bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of phosphate rock and plant growth promoting microorganisms for the management of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R.D. Webster in acidic soils
Authors: Barbosa Alexandro , Reyes Isbelia , Valery Alexis , Chacón Labrador Carlos , Martínez Oscar , Alonso Maximo F.
Published: December 2024

Background

Forage production in tropical soils is primarily limited by nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The use of phosphate rock by plants is limited by its low and slow P availability and microbial phosphate solubilization is the main mechanism for P bioavailability in the soil-root system. The objectives of this study were (i) select a nitrogen-fixing bacteria which could be used as a co-inoculant with the Penicillium rugulosum IR94MF1 phosphate-solubilizing fungus and (ii) evaluate under field conditions the effect of inoculation combined with phosphate rock (PR) application on yield and nutrient absorption of a Urochloa decumbens pasture which was previously established in a low-fertility, acidic soil.

Methods

Various laboratory and greenhouse tests allowed for the selection of Enterobacter cloacae C17 as the co-inoculant bacteria with the IR94MF1 fungus. Later, under field conditions, a factorial, completely randomized block design was used to evaluate the inoculation with the IR94MF1 fungus, the IR94MF1+C17 co-inoculation, and a non-inoculated control. Two levels of fertilization with PR treatment (0 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha P2O5) were applied to each.

Results

During five consecutive harvests it was observed that the addition of biofertilizers significantly increased (p < 0.05) the herbage mass and N and P assimilation compared to the non-inoculated control. However, no statistically significant differences were observed for the PR application as P source.

Conclusion

P. rugulosum IR94MF1 is capable of solubilizing and accumulating P from the phosphate rock, making it available for plants growing in acid soils with low N content. These inoculants represent a good option as biofertilizers for tropical grasses already established in acidic soils with low N content.
Layers of Beauty
Authors: Chen Tianjun
Published: December 2024

his article focuses on an understudied trope of Yuan sanqu: the representation of female entertainers’ stage names. In this article, from a cultural and artistic perspective, I study a corpus of texts to demonstrate how Yuan sanqu writers refined the art of punning by manipulating the names’ literal, literary, and erotic meanings to incorporate various referential fields. During this process, the writers complicated the relationship between ya 雅 (refined) and su 俗 (colloquial) by developing diverse writing strategies that allowed them to blur the boundary between the two. This phenomenon showcases Yuan sanqu’s potential for mixing a variety of aesthetic proclivities and linguistic registers.
Review of The Hittites. By Damien Stone
Authors: Beckman Gary
Published: December 2024

The Hittites. By Damien Stone. Lost Civilizations. London: Reaktion Books, 2023. Pp. 188, illus. $25, £18. [Distributed by University of Chicago Press.]
Review of Schrift und Sprache in Nubien: Studien zum Napatanischen, Meroitischen und Altnubischen. By Francis Breyer
Authors: Pope Jeremy
Published: December 2024

Schrift und Sprache in Nubien: Studien zum Napatanischen, Meroitischen und Altnubischen. By Francis Breyer. Meroitica, vol. 29. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2022. Pp. vi + 333. €78.
Review of A History of Herat: From Chingiz Khan to Tamerlane. By Shivan Mahendrarajah
Authors: Manz Beatrice Forbes
Published: December 2024

A History of Herat: From Chingiz Khan to Tamerlane. By Shivan Mahendrarajah. Edinburgh Studies in Classical Islamic History and Culture. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2022. Pp. xiv + 379. £90, $120.
Epidemiological Studies on Various Weather Parameters for Development of Brown Spot Disease in Sugarcane
Authors: S. P. Mulik , S. V. Nalawade , V. M. Karade , R.M. Khadtare , P. S. Salunkhe
Published: December 2024

Availability of susceptible host and prevalence of favorable weather condition play important role in the process of disease development, dissemination of diseases and favour epidemics. Epidemiological studies on brown spot disease of sugarcane will gave an idea about the time of occurrence, development, survival of the pathogen in nature and intensity of particular disease on specific location based on various weather parameters which may help us to formulate the management strategy. A field trial on epidemiological studies was conducted during Suru-2023 at Central Sugarcane Research Station, Padegaon farm, Tal. Phaltan Dist. Satara on highly susceptible cv. CoM 0265 in natural condition. Different weather parameters were explored by correlation and regression analysis to find out their contribution to infection and development of the brown spot disease of sugarcane. Epidemiological studies under field conditions revealed that, the first appearance of brown spot disease of sugarcane on susceptible cultivar CoM 0265 was recorded during third week of July. During 2023, correlation matrix showed that, maximum temperature, relative humidity (morning), and bright sunshine were the three significant factors that showed a significantly positive correlation. Rainfall also showed a positive correlation. However, minimum temperature, relative humidity (evening) and wind speed showed significantly negative correlation with correlation coefficient.
Cyberbullying, cyber aggression, and cyber victimization in relation to adolescents’ dating and sexual behavior: An evolutionary perspective
Authors: Lapierre Kiana R. , Dane Andrew V.
Published: August 2019

This study examined adolescents’ cyberbullying, cyber aggression, and cyber victimization from an evolutionary perspective, extending previous research showing that traditional forms of bullying, aggression, and victimization are associated with reproductively relevant outcomes. Consistent with hypotheses based on theory and research linking bullying and aggression to intrasexual competition for mates, results indicated that cyber victimization was positively associated with a number of dating and sexual partners. Findings for cyber aggression were more complex, depending on the degree of cyber victimization experienced by the perpetrator, and the balance of power between the perpetrator and victim. Specifically, nonbullying cyber aggression by perpetrators with equal or less power than the victim had stronger positive relations with the number of dating or sexual partners when perpetrators experienced a high level of cyber victimhood. In contrast, cyberbullying by perpetrators with more power than the victim was negatively associated with the number of dating partners when the perpetrators’ exposure to cyber victimization was low. Although cyber aggression and cyber victimization are new forms of aggression that involve the use of modern electronic devices, the results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of viewing this behavior from an evolutionary perspective and show that adolescents are likely to use cyber aggression against rivals in the context of intrasexual competition for mates.
Photoactive Nanocarriers for Controlled Delivery
Authors: Xiong Qirong , Lim Yun , Li Di , Pu Kanyi , Liang Li , Duan Hongwei
Published: August 2019

Photoactive nanocarriers have emerged as robust and minimally invasive systems for the on‐demand delivery of active payloads. The easy manipulation offered by light irradiation as an external stimulus allows precise spatiotemporal control of payload release based on the time, intensity, location, and wavelength of light exposure. Compared to conventional passive delivery systems, photoactive nanocarriers offer the possibility of tailoring the release kinetics of the encapsulated active molecules, which is of considerable clinical relevance for targeted delivery to desired sites of interest. In this progress report, the recent advances in the design and fabrication of photoactive nanoplatforms based on three main modes of mechanisms: photochemical reactions, the photothermal effect, and photosensitization mechanism mediated by reactive oxygen species are highlighted. The combination of these mechanisms provides additional flexibility for the effective delivery of therapeutics and improved synergistic therapeutic effects. Finally, challenges in future perspectives on the development of photoactive nanomaterials and their medical translation are discussed.
Creating Directionality in Nanoporous Carbon Materials: Adjustable Combinations of Structural and Chemical Gradients
Authors: Bahner Jochen , Klinkenberg Nele , Frisch Marvin , Brauchle Lilly , Polarz Sebastian
Published: August 2019

The properties of porous materials benefit from hierarchical porosity. A less noted element of hierarchy is the occurrence of directionality in functional gradient materials. A sharp boundary is replaced by a transition from one feature to the next. The number of cases known for porous materials with either structural or chemical gradients is small. A method capable of generating combinations of structural and chemical gradients in one material does not exist. Such a method is presented with a focus on silver and nitrogen containing carbon materials because of the potential of this system for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. A structural gradient results from controlled separation using ultracentrifugation of a binary mixture of template particles in a resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) sol as carbon precursor. A new level of complexity can be reached, if the surfaces of the template particles are chemically modified. Although the template is removed during carbonization, the modification (Ag, N) becomes integrated into the material. Understanding how modified and unmodified large and small particles sediment in the RF sol enables almost infinite variability of combinations: chemically graded but structurally homogeneous materials and vice versa. Ultimately, a material containing one structural gradient and two chemical gradients with opposing directions is introduced.
Microplasma‐Discharge‐Based Nitrogen Fixation Driven by Triboelectric Nanogenerator toward Self‐Powered Mechano‐Nitrogenous Fertilizer Supplier
Authors: Wong Man‐Chung , Xu Wei , Hao Jianhua
Published: August 2019

Development of novel nitrogen fixation technology is realistically significant for the fertilizer industry and agriculture. Traditional plasma‐induced nitrogen fixation technology is severely limited in some instances because this route generally requires a continuous power input with the features of complicated apparatus fabrication, high cost, nonportability, etc. Herein, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)‐driven microplasma discharge–based nitrogen fixation system is conceived by integrating a high‐voltage output TENG and a discharge reactor. The novel TENG has the capability to generate a high voltage of about 1300 V without additional auxiliary. The generated voltage can induce microplasma discharge under atmospheric environment in the discharge reactor, where nitrogen gas is successfully converted into nitrogen dioxide and nitric acid, and atmospheric nitrogen fixation is therefore realized. The TENG‐driven microplasma discharge‐based nitrogen fixation system can serve as a nitrogenous fertilizer supplier, and correspondingly, NaNO3 fertilizer is produced via driving the system by human walking stimuli for crop cultivation. A promising and energy‐saving atmospheric nitrogen fixation strategy with environmental friendliness, flexible operation, and high safety is offered.
Synthesis of Doped Porous 3D Graphene Structures by Chemical Vapor Deposition and Its Applications
Authors: Ullah Sami , Hasan Maria , Ta Huy Q. , Zhao Liang , Shi Qitao , Fu Lei , Choi Jinho , Yang Ruizhi , Liu Zhongfan , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: August 2019

Graphene doping principally commenced to compensate for its inert nature and create an appropriate bandgap. Doping of 3D graphene has emerged as a topic of interest because of attempts to combine its large available surface area—arising from its interconnected porous architecture—with superior catalytic, structural, chemical, and biocompatible characteristics that can be induced by doping. In light of the latest developments, this review provides an overview of the scalable chemical vapor deposition (CVD)‐based growth of doped 3D graphene materials as well as their applications in various contexts, such as in devices used for energy generation and gas storage and biosensors. In particular, single‐ and multielement doping of 3D graphene by various dopants (such as nitrogen (N), boron (B), sulfur (S) and phosphorous (P)), the doping configurations of the resultant materials, an overview of recent developments in the field of CVD, and the influence of various parameters of CVD on graphene doping and 3D morphologies are focused in this paper. Finally, this report concludes the discussion by mentioning the existing challenges and future opportunities of these developing graphitic materials, intending to inspire the unveiling of more exciting functionalized 3D graphene morphologies and their potential properties, which can hopefully realize many possible applications.
Rapid Biofilm Elimination on Bone Implants Using Near‐Infrared‐Activated Inorganic Semiconductor Heterostructures
Authors: Hong Li , Liu Xiangmei , Tan Lei , Cui Zhenduo , Yang Xianjin , Liang Yanqin , Li Zhaoyang , Zhu Shengli , Zheng Yufeng , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Jing Doudou , Zheng Dong , Wang Xianbao , Wu Shuilin
Published: August 2019

Bacterial infections often cause orthopedic surgery failures. It is hard for the immune system and antibiotics to clear bacteria adhered to implants after they form a mature biofilm, and a secondary surgery is required to remove the infected implants. To avoid this, a hybrid coating of Bi2S3@Ag3PO4/Ti is prepared to eliminate biofilm using near‐infrared (NIR) light. Bi2S3 nanorod (NR) arrays are prepared on titanium (Ti) implants through hydrothermal methods, and Ag3PO4 nanoparticles (NPs) are loaded on Bi2S3 NR arrays using a stepwise electrostatic adsorption strategy. The introduction of Ag3PO4 NPs enhances the photocatalysis performances of Bi2S3, and the hybrid coating also exhibits good photothermal effects. After 808 nm light irradiation for 15 min, it shows superior bactericidal efficiency of 99.45% against Staphylococcus aureus, 99.74% against Escherichia coli in vitro, and 94.54% against S. aureus biofilm in vivo. Bi2S3@Ag3PO4/Ti also shows good cell viability compared to pure Ti. This NIR‐activated‐inorganic hybrid semiconductor heterojunction coating is biocompatible and could be employed to eliminate biofilm effectively, which makes it a very promising strategy for the surface modification of bone implant materials.
Dendrite‐Free Lithium Deposition via a Superfilling Mechanism for High‐Performance Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Qian , Yang Chengkai , Yang Jijin , Wu Kai , Hu Cejun , Lu Jing , Liu Wen , Sun Xiaoming , Qiu Jingyi , Zhou Henghui
Published: August 2019

Uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency severely hinder the application of lithium metal batteries. Although a lot of approaches have been developed to control Li deposition, most of them are based on inhibiting lithium deposition on protrusions, which can suppress Li dendrite growth at low current density, but is inefficient for practical battery applications, with high current density and large area capacity. Here, a novel leveling mechanism based on accelerating Li growth in concave fashion is proposed, which enables uniform and dendrite‐free Li plating by simply adding thiourea into the electrolyte. The small thiourea molecules can be absorbed on the Li metal surface and promote Li growth with a superfilling effect. With 0.02 m thiourea added in the electrolyte, Li | Li symmetrical cells can be cycled over 1000 cycles at 5.0 mA cm−2, and a full cell with LiFePO4 | Li configuration can even maintain 90% capacity after 650 cycles at 5.0 C. The superfilling effect is also verified by computational chemistry and numerical simulation, and can be expanded to a series of small chemicals using as electrolyte additives. It offers a new avenue to dendrite‐free lithium deposition and may also be expanded to other battery chemistries.
Uniform Spread of High‐Speed Drops on Superhydrophobic Surface by Live‐Oligomeric Surfactant Jamming
Authors: Luo Siqi , Chen Zhidi , Dong Zhichao , Fan Yaxun , Chen Yao , Liu Bin , Yu Cunlong , Li Chuxin , Dai Haoyu , Li Haofei , Wang Yilin , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2019

Inkjet printing of water‐based inks on superhydrophobic surfaces is important in high‐resolution bioarray detection, chemical analysis, and high‐performance electronic circuits and devices. Obtaining uniform spreading of a drop on a superhydrophobic surface is still a challenge. Uniform round drop spreading and high‐resolution inkjet printing patterns are demonstrated on superhydrophobic surfaces without splash or rebound after high‐speed impacting by introducing live‐oligomeric surfactant adhesion. During impact, the live‐oligomeric surfactant molecules aggregate into dynamic, wormlike micelle networks, which jam at the solid–liquid interface by entangling with the surface micro/nanostructures to pin the contact line and jam at the spreading periphery to keep the uniform spreading lamellar shape. This efficient uniform spreading of high‐speed impact drops opens a promising avenue to control drop impact dynamics and achieve high‐resolution printing.
Ordered Mesoporous Cobalt–Nickel Nitride Prepared by Nanocasting for Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Saad Ali , Cheng Zhixing , Zhang Xuyang , Liu Siqi , Shen Hangjia , Thomas Tiju , Wang Jiacheng , Yang Minghui
Published: August 2019

Transition metal nitrides are of considerable interest for energy conversion and storage applications. Given this, synthesis of nanostructured 3D transition metal nitrides is of contemporary interest. Here, a hard templating simple and efficient pathway to synthesize 3D ordered‐mesoporous ternary nitrides NiCo2N is reported using the mesoporous silica KIT‐6 hard template. Benefitting from its large surface area and accessible pores, uniform shape, and enhanced infiltration capacity for electrolyte, mesoporous NiCo2N demonstrates superior electrode performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium. As‐synthesized mesoporous ternary nitride NiCo2N shows desirable performance with very low overpotential (289 mV), and yields ≈10 mA cm−2 geometric current density. This is lower than the values of IrO2 and that of mesoporous binary nitrides CoN and Ni3N electrocatalysts. NiCo2N shows a small Tafel slope and smallest semicircle. Moreover, as‐synthesized NiCo2N exhibits low loss of activity after 10 h test for OER in alkaline solution. This work explores a promising way to produce OER electrocatalyst Co–Ni‐based ternary nitrides for water splitting applications.
Stick‐On Large‐Strain Sensors for Soft Robots
Authors: Cheng Sibo , Narang Yashraj S. , Yang Canhui , Suo Zhigang , Howe Robert D.
Published: August 2019

Soft robots require sensors that are soft, stretchable, and conformable to preserve their adaptivity and safety. In this work, hydrogels are successfully applied as large‐strain sensors for elastomeric structures such as soft robots. Following a simple surface preparation step based on silane chemistry, prefabricated sensors are strongly bonded to elastomers via a “stick‐on” procedure. This method separates the construction of the soft robot's structure and sensors, expanding the potential design space for soft robots that require integrated sensing. The adhesion strength is shown to exceed that of the hydrogel itself, and the sensor is characterized via quasi‐static, fatigue, and dynamic response tests. The sensor exhibits exceptional electrical and mechanical properties: it can sense strains exceeding 400% without damage, maintain stable performance after 1500 loading cycles, and has a working bandwidth of at least 10 Hz, which is sufficient for rapidly‐actuated soft robots. In addition, the hydrogel‐based large‐strain sensor is integrated into a soft pneumatic actuator, and the sensor effectively measures the actuator's configuration while allowing it to freely deform. This work provides “stick‐on” large‐strain sensors for soft robots and will enable novel functionality for wearable robots, potentially serving as a “sensing skin” through stimuli‐responsive hydrogels.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Reduction of Tertiary Amides with Hydrosilanes Using Unsupported Nanoporous Gold Catalyst
Authors: Zhao Yuhui , Zhang Sheng , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Bao Ming , Jin Tienan , Terada Masahiro
Published: August 2019

We have demonstrated that the unsupported nanoporous gold (AuNPore) was a green and highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of amides to amines using hydrosilanes as reductants. A variety of tertiary amides with a broad functional groups were reduced to the corresponding tertiary amines in the presence of 2 mol% of AuNPore and PheMe2SiH or (Me2SiH)2O under mild conditions. AuNPore catalyst was recovered by simple filtration and used for twelve times without any loss of catalytic activity. The AuNPore/hydrosilane system was also successfully applied to the hydrosilative reduction of sulfoxides and N‐oxides.

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Nuclear Envelope Permeability Barrier as a Fast‐Response Intracellular Mechanostat
Authors: Shahin Victor , Kouzel Ivan U. , Rosso Gonzalo , Liashkovich Ivan
Published: August 2019

The nuclear envelope is an undisputed component of the intracellular mechanotransduction cascades which collect, process, and respond to mechanical stimuli from the environment. At the same time, the nuclear envelope performs the function of a selective barrier between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. Although the mechanosensing and the barrier functions of the nuclear envelope have both been subjects of intense research, a possible reciprocal relationship between them is only beginning to emerge. In this report, the role of the nucleocytoplasmic permeability barrier is evaluated in nuclear mechanics. Using a combination of atomic force and confocal microscopy, the functional state of the nucleocytoplasmic permeability barrier and the nuclear mechanics is monitored. By modulating the stringency of the barrier and simulating the active transport imbalance across the nuclear envelope, the decisive impact of these parameters on nuclear mechanics is demonstrated. It is concluded that the nucleocytoplasmic barrier is the second essential component of the intracellular mechanostat function performed by the nuclear envelope.
A pilot study of Practice While Watch based 50 min school quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation classroom training: a cluster randomized control trial
Authors: Tanaka Shota , Hara Takahiro , Tsukigase Kyoko , Sagisaka Ryo , Myklebust Helge , Birkenes Tonje S. , Takyu Hiroshi , Kidokoro Yutaro , Tanaka Hideharu
Published: August 2019

Aim

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in schools can increase the rate of bystander CPR. We assessed whether a “Quality CPR (QCPR) Classroom” can support CPR performance by students trained by a teacher who is not a CPR instructor.

Methods

A cluster randomized trial was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a 50‐min Practice While Watch CPR training program enhanced by QCPR Classroom, which used 42 manikins connected by Bluetooth to real‐time feedback monitoring. Fifty‐seven students were divided into Group 1, taught by a non‐CPR‐instructor, and Group 2, taught by a CPR instructor. Psychomotor and cognitive tests were administered before and after training. Primary outcomes were post‐training compression depth and rate and percent of improvement in adequate depth, recoil, and overall score. The secondary outcome was risk improvement.

Results

Post‐training, Group 1 achieved 62.1 ± 7.7 mm and 118.0 ± 3.6 compressions/min whereas Group 2 achieved 57.4 ± 9.8 mm and 119.8 ± 5.4 compressions/min. The overall score improvement in percentage points was 36.4 ± 25.9% and 27.0 ± 27.7%, respectively (P ≤ 0.001 for both). The adequate depth improvement in percentage points was 22.4 ± 35.4% and 32.5 ± 40.0%, respectively (P = 0.33). Teaching by a non‐CPR instructor improved student cognitive knowledge.

Conclusions

Using a QCPR Classroom to enhance CPR teaching by a non‐CPR‐instructor results in similar or better outcomes compared to using a CPR instructor. Use of a Practice While Watch QCPR Classroom will provide adequate quality in preparing students for CPR.
Associations between cerebrovascular risk factors and parkinson disease
Authors: Kummer Benjamin R. , Diaz Iván , Wu Xian , Aaroe Ashley E. , Chen Monica L. , Iadecola Costantino , Kamel Hooman , Navi Babak B.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To determine whether cerebrovascular risk factors are associated with subsequent diagnoses of Parkinson disease, and whether these associations are similar in magnitude to those with subsequent diagnoses of Alzheimer disease.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using claims data from a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2008 to 2015. The exposures were stroke, atrial fibrillation, coronary disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, valvular heart disease, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson disease. The secondary outcome was a new diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. Marginal structural Cox models adjusting for time‐dependent confounding were used to characterize the association between exposures and outcomes. We also evaluated the association between cerebrovascular risk factors and subsequent renal colic (negative control).

Results

Among 1,035,536 Medicare beneficiaries followed for a mean of 5.2 years, 15,531 (1.5%) participants were diagnosed with Parkinson disease and 81,974 (7.9%) were diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. Most evaluated cerebrovascular risk factors, including prior stroke (hazard ratio = 1.55; 95% confidence interval = 1.39–1.72), were associated with the subsequent diagnosis of Parkinson disease. The magnitudes of these associations were similar, but attenuated, to the associations between cerebrovascular risk factors and Alzheimer disease. Confirming the validity of our analytical model, most cerebrovascular risk factors were not associated with the subsequent diagnosis of renal colic.

Interpretation

Cerebrovascular risk factors are associated with Parkinson disease, an effect comparable to their association with Alzheimer disease. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:572–581
Generating a Squeezed‐Coherent‐Cat State in a Double‐Cavity Optomechanical System
Authors: Chao Shi‐Lei , Xiong Biao , Zhou Ling
Published: August 2019

A squeezed‐coherent‐cat state (SCCS) in a mechanical system not only plays an important role for macroscopic quantum coherence, but also can be a carrier for quantum information. A scheme to generate a SCCS in a two‐mode optomechanical system is proposed, in which the modulated hopping interaction of two cavities is introduced. The two cavity modes couple with the same mechanical mode with linear and quadratic interaction, respectively. The SCCS is analytically deduced under an appropriate initial state, and the average phonon number and the parameter of squeeze are numerically calculated. Wigner function shown the properties of superposition and squeezing is plotted. Including the dissipation of the environment, the results show that a high quality mechanical resonator and a low noise environment are required to obtain high fidelity.
Biased Lewis Pairs: A General Catalytic Approach to Ether‐Ester Block Copolymers with Unlimited Ordering of Sequences
Authors: Liu Shan , Bai Tianwen , Ni Kang , Chen Ye , Zhao Junpeng , Ling Jun , Ye Xiaodong , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: August 2019

Polymerizing epoxides after cyclic esters remains a major challenge, though their block copolymers have been extensively studied and used for decades. Reported here is a simple catalytic approach based on a metal‐free Lewis pair that addresses the challenge. When the Lewis acid is used in excess of a base, selective (transesterification‐free) polymerization of epoxides occurs in the presence of esters, while selectivity toward cyclic esters is achieved by an oppositely biased catalyst. Hence, one‐pot block copolymerization can be performed in both ester‐first and ether‐first orders with selectivity being switchable at any stage, yielding ether‐ester‐type block copolymers with unlimited ordering of sequences as well as widely variable compositions and architectures. The selectivity can also be switched back and forth several times to generate a multiblock copolymer. Experimental and calculational results indicate that the selectivity originates mainly from the state of catalyst‐activated hydroxy species.
Cs2Bi2O(Ge2O7) (CBGO): A Larger SHG Effect Induced by Synergistic Polarizations of BiO5 Polyhedra and GeO4 Tetrahedra
Authors: Tang Ru‐Ling , Hu Chun‐Li , Wu Bao‐Lin , Fang Zhi , Chen Yan , Mao Jiang‐Gao
Published: August 2019

A cesium bismuth germanate, Cs2Bi2O(Ge2O7) (CBGO), was synthesized by a traditional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. Its structure features a 3D network composed of a 1D chains composed of Bi2O8 dimers that are further bridged by Ge2O7 dimers, forming tunnels of seven member rings (MRs) that are filled by the Cs+ cations. CBGO exhibits extraordinary larger second harmonic generation (SHG) response of about 13.7 times that of KDP (KH2PO4) under 1064 nm laser radiation and 1.1 times that of KTP (KTiOPO4) under 2.05 μm laser radiation, which is the highest among all of the metal germanates reported so far. CBGO possesses a moderate birefringence (0.073 at 1064 nm) and is phase matchable. Furthermore, CBGO melts congruently and exhibits high thermal stability.
Carbene‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization and Direct Construction of Arenes with All‐Carbon Quaternary Chiral Center
Authors: Zhu Tingshun , Liu Yingguo , Smetankova Marie , Zhuo Shitian , Mou Chengli , Chai Huifang , Jin Zhichao , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: August 2019

Multisubstituted arenes such as indanes with attached all‐carbon quaternary centers are unique scaffolds in synthetic functional molecules and sophisticated natural products. A key challenge in preparing such molecules lies in the enantioselective installation of the quaternary carbon centers. Conventional methods in this direction include asymmetric substitution reactions and substrate‐controlled cyclization reactions. These reactions lead to poor stereoselectivities and/or require long and tedious synthetic steps. Disclosed here is a one‐step organic catalytic strategy for enantioselective access to this class of molecules. The reaction involves an N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyzed process for direct benzene construction, indane formation, remote‐carbon desymmetrization, and excellent chirality control. This approach will enable the concise synthesis of arene‐containing molecules, including those with complex structures and challenging chiral centers.
Mesostructure organic‐inorganic hybrid ionic liquids based on heteropoly acids: Effect of linkage on the molecular structure and catalytic activity
Authors: Shahebrahimi Shabnam , Rafiee Ezzat , Sadrjavadi Komail
Published: August 2019

The new inorganic–organic hybrids based on SO3H‐functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) and Keggin‐type heteropoly acids (H3PW12O40, H3PMo12O40, and H4SiW12O40; HPAs) are prepared and characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, XRD, CV, SEM/EDX, ICP‐OES, BJH and UV. Different molecular structures according to the different inorganic part were also proved. Potentiometric titration showed a good relationship between catalytic activity and acidity of the catalysts. Electrochemical aspects showed electron transfer ability of the compounds. For understanding catalytic activities of the HPA‐IL hybrids in N‐formylation reaction, effect of catalyst composition, substrate, and reaction conditions were studied. The best SO3H‐functionalized ionic liquid catalyst was readily recovered and reused for four runs. Easy preparation of the catalyst, simple and easy work‐up, mild reaction conditions, low cost, excellent yields and short reaction times are the key features of this work.
Pd‐Cu alloy nanoparticle supported on amine‐terminated ionic liquid functional 3D graphene and its application on Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Ru Yu , Huang Yanli , Wang Yuanyuan , Dai Liyi
Published: August 2019

Well distributed Pd‐Cu bimetallic alloy nanoparticles supported on amine‐terminated ionic liquid functional three‐dimensional graphene (3D IL‐rGO/Pd‐Cu) as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction has been prepared via a facile synthetic method. The introduction of IL‐NH2 cations on the surface of graphene sheets can effectively avoid the re‐deposition of graphene sheets, allowing the catalyst to be reused up to 10 cycles. The addition of Cu not only saves cost but also ensures high catalytic efficiency. It is worthy to note that the catalyst 3D IL‐rGO/Pd2.5Cu2.5 can efficiently catalyze the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction with the yield up to 100% in 0.25 h, almost one‐fold higher than that by the pristine IL‐rGO/Pd2.5 catalyst (52%). The Powder X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), combining energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping results confirm the existence and distribution of Pd and Cu in the bimetallic nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals the nanoparticle size with an average diameter of 3.0 ± 0.5 nm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis proved the presence of electron transfer from Cu to Pd upon alloying. Such alloying‐induced electronic modification of Pd‐Cu alloy and 3D ionic liquid functional graphene with large specific surface area both accounted for the catalytic enhancement.
A Practical Guide to Performance Improvement: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Authors: Dawson Anthony
Published: August 2019

This article discusses the process of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and how it relates to performance improvement (PI) and the development of high reliability organizations. As a proactive process, PI team members can use FMEA to identify and prioritize risk before errors occur in health care environments. This tool comprises steps to assess the failure risk of a process, system, or function before the failure occurs. Performance improvement team members can use FMEA as an additional tool to guide them when working to create a culture of safe patient care and improve patient outcomes. After reviewing this article, the reader should have a better understanding of FMEA, how to implement it, and how it supports PI processes and high reliability organizations. This is the fourth article of a six‐part series about performance improvement.
Regional Anesthesia: An Overview
Authors: Pincus Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

Advances in anesthesia techniques and guidance imaging have made regional anesthetics effective both for pain management and as a primary anesthesia modality for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. Patients can receive regional anesthesia in most areas of the body, including the upper and lower extremities and torso. It is critical that perioperative nurses are familiar with regional anesthetic options and understand them well enough to support their patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgical care. They also should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of local anesthetic systemic toxicity and be prepared to help treat this condition as soon as indicated. Nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring patients are properly educated about regional anesthetics and remain safe throughout all phases of perioperative care.
Single bubble breakup in the flow field induced by a horizontal jet—The numerical simulation
Authors: Su Baiquan , Cao Jiaying , Huang Xiongbin , Cai Ziqi , Gao Zhengming
Published: August 2019

Bubble breakup is a common in the multiphase flow, and the breakup result will influence the performance of the gas–liquid reactor, in which liquid jetting is a typical way in breaking the bubble. In present work, based on the comparison with the experimental results, large eddy simulation and volume of fluid method are coupled to simulate processes of the deformation and breakup of a single bubble in the liquid jet flow. The trajectory of mother bubble, number of daughter bubbles, variation of bubble surface area, and the forces acting on the bubble surface were analyzed. It was found that the shear force at the bubble neck was significantly larger compared with that in the stage of undeformed, and the critical condition for bubble breakup was when the total turbulent pressure on bubble surface was greater than the surface force of bubble. Based on the velocity difference on the upstream and downstream of the bubble, a modified critical Weber number was proposed for a better description of the breakup condition of the single bubble in the liquid jet flow.
New 2,4‐disubstituted‐2‐thiopyrimidines as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation
Authors: Abdel‐Mohsen Heba T. , Girgis Adel S. , Mahmoud Abeer E. E. , Ali Mamdouh M. , El Diwani Hoda I.
Published: August 2019

A new series of 2,4‐disubstituted‐2‐thiopyrimidines 6a–t, 9a, and 9b was efficiently designed and synthesized as antiangiogenic and cytotoxic agents. Compounds 6j, 6l, and 6d showed IC50 values of 1.23, 3.78, and 3.84 μM, respectively, against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2). Most of the synthesized 2‐thiouracils showed antiproliferative activity against the HepG2 cell line (hepatocellular carcinoma) in the micromolar range, for instance, 9b, 6l, 6m, 6n, and 6j displayed IC50 = 7.92, 8.35, 8.51, 9.59, and 13.06 μM, respectively, relative to sorafenib (III; IC50 = 10.99 μM). Also, compounds 6j, 9a, 6m, and 6s (IC50 = 15.21, 16.96, 17.68, and 18.15 μM, respectively) are the most potent compounds against the UO‐31 cell line. Further evaluation of the effect of the synthesized candidates on VEGFR‐2 in the HepG2 cell line demonstrated that compounds 6j and 6l exhibit VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activity of 87% and 84%, respectively, relative to sorafenib (III; 92%). In silico docking of the synthesized hits into the binding site of VEGFR‐2 showed their ability to perform the main binding interactions with the key amino acids in the binding site. Studying the in silico predicted ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) parameters for the synthesized thiouracils demonstrated that they have favorable pharmacokinetic and drug‐likeness properties. These results demonstrate that the 2,4‐disubstituted thiouracils 6 and 9 have not only favorable antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activity but also satisfy the criteria required for the development of orally bioavailable drugs. Consequently, they represent a biologically active scaffold that should be further optimized for future discovery of potential hits.
Role of Interferon‐γ–Producing Th1 Cells in a Murine Model of Type I Interferon–Independent Autoinflammation Resulting From DNase II Deficiency
Authors: Pawaria Sudesh , Nündel Kerstin , Gao Kevin M. , Moses Stephanie , Busto Patricia , Holt Kevin , Sharma Rohit B. , Brehm Michael A. , Gravallese Ellen M. , Socolovsky Merav , Christ Anette , Marshak‐Rothstein Ann
Published: August 2019

Objective

Patients with hypomorphic mutations in DNase II develop a severe and debilitating autoinflammatory disease. This study was undertaken to compare the disease parameters in these patients to those in a murine model of DNase II deficiency, and to evaluate the role of specific nucleic acid sensors and identify the cell types responsible for driving the autoinflammatory response.

Methods

To avoid embryonic death, Dnase2−/− mice were intercrossed with mice that lacked the type I interferon (IFN) receptor (Ifnar−/−). The hematologic changes and immune status of these mice were evaluated using complete blood cell counts, flow cytometry, serum cytokine enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and liver histology. Effector cell activity was determined by transferring T cells from Dnase2−/− × Ifnar−/− double‐knockout (DKO) mice into Rag1−/− mice, and 4 weeks after cell transfer, induced changes were assessed in the recipient mice.

Results

In Dnase2−/− × Ifnar−/− DKO mice, many of the disease features found in DNase II–deficient patients were recapitulated, including cytopenia, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and liver fibrosis. Dnase2+/+ × Rag1−/− mice (n > 22) developed a hematologic disorder that was attributed to the transfer of an unusual IFNγ‐producing T cell subset from the spleens of donor Dnase2−/− × Ifnar−/− DKO mice. Autoinflammation in this murine model did not depend on the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway but was highly dependent on the chaperone protein Unc93B1.

Conclusion

Dnase2−/− × Ifnar−/− DKO mice may be a valid model for exploring the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms responsible for the autoinflammation similar to that seen in DNASE2‐hypomorphic patients. In this murine model, IFNγ is required for T cell activation and the development of clinical manifestations. The role of IFNγ in DNASE2‐deficient patient populations remains to be determined, but the ability of Dnase2−/− mouse T cells to transfer disease to Rag1−/− mice suggests that T cells may be a relevant therapeutic target in patients with IFN‐related systemic autoinflammatory diseases.
Base‐Mediated O‐Arylation of Alcohols and Phenols by Triarylsulfonium Triflates
Authors: Ming Xiao‐Xia , Tian Ze‐Yu , Zhang Cheng‐Pan
Published: August 2019

A mild and efficient protocol for O‐arylation of alcohols and phenols (ROH) by triarylsulfonium triflates was developed under transition‐metal‐free conditions. Various alcohols, including primary, secondary and tertiary, and phenols bearing either electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups on the aryl rings were smoothly converted to form the corresponding aromatic ethers in moderate to excellent yields. The reactions were conducted at 50 or 80 °C for 24 h in the presence of a certain base and showed good functional group tolerance. The base‐mediated arylation with asymmetric triarylsulfonium salts could selectively transfer the aryl groups of sulfoniums to ROH, depending on their inherent electronic nature. The mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction might proceed through the nucleophilic attack of the in situ formed alkoxy or phenoxy anions at the aromatic carbon atoms of the C−S bonds of triarylsulfonium cations to furnish the target products.
Possible combined effect of El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation on Korea affecting tropical cyclone passage frequency
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Kim Hae‐Dong
Published: August 2019

This study found that the passage frequency of tropical cyclones (TCs) affecting Korea has had negative correlations with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) since the early 1980s. To examine the actual combined effects of PDO and ENSO on the passage frequency of TCs affecting Korea, the positive PDO and ENSO years for 9 years and the negative PDO and ENSO years for 9 years were selected during the periods of 1951–1981 (pre‐1981) and 1982–2012 (post‐1981), and then the average difference between these two phases was analyzed. An analysis of anomalous stream flows at 500 hPa showed the formation of anomalous cyclonic circulations in an east‐to‐west direction from East Asia to the North Pacific both in the pre‐1981 and post‐1981 periods in the positive PDO and ENSO years. However, the anomalous cyclones in East Asia were stronger in the pre‐1981 period, whereas the anomalous cyclones in the North Pacific were stronger in the post‐1981 period. Consequently, China, Korea and the west of Japan were affected by strong anomalous northerlies in the pre‐1981 period, and the TC passage frequency was lower in these regions as a result. In the post‐1981 period, these countries were affected by anomalous northwesterlies or anomalous westerlies.
Recent Development of Aprotic Na‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Qin Bin , Chan Kwong‐Yu , Li Chi‐Ying Vanessa , Li Fujun
Published: August 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Li from Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education) of Nankai University and Prof. Chan from Department of Chemistry of University of Hong Kong. The cover picture illustrates a promising aprotic Na‐O2 battery with a Na metal anode, a porous oxygen diffusion cathode, and discharge product of NaO2. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/batt.201900015.
Analysis of Dichotomized Factorial Data Using Cox's Proportional Hazards Model and Related Tests
Authors: D'Amico F. , Rao B. R. , Enterline P. E.
Published: August 2019

This paper describes how Cox's Proportional Hazards model may be used to analyze dichotomized factorial data obtained from a right‐censored epidemiological study where time to response is of interest. Exact maximum likelihood estimates of the relative mortality rates are derived for any number of prognostic factors, but for the sake of simplicity, the mathematical details are presented for the case of two factors. This method is not based on the life table procedure. Kaplan‐Meier estimates are obtained for the survival function of the internal control population, Which are in turn used to determine the expected number of deaths in the study population. The asymptotic (large sample) joint sampling distribution of the relative mortality rates is derived and some relevant simultaneous and conditional statistical tests are discussed. The relative mortality rates of several prognostic factors may be jointly considered as the multivariate extension of the familiar standard mortality ratio (SMR) of epidemiological studies. A numerical example is discussed to illustrate the method.
Maximum Likelihood Methods for Fitting the Burr Type XII Distribution to Life Test Data
Authors: Wingo D. R.
Published: August 2019

This paper describes mathematical and computational methodology for estimating the parameters of the Burr Type XII distribution by the method of maximum likelihood. Expressions for the asymptotic variances and covariances of the parameter estimates are given, and the modality of the log‐likelihood and conditional log‐likelihood functions is analyzed. As a result of this analysis for various a priori known and unknown parameter combinations, conditions are given which guarantee that the parameter estimates obtained will, indeed, be maximum likelihood estimates. An efficient numerical method for maximizing the conditional log‐likelihood function is described, and mathematical expressions are given for the various numerical approximations needed to evaluate the expressions given for the asymptotic variances and covariances of the parameter estimates. The methodology discussed is applied in a numerical example to life test data arising in a clinical setting.
On the Effect of Correlation Between Plots in Randomized Block Experiments
Authors: Aastveit Are Halvor
Published: August 2019

Correlation between adjacent plots in field experiments are common. In this paper the effect of correlation on the usual analysis of variance in a randomized block design is studied. A generalised analysis of variance where correlation is taken into consideration, and the analysis of covariance where the residuals of the neighbouring plots are used as covariates, is discussed. Uniformity trials are used as a basis of a Monte‐Carlo study. The generalised analysis improved the power of the tests. The analysis of covariance method was not better than the usual analysis of variance method.
Estimation of Finite Population Variance Using Ratio and Product Methods of Estimation
Authors: Singh R. Karan
Published: August 2019

For estimating finite population variance σy2 of a character y under our study, estimators using auxiliary information on a character x in the form of ratio, product, ratio‐type or product‐type estimators have been suggested, and their comparative study with the conventional unbiased estimator sy2 of σy2 has been made in simple random sampling with replacement. A generalized estimator representing a class of estimators for the finite populations variance, has also been studied.