bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notable Catalytic Activity of Transition Metal Thiolate Complexes against Hydrosilylation and Hydroboration of Carbon‐Heteroatom Bonds
Authors: Fang Fei , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2022

Chemists tend to use transition metal hydride complexes rather than thiolate complexes to catalyse chemical transformations because the hydride complexes possess diverse catalytic reactivity, although most of them are air/moisture‐sensitive and difficult to prepare. By comparing the catalytic performances of pincer ligated group 10 metal thiolate and hydride complexes in catalysing the hydroboration and hydrosilylation of C=O and C=N bonds, we demonstrate in this review that transition metal thiolate complexes are much better catalysts than the corresponding hydride complexes in catalysing this type of reactions. Many hydroboration and hydrosilylation reactions catalysed by pincer ligated group 10 metal hydride complexes can also be catalysed by the corresponding thiolate complexes and the thiolate systems are far more active. Therefore, the applications of transition metal thiolate complexes in the catalytic hydroboration and hydrosilylation of unsaturated carbon‐heteroatom bonds deserve special attention in future work.
The impact of autism spectrum disorder on parent employment: Results from the r‐Kids study
Authors: Lynch Frances L. , Bulkley Joanna E. , Varga Alexandra , Crawford Phillip , Croen Lisa A. , Daida Yihe G. , Fombonne Eric , Hatch Brigit , Massolo Maria , Dickerson John F.
Published: December 2022

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other chronic health conditions often face exceptional caregiving demands that can lead to challenges related to maintaining and succeeding in employment. Detailed information on the specific ways in which these health conditions impact parent employment could aid in designing equitable, effective policies to support families. The r‐Kids study used electronic health records to identify three groups of children: those with ASD, asthma, or neither condition (control), from several health care systems. We oversampled racial and ethnic minorities and matched the asthma and control groups to the age and sex distribution of the ASD group. Parents completed three online surveys over the course of a year to measure annual employment outcomes. Surveys included the Family Economic Impact Inventory (measuring employment impacts) and measures of quality of life and symptom severity. All materials were provided in English and Spanish. The study enrolled 1461 families (564 ASD, 468 asthma, 429 control). Youth were 3–16.5 years old and predominantly male (79%). The sample was diverse (43% non‐Hispanic White; 35% non‐Hispanic Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian, or Other; and 21% Hispanic ethnicity). Parents of children with ASD were significantly less likely to be employed than parents of youth with asthma and control combined (OR: 14.2, p < 0.001), and were more likely to have other difficulties with employment and productivity while at work. Public and employer policies to help mitigate these impacts could aid families in managing care for youth with ASD.
Illustration of Capacity Fading Factors on the Example of La2(Li0.5Ni0.5)O4‐Modified High Nickel Layered Oxide Material
Authors: Ivanishcheva Irina A. , Ivanishchev Aleksandr V. , Chang Joon Ha , Song Jung‐Hoon , Lee Su‐Hyun , Kim Jae‐Joong , Kim Young Je , Nam Sang‐Cheol
Published: December 2022

Modifying of layered oxide NCM (LiNi0.85Co0.1Mn0.05O2) with high nickel (Ni) content is a popular strategy for development of energy‐dense cathode materials for LIBs. In spite of long‐time investigations of their electrochemical performance there is no clear understanding of the predominant capacity fading reasons as well as the mechanism of suppression of performance degradation for modified samples. In the present work, NCM (bare and washed) powders were modified by perovskite‐like phase La2(Li0.5Ni0.5)O4 (LNP), using lithium residual compounds (LRC) from NCM surface. Initial properties of NCM‐materials were under our focus in terms of structural data of pristine powders and the first cycle capacity loss. We observed that incomplete lithium extraction in case of LNP‐modified NCM bare sample preserves electrochemical performance. For illustration of the main reasons of capacity fading new type Δ‐plots were proposed. Based on their analysis we highlighted two factors, affecting on capacity retention. Our conclusions were supported by D vs. E dependence analysis from GITT measurements.
Theoretical study of a downdraft gasifier, microturbine, and organic Rankine cycle fuelled by date molasses waste for distributed generation applications in Iraq
Authors: Malik Abbas Safaa , Dakhel Alhassany Hend , Vera David , Jurado Francisco
Published: December 2022

The main objective of this work is the modeling of a combined heat and power (CHP) system that transforms waste from manufacturing date molasses in the Babylon province in central Iraq into electrical and thermal energy. A compact CHP facility that uses date waste (pomace and pits) as a feedstock is the subject of theoretical modeling and simulation research. The planned power plant consists of a downdraft gasifier, a microturbine (MT), and an organic Rankine cycle engine (ORC) as a bottom unit to maximize electric generation by recovering the MT exhaust gas heat and achieving a maximum electric output. The net electric production is 361.68 kW (280 kW from the MT unit and 81.68 kW from the ORC unit). To determine the best‐working fluid for the ORC system as a whole, three working fluids, including isopentane, benzene, and R113, were investigated. The temperature difference between the heat source and the fluid's boiling point is a key factor in choosing a more appropriate ORC working fluid. Isopentane is the most suitable working fluid for CHP applications, according to the findings of the simulation. The electric efficiency achieved is 30%, and the overall efficiency of the CHP plant was 56.87% from the gasification of date pits. The simulation results showed a satisfactory producer gas lower calorific value of 3.92 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pomace and 4.65 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pits, and cold gasification efficiencies of 73% and 76% for pomace and pits, respectively. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Biological sex is binary, even though there is a rainbow of sex roles
Authors: Goymann Wolfgang , Brumm Henrik , Kappeler Peter M.
Published: December 2022

Biomedical and social scientists are increasingly calling the biological sex into question, arguing that sex is a graded spectrum rather than a binary trait. Leading science journals have been adopting this relativist view, thereby opposing fundamental biological facts. While we fully endorse efforts to create a more inclusive environment for gender‐diverse people, this does not require denying biological sex. On the contrary, the rejection of biological sex seems to be based on a lack of knowledge about evolution and it champions species chauvinism, inasmuch as it imposes human identity notions on millions of other species. We argue that the biological definition of the sexes remains central to recognising the diversity of life. Humans with their unique combination of biological sex and gender are different from non‐human animals and plants in this respect. Denying the concept of biological sex, for whatever cause, ultimately erodes scientific progress and may open the flood gates to “alternative truths.”
Detection of the freshness of rice by chemiluminescence
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Yuchong , Gu Yuxi , Shan Xiaoxue , Fu Aihua , Yang Juan , Xiong Shengwei , Liu Xiaoli , Chen Chao , Yang Yehong , Wang Jin , Yang Chao , Lan Xueping , Jiang Youjun , He Linhong , Chen Jinying
Published: December 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are usually produced in rice under aerobic environmental conditions, resulting in peroxidative changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and affecting the deterioration of rice during storage. In addition, as an important enzyme that participates in removing ROS, peroxidase is also present in rice, and takes part in protecting rice from attack by ROS. Moreover, loss of peroxidase activity may give rise to rice deterioration during storage. Therefore, measuring peroxidase activity makes it possible to ascertain the freshness of rice. In addition, peroxidase can also catalyze the luminol–hydrogen peroxide system. Based on this, in this work we established a new chemiluminescence (CL) method that was used to detect the freshness of stored rice. Under optimal experimental conditions, we showed that the freshness of rice can be measured using this CL method. This study is the first to detect the freshness of rice using a CL method, opening up a novel direction for the application of CL.
Prosthetic vascular grafts engineered to combat calcification: Progress and future directions
Authors: Brown Taylor K. , Alharbi Sara , Ho Karen J. , Jiang Bin
Published: December 2022

Calcification in prosthetic vascular conduits is a major challenge in cardiac and vascular surgery that compromises the long‐term performance of these devices. Significant research efforts have been made to understand the etiology of calcification in the cardiovascular system and to combat calcification in various cardiovascular devices. Novel biomaterial design and tissue engineering strategies have shown promise in preventing or delaying calcification in prosthetic vascular grafts. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in the development of acellular prosthetic vascular grafts with preclinical success in attenuating calcification through advanced biomaterial design. We also discuss the mechanisms of action involved in the designs that will contribute to the further understanding of cardiovascular calcification. Lastly, recent insights into the etiology of vascular calcification will guide the design of future prosthetic vascular grafts with greater potential for translational success.
Sustainable clothing: Why conspicuous consumption and greenwashing matter
Authors: Apaolaza Vanessa , Policarpo Manoela Costa , Hartmann Patrick , Paredes Mario R. , D'Souza Clare
Published: December 2022

This study analyzes the degree to which conspicuous consumption motives, environmental concern, perceived consumer effectiveness, trust in sustainable clothing brands, and perceived greenwashing trigger the purchase of sustainable clothing. The theoretical framework was tested with a representative online sample of the Australian population (N = 600). Results showed that all proposed antecedents have a positive relationship with the purchase of sustainable clothing, with the exception of perceived greenwashing, which decreases purchase intention. In addition, perceived consumer effectiveness positively moderated the effect of conspicuous consumption motives on purchasing. Conspicuous consumption motives had a stronger effect on purchase when perceived effectiveness was high, and this influence was reduced for lower perceived effectiveness. The interaction between conspicuous consumption and perceived efficacy had the strongest effect in the model. Our findings highlight the relevance of conspicuous consumption as a motive for switching to sustainable clothing and the likewise important role of perceived consumer effectiveness, which is a boundary condition for this effect. Findings also confirm the significant positive influence of environmental concern and trust in the sustainable clothing brand, while perceived greenwashing is a barrier to the adoption of sustainable clothing. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Mindfulness and psychological distress in men during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The mediating role of environmental mastery and purpose in life
Authors: Palma Emanuel Missias Silva , Reis de Sousa Anderson , Aguiar Carolina Villa Nova , Nilo Nathali Guimarães , dos Santos Tácio Matos
Published: December 2022

Men's mental health has been severely affected during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with many studies focussing on the determinants of men's psychological distress. This study aimed at examining the relationships between mindfulness, environmental mastery (EM), purpose in life (PL) and indicators of psychological distress (i.e., common mental disorders and perceived stress). This was a cross‐sectional online study in which participants were 1,006 men aged between 29 and 39 years (45.1%), residing in Brazil during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. A parallel multiple mediator model was used to test the study variables' relationships, using mindfulness as the independent variable and indicators of psychological distress as the dependent variables. Results indicated that EM and PL significantly mediated the effects of mindfulness on men's psychological distress, lowering its levels and accounting for 31% of common mental disorders and 51% of perceived stress. Implications for public health policies and clinical practice are discussed.
Substrate Specificity of the Highly Thermostable Esterase EstDZ3
Authors: Papanikolaou Angelos , Chatzikonstantinou Alexandra V. , Zarafeta Dimitra , Kourkoumelis Nikolaos , Skretas Georgios , Pavlidis Ιoannis V. , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: December 2022

Esterases are among the most studied enzymes, and their applications expand into several branches of industrial biotechnology. Yet, despite the fact that information on their substrate specificity is crucial for selecting or designing the best fitted biocatalyst for the desired application, it cannot be predicted from their amino acid sequence. In this work, we studied the substrate scope of the newly discovered hydrolytic extremozyme, EstDZ3, against a library of esters with variable carbon chain lengths in an effort to understand the crucial amino acids for the substrate selectivity of this enzyme. EstDZ3 appears to be active against a wide range of esters with high selectivity towards medium‐ to long‐carbon chain vinyl esters. In‐silico studies of its 3D structure revealed that the selectivity might arise from the mainly hydrophobic nature of the active site's environment.
The First Alkaline‐Earth Azidoaurate(III), Ba[Au(N3)4]2 ⋅ 4 H2O
Authors: Subaşı Yaprak , Tekin Elif Sena , Prots Yurii , Jach Franziska , Somer Mehmet , Afyon Semih , Höhn Peter
Published: December 2022

Transparent, dark orange Ba[Au(N3)4]2 ⋅ 4 H2O was synthesized by reaction of Ba(N3)2 and AuCl3 or HAuCl4 in aqueous solution. The novel barium tetraazidoaurate(III) tetrahydrate crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc (no. 9) with a=1813.68(17) pm, b=1737.95(11) pm, c=682.04(8) pm and β=108.849(4)°. The predominant structural features of Ba[Au(N3)4]2 ⋅ 4 H2O are two crystallographically independent discrete anions [Au(N3)4]− with gold in a tetragonal planar coordination by nitrogen. Vibrational spectra show good agreement with those of other azidoaurates(III). Upon drying, this salt was shown to be a highly explosive material.
Mechanistic Insights into the Metal‐Free Deoxygenative Borylation of Ketones and Aldehydes with Bis(catecholato)diborane
Authors: Zou Wentian , Yang Mo , He Linke , Gao Liuzhou , Wang Guoqiang , Li Shuhua
Published: December 2022

The mechanisms of direct deoxygenative borylation of acetone and benzaldehyde with bis(catecholato)diborane (B2cat2) in the solvent N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA) are investigated through detailed density functional theory calculations. These calculations show that the isomer 1,2‐B2cat2 in situ generated from 1,1‐B2cat2 induced by DMA is the reactive boron intermediate for the reactions. The addition of the B−B bond of 1,2‐B2cat2 to the C=O bond of acetone or benzaldehyde via a concerted [2σ+2π]‐cycloaddition‐like transition state is the rate‐limiting step for both the triboration reaction of acetone and the monoboration reaction of benzaldehyde. DMA not only acts as the solvent but also promotes the structural isomerization of B2cat2, the deoxygenation of acetone to form the vinyl boronate intermediate and subsequent diboration of vinyl boronate with 1,2‐B2cat2, as well as the protodeboronation of the gem‐diboronate intermediate in the deoxygenative borylation of benzaldehyde. The presented computational results can explain the observed experimental facts and provide insight into the roles of the isomeric 1,2‐B2cat2 and the solvent DMA in related reactions.
Thermoresponse of Odd‐Even Effect in n‐Alkanethiolate Self‐Assembled Monolayers on Gold Substrates**
Authors: Park Sohyun , Kim Eunchan , Choi Youngjin , Jang Jiung , Kwak Kyungwon , Cho Minhaeng , Yoon Hyo Jae
Published: December 2022

This study examines thermoresponse of odd‐even effect in self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of n‐alkanethiolates (SCn, n=3–18) formed on template‐stripped gold (AuTS) using macro‐ and microscopic analytical techniques, contact angle goniometry (CAG) and vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy, respectively. Both CAG and VSFG analyses showed that the odd‐even effect in liquid‐like SAMs (n=3–9) disappeared upon heating at 50–70 °C, indicating that the heating led to increased structural disorder regardless of odd and even carbon numbers. In contrast, the opposite thermoresponse was observed for odd and even SCn molecules in wax‐ and solid‐like SAMs (n=10–18). Namely, temperature‐dependent orientational change of terminal CH3 relative to the surface normal was opposite for the odd and even molecules, thereby leading to mitigated odd‐even effect. Our work offers important insights into thermoresponse of supramolecular structure in condensed organic matter.
Highly Efficient and Stable Blue OLEDs Based on B—N Bonds Embedded 6,12‐Diphenyl‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole with Narrowband Emission and Extended Lifetime†
Authors: Dai Hengyi , Zhou Jianping , Meng Guoyun , Wang Lu , Duan Lian , Zhang Dongdong
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Emitters with narrowband spectra are of great importance nowadays because of the growing demand for ultra‐high‐definition displays in the fields of panel displays and solid‐state lighting. Though the reported multiple resonance (MR) emitters have been widely studied with extremely sharp spectra and color‐tunable emissions, the electrophilic borylation synthetic strategies and stable narrowband blue devices still face great challenges. Herein, by virtue of the advantages of both the MR effect of conventional indolocarbazole skeleton and the easy‐to‐access of B—N covalent bonds, the linear tert‐butyl benzene and carbazole groups modified 6,12‐diphenyl‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole derivatives (tPh[BN] and Cz[BN]) containing two B—N covalent bonds are easily constructed through amine‐directed double borylation strategy. Both emitters behaved bright blue emission with full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) of 20—27 nm in solution, high fluorescence quantum efficiency over 90%, and excellent stability toward moisture. By employing triplet‐triplet annihilation electroluminescent mechanism, blue OLED devices based on them showed a small FWHM of 48 nm and maximum external quantum efficiency of ~7.1% with negligible efficiency roll‐off, and long operational lifetime (LT80) of 87 h at an initial brightness of 1000 cd·m−2, demonstrating the enormous application potential of B—N bonds embedded emitters in achieving ideal narrowband blue emitters.
Disparities in receiving disease‐directed therapy, allogeneic stem cell transplantation in non‐Hispanic Black patients with TP53‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Badar Talha , Litzow Mark R. , Shallis Rory M. , Patel Anand , Saliba Antoine N. , Burkart Madelyn , Bewersdorf Jan P. , Stahl Maximilian , De Camargo Correia Guilherme Sacchi , Guru Murthy Guru Subramanian , Abaza Yasmin , Duvall Adam , Bradshaw Danielle , Kota Vamsi , Dinner Shira , Goldberg Aaron D. , Palmisiano Neil , Al Kali Aref , Atallah Ehab
Published: December 2022

Background

Although the clinical outcomes of patients with TP53‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are dismal, subsets of patients eligible for curative‐intent therapies may fare better. Because racial disparities are known to affect outcome in hematologic malignancies, the authors sought to explore disparities among patients with TP53‐mutated AML.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in a cohort of 340 patients who had TP53‐mutated AML (275 non‐Hispanic White [NHW] and 65 non‐Hispanic Black [NHB]) to analyze differences in treatment and outcome among NHW and NHB patients.

Results

The median patient age was comparable between NHW and NHB patients (p = .76). A higher proportion of NHB patients had therapy‐related AML (31% vs. 20%; p = .08) and had co‐mutations (74% vs. 61%; p = .06). A higher proportion of NHW patients received intensive chemotherapy compared with NHB patients (47% vs. 31%; p = .02). Conversely, a higher proportion of NHB patients received low‐intensity chemotherapy (9% vs. 5.5%; p = .02) or best supportive care (22% vs. 7%; p < .001). The complete response rate (including complete responses with or without complete count recovery) was 31% versus 24.5% (p = .39) in NHW and NHB patients, respectively. Only 5% of NHB patients received allogeneic stem cell transplantation compared with 15.5% of NHW patients (p = .02). The proportion of patients who were event‐free (18.5% vs. 8.5%; p = .49) or who remained alive (24.9% vs. 8.3%; p = .13) at 18 months was numerically higher in NHW versus NHB patients, respectively, but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The current study highlights disparities between NHW and NHB patients with TP53‐mutated AML. Efforts are warranted to eliminate treatment disparities in minority populations.
Tris(β‐ketoiminate) Aluminium(III) Compounds as Aluminium Oxide Precursors
Authors: Douglas Samuel P. , Faria Erica N. , Mrig Shreya , Zhou Ye , Santoni Leonardo , Clancy Adam J. , Knapp Caroline E.
Published: December 2022

Precursor design is the crucial step in tailoring the deposition profile towards a multitude of functional materials. Most commercially available aluminium oxide precursors require high processing temperatures (>500 °C). Herein, we report the tuning of the decomposition profile (200–350 °C) of a range of octahedrally coordinated tris(β‐ketoiminate) aluminium complexes of the type [Al(MeCN(R)CHC=OMe)3], by varying the R substituents in the ligands. The complexes are derived from the reaction of trimethylamine alane (TMAA) and a series of N‐substituted β‐ketoiminate ligands (R‐acnacH, R=Me, Et, iPr, Ph) with varying R‐substituents sizes. When the more sterically encumbered ligand (R=Mes) was used, the Al atom became five‐coordinate, therefore representing the threshold to octahedral coordination around the metal in these type of compounds, which, consequently, lead to a change of decomposition profile. The resulting compounds have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. [Al(MeCN(Me)CHC=OMe)3] has been used as a single source precursor for the deposition of Al2O3. Thin films were deposited via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD), with toluene as the solvent, and were analysed using SEM, EDX and XPS.
CRISPR‐Cas9 Genome Editing and Rapid Selection of Cell Pools
Authors: Stoyko Daniel , O Timothy , Hernandez Adrianna , Konstantinidou Parthena , Meng Qingcai , Haase Astrid D.
Published: December 2022

The harnessing of the CRISPR‐Cas9 system allows for quick and inexpensive genome editing in tissue culture models. Traditional CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing techniques rely on the ability of single progenitor cells to expand into new pools in a process known as clonal expansion. This is a significant technical challenge that is difficult to overcome for nontransformed cell culture models such as Drosophila ovarian somatic sheath cells (OSCs). OSCs are a unique ex vivo model for epigenetic regulation by PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that establish restriction of mobile genetic elements in germ cells to protect genome integrity. Here, we provide a protocol to generate endogenously tagged proteins and gene knockouts without the need for clonal selection. We combine CRISPR‐Cas genome editing and knockin of antibiotic selection markers to generate edited cell pools. At the example of Drosophila piwi in OSCs, we demonstrate a strategy that relies on the insertion of an artificial intron to accommodate a selection marker with minimal disturbance of the resulting mRNA. In brief, our donor cassette contains a peptide tag and an optimized intron that accommodates a selection marker driven by an independent promoter on the other genomic strand. The selection marker is transcribed as an independent mRNA, and the intron is efficiently removed from the mRNA encoding the endogenously tagged (endo‐tagged) piwi gene. The endo‐tagged Piwi protein is expressed at wild‐type levels and appropriately localizes to the nucleus of OSCs. We also describe strategies for C‐terminal tagging and generation of knockout alleles in OSCs and in human embryonic kidney cells, discuss different design strategies, and provide a plasmid toolkit (available at Addgene). Our protocol enables robust genome editing in OSCs for the first time and provides a simple and time‐saving alternative for other cell culture systems. Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Design and cloning of single‐guide RNA plasmids

Basic Protocol 2: Design and cloning of donor template plasmids for epitope tagging

Alternate Protocol: Design and cloning of donor template plasmids for gene knockout

Basic Protocol 3: Transfection and selection of edited cell pools
A quadratic step‐up dc‐dc converter with high gain, reduced voltage stress, and component counts
Authors: Karimi Hajiabadi Mostafa , Lahooti Eshkevari Alireza , Abdoli Iman , Mosallanejad Ali , Salemnia Ahmad
Published: December 2022

It is safe to say that the topic of step‐up dc–dc converters is one of the most popular issues in power electronics. Since the demand for high‐gain and high‐efficiency converters with optimal component counts has increased drastically, more new step‐up topologies have been innovated. Continuing past efforts, the paper proposes a new single‐switch non‐isolated step‐up dc–dc converter based on the basic quadratic boost converter (QBC). High boost factor, high efficiency, continuous input current, reduced voltage stresses on the switch and power diodes, and an appropriate required number of elements compared to the obtained boost factor are the most significant achievements of this topology, which satisfy most of the essential design goals. Compared to the basic QBC, the voltage gain has been increased five times further by integrating a new coupled inductor–capacitor‐based impedance network into the basic quadratic circuit. In this article, the theory and operating principle of the topology for both continuous and discontinuous current modes (CCM and DCM) are discussed in detail. To verify the theory, experimental results are also presented. Results show that the converter has reached 12 times gain, about 95% efficiency, and up to one‐third less voltage stresses on semiconductors.
Explain undue burden and fundamental alteration defenses
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: December 2022

Colleges and universities have two defenses to Title II and Title III Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits: (1) undue financial or administrative burden and (2) fundamental alteration. But United States Department of Justice regulations put the responsibility on postsecondary institutions to demonstrate these defenses to alleged ADA violations.
Make diversity, bias training a positive experience
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2022

LAS VEGAS — “This is a training about how to make diversity training and bias training palatable to law enforcement,” Lewis Eakins, Ph.D., CPP, Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, said. Eakins spoke at the recent annual conference for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
Academic dismissal
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2022

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Associations between visceral adiposity index and incident nephropathy outcomes in diabetic patients: Insights from the ACCORD trial
Authors: Zhou Chun , Zhang Yanjun , Yang Sisi , He Panpan , Wu Qimeng , Ye Ziliang , Liu Mengyi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Rui , Liu Chengzhang , Jiang Jianping , Hou Fan Fan , Nie Jing , Qin Xianhui
Published: December 2022

Aims

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) was a reliable marker for visceral adiposity accumulation and dysfunction. The association between VAI and nephropathy outcomes remains uncertain in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal relationships between VAI and incident nephropathy outcomes in T2DM patients.

Materials and Methods

Ten thousand one hundred and thirty two participants with T2DM from the ACCORD trial were included in the present study. Cumulative average VAI based on VAI measurements at baseline and follow‐up was used to represent long‐term VAI status. The primary outcome was the incident composite nephropathy outcome defined as: (1) serum creatinine doubling or >20 ml/min decrease in eGFR; or (2) development of macro‐albuminuria; or (3) renal failure or end stage kidney disease (dialysis) or serum creatinine >3.3 mg/dl.

Results

During 26,168 person‐years follow‐up duration, 6094 (60.1%) participants developed the incident composite nephropathy outcome. When assessing cumulative average VAI as quartiles, compared with those in the 1–2 quartiles (<2.6), a significantly higher risk of incident composite nephropathy outcomes was observed among participants in the 3–4 quartiles (≥2.6, adjusted HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.18). Moreover, the positive association was consistent in participants with or without single abnormal VAI components, including general obesity, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, or with different numbers of abnormal VAI components. Additionally, the positive association was stronger in participants with cumulative average systolic blood pressure <130 mmHg (vs. ≥130 mmHg; p‐interaction < 0.001).

Conclusions

In T2DM patients, higher cumulative average VAI was associated with a higher risk of incident composite nephropathy outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT00000620
Food resource uncertainty shapes the fitness consequences of early spring onset in capital and income breeding migratory birds
Authors: Ejsmond Anna , Ejsmond Maciej Jan
Published: December 2022

Due to climate change, the timing of spring arrival and nesting onset in many migratory bird species have advanced. Earlier spring onsets prolong the available breeding period but can also deteriorate local conditions, leading to increased temporal variation in resource availability. This interaction between phenological shifts in nesting onset and short‐term temporal variation in food gain has unknown consequences for fitness of migratory bird species. We model two contrasting breeding strategies to investigate the fitness consequences of stochastically fluctuating food gain and storing of energetic reserves for reproduction. The model was inspired by the biology of common eiders (Somateria mollissima), which store extensive reserves prior to egg laying and incubation (capital breeding strategy), and king eiders (S. spectabilis), which continue to forage during nesting (income breeding strategy). For capital breeders, foraging prior to breeding increases energy reserves and clutch size, but for both strategies, postponing nesting reduces the chances of recruitment. We found that in scenarios with early spring onset, the average number of recruits produced by capital breeders was higher under conditions of stochastic rather than deterministic food gain. This is because under highly variable daily food gain, individuals successful in obtaining food can produce large clutches early in the season. However, income breeders do not build up reserve buffers; consequently, their fitness is always reduced, when food availability fluctuates. For both modeled strategies, resource uncertainty had only a minor effect on the timing of nesting onset. Our work shows that the fitness consequences of global changes in breeding season onset depend on the level of uncertainty in food intake and the degree to which reserves are used to fuel the reproductive effort. We predict that among migratory bird species producing one clutch per year, capital breeders are more resilient to climate‐induced changes in spring phenology than income breeders.
The response of litter decomposition to extreme drought modified by plant species, plant part, and soil depth in a temperate grassland
Authors: Seres Anikó , Kröel‐Dulay György , Szakálas Judit , Nagy Péter István , Boros Gergely , Ónodi Gábor , Kertész Miklós , Szitár Katalin , Mojzes Andrea
Published: December 2022

Plant litter decomposition is a key ecosystem process in carbon and nutrient cycling, and is heavily affected by changing climate. While the direct effects of drought on decomposition are widely studied, in order to better predict the overall drought effect, indirect effects associated with various drought‐induced changes in ecosystems should also be quantified. We studied the effect of an extreme (5‐month) experimental drought on decomposition, and if this effect varies with two dominant perennial grasses, plant parts (leaves vs. roots), and soil depths (0–5 cm vs. 10–15 cm) in a semi‐arid temperate grassland. After 12 months, the average litter mass loss was 43.5% in the control plots, while only 25.7% in the drought plots. Overall, mass loss was greater for leaves (44.3%) compared to roots (24.9%), and for Festuca vaginata (38.6%) compared to Stipa borysthenica (30.5%). This variation was consistent with the observed differences in nitrogen and lignin content between plant parts and species. Mass loss was greater for deep soil (42.8%) than for shallow soil (26.4%). Collectively, these differences in decomposition between the two species, plant parts, and soil depths were similar in magnitude to direct drought effect. Drought induces multiple changes in ecosystems, and our results highlight that these changes may in turn modify decomposition. We conclude that for a reliable estimate of decomposition rates in an altered climate, not only direct but also indirect climatic effects should be considered, such as those arising from changing species dominance, root‐to‐shoot ratio, and rooting depth.
Urbanization increases fluctuating asymmetry and affects behavioral traits of a common grasshopper
Authors: Rech Florian , Narimanov Nijat , Bauer Tobias , Schirmel Jens
Published: December 2022

Urbanization has a major impact on biodiversity. For many organisms, the urbanization process means environmental stress caused by fragmentation and increased temperatures in cities and atmospheric, soil, light, and noise pollution. Such environmental stress can influence both the morphology and behavior of animals. Hence, individuals might be selected for survival‐facilitating traits under high pressures in urban areas. The specific impact of urbanization on insect behavior is still largely unexplored. We studied the impact of urbanization on one of the most common grasshopper species in Germany, Chorthippus biguttulus, by comparing morphological and behavioral traits of individuals sampled from grasslands with low, medium, and high urbanization levels. We first investigated whether urbanization as a stressor affected body size and fluctuating asymmetry in the locomotor organs. Next, we examined whether urbanization induced changes in the individuals' boldness and activity. Our results showed that fluctuating asymmetry of grasshoppers' locomotory organs increased more than twofold with urbanization level. Further, individuals' boldness and walking activity increased from areas with low to high urbanization levels. Our results indicate strong responses of grasshoppers in terms of morphology and behavior to the urban environment. To compensate for urbanization effects on arthropod populations, management strategies need to be developed that maintain ecological processes and reduce environmental stress in urban areas.
Phylogenetic and functional constraints of plant facilitation rewiring
Authors: Sánchez‐Martín Ricardo , Verdú Miguel , Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia
Published: December 2022

Facilitative interactions bind community species in intricate ecological networks, preserving species that would otherwise be lost. The traditional understanding of ecological networks as static components of biological communities overlooks the fact that species interactions in a network can fluctuate. Analyzing the patterns that cause those shifts can reveal the principles that govern the identity of pairwise interactions and whether they are predictable based on the traits of the interacting species and the local environmental contexts in which they occur. Here we explore how abiotic stress and phylogenetic and functional affinities constrain those shifts. Specifically, we hypothesize that rewiring the facilitative interactions is more limited in stressful than in mild environments. We present evidence of a distinct pattern in the rewiring of facilitation‐driven communities at different stress levels. In highly stressful environments with a firm reliance on facilitation, rewiring is limited to growing beneath nurse species with traits to overcome harsh stressful conditions. However, when environments are milder, rewiring is more flexible, although it is still constrained to nurses that are close relatives. Understanding the ability of species to rewire their interactions is crucial for predicting how communities may respond to the unprecedented rate of perturbations on Earth.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Mediated Sulfur Extrusion of Disulfides
Authors: Galow Alexander P. , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: December 2022

The sulfur extrusion from organic disulfides is a highly useful reaction recognised for the first time over 40 years ago. Unfortunately, it is mainly performed by aminophosphines, such as hexamethylphosphorus triamine, which is known to be very carcinogenic. This limits the application of the extrusion reaction especially for the synthesis of pharmaceutical products. We have developed a new method, using N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), generated from the corresponding stable imidazolium salts in combination with a base to transform a broad scope of benzylic disulfides to thioethers. In addition disulfide containing esters as well as cystine undergo this reaction.
Mechanochemical Radical Boronation of Aryl Diazonium Salts Promoted by Sodium Chloride
Authors: Andrejčák Samuel , Kisszékelyi Péter , Májek Michal , Šebesta Radovan
Published: December 2022

Arylboronates are helpful building blocks in organic synthesis. Here, we present an efficient mechanochemical synthesis of arylboronates from arene diazonium salts. Importantly, this transformation was significantly enhanced by sodium chloride, which probably promotes the decomposition of diazonium salts via anion exchange. Chloride anions also participate in the formation of strongly reducing Cl−B anion radical intermediate that promotes radical chain reaction. The reaction proceeds more efficiently with a small amount of polar solvent as a liquid‐assisted grinding additive. Quantum chemical calculations support the mechanistic proposal.
Water and Ethanol as Refrigerant Mixture Enabling Adsorption Cooling below 0 °C
Authors: Lache Marten , Kappelhoff Christoph , Seiler Jan , Bardow André
Published: December 2022

Adsorption chillers can avoid two types of greenhouse gas emissions from conventional cooling technologies: energy‐related emissions by utilizing waste heat and refrigerant leakage‐related emissions by employing the natural refrigerant water. However, water restricts the minimal cooling temperature to its freezing point. To overcome this limitation, herein, a boiling antifreeze in adsorption chillers is proposed. For this purpose, a databank of over 12 000 molecules for suitable antifreezes is screened and ethanol is derived as the best candidate. Employing ethanol as antifreeze, the experimental feasibility in a lab‐scale adsorption chiller is demonstrated: ethanol can prevent freezing at a cooling temperature of –5 °C and, thus, extend the operating range of the adsorption chiller. Thereby, the favorable properties of water can be partially retained. Furthermore, water–ethanol mixtures to pure water at a cooling temperature of 10 °C are compared: maximal coefficient of performance (COP) and specific cooling power (SCP) decrease by 45% and 42%, respectively, when 14 mol% ethanol is used instead of pure water. Herein, the influence of ethanol on the adsorbed mass and heat transfer during evaporation are crucial. In summary, boiling antifreezes can extend the operating range of water‐based adsorption chillers below 0 °C.
Significant Role of Carbon Nanomaterials in Material Extrusion‐Based 3D‐Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Divakaran Nidhin , Ajay Kumar Pottikkadavath Venugopal , Mohapatra Agneyarka , Alex Yohannan , Mohanty Smita
Published: December 2022

A recent trend in technological evolution has focused on innovative self‐powered device systems involving miniaturized energy harvesting systems termed “nanogenerators.” Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have generated heaps of interest in the field of energy storage devices and sensors, owing to its tendency to harvest mechanical energy and impart power to battery‐less miniaturized devices for comprehensive applications. The combination of TENG with 3D printing (3DP) has provided impetus in fabricating a device with innovative design and functionalities with different working modes and mechanisms to culminate into excellent device output performances. Several studies have focused on the significant role of nanomaterials in TENG to achieve flexibility, workability, and enhanced electrical output. This review aims to explore the influence of carbon‐based nanomaterials in ameliorating the processability, performance, and printing characteristics of extrusion‐based 3D‐printed TENG. The unique structure dimensions and excellent thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of carbon‐based nanomaterials tend to contribute in enhancing the triboelectric efficiency of TENG. The carbon nanomaterials assist in enhancing significant performance of rapid prototyping during material extrusion 3DP. This review provides an insight into the critical aspects to be analyzed in fabricating an extrusion‐based 3DP TENG and examines the role of carbon‐based nanomaterials in developing smart triboelectric materials for next‐generation energy harvesting technologies.
Solid‐State Li Ion Batteries with Oxide Solid Electrolytes: Progress and Perspective
Authors: Jiang Pengfeng , Du Guangyuan , Cao Jiaqi , Zhang Xianyong , Zou Chuanchao , Liu Yitao , Lu Xia
Published: December 2022

Solid‐state batteries (SSBs), with desirable safety, high‐energy density, wide temperature tolerance, and simple packaging, are one of the most promising candidates for the next‐generation energy storage technologies. In SSBs, solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are the key components to enhance the safety concerns significantly with regard to the flammable organic liquid electrolytes in conventional Li‐ion batteries. To realize the practical SSBs, developing SSEs with high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window, and low interface resistance between electrode and electrolyte becomes essential. Among many solid electrolytes, the oxide inorganic SSEs demonstrate high ionic conductivity (10−3 to 10−4 S cm−1) and good chemical stability against Li metal, which probably hold great promise for high‐performance SSBs. Hence, this review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the oxide SSEs by addressing key issues in materials densification, stability, and electrochemical properties as a guidance to the flourishing SSBs. The critical issues of interface and the opportunities for oxide‐based SSBs are also discussed, where the key issues lie not only in the electrolyte material itself but also in regulating and ameliorating the electrolyte–electrode interface properties. This possibly paves the way to the future development of oxide‐based solid electrolytes and batteries.
Cooperation and energy harvesting based spectrum sensing schemes for green cognitive radio networks
Authors: Srivastava Akanksha , Kaur Gurjit
Published: December 2022

Cognitive radio network (CRNs) with energy harvesting approach to identify unused spectrum bands and utilize them opportunistically is observed as an evolving technology to handle spectrum scarcity problems. In CRNs, the secondary users (SUs) continuously sense the primary user's (PUs) spectrum to secure the data transmission of PUs and to access the vacant PU's spectrum for their data transmission. For designing future green networks, it is essential that the spectrum sensing process must be accurate, rapid, and energy‐efficient. Therefore, in this work, three sensing schemes are proposed. The first is a cooperation‐based joint cooperation spectrum sensing (JCSS) scheme in which the cooperative CRNs permit the SUs, working in an identical band, to cooperate, and this cooperation approach decreases sensing time and improves sensing probability for vacant spectrum. The result shows that the sensing probability for a vacant spectrum is increased by 34%. The proposed JCSS scheme considers the inherent asymmetry property of the network; therefore, it helps to improve the overall rapidity gain of the networks. The other two proposed sensing schemes, preset spectrum sensing (PSS) and viscous spectrum sensing (VSS), are based on energy harvesting that analyzes the percentage of energy‐saving for various states. The suggested schemes are better in terms of scalability because, in these schemes, it is not essential to sense all spectrums, which leads to a reduction in sensing time.
Nutritional and bioactive characteristics of buckwheat, and its potential for developing gluten‐free products: An updated overview
Authors: Sofi Sajad Ahmad , Ahmed Naseer , Farooq Asmat , Rafiq Shafiya , Zargar Sajad Majeed , Kamran Fozia , Dar Tanveer Ali , Mir Shabir Ahmad , Dar B. N. , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: December 2022

In the present era, food scientists are concerned about exploiting functional crops with nutraceutical properties. Buckwheat is one of the functional pseudocereals with nutraceutical components used in the treatment of health‐related diseases, malnutrition, and celiac diseases. As a preferred diet as a gluten‐free product for celiac diseases, buckwheat is a good source of nutrients, bioactive components, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The general characteristics and better nutritional profile of buckwheat than other cereal family crops were highlighted by previous investigations. In buckwheats, bioactive components like peptides, flavonoids, phenolic acids,d‐fagomine, fagopyritols, and fagopyrins are posing significant health benefits. This study highlights the current knowledge about buckwheat and its characteristics, nutritional constituents, bioactive components, and their potential for developing gluten‐free products to target celiac people (1.4% of the world population) and other health‐related diseases.