bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bioinspired, Sustained‐Release Material in Response to Internal Signals for Biphasic Chemical Sensing in Wound Therapy
Authors: Lai Wing‐Fu , Deng Ryan , He Tingchao , Wong Wing‐Tak
Published: November 2020

Biofluorescence in living entities is a functional process associated with information conveyance; whereas the capacity to respond to internal physiological signals is a unique property of a cell. By integrating these two biological features into materials design, a bioinspired material, namely CPS, is developed. Contrary to conventional luminescent polymeric systems whose emission comes from π‐conjugated structures, this material displays clusterization‐triggered emission. In the preclinical trial on a dermal punch model of tissue repair, it successfully increases the rate of wound closure, reduces inflammatory cell infiltration, and enhances collagen deposition. It can also relay changes in internal chemical signals into changes in its intrinsic luminescence for biphasic chemical sensing to prevent possible occurrence of skin hyperpigmentation caused by minocycline hydrochloride in wound therapy. Together with its ease of fabrication, high biocompatibility, high drug loading efficiency, and high release sustainability, CPS shows high potential to be developed into an intelligent solid‐state device for wound treatment in the future.
New High Donor Electrolyte for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Baek Minsung , Shin Hyuksoo , Char Kookheon , Choi Jang Wook
Published: November 2020

The unparalleled theoretical specific energy of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries has attracted considerable research interest from within the battery community. However, most of the long cycling results attained thus far relies on using a large amount of electrolyte in the cell, which adversely affects the specific energy of Li–S batteries. This shortcoming originates from the low solubility of polysulfides in the electrolyte. Here, 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐imidazolidinone (DMI) is reported as a new high donor electrolyte for Li–S batteries. The high solubility of polysulfides in DMI and its activation of a new reaction route, which engages the sulfur radical (S3•−), enables the efficient utilization of sulfur as reflected in the specific capacity of 1595 mAh g−1 under lean electrolyte conditions of 5 μLelectrolyte mgsulfur−1. Moreover, the addition of LiNO3 stabilizes the lithium metal interface, thereby elevating the cycling performance to one of the highest known for high donor electrolytes in Li–S cells. These engineered high donor electrolytes are expected to advance Li–S batteries to cover a wide range of practical applications, particularly by incorporating established strategies to realize the reversibility of lithium metal electrodes.
Hierarchically Molecular Imprinted Porous Particles for Biomimetic Kidney Cleaning
Authors: Chen Hanxu , Bian Feika , Sun Lingyu , Zhang Dagan , Shang Luoran , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: November 2020

Blood purification by adsorption of excessive biomolecules is vital for maintaining human health. Here, inspired by kidney self‐purification, which removes a number of biomolecules with different sizes simultaneously, hierarchical molecular‐imprinted inverse opal particles integrated with a herringbone microfluidic chip for efficient biomolecules cleaning are presented. The particle possesses combinative porous structure with both surface and interior imprints for the specific recognition of small molecules and biomacromolecules. Additionally, the presence of the herringbone mixer largely improve the adsorption efficiency due to enhanced mixing. Moreover, the inverse opal framework of the particles give rise to optical sensing ability for self‐reporting of the adsorption states. These features, together with its reusability, biosafety, and biocompatibility, make the platform highly promising for clinical blood purification and artificial kidney construction.
Topotactically Transformed Polygonal Mesopores on Ternary Layered Double Hydroxides Exposing Under‐Coordinated Metal Centers for Accelerated Water Dissociation
Authors: Sun Hao , Chen Ling , Lian Yuebin , Yang Wenjuan , Lin Ling , Chen Yufeng , Xu Jiabin , Wang Dan , Yang Xiaoqin , Rümmerli Mark H. , Guo Jun , Zhong Jun , Deng Zhao , Jiao Yan , Peng Yang , Qiao Shizhang
Published: November 2020

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been recognized as potent electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but are lacking in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities due to the sluggish kinetics of water dissociation in alkaline medium. Herein, aiming to simultaneously bolster the HER and OER kinetics, a metal–organic framework (MOF) mediated topotactic transformation tactic is deployed to fabricate holey ternary CoFeNi LDHs on nickel foam, exposing polygonal mesopores with atomistic edge steps and lattice defects. The optimized catalyst requires only an external voltage of 1.49 V to afford the water splitting current density of 10 mA cm−2 apart from the superb electrolytic stability, far surpassing the benchmark Pt/C||RuO2 couple. More importantly, mechanistic investigations utilizing advanced spectroscopies in conjunction with density function theory (DFT) understandings unravel while the synergetic effect among under‐coordinated metal centers lowers the energy barrier of water dissociation, Fe‐doping enables further modulating the d‐band density of states (DOS) of Co and Ni in favor of intermediates binding, thereby promoting the intrinsic HER activity. Operando Raman studies reveal negligible structural change of the LDHs during the HER process, whereas for OER the active sites can quickly turn into oxyhydroxides in the presence of lattice defects and under‐coordinated metal centers.
Elucidating Deviating Temperature Behavior of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes and Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Ràfols‐Ribé Joan , Gracia‐Espino Eduardo , Jenatsch Sandra , Lundberg Petter , Sandström Andreas , Tang Shi , Larsen Christian , Edman Ludvig
Published: November 2020

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) exhibit different operational modes that render them attractive for complementary applications, but their dependency on the device temperature has not been systematically compared. Here, the effects of a carefully controlled device temperature on the performance of OLEDs and LECs based on two common emissive organic semiconductors are investigated. It is found that the peak luminance and current efficacy of the two OLEDs are relatively temperature independent, whereas, the corresponding LECs exhibit a significant increase by ≈85% when the temperature is changed from 20 to 80 °C. A combination of simulations and measurements reveal that this deviating behavior is consistent with a shift of the emission zone from closer to the transparent anode toward the center of the active material for both the OLEDs and the LECs, which in turn can be induced by a stronger positive temperature dependence of the mobility of the holes than the electrons.
Hierarchical Metal‐Organic Framework Films with Controllable Meso/Macroporosity
Authors: Bo Renheng , Taheri Mahdiar , Liu Borui , Ricco Raffaele , Chen Hongjun , Amenitsch Heinz , Fusco Zelio , Tsuzuki Takuya , Yu Guihua , Ameloot Rob , Falcaro Paolo , Tricoli Antonio
Published: November 2020

The structuring of the metal‐organic framework material ZIF‐8 as films and membranes through the vapor‐phase conversion of ZnO fractal nanoparticle networks is reported. The extrinsic porosity of the resulting materials can be tuned from 4% to 66%, and the film thickness can be controlled from 80 nm to 0.23 mm, for areas >100 cm2. Freestanding and pure metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) membranes prepared this way are showcased as separators that minimize capacity fading in model Li‐S batteries.
Furrow‐irrigation application efficiency in mid‐southern U.S. conservation tillage systems
Authors: Bryant C.J. , Locke M.A. , Krutz L.J. , Reynolds D.B. , Golden B.R. , Irby T. , Steinriede R.W. , Spencer G.D.
Published: November 2020

Approximately 80% of mid‐southern U.S. irrigation requirements are supplied through gravity flow delivery systems with inherently low application efficiency. This research was conducted to determine whether the efficiency of furrow‐irrigation systems could be manipulated through conservation tillage systems. Three experiments were conducted near Stoneville, MS, on a Dubbs silt loam to determine the effects of reducing tillage and increasing ground cover residues on irrigation application efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency. In Exp. 1, transitioning from conventional tillage to a conservation tillage system had no adverse effect on irrigation application efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency when subsoiling was included. For Exp. 2, replacing subsoiling with a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) or tillage radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cover crop in a conservation tillage system either had no effect or reduced irrigation application efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency up to 10%. In Exp. 3, independent of cover crop, reducing tillage to only furrow creation had no adverse effect on irrigation application efficiency or irrigation water use efficiency relative to a conservation tillage system with subsoiling. Conservation tillage systems that include subsoiling maximize irrigation application efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency while minimizing adverse effects on yield and net returns relative to conservation tillage systems that further reduce tillage and/or increase ground coverage with cover crops. Our data indicate that soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers in the mid‐southern United States maximize furrow‐irrigation functionality, yield, and profitability while minimizing risk by transitioning from a conventional tillage system to a conservation tillage system with subsoiling.
Weed cloth, an option for integrated weed management for short‐duration cassava
Authors: Suja Girija , Sreekumar Janardanan , Byju Gangadharan , Jyothi Alummottil N. , Veena Syamala S.
Published: November 2020

Weeds, a major constraint in cassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz), cause 45–75% yield loss. Weed management in short‐duration cassava is unexplored. Field experiment was conducted during 2013–2015 at ICAR‐Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Kerala, India, in a split‐plot design. Main plots comprised three short‐duration cassava varieties (H‐165, Sree Vijaya, and Vellayani Hraswa) and subplots five weed control methods, chemical (using pre‐emergence herbicide, oxyfluorfen at 0.2 kg a.i. ha−1on the day of planting), mulching with crop residues and green manure, weed control ground cover cloth (WCGCC), hand‐weeded, and unweeded controls. Weed flora was dominated by broad‐leaved weeds, hog weed or red spiderling (Boerhavia diffusaL.), colored fleabane (Vernonia cinereaL.), red tassel flower [Emilia sonchifolia (L.)], Asian spiderflower or tick weed (Cleome viscosaL.) and the nutsedge (Cyperus rotundusL.), which were absent under WCGCC. Plant height, stem girth, leaf production, tuber biomass, total biomass, crop growth rate, and tuber yield under WCGCC and chemical treatment were greater. The yield under WCGCC was 35 and 15% greater than hand‐weeding and chemical methods, respectively. The yield in chemical method was 17% greater than hand‐weeding. Combination of crop residues and green manuring were alternatives to chemical and handweeding methods. Unrestricted weed growth reduced yield by 74% over hand‐weeding. Weed index was lowest in WCGCC, but similar to chemical and eco‐friendly practices. Chemical method generated highest net income and benefit/cost ratio (US$3,315 and 3.4, respectively). The WCGCC, pre‐emergence herbicide, and biomass mulching can be components of integrated weed management in cassava.
Light‐Promoted C–N Coupling of Aryl Halides with Nitroarenes
Authors: Li Gang , Yang Liu , Liu Jian‐Jun , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui , Wang Chao , Zhang Zunting , Xiao Jianliang , Xue Dong
Published: November 2020

A photochemical C–N coupling of aryl halides with nitroarenes is demonstrated for the first time. Catalyzed by a NiII complex in the absence of any external photosensitizer, readily available nitroarenes undergo coupling with a variety of aryl halides, providing a step‐economic extension to the widely used Buchwald–Hartwig C–N coupling reaction. The method tolerates coupling partners with steric‐congestion and functional groups sensitive to bases and nucleophiles. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds via the addition of an aryl radical, generated from a NiI/NiIII cycle, to a nitrosoarene intermediate.
Electrocatalytic property, anticancer activity, and density functional theory calculation of [NiCl(P^N^P)]Cl.EtOH
Authors: Mohammadnezhad Gholamhossein , Abad Saeed , Farrokhpour Hossein , Görls Helmar , Plass Winfried
Published: November 2020

This study describes the electrocatalytic, anticancer, and density functional theory (DFT) studies of a nickel complex, [NiCl(P^N^P)]Cl.EtOH, based on a neutral P^N^P‐type pincer ligand (P^N^P = bis[(2‐diphenylphosphino)ethyl]amine). The ligand was synthesized without time‐consuming and costly amine protection. It was characterized by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), UV–vis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The complex was isolated as a solvated chloride salt and characterized by FT‐IR, UV–visible, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopies as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and CHN analysis. The ligand and complex crystallized in a monoclinic P21/c space group. The molecular structure of the complex contains a four‐coordinated distorted nickel ion with square‐planar geometry. The electrocatalytic hydrogen ion reduction was studied for the nickel complex in an acidic non‐aqueous medium. Cyclic voltammetry studies showed that this complex is an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution at the potential of the Ni(II/I) couple. As a potential anticancer agent, the biological activities of the Ni complex were tested against two human cancer cell lines (MCF7 and HT29). The IC50 results demonstrated that the nickel complex has better cytotoxic activity than cis‐platin against the human breast cancer cell (MCF7) line. DFT calculations were performed to study the kinetics and thermodynamics of the pincer ligand's synthetic procedure and its Ni complex. Time‐dependent DFT calculations were performed to calculate the pincer ligand's UV–vis spectra and the complex, which was in agreement with the experimental data. To assign the calculated UV spectra, molecular orbital calculations were performed. Finally, a modified mechanism was proposed for the electrocatalytic hydrogen ion reduction by [Ni(P^N^P)Cl]Cl.EtOH. The theoretical calculations showed that the cycle is thermodynamically favorable.
Engaging recreational scuba divers in marine citizen science: Differences according to popularity of the diving area
Authors: Hermoso Maibe , Narváez Soledad , Thiel Martin
Published: November 2020

Characterizing the composition of divers visiting different diving areas could help to design marine citizen science (MCS) projects that support biodiversity monitoring and marine conservation.

Recreational scuba divers mostly prefer warm and clear waters with coral reefs, and based on the Duffus and Dearden’s wildlife tourism framework we hypothesized that a more popular diving area is visited mostly by generalist divers, whereas in a less popular diving area a higher proportion of specialist divers would be found.

Recreational scuba divers were surveyed in diving centres at two diving areas, Rapa Nui (more popular, with warm and clear coral‐reef waters) and the Chilean mainland (less popular, with productive and temperate–cold waters), to determine their diving profile, visiting profile, marine species knowledge, and interest and participation in MCS.

Support for our hypothesis (generalist divers on Rapa Nui and specialist divers on the mainland) was weak, but recreational divers on Rapa Nui were mostly foreign visitors who come for single visits, whereas divers from the mainland were predominantly Chileans who return repeatedly to the diving area. In both diving areas the divers expressed a strong interest to be trained and to participate in MCS, but divers from Rapa Nui were interested in brief pre‐dive inductions, whereas divers from the Chilean mainland preferred intensive training courses.

Based on these findings we recommend specific MCS strategies for divers in both types of areas, e.g. simple protocols in more popular diving areas, with short pre‐dive briefings for divers, and medium or long‐term programmes in areas where most divers are local with high return rates. In these latter conditions more extensive training will be useful, which allows divers to gain more experience and assume higher responsibilities within an MCS project.
Virtual Dissection: An Interactive Anatomy Learning Tool
Authors: Wainman Bruce , Aggarwal Akanksha , Birk Sapriya K. , Gill Jaskaran S. , Hass Katrina S. , Fenesi Barbara
Published: November 2020

The novelty of three‐dimensional visualization technology (3DVT), such as virtual reality (VR), has captured the interest of many educational institutions. This study’s objectives were to (1) assess how VR and physical models impact anatomy learning, (2) determine the effect of visuospatial ability on anatomy learning from VR and physical models, and (3) evaluate the impact of a VR familiarization phase on learning. This within‐subjects, crossover study recruited 78 undergraduate students who studied anatomical structures at both physical and VR models and were tested on their knowledge immediately and 48 hours after learning. There were no significant differences in test scores between the two modalities on both testing days. After grouping participants on visuospatial ability, low visuospatial ability learners performed significantly worse on anatomy knowledge tests compared to their high visuospatial ability counterparts when learning from VR immediately (P = 0.001, d = 1.515) and over the long‐term (P = 0.003, d = 1.279). In contrast, both low and high visuospatial ability groups performed similarly well when learning from the physical model and tested immediately after learning (P = 0.067) and over the long‐term (P = 0.107). These results differ from current literature which indicates that learners with low visuospatial ability are aided by 3DVT. Familiarizing participants with VR before the learning phase had no impact on learning (P = 0.967). This study demonstrated that VR may be detrimental to low visuospatial ability students, whereas physical models may allow all students, regardless of their visuospatial abilities, to learn similarly well.
Roles of the Tibetan Plateau vortices in the record Meiyu rainfall in 2020
Authors: Li Lun , Zhu Congwen , Zhang Renhe , Liu Boqi
Published: November 2020

Meiyu rainfall in June–July of 2020 hit the Yangtze‐Huaihe River basin, and the precipitation at lots of observational stations broke the records, inducing severe disasters there. Tibetan Plateau vortices (TPVs) generated over the Tibetan Plateau are local major rainfall triggers. In previous knowledge, TPVs can affect the rainfall in eastern China, only after emigrating from the Tibetan Plateau. In this work, roles of TPVs in the record Meiyu are revealed, implying that the effects of TPVs may be underestimated previously. Firstly, TPVs dying out over the Tibetan Plateau may be transformed into troughs and continue to move eastward, influencing the rainfall in Yangtze‐Huaihe River basin. Secondly, southwest vortices, the important rainfall producers in China, tend to be generated and maintained when TPVs are located over eastern plateau. The results give extended knowledge on the effects of TPVs, which are beneficial for the rainfall prediction in eastern China.
Achieving negative emissions in plastics life cycles through the conversion of biomass feedstock
Authors: de Oliveira Camilla C N , Zotin Marianne Z , Rochedo Pedro R R , Szklo Alexandre
Published: November 2020

Plastics are one of the fastest‐growing groups of bulk materials in the world. Yet, a third of plastic waste ends up as terrestrial or marine pollution. As a strategy to lower the carbon footprint of plastics, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that using plastics in long‐term applications would bring an environmental advantage due to the reduction of plastic pollution, the achievement of negative CO2emissions (NETs) by bio‐based plastics, and demand reduction for emission‐intensive construction materials, such as iron, aluminium, wood, and cement. Cradle‐to‐grave life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) were performed for four ethylene production routes. For the final disposal, this study assessed incineration; incineration with energy recovery; recycling; and the orientation of plastics for replacing emission‐intensive material construction (long‐term applications). Findings show that using plastics as long‐lifetime materials could lead to NETs, particularly in the cases of bio‐based HDPE, bio‐based PET, and bio‐based EPS. Hence, an opportunity arises, by producing plastics for long‐term applications, to reduce both the carbon footprint and the plastic waste generation that may enter the marine environment. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Impaktsicherheit von Baukonstruktionen durch mineralisch gebundene Komposite: Bauteilebene
Authors: Hering Marcus , Scheerer Silke , Curbach Manfred , Vo Duy Minh Phuong , Sennewald Cornelia , Cherif Chokri , Liebold Frank , Maas Hans‐Gerd , Qinami Aurel , Steinke Christian , Fuchs Alexander , Kaliske Michael , Curosu Iurie , Mechtcherine Viktor
Published: November 2020

Ziel des seit 2017 durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) geförderten Graduiertenkollegs GRK 2250 ist die interdisziplinäre Erforschung von Methoden zur Erhöhung des Impaktwiderstands von Bauwerken durch nachträgliche Verstärkung. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Einblick in die GRK‐Forschung auf Strukturebene. Mineralisch gebundene Verstärkungsschichten wurden auf der dem Impakt abgewandten Bauteilseite untersucht. Als Material für diese Schichten kamen feinkörnige Matrices ohne und mit Kurzfasern zur Anwendung, deren Wirksamkeit in der Impaktverstärkung durch die Einbettung verschiedener Textilien variiert wurde. Derartig verstärkte Platten wurden in einer Fallturmanlage einer Impaktbelastung ausgesetzt. Ein wichtiger Indikator für die Effektivität einer Verstärkungsmethode ist die Beurteilung der Schädigung. Hierzu wurde unter anderem eine Methode zur Analyse von Rissmustern durch Bildsequenzanalyse entwickelt. Die Experimente dienten des Weiteren als Referenz für die Simulation der Rissausbreitung in den impaktbeanspruchten Bauteilen mit der Phasenfeldmethode.
Betonieren unter Verkehr
Authors: Krohn Sebastian , Schrick Michael , Maurer Reinhard
Published: November 2020

Die 1974 fertiggestellte Hochstraße Elbmarsch in Hamburg (K20), mit einer Länge von 3,8 km Deutschlands längste Straßenbrücke, wird im Zuge des achtstreifigen Ausbaus der A 7 verbreitert. Dazu wird der Spannbetonüberbau durch Verbundträger ergänzt. Die Fahrbahnplatten der neuen und alten Überbauten werden dabei monolithisch durch einen 50 cm breiten Fugenverguss miteinander verbunden. Ein ca. 100 m langes Teilstück wurde vorab als Pilotmaßnahme realisiert, um die gewählte Konzeption für die Verbreiterung zu erproben und Erfahrungen für die Gesamtmaßnahme zu gewinnen. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit den dabei gewonnenen Erkenntnissen zur Betonerhärtung im Fugenbereich zwischen Bestand und Verbreiterung, wobei der Beton unter den Erschütterungen des laufenden Verkehrs eingebracht wurde und erhärtete. Untersucht wurden die Auswirkungen der Erschütterungen auf die Druckfestigkeit des Betons, Rissbildungen und den Verbund der Bewehrung.
Lead your team through crisis
Authors: House Vicki
Published: November 2020

There are numerous traits and skills needed to lead a team. However, when we lead through a crisis that could ultimately shift how we do business, inherent traits woven through a leader keep us moving forward through rapid change and nurture our team in the process. Whether we like it or not, life is wrapped in change, and it is here to stay. Learning new ways of doing things draws us out of our comfort zones. But when change is thrust upon us, pushing us out of our comfort zone, our response is our choice. As leaders dare to step out of their comfort zones and teach their team the advantages of making bold but responsible decisions, lasting excellence can be secured for our institutions.
Campus proactively strengthens relationship with marginalized communities
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2020

“I've been in law enforcement my entire adult life,” Margo Bennett, Chief of Police for the University of California, Berkeley, said. After graduating from the University of West Georgia with a master's degree in psychology, and rising to the rank of lieutenant in the campus police force there, Bennett worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a special agent for several years before returning to campus law enforcement. In 2002, she was hired as the Chief of Police at Berkeley. “You want to go through some exciting times in life, come to Berkeley,” Bennett said.
Life on parole: The quality of experiences soon after release contributes to a conviction‐free re‐entry
Authors: Gwynne Jessie L. , Yesberg Julia A. , Polaschek Devon L. L.
Published: November 2020

Background

People returning to the community after prison face many challenges, including finding suitable accommodation and employment, and accessing good social support. The prospects are particularly poor for high‐risk offenders with up to a third of those released in New Zealand returning to prison within 100 days.

Aims/hypotheses

We developed the Parole Experiences Measure (PEM) to quantify the quality of men's life experiences during the first weeks of re‐entry from prison. We aimed to answer the question, can the quality of life experiences differentiate men who survive in the community without reconviction from those who do not?

Methods

Using a longitudinal design, we examined whether PEM scores for 178 men with extensive histories of crime and violence predicted three recidivism indices (breach of parole, reconviction and reimprisonment) over a 12‐month follow‐up period.

Results

We found that PEM scores predicted all three indices of recidivism. Of the two PEM subscales, external circumstances (finances, support, accommodation) were more predictive of recidivism than subjective wellbeing (mental and physical health).

Conclusions/implications

The results suggest that meeting basic practical needs in the early months of parole may be more important to avoiding reconviction than attending only to mental and physical health.
Meta‐analysis of intravascular volume expansion strategies to prevent contrast‐associated acute kidney injury following invasive angiography
Authors: Michel Pablo , Amione‐Guerra Javier , Sheikh Omar , Jameson Lauren C. , Bansal Shweta , Prasad Anand
Published: November 2020

Objective

To perform a detailed analysis of published data regarding intravascular volume expansion to prevent contrast‐associated acute kidney injury (CA‐AKI) and to determine if an ideal dose of IV fluids can be recommended.

Background

Administration of contrast media during invasive angiography is associated with CA‐AKI. Intravascular volume expansion is the most effective intervention to prevent CA‐AKI, yet evidenced based protocols are lacking.

Methods

Literature review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) of patients receiving IV volume expansion as prophylaxis for CA‐AKI was performed. Normal saline, Lactated Ringer's and sodium bicarbonate were included. The primary outcome was incidence of CA‐AKI.

Results

37 RCTs studying 12,166 patients were included. Mean age was 67 ± 5 years, 70% of the patients were male. 68% had chronic kidney disease, 41% diabetes, and 30% heart failure. The incidence of CA‐AKI was 9.5% (95% CI: 8–12%). IV expansion versus no volume administration was associated with a lower risk of CA‐AKI (RR:0.62; 95% CI: 0.49–0.77, p < .001). Intensive IV volume expansion was associated with a reduced risk of CA‐AKI(RR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.52–0.85, p < .01). The intensive IV volume expansion arm received significantly more fluids than the standard protocols: 1,574(1,123 – 1,913) ml versus 849(558–1,067) ml (p = .03) without significant difference in the duration of infusion (median of 12 vs. 17 hr, p = .1) or pulmonary edema (1.7% vs 1.3%, p = .7).

Conclusions

Despite high variability in protocols used, IV volume expansion is effective in preventing CA‐AKI. Intensive IVF expansion (median 1.6 L over 17 hr) was associated with decreased risk of CA‐AKI.
[Gd(AAZTA)]− Derivatives with n‐Alkyl Acid Side Chains Show Improved Properties for Their Application as MRI Contrast Agents**
Authors: Kock Flávio Vinicius Crizóstomo , Forgács Attila , Guidolin Nicol , Stefania Rachele , Vágner Adrienn , Gianolio Eliana , Aime Silvio , Baranyai Zsolt
Published: November 2020

Herein, the synthesis and an extensive characterization of two novel Gd(AAZTA) (AAZTA=6‐amino‐6‐methylperhydro‐1,4‐diazepine tetra acetic acid) derivatives functionalized with short (C2 and C4) n‐alkyl acid functions are reported. The carboxylate functionality is the site for further conjugations for the design of more specific contrast agents (CAs). Interestingly, it has been found that the synthesized complexes display enhanced properties for use as MRI contrast agents on their own. The stability constants determined by using potentiometric titration and UV/Vis spectrophotometry were slightly higher than the one reported for the parent Gd(AAZTA) complex. This observation might be accounted for by the larger sigma‐electron donation of the acyl substituents with respect to the one provided by the methyl group in the parent complex. As far as concerns the kinetic stability, transmetallation experiments with endogenous ions (e.g. Cu2+) implied that the Gd3+ ions present in these Gd(AAZTA) derivatives show somewhat smaller susceptibility to chemical exchange towards these ions at 25 °C, close to the physiological condition. The 1H NMR spectra of the complexes with EuIII and YbIII displayed a set of signals consistent with half the number of methylene protons present on each ligand. The number of resonances was invariant over a large range of temperatures, suggesting the occurrence of a fast interconversion between structural isomers. The relaxivity values (298 K, 20 MHz) were consistent with q=2 being equal to 8.8 mm−1 s−1 for the C2 derivative and 9.4 mm−1 s−1 for the C4 one, that is, sensibly larger than the one reported for Gd(AAZTA) (7.1 mm−1 s−1). Variable‐temperature (VT)‐T2 17O NMR measurements showed, for both complexes, the presence of two populations of coordinated water molecules, one in fast and one in slow exchange with the bulk water. As the high‐resolution 1H NMR spectra of the analogs with EuIII and YbIII did not show the occurrence of distinct isomers (as frequently observed in other macrocyclic lanthanide(III)‐containing complexes), we surmised the presence of two fast‐interconverting isomers in solution. The analysis of the 17O NMR VT‐T2 profiles versus temperature allowed their relative molar fraction to be established as 35 % for the isomer with the fast exchanging water and 65 % for the isomer with the water molecules in slower exchange. Finally, 1H NMRD profiles over an extended range of applied magnetic field strengths have been satisfactory fitted on the basis of the occurrence of the two interconverting species.
Calcium Hydride Catalysts for Olefin Hydrofunctionalization: Ring‐Size Effect of Macrocyclic Ligands on Activity
Authors: Höllerhage Thomas , Schuhknecht Danny , Mistry Alisha , Spaniol Thomas P. , Yang Yan , Maron Laurent , Okuda Jun
Published: November 2020

The fifteen‐membered NNNNN macrocycle Me5PACP (Me5PACP=1,4,7,10,13‐pentamethyl‐1,4,7,10,13‐pentaazacyclopentadecane) stabilized the [CaH]+ fragment as a dimer with a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry at calcium. The hydride complex was prepared by protonolysis of calcium dibenzyl with the conjugate acid of Me5PACP followed by hydrogenolysis or treating with nOctSiH3 of the intermediate calcium benzyl cation. The calcium hydride catalyzed the hydrogenation and hydrosilylation of unactivated olefins faster than the analogous calcium complex stabilized by the twelve‐membered NNNN macrocycle Me4TACD (Me4TACD=1,4,7,10‐tetramethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane). Kinetic investigations indicate that higher catalytic efficiency for the Me5PACP stabilized calcium hydride is due to easier dissociation of the dimer in solution when compared to the Me4TACD analogue.
Multienvironment performance comparison of robot‐assisted indoor location estimation system
Authors: Perente Osman Kerem , Serif Tacha
Published: November 2020

Many indoor location systems utilizing the fingerprinting technique require frequent signal map generation due to the dynamic properties of indoor environments. This time‐consuming task can be freed from human involvement by using various techniques. Thus, a robot‐aided signal map creator is implemented and its positioning performance as well as its mapping time is compared with a widely used human facilitated approach. For testing purposes, a low‐cost, low‐power, not off‐the‐shelf signal data collection robot is implemented. Its signal collection speed and location estimation precision is then compared with the manual method both in a small and large environment. The findings indicate that in the small environment, robot‐aided approach performs with 268‐cm error‐rate 70% of the time. On the other hand, the improved robot‐aided approach in large environment saves 52 min of labor‐intense legwork and achieves 303.5‐cm mean error‐rate.
Charge‐State‐Dependent Fragmentation of [2.2]Based Metallosupramolecular Cyclic Helicates in the Gas Phase
Authors: Anhäuser Jana , Lützen Arne , Engeser Marianne
Published: November 2020

A detailed mass‐spectrometric study provides insight into the gas‐phase fragmentation pathways of a cyclic helicate selectively built from four iron(II) centers and six [2.2]cyclophane‐based ligands through the subcomponent self‐assembly approach. The charge state of the precursor ion, i. e., the number of triflate anions accompanying the metallo‐supramolecular core, has a strong influence on the observed fragmentations. The triply charged ion shows loss of a neutral ligand whereas ions of higher charge fragment by up to three different charge‐separating pathways to minimize the charge density of the ions. Additional subsequent fragmentations of highly charged fragment ions include redox processes as well as splitting of the unusual paracyclophane backbone.
Younger children more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD not necessarily due to bias
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2020

A study published in the October issue of Pediatrics by Vuori et al. found that the youngest children in the classroom are at the highest risk of being diagnosed with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and also at the highest risk of being prescribed medications, compared to older classmates. The study relied on a national registry from Finland and builds on other studies showing that a younger relative age increases the risk of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Fibrocyte localisation to the ASM bundle in asthma: bidirectional effects on cell phenotype and behaviour
Authors: Saunders Ruth , Kaur Davinder , Desai Dhananjay , Berair Rachid , Chachi Latifa , Thompson Richard D , Siddiqui Salman H , Brightling Christopher E
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Airway hyper‐responsiveness and persistent airflow obstruction contribute to asthma pathogenesis and symptoms, due in part to airway smooth muscle (ASM) hypercontractility and increased ASM mass. Fibrocytes have been shown to localise to the ASM in asthma however it is not known whether fibrocytes localise to the ASM in nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, the potential consequences of fibrocyte localisation to ASM as regards asthma pathophysiology has not been widely studied.

Methods

Fibrocytes and proliferating cells were enumerated in ASM in bronchial tissue using immunohistochemistry. The effects of primary ASM and fibrocytes upon each other in terms of phenotype and behaviour following co‐culture were investigated by assessing cell number, size, apoptotic status, phenotype and contractility in in vitro cell‐based assays.

Results

Increased fibrocyte number in the ASM was observed in asthma versus NAEB, but not NAEB and COPD versus controls, and confirmed in asthma versus controls. ASM proliferation was not detectably different in asthmatics versus healthy controls in vivo. No difference in proliferation, apoptotic status or size of ASM was seen following culture with/without fibrocytes. Following co‐culture with ASM from asthmatics versus nonasthmatics, fibrocyte smooth muscle marker expression and collagen gel contraction were greater. Following co‐culture, fibrocyte CD14 expression was restored with the potential to contribute to asthma pathogenesis via monocyte‐mediated processes dependent on the inflammatory milieu.

Conclusion

Further understanding of mechanisms of fibrocyte recruitment to and/or differentiation within the ASM may identify novel therapeutic targets to modulate ASM dysfunction in asthma.
Application of leaf size and leafing intensity scaling across subtropical trees
Authors: Sun Jun , Chen Xiaoping , Wang Mantang , Li Jinlong , Zhong Quanlin , Cheng Dongliang
Published: November 2020

Understanding the scaling between leaf size and leafing intensity (leaf number per stem size) is crucial for comprehending theories about the leaf costs and benefits in the leaf size–twig size spectrum. However, the scaling scope of leaf size versus leafing intensity changes along the twig leaf size variation in different leaf habit species remains elusive. Here, we hypothesize that the numerical value of scaling exponent for leaf mass versus leafing intensity in twig is governed by the minimum leaf mass versus maximum leaf mass (Mmin versus Mmax) and constrained to be ≤−1.0. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing the twigs of 123 species datasets compiled in the subtropical mountain forest. The standardized major axis regression (SMA) analyses showed the Mmin scaled as the 1.19 power of Mmax and the ‐α (−1.19) were not statistically different from the exponents of Mmin versus leafing intensity in whole data. Across leaf habit groups, the Mmax scaled negatively and isometrically with respect to leafing intensity. The pooled data's scaling exponents ranged from −1.14 to −0.96 for Mmin and Mmax versus the leafing intensity based on stem volume (LIV). In the case of Mmin and Mmax versus the leafing intensity based on stem mass (LIM), the scaling exponents ranged from −1.24 to −1.04. Our hypothesis successfully predicts that the scaling relationship between leaf mass and leafing intensity is constrained to be ≤−1.0. More importantly, the lower limit to scaling of leaf mass and leafing intensity may be closely correlated with Mmin versus Mmax. Besides, constrained by the maximum leaf mass expansion, the broad scope range between leaf size and number may be insensitive to leaf habit groups in subtropical mountain forest.
PEA measurement of low‐density polyethylene using spin‐coated P(VDF‐TrFE) film and acoustic propagation analysis based on viscoelasticity
Authors: Ozaki Ryotaro , Sanada Sota , Ochi Kizuki , Yudate Shinji , Kadowaki Kazunori
Published: November 2020

Pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) space charge measurement of low‐density polyethylene using a spin‐coated poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) thin film is demonstrated. The space charge profile of a low‐density polyethylene film with a thickness of 150 μm is measured by PEA method. Compared with conventional 9 and 30‐μm piezoelectric films, the space charge profile obtained by the 3‐μm spin‐coated film shows better spatial resolution. Furthermore, acoustic attenuation of a PEA signal is also analytically studied using the Kelvin‐Voigt model for viscoelastic materials.
UC System may not use SAT/ACT tests for admissions and scholarship decisions
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: November 2020

Admissions criteria during the pandemic have left colleges and universities in a difficult position. Schools have traditionally used SAT/ACT scores in the admissions process. But some schools are no longer using these tests. In California, students with disabilities sought to enjoin the regents of the University of California from considering the results of the SAT/ACT tests in admissions and scholarship decisions, and a California state court agreed, holding that high school students with disabilities are denied meaningful access to admission and scholarship opportunities, “in large part because they have not taken these tests and will not be able to take them with appropriate accommodations during this Covid‐19 pandemic” (Smith, et al. v. Regents of the University of California, et al., No. RG19046222 (Cal. Super. Ct. 08/31/20)).
The impact of COVID‐19 on the world economy and higher education
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: November 2020

Before calculating the impact of COVID‐19 on higher education, it is necessary to understand how the virus has impacted the financial stability of countries worldwide. The economies of many countries have been shattered by the pandemic, and, by extension, the economic challenges will impact families’ ability to finance their children's higher education choices in the future.
Glean lessons learned from foster care support programs to help students succeed after pandemic‐related trauma
Authors: Hilton Warren , Mangold Susan , Generose Nicole , Suriel Joanna
Published: November 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic upended the sense of community many college students relied upon. When in‐person classes and events were suspended, feelings of anxiety and loss swelled among the student population. It's no surprise that some students needed more than just refunds for housing, meal plans, and other fees.
Promise and reality of practical potassium‐based energy storage systems
Authors: Yi Yuyang , Zhao Yu , Sun Jingyu
Published: November 2020

The soaring demands for reliable, safe, and low‐cost power grid request the rational development of innovative energy storage systems with cost‐effectiveness and sustainability. In response, potassium‐based energy storage systems have recently attracted considerable attentions as a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries targeting applications in portable electronics and electric vehicles. Latest years have indeed witnessed excellent review articles summarizing research activities and technological advances in this realm. However, such a field is progressing so fast that many updates have not been fully caught up. In this review, recent advances in the designing strategies for the anode component of potassium‐based energy storage devices, including potassium‐ion batteries, potassium metal batteries, and potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors, are extensively reviewed. The existing challenges are acknowledged in the beginning of each section pertaining to these systems, followed by presenting the fruitful progress achieved. A brief proposal for future directions in this emerging field is put forward at the end of the context.
Heterogeneous degradation of oil field additives by Cu(II) complex‐activated persulfate oxidation
Authors: Tang Ying , Zhou Ling , Xu Zhongying , Zhang Jie , Qu Chengtuan , Zhang Zhifang
Published: November 2020

In this work, bentonite‐supported Cu(II) complex (B@Cu(II)L) was prepared by a one‐pot method and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for evaluating its catalytic activity in oxidation degradation of hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPGG) in oilfield wastewater. All of the reaction parameters effected degradation efficiency, such as Na2S2O8 concentration, catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and pH value, were investigated in detail. The results showed that the absolute viscosity of HPGG solution can be decreased from 15 to 1.48 mm2/s in presence of 15% Na2S2O8 (mass ratio to HPGG) and 1.5 g/L B@Cu(II)L at 45°C and pH = 10. It was also found that the chemical oxygen demand of HPGG solution catalyzed by B@Cu(II)L decreased from 4,080 to 584 mg/L after 240 min under the optimum experimental conditions. The catalytic activity of supported bivalent copper complexes over bentonite was gradually decreased due to the loss of the active copper.
Hippocampal volumes in anorexia nervosa at different stages of the disorder
Authors: Collantoni Enrico , Tenconi Elena , Solmi Marco , Meneguzzo Paolo , Marzola Enrica , D'Agata Federico , Gotti Stefano , Daga Giovanni Abbate , Manara Renzo , Favaro Angela
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Hippocampus is involved in a range of cognitive and behavioural processes, and its volume has been found to be reduced in different psychiatric disorders. The present study aims at exploring hippocampal volumes in anorexia nervosa (AN) at different stages of the disorder (a few months after onset, more than 1 year after onset and after recovery).

Methods

Two samples were included in the present study. The first was composed of 58 patients (38 with present AN, 20 full recovered from AN) and 38 age‐matched healthy women (HW); the second, recruited at a different site, included 20 patients with AN and 16 HW. Hippocampal volume has been estimated using an automated segmentation algorithm. Age, site of scanning and total intracranial volumes were used as covariates in the statistical analyses.

Results

AN patients showed a reduced hippocampal volume in comparison to HW, with no substantial differences between patients with recent onset and those with a longer duration of illness. Among patients, hippocampal volumes correlated with body mass index, anxiety and drive for thinness.

Discussion

Our findings suggest an early role of malnutrition in the morphologic alterations of the hippocampus in AN and a possible role of this brain structure in mediating specific psychopathological traits.