bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Efficacy of Cinnamon for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type II Based on Traditional Persian Medicine Syndrome Differentiation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zare Roghayeh , Shams Mesbah , Heydari Mojtaba , Najarzadeh Azadeh , Zarshenas Mehdi
Published: June 2020

Background: Conflicting results have been obtained from the studies on the hypoglycemic effect of cinnamon in patients with diabetes mellitus type II (T2DM). Objectives: This research aimed at assessing the effect of applying the syndrome differentiation model based on traditional Persian medicine (TPM) to identify the patients who benefit more from cinnamon supplementation. Methods: This study was a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial based on a parallel design. One hundred and forty eligible patients referring to the Diabetes Clinic of Yazd University of Medical Sciences, who were diagnosed with T2DM, were randomly divided into the cinnamon and placebo groups. Then, 500-mg capsules of cinnamon bark powder or placebo were administered to them twice a day for three months. All the participants completed a standard questionnaire for syndrome diagnosis in traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting insulin (FI), and insulin resistance (IR), calorie intake, and physical activity were measured before and after the interventions. The glycemic outcomes were analyzed according to the TPM syndrome. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the patients’ demographic and clinical features in the two groups. Glycemic indices were improved in patients receiving cinnamon supplementation compared to placebo group (-13.1 ± 1.7, -1.7 ± 1.9, P < 0.001 for change in FPG and -0.27 ± 0.039 vs. 0.001 ± 0.019, P < 0.001 for change in HbA1C respectively). All the outcomes were more improved in the patients with wet syndrome compared to dry ones, which was compatible with Persian syndrome differentiation (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with wet syndrome based on TPM benefit more form cinnamon supplementation.
Receptivity and Creativity in Hermeneutics
Authors: Cheng Chung-ying
Published: June 2020

There are two aspects of the hermeneutic: the receptive and the creative. The receptive of the hermeneutic consists in coming to know and acknowledge what has happened, observing what there is as historically effected, foretelling what will happen as a matter of projection of future possibilities, and disclosing / discovering transcendental conditions, fore-structures or horizons of human understanding and interpretation; the creative of the hermeneutic, on the other hand, consists in realizing and demonstrating human sensibilities and human capabilities and needs, conceptualizing what is factual and real based on human cognitive and volitional faculties and experiences, developing values and pursuing regulative ideals of actions, and searching for best possible ways or methods to reach for individual and communal end-goals which will enhance human beings as autonomous entities and moral agents in the world. The receptive is represented by the phenomenological approach to Being and reality whereas the creative is conveyed by an ontology of reflection of human being for self-definition and self-cultivation of human faculties. This amounts to bringing out an existing distinction between ming (what is imparted) and li (the presupposed ground) on the one hand and xing ( human potentiality for being in oneself) and xin (human understanding and interpretation toward action) on the other in the tradition of Confucian metaphysics.Next, I shall focus on Heidegger and Gadamer as taking ontological receptivity (as a matter of fore-structures of Being or Language of human understanding) as the source of meaning of existence and meaningfulness of texts. Th ere are of course creative elements to be identifi ed with forming investigative projects of the Dasein for disclosing truth of the Being, but the main tone is to realize the Being or Language as base structures of our hermeneutic consciousness or hermeneutic space of understanding. Because of spacelimitation, however, I shall leave to another occasion the discussion of the creative formation and positive projection of a transformative cosmological philosophy in the Yijing tradition as represented in my onto-hermeneutics which takes experiences of ≫comprehensive observation≪ (guan) and ≫feeling- refl ection≪ (gan) as two avenues toward human understanding and hermeneutic enterprise of interpretation.
The Role of the Sublime in Kant’s Religion: Moral Motivation and Empirical Possibility
Authors: Sandru Adrian Razvan
Published: June 2020

I show that Kant’s depiction of the christic figure in Religion within the Boundaries of Mere Reason is not contingent but explains how this figure functions in two essential ways: as a representation of a maximum of morality that can ground our moral disposition and in so doing acts as a stan­dard for morality. More precisely, the following argument is made: 1) the sublime nature of the image of Christ — as an image of universal respect for the law — awakens the moral feeling of subjects in the sense of the possibility of overcoming one’s perverted nature; 2) as moral perfection it provides immediate transparency to the end goal of morality; 3) just as in the case of associative construction of empirical concepts, the sublime provides the prototype for association through which empirical acts are determined as moral ones; 4) the image of Christ also acts as motivator by encompassing said trans­parency and standard in the idea of moral perfection. These four points show that the image of Christ functions in a dual manner. Points 1) to 3) address Christ as a prototype/archetype (Urbild) — awakening and making possible a moral redefinition of the subject — while point 4) addresses Christ as an example (Vorbild) — sustaining and entertaining the moral redefinition as a motivating model.
Are Ivy League Libraries’ Websites ADA Compliant?
Authors: Yang Wenfan , Zhao Bin , Liu Yan Quan , Bielefield Arlene
Published: June 2020

As a doorway for users seeking information, library websites should be accessible to all, including those who are visually or physically impaired and those with reading or learning disabilities. In conjunction with an earlier study, this paper presents a comparative evaluation of Ivy League university library homepages with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates. Data results from WAVE and AChecker evaluations indicate that although the error of Missing Form Labels still occurs in these websites, other known accessibility errors and issues have been significantly improved from five years ago.
Facing What’s Next, Together
Authors: Morton-Owens Emily
Published: June 2020

LITA President's message reflecting on the Core vote and COVID-19 related changes in libraries.
Hiding in plain sight: DNA barcoding suggests cryptic species in all ‘well-known’ Australian flower beetles (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)
Authors: Mitchell Andrew , Moeseneder Christian H. , Hutchinson Paul M.
Published: June 2020

DNA barcode data is presented for Australian cetoniine flower beetles to aid with species discovery and guide revisionary taxonomy. Sequences of the COI gene’s DNA barcode region were acquired from 284 cetoniine specimens, covering 68 described species and 33 genera. This equates to 48% of the known species and 83% of the genera which occur in Australia. Results suggest up to 27 putative undescribed species in our sample, only 11 of which were suspected to be undescribed before this study, leaving 16 unexpected (“cryptic”) species. The Australian cetoniine fauna may hence be increased by up to 19%. An unanticipated result of the work is that each of the five most visible and commonly collected Australian cetoniine species, Eupoecila australasiae (Donovan, 1805), Neorrhina punctatum (Donovan, 1805), Glycyphana (Glycyphaniola) stolata (Fabricius, 1781), Chondropyga dorsalis (Donovan, 1805) and Bisallardiana gymnopleura (Fischer, 1823), have unexpectedly high diversity in DNA barcode sequences and were consequently split into multiple clusters, possibly indicating the presence of cryptic species.
Deporte, publicidad y marcas en los libros de texto de educación física
Authors:   Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (España), González-Palomares Alba , Rey-Cao Ana ,   Universidade de Vigo España
Published: June 2020

El marquismo se caracteriza por un consumo irreflexivo y desmedido, guiado por la exhibición de marcas, símbolo de prestigio e identificación con los grandes agentes mediáticos, entre ellos las figuras deportivas. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la presencia de publicidad encubierta y marcas en los libros de texto de Educación Física en España. Este aspecto compromete las finalidades del sistema educativo con respecto al consumo responsable. El estudio fue descriptivo y llevó a cabo un análisis de contenido de 6.773 fotografías. Se realizó un análisis univariante y bivariante y se aplicó el test χ2, con una confianza de 95%. El porcentaje de fotografías con presencia de marca en los libros de Educación Física indicó una falta de atención a este fenómeno por parte de la institución educativa. Los libros reprodujeron el sistema de marcas y el patrocinio deportivo en sus fotografías. La presencia de marcas en los atuendos deportivos contribuye al fenómeno del marquismo en el alumnado. Las señas de identidad que encuentran los estudiantes en los libros de texto se vinculan con personas competitivas, que forman parte de la élite, visten ropa de marca y lucran con el patrocinio deportivo, independientemente de la ética comercial de la empresa patrocinadora. Así, los manuales escolares contribuyen a intereses comerciales privados.
La definición de una narrativa propia. La comedia televisiva española (1990-2018)
Authors:   Universitat de Lleida España, Gómez Morales Beatriz
Published: June 2020

A principios de la década de los noventa, la ficción televisiva española inició una evolución sin precedentes. El objetivo de esta investigación es examinar, mediante un análisis de contenido, los rasgos definitorios del género que lideró dicha evolución: la comedia. El estudio contempla toda la ficción cómica de producción española, de ámbito estatal, estrenada entre 1990 y 2018 (180 producciones), y la analiza en función de sus características narrativas y estilísticas. Los resultados demuestran que la comedia televisiva española, tras un breve periodo de fiel adaptación a la sitcom, empezó a desarrollar una identidad propia. Aunque conserva algunos de los rasgos definitorios del referente canónico norteamericano, como los personajes estereotipados, los escenarios interiores y la ambientación en la contemporaneidad, ha ignorado otros, entre los que destaca la duración de entre 22 y 24 minutos, la introducción de risas en directo o enlatadas y la estructura exclusivamente autoconclusiva. Además, el género, en su forma española, ha incorporado nuevos rasgos, como el desplazamiento de lo cómico a lo dramático, la ampliación del número de tramas y personajes principales, y la introducción de tramas de continuidad y otros elementos de serialización. Asimismo, la comedia televisiva española ha integrado parte importante de la tradición teatral y cinematográfica nacional.
Aromatherapy for test anxiety in chiropractic students:
Authors: Wells Breanne M. , Nightingale Lia M. , Derby Dustin C. , Salsbury Stacie A. , Lawrence Dana
Published: June 2020

Objective

Up to 85% of college students experience test anxiety, which may contribute to decreased academic performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of recruiting chiropractic students for a randomized trial involving aromatherapy for anxiety reduction.

Methods

This study enrolled chiropractic students who were randomly assigned to separate rooms during a biochemistry test. Waterless diffusers dispersed a lemon and rosemary blend of essential oils in the experimental room and water in the control room. Students completed pretest surveys rating current and general anxiety. Posttest surveys included rating current anxiety. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was preformed to determine within- and between-group differences for current anxiety. Feasibility was the primary aim, and the statistical significance of anxiety test scores between rooms was the secondary aim.

Results

Sixty-four students were included in the study. The feasibility of research methods was noted for adherence to the study protocol (informed consent, randomization, and survey distribution and completion) and resource allocation. Design improvements are required in recruitment methods, follow-up surveys, and intervention blinding. ANCOVA for between-group comparisons showed no statistically significant difference between groups' pre- and posttest anxiety scores (p = .22). Two reported side effects, eye and sinus irritation, could not be attributed to treatment group. Most students were willing to use aromatherapy for test anxiety in the future.

Conclusion

We demonstrated feasibility in conducting a randomized study to measure the influence of aromatherapy on test anxiety in chiropractic students. A powered, randomized study is needed to determine if aromatherapy may be effective in reducing test anxiety.
AMBIENTE VIRTUAL DE APRENDIZAGEM NO ENSINO PRESENCIAL EM UMA UNIVERSIDADE PÚBLICA: redes sociotécnicas e processos de tradução
Authors: Ferreira Suiane Costa
Published: June 2020

: Este artigo objetiva mapear a rede sociotécnica para uso do ambiente virtual de aprendizagem (AVA-Moodle) no ensino presencial de graduação na Universidade do Estado da Bahia, evidenciando a articulação entre as políticas públicas de formação docente, a política institucional e a própria tecnologia, averiguando quais traduções e controvérsias ocorreram. A Teoria Ator-Rede compõe o referencial teórico escolhido para subsidiar o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, garantindo aporte teórico e direcionalidade nas discussões levantadas. O método cartográfico foi o escolhido para guiar este relato de experiência, pois permite percorrer caminhos e acompanhar os movimentos dos atores humanos e não humanos envolvidos. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir do vivido na Universidade do Estado da Bahia, uma instituição de ensino superior pública, na cidade de Salvador. Para a construção dos dados foi realizada uma pesquisa documental para acompanhar a tradução através dos seus quatro momentos interdependentes: problematização, persuasão, envolvimento e mobilização. Ao realizar esta caminhada cartográfica, a pesquisa revelou um longo processo de tradução (política pública, planos de metas, oferta da modalidade semipresencial, resoluções) que resultou em uma prática de forte incentivo institucional para utilização do AVA no ensino presencial e criação de uma cultura institucional, contribuindo, desse modo, para o fortalecimento da política nacional de educação a distância, apesar da dificuldade em arregimentar os professores nesta rede sociotécnica.
Test‐dependent expression of behavioral syndromes: A study of aggressiveness, activity, and stress of chub
Authors: Hubená Pavla , Horký Pavel , Slavík Ondřej
Published: June 2020

Aggressiveness has been one of the behavioral traits most examined with various standard testing methods. We used two distinct methods (the mirror and the real opponent tests) to evaluate individual aggression and relate it to the activity and individual stress of chub (Squalius cephalus L.). Three hypotheses were formulated and tested: (a) there is a significant positive relationship between the aggressiveness of individuals measured with the mirror and the real opponent tests, indicating their convergent validity; (b) the irregularities in response to the aggressiveness and activity tests lead to the context‐specific expression of the behavioral syndromes; and (c) there is a significant positive relationship between the stress induced in individuals by both tests of aggressiveness, demonstrating individually consistent stress‐coping strategies. The first and the second hypothesis were confirmed, while the third hypothesis was rejected. Our results suggest that particular tests of aggressiveness could act as a situation with high strength, leaving little variation between individual responses. Thus, we propose that for the proper interpretation of various studies using different tests to study identical behavioral traits, it is important to consider the convergent validity of not only the tested behavioral traits but also the individual stress responses. The chub also showed stress relieve through aggressiveness, suggesting the species as a prospective animal model to the study interaction between the stress and the aggressiveness. A detailed aggression ethogram of chub was provided to facilitate the use of this specie in future studies.
Retrieval practice and retention of course content in a middle school science classroom
Authors: Rowley Thomas , McCrudden Matthew T.
Published: June 2020

We investigated the effect of retrieval practice (i.e., the use of testing to enhance learning) by middle school students on science learning in an authentic educational setting. For initial study, all students (n = 39) read a science text and made study notes about the text, a regular study activity in their course. For restudy (2 days later), students either copied their notes or did retrieval practice. For the final test (an additional 2 days later), all students did a recall task from memory. Students in the retrieval practice condition showed better retention of information than students in the copy condition. These results add to a growing body of research on the use of retrieval practice as an effective learning tool for retention within authentic school settings.
Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Repaired Titanium Alloy Blade by Arc Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: Liu Yibo , Jin Peng , Li Junzhao , Lin Tong , Li Fuxiang , Hou Shaojun , Sun Qingjie , Feng Jicai
Published: June 2020

To improve repair efficiency and achieve a high‐quality repair layer, wire and arc additive manufacturing process is used in this study to repair missing‐angle Ti‐6Al‐4V blade. The deposition layer with a mixed equiaxed β and columnar grain can be obtained by optimizing the deposition speed and single layer height. According to the characteristics of β grain, the typically repaired thin‐walled part is divided into four representative areas, including heat affected zone (HAZ), bottom layer, middle layer, and top layer. The bottom layer consists of coarsely near‐equiaxed β grains with martensite α′ and basket‐weave structure, and the columnar β grains grow perpendicularly from middle layer to top layer. The heat accumulation in HAZ continues to increase which resulted in a certain degree of cooling rate reduction, resulting in the martensite α′ decomposed to α dots and rods in HAZ near the layer band. The fine near‐equiaxed β grains (78 ± 28 μm), martensite α′ structure, and fine lamellar α structure are presented in HAZ, causing the fracture transition from the HAZ to bottom region. The characteristic of ductile rupture is observed in repaired thin‐wall, the maximum tensile strength is 991 MPa, and the elongation reaches about 10%.
Photo‐ and Electroluminescence from Zn‐Doped InN Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Fairclough Simon M. , Taylor Peter N. , Smith Charles T. , Clark Pip C. J. , Skalsky Stefan , Ahumada‐Lazo Ruben , Lewis Edward A. , Tate Daniel J. , Spencer Ben F. , Burkitt‐Gray Mary , Píš Igor , Bondino Federica , Bergstrom‐Mann Patrick , Carter‐Searjeant Sadie , Turner Michael L. , Binks David , Haigh Sarah J. , Flavell Wendy R. , Curry Richard J. , Green Mark A.
Published: June 2020

There is a critical research need for efficient luminescent colloidal nanocrystals, free from cadmium and lead whose toxicity subjects them to usage restrictions, with applications from display devices to biology. Approaches to directly replace cadmium‐based materials have mainly focused on indium phosphide‐based nanocrystals, however these too are subject to concerns over toxicity. Few other alternatives have been found that can compete with the emission range and efficiency of Cd‐ and Pb‐based nanocrystals. Group III‐nitride nanocrystals, and their alloys, offer the exciting potential to tune bandgap energies from the ultraviolet to the near infrared yet a robust route toward efficient luminescent nitride nanocrystals is lacking. Here, the synthesis of photoluminescent indium zinc nitride quantum dots exhibiting tunable emission through the visible to near infrared spectra region, with quantum yields of up to 30% is reported. Capping the nanocrystals with both a GaN and ZnS shell significantly increases air stability and emission quantum yields. A proof‐of‐principle indium zinc nitride nanocrystal light emitting diode is also demonstrated. This work overcomes the significant challenges that have prevented the full exploration of nitride‐based semiconductor nanocrystal development, providing a new system for further exploration as a heavy‐metal free alternative to current state‐of‐the‐art materials.
Electro‐Optic Metasurfaces Based on Barium Titanate Nanoparticle Films
Authors: Karvounis Artemios , Vogler‐Neuling Viola V. , Richter Felix U. , Dénervaud Eric , Timofeeva Maria , Grange Rachel
Published: June 2020

Metal‐oxides are promising candidates to substitute silicon in intra‐chip optical interconnects, as they exhibit great electric field tuning capabilities. The development of crystal ion slicing of thin films from bulk crystals and the advances over epitaxial growth have allowed the integration of metal‐oxides on a single chip. In terms of performance, they possess strong electro‐optic response over broad bandwidths across near‐infrared. However, lattice and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch limits the compatibility with available substrates and other materials, while physical hardness makes high quality nanostructures difficult to implement. Here, a novel concept of electro‐optic (EO) switching is introduced: an adjacent BaTiO3 nanoparticle film to a plasmonic metasurface provides reflection changes up to 0.15% under 4 V of control signal for modulation frequencies up to 20 MHz, in the near‐infrared. The nanoparticle films show EO coefficients (37.04 ± 25.6 pm V−1) comparable to lithium niobate crystals, are deposited uniformly over large scale and on any type of substrate, while retain optical nonlinear properties (e.g. second‐harmonic generation). Photonic nanostructures such as metasurfaces incorporated with nanoparticle films can harness the multifunctional properties of metal‐oxides such as BaTiO3 to form a new family of switchable nano‐devices across the entire visible to near‐infrared part of the spectrum.
Novel economical three‐stage slug bubbling process in a large‐scale flat‐sheet membrane bioreactor of double deck configuration
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Kaisong , Field Robert W.
Published: June 2020

Slug bubbling in single deck flat sheet membrane bioreactor (FSMBR) is effective in controlling membrane fouling. Here the primary focus is on the employment of the slug bubbling method, with its more economical air consumption, to a double‐deck large‐scale FSMBR with 100 membrane plates on each deck. The analysis of a new design concept shows that sufficient hydrodynamic effect could be induced by a novel economical three‐stage slug aeration process of formation‐breakup‐reformation. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was applied to examine both the development of the slug bubble and especially its reformation. It was found that the combination of a gap between two decks of 400 mm with an air velocity of 16 m/s was an optimal condition to achieve good hydrodynamic conditions in both decks. The corresponding SADm is 0.098 Nm3m−2 hr−1, which is a reduction of 66% compared to the most advanced single deck FSMBR.
[3+2]‐Cycloaddition of Catalytically Generated Pyridinium Ylide: A General Access to Indolizine Derivatives
Authors: Dong Shanliang , Fu Xiang , Xu Xinfang
Published: June 2020

Pyridinium ylide is a versatile building block in synthetic organic chemistry, especially in the synthesis of N‐heterocycles. In this minireview, we have summarized the advances of [3+2]‐cycloaddition of catalytically generated pyridinium ylide for the synthesis of indolizines (since 1970s). Accordingly, the ylide discussed in this article is generated in situ from carbene precursors and N‐heteroarenes under catalytic conditions, including photocatalysis/thermocatalysis, and metal‐catalysis. The metal‐catalyzed version is the main focus, which is classified and summarized based on the type of dipolarophiles, alkyne and alkene, each class is further subdivided according to the metal catalysts used in these reactions. The analogous [3+2]‐cycloaddition of vinyl metal carbene with pyridines, the formation of pyridinium ylide with other type of carbene precursors or with different N‐heteroarenes, have been also included herein separately.
Vision Therapy: Ocular Motor Training in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Barton Jason J. S. , Ranalli Paul J.
Published: June 2020

Vision therapy in the form of ocular motor training is increasingly used to treat visual complaints, particularly in the setting of persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). In this review, we discuss the rationale behind this intervention and the evidence for its utility. Although the efficacy of exercises for primary convergence insufficiency is plausible and supported by data, there is not yet strong evidence of benefit for the post‐traumatic variant. It is not established that abnormalities in fixation, pursuit, and saccades in mTBI are the cause of post‐concussive symptoms, or that these abnormalities arise from ocular motor damage rather than being secondary effects of cognitive problems with attention or executive control. The few studies to date have significant methodological weaknesses. More substantial evidence is required before vision therapy can be accepted as a useful tool in the rehabilitation of patients with brain trauma. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:453–461
Access to Vinyl Ethers and Ketones with Hypervalent Iodine Reagents as Oxy‐Allyl Cation Synthetic Equivalents
Authors: Declas Nina , Waser Jerome
Published: June 2020

We report an Umpolung strategy of enol ethers to generate oxy‐allyl cation equivalents based on the use of hypervalent iodine reagents. Under mild basic conditions, the addition of nucleophiles to aryloxy‐substituted vinylbenziodoxolone (VBX) reagents, easily available in two steps from silyl alkynes, resulted in the stereoselective formation of substituted aryl enol ethers. The reaction was most efficient with phenols as nucleophiles, but preliminary results were also achieved for C‐ and N‐ nucleophiles. In absence of external nucleophiles, the 2‐iodobenzoate group of the reagent was transferred. The obtained aryl enol ethers could then be transformed into α‐difunctionalized ketones by oxidation. The described “allyl cation”‐like reactivity contrast with the well‐established “vinyl‐cation” behavior of alkenyl iodonium salts.
Quantifying Through‐Space Substituent Effects
Authors: Burns Rebecca J. , Mati Ioulia K. , Muchowska Kamila B. , Adam Catherine , Cockroft Scott L.
Published: June 2020

The description of substituents as electron donating or withdrawing leads to a perceived dominance of through‐bond influences. The situation is compounded by the challenge of separating through‐bond and through‐space contributions. Here, we probe the experimental significance of through‐space substituent effects in molecular interactions and reaction kinetics. Conformational equilibrium constants were transposed onto the Hammett substituent constant scale revealing dominant through‐space substituent effects that cannot be described in classic terms. For example, NO2 groups positioned over a biaryl bond exhibited similar influences as resonant electron donors. Meanwhile, the electro‐enhancing influence of OMe/OH groups could be switched off or inverted by conformational twisting. 267 conformational equilibrium constants measured across eleven solvents were found to be better predictors of reaction kinetics than calculated electrostatic potentials, suggesting utility in other contexts and for benchmarking theoretical solvation models.
Dynamic Covalent Formation of Concave Disulfide Macrocycles Mechanically Interlocked with Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Balakrishna Bugga , Menon Arjun , Cao Kecheng , Gsänger Sebastian , Beil Sebastian B. , Villalva Julia , Shyshov Oleksandr , Martin Oliver , Hirsch Andreas , Meyer Bernd , Kaiser Ute , Guldi Dirk M. , von Delius Max
Published: June 2020

The formation of discrete macrocycles wrapped around single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has recently emerged as an appealing strategy to functionalize these carbon nanomaterials and modify their properties. Here, we demonstrate that the reversible disulfide exchange reaction, which proceeds under mild conditions, can install relatively large amounts of mechanically interlocked disulfide macrocycles on the one‐dimensional nanotubes. Size‐selective functionalization of a mixture of SWCNTs of different diameters were observed, presumably arising from error correction and the presence of relatively rigid, curved π‐systems in the key building blocks. A combination of UV/Vis/NIR, Raman, photoluminescence excitation, and transient absorption spectroscopy indicated that the small (6,4)‐SWCNTs were predominantly functionalized by the small macrocycles 12, whereas the larger (6,5)‐SWCNTs were an ideal match for the larger macrocycles 22. This size selectivity, which was rationalized computationally, could prove useful for the purification of nanotube mixtures, since the disulfide macrocycles can be removed quantitatively under mild reductive conditions.
A 13C‐Labeled Triarylmethyl Radical as an EPR Spin Probe Highly Sensitive to Molecular Tumbling
Authors: Poncelet Martin , Driesschaert Benoit
Published: June 2020

A stable triarylmethyl spin probe whose electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum is highly sensitive to molecular tumbling is reported. The strong anisotropy of the hyperfine coupling tensor with the central carbon of a 13C1‐labeled triarylmethyl radical enables the measurement of the probe rotational correlation time with applications to measure microviscosity and molecular dynamics.
Cu@KCC‐1‐NH‐CS2 as a new and highly efficient nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives
Authors: Anvari Gharabaghlou Mahsa , Shadjou Nasrin , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad
Published: June 2020

In the present work, Cu@KCC‐1‐NH‐CS2 as a green, efficient, and reusable nano‐reactor was designed and used for the one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives using the reaction of cyclic 1,3‐diketones, arylglyoxals, and malononitrile, under reflux conditions in EtOH. Engineered nanocatalyst characterized using different methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), adsorption/desorption analysis (BET), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). According to the obtained results, presented protocol for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes using Cu@KCC‐1‐NH‐CS2 gave the desired products in higher yields (89–98%) with short reaction times. Also, under mild reaction conditions this green nanocatalyst indicated recyclable behavior five times with minor reduce in its catalytic activity.
Poly(propylene imine) dendrimers can bind to PEGylated albumin at PEG and albumin surface: Biophysical examination of a PEGylated platform to transport cationic dendritic nanoparticles
Authors: Ciepluch Karol , Biehl Ralf , Bryszewska Maria , Arabski Michał
Published: June 2020

Cationic dendrimers are considered one of the best drug transporters in the body. However, in order to improve their biocompatibility, modification of them is required to reduce toxicity. In this way, many dendrimers may lose their original properties, for example, anticancer. To improve biocompatibility of dendrimers, it is possible to complex them with albumin, as is done very often in drug delivery. However, the interaction of dendrimers with albumin can lead to protein structure disruption or no complexation at all. Therefore, the investigation of the interaction between cationic poly‐(propylene imine) dendrimers and polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐albumin by fluorescence, circular dichroism, small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy was carried out. Results show that cationic dendrimers bind to PEGylated albumin at PEG and albumin surfaces. The obtained results for 5k‐PEG indicate a preferential binding of the dendrimers to PEG. For 20k‐PEG binding of dendrimers to PEG and protein could induce a collapse of the PEG chain onto the protein surface. This opens up new possibilities to the use of PEGylated albumin as a platform to carry dendrimers without changing the albumin structure and improve the pharmacokinetic properties of dendrimers without further modification.
Effect of intraoperative nerve monitoring on postoperative vocal cord palsy rates after thyroidectomy: European multicentre registry-based study
Authors: Staubitz J I , Watzka F , Poplawski A , Riss P , Clerici T , Bergenfelz A , Musholt T J , Riss P , Slycke S , Iacobone M , Brunaud L , Bergenfelz A , Clerici T , Villar J , Raffaelli M , Scott-Coombes D
Published: June 2020

Background

Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) predicts the risk of vocal cord palsy (VCP). IONM can be used to adapt the surgical strategy in order to prevent bilateral VCP and associated morbidity. Controversial results have been reported in the literature for the effect of IONM on rates of VCP, and large multicentre studies are required for elucidation.

Methods

Patients undergoing first-time thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease between May 2015 and January 2019, documented prospectively in the European registry EUROCRINE®, were included in a cohort study. The influence of IONM and other factors on the development of postoperative VCP was analysed using multivariable regression analysis.

Results

Of 4598 operations from 82 hospitals, 3542 (77·0 per cent) were performed in female patients. IONM was used in 4182 (91·0 per cent) of 4598 operations, independent of hospital volume. Postoperative VCP was diagnosed in 50 (1·1 per cent) of the 4598 patients. The use of IONM was associated with a lower risk of postoperative VCP in multivariable analysis (odds ratio (OR) 0·34, 95 per cent c.i. 0·16 to 0·73). Damage to the RLN noted during surgery (OR 24·77, 12·91 to 48·07) and thyroiditis (OR 2·03, 1·10 to 3·76) were associated with an increased risk of VCP. Higher hospital volume correlated with a lower rate of VCP (OR 0·05, 0·01 to 0·13).

Conclusion

Use of IONM was associated with a low rate of postoperative VCP.
Transient Directing Group‐Assisted C─H Bond Functionalization of Aliphatic Amines: Strategies for Efficiency and Site‐Selectivity
Authors: Ha Hyeonbin , Lee Jooyeon , Park Myung Hwan , Jung Byunghyuck , Kim Min
Published: June 2020

The synthesis of amine skeletons and catalytic bond formation in aliphatic amines are important synthetic methodologies. Although various metal‐catalyzed organic transformations have been successfully used to functionalize and construct amine molecules, there are still many hurdles toward practical application. Moreover, site‐selectivity is generally achieved using a traditional directing group (DG) strategy, which requires at least two additional steps for the installation and removal of the DGs. Recently, a transient directing group (TDG) strategy, also known as traceless DG and temporary DG, has been widely studied for a range of selective transition metal‐catalyzed C─H bond functionalization. In this account, we have focused on the recent developments of the TDG strategy toward the site‐selective C─H bond functionalization of aliphatic amines. The design of the TDGs used for the target reaction and their critical roles in the reaction mechanism will be covered along with their selectivity and synthetic utility.
Manganese Metaphosphate Mn(PO3)2 as a High‐Performance Negative Electrode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xia Qingbo , Naeyaert Pierre J. P. , Avdeev Maxim , Schmid Siegbert , Liu Hongwei , Johannessen Bernt , Ling Chris D.
Published: June 2020

We report a novel negative conversion electrode material, manganese (II) metaphosphate Mn(PO3)2. This compound can be synthesized by a facile solid‐state method, and after carbon‐coating delivers an attractively high reversible capacity of 477 mAh/g at 0.1 C and 385 mAh/g at 1 C. We investigated the reaction mechanism with a combination of ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, in situ X‐ray diffraction, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. We observed a direct conversion process by monitoring the first discharge in operando, in which Mn(PO3)2 reacts with Li to give fusiform Mn nanograins a few Ångstroms in width, embedded in a matrix of lithium conducting LiPO3 glass. Due to the fine nanostructures of the conversion products, this conversion reaction is completely reversible.
A Simple Aqueous Battery with Potential for Scalable Energy Storage Based on MnO2 Deposition at the Cathode and a Quinoid‐Modified Activated Carbon Anode
Authors: Liu Yongchuan , Lin Junhong , Miao Xiaofei , Chen Yuanqiang , Zhang Xiangxin , Chen Sujing , Chen Chengwei , Wang Wei , Zhang Yining
Published: June 2020

Searching for new materials and battery architecture is highly essential for developing scalable energy storage systems with good reliability, low cost, long cycle life, and high power density. Here, we report the fabrication of a simple and cheap aqueous battery with potential for low‐cost energy storage. In this battery, a quinoid‐modified activated carbon (AC‐AQS) electrode is adopted as the anode and a porous carbon felt is exploited as the current collector in the cathode for reversible MnO2 deposition (MnO2‐C) from Mn2+ in the electrolyte. This MnO2‐C/AC‐AQS battery delivers an outstanding power density (4.4 kW kg−1), excellent cycling stability (99.9 % of the maximum discharge capacity is maintained after 10 000 cycles), and limited self‐discharging. A maximum energy density of 102.5 Wh kg−1 under the charging capacity of 1.2 mAh cm−2 is achieved. Moreover, owing to the ultrafast redox kinetics of cathode and anode, it can be charged to 0.8 mAh cm−2 within 57.6 s, demonstrating excellent rate capability.
Importance of Electrode Tailoring in the Coupling of Electrolysis with Renewable Energy
Authors: García‐Orozco Violeta M. , Millán Maria , Lobato Justo , Fernández‐Marchante Carmen M. , Roa‐Morales Gabriela , Linares‐Hernández Ivonne , Natividad Reyna , Rodrigo Manuel A.
Published: June 2020

In this work, it has been evaluated how the performance of an electrolyzer, used to treat a clopyralid waste and directly powered without regulation by a battery, is influenced by the electrodes resistance. Electrolyzers were equipped with electrodes consisting of the same boron‐doped diamond (BDD) coating deposited on different substrate (Si, Ta and Nb). The results expose great differences despite using the same coating. Faster removal rates were attained with Ta‐ and Nb‐BDD electrodes. The amount of energy required to attain the same removal efficiency showed great differences. Up to 1.95 mg/Wh of pesticide were removed when using Si, compared to 2.14 mg/Wh removed with Ta. Furthermore, the quantity and strength of the generated oxidants were also quite different. 86.78 mmol of oxidants were needed to remove a gram of pesticide with Ta‐BDD and 30.57 mmol with Si‐BDD. Therefore, the electrode resistance is an important aspect that must be considered in order to get a suitable design of energy storage systems that allow the green photovoltaic powering of electrochemical technologies using conventional batteries as a booster to ensure a continuous operation.
Carbene‐Induced Rescue of Catalytic Activity in Deactivated Nitrite Reductase Mutant
Authors: Planchestainer Matteo , McMaster Jonathan , Schulz Christine , Paradisi Francesca , Albrecht Martin
Published: June 2020

The role of His145 in the T1 copper center of nitrite reductase (NiR) is pivotal for the activity of the enzyme. Mutation to a glycine at this position enables the reconstitution of the T1 center by the addition of imidazole as exogenous ligands, however the catalytic activity is only marginally rescued. Here, we demonstrate that the uptake of 1,3‐dimethylimidazolylidene as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) by the H145G NiR mutant instead of imidazole yields a significantly more active catalyst, suggesting a beneficial role of such C‐bonding. Spectroscopic analyses of the formed H145G≈NHC variant as well as an analogue without the catalytic T2 copper center reveal no significant alteration of the T1 site compared to the wild type or the variant containing imidazole as exogenous N‐bound surrogate of H145. However, the presence of the carbene doubles the catalytic activity of the mutant compared to the imidazole variant. This enhanced activity has been attributed to a faster electron transfer to the T1 center in the NHC variant and a concomitant change of the rate‐limiting step.
CO2 conversion through combined steam and CO2 reforming of methane reactions over Ni and Co catalysts
Authors: Shakouri Mohsen , Hu Yongfeng , Lehoux Rick , Wang Hui
Published: June 2020

Ni‐Co bimetallic and Ni or Co monometallic catalysts prepared for CO2 reforming of methane were tested with the stimulated biogas containing steam, CO2, CH4, H2, and CO. A mix of the prepared CO2 reforming catalyst and a commercial steam reforming catalyst was used in hopes of maximizing the CO2 conversion. Both CO2 reforming and steam reforming of CH4 occurred over the prepared Ni‐Co bimetallic and Ni or Co monometallic catalysts when the feed contained steam. However, CO2 reforming did not occur on the commercial steam reforming catalyst. There was a critical steam content limit above which the catalyst facilitated no more CO2 conversion but net CO2 production for steam reforming and water‐gas shift became the dominant reactions in the system. The Ni‐Co bimetallic catalyst can convert more than 70% of CO2 in a biogas feed that contains ~33 mol% of CH4, 21.5 mol% of CO2, 12 mol% of H2O, 3.5 mol% of H2, and 30 mol% of N2. The H2/CO ratio of the produced syngas was in the range of 1.8‐2. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy of the spent catalysts revealed that the metallic sites of Ni‐Co bimetallic, Ni and Co monometallic catalysts after the steam reforming of methane reaction with equimolar feed (CH4:H2O:N2 = 1:1:1) experienced severe oxidation, which led to the catalytic deactivation.
Support students, faculty members during pandemic
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: June 2020

The COVID‐19 crisis has had a profound impact on disability services operations as campuses have closed and instruction has transitioned to a remote format. Mark Coppin, Director of Disability Services at North Dakota State University, discussed the steps the university has taken to maintain accommodations for students with disabilities, while also meeting emerging needs related to the pandemic.
Emergent characteristics of rockfall inventories captured at a regional scale
Authors: Benjamin Jessica , Rosser Nick J. , Brain Matthew J.
Published: June 2020

High‐resolution rockfall inventories captured at a regional scale are scarce. This is partly owing to difficulties in measuring the range of possible rockfall volumes with sufficient accuracy and completeness, and at a scale exceeding the influence of localized controls. This paucity of data restricts our ability to abstract patterns of erosion, identify long‐term changes in behaviour and assess how rockfalls respond to changes in rock mass structural and environmental conditions. We have addressed this by developing a workflow that is tailored to monitoring rockfalls and the resulting cliff retreat continuously (in space), in three‐dimensional (3D) and over large spatial scales (>104 m). We tested our approach by analysing rockfall activity along 20.5 km of coastal cliffs in North Yorkshire (UK), in what we understand to be the first multi‐temporal detection of rockfalls at a regional scale. We show that rockfall magnitude–frequency relationships, which often underpin predictive models of erosion, are highly sensitive to the spatial extent of monitoring. Variations in rockfall shape with volume also imply a systemic shift in the underlying mechanisms of detachment with scale, leading us to question the validity of applying a single probabilistic model to the full range of rockfalls observed here. Finally, our data emphasize the importance of cliff retreat as an episodic process. Going forwards, there will a pressing need to understand and model the erosional response of such coastlines to rising global sea levels as well as projected changes to winds, tides, wave climates, precipitation and storm events. The methodologies and data presented here are fundamental to achieving this, marking a step‐change in our ability to understand the competing effects of different processes in determining the magnitude and frequency of rockfall activity and ultimately meaning that we are better placed to investigate relationships between process and form/erosion at critical, regional scales. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Incidence of childhood renal tumours: An international population‐based study
Authors: Nakata Kayo , Colombet Murielle , Stiller Charles A. , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Steliarova‐Foucher Eva ,   IICC‐3 Contributors
Published: June 2020

Malignant renal tumours represent 5% of childhood cancers and include types with likely different aetiology: Wilms tumour (WT), rhabdoid renal tumour, kidney sarcomas and renal carcinomas. WT is the most common renal tumour in children, previously shown to vary internationally and with ethnicity. Using the comprehensive database of the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer study (IICC), we analysed global variations and time trends in incidence of renal tumour types in children (age 0‐14 years) and adolescents (age 15‐19 years). The results were presented by 14 world regions, and five ethnic groups in the US. We included 15 320 renal tumours in children and 800 in adolescents reported to the 163 contributing registries during 2001‐2010. In children, age‐standardised incidence rate (ASR) of renal tumours was 8.3 per million (95% confidence interval, CI = 8.1, 8.4); it was the highest in North America and Europe (9‐10 per million) and the lowest in most Asian regions (4‐5 per million). In the US, Blacks had the highest ASR (10.9 per million, 95% CI = 10.2, 11.6) and Asian and Pacific Islanders the lowest (4.4 per million, 95% CI = 3.6, 5.1). In adolescents, age‐specific incidence rate of renal tumours was 1.4 per million (95% CI = 1.3, 1.5). WT accounted for over 90% of all renal tumours in each age from 1 to 7 years and the proportion of renal carcinomas increased gradually with age. From 1996 to 2010, incidence remained mostly stable for WT (average annual percent change, AAPC = 0.1) and increased for renal carcinomas in children (AAPC = 3.7) and adolescents (AAPC = 3.2). Our findings warrant further monitoring.
Photocatalytic properties of graphene‐supported titania clusters from density‐functional theory
Authors: Badalov Sabuhi V. , Wilhelm René , Schmidt Wolf G.
Published: June 2020

Density‐functional theory calculations of (TiO2)n clusters (n = 1–5) in the gas phase and adsorbed on pristine graphene as well as graphene quantum dots are presented. The cluster adsorption is found to be dominated by van der Waals forces. The electronic structure and in particular the excitation energies of the bare clusters and the TiO2/graphene composites are found to vary largely in dependence on the size of the respective constituents. This holds in particular for the energy and the spatial localization of the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. In addition to a substantial gap narrowing, a pronounced separation of photoexcited electrons and holes is predicted in some instances. This is expected to prolong the lifetime of photoexcited carriers. Altogether, TiO2/graphene composites are predicted to be promising photocatalysts with improved electronic and photocatalytic properties compared to bulk TiO2.