can be lengthened when doses >16 mg of BUP/NAL are prescribed in the veteran population for OUD.
Tinnitus associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Laskey Corey , Opitz Brandon
Published: May 2020

In light of the ongoing opioid crisis, many have encouraged the medical community as well as local and national US government agencies to reconsider the prevalent use of benzodiazepines. As prescribers continue to weigh the risks and benefits of ongoing benzodiazepine use, care must be taken when the decision is made to taper and discontinue these medications in patients who have been maintained on them chronically. We present a case of an adult patient maintained on a benzodiazepine for several years who developed tinnitus during a gradual dose taper. This patient developed tinnitus within 7 weeks of gradual reduction of the patient's clonazepam dose to 50% of the original dose in an outpatient clinic. The persistence of these symptoms prevented further dose reductions. Upon review of the available literature, several other cases were identified describing development of tinnitus upon discontinuation or tapering of a benzodiazepine. In weighing the risks and benefits of chronic benzodiazepine therapy, tinnitus must be considered as a rare but debilitating and long-term risk of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Providers must be prepared to individualize benzodiazepine tapers and be vigilant about emergence of withdrawal symptoms to prevent undue stress in patients.
Shifting Gears: Re-framing the International Discussion about Inclusive Education
Authors: Jackson Lewis , Fitzpatrick Heather , Alazemi Bedoor , Rude Harvey
Published: May 2020

Kauffman, Felder, Ahrbeck, Badar, and Schneiders (this issue) call for a more temperate approach to inclusion, arguing against its use in educating all students with disabilities. We argue in response that the issue should not be framed as “inclusion versus non-inclusion,” asserting that our field would benefit by examining the alternatives that actually exist across the globe for educating children with and without disabilities. We first provide four concepts that are central to understanding how education is conceptualized and practiced on a global scale: (a) education for all (EFA), interpreted as nations valuing an educated citizenry; (b) primary and secondary education, discussed to make clear real differences in how these two periods of schooling are handled across nations; (c) tracking, the worldwide practice of ability grouping that affects the education of all students; and (d) comprehensive local schools, regionally centralized facilities educating all children, which offer the potential for greater equity. We follow the latter with five schooling “models” that represent the major educational options worldwide: (a) the selective schools model, which controls educational access, often with academic criteria; (b) the separate schools model, which tracks students into different facilities; (c) the tracked schools model, which stratifies students within the same facility; (d) the multi-tiered schools model, which starts with general education settings and curriculum, then provides interventions or programs as needed; and (e) the equity schools model, which uses general education settings and curriculum, providing supports as needed. We conclude with four points: (a) neither resource scarcity nor presumed limitations in general education capacity should preclude inclusive education; (b) the comprehensive local school provides a good base for enhancing equity in educational opportunity for students with and without disabilities; (c) special education is tracking, seriously impacting equity; and (d) inclusive schooling provides the best approach to EFA in the long run.
Spatial composition and premise arrangement of traditional Manchu village in Northeast China
Authors: Ushijima Akira , Yang Dan , Nakazono Mahito , Mishima Sachiko
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to elucidate the spatial composition and premises arrangement of a traditional Manchu village by a case study on Shengli Village. In Shengli Village, settled areas were consolidated by the government during the 1960s. Therefore, we attempted to use a statistical analytic method to examine the road contact condition, shape of the house lot, homestead area, and premises arrangement before and after compactification of the residential area. The results revealed different spatial characteristics due to the period of building land development.
Characteristics of personally important episodic memories, counterfactual thoughts, and future projections across age and culture
Authors: Özbek Müge , Bohn Annette , Berntsen Dorthe
Published: May 2020

We have limited knowledge as to whether the phenomenological differences between episodic memories, counterfactuals, and future projections show the same pattern across age groups and diverse samples. Here we compared the characteristics of these mental events, reported by younger and older participants in a Turkish (Study 1) and in an American sample (Study 2). In both studies, memories contained more sensory‐perceptual‐spatial details, were easier to bring to mind, and more specific. Future projections were the most positive, whereas counterfactuals were the least emotionally intense. In Study 1, older participants rated the events more positively and experienced them with more perceptual detail, whereas younger participants reported the future to be more voluntarily rehearsed, important, and central. These age differences did not replicate in Study 2. Overall, phenomenological differences between the events are robust and replicate across diverse samples. However, age differences are more sensitive to cultural or individual differences.
Obesity Progression Between Young Adulthood and Midlife and Incident Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study of US Adults
Authors: Berry Kaitlyn M. , Neogi Tuhina , Baker Joshua F. , Collins Jason M. , Waggoner Jason R. , Hsiao Chia‐Wen , Johnston Stephen S. , LaValley Michael P. , Stokes Andrew C.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To examine the association between weight change from young adulthood to midlife and the risk of incident arthritis.

Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we categorized participants into weight‐change categories based on their recalled weight during young adulthood and midlife. We estimated the association of weight change and developing an arthritis condition over 10 years using adjusted Cox models. Findings were extrapolated to the US population to determine the proportion of incident arthritis cases that could be averted if the entire population maintained a normal body mass index (BMI) in young adulthood and midlife.

Results

Among our sample of adults who were ages 40–69 years at their midlife weight measure (n = 13,669), 3,603 developed an arthritis condition. Compared with adults who maintained a normal–normal BMI, the normal–overweight, normal–obese, overweight–obese, and obese–obese groups had a significantly elevated risk of incident arthritis conditions. The obese–overweight group had a lower risk of incident arthritis conditions compared with the obese–obese group and a comparable risk to the overweight–overweight group. Nearly one‐fourth of incident arthritis cases, corresponding to 2.7 million individuals, would have been averted under the hypothetical scenario where all individuals maintained normal weight from young adulthood to midlife.

Conclusion

Weight loss from young adulthood to midlife was associated with a substantially reduced risk of developing an arthritis condition. We found no evidence of residual risk from having been heavier earlier in life. Our findings highlight the critical need to expand obesity treatment and prevention to achieve meaningful reductions in the burden of arthritis.
Solar‐Driven Alkaline Water Electrolysis with Multifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Sun Zixu , Wang Guangjin , Koh See Wee , Ge Junyu , Zhao Hu , Hong Wei , Fei Jipeng , Zhao Yunxing , Gao Pingqi , Miao He , Li Hong
Published: May 2020

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) holds great promise for a truly sustainable energy future if it can be driven by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The main challenge arises from the serious partial loading issue when intermittent and unstable renewable energy is coupled to water electrolyzers. An energy storage device can mitigate this incompatibility between water electrolyzer and renewable energy sources. Herein, an AWE device driven by solar photovoltaic (PV) through a full cell of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) as an energy reservoir is demonstrated (PV−LIB−AWE). Stable power output from LIB drives the water electrolyzer for steady hydrogen production, and thus overcomes the partial loading issue of AWE. Moreover, a multifunctional hierarchical material, porous nickel oxide decorated nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) support, with excellent electrochemical performances for LIBs, oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for the PV−LIB−AWE system is developed. Density functional theory calculations show that the strong interaction between metal oxide and NC tailors the electronic structure and then optimizes activation energy of OER process. PV−LIB−AWE integrated system demonstrated here offers an alternative approach to drive water electrolysis with intermittent renewable energy for a truly sustainable energy future.
Photonic Crystal Enhanced SERS Detection of Analytes Separated by Ultrathin Layer Chromatography Using a Diatom Frustule Monolayer
Authors: Kraai Joseph A. , Wang Alan X. , Rorrer Gregory L.
Published: May 2020

Diatoms are single‐celled algae that biologically fabricate nanostructured silica shells with ordered pore arrays called frustules that resemble a 2D photonic crystal. A monolayer of Pinnularia frustules isolated from cell culture is deposited on a glass substrate and then conformally coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to serve as a nanostructured thin film for ultrathin layer chromatography (UTLC). Malachite green and Nile red are resolved in toluene mobile phase and the separated analytes are profiled micro‐Raman spectroscopy, where plasmonic AgNPs provide surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The AgNP‐diatom frustule monolayer improves SERS detection of malachite green by an average factor of 1.8 ± 0.1 over the plasmonic AgNP layer on glass. Analysis of hot spots on the AgNP‐diatom frustule monolayer reveals that nearly 20% of the SERS active area intensifies the SERS signal at least tenfold over the SERS signal for AgNP on glass. Diatom‐SERS enhancement is attributed to guided‐mode resonances of the Raman laser source, which in turn further enhances the localized surface plasmonic resonance from AgNPs. Overall, the AgNP‐diatom frustule monolayer thin film is a new functional material that uniquely enables separation of analytes by UTLC, quantitative SERS detection of separated analytes, and photonic enhancement of the SERS signals.
The Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3/ZnO/GaN Ferroelectric–Semiconductor Heterostructure: Insight into the Interfacial Energy Level Alignments
Authors: Wang Juan , Wilks Regan G. , Félix Roberto , Liao Xia X. , Grigoriev Alexei , Bär Marcus
Published: May 2020

Ferroelectric/semiconductor heterostructures promise to be the backbone of next‐generation “green” data storage devices combining ultrashort switching times and ultralow switching power with a simplified device structure and low‐cost processing. One promising candidate to realize such resistive memory devices is the ferroelectric‐Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3/semiconductor–ZnO/GaN heterostructure. A detailed knowledge about the energy level alignments in this heterostructure is of utmost importance to understand the charge carrier transport mechanism as that is what determines the macroscopic performance of corresponding ferroelectric/semiconductor‐based electronic devices. Employing hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, favorable type‐II energy level alignments at the Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3/ZnO and ZnO/GaN interfaces are found with, however, significantly lower offsets in the valence as well as the conduction band for the latter. As a result, the formation of a high‐resistance state and a low‐resistance state can be explained by a combination of polarization effects and related changes in the energy level alignment. The charge carrier transport through the Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3/ZnO/GaN heterostructure may in the low‐resistance state be limited by the significant hole barrier at the ZnO/GaN interface. The gained insight opens a new route for device optimization by deliberate interface engineering promising improved tunable resistive memory devices.
A Universal Approach to Enhance Glucose Biosensor Performance by Building Blocks of Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Ting , Ran Junhui , Ma Chao , Yang Bin
Published: May 2020

Glucose biosensors play a critical role in clinically examining the blood sugar level to assess whether the pancreas performs normally to release insulin. However, the sensitivity of state‐of‐the‐art glucose biosensors is still insufficient to ensure a reliable non‐invasive examination of blood sugar level in the low‐concentration glucose‐containing‐samples such as interstitial fluids, perspiration, and saliva. Here, a facile method is reported on to improve glucose sensitivity of electrochemical reaction based biosensors by modifying the electrode with building blocks of ion‐sputtering‐coated 3.4 nm gold (Au) nanoparticles. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy studies in combination with electrochemical characterizations reveal that the improvement of glucose biosensor performance resulted from better charge transfer during the electrochemical reaction process, which is attributed to the modification of electrodes with catalytically active Au nanoparticles. The glucose sensitivity is demonstrated to be more than doubled in the flexible glucose biosensors with the modification of various electrodes (e.g., Au, conductive carbon). The Au‐electrode‐based glucose biosensors after modification with Au nanoparticles yield a sensitivity of 216.9 µA mm−1 along with a detection limit of 1 × 10–6 m. This study paves a practicable way to develop more sensitive glucose biosensors by the modification of electrodes with building blocks of Au nanoparticles toward non‐invasive blood‐glucose monitoring applications.
Electropneumotactile Stimulation: Multimodal Haptic Actuators Enabled by a Stretchable Conductive Polymer on Inflatable Pockets
Authors: Carpenter Cody W. , Malinao Marigold G. , Rafeedi Tarek A. , Rodriquez Daniel , Tan Siew Ting Melissa , Root Nicholas B. , Skelil Kyle , Ramírez Julian , Polat Beril , Root Samuel E. , Ramachandran Vilayanur S. , Lipomi Darren J.
Published: May 2020

A type of haptic device is described that delivers two modes of stimulation simultaneously and at the same location on the skin. The two modes of stimulation are mechanical (delivered pneumatically by inflatable air pockets embedded within a silicone elastomer) and electrical (delivered by a conductive polymer). The key enabling aspect of this work is the use of a highly plasticized conductive polymer based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiphene) (PEDOT) blended with elastomeric polyurethane (PU). To fabricate the “electropneumotactile” device, the polymeric electrodes are overlaid directly on top of the elastomeric pneumatic actuator pockets. Co‐placement of the pneumatic actuators and the electrotactile electrodes is enabled by the stretchability of the PEDOT:tosylate/PU blend, allowing the electrotactiles to conform to underlying pneumatic pockets under deformation. The blend of PEDOT and PU has a Young's modulus of ≈150 MPa with little degradation in conductivity following repeated inflation of the air pockets. The ability to perceive simultaneous delivery of two sensations to the same location on the skin is supported by experiments using human subjects. These results show that participants can successfully detect the location of pneumatic stimulation and whether electrotactile stimulation is delivered (yes/no) at a rate significantly above chance (mean accuracy = 94%).
Silver(I)‐ and Base‐Mediated formal [4+3] Cycloaddition of in Situ generated 1,2‐Diaza‐1,3‐dienes with C,N‐Cyclic Azomethine Imines: An Efficient Protocol for the Synthesis of Tetrazepine Derivatives
Authors: Li Zefei , Li Shuaikang , Kan Tianjiao , Wang Xinyue , Xin Xin , Hou Yunlei , Gong Ping
Published: May 2020

A silver(I)‐ and base‐mediated formal [4+3] cycloaddition reaction of in situ generated 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes with in situ formed C,N‐cyclic azomethine imines has been developed. This protocol provided an efficient method for the synthesis of biologically important 1,2,4,5‐tetrazepine derivatives with a wild substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance in moderate to excellent yields.

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Fatigue Life Prediction of GLARE Composites Using Regression Tree Ensemble‐Based Machine Learning Model
Authors: Sai Wei , Chai Gin Boay , Srikanth Narasimalu
Published: May 2020

With the advancement of machine learning in leading technologies, it is perceived that machine learning is a new and effective alternative for the classic fatigue life prediction. This paper provides a regression tree ensemble‐based machine learning approach to predict the fatigue life of GLARE composites. In the model, mechanical, geometrical properties and fatigue loading stresses are selected as the training parameters (so‐called features), and the GLARE fatigue life is predicted as the output of the model. Experimental data of a total of 98 pieces of GLARE specimens with nine different layups are used for the training and validation of the machine learning model. Results show that the model can provide good fatigue life prediction accuracy and model stability. The most correlated, either positively or negatively, parameters to the fatigue life span are the stress developed in the aluminum layer, the maximum cyclic stress, alternating stress, and mean fatigue stress.
Alkene‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Efficient Charge Separation and Transfer in the Presence of Sacrificial Electron Donors
Authors: Mo Chunshao , Yang Meijia , Sun Fusai , Jian Junhua , Zhong Linfeng , Fang Zhengsong , Feng Jiangshan , Yu Dingshan
Published: May 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are potential photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis but they are much less explored for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE). COFs, while intriguing due to crystallinity, tunability, and porosity, tend to have low apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) and little is explored on atomistic structure–performance correlation. Here, adopting triphenylbenzene knots and phenyl linkers as a proof of concept, three structurally related COFs with different linkages are constructed to achieve a tunable COF platform and probe the effect of the linkage chemistry on PHE. Cyano‐substituted alkene‐linked COF (COF–alkene) yields a stable 2330 µmol h−1 g−1 PHE rate, much superior to imine‐ and imide‐linked counterparts (<40 µmol h−1 g−1) under visible light irradiation. Impressively, COF–alkene achieves an AQE of 6.7% at 420 nm. Combined femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculation disclose the critical role of cyano‐substituted alkene linkages toward high efficiency of charge separation and transfer in the presence of sacrificial electron donors—the decisive key to the superior PHE performance. Such alkene linkages can also be extended to design a series of high‐performance polymeric photocatalysts, highlighting a general design idea for efficient PHE.
Corrosion and Alloy Engineering in Rational Design of High Current Density Electrodes for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Jothi Vasanth Rajendiran , Karuppasamy Karuppasamy , Maiyalagan Thandavarayan , Rajan Hashikaa , Jung Chi‐Young , Yi Sung Chul
Published: May 2020

Alongside rare‐earth metals, Ni, Fe, Co, Cu are some of the critical materials that will be in huge demand thanks to growth in clean‐energy sector. Herein scrap stainless steel wires (SSW) from worn‐out tires are employed as a support material for catalyst integration in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In addition, SSW by corrosion engineering is exercised as an in situ formed freestanding robust electrode for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). By superficial corrosion of SSW, inherent active species are unmasked in the form of Ni/FeOOH nanocrystallites displaying efficient water oxidation by reaching 500 mA cm−2 at low overpotential (η500) of 287 mV in 1 m KOH. Similarly, cathode scrap SSW with active (alloy) coatings of MoNi4 catalyzes the HER at η‐200 = 77 mV, with a low activation energy (Ea = 16.338 kJ mol−1) and high durability of 150 h. Promisingly, when used in industrial conditions, 5 m KOH, 343 K, these electrodes demonstrate abnormal activity by yielding high anodic and cathodic current density of 1000 mA cm−2 at η = 233 mV and η = 161 mV, respectively. This work may inspire researchers to explore and reutilize high‐demand metals from scrap for addressing critical material shortfalls in clean‐energy technologies.
Garnet Solid Electrolyte for Advanced All‐Solid‐State Li Batteries
Authors: Xu Laiqiang , Li Jiayang , Deng Wentao , Shuai Honglei , Li Shuo , Xu Zhifeng , Li Jinhui , Hou Hongshuai , Peng Hongjian , Zou Guoqiang , Ji Xiaobo
Published: May 2020

High‐capacity cathodes and anodes in energy storage area are required for delivering high energy density due to the ever‐increasing demands in the applications of electric vehicles and power grids, which suffer from significant safety concerns and poor cycling stability at the current stage. All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have been considered to be particularly promising within the new generation of energy storage, owing to the superiority of safety, wide potential window, and long cycling life. As the key component in ASSLBs, individual solid electrolytes that can meet practical application standards are very rare due to poor performance. To the present day, numerous research efforts have been expended to find applicable solid‐state electrolytes and tremendous progress has been achieved, especially for garnet‐type solid electrolytes. Nevertheless, the garnet‐type solid electrolyte is still facing some crucial dilemmas. Hence, the issues of garnet electrolytes' ionic conductivity, the interfaces between electrodes and garnet solid electrolytes, and application of theoretical calculation on garnet electrolytes are focuses in this review. Furthermore, prospective developments and alternative approaches to the issues are presented, with an aim to improve understanding of garnet electrolytes and promote their practical applications in solid‐state batteries.
Scope and strategies for sustainable intensification of potato production in Northern China
Authors: Wang Na , Reidsma Pytrik , van Ittersum Martin K.
Published: May 2020

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important staple crop in China, however, potato yields are low, and thus a general aim is to produce more crop with fewer resources and minimal environmental effects. This study aimed to assess the relationships between yield, resource use efficiencies, and environmental performance of potato production in China. Three major potato production regions (Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Heilongjiang) were surveyed. The current production performance was evaluated, and the scope for improvement was assessed based on a lower and upper target for yield (financial breakeven point and 85% of the potential yield, respectively), water productivity (upper target is 85% of the potential water productivity), nitrogen use efficiency (50 and 90%) and nitrogen surplus (upper target is 80 kg ha−1). Long‐term situations were evaluated to identify the target values of nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen surplus based on currently available technologies. The results indicate that in the short‐term nitrogen fertilizer input can be reduced by allowing for soil nitrogen mining to improve the nitrogen use efficiency and reduce nitrogen surplus. Water productivity can be increased by enhancing yield, and water surplus can be reduced by more efficient management of irrigation and rainfall water. In the long‐term, with good agronomy, we assess it is feasible to improve yield (from 33–43 to 46–57 t FM ha−1), improve nitrogen use efficiency (to 84%), and reduce nitrogen surplus (from 50–156 to 16–34 kg N ha−1) simultaneously. The latter should be validated experimentally.
Synthesis of Spirocyclic 1‐Pyrrolines from Nitrones and Arynes through a Dearomative [3,3′]‐Sigmatropic Rearrangement
Authors: Alshreimi Abdullah S. , Zhang Guanqun , Reidl Tyler W. , Peña Ricardo L. , Koto Nicholas‐George , Islam Shahidul M. , Wink Donald J. , Anderson Laura L.
Published: May 2020

A dearomative [3,3′]‐sigmatropic rearrangement that converts N‐alkenylbenzisoxazolines into spirocyclic pyrroline cyclohexadienones has been developed by using the dipolar cycloaddition of an N‐alkenylnitrone and an aryne to access these unusual transient rearrangement precursors. This cascade reaction affords spirocyclic pyrrolines that are inaccessible through dipolar cycloadditions of exocyclic cyclohexenones and provides a fundamentally new approach to novel spirocyclic pyrroline and pyrrolidine motifs that are common scaffolds in biologically‐active molecules. Diastereoselective functionalization processes have also been explored to demonstrate the divergent synthetic utility of the unsaturated spirocyclic products.
MOF‐Derived Double‐Layer Hollow Nanoparticles with Oxygen Generation Ability for Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Pan Xueting , Wang Weiwei , Huang Zhijun , Liu Shuang , Guo Juan , Zhang Fengrong , Yuan Hongjun , Li Xin , Liu Fengyong , Liu Huiyu
Published: May 2020

The high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability and simple construction of sonosensitizer systems remain challenging in sonodynamic therapy against the hypoxic tumor. In this work, we rationally prepared MOF‐derived double‐layer hollow manganese silicate nanoparticle (DHMS) with highly effective ROS yield under ultrasound irradiation for multimodal imaging‐guided sonodynamic therapy (SDT). The presence of Mn in DHMS increased ROS generation efficiency because it could be oxidized by holes to improve the electron–hole separation. Moreover, DHMS could produce oxygen in the tumor microenvironment, which helps overcome the hypoxia of the solid tumor and thus enhance the treatment efficiency. In vivo experiments demonstrated efficient tumor inhibition in DHMS‐mediated SDT guided by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. This work presents a MOF‐derived nanoparticle with sonosensitive and oxygen generating ability, which provides a promising strategy for tumor hypoxia in SDT.
Facile Synthesis of Well‐Defined Branched Sulfur‐Containing Copolymers: One‐Pot Copolymerization of Carbonyl Sulfide and Epoxide
Authors: Yue Tian‐Jun , Bhat Gulzar A. , Zhang Wen‐Jian , Ren Wei‐Min , Lu Xiao‐Bing , Darensbourg Donald J.
Published: May 2020

Topological polymers possess many advantages over linear polymers. However, when it comes to the poly(monothiocarbonate)s, no topological polymers have been reported. Described herein is a facile and efficient approach for synthesizing well‐defined branched poly(monothiocarbonate)s in a “grafting through” manner by copolymerizing carbonyl sulfide (COS) with epichlorohydrin (ECH), where the side‐chain forms in situ. The lengths of the side‐chains are tunable based on reaction temperatures. More importantly, enhancement in thermal properties of the branched copolymer was observed, as the Tg value increased by 22 °C, compared to the linear analogues. When chiral ECH was utilized, semicrystalline branched poly(monothiocarbonate)s were accessible with a Tm value of 112 °C, which is 40 °C higher than that of the corresponding linear poly(monothiocarbonate)s. The strategy presented herein for synthesizing branched polymers provides efficient and concise access to topological polymers.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts‐Type Coupling and Dedinitrogenation Reactions of Vinyldiazo Compounds
Authors: Zheng Haifeng , Dong Kuiyong , Wherritt Daniel , Arman Hadi , Doyle Michael P.
Published: May 2020

The direct Friedel–Crafts‐type coupling and dedinitrogenation reactions of vinyldiazo compounds with aromatic compounds using a metal‐free strategy are described. This Brønsted acid catalyzed method is efficient for the formation of α‐diazo β‐carbocations (vinyldiazonium ions), vinyl carbocations, and allylic or homoallylic carbocation species via vinyldiazo compounds. By choosing suitable nucleophilic reagents to selectively capture these intermediates, both trisubstituted α,β‐unsaturated esters, β‐indole‐substituted diazo esters, and dienes are obtained with good to high yields and selectivity. Experimental insights implicate a reaction mechanism involving the selective protonation of vinyldiazo compounds and the subsequent release of dinitrogen to form vinyl cations that undergo intramolecular 1,3‐ and 1,4‐ hydride transfer processes as well as fragmentation.
A Highly Efficient All‐Solid‐State Lithium/Electrolyte Interface Induced by an Energetic Reaction
Authors: Zhong Yiren , Xie Yujun , Hwang Sooyeon , Wang Qian , Cha Judy J. , Su Dong , Wang Hailiang
Published: May 2020

The energetic chemical reaction between Zn(NO3)2 and Li is used to create a solid‐state interface between Li metal and Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) electrolyte. This interlayer, composed of Zn, ZnLix alloy, Li3N, Li2O, and other species, possesses strong affinities with both Li metal and LLZTO and affords highly efficient conductive pathways for Li+ transport through the interface. The unique structure and properties of the interlayer lead to Li metal anodes with longer cycle life, higher efficiency, and better safety compared to the current best Li metal electrodes operating in liquid electrolytes while retaining comparable capacity, rate, and overpotential. All‐solid‐state Li||Li cells can operate at very demanding current–capacity conditions of 4 mA cm−2–8 mAh cm−2. Thousands of hours of continuous cycling are achieved at Coulombic efficiency >99.5 % without dendrite formation or side reactions with the electrolyte.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Functionalized Arenes by Nickel‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Hydroarylation of 1,3‐Dienes with Aryl Boronates
Authors: Marcum Justin S. , Taylor Tiffany R. , Meek Simon J.
Published: May 2020

A catalytic method for the site‐selective and enantioselective synthesis of functionalized arenes by the intermolecular hydroarylation of terminal and internal 1,3‐dienes with aryl pinacolato boronates is reported. The reactions are promoted by 5.0 mol % of a readily available monodentate phosphoramidite‐Ni complex in ethanol, affording a variety of enantioenriched products in up to 96 % yield and 99:1 er. Mechanistic studies indicate that Ni–allyl formation is irreversible and related to the nature of the arylboronate.
Protection against peripheral artery disease injury by Ruan Jian Qing Mai formula via metabolic programming
Authors: Chen Jian , Liang Zhi‐qiang , Hu Can , Gao Yuan , Wang Yong‐kui , Yang Jiang‐wei , Zhao Cheng , Cao Ye‐min , Cao Yong‐bing
Published: May 2020

Ruan Jian Qing Mai formula (RJQM), a multicomponent herbal formula, has been widely used to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in China. However, its active compounds and mechanisms of action are still unknown. First, RNA sequencing analysis of 15 healthy and 16 PAD samples showed that 524 PAD differential genes were significantly enriched in Go Ontology (ribonucleotide metabolic process, oxidoreductase complex, and electron transfer activity), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and GSEA pathways (OXPHOS and TCA cycle), miRNA (MIR183), and kinase (PAK6). Fifty‐three active ingredients in RJQM had similar structures to the seven drug molecules in CLUE. Then, network topology analysis of the 53 components‐target‐pathway‐disease network yielded 10 active ingredients. Finally, computational toxicity estimations showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of the 10 active ingredients was above 1000 mg/kg, and eight of them did not cause hepatotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, cytotoxicity, and immunotoxicity nor activate 12 toxic pathways. In conclusion, RJQM has a protection effect on PAD by regulating a complex molecular network. Part of the mechanism is associated with the regulation of OXPHOS by 10 active components, which may alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and pathological metabolic programming.
Good design practices for an integrated containment and production system for advanced therapies
Authors: Zanini Cristina , Severina Franco , Lando Giovanni , Fanizza Carlotta , Cesana Eugenio , Desidera Davide , Bonifacio Marco
Published: May 2020

Advances in molecular biology and the possibility of differentiating stem cells have opened up new scenarios in therapies that use progenitor or variously differentiated cells. Regardless of the choice of the system, designing a plant for producing advanced therapies requires a clear understanding of the final objective (the product), taking into account all the regulatory, environment, process, risk assessment, asepsis, and validation aspects involved until its implementation. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant procedures are a prerequisite for cell production in clinical application, and clean rooms are zones for producing cell therapies. Clean rooms for clinical application require high running and maintenance costs and need trained operators and strict procedures to prepare the rooms and the people involved in the processes. While today production mainly occurs in open systems (clean rooms), there is evidence of processes in closed systems (isolators). The isolator is a Grade A aseptic closed system that requires a controlled environment and at least a Grade D environment in the case of sterile productions (A in D closed system). The use of isolators can ensure a very high level of protection against the risk of product contamination and, at the same time, provide the operators with a very safe working environment. Furthermore, working with closed systems can optimize and facilitate the production of Advanced Therapy Medical Products in GMP environments, by providing an easily reproducible working tool even for large‐scale production, with generally lower costs compared to a classical clean room approach. In conclusion, the isolator workstation as a possible alternative to the classic clean room, due to its small size and the simplification of the working and maintenance operational procedures, may represent an interesting solution in the perspective of the increasingly more stringent requests for cost reductions of GMP in clinical application.
Sustainable development of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in the European Union: A taxonomy of circular economy practices
Authors: Bassi Francesca , Dias José G.
Published: May 2020

This paper focuses on the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in small‐ and medium‐sized firms in all 28 European Union (EU) countries. The analyses take into account the hierarchical nature of the collected data as firms are nested within EU countries, that is, the heterogeneity between different types of firms and countries according to practices and attitudes towards CE. The multilevel latent class model identifies groups of firms and groups of EU countries that are homogeneous in terms of CE, that is, how the homogeneous groups of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are distributed across the groups of EU countries. These results, together with the fact that firms with similar CE attitudes and practices have different demographic and business profiles across groups of countries, shed further light on the topic of green behavior in the EU with implications for businesses' environmental policies. Moreover, indications emerge that European policies favoring the implementation of CE practices should be targeted at least for subgroups of European countries, considering the different composition by typology of SMEs operating in their territories and that, at the same time, policies should be defined within each group of countries to account for the specific features of each of the four classes of SMEs.
A m6A Sensing Method by Its Impact on the Stability of RNA Double Helix
Authors: Yang Shixi , Wu Fan , Peng Shuang , Wang Fang , Chen Yi , Yuan Yushu , Weng Xiaocheng , Zhou Xiang
Published: May 2020

N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most important RNA modifications in epigenetics. The development of detection method for m6A is limited by its abundance and structure. Although it has been previously reported that its presence has an impact on the complementary pairing of RNA, few assays have been developed using this finding. We used this discovery and designed a detection method based on Cas13a system, which has different fluorescence signals for target RNAs containing m6A modification and target RNAs without m6A modification. We verified the fact that the presence of m6A could cause the instability of dsRNA using the Cas13a system and provided a new direction and strategy for the development of m6A detection methods in the future.
Synthesis, Antiproliferative and Cytotoxic Activities, DNA Binding Features and Molecular Docking Study of Novel Enamine Derivatives
Authors: Burcu Gürdere Meliha , Aydin Ali , Yencilek Belkız , Ertürk Fatih , Özbek Oğuz , Erkan Sultan , Budak Yakup , Ceylan Mustafa
Published: May 2020

Novel enamine derivatives were synthesized from the reaction of lactone and chalcones and their antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities against six cancer cell lines (e. g., HeLa, HT29, A549, MCF7, PC3 and Hep3B) and one normal cell lines (e. g., FL) were investigated along with their mode of interactions with CT‐DNA. Most of the enamine derivatives with IC50values of 86–168 μM demonstrated much stronger antiproliferative activity than the starting molecules against the cancer cells. While, among the enamine derivatives, four compounds displayed higher cytotoxic potency than the control drugs (5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin) against the Hep3B cell lines, these compounds did not exhibit any significant toxicity against normal cells, FL. The UV/VIS spectral data suggest that eight compounds cause hypochromism with a slight bathochromic shift (∼6 nm), indicating that they bind to the DNA by way of an intercalative or minor groove binding mode. The binding constants of the compounds are in the range of 0.1×103 M−1–2.3×104 M−1. The antiproliferative activity of studied enamine derivatives could possibly be due to their DNA binding as well as their cytotoxic properties. In addition to these assays, the chalcones and enamine derivatives were investigated by molecular docking to calculate the synergistic effect of antiproliferative activities against six human cancer cell lines.
FCRL3 promotes IL‐10 expression in B cells through the SHP‐1 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Cui Xiao , Liu Chong‐mei , Liu Qi‐bing
Published: May 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Current studies have shown that Fc‐receptor like‐3 (FCRL3) is closely related to MS, but the specific role of FCRL3 in MS has not yet been clarified. This study further found that FCRL3 and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) expression was downregulated in MS patients, but the expression of these proteins was higher in the remission phase than that in the acute phase. The C allele of rs7528684 was associated with MS, and the CC genotype could lead to the upregulation of FCRL3 expression and the increase in IL‐10 secretion. Further in vitro experiments with B cells found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promoted FCRL3 expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, thereby promoting IL‐10 secretion. LPS regulated Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐1 (SHP‐1) expression and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation through FCRL3, and FCRL3 upregulated the SHP‐1 expression and p38 phosphorylation levels. When SHP‐1 small interfering RNA or a p38 pathway inhibitor was added, the effect of FCRL3 on IL‐10 secretion was significantly inhibited. In addition, FCRL3 inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8); after inhibiting the expression of IL‐10, the abovementioned effects of FCRL3 were blocked. These results suggest that FCRL3 can activate the SHP‐1 and p38 MAPK pathways and then promote the secretion of IL‐10 in B cells, thus inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors. Therefore, FCRL3 may play an immunoprotective role in MS, and it will be an effective target for the diagnosis and treatment of MS.
Novel insights on outcome in horizontal aorta with self‐expandable new‐generation transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices
Authors: Veulemans Verena , Maier Oliver , Bosbach Georg , Polzin Amin , Piayda Kerstin , Afzal Shazia , Jung Christian , Westenfeld Ralf , Kelm Malte , Zeus Tobias
Published: May 2020

Background

The impact of a horizontal aorta (HA) on adverse events (AE) following in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is dealt controversially. Using new‐generation self‐expandable devices, we aimed to reevaluate an appropriate threshold of the aortic root angulation (ARA) in terms of HA and its impact on outcome.

Methods

The 466 consecutive patients, who underwent transfemoral TAVR with self‐expandable new‐generation devices, were analyzed. Patients were classified into cases with HA (ARA ≥ 51°; n = 225; 48%) and without HA (ARA <51°; n = 241; 52%). Primary endpoints were device success and 30‐day mortality. Secondary endpoints were specific AE according to VARC‐2 definitions.

Results

Contrast use (107.6 ± 50.1 vs. 94.1 ± 46.1 ml; p = .033) and radiation dose (3,176 [1,928–5,596] vs. 2,651 [1,643–4,394] Gyxcm2; p = .016) were higher in HA. Primary device success was comparable (97.1 vs. 97.8%; p = .773). A 30‐day mortality (3.3 vs. 0.4%; p = .038, plogrank = 0.025), stroke (7.1 vs. 2.7%; p = .033), and major vascular complications (MVASC) (6.6 vs. 2.7%; p = .050) were more frequent in HA. Pronounced calcification of the noncoronary cusp and left ventricular outflow tract, the condition of HA, as well as repositioning maneuvers were independent predictors for overall specific AE.

Conclusion

An HA above 51° is associated with an increased rate of stroke, MVASC, and 30‐day mortality. Valve size and asymmetric calcification affect the incidence of repositioning maneuvers and subsequent VARC‐2 AE, indicating that an HA—together with specific anatomic features—remains a crucial factor for TAVR‐related outcome with self‐expandable new‐generation devices.