bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Internal Electron Donor on Distribution and Reactivity of Active Centers in Ethylene/1‐Hexene Copolymerization with MgCl2‐Supported Ziegler‐Natta Catalyst
Authors: Xu Tao , Fu Zhisheng , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: June 2023

Ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization with two MgCl2‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalysts containing no internal electron donor or diethylphthalate (DEP) is conducted for different polymerization time . Effects of DEP on active center distribution are studied by fractionating each copolymer sample into boiling n‐heptane soluble (C7‐sol) and insoluble (C7‐ins) fractions, and counting the number of active centers in the copolymer fractions . The main effect of introducing DEP in the catalyst are reduction in the Ti content and significant increase in the proportion of active centers producing C7‐ins fraction. The propagation rate constants of ethylene insertion (kpE) and 1‐hexene insertion (kpH) are respectively estimated by linear fitting/extrapolating the change of apparent propagation rate constants (kpi)a with polymer yield according to a simplified multi‐grain particle model. In both catalysts, kpE in the C7‐ins fraction is 9–12 times larger than that in the C7‐sol fraction, and kpH in the C7‐ins fraction is 3–4 times larger than that in the C7‐sol fraction. The two groups of active centers have distinctly different catalytic properties. Introducing DEP reduced the kpE and kpH values and the extent of diffusion limitation . In summary, addition of electron donor in MgCl2‐supported Z‐N catalyst significantly changed the active center distribution and catalytic properties of its two groups of active centers.
Relatives' negotiations with healthcare professionals during older people's admission in an emergency department: An ethnographic study
Authors: Hoffmann Eva , Andersen Pernille Tanggaard , Mogensen Christian Backer , Prinds Christina , Primdahl Jette
Published: June 2023

Background

Relatives are recognised as important for older patients' care and treatment. Variations in relatives' opportunities to negotiate the quality and continuity of older people's care and treatment can potentially lead to inequality in older people's access to care and treatment.

Aim

This study aimed to examine relatives' opportunities and strategies for negotiation with health care professionals (HCPs) during the admission of older people to emergency departments in Denmark.

Materials and Methods

We planned a qualitative ethnographical study employing a hermeneutic approach. Observations focused on social situations and interactions between relatives and HCPs. The analysis was guided by qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis derived one main theme, attitude to action, containing three subthemes: frustration obtaining access, presenting the case and a powerful relationship. Being active appeared to be essential to achieving possibilities for negotiation with HCPs.

Discussion

Inspired by Bourdieu, habitus, doxical values and institutional logics of relatives seem to affect their opportunities to negotiate with HCPs during older people's admission to an emergency department.

Conclusion

Active and proactive relatives seem to have better opportunities to negotiate with HCPs during older people's acute hospital admission than reactive, passive and hesitant relatives. The logic of public management and the medical profession seem to dominate and influence doxa in the EDs and put special demands on the relatives. This imbalance constitutes a risk of inequality in older people's access to health.
“It's a lot of things”: Household material hardship among Black and Hispanic parents of children with cancer
Authors: Valenzuela Ariana , Hawkins Alexandria , Revette Anna , Chen Li , Xiong Niya , Mazzola Emanuele , Eche Ijeoma J. , Karvonen Kristine , Snaman Jennifer M. , Wolfe Joanne , Bona Kira , Umaretiya Puja J.
Published: June 2023

Household material hardship (HMH)—housing, food, transportation, or utility insecurity—is an adverse social determinant of health that is modifiable in the clinical setting. This mixed‐methods, single‐center study explored the experiences of HMH among Black and Hispanic pediatric oncology parents utilizing a single timepoint survey (N = 60) and semi‐structured interviews (N = 20 purposively sampled subcohort). Forty‐four (73%) parents reported HMH. Qualitatively, participants expressed stress, anxiety, and embarrassment due to unmet basic resource needs, and childcare emerged as an additional important domain of HMH. Participants recommend a standardized approach to HMH screening and resource allocation, offering insight into targets for future intervention.
Effect of homologous molecular crosslinking on the tribological properties of PTFE composites
Authors: He Yuanping , Lin Bin , Wang Yaohua , Zhao Feifei , Ning Guochen , Bao Xuan , Sui Tianyi
Published: June 2023

A method of improving the tribological properties of hexagonal boron nitride/short carbon fibers/polytetrafluoroethylene (h‐BN/SCFs/PTFE) composites by adding homologous micropowder (MP1100) with polar groups is proposed in this study. Composites of h‐BN/SCFs/PTFE with MP1100 at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 wt% were prepared. The pin‐on‐disc device was used to evaluate the friction properties of composites, and wear mechanisms against duplex stainless steel was examined. The experimental results show that MP1100 micropowder improves composite mechanical properties, friction coefficient, and wear resistance of composites. A 78.4% drop in wear rate was measured for 24 wt% MP1100. Such decrease in wear rate is explained based on changes in composite molecular structure, a transfer film formed by the absorption of debris, and the formation of chemically reacted polar group compounds on the steel disc.
Novel epoxy/cyclic olefin copolymer/carbon structural composites with electro‐activated self‐healing properties
Authors: Perin Davide , Mahmood Haroon , Rigotti Daniele , Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Multifunctional self‐healing composites have great potential in several applications, i.e., from automotive to aerospace. This study examines the self‐healing behavior of carbon fiber reinforced composites by depositing jet‐spun cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) meshes on dry carbon fiber plies before lamination with epoxy resin (EP). Three different laminates were prepared, including neat EP/CF and two composites with 4 wt.% and 8 wt.% of COC in the form of a jet‐spun network as a healing agent. The introduction of COC mesh reduced flexural stress by 26% and interlaminar shear strength by 50%. Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GI) was evaluated and specimens were mended at 110°C by resistive heating generated by an electrical current flowing within the samples. The laminates containing 8 wt% COC reported a healing efficiency, evaluated as the ratio between the GI and as the ratio of the maximum load (PMAX) of virgin and healed samples, of 9.4% and 33.7%, respectively. Fractography analysis highlighted the poor adhesion between the COC mesh and EP matrix, and several COC microfibers were trapped inside the epoxy matrix, hindering their diffusion inside the crack zone, which limited the healing capability of the prepared laminates.
Waterborne polymer composites containing hybrid graphene/carbon nanotube filler: Effect of graphene type on properties and performance
Authors: Prosheva Marija , Ehsani Maryam , Joseph Yvonne , Tomovska Radmila , Blazhevska Gilev Jadranka
Published: June 2023

Polymer composites based on graphene/carbon nanotubes (G/CNT) and reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes (rGO/CNT) were synthetized by in‐situ miniemulsion polymerization containing 1 wt% hybrid filler with different ratio of G and CNT (10:1, 1.1, 1:10). From the hybrid aqueous dispersions obtained in that way polymer films were spontaneously formed at ambient conditions by water evaporation. The effect of the type of the graphene filler, G or rGO, on the properties and performance of polymer composites was studied. It was shown that G/CNT based composites presented improved morphology of the film due to better distribution of the filler and more organized structure of the film than that of rGO/CNT composites. The surface of the film was much smoother indicating more deepen filler within the polymer. Consequently, the G/CNT/polymer composites presented one order of magnitude increased Young's moduli and 60% lower water uptake than the neat polymer. Even though rGO/CNT/polymer composites presented also improved mechanical resistance, their water resistance was compromised probably due to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups that facilitated the water diffusion within the film.
History of Japanese psychopathology: Portraits of the second‐generation psychopathologists (Takeo Doi, Yomishi Kasahara, Hiroshi Yasunaga, Tadao Miyamoto, Bin Kimura, and Hisao Nakai) and their relationship to psychiatric reform movement in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Shimizu Kenshin , Mo Weijian
Published: June 2023

This paper attempts to provide an overview of the history of Japanese psychopathology by presenting concise portraits of the second generation of Japanese psychopathologists, whose era is considered to be the heyday of Japanese psychopathology. Meanwhile, we also consider the historical background of the psychiatric reform movement in Japan that influenced many second‐generation psychopathologists. First, the paper briefly discusses the emergence of the first‐generation of psychopathologists through the adoption of German‐centered psychiatry after the Meiji era. In general, the first‐generation can be said to have laid the foundation for the independent development of psychopathology in Japan. Then came the second generation, at a time when the psychiatric reform movement was gaining momentum, with the Academic Chair System of the Faculty of Medicine (Ikyoku Kōzasei) heavily criticized, and psychiatric research itself halted temporarily. In order to continue the hampered academic research, workshops on “Psychopathology of Schizophrenia” were organized by the second‐generation psychopathologists, whose major figures include Takeo Doi, Yomishi Kasahara, Hiroshi Yasunaga, Tadao Miyamoto, Bin Kimura, and Hisao Nakai. The invaluable contributions of the second‐generation psychopathologists are essential to the development of Japanese psychopathology, and their close relationship with the psychiatric reform movement is worth reexamining, as it could be argued that the political tensions generated by the movement were the driving force behind their high‐quality work.
Development of a digital phenotyping system using 3D model reconstruction for zoysiagrass
Authors: Pongpiyapaiboon Sorawich , Tanaka Hidenori , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Hashiguchi Takuyu , Hayashi Atsushi , Tanabata Takanari , Isobe Sachiko , Akashi Ryo
Published: June 2023

Digital phenotyping, particularly the use of plant 3D models, is a promising method for high‐throughput plant evaluation. Although many recent studies on the topic have been published, further research is needed to apply it to breeding research and other related fields. In this study, using a 3D model phenotyping system we developed, we reconstructed and analyzed 20 accessions of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), including three species and their hybrid, over a period of 1 year. Artificial neural network with three hidden layers was able to effectively remove nonplant parts while retaining plant parts that were incorrectly removed using the cropping method, offering a robust and flexible approach for post‐processing of 3D models. The system also demonstrated its ability to accurately evaluate a range of traits, including height, area, and color using red green blue (RGB)‐based vegetation indices. The results showed a high correlation between the estimated volume obtained from voxel 3D model and dry weight, enabling its use as a non‐destructive method for measuring plant volume. In addition, we found that the green red normalized difference index from RGB‐based indices was similar to the commonly used normalized difference vegetation index in controlled illumination conditions. These results demonstrate the potential for three‐dimensional model phenotyping to facilitate plant breeding, particularly in the field of turfgrass and feed crops.
Percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided single‐ and multisite cannulation for veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates
Authors: Kipfmueller Florian , Bo Bartolomeo , Schmitt Joachim , Sabir Hemmen , Schroeder Lukas , Mueller Andreas , Dresbach Till
Published: June 2023

Aims

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a widely used technique to support neonates with severe respiratory failure. Data on percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided veno‐venous (VV) ECMO cannulation in neonates is still scarce. Aim of this study was to describe our institutional experience with ultrasound‐guided percutaneous, VV ECMO cannulation in neonates with severe respiratory failure.

Methods

Neonates receiving ECMO support at our department between January 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively identified. Patients receiving VV ECMO cannulation performed by the percutaneous Seldinger technique by single‐ or multisite cannulation were analyzed.

Results

A total of 54 neonates received ECMO cannulation performed by the percutaneous Seldinger technique. In 39 patients (72%) a 13 French bicaval dual‐lumen cannula was inserted and in 15 patients (28%) two single‐lumen cannulae were used. Cannulae positioning using the multisite approach was in all cases as desired. The tip of the 13 French cannula was located in the IVC in 35/39 patients, in four patients position was too proximal but did not dislocate during the ECMO run. One (2%) preterm neonate (weight 1.75 kg) developed a cardiac tamponade which was successfully managed with drainage. Median duration of ECMO was 7 days (interquartile range: 5–16 days). Forty‐four patients (82%) were successfully weaned from ECMO and in 31/44 (71%) the ECMO cannulae were removed with a delay of 0.9–7.2 days (median 2.8 days) after weaning without noticing complications.

Conclusions

A correct cannula placement using the ultrasound‐guided percutaneous Seldinger technique, for both single‐ and multisite cannulation, seems feasible in most neonatal patients receiving VV ECMO.
Protein salvage and repurposing in evolution: Phospholipase D toxins are stabilized by a remodeled scrap of a membrane association domain
Authors: Cordes Matthew H. J. , Sundman Alexandra K. , Fox Holden C. , Binford Greta J.
Published: June 2023

The glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GDPD)‐like SMaseD/PLD domain family, which includes phospholipase D (PLD) toxins in recluse spiders and actinobacteria, evolved anciently in bacteria from the GDPD. The PLD enzymes retained the core (β/α)8 barrel fold of GDPD, while gaining a signature C‐terminal expansion motif and losing a small insertion domain. Using sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis, we infer that the C‐terminal motif derives from a segment of an ancient bacterial PLAT domain. Formally, part of a protein containing a PLAT domain repeat underwent fusion to the C terminus of a GDPD barrel, leading to attachment of a segment of a PLAT domain, followed by a second complete PLAT domain. The complete domain was retained only in some basal homologs, but the PLAT segment was conserved and repurposed as the expansion motif. The PLAT segment corresponds to strands β7–β8 of a β‐sandwich, while the expansion motif as represented in spider PLD toxins has been remodeled as an α‐helix, a β‐strand, and an ordered loop. The GDPD‐PLAT fusion led to two acquisitions in founding the GDPD‐like SMaseD/PLD family: (1) a PLAT domain that presumably supported early lipase activity by mediating membrane association, and (2) an expansion motif that putatively stabilized the catalytic domain, possibly compensating for, or permitting, loss of the insertion domain. Of wider significance, messy domain shuffling events can leave behind scraps of domains that can be salvaged, remodeled, and repurposed.
Interface engineering of cellobiose dehydrogenase improves interdomain electron transfer
Authors: Reichhart Thomas M. B. , Scheiblbrandner Stefan , Sygmund Christoph , Harreither Wolfgang , Schenkenfelder Josef , Schulz Christopher , Felice Alfons K. G. , Gorton Lo , Ludwig Roland
Published: June 2023

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is a bioelectrocatalyst that enables direct electron transfer (DET) in biosensors and biofuel cells. The application of this bidomain hemoflavoenzyme for physiological glucose measurements is limited by its acidic pH optimum and slow interdomain electron transfer (IET) at pH 7.5. The reason for this rate‐limiting electron transfer step is electrostatic repulsion at the interface between the catalytic dehydrogenase domain and the electron mediating cytochrome domain (CYT). We applied rational interface engineering to accelerate the IET for the pH prevailing in blood or interstitial fluid. Phylogenetic and structural analyses guided the design of 17 variants in which acidic amino acids were mutated at the CYT domain. Five mutations (G71K, D160K, Q174K, D177K, M180K) increased the pH optimum and IET rate. Structure‐based analysis of the variants suggested two mechanisms explaining the improvements: electrostatic steering and stabilization of the closed state by hydrogen bonding. Combining the mutations into six combinatorial variants with up to five mutations shifted the pH optimum from 4.5 to 7.0 and increased the IET at pH 7.5 over 12‐fold from 0.1 to 1.24 s−1. While the mutants sustained a high enzymatic activity and even surpassed the IET of the wild‐type enzyme, the accumulated positive charges on the CYT domain decreased DET, highlighting the importance of CYT for IET and DET. This study shows that interface engineering is an effective strategy to shift the pH optimum and improve the IET of CDH, but future work needs to maintain the DET of the CYT domain for bioelectronic applications.
Effect of Citrus bergamia extract on lipid profile: A combined in vitro and human study
Authors: Pierdomenico Maria , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Veronesi Maddalena , Fogacci Federica , Riccioni Costanza , Benassi Barbara
Published: June 2023

With the aim of characterising the hypo‐lipidemic function of the Brumex™ ingredient obtained from the whole fruit of Citrus bergamia, a combined pre‐clinical and clinical study was conducted. In the HepG2 experimental model, we first demonstrated that Brumex™ does not trigger any significant alteration in cell viability over the tested concentration range of 1–2000 μg/mL (4 and 24 h). By stimulating the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) at threonine 172, Brumex™ significantly reduces both cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) intracellular content of HepG2 cells and impairs the expression levels of lipid synthesis‐related genes (namely, SREBF1c, SREBF2, ACACA, SCD1, HMGCR and FASN). In vitro data have been validated in a dedicated double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomised clinical trial performed in 50 healthy moderately hyper‐cholesterolemic subjects, undergoing supplementation with either Brumex™ (400 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. Clinical and blood laboratory data were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of the trial. Brumex™ positively impacted on both plasma lipid pattern and liver enzymes compared with the placebo, mainly in terms of significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC), TG, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), non‐high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C), apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and gamma‐glutamyl‐transferase (gGT).
Is a Phone‐Based Language and Literacy Assessment a Reliable and Valid Measure of Children's Reading Skills in Low‐Resource Settings?
Authors: Sobers Shauna‐Marie , Whitehead Hannah L. , N'Goh Konan Nana Anicet , Ball Mary‐Claire , Tanoh Fabrice , Akpé Hermann , Jasińska Kaja K.
Published: June 2023

Technology‐based remote research methods are increasingly widespread, including learning assessments in child development and education research. However, little is known about whether technology‐based remote assessments remain as valid and reliable as in‐person assessments. We developed a low‐cost phone‐based language and literacy assessment for primary‐school children in low‐resource communities in rural Côte d'Ivoire using voice calls and SMS. We compared the reliability and validity of this phone‐based assessment to an established in‐person assessment. A total of 685 5th grade children completed language (phonological awareness, vocabulary, language comprehension) and literacy (letter, word, pseudoword, passage reading, and comprehension) tasks in‐person and by phone. Reliability (internal consistency) and predictive validity were high across in‐person and phone‐based tasks. Children's performance across in‐person and phone‐based assessments was moderately to strongly correlated. Phonological awareness and vocabulary skills measured in‐person and by phone significantly predicted in‐person and phone‐based letter, word, and pseudoword reading. Oral language and decoding skills measured in‐person and by phone significantly predicted in‐person and phone‐based passage reading and comprehension. Our phone‐based assessment was a reliable and valid measure of language and reading and feasible for low‐resource settings. Low‐cost technologies offer significant potential to measure children's learning remotely, increasing the inclusion of remote and low‐resource populations in education research.
Testing for an ignorable sampling bias under random double truncation
Authors: de Uña‐Álvarez Jacobo
Published: June 2023

In clinical and epidemiological research doubly truncated data often appear. This is the case, for instance, when the data registry is formed by interval sampling. Double truncation generally induces a sampling bias on the target variable, so proper corrections of ordinary estimation and inference procedures must be used. Unfortunately, the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator of a doubly truncated distribution has several drawbacks, like potential nonexistence and nonuniqueness issues, or large estimation variance. Interestingly, no correction for double truncation is needed when the sampling bias is ignorable, which may occur with interval sampling and other sampling designs. In such a case the ordinary empirical distribution function is a consistent and fully efficient estimator that generally brings remarkable variance improvements compared to the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator. Thus, identification of such situations is critical for the simple and efficient estimation of the target distribution. In this article, we introduce for the first time formal testing procedures for the null hypothesis of ignorable sampling bias with doubly truncated data. The asymptotic properties of the proposed test statistic are investigated. A bootstrap algorithm to approximate the null distribution of the test in practice is introduced. The finite sample performance of the method is studied in simulated scenarios. Finally, applications to data on onset for childhood cancer and Parkinson's disease are given. Variance improvements in estimation are discussed and illustrated.
Removal of Bacteria from Air and Aqueous Phase Based on N‐Halamine Decorated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Membrane
Authors: Wang Yingfeng , Zhang Wenya , Hong Jun , Xia Yuting , Zhu Yuhan , Yang Gun , Yin Maoli , Li Wei , Ma Zhipeng , Xu Zhenzhen
Published: June 2023

Microbial contamination of water and air requires novel filtration materials. Here, the disinfecting, nonbleaching compounds 1,3‐dichloro‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DCDMH) and 1‐bromo‐3‐chloro‐5,5‐dimethyl hydantoin (BCDMH) were combined with PAN polymers via electrospinning for antimicrobial filtration. The resulting nanofibrous membranes (PAN/DCDMH and PAN/BCDMH) were fully characterized by SEM, EDS, FTIR, TG, and XPS. Antimicrobial activities of the tested membranes were challenged with E.coli O157:H7 and S.aureus in the aqueous and bioaerosols phase, using the colony counting method. Both types of embedded membranes showed excellent antimicrobial properties upon exposure to bacteria solution and aerosol, and all bacteria were quickly inactivated. The anti‐biofilm activity of embedded membranes was excellent after being treated with bacteria solution for 48 h. In addition, N‐chloramine displayed lower halogen loss than N‐bromamines in air and aqueous conditions. Both DCDMH and BCDMH embedded nanofibrous membranes showed great potential as filtration materials to remove microorganisms from aqueous and air conditions.
Engaging Diastereomeric syn‐ and anti‐6‐Bromo‐4a‐isopropyl‐2‐methyl‐2,3,4,4a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazoles in Suzuki Coupling Reaction: Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and DFT Studies
Authors: Younus Munisaa , Khan Maria Aqeel , Moin Syed Tarique , Basha Fatima Zehra
Published: June 2023

Suzuki coupling reaction is one of the useful methods for carbon‐carbon bond formation. In the present study, the aforementioned method is used to expand an aryl appendage on the indolenine nucleus of diastereomeric syn‐ and anti‐6‐bromo‐4a‐isopropyl‐2‐methyl‐2,3,4,4a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazole analogs. Therefore, two sets of new diastereomeric Suzuki‐coupled products (16 compounds) were prepared. For this, diastereomeric syn‐ and anti‐6‐bromo‐4a‐isopropyl‐2‐methyl‐2,3,4,4a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazole analogs were treated with arylboronic acids in the presence of palladium catalyst under thermal catalysis. Structures of synthesized compounds were inferred using spectroscopic studies. DFT‐based quantum chemical calculations were used to decipher structural attributes and stability of diastereomeric bromo‐2,3,4,4a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazoles and their Suzuki‐coupled products, which revealed chair conformation for methylcyclohexane ring of syn‐compound while twist‐boat conformation for diastereomeric anti‐compound. syn‐Compound was found more stable than its anti‐isomer based on DFT‐calculations. Also, results demonstrated agreement between experimental and theoretical chemical shift values in NMR spectra with some deviations. Thus, structural elucidation based on computational advances in combination with the spectroscopic method can provide a powerful method for studying and comparing the structural attributes of diastereomeric compounds.
Performance Comparison of Paper‐ and Cotton‐Based Al‐Air Batteries without Catalysts for Low‐Cost Portable Micro Devices
Authors: Liu Chun‐mei , Liu Jing‐jie , Xu Li‐you , Jiang Peng‐fei , Chen Meng
Published: June 2023

Conventional Al‐air batteries are not suitable as portable power devices due to their complicated water management and bulky system. To resolve this issue, the fiber paper‐ and cotton cloth‐based Al‐air batteries were proposed, which exploited the capillary force from the paper (FP) and cotton cloth (CC) to deliver the solutions and eliminated the external pump. The physical features of the FP and CC were gained including the surface morphologies, surface elementary analysis, liquid absorption and flow rates. CC owned larger liquid absorption and faster flow rate due to its hierarchically woven‐spun fiber structure, compared to the randomly oriented fibers of the FP, although the surface of the CC demonstrated lower O/C ratio than that of the FP. So, the performance of the CC‐based Al‐air battery was largely higher than that of the FP‐based battery. The performance of the CC‐based Al‐air battery was optimal at 1.0 M NaOH electrolyte and the anode‐to‐cathode surface area ratio of 1 : 4, with the peak power density of 14.95±0.28 mW cm−2, and the maximum current density of 36.61±0.54 mA cm−2. To apply the CC‐based Al‐air battery, the two‐battery pack connected in series was assembled to drive a timer and light 9 LEDs.
N‐Chlorosuccinimide Mediated Direct C−H Thiocyanation of 1‐Aryl‐5‐pyrazolones at Room Temperature
Authors: Prajapati Ronak V. , Prajapati Vaibhav D. , Purohit Vishal B. , Andre Baptista Luis , Avalani Jemin R. , Sapariya Nirav H. , Karad Sharad C. , Raval Dipak K.
Published: June 2023

A facile synthetic protocol has been established for the N‐chlorosuccinimide (NCS) promoted direct C−H thiocyanation of 1‐aryl‐5‐pyrazolones via in situ‐generated electrophilic thiocyanating agent at room temperature. The current protocol features easy performance, mild conditions and short reaction time using readily available starting materials. The DFT studies suggested that ionic process is likely to be involved in this transformation yielding the targeted product with the most stable enaminone form as the favoured tautomer.
Tropylium‐BF4as Organocatalyst for Microwave‐assisted Beckmann rearrangement in [TMG][BF4]: One‐pot conversion of Ketones to Amides
Authors: Anchi Athmanand , Kalkhambkar Rajesh G. , Sutar Suraj M. , Naik Ravi S. , Refat Moamen S. , Adam Abdel Majid A. , Mohammed Alsuhaibani Amnah
Published: June 2023

The microwave assisted one pot efficient conversion of ketones into respective amides has been achieved by utilization of environmentally benign catalytic system tailored by tropylium tetrafluoroborate (Tp+BF−4) and 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidinium tetrafluoroborate [TMG][BF4]. The mild reaction conditions, shorter reaction time, and affordable catalytic system are the key points that highlight the importance. The high product yield and ease of recycling impacts the successful product conversion.
Light‐touch integration: A study on cross‐border acquisitions by emerging market multinationals
Authors: Tang Lisa , Zhao Minyuan
Published: June 2023

Research Summary

Emerging‐market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) are known for their “light‐touch” integration after cross‐border acquisitions. That is, compared with their developed‐country counterparts, EMNEs are more likely to retain the top management team (TMT) of the target firms. In this paper, we argue that this difference in retention rate can be explained by country, cohort, and firm effects. While the literature mostly associates EMNEs with where they are from (country effect), EMNEs are also new to cross‐border acquisitions (firm effect) and among the first in their peers to venture abroad (cohort effect). Analysis on a sample of 1862 absorption‐type cross‐border acquisitions supports our hypotheses that while the country effect persists, the difference in retention rate narrows significantly as EMNEs and their peers gain more relevant cross‐border acquisition experience.

Managerial Summary

The retention of top management team in target firms is a critical aspect of post‐acquisition integration (PAI). In this study, we examine the reasons behind the curious observation that, compared with acquirers from developed countries, multinational enterprises from emerging markets (EMNEs) are more likely to keep the target firm TMT intact, even in deals where extensive integration is in line with the overall acquisition objectives. Our analyses show that the legitimacy constraints associated with EMNEs' less developed home countries indeed present initial challenges to their integration efforts. However, these differences narrow significantly as EMNEs and their peers accumulate more experience in similar cross‐border acquisitions. This study highlights the dynamic nature of PAI strategies and the large variance among firms beneath the “EMNE” label.
Improving Organic Photovoltaic Efficiency via Heterophase Homojunction Copper Indium Sulfide Nanocrystals
Authors: Du Zhonglin , Yu Ting , He Wanting , Yurtsever Aycan , Izquierdo Ricardo , Ma Dongling
Published: June 2023

Eco‐friendly heterophase homojunction copper indium sulfide quantum dots (HH‐CIS QDs) terminated by short hydroxyl ligands are integrated into nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) for the first time. Experimental results exhibit that this novel nanostructure can improve sunlight absorption and charge transfer ability, harvesting more photons and converting them to charge carriers. Additionally, the formation of hydrogen bonds between 2‐mercaptoethanol‐capped HH‐CIS QDs and the interface modification layer is beneficial for better interfacial contact, which promotes work function modification, reduces surface roughness, and increases interfacial charge transfer. Benefiting from HH‐CIS QDs incorporation, nonfullerene OSCs involving two different types of photoactive layers and three different types of electron transport layers all demonstrate improved photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE). With QDs concentration optimization, nonfullerene OSCs with the PM6:ITIC‐4F and PM6:Y6 absorbers exhibit excellent PCEs of 14.04% and 16.26%, respectively. As compared to those reported previously, HH‐CIS QDs into the interface between the electron charge layer and photoactive layer lead to significant performance improvement, with both achieve PCEs and enhancement factors among the highest ones reported for various QD‐integrated OSCs. The results strongly suggest that the rational design of QDs and their optimal integration are critical for performance enhancement.
Effects of Mo and Controlled Cooling on Microstructure and Properties of Thick‐Wall High‐Strength Pipeline Steel
Authors: Xu Feng , Xu Jinqiao , Yin Yunyang , Li Chaochao , Ke Yun , Hu Jiwei , Xie Qian , Zhang Xiaofeng , Huang Zhenyi
Published: June 2023

Herein, the effect of molybdenum (Mo) and postrolling cooling processes on the mechanical properties and microstructure transformation characteristics of an X80 thick‐wall high‐strength pipeline steel are deeply investigated. The results reveal that the yield strength and tensile strength of the steel are enhanced with Mo addition at the equalization temperature of 480 °C at a cooling rate of 25 °C s−1, accompanied by the improvement in the yield ratio. However, when the postrolling cooling temperature is reduced to 380 °C, the mechanical properties of steels with Mo‐free and 0.29 wt% Mo are comparable. The mechanistic study indicates that the Mo addition would inhibit the transformation from deformed austenite to polygonal ferrite, and promote the transformation of acicular ferrite/granular bainite at medium–low temperatures, as well as significant differences in the volume fraction, size, and morphology of martensite/austenite (M/A) in the matrix. Notably, the volume fraction of M/A decreases from 7.2% to less than 1.0% with Mo content increasing, while its average size also reduces from 1.5 to less than 1.0 μm. And the fine, spheroidal, and dispersed M/A is found to play a vital role in the high‐strength and excellent low‐temperature toughness of the steel.
Review of the legal and regulatory history of lead in hunting
Authors: Byrne Robert
Published: June 2023

In the United States, regulations to restrict the use of lead in ammunition have evolved at both the federal and state levels since lead shot was banned for hunting waterfowl nationwide by federal regulation in 1991. Prior to 1991, most of the effort and discussions were focused on reducing lead ingestion by wildlife from, and finding alternatives for, shotgun ammunition i.e., ammunition firing multiple small projectiles from one shell. Shotgun ammunition is often used for hunting small game mammals and birds. Since then, much, but not all, of the focus has shifted to reducing lead ingestion by wildlife from, and finding alternatives for, rifle ammunition i.e., ammunition firing a single projectile. Rifle ammunition is often, but not exclusively, used for hunting large game. Herein I will review the history of regulating lead in hunting ammunition in the U.S., and discuss some of the social, scientific, economic, and technological issues regarding switching from lead to nonlead alternatives.
Evaluation of the Recent African Gravity Databases V2.x
Authors: Abd-Elmotaal Hussein A. , Kühtreiber Norbert , Seitz Kurt , Heck Bernhard , Kutterer Hansjörg
Published: June 2023

In the framework of the activities of the IAG Sub-Commission on the gravity and geoid in Africa, a recent set of gravity databases has been established. They are namely: AFRGDB_V2.0 and AFRGDB_V2.2. The AFRGDB_V2.0 has been created using the window remove-restore technique employing EGM2008 as geopotential Earth model complete to degree and order 1800. The AFRGDB_V2.2 has been established using the Residual Terrain Model (RTM) reduction technique employing GOCE DIR_R5 complete to degree and order 280, using the best RTM reference surface. The available gravity data set for Africa, used to establish the above mentioned two independently derived databases, consists of shipborne, altimetry derived gravity anomalies and of land point gravity data. In particular, the data set of point gravity values shows clear deficits with regard to a homogeneous data coverage over the completely African continent. The establishment of the gravity databases has been carried-out using the weighted least-squares prediction technique, in which the point gravity data on land has got the highest precision, while the shipborne and altimetry gravity data got a moderate precision. In this paper a new gravity data set on land and on sea, which became recently available for the IAG Sub-Commission on the gravity and geoid in Africa, located partly in the gap areas of the data set used for generating the gravity databases, has been employed to evaluate the accuracy of the previously created gravity databases. The results show reasonable accuracy of the established gravity databases considering the large data gaps in Africa.
Color superconductivity on the lattice — analytic predictions from QCD in a small box
Authors: Yokota Takeru , Ito Yuta , Matsufuru Hideo , Namekawa Yusuke , Nishimura Jun , Tsuchiya Asato , Tsutsui Shoichiro
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We investigate color superconductivity on the lattice using the gap equation for the Cooper pair condensate. The weak coupling analysis is justified by choosing the physical size of the lattice to be smaller than the QCD scale, while keeping the aspect ratio of the lattice small enough to suppress thermal excitations. In the vicinity of the critical coupling constant that separates the superconducting phase and the normal phase, the gap equation can be linearized, and by solving the corresponding eigenvalue problem, we obtain the critical point and the Cooper pair condensate without assuming its explicit form. The momentum components of the condensate suggest spatially isotropic s-wave superconductivity with Cooper pairs formed by quarks near the Fermi surface. The chiral symmetry in the massless limit is spontaneously broken by the Cooper pair condensate, which turns out to be dominated by the scalar and the pseudo-scalar components. Our results provide useful predictions, in particular, for future lattice simulations based on methods to overcome the sign problem such as the complex Langevin method.
Analytic approximations of 2 → 2 processes with massive internal particles
Authors: Davies Joshua , Mishima Go , Schönwald Kay , Steinhauser Matthias
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We consider two-loop corrections to 2 → 2 scattering processes with massive particles in the final state and massive particles in the loop. We discuss the combination of analytic expansions in the high-energy limit and for small Mandelstam variable t. For the example of double Higgs boson production we show that the whole phase space can be covered and time-consuming numerical integrations can be avoided.
von Neumann algebras in JT gravity
Authors: Kolchmeyer David K.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We quantize JT gravity with matter on the spatial interval with two asymptotically AdS boundaries. We consider the von Neumann algebra generated by the right Hamiltonian and the gravitationally dressed matter operators on the right boundary. We prove that the commutant of this algebra is the analogously defined left boundary algebra and that both algebras are type II∞ factors. These algebras provide a precise notion of the entanglement wedge away from the semiclassical limit. We comment on how the factorization problem differs between pure JT gravity and JT gravity with matter.
CCL21-CCR7 signaling promotes microglia/macrophage recruitment and chemotherapy resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Geraldo Luiz Henrique , Garcia Celina , Xu Yunling , Leser Felipe Saceanu , Grimaldi Izabella , de Camargo Magalhães Eduardo Sabino , Dejaegher Joost , Solie Lien , Pereira Cláudia Maria , Correia Ana Helena , De Vleeschouwer Steven , Tavitian Bertrand , Canedo Nathalie Henriques Silva , Mathivet Thomas , Thomas Jean-Leon , Eichmann Anne , Lima Flavia Regina Souza
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and fatal primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) and current treatments have limited success. Chemokine signaling regulates both malignant cells and stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME), constituting a potential therapeutic target against brain cancers. Here, we investigated the C–C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) and the chemokine (C–C-motif) ligand 21 (CCL21) for their expression and function in human GBM and then assessed their therapeutic potential in preclinical mouse GBM models. In GBM patients, CCR7 expression positively associated with a poor survival. CCL21–CCR7 signaling was shown to regulate tumor cell migration and proliferation while also controlling tumor associated microglia/macrophage recruitment and VEGF-A production, thereby controlling vascular dysmorphia. Inhibition of CCL21–CCR7 signaling led to an increased sensitivity to temozolomide-induced tumor cell death. Collectively, our data indicate that drug targeting of CCL21–CCR7 signaling in tumor and TME cells is a therapeutic option against GBM.
Transition Amplitudes in 3D Quantum Gravity: Boundaries and Holography in the Coloured Boulatov Model
Authors: Goeller Christophe , Oriti Daniele , Schmid Gabriel
Published: June 2023

We consider transition amplitudes in the coloured simplicial Boulatov model for three-dimensional Riemannian quantum gravity. First, we discuss aspects of the topology of coloured graphs with non-empty boundaries. Using a modification of the standard rooting procedure of coloured tensor models, we then write transition amplitudes systematically as topological expansions. We analyse the transition amplitudes for the simplest boundary topology, the 2-sphere, and prove that they factorize into a sum entirely given by the combinatorics of the boundary spin network state and that the leading order is given by graphs representing the closed 3-ball in the large N limit. This is the first step towards a more detailed study of the holographic nature of coloured Boulatov-type GFT models for topological field theories and quantum gravity.
Best-response dynamics, playing sequences, and convergence to equilibrium in random games
Authors: Heinrich Torsten , Jang Yoojin , Mungo Luca , Pangallo Marco , Scott Alex , Tarbush Bassel , Wiese Samuel
Published: June 2023

We analyze the performance of the best-response dynamic across all normal-form games using a random games approach. The playing sequence—the order in which players update their actions—is essentially irrelevant in determining whether the dynamic converges to a Nash equilibrium in certain classes of games (e.g. in potential games) but, when evaluated across all possible games, convergence to equilibrium depends on the playing sequence in an extreme way. Our main asymptotic result shows that the best-response dynamic converges to a pure Nash equilibrium in a vanishingly small fraction of all (large) games when players take turns according to a fixed cyclic order. By contrast, when the playing sequence is random, the dynamic converges to a pure Nash equilibrium if one exists in almost all (large) games.
The effects of hydrocortisone and yohimbine on human behavior in approach-avoidance conflicts
Authors: Fricke Kim , Alexander Nina , Jacobsen Thomas , Krug Henriette , Wehkamp Kai , Vogel Susanne
Published: June 2023

Rationale

Balancing approach of positive and avoidance of negative stimuli is essential when faced with approach-avoidance conflicts, e.g., situations with both positive and negative outcomes. This balance is disturbed in several mental disorders, e.g., excessive avoidance in anxiety disorders, and heightened approach in substance use disorders. Since stress is assumed to impact these disorders’ etiology and maintenance, it seems crucial to understand how stress influences behavior in approach-avoidance conflicts. Indeed, some studies suggested altered approach-avoidance behavior under acute stress, but the mechanism underlying these effects is unknown.

Objectives

Investigate how the pharmacological manipulation of major stress mediators (cortisol and noradrenaline) influences task-based approach-avoidance conflict behavior in healthy individuals.

Methods

Ninety-six participants (48 women, 48 men) received either 20mg hydrocortisone, 20mg yohimbine, both, or placebo before performing a task targeting foraging under predation in a fully crossed double-blind between-subject design. Moreover, we investigated effects of gender and endogenous testosterone and estradiol levels on approach-avoidance behavior.

Results

While biological stress markers (cortisol concentration, alpha amylase activity) indicated successful pharmacological manipulation, behavior in approach-avoidance conflicts was not affected as expected. Although yohimbine administration affected risky foraging latency under predation, we found no main effect of hydrocortisone or their interaction on behavior. In contrast, we found gender differences for almost all behavioral outcome measures, which might be explained by differences in endogenous testosterone levels.

Conclusions

The investigated major stress mediators were not sufficient to imitate previously shown stress effects on approach-avoidance conflict behavior. We discuss potential reasons for our findings and implications for future research.
Determinants on urinary excretion of oxalate and other key factors related to urolithiasis among patients with chronic kidney disease: a single center study
Authors: Bao Daorina , Zhang Huimin , Wang Jinwei , Wang Yu , Wang Suxia , Zhao Ming-hui
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Urolithiasis is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, how CKD might affect the risk of incidence of urolithiasis is not widely studied.

Methods

Urinary excretion of oxalate as well as other key factors related to urolithiasis was analyzed in a single center study of 572 patients with biopsy-proven kidney disease.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 44.9 years and 60% were males. The mean eGFR was 65.9 ml/min/1.73 m2. Median urinary excretion of oxalate was 14.7 (10.4–19.1) mg/24-h and associated with current urolithiasis (OR 12.744, 95% CI: 1.564–103.873 per one logarithm transformed unit of urinary oxalate excretion). Oxalate excretion was not associated with eGFR and urinary protein excretion. Oxalate excretion was higher in patients with ischemia nephropathy as compared with patients with glomerular nephropathy and tubulointerstitial nephropathy (16.4 vs 14.8 vs 12.0 mg, p = 0.018). And ischemia nephropathy (p = 0.027) was associated with urinary oxalate excretion on adjusted linear regression analysis. Urinary excretion of calcium and uric acid was correlated with eGFR and urinary protein excretion (all p < 0.001), with ischemia nephropathy and tubulointerstitial nephropathy associated with uric acid excretion (both p < 0.01) as well. Citrate excretion was correlated with eGFR (p < 0.001) on adjusted linear regression.

Conclusion

Excretion of oxalate and other key factors related to urolithiasis was differentially associated with eGFR, urinary protein, and pathological changes in CKD patients. The influence of these intrinsic traits of the underlining kidney disease should be considered when evaluating urolithiasis risk in patients with CKD.