bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface Engineering of MXene Composite Separator for High‐Performance Li–Se and Na–Se Batteries
Authors: Zhang Fan , Guo Xin , Xiong Pan , Zhang Jinqiang , Song Jianjun , Yan Kang , Gao Xiaochun , Liu Hao , Wang Guoxiu
Published: April 2020

Selenium (Se), due to its high electronic conductivity and high energy density, has recently attracted considerable interest as a cathode material for rechargeable Li/Na batteries. However, the poor cycling stability originating from the severe shuttle effect of polyselenides hinders their practical applications. Herein, highly stable Li/Na–Se batteries are developed using ultrathin (≈270 nm, loading of 0.09 mg cm−2) cetrimonium bromide (CTAB)/carbon nanotube (CNT)/Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrid modified polypropylene (PP) (CCNT/MXene/PP) separators. The hybrid separator can immobilize the polyselenides via enhanced Lewis acid–base interactions between CTAB/MXene and polyselenides, which is demonstrated by theoretical calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The incorporation of CNT helps to improve the electrolyte infiltration and facilitate the ionic transport. In situ permeation experiments are conducted for the first time to visually study the behavior of polyselenides, revealing the prohibited shuttle effect and protected Li anode from corrosion with CCNT/MXene/PP separators. As a result, the Li–Se batteries with CCNT/MXene/PP separators deliver an outstanding cycling performance over 500 cycles at 1C with an extremely low capacity decay of 0.05% per cycle. Moreover, the hybrid separators also perform well in Na–Se batteries. This study develops a preferable separator–electrolyte interface and the concept can be applied in other conversion‐type battery systems.
Variety and weed management effects on organic chickpea stand establishment and seed yield
Authors: Mohammed Yesuf Assen , Miller Zachariah , Hubbel Kyrstan , Chen Chengci
Published: April 2020

The need for organic produce is increasing worldwide but weed control remains a critical problem for organic crop production. Three types of weed control practices were evaluated for two organic chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties at the Western (Corvallis) and Eastern (Sidney) Agricultural Research Centers of Montana State University. Treatments included two chickpea varieties (Black and CDC Orion chickpeas), two seeding rates (standard seeding rate or 1× at 43 seeds m−2 and 50% increase over the standard rate or 1.5×), and two pre‐emergent weed control practices (flame weeding and shallow tillage). Results revealed that Black chickpea was associated with greater stand densities and grain yield with lower weed biomass than CDC Orion. Increasing seeding rate for Black chickpea improved crop density and increased grain yield to the extent of 26% compared with the standard seed rate. Flaming increased chickpea grain yield only at Corvallis in 2016. The combined effects of shallow tillage and increased seeding rates resulted in reduced weed biomass. Shallow tillage can be successfully integrated to improve yields and reduce weed pressure in organic chickpea. However, precaution must be taken for the tillage timing to avoid damage to emerging chickpea seedlings. More research is needed to select chickpea varieties that have improved vigor and are more competitive to weed pressure commonly seen in organically managed fields.
Interseeding annual warm‐season grasses into temperate pasturelands: Forage accumulation and composition
Authors: Guretzky John A. , Volesky Jerry D. , Stephenson Mitchell B. , Harmoney Keith R. , Moyer Joseph L.
Published: April 2020

Interseeding annual warm‐season grasses into pastureland dominated by perennial cool‐season grasses may be a strategy to reduce shortage of forage. Field trials were conducted at three Nebraska (Mead, North Platte, and Sidney) and two Kansas (Hays and Mound Valley) locations in 2015–2016 (10 environments) to evaluate forage production responses to six interseeded annual warm‐season grass—corn (Zea mays L.), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.), sudangrass (S. bicolor [L.] Moench ssp. drummondii [Nees ex Steud.] de Wet & Harlan), a sorghum–sudangrass hybrid (S. bicolor × S. bicolor var. sudanense), and an unseeded control—and two harvest frequency (once at 90 d and twice at 45 and 90 d after interseeding) treatments. Across environments, total forage accumulation was 146–214% and 100–102% greater in sudangrass and sorghum–sudangrass interseeded than unseeded pastures when harvested once and twice after interseeding, respectively. In smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pastures, interseeding sudangrass and sorghum–sudangrass increased forage accumulation in both years at Mead but in only one year at North Platte. In tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] Darbysh.) pastures, interseeding forage sorghum and sorghum–sudangrass increased forage accumulation by 103–211% relative to unseeded pastures. Interseeding annual warm‐season grasses presents an effective strategy to increase forage accumulation in humid pasturelands harvested once or twice after interseeding (Mead and Mound Valley). In semiarid pasturelands, forage responses to interseeding will vary from year‐to‐year depending on timing and amount of precipitation, but forage accumulation can be significant.
Mixture of controlled‐release and normal urea to improve nitrogen management for maize across contrasting soil types
Authors: Li Chunlin , Wang Yin , Li Yuxi , Zhu Lin , Cao Yaqi , Zhao Xiaohui , Feng Guozhong , Gao Qiang
Published: April 2020

Mixed application of controlled‐release and normal urea (MCU) is considered as a promising alternative to farmers’ practice with one‐time nitrogen fertilization (FP) and optimal split nitrogen fertilization (OPT). In this study, MCU effectiveness on maize (Zea maysL.) were investigated by conducting 2‐yr field experiments on sandy and clay soils. Across the 2 yr, grain yields in MCU increased by 22 and 18% relative to FP on sand and clay soils, respectively, and net returns increased by 65 and 19%, respectively, while total N losses reduced by 228 and 193 kg N ha−1, respectively. In general, MCU showed significant advantages in agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits relative to FP across soil types, and the advantages were more remarkable on sandy soil. Although OPT also showed better effectiveness relative to FP, while its performances were similar to MCU on clay soil but slightly less effective on sandy soil. Compared to FP, the lower N rate and optimized N management in MCU and OPT effectively reduced N loss and ensured sufficient soil N availability to meet maize N demand at the later growth stage, accumulated more dry matter (DM) and N in plants that associated with larger post‐silking ratios, and consequently improved grain yield and nitrogen recovery efficiency (REN). Our results demonstrated that MCU is an effective and promising method to concurrently meet smallholders’ requirement for simplified fertilization and the optimal N management strategy, could replace OPT as an optimal N management method for maize on both two soil types, especially on sandy soil.
GSH and H2O2 Co‐Activatable Mitochondria‐Targeted Photodynamic Therapy under Normoxia and Hypoxia
Authors: Sun Jian , Du Ke , Diao Jiajie , Cai Xuetong , Feng Fude , Wang Shu
Published: April 2020

Currently, photosensitizers (PSs) that are microenvironment responsive and hypoxia active are scarcely available and urgently desired for antitumor photodynamic therapy (PDT). Presented herein is the design of a redox stimuli activatable metal‐free photosensitizer (aPS), also functioning as a pre‐photosensitizer as it is converted to a PS by the mutual presence of glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with high specificity on a basis of domino reactions on the benzothiadiazole ring. Superior to traditional PSs, the activated aPS contributed to efficient generation of reactive oxygen species including singlet oxygen and superoxide ion through both type 1 and type 2 pathways, alleviating the aerobic requirement for PDT. Equipped with a triphenylphosphine ligand for mitochondria targeting, mitoaPS showed excellent phototoxicity to tumor cells with low light fluence under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, after activation by intracellular GSH and H2O2. The mitoaPS was also compatible to near infrared PDT with two photon excitation (800 nm) for extensive bioapplications.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Silicon‐Stereogenic Silanes by Copper‐Catalyzed Desymmetrizing Protoboration of Vinylsilanes
Authors: Zhang Ge , Li Yanfei , Wang Ying , Zhang Qian , Xiong Tao , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2020

The catalytic asymmetric creation of silanes with silicon stereocenters is a long‐sought but underdeveloped topic, and only a handful of examples have been reported. Moreover, the construction of chiral silanes containing (more than) two stereocenters is a more arduous task and remains unexploited. We herein report an unprecedented copper‐catalyzed desymmetrizing protoboration of divinyl‐substituted silanes with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2). This method enables the facile preparation of an array of enantiomerically enriched boronate‐substituted organosilanes bearing contiguous silicon and carbon stereocenters with exclusive regioselectivity and generally excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity.
Encapsulation of Zn–Fe layered double hydroxide on activated carbon and its litheness in tuning anionic and rhoda dyes through adsorption mechanism
Authors: Sirajudheen P. , Meenakshi S.
Published: April 2020

A flexible layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite of zinc and iron was encapsulated on orange peel activated carbon (Zn–Fe LDH EAC) surface by coprecipitation method to study the adsorption properties of acid blue (AB) and rhodamine B (RhB) dyes from water. Activated carbon was employed as a structure retaining agent as well as a supporting material for Zn and Fe hydroxides. The Zn–Fe hydroxides were introduced on activated carbon surfaces to study the effective removal of toxic AB and RhB dyes and their interaction mechanisms with composite surface. Various characterization techniques such as Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDAX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyse the fabricated and dye adsorbed composite. The adsorption experiments were carried out by varying different parameters such as contact time, dosage, pH and initial dye concentration. The fabricated composite exhibited increased adsorption density for both the dyes than the other developed hybrids. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm was found to be the better fit data than the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption of AB and RhB dyes on the adsorbent was 98.4% and 96.2% respectively. The high adsorption efficiency of Zn–Fe LDH Encapsulated Activated Carbon composite was due to the electrostatic attraction between zinc‐ferric hydroxide particles with AB and RhB and also the hydrogen bonding between Zn–Fe LDH EAC composite with AB and RhB dyes, during the adsorption process.
Effect of coal powder mass‐energy conversion efficiency on oxygen coal ironmaking and parameter optimization
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhang Xiao‐hua , Zhang Yu‐zhu , Zhang Qiao‐rong , Shi Xue‐feng , Zhen Chang‐liang , Kong Zheng
Published: April 2020

A new process of prereduction of rotary kiln‐oxygen coal combustion and melting ironmaking was developed. The core is to realize the conversion of mass and energy of pulverized coal through high‐density injection of pulverized coal and high‐density combustion in the molten pool to provide the required energy for the ironmaking process. By calculating the combined energy values of working conditions under different metallization rates (η), gas oxidation degrees (α) and blast oxygen content (μ), the pulverized coal consumption, exergy income, exergy expenditure, four gas exergy values, and process of the process system under different working conditions were analyzed. Exergy using efficiency, quantitatively evaluated the interaction between the mass‐energy conversion efficiency of coal powder and process parameters and used orthogonal analysis to determine the combination of working conditions with the highest energy utilization rate. The results show that increasing the metallization rate, gas oxidation degree, and blasting oxygen content will change the exergy value, and the exergy utilization efficiency will increase with the increase of metallization rate, gas oxidation degree, and blast oxygen content, but the various parts exergy the value does not reach the optimum with the increase of the process operating parameters. After comparing and analyzing the overall working conditions, it can be known that when the charge metallization rate is 70%, the melting furnace gas oxidation degree is 12% and the blast oxygen content is 98%, the rotary kiln‐oxygen coal combustion melting furnace has the best operating conditions and the highest energy utilization efficiency. A mathematical relationship model including metallization rate, gas oxidation degree, blast oxygen content, and process exergy utilization efficiency was established: y = η × 0.1908+α × 0.467227383+μ × 0.137069+0.522508.
Orally delivered dsRNA induces knockdown of target genes and mortality in the Asian long‐horned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis
Authors: Dhandapani Ramesh Kumar , Duan Jian Jun , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: April 2020

The Asian long‐horned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis is a serious invasive forest pest in several countries, including the United States. Methods available to manage or eradicate this pest are extremely limited, but RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a potentially effective method to control ALB. In this study, we used sucrose feeding bioassay for oral delivery of double‐strand RNA (dsRNA) to ALB larvae. 32P‐labeled dsRNA orally delivered to ALB larvae using the sucrose droplet feeding method was processed to small interfering RNA. Feeding neonate larvae with dsRNA targeting genes coding for the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), vacuolar sorting protein SNF7 (SNF7), and snakeskin (SSK) induced knockdown of target genes and mortality. Feeding 2 µg of dsRNA per day for 3 days did not induce a significant decrease in the expression of target genes or mortality. However, feeding 5 or 10 µg of dsRNA per day for 3 days induced a significant decrease in the expression of target genes and 50–90% mortality. Interestingly, feeding 2.5 µg each of dsIAP plus dsSNF7, dsIAP plus dsSSK, or dsSNF7 plus dsSSK per day for 3 days induced a significant decrease in the expression of both target genes and approximately 80% mortality. Our findings demonstrate that orally delivered dsRNA induces target gene knockdown and mortality in ALB neonate larvae and RNAi technology may have the potential for effective ALB control.
Düsenstrahlpfähle für die Schleuse Brunsbüttel unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der GW‐Verhältnisse
Authors: Pohl Martin , Nuber Thomas , Abratis Joachim , Peschken Gabriele
Published: April 2020

Bei Europas derzeit größter Wasserbaustelle, dem Neubau der fünften Schleusenkammer in Brunsbüttel, kommen zur Rückverankerung der Schleusenkammerwände und ‐sohle sog. Düsenstrahlpfähle zum Einsatz. Der Einsatz dieser Elemente wurde aufgrund mehrerer Aspekte erforderlich: im Nahbereich der über 100 Jahre alten Schleusen darf nicht gerammt werden, das Grundwasser (GW) weist erhöhte Konzentrationen an Ammonium und Sulfat im Lastabtragungsbereich der geplanten Rückverankerung auf, zudem müssen vergleichsweise hohe Lasten bis zu 2 600 kN abgetragen werden.

Die Düsenstrahlpfähle bestehen aus einer Düsenstrahlsäule mit einem Durchmesser von 1,0 m und Längen bis zu 7,5 m, in die ein Stahlzugglied (Durchmesser bis 14 cm) eingestellt wird. Da für derartige Düsenstrahlpfähle keine allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung existiert, wurde nach umfangreichen Untersuchungen und theoretischen Betrachtungen eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall erteilt.

Die Düsenstrahlpfähle wurden gewählt, weil beim Aufdüsen des Baugrunds durch unterschiedliche Erosionswiderstände eine Verzahnung der Düsenstrahlsäule mit dem Baugrund entsteht. Somit wird, unter Einsatz eines Zements mit einem geringen w/z‐Wert von 0,6, eine dauerhafte Lastabtragung, selbst bei Betonangriff, gewährleistet. Die Düsenstrahlpfähle kommen in Tiefen ab 25 m u. GOK (in den tragfähigen Sanden) zum Einsatz. Umfassende Betrachtungen zu den Grundwasserverhältnissen und zur ‐beschaffenheit konnten den Einsatz der Düsenstrahlpfähle optimieren.
Built‐in RNA‐mediated chaperone (chaperna) for antigen folding tailored to immunized hosts
Authors: Kim Young‐Seok , Lim Jongkwan , Sung Jemin , Cheong Yucheol , Lee Eun‐Young , Kim Jihoon , Oh Hana , Kim Yeon‐Sook , Cho Nam‐Hyuk , Choi Seongil , Kang Sang‐Moo , Nam Jae‐Hwan , Chae Wonil , Seong Baik L.
Published: April 2020

High‐quality antibody (Ab) production depends on the availability of immunologically relevant antigens. We present a potentially universal platform for generating soluble antigens from bacterial hosts, tailored to immunized animals for Ab production. A novel RNA‐dependent chaperone, in which the target antigen is genetically fused with an RNA‐interacting domain (RID) docking tag derived from the immunized host, promotes the solubility and robust folding of the target antigen. We selected the N‐terminal tRNA‐binding domain of lysyl‐tRNA synthetase (LysRS) as the RID for fusion with viral proteins and demonstrated the expression of the RID fusion proteins in their soluble and native conformations; immunization predominantly elicited Ab responses to the target antigen, whereas the “self” RID tag remained nonimmunogenic. Differential immunogenicity of the fusion proteins greatly enriched and simplified the screening of hybridoma clones of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), enabling specific and sensitive serodiagnosis of MERS‐CoV infection. Moreover, mAbs against the consensus influenza hemagglutinin stalk domain enabled a novel assay for trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines. The Fc‐mediated effector function was demonstrated, which could be harnessed for the design of next‐generation “universal” influenza vaccines. The nonimmunogenic built‐in antigen folding module tailored to a repertoire of immunized animal hosts will drive immunochemical diagnostics, therapeutics, and designer vaccines.
MRI cT1–2 rectal cancer staging accuracy: a population-based study
Authors: Detering R , Oostendorp S E , Meyer V M , Dieren S , Bos A C R K , Dekker J W T , Reerink O , Waesberghe J H T M , Marijnen C A M , Moons L M G , Beets-Tan R G H , Hompes R , Westreenen H L , Tanis P J , Tuynman J B ,   on behalf of the Dutch ColoRectal Audit Group
Published: April 2020

Background

Adequate MRI-based staging of early rectal cancers is essential for decision-making in an era of organ-conserving treatment approaches. The aim of this population-based study was to determine the accuracy of routine daily MRI staging of early rectal cancer, whether or not combined with endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS).

Methods

Patients with cT1–2 rectal cancer who underwent local excision or total mesorectal excision (TME) without downsizing (chemo)radiotherapy between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2018 were selected from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. The accuracy of imaging was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value.

Results

Of 7382 registered patients with cT1–2 rectal cancer, 5539 were included (5288 MRI alone, 251 MRI and ERUS; 1059 cT1 and 4480 cT2). Among patients with pT1 tumours, 54·7 per cent (792 of 1448) were overstaged by MRI alone, and 31·0 per cent (36 of 116) by MRI and ERUS. Understaging of pT2 disease occurred in 8·2 per cent (197 of 2388) and 27·9 per cent (31 of 111) respectively. MRI alone overstaged pN0 in 17·3 per cent (570 of 3303) and the PPV for assignment of cN0 category was 76·3 per cent (2733 of 3583). Of 834 patients with pT1 N0 disease, potentially suitable for local excision, tumours in 253 patients (30·3 per cent) were staged correctly as cT1 N0, whereas 484 (58·0 per cent) and 97 (11·6 per cent) were overstaged as cT2 N0 and cT1–2 N1 respectively.

Conclusion

This Dutch population-based analysis of patients who underwent local excision or TME surgery for cT1–2 rectal cancer based on preoperative MRI staging revealed substantial overstaging, indicating the weaknesses of MRI and missed opportunities for organ preservation strategies.
Risk of colorectal cancer associated with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation carriers: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cullinane C M , Creavin B , O'Connell E P , Kelly L , O'Sullivan M J , Corrigan M A , Redmond H P
Published: April 2020

Background

Carriers of the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation incur a lifetime risk of up to 85 per cent for breast cancer, and between 20 and 40 per cent for ovarian cancer. Efforts to estimate the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer for BRCA mutation carriers have produced conflicting results. Consequently, there are no formal guidelines regarding the need for bowel screening for individuals with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the risk of colorectal cancer associated with BRCA carrier mutations.

Methods

The primary outcome was incidence of colorectal cancer in BRCA mutation carriers. Secondary outcomes were the incidence in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, Ashkenazi Jews, and age- and sex-matched cohorts.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the review, with an overall population of 14 252 and 4831 colorectal cancers identified. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no increase in colorectal cancer among patients carrying a BRCA mutation (odds ratio 1·03, 95 per cent c.i. 0·80 to 1·32; P = 0·82). After adjustment for Ashkenazi heritage, and age and sex estimates, there was no increased odds of developing colorectal cancer (with no heterogeneity, I2 = 0 per cent).

Conclusion

BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation carriers are not at a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
A structural model relating gratitude, resilience, psychological well‐being and creativity among psychological counsellors
Authors: Arnout Boshra A. , Almoied Ayed A.
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to evaluate a hypothesised structural model that reflects the relationship between gratitude, resilience, well‐being and counsellors' creativity. The study sample consisted of 610 psychological counsellors, aged between 25 and 45 years. This sample was divided into two subsamples: the first consisted of 241 counsellors to test the measurement properties of the scales used in this study; and the second consisted of 369 counsellors to evaluate the hypothesised structural model. Researchers prepared the gratitude scale, resilience scale and psychological well‐being scale, and they prepared the short form of the counselling creativity scale that was prepared by Al‐Waleedi & Arnout (2017). In order to detect how gratitude, resilience and well‐being can predict creativity, the proposed structural model was examined using structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings from the test of the hypothesised structural model concluded that the independent variables gratitude and resilience contributed directly to predict creativity as a dependent variable. At the same time, these independent variables contributed indirectly to the prediction of creativity as a dependent variable through the factor of well‐being. The hypothesised structural model of gratitude, resilience and well‐being shows goodness of fit with the empirical collected data and is able to predict creativity among counsellors. These findings are useful in providing gratitude, resilience, well‐being and creativity for practitioners in the field of psychological service, as well as drawing attention to the importance of gratitude, resilience and well‐being in providing effective counselling services in a creative way.
Ozone as decontaminating agent for ground corn containing deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A
Authors: Krstović Saša , Krulj Jelena , Jakšić Sandra , Bočarov‐Stančić Aleksandra , Jajić Igor
Published: April 2020

Mycotoxins have been known as one of the major food safety risks in food and feed. The focus of many studies is a quest for solutions that will provide decontamination of mycotoxin‐contaminated commodities. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of ozone treatment on deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and ochratoxin A (OTA) content in naturally contaminated ground corn. Moisture content in ground corn at the beginning of ozonation procedure was 10.00 ± 0.07%. Ozone levels of 40, 85, and 99 mg/L were applied on contaminated ground corn for 20, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min, resulting in the decrease of DON, ZEN, and OTA up to 42.8%, 68.1%, and 70.3%, respectively. Unfortunately, DON, as a common contaminant of corn, appeared to be quite difficult to degrade, with estimated half‐life range of 217–330 min. First‐order kinetic model applied to mycotoxin degradation rate showed good fit for the application at ozone levels of 85 and 99 mg/L for all three mycotoxins, with a regression coefficient range from 0.82 to 0.97. Accordingly, ozone could be used as an effective way to decontaminate ground corn naturally contaminated with DON, ZEN, and OTA, although being more effective in the degradation of ZEN and OTA than in case of DON.
Pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Martinez Quintero Beatriz , Yazbeck Cynthia
Published: April 2020

Severe primary hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pituitary enlargement. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy should lead to regression of pituitary hyperplasia.
Characteristics and Vanadium Adsorption Performance of Resin/Carbon Composite Electrodes in Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Chen Qi , Bao Shenxu , Zhang Yimin
Published: April 2020

Activated carbon (AC) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to fabricate resin/carbon composite electrodes (D314/AC and D314/CNTs). The adsorption characteristics of vanadium (V) on the two electrodes under different pH and voltage conditions were compared in capacitive deionization. Physical and electrochemical studies on the electrodes indicated that micropores and mesopores are well balanced in D314/AC, but mesopores are dominant in D314/CNTs. D314/CNTs showed higher specific capacitance and higher ion adsorption capacity than D314/AC. This study indicated that the adsorption performance of composite electrodes for V is affected by the electrode material, especially the pore properties.
Developing sensor‐based irrigation scheduling that maximizes soybean grain yield, irrigation water use efficiency, and returns above irrigation costs
Authors: Wood C. W. , Krutz L. J. , Henry W. B. , Irby T. , Orlowski J. M. , Bryant C. J. , Atwill R. L. , Spencer G. D. , Mills B. E.
Published: April 2020

Agricultural withdrawal from the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial aquifer (MRVAA) exceeds its recharge rate, causing groundwater declines and cones of depression across the midsouthern United States. This research was conducted to determine whether sensor‐based irrigation scheduling of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] could improve yield and profitability while minimizing consumptive water use. The effects of season‐long soil water potential (SWP) threshold (−50 and −85 centibar [cbar]) on consumptive water use and on agronomic and economic parameters were compared with scheduling irrigations as a function of growth stage (VN–R2, R3–R4, and R5–R6.5) and SWP threshold (−50, −85, and −125 cbar) on a Dundee silty clay loam (fine‐silty, mixed, active, thermic Typic Endoaqualfs) near Stoneville, MS, from 2015 through 2017. Decreasing the season‐long SWP threshold for soybean from −50 to −85 cbar reduced consumptive water use 49% while having no adverse effect on yield, returns above irrigation costs, or irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Adjusting the irrigation threshold as a function of growth stage did not improve yield or returns above irrigation costs. Our data indicate that maintaining a season‐long irrigation threshold of −85 cbars optimizes yield, returns above irrigation costs, and IWUE efficiency while reducing withdrawal for soybean irrigation from the MRVAA up to 49% relative to the −50 cbar producer standard.
Bismuth(III) Flavonolates: The Impact of Structural Diversity on Antibacterial Activity, Mammalian Cell Viability and Cellular Uptake
Authors: Burke Kirralee J. , Stephens Liam J. , Werrett Melissa V. , Andrews Philip C.
Published: April 2020

A series of homoleptic and heteroleptic bismuth(III) flavonolate complexes derived from six flavonols of varying substitution have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The complexes were evaluated for antibacterial activity towards several problematic Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE)) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The cell viability of COS‐7 (monkey kidney) cells treated with the bismuth flavonolates was also studied to determine the effect of the complexes on mammalian cells. The heteroleptic complexes [BiPh(L)2] (in which L=flavonolate) showed good antibacterial activity towards all of the bacteria but reduced COS‐7 cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner. The homoleptic complexes [Bi(L)3] exhibited activity towards the Gram‐positive bacteria and showed low toxicity towards the mammalian cell line. Bismuth uptake studies in VRE and COS‐7 cells treated with the bismuth flavonolate complexes indicated that Bi accumulation is influenced by both the substitution of the flavonolate ligands and the degree of substitution at the bismuth centre.
Heavy Metals Make a Chain: A Catenated Bismuth Compound
Authors: Riley Robert D. , Dickie Diane A. , Land Michael A. , Kemp Richard A. , Macdonald Charles L. B. , Werner‐Zwanziger Ulrike , Robertson Katherine N. , Clyburne Jason A. C.
Published: April 2020

Catenation is common for the light main‐group elements whereas it is rare for the heavy elements. Herein, we report the first example of a neutral molecule containing a Bi4 chain. It is prepared in a one‐step reaction between bismuth trichloride and bis(diisopropylphosphino)amine in methanol suspension. The same reaction carried out in dichloromethane gives quite different products. All products have been characterized spectroscopically and using single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.
Long‐term causes of death among pediatric patients with cancer
Authors: Horn Samantha R. , Stoltzfus Kelsey C. , Mackley Heath B. , Lehrer Eric J. , Zhou Shouhao , Dandekar Smita C. , Fox Edward J. , Rizk Elias B. , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Rao Pooja M. , Zaorsky Nicholas G.
Published: April 2020

Background

The objectives of this study were to characterize the risk of death (1) from the primary cancer vs competing cause of death; and (2) from various causes of death vs the general poplation. The relative risk of death after a pediatric cancer diagnosis versus the general population and the risk of death from a primary cancer diagnosis versus competing causes of death.

Methods

This retrospective, population‐based study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1980‐2015) and included patients aged 0 to 19 years at the time of diagnosis. Observed deaths were calculated; the risk of death versus the general population was assessed with standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). Competing risk models for the cause of death were performed.

Results

There were 58,356 patients who were diagnosed, and the mortality rate was 22.8%. To assess causes of death, 6996 patients who died during the study period were included (45,580 total person‐years at risk): 5128 (73%) died of their primary cancer, and 1868 (27%) died of a competing cause. Among all patients, the rate of death from the index cancer was higher than the rate of death from another cause within the first 5 years after diagnosis. The risk of death from a nonprimary cancer began to supersede the rate of death from the primary cancer 10 years after diagnosis for patients with germ cell tumors, lymphomas, and sarcomas. SMRs for the primary cancer were highest within the first 5 years after diagnosis for all cancers (SMRs, 100‐50,000; P < .0001). The risk of death from competing causes (heart disease, suicide, and sepsis) was elevated (SMR, >100; P < .001). The risk of dying of heart disease was high, especially for patients with astrocytomas (SMR, 47.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27.87‐76.59) and neuroblastomas (SMR, 98.59; 95% CI, 47.28‐181.32). The risk of dying of suicide was high in most patients, particularly for those with osteosarcomas (SMR, 111.40; 95% CI, 2.82‐620.69), Hodgkin lymphomas (SMR, 62.35; 95% CI, 34.89‐102.83), and gonadal germ cell tumors (SMR, 28.97; 95% CI, 12.51‐57.09).

Conclusions

The cause of death for patients with gonadal germ cell tumors, lymphomas, and sarcomas is more commonly a secondary cancer or noncancerous cause than the primary disease; their risk of death from competing causes (heart disease, suicide, and sepsis) rises throughout life.
Assessing gloss under diffuse and specular lighting
Authors: Ged Guillaume , Rabal‐Almazor Ana‐Maria , Himbert Marc E. , Obein Gael
Published: April 2020

The visual sensation of gloss is built on cues deduced from the interaction between light, surfaces sunder evaluation, and surrounding conditions. Gloss is a second‐order attribute of the visual appearance, this means that its perception is not directly encoded on biological sensors but constructed from the global scene in the field of view of the observer. It is then a complex quantity to measure. When most studies based on simulated samples stress on the importance of realistic observation conditions, we measure the effect of environment complexity over perception of real samples. We test two different lighting conditions: either diffuse or a combination of diffuse and collimated lighting in order to approach natural complex illumination patterns. Under both lighting conditions, we test two environments: a standard black light booth, designed according to the ASTM D4449, and a realistic office cubicle. Samples consist in a seven‐level gloss scale ranging from full matt to high gloss. These are presented to observers through pair comparison protocol, according to a maximum likelihood difference scaling algorithm. Our results confirm that gloss constancy is maintained even if the convergence of illumination varies. We however measure that the constancy is lost for matt samples perception.
Characterizing resistance to soybean cyst nematode in PI 494182, an early maturing soybean accession
Authors: St‐Amour V. Thomas Boucher , Mimee Benjamin , Torkamaneh Davoud , Jean Martine , Belzile François , O'Donoughue Louise S.
Published: April 2020

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) generates more damage to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] than any other parasite in most soybean‐producing countries. The use of SCN‐resistant cultivars remains the most effective method to limit losses caused by SCN. The SCN‐resistant accession PI 88788 has been used almost exclusively to control SCN over the past decades, inducing a shift in nematode virulence to overcome the resistance. Furthermore, PI 88788 and other sources of resistance characterized to date belong to maturity groups (MGs) III and higher, making them less attractive to develop early maturing soybean varieties (MGs 0‐000). In this work, we performed a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of the SCN‐resistant soybean accession PI 494182 (MG 0). A recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population (‘Costaud’ × PI 494182) segregating for SCN resistance was challenged with SCN (H. glycines [HG] type 0) and genotyped via genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to produce a genetic map. Six resistance QTL were identified, including a potentially new resistance locus on chromosome 07. A subset of the RIL population was confronted to a HG type 2.5.7 SCN population and some of these exhibited resistance toward this type. Whole‐genome sequencing of PI 494182 and Costaud allowed us to determine the alleles and their copy number for three candidate genes: GmSNAP11, GmSNAP18 (Rhg1), and GmSHMT08 (Rhg4). Finally, we determined that selecting for PI 494182 alleles at some SCN‐resistance QTL could entail linkage drag (decrease in protein concentration and 100‐seed weight, increase in oil concentration). This work provides useful markers for introgressing SCN resistance in early maturing soybean varieties.
Consequences of multiple simultaneous opportunities to exploit others’ efforts on free riding
Authors: Dubois Frédérique , Richard‐Dionne Étienne
Published: April 2020

Individuals within a group do not all act in the same way: Typically, the investors (or producers) put efforts into producing resources while the free riders (or scroungers) benefit from these resources without contributing. In behavioral ecology, the prevalence of free riders can be predicted by a well‐known game‐theoretical model—the producer–scrounger (PS) model—where group members have the options to either search for resources (producers) or exploit the efforts of others (scroungers). The PS model has received some empirical support, but its predictions, surprisingly, are based on the strict assumption that only one resource can be exploited at a time. Yet, multiple simultaneous opportunities to exploit others’ efforts should frequently occur in nature. Here, we combine analytic and simulation approaches to explore the effect of multiple simultaneous scrounging opportunities on tactic use. Our analyses demonstrate that scrounging rates should increase with the number of simultaneous opportunities. As such, the amount and spatial distribution (i.e., clumped vs. dispersed) of resources as well as the risk of predation are key predictors of scrounging behavior. Because scroungers contribute to reducing the speed of resource exploitation, the model proposed here has direct relevance to the exploitation and sustainability of renewable resources.
Behavioral adjustments and support use of François' langur in limestone habitat in Fusui, China: Implications for behavioral thermoregulation
Authors: Li Youbang , Huang Xiaohong , Huang Zhonghao
Published: April 2020

Climatic factors such as temperature and humidity vary seasonally in primate habitats; thus, behavioral adjustments and microhabitat selection by primate species have been interpreted as behavioral adaptations. François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), a native species to southwest China and northern Vietnam, inhabits a limestone habitat with extreme climatic conditions. To understand the potential effects of climatic seasonality on this species, we collected data on the individual behavioral budgets in a T. francoisi group between January and December 2010 in Fusui County, China. Monthly, we performed 5–11 days of observation during this period, using focal animal sampling and continuous recording methods. We also recorded ambient temperature (Ta) and relative humidity (Hr) data at our study site. Results indicated that Ta and Hr were significantly correlated with each other and fluctuated dramatically on a daily, monthly, and seasonal basis. The amount of time spent resting, grooming, basking, and huddling also varied on a daily, monthly, and seasonal basis. The proportion of resting time and total sedentary activity time significantly increased at high and low Tas, respectively. The total sedentary time, resting time, and plant branch use all showed positive significant correlations with Ta. Our results suggest that behavioral adjustment and support use of T. francoisi, at least partly, were related to thermoregulation. T. francoisi minimized thermal stress through behavioral adjustments and support use. It is an adaptive behavior associated with the climatic extremes of limestone habitat. This study can potentially advise conservation management strategies in this specific habitat. Conservation efforts should focus on vegetation restoration in langurs' habitat, including those in the foothills.
Turbulence, instream wood and fish: Ecohydraulic interactions under field conditions
Authors: Trinci Giuditta , Harvey Gemma Louise , Henshaw Alexander James , Bertoldi Walter , Hölker Franz
Published: April 2020

Previous work suggests that ecohydraulics should consider the broad range of parameters that characterize turbulent flow combining intensity, periodicity, orientation and scale (IPOS; Lacey, Neary, Liao, Enders, & Tritico, 2012), but ecohydraulics research under field conditions in natural river systems remains rare, largely due to practical constraints. A novel combination of turbulence properties, computed from high‐frequency velocity time series, and underwater video of fish habitat use are presented here for two submerged large wood patches on a side channel of the Tagliamento River, Italy, providing insights into ecohydraulic interactions and the first known field application of the IPOS framework. Two adjacent wood patches of similar size reveal distinct differences in turbulence properties and fish habitat use, emphasizing the importance of considering the diverse properties of turbulent flow and reflecting the role of wood structural properties and position in determining the exact nature of hydraulic habitat. Key gradients in turbulence properties derived from multivariate analysis broadly align with IPOS categories, providing statistical validation for the IPOS framework. The application of IPOS to a habitat‐focused study demonstrates its utility in understanding and deriving key trends from large and complex turbulence data sets. The results also provide a preliminary indication that IPOS‐derived gradients may be helpful in explaining fish habitat selection, but these findings need further validation through high spatial resolution studies with different species and bioenergetics models. These insights support previous calls for inclusion of diverse turbulence parameters in ecohydraulics research and, where possible, more explicit consideration of turbulence properties in river assessment, conservation and restoration.
Energetic context determines species and community responses to ocean acidification
Authors: Brown Norah E. M. , Bernhardt Joey R. , Harley Christopher D. G.
Published: April 2020

Physiological responses to ocean acidification are thought to be related to energetic trade‐offs. Although a number of studies have proposed that negative responses to low pH could be minimized in situations where food resources are more readily available, evidence for such effects on individuals remain mixed, and the consequences of such effects at the community level remain untested. We explored the potential for food availability and diet quality to modify the effects of acidification on developing marine fouling communities in field‐deployed mesocosms by supplementing natural food supply with one of two species of phytoplankton, differing in concentration of fatty acids. After 12 weeks, no species demonstrated the interactive effects generally predicted in the literature, where a positive overall effect of diet mitigated the negative overall effects of acidification. Rather, for some species, additional food supply appeared to bring out or exacerbate the negative effects of low pH. Community richness and structure were only altered by acidification, while space occupation and evenness reflected patterns of the most dominant species. Importantly, we find that acidification stress can increase the relative abundance of invasive species, even under resource conditions that otherwise prevented invasive species establishment. Overall, the proposed hypothesis regarding the ability for food addition to mitigate the negative effects of acidification is thus far not widely supported at species or community levels. It is clear that acidification is a strong driving force in these communities but understanding underlying energetic and competitive context is essential to developing mechanistic predictions for climate change responses.
Traceless Isoprenylation of Aldehydes via N‐Boc‐N‐(1,1‐dimethylallyl)hydrazones
Authors: Heerdegen Desirée , Junker Julia , Dittrich Sebastian , Mayer Peter , Bracher Franz
Published: April 2020

A short isoprenylation protocol starting from non‐conjugated N‐Boc‐N‐(1,1‐dimethylallyl)hydrazones was developed utilising Thomson's traceless bond construction. This type of [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement is catalysed by the Brønsted acid triflimide and liberates only gaseous by‐products. The required N‐Boc‐N‐allylhydrazine precursor is available in three steps starting from a known diazene using biocatalytic aldol addition and Tebbe olefination as key steps. Allylhydrazones are prepared via condensation with appropriate aldehydes. Scope and limitations of the [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangements are analysed.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG‐400) as Methylene Spacer and Green Solvent for the Synthesis of Heterodiarylmethanes under Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Rawat Deepa , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: April 2020

Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG‐400) has been employed as a green, biodegradable solvent as well as methylene spacer for the one‐pot synthesis of heterodiarylmethanes under metal‐free conditions. PEG‐400 is used for the dimerization of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical fused heterocycles and arenes as methylene spacer. The reaction was facilitated by (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (PIDA) as an oxidant. This reaction proceeds without transition metal, base, ligand, and under additive‐free conditions involving the coupling of sp3 and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms. The method is applicable for variety of heterocycles such as imidazopyridines, imidazothioazoles, imidazobenzothiozoles, indolizines, indole, 1‐methyl‐1H‐indole, N,N‐dimethylaniline and trimethoxybenzene. Good to excellent yields and applicability to gram‐scale synthesis demonstrate the potential scope of the process for commercial/industrial applications.
Technical and economic evaluation of triethylene glycol regeneration process using flash gas as stripping gas in a domestic natural gas dehydration unit
Authors: Affandy Sony A. , Kurniawan Adhi , Handogo Renanto , Sutikno Juwari P. , Chien I‐Lung
Published: April 2020

Natural gas from an underground reservoir is typically saturated with water vapor. Removal of this water vapor is required in the gas processing to avoid serious problems. This study investigated the technical and economic aspects of a triethylene glycol (TEG) regeneration unit in a domestic natural gas processing plant. This study aims to improve the performance of this dehydration unit to meet sales gas specifications while minimizing the Total Annual Cost (TAC). The important variables in this work are TEG circulation mass flow and rerouting the gas from TEG Flash Drum to TEG Regenerator as stripping gas. The flash gas, instead of discharged directly to the Flare system, is routed to the TEG Regenerator and serves as stripping gas agent to improve the TEG purity. The results revealed that utilizing flash gas as stripping gas has allowed lower TEG circulation mass flow rate and reduced the reboiler duty from 1.464 to 0.934 GJ/h (a 36.2% reduction). The TAC was reduced from $ 296 058/year to $ 236 890 /year (20.0% reduction). Through this work, a more economical design was obtained compared to the base case design.