bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of Crime in African Migrants' Gambling and Policing in Finland
Authors: Crentsil Perpetual
Published: April 2020

Gambling is popular among African migrants in Finland. The Finnish lottery, for example, is highly patronised by many active African migrant gamblers and those who have gambled before. Many of these migrants also know that some types of gambling like poker and online games have been linked with criminality or organised crime, prostitution, and internet fraud. African migrants in Finland are generally suspicious of the police, but concerning gambling they do not see the need for any police involvement. There seems to be an absence of crime and policing in African migrants' gambling, which is a relevant finding in this study. But then, are the unemployed who engage in gambling committing a crime or would they be prone to criminal acts? This is an area worth researching deeper into. This chapter explores African migrant gamblers' ideas about their gambling and policing in Finland. The chapter is based on data from qualitative studies conducted in 2009 and in 2011-12 using interviews, conversations and questionnaires.
Transforming the Narrative of Violence in Kenya to a Narrative of Nonviolence
Authors: Muriuki Mukurima
Published: April 2020

This chapter examines nonviolence as conflict resolution method in Kenya, and postulates that the advantages presented by nonviolence stand to help society overcome the trappings presented by violence. The author explores the idea of violence as laid out in the narrative and structure of the Kenyan society, the plausible reasons that gives rise to violence as a way of agitation for perceived rights and freedoms, and resolving conflicts.This chapter has focused on the history of Kenya with respect to the aspirations that existed during the time of clamor for independence and how the inability to make those dreams a reality curtailed the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of many who fought for independence and therefore creating a disenfranchised population, and above all, planting seeds of violence. This chapter observes that economic empowerment is a necessary tool to inculcate the theme of nonviolence in society. The author suggests using activities such as soccer and other related sports to create ambassadors and warriors for nonviolence.
Overcoming Conflict Between Religious and Cultural Freedom and Women's Rights in Africa
Authors: Essien Essien D.
Published: April 2020

Scholarship is generally divided between those who view female circumcision as a religious ritual to be observed, and those who consider the practice as cruel and human right abuse. This lends credence to the ethical question: what should be done when the exercise of the rituals of female circumcision, which is central to African Traditional Religion, entails transgression of fundamental rights? Relying on John Rawls' model and rights based approach. This study examines African religious landscape characterized with this disagreement. With an insight provided into understanding this conflict, a criterion on what should constitute an appropriate interaction is thus supplied.
Intensive Versus Modified Conventional Control of Blood Glucose Level in Medical Intensive Care Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bland David Kelvin , Fankhanel Yvonne , Langford Eileen , Lee Martha , Lee Scott W. , Maloney Colleen , Rogers Mark , Zimmerman Grenith
Published: April 2020

• Background Critically ill postsurgical patients fare better with intensive control of blood glucose level. The link between glucose control and outcome is less well studied for medical intensive care patients. Whether intensive glucose control requires additional staffing is unclear.

• Objectives To compare intensive glucose control with modified conventional control in the medical intensive care unit and to assess compliance with glucose targets, incidence of hypoglycemia, and staffing adequacy.

• Methods Medical intensive care patients who had been receiving mechanical ventilation for less than 24 hours were randomized to intensive or modified conventional protocols for glucose control. Nurses were trained before participating in the study and were interviewed after its completion.

• Results Five subjects were randomized to each protocol. Mean blood glucose levels were 5.8 (SD 1.5) mmol/L (105.3 [SD 26.3] mg/dL) for the intensive group and 9.8 (SD 2.5) mmol/L (177.4 [SD 45.5] mg/dL) for the modified conventional group (P < .001). Fifty percent of glucose levels met target values in the intensive group, and 72% of glucose levels met target values in the modified conventional group (P < .001). Severe hypoglycemia (glucose <2.2 mmol/L [<40 mg/dL]) occurred rarely and without complication. Nurses suggested protocols might be improved by using smaller steps in adjusting insulin dosage and reported that simultaneously caring for more than 1 study subject was taxing.

• Conclusions Target levels for blood glucose were achieved with both protocols. Severe hypoglycemia was rare and uncomplicated regardless of type of glucose control. Additional staffing may be needed for intensive glucose control.
Practice of Expert Critical Care Nurses in Situations of Prognostic Conflict at the End of Life
Authors: Robichaux Catherine McBride , Clark Angela P.
Published: April 2020

• Background Prolonging the living-dying process with inappropriate treatment is a profoundly disturbing ethical issue for nurses in many practice areas, including the intensive care unit. Despite the frequent occurrence of such distressing events, research suggests that critical care nurses assume a limited role in end-of-life decision making and care planning.

• Objectives To explore the practice of expert critical care nurses in end-of-life conflicts and to describe actions taken when the nurses thought continued aggressive medical interventions were not warranted.

• Methods A qualitative design was used with narrative analysis of interview data that had a temporal ordering of events. Interviews were conducted with 21 critical care nurses from 7 facilities in the southwestern United States who were nominated as experts by their colleagues.

• Results Three recurrent narrative plots were derived: protecting or speaking for the patient, presenting a realistic picture, and experiencing frustration and resignation. Narratives of protecting or speaking for the patient concerned preventing further technological intrusion and thus permitting a dignified death. Presenting a realistic picture involved helping patients’ family members reframe the members’ sense of the potential for recovery. Inability to affect a patient’s situation was expressed in narratives of frustration and resignation.

• Conclusions The transition from curative to end-of-life care in the intensive care unit is often fraught with ambiguity and anguish. The expert nurses demonstrated the ability and willingness to actively protect and advocate for their vulnerable patients even in situations in which the nurses’ actions did not influence the outcomes.
A formação urbana de Campinas (SP): de pouso à margem do caminho do ouro a lugar mundial
Authors: Santos Rafael Roxo dos
Published: April 2020

Neste artigo, propomos a exposição e a análise dos diferentes períodos de modernização que atingiram Campinas, município paulista. A partir da categoria formação socioespacial, buscamos compreender como se deu a gênese da cidade e como seu processo de estruturação urbana, em diferentes fases, esteve atrelado à sucessão dos períodos econômicos. A continuidade de formas de produção arcaicas no interior dos períodos históricos é a condição da formação nacional. Nesse processo, a materialização da estrutura e das forças produtivas mediadas pelo Estado, conduziu a períodos de relativa estabilidade, no entanto, o acúmulo de contradições seria a condição para ocorrência de rupturas que inauguram os novos períodos.
Análise tecnológica no uso da água do rio Cariús para a agricultura irrigada do município de Cariús-CE
Authors: Da Silva Moura Yure Révelles , Pereira Gomes Ótacio , Alves Barros Fabiano Luiz
Published: April 2020

Esse trabalho concentra-se em identificar os fatores tecnológicos dos irrigantes que no município de Cariús, Ceará através da construção de um índice tecnológico. O método de análise consistiu no processo da análise fatorial (ACP) e na análise dos custos (fixos e variáveis) da atividade. Para a operacionalização dos dados foi utilizado o software RStudio. Os resultados apontam que estes irrigantes em sua maioria possuem níveis tecnológicos considerados baixos e médios, sem contar que ainda existe a falta de apoio por parte dos órgãos que administram o município. Já com relação à análise dos custos variáveis constatou-se que gastos com fertilizante foi o componente de maior impacto na sua composição, já em relação aos custos fixos, destaca-se a remuneração do empresário como o fator de maior representatividade.
Aspectos texturais dos sedimentos quaternários da planície costeira do sul do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil: região das lagoas dos Esteves, Faxinal e Mãe Luzia
Authors: Pires Mateus Aline , Olmiro Horn Filho Norberto
Published: April 2020

As planícies costeiras se constituem de ambientes extremamente dinâmicos que comportam pacotes sedimentares de relevância para os estudos costeiros. Estes pacotes sedimentares denotam características dos agentes de transporte e dos ambientes de deposição, sendo estas características de fundamental importância para o conhecimento da história geológica local. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar, através da análise textural, os sedimentos quaternários e os ambientes deposicionais da planície costeira que representa o sistema deposicional laguna-barreira IV na região das lagoas dos Esteves, Faxinal e Mãe Luzia, sul do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. A poligonal de estudo compõe-se de uma área de barreira e uma área de retro barreira. Sendo a área de barreira composta por sedimentos arenosos oriunda de ambientes eólicos e marinhos, e a área de retro-barreira por sedimentos areno-lamosos de ambientes lagunares.
High-resolution simulations with COSMO model including TERRA_URB TERRA_URB parameterization for the representation of Urban Heat Islands over South Italy
Authors: Bucchignani Edoardo , Mercogliano Paola
Published: April 2020

Abstract. In this work, some preliminary numerical simulations with
the COSMO model including TERRA_URB parameterization have
been performed. In particular, this work concerns simulations over a small
domain located in southern Italy, in order to test the capabilities of the
model in reproducing the main climate features of Urban Heat Islands over
this area. Model evaluation has been performed in terms of 2 m temperature in
an urban area and in a rural one, in order to highlight the behaviour of the
parameterization in different contexts. Numerical results encourage further
investigation and development of urban parameterization in very
high-resolution configuration of limited area models and specifically of
COSMO, to improve the representation of the maximum daily values of
temperature and diurnal cycle especially in urban, but also in rural areas.
Furthermore a better parameter tuning is still required for this specific
test case.
The Characteristics of Korean Traditional Post-Fermented Tea (Chungtaejeon)
Authors: Moon Doo-Gyung
Published: April 2020

The structure of the bacterial community involved in the production of oriental traditional post-fermented tea (Chungtaejeon) was investigated using 16S rRNA gene analysis. The main microorganisms in fermentation process of Chungtaejeon are identified as Pantoea sp. and Klebsiella oxytoca. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the taxonomic affiliation of the dominant species in the Chungtaejeon was γ-proteobacteria. The bacterial community size was higher about 100 times in Chungtaejeon compared with other Korean tea and puer-tea. Also, the fungal community size was higher about seven times in the Chungtaejeon than in the other post-fermented teas. However, the archaeal community size was highest about six times in the Chungtaejeon. Therefore, the bacteria, fungal and archaeal community sizes were highest for Chungtaejeon than in the seven post-fermented teas. As a result, the microbial communities of Chungtaejeon were the largest compared with other teas. The catechin content decreased from 12.10 to 3.80 mg/g, and epicatechin (EC) and gallic acid contents were increased to 28.50 and 8.02 mg/g, respectively, during manufacturing. The Pantoea sp. may perform an important role for manufacturing and fermentation to gallic acid from catechins of Chungtaejeon.
Estonia’s party system today: electoral turbulence and changes in ethno-regional patterns
Authors: Oskolkov Petr V.
Published: April 2020

A well-developed party system has emerged in Estonia over the decades of independence. There are, however, distinct geographical patterns of voting. A number of new political parties have appeared in the country; the regional and ethnic patterns of voting (the latter matter much in Estonia) have changed dramatically. This study aims to analyse the recent changes in the Estonian party system as well as the causes of these changes and the effect of the ethnic and geographical factors on the transformation of the electoral behaviour of Estonian citizens. The research employs a systemic approach that makes it possible to solve the agent—structure problem to the benefit of the general structure and integral system of Estonia’s party scene. The method of comparative systemic analysis is used alongside those adopted in electoral geography. It is concluded that the effect of the ethnic and geographical factors on electoral behaviour is diminishing as a civil society based on civic rather than ethnic principles is emerging in the country. The main drivers of the change are the formation of new parties and coalition-building — both have an immediate effect on how the image of the parties is perceived by voters.
An economic complexity analysis of the Kaliningrad region: identifying sectoral priorities in the emerging value creation paradigm
Authors: Roos Niels Goran Arne , Voloshenko Ksenia Y. , Drok Tatyana E. , Farafonova Yulia Yu.
Published: April 2020

The ongoing technological development leads to the emergence of a new value-creation paradigm that calls for changes and structural transformations in economic systems at different levels. Structural transformations are prompted by growing economic complexity. In this context, the selection of industrial strategies and the validation of key regional industrial policies is of paramount importance. Economic complexity (EC) analysis is a new effective tool to address the issue. Its application at a subnational level is, however, limited by methodological problems. To analyse economic complexity at a subnational level, a basic methodology and special software were developed within this study. The object of the research is the exclave Kaliningrad region, whose location makes it possible to capture accurate and comprehensive data on international and interregional trade. Based on the EC analysis theory and practice, the study involved the development of methods, algorithms, and software to form a source database and measure economic complexity. The findings may guide the use of EC analyses in regional policies. The article suggests activities for sequential upgrading of the industry in the Kaliningrad region. These activities will facilitate the development of the existing and new capabilities, improve the business environment, and increase the complexity of products, productions, and industries.
Japanese Nursing Students' Learning Experience, Self-directed Learning Ability, and Self-efficacy in Nursing Practice Utilizing Portfolios
Authors: Lee Hye Young , Shimotakahara Rie , Kim Hye Weon , Ogata Shige Mitsu
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the learning experience, self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy of Japanese nursing students undergoing portfolio-based clinical practicums. Methods: The self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy of nursing students were examined using two scales. And using a text-mining approach, we constructed correspondence analysis followed by cluster analysis of open-ended responses forms. Results: The mean score of the self-directed learning ability was $60.89{pm}5.28$ and the generalized self-efficacy was $68.37{pm}11.56$. Moreover, the scores in the self-directed learning ability were positively correlated with scores in the generalized self-efficacy. In correspondence analysis, the distribution of extracted words showed that record was located on the negative side of the third quadrant, to the first principal component and that patient was located on the positive side of the first quadrant, contributing greatly to the second principal component. Conclusion: The results of this study contribute to approaching to "confidence, pride, stability," "growth and intention to development'' offers a key in developing self-directed learning ability. Students record what they see and learn the importance of visualizing it in learning portfolios. "Expression in detail of the learned contents" and "concerning to which objective evaluation is suggested" are important to the students.
Effects of a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Counseling Program on Self-efficacy and Adjustment to College Life for Nursing Freshmen
Authors: Lee Kyunghyun , Kim Myungah
Published: April 2020

Purpose: This purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) counseling program on self-efficacy and adjustment to college life for nursing freshmen. Methods: This study used a nonequivalent control pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Thirty-eight new nursing students were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=18) or a control group (n=20) recruited from a four-year nursing college. An REBT counseling program was composed of 8 group sessions of orientation, understanding the theory of REBT, finding irrational beliefs, internalizing rational beliefs, and closing over a duration of 5 weeks. The duration of each session was 90 minutes. Self-efficacy and adjustment to school life were measured by the Sherer's Self-Efficacy Scale and Baker & Siryk's Student Adjustment to College before and after the REBT counseling program. Data were analyzed using t-tests and paired t-tests. Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in self-efficacy compared to the control group. There was no significant change in college life adjustment between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: An REBT counseling program could be applied as an effective program in enhancing self-efficacy resulting in positive and goal-oriented behavior for new nursing students in college.
Comparative research on some peculiarities of labor regulation of outsourced employees in Russia and China
Authors: Rakitina Ekaterina Vasil'evna
Published: April 2020

The subject of this research is the peculiarities of legal regulation of labor outsourcing as an atypical form of employment. Compared to traditional labor relations, labor outsourcing is characterized by multi-agency, which explains the peculiarities of its regulation. The article compares some of the specificities of legal regulation of the labor of outsourced employees within Russia’s and China’s labor law: peculiarities of emergence of relations on labor outsourcing, delineation of employer authority between the sending and receiving parties, social-partnership relations, legal position of outsourced employees, and labor legal responsibility regarding relations on outsourced labor as type of employment. The results of the conducted research yield a conclusion on the similarities and differences in legal regulation of labor of outsourced employees within Russian and Chinese labor laws. The similarities can be found in the structure of relations on outsourced labor, specificity of emergence of relations on outsourced labor based upon dual agreements – employment contract and staffing contract. There are also some similarities and differences in regulation of delineation of employer authority between the sending and receiving sides; in establishment of the legal position of outsourced employees, namely with regards to payment of wages; in resolution of the question of participation of an outsources employee in the relations on social partnership; in regulation of labor law liability of the sides of outsourced labor relations.
Differential expression of MAGEA6 toggles autophagy to promote pancreatic cancer progression
Authors: Tsang Yiu Huen , Wang Yumeng , Kong Kathleen , Grzeskowiak Caitlin , Zagorodna Oksana , Dogruluk Turgut , Lu Hengyu , Villafane Nicole , Bhavana Venkata Hemanjani , Moreno Daniela , Elsea Sarah H , Liang Han , Mills Gordon B , Scott Kenneth L
Published: April 2020

The melanoma-associated antigen family A (MAGEA) antigens are expressed in a wide variety of malignant tumors but not in adult somatic cells, rendering them attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy. Here we show that a number of cancer-associated MAGEA mutants that undergo proteasome-dependent degradation in vitro could negatively impact their utility as immunotherapeutic targets. Importantly, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell models, MAGEA6 suppresses macroautophagy (autophagy). The inhibition of autophagy is released upon MAGEA6 degradation, which can be induced by nutrient deficiency or by acquisition of cancer-associated mutations. Using xenograft mouse models, we demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy is critical for tumor initiation whereas reinstitution of autophagy as a consequence of MAGEA6 degradation contributes to tumor progression. These findings could inform cancer immunotherapeutic strategies for targeting MAGEA antigens and provide mechanistic insight into the divergent roles of MAGEA6 during pancreatic cancer initiation and progression.
Cooperative enzymatic control of N-acyl amino acids by PM20D1 and FAAH
Authors: Kim Joon T , Terrell Stephanie M , Li Veronica L , Wei Wei , Fischer Curt R , Long Jonathan Z
Published: April 2020

The N-acyl amino acids are a family of bioactive lipids with pleiotropic physiologic functions, including in energy homeostasis. Their endogenous levels are regulated by an extracellular mammalian N-acyl amino acid synthase/hydrolase called PM20D1 (peptidase M20 domain containing 1). Using an activity-guided biochemical approach, we report the molecular identification of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) as a second intracellular N-acyl amino acid synthase/hydrolase. In vitro, FAAH exhibits a more restricted substrate scope compared to PM20D1. In mice, genetic ablation or selective pharmacological inhibition of FAAH bidirectionally dysregulates intracellular, but not circulating, N-acyl amino acids. Dual blockade of both PM20D1 and FAAH reveals a dramatic and non-additive biochemical engagement of these two enzymatic pathways. These data establish FAAH as a second intracellular pathway for N-acyl amino acid metabolism and underscore enzymatic division of labor as an enabling strategy for the regulation of a structurally diverse bioactive lipid family.
Anger in lineup identification and creation
Authors: Greenstein Michael , Franklin Nancy
Published: April 2020

As an approach‐oriented emotion, anger appears to affect behavioral thresholds in a range of contexts. The current work consists of three experiments examining this in the context of eyewitness identification procedures. Experiments 1 and 2 examined the relationship between a witness' anger and identification reliability, and Experiment 3 examined the relationship between a lineup creator's anger and the quality of selected lineup fillers. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that anger during an identification procedure is associated with increased risk of false identifications and reduced confidence‐accuracy calibration. Experiment 3 showed that anger is associated with lower quality of fillers selected by lineup creators. Together, these experiments suggest that anger may undermine the quality of eyewitness evidence, even when the witnesses themselves are not the ones experiencing anger and even when anger is not directed at the perpetrator or suspect.
A Bioinspired Wireless Epidermal Photoreceptor for Artificial Skin Vision
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Tao Tiger H.
Published: April 2020

Skin vision can be found in many invertebrates, such as earthworms, jellyfish, and octopuses using light‐sensitive rod cells in the skin. It enables optical perception and colorimetric responses, providing intriguing capabilities that human skin does not have. A bioinspired wireless, battery‐free, artificial skin vision (ASV) device consisting of flexible optical and optoelectronic components which essentially mimic the hierarchical structures and biological functions of rod cells in a skin‐like configuration for light sensing and signal processing is developed. The ASV device can collect sweat with integrated microfluidic channels and allow real‐time measurement of on‐skin fluids by monitoring the intrinsic optical properties via a customizable microprism light filter. The device also shows sensitive colorimetric responses to input stimulus at chosen detection wavelengths and demonstrates a capacity for in situ quantitative analysis of biomarkers in sweat through alternative colorimetric light filters. Multiple ASVs together create a body area network with a collection of wireless sensors that can work in parallel to acquire multidimensional human physiological signals and predict fitness variations using a specified deep learning neural network. The system has potential applications in biomimetic engineering, physiological monitoring, and intelligent personalized diagnostics.
A Safe Polyzwitterionic Hydrogel Electrolyte for Long‐Life Quasi‐Solid State Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Leng Kaitong , Li Guojie , Guo Jingjing , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Aoxuan , Liu Xingjiang , Luo Jiayan
Published: April 2020

Aqueous zinc metal batteries are safe, economic, and environmentally friendly. However, the dendrite growth and inevitable corrosion issues under aqueous condition greatly restrict the development of long cycling life zinc metal batteries. To achieve the long‐term reversible zinc deposition/dissolution, a polyzwitterionic hydrogel electrolyte (PZHE) is constructed with record high room temperature ionic conductivity of 32.0 mS cm−1 and Zn2+ transference number of 0.656. The abundant hydrophilic and charged groups in the zwitterionic polymer can well immobilize water molecules in the polymer skeleton and reduce side reactions. The charged groups of the zwitterionic polymer can also homogenize the ion distribution and achieve uniform zinc deposition. Long cycling life of over 3500 h is achieved for the symmetric batteries with PZHE. Full cells with VS2 and MnO2 cathodes are also demonstrated to exhibit excellent cycling stability. With combined advantages of physical and chemical crosslinking gels, the PZHE enabled flexible quasi‐solid state zinc metal batteries with excellent processability, self‐healing property and safety, can operate even under various extreme conditions such as cutting, soaking, hammering, washing, burning, and freezing. It is believed that the PZHE can provide a promising opportunity and pave the way for other long‐life aqueous batteries.
Frequency‐Agile Temporal Terahertz Metamaterials
Authors: Pitchappa Prakash , Kumar Abhishek , Liang Haidong , Prakash Saurav , Wang Nan , Bettiol Andrew A. , Venkatesan Thirumalai , Lee Chengkuo , Singh Ranjan
Published: April 2020

Spatiotemporal manipulation of electromagnetic waves has recently enabled a plethora of exotic optical functionalities, such as non‐reciprocity, dynamic wavefront control, unidirectional transmission, linear frequency conversion, and electromagnetic Doppler cloak. Here, an additional dimension is introduced for advanced manipulation of terahertz waves in the space‐time, and frequency domains through integration of spatially reconfigurable microelectromechanical systems and photoresponsive material into metamaterials. A large and continuous frequency agility is achieved through movable microcantilevers. The ultrafast resonance modulation occurs upon photoexcitation of ion‐irradiated silicon substrate that hosts the microcantilever metamaterial. The fabricated metamaterial switches in 400 ps and provides large spectral tunability of 250 GHz with 100% resonance modulation at each frequency. The integration of perfectly complementing technologies of microelectromechanical systems, femtosecond optical control and ion‐irradiated silicon provides unprecedented concurrent control over space, time, and frequency response of metamaterial for designing frequency‐agile spatiotemporal modulators, active beamforming, and low‐power frequency converters for the next generation terahertz wireless communications.
Direct α‐Arylation of Alcohols with Aryl Halides through a Radical Chain Mechanism
Authors: Aoki Kohei , Yonekura Kyohei , Ikeda Yuko , Ueno Ryota , Shirakawa Eiji
Published: April 2020

Alcohols were found to be arylated directly at their α‐C−H bond with aryl halides in the presence of a base and a substoichiometric amount of t‐BuOOt‐Bu through a homolytic aromatic substitution mechanism.

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Synthesis of Aliphatic Amides through a Photoredox Catalyzed Radical Carbonylation Involving Organosilicates as Alkyl Radical Precursors
Authors: Cartier Alex , Levernier Etienne , Dhimane Anne‐Lise , Fukuyama Takahide , Ollivier Cyril , Ryu Ilhyong , Fensterbank Louis
Published: April 2020

Alkyl radicals, from primary to tertiary, formed by photocatalyzed oxidation of organosilicates, are involved efficiently in radical carbonylation with carbon monoxide (CO), in the presence of various amines and CCl4, leading to a variety of amides in moderate to good yields.

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Toward the Sustainable Lithium Metal Batteries with a New Electrolyte Solvation Chemistry
Authors: Lee Seon Hwa , Hwang Jang‐Yeon , Ming Jun , Cao Zhen , Nguyen Hoang Anh , Jung Hun‐Gi , Kim Jaekook , Sun Yang‐Kook
Published: April 2020

Herein, a new solvation strategy enabled by Mg(NO3)2 is introduced, which can be dissolved directly as Mg2+ and NO3− ions in the electrolyte to change the Li+ ion solvation structure and greatly increase interfacial stability in Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). This is the first report of introducing Mg(NO3)2 additives in an ester‐based electrolyte composed of ternary salts and binary ester solvents to stabilize LMBs. In particular, it is found that NO3− efficiently forms a stable solid electrolyte interphase through an electrochemical reduction reaction, along with the other multiple anion components in the electrolyte. The interaction between Li+ and NO3− and coordination between Mg2+ and the solvent molecules greatly decreases the number of solvent molecules surrounding the Li+, which leads to facile Li+ desolvation during plating. In addition, Mg2+ ions are reduced to Mg via a spontaneous chemical reaction on the Li metal surface and subsequently form a lithiophilic Li–Mg alloy, suppressing lithium dendritic growth. The unique solvation chemistry of Mg(NO3)2 enables long cycling stability and high efficiency of the Li‐metal anode and ensures an unprecedented lifespan for a practical pouch‐type LMB with high‐voltage Ni‐rich NCMA73 cathode even under constrained conditions.
The Effects of Untying International Food Assistance: The Case of Canada
Authors: Cardwell Ryan , Ghazalian Pascal L.
Published: April 2020

Most donor countries historically linked international food assistance programs to their domestic agricultural support policies through tying policies that required donated food to be purchased in donor‐country markets. Tying policies have been shown to reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of food assistance along a number of dimensions, including cost, timeliness, and cultural appropriateness. We investigate how the Canadian policy to untie food assistance affected Canadian shipments. We use an operation‐level dataset from the World Food Programme to investigate how procurement sources and commodity compositions changed after untying, and we build an empirical model of Canadian food assistance shipments that is used to compare observed shipments to counterfactually‐tied shipments. This comparison reveals positive effects of the untying policy at the extensive margin (number of recipient countries) and no significant effects at the intensive margin (quantity of food) when estimated over our entire sample. We observe positive effects of untying at the intensive margin (quantity of food) when comparing shipments during the untied regime to shipments in years directly preceding the policy change. Our results show that Canada delivered more emergency food assistance, more frequently, after untying. The results of the Canadian experience inform ongoing debates about untying food assistance in the United States and untying other forms of foreign aid.
A Chemically Soldered Polyoxometalate Single‐Molecule Transistor
Authors: Wu Chuanli , Qiao Xiaohang , Robertson Craig M. , Higgins Simon J. , Cai Chenxin , Nichols Richard J. , Vezzoli Andrea
Published: April 2020

Polyoxometalates have been proposed in the literature as nanoelectronic components, where they could offer key advantages with their structural versatility and rich electrochemistry. Apart from a few studies on their ensemble behaviour (as monolayers or thin films), this potential remains largely unexplored. We synthesised a pyridyl‐capped Anderson–Evans polyoxometalate and used it to fabricate single‐molecule junctions, using the organic termini to chemically “solder” a single cluster to two nanoelectrodes. Operating the device in an electrochemical environment allowed us to probe charge transport through different oxidation states of the polyoxometalate, and we report here an efficient three‐state transistor behaviour. Conductance data fits a quantum tunnelling mechanism with different charge‐transport probabilities through different charge states. Our results show the promise of polyoxometalates in nanoelectronics and give an insight on their single‐entity electrochemical behaviour.
Electrolyte Solvation Manipulation Enables Unprecedented Room‐Temperature Calcium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Jie Yulin , Tan Yunshu , Li Linmei , Han Yehu , Xu Shutao , Zhao Zhenchao , Cao Ruiguo , Ren Xiaodi , Huang Fanyang , Lei Zhanwu , Tao Guohua , Zhang Genqiang , Jiao Shuhong
Published: April 2020

Calcium‐metal batteries (CMBs) provide a promising option for high‐energy and cost‐effective energy‐storage technology beyond the current state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the development of room‐temperature CMBs is significantly impeded by the poor reversibility and short lifespan of the calcium‐metal anode. A solvation manipulation strategy is reported to improve the plating/stripping reversibility of calcium‐metal anodes by enhancing the desolvation kinetics of calcium ions in the electrolyte. The introduction of lithium salt changes the electrolyte structure considerably by reducing coordination number of calcium ions in the first solvation shell. As a result, an unprecedented Coulombic efficiency of up to 99.1 % is achieved for galvanostatic plating/stripping of the calcium‐metal anode, accompanied by a very stable long‐term cycling performance over 200 cycles at room temperature. This work may open up new opportunities for development of practical CMBs.
Long‐Lived Charge‐Transfer State Induced by Spin‐Orbit Charge Transfer Intersystem Crossing (SOCT‐ISC) in a Compact Spiro Electron Donor/Acceptor Dyad
Authors: Liu Dongyi , El‐Zohry Ahmed M. , Taddei Maria , Matt Clemens , Bussotti Laura , Wang Zhijia , Zhao Jianzhang , Mohammed Omar F. , Di Donato Mariangela , Weber Stefan
Published: April 2020

We prepared conceptually novel, fully rigid, spiro compact electron donor (Rhodamine B, lactam form, RB)/acceptor (naphthalimide; NI) orthogonal dyad to attain the long‐lived triplet charge‐transfer (3CT) state, based on the electron spin control using spin‐orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT‐ISC). Transient absorption (TA) spectra indicate the first charge separation (CS) takes place within 2.5 ps, subsequent SOCT‐ISC takes 8 ns to produce the 3NI* state. Then the slow secondary CS (125 ns) gives the long‐lived 3CT state (0.94 μs in deaerated n‐hexane) with high energy level (ca. 2.12 eV). The cascade photophysical processes of the dyad upon photoexcitation are summarized as 1NI*→1CT→3NI*→3CT. With time‐resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra, an EEEAAA electron‐spin polarization pattern was observed for the naphthalimide‐localized triplet state. Our spiro compact dyad structure and the electron spin‐control approach is different to previous methods for which invoking transition‐metal coordination or chromophores with intrinsic ISC ability is mandatory.
Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Activity of Pt‐based Electrocatalysts: From Theoretical Mechanisms to Practical Methods
Authors: Ma Zhong , Cano Zachary P. , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei , Jiang Gaopeng , Fu Xiaogang , Yang Lin , Wu Tianpin , Bai Zhengyu , Lu Jun
Published: April 2020

Pt‐based electrocatalysts are considered as one of the most promising choices to facilitate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and the key factor enabling their success is to reduce the required amount of platinum. Herein, we focus on illuminating both the theoretical mechanisms which enable enhanced and sustained ORR activity and the practical methods to achieve them in catalysts. The various multi‐step pathways of ORR are firstly reviewed and the rate‐determining steps based on the reaction intermediates and their binding energies are analyzed. We then explain the critical aspects of Pt‐based electrocatalysts to tune oxygen reduction properties from the viewpoints of active sites exposure and altering the surface electronic structure, and further summarize representative research progress towards practically achieving these activity enhancements with a focus on platinum size reduction, shape control and core Pt elimination methods. We finally outline the remaining challenges and provide our perspectives with regard to further enhancing their activities.
Thermoplastic Membranes Incorporating Semiconductive Metal–Organic Frameworks: An Advance on Flexible X‐ray Detectors
Authors: Liang Chengyu , Zhang Shitong , Cheng Liwei , Xie Jian , Zhai Fuwan , He Yihui , Wang Yaxing , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: April 2020

Semiconductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged in applications such as chemical sensors, electrocatalysts, energy storage materials, and electronic devices. However, examples of semiconductive MOFs within flexible electronics have not been reported. We present flexible X‐ray detectors prepared by thermoplastic dispersal of a semiconductive MOF (SCU‐13) through a commercially available polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride). The flexible detectors exhibit efficient X‐ray‐to‐electric current conversion with enhanced charge‐carrier mobility and low trap density compared to pelleted devices. A high X‐ray detection sensitivity of 65.86 μCGyair−1 cm−2 was achieved, which outperforms other pelleted devices and commercial flexible X‐ray detectors. We demonstrate that the MOF‐based flexible detectors can be operated at multiple bending angles without a deterioration in detection performance. As a proof‐of‐concept, an X‐ray phase contrast under bending conditions was constructed using a 5×5 pixelated MOF‐based imager.
Effects of sunitinib on endothelial dysfunction, metabolic changes, and cardiovascular risk indices in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lai Silvia , Amabile Maria Ida , Mazzaferro Sandro , Mitterhofer Anna Paola , Mazzarella Angelo , Galani Alessandro , Imbimbo Giovanni , Cianci Rosario , Pasquali Marzia , Molfino Alessio ,   Study Group on Geriatric Nephrology of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN)
Published: April 2020

Background

Sunitinib is a standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Currently, the data available on the effects of sunitinib on endothelial dysfunction, metabolic changes, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are limited, and we aimed to evaluate these aspects in patients with RCC after a short period of treatment.

Methods

Patients affected by metastatic RCC were enrolled and evaluated before starting sunitinib (T0) and after 40 days of treatment (T1) by the flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (IMT), ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI), and 24‐hour proteinuria. We also assessed serum metabolic and nutritional parameters at T0 and T1.

Results

Twenty patients (7 female), with a mean age of 61.4 ± 12.0 years, were studied. Overtime, we observed a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = .002), FMD (P = .001) and in fasting plasma glucose levels (P = .04), as well as an increase in plasma insulin (P < .001), HOMA‐IR (P < .01), and serum total cholesterol levels (P = .01). Moreover at T1 we found a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P ≤ .001) and 24‐hour proteinuria (P < .001) compared to baseline, whereas no changes in IMT and ABI were detected.

Conclusion

The changes observed overtime after sunitinib treatment in terms of markers of early endothelial dysfunction, blood pressure, as well as in glucose/insulin metabolism and proteinuria may contribute to increase CV risk in RCC patients and suggest a strict follow‐up in this setting. Larger evidences are mandatory to confirm our observations.
Design and Analysis of New Micromixers Based on Distillation Column Trays
Authors: Lameu da Silva Júnior João , Haddad Victória Anselmo , Taranto Osvaldir Pereira , Silva Santana Harrson
Published: April 2020

Four passive micromixer designs (G1, G2, G3, and G4) based on distillation columns trays are proposed. The performance of the devices is assessed by numerical simulations. The mixing performance is investigated for different Reynolds numbers and channel heights for oil/ethanol flow. G1 and G4 designs provided a high mixing index. The G1 device achieved superior mixing performance with a moderate pressure drop due to the induced flow recirculation pattern for a relatively high flow rate, highlighting the potential use of such microdevice for scale‐up and numbering‐up of microdevices in modular chemical plant processing.
Platinized Silica Nanoporous Membrane Electrodes for Low‐Fouling Hydrogen Peroxide Detection
Authors: Li Xinru , Zhou Lin , Ding Jialian , Sun Lei , Su Bin
Published: April 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important molecule that is widely used or exists in foods, medicines, detergents and human body. Therefore, fast and accurate detection of H2O2 is highly important in food security, disease diagnosis, etc. In this work, we report the fabrication of platinized silica nanoporous membrane (Pt@SNM) electrodes for the detection of H2O2 in complex in vitro and in vivo environments. The porous structure of SNM can effectively confine the electrodeposition of Pt nanostructures and meanwhile prevent the adsorption of fouling species on the underlying electrode. In comparison with conventional electrodes for H2O2 detection, the current one exhibited excellent antifouling ability and worked well in complex real samples. As we demonstrated that the Pt@SNM modified carbon fiber microelectrode could work pretty stably in cortex of rat brain up to 90 min. We believe that this methodology can be extended for electrochemical detection of many other species in strongly fouling media.
Understanding the Conformational Behavior of Fluorinated Piperidines: The Origin of the Axial‐F Preference
Authors: Nairoukh Zackaria , Strieth‐Kalthoff Felix , Bergander Klaus , Glorius Frank
Published: April 2020

Gaining an understanding of the conformational behavior of fluorinated compounds would allow for expansion of the current molecular design toolbox. In order to facilitate drug discovery efforts, a systematic survey of a series of diversely substituted and protected fluorinated piperidine derivatives has been carried out using NMR spectroscopy. Computational investigations reveal that, in addition to established delocalization forces such as charge–dipole interactions and hyperconjugation, solvation and solvent polarity play a major role. This work codifies a new design principle for conformationally rigid molecular scaffolds.
Benzannulation through Ruthenium(0)‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenative Cycloaddition: Precision Synthesis and Photophysical Characterization of Soluble Diindenoperylenes
Authors: Suravarapu Sankar Rao , Parvathaneni Sai Prathima , Bender Jon A. , Roberts Sean T. , Krische Michael J.
Published: April 2020

The first application of ruthenium(0)‐catalyzed 1,2‐dione‐diyne [2+2+2] cycloaddition to PAH construction is achieved by the precision synthesis of soluble diindenoperylenes (DIPs), the electronic structures of which were investigated using steady‐state absorption and emission, transient absorption, cyclic voltammetry and time‐dependent density functional theory
Induction of Samhd1 by interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide in murine macrophages requires IRF1
Authors: Valverde‐Estrella Lorena , López‐Serrat Martí , Sánchez‐Sànchez Guillem , Vico Tania , Lloberas Jorge , Celada Antonio
Published: April 2020

SAMHD1 is an enzyme with phosphohydrolase activity. Mutations in SAMHD1 have been linked to the development of Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome in humans. This enzyme also has the capacity to restrict HIV virus replication in macrophages. Here, we report that Samhd1 is highly expressed in murine macrophages and is regulated by proinflammatory (IFN‐γ and LPS) but not by anti‐inflammatory (IL‐4 or IL‐10) activators. The induction of Samhd1 follows the pattern of an intermediate gene that requires protein synthesis. In transient transfection experiments using the Samhd1 promoter, we found that a fragment of 27 bps of this gene, falling between −937 and −910 bps relative to the transcription start site, is required for IFN‐γ‐dependent activation. Using EMSAs, we determined that IFN‐γ treatment led to the elimination of a protein complex. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and siRNA experiments revealed that IRF1 is required for IFN‐γ‐ or LPS‐induced Samhd1 expression. Therefore, our results indicate that Samhd1 is stimulated by proinflammatory agents IFN‐γ and LPS. Moreover, they reveal that these two agents, via IRF1, eliminate a protein complex that may be related to a repressor, thereby, triggering Samhd1 expression.
Catalytic Role of Lewis Acids in ArIO‐Mediated Oxidative Fluorination Reactions Revealed by DFT Calculations
Authors: Farshadfar Kaveh , Abdolalian Payam , Ariafard Alireza
Published: April 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) at the SMD/M06‐2X/def2‐TZVP//SMD/M06‐2X/SDD,6‐31G(d) level was performed to interrogate the mechanistic details of two oxidative fluorination reactions mediated by hypervalent iodosoarenes (ArIO) in the presence of Lewis acid BF3: (i) formation of a 3‐fluoropyrrolidine from a homoallylic amine and (ii) formation of a fluorinated oxazoline from a benzamide. We found that in both cases, ArIO needs two Lewis acids to be sufficiently activated to mediate the oxidative reactions. When two Lewis acids bind to ArIO, its LUMO mainly centred on the iodine(III) atom becomes energetically more available, resulting in it interacting more strongly with the C–C π orbital of the organic substrate and thus the rate‐determining step of the reaction (an intramolecular nucleophilic attack) being accelerated. Finally, one of these Lewis acids serves as the catalyst and the other one supplies a fluorine atom to the organic substrate. A clear understanding of how ArIO reagents are activated in oxidation of organic substrates could be helpful in designing new oxidative reactions mediated by such hypervalent iodine compounds.
A Mild Method for Electrochemical Reduction of Heterocyclic N‐Oxides
Authors: Fukazawa Yasuaki , Rubtsov Aleksandr E. , Malkov Andrei V.
Published: April 2020

Deoxygenation of heteroaromatic N‐oxides is commonly accomplished using chemical or enzymatic methods. In this work, we report on an expedient protocol for electrochemical reduction of pyridine N‐oxide derivatives under mild conditions. A diverse range of mono‐ and bis N‐oxides were converted into the corresponding nitrogen bases in good yields. Importantly, the method is highly selective towards N‐oxides and tolerates challenging halo and nitro substituents in the heteroaromatic ring.