bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using SAT/ACT for admissions, scholarships under scrutiny
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: November 2020

Admissions criteria during the pandemic left colleges and universities in a difficult position. Schools traditionally used SAT/ACT scores in the admissions process, but some no longer do. In California, students with disabilities sought to enjoin the Regents of the University of California from considering SAT/ACT test results in admissions and scholarship decisions, and a California state court agreed, holding that students with disabilities are denied meaningful access to admission and scholarship opportunities “in large part because they haven't taken these tests and will not be able to take them with appropriate accommodations during this Covid‐19 pandemic” (Smith, et al. v. Regents of the University of California, et al., No. RG19046222 (Cal. Super. Ct. 08/31/20)).
Did university fail to accommodate student's pregnancy?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2020

The plaintiff enrolled in Fox College's physical therapy program in 2015. A year later, the plaintiff informed the administration she was pregnant and her due date conflicted with her scheduled final clinical placement in February 2017. She also expressed her intent to begin her clinical work in January 2017 and complete the remaining hours after childbirth and recovery.
Clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis of Laugier‐Hunziker syndrome: An extremely rare case with unusual extensive oral hyperpigmentation
Authors: Toedtling Verena , Crawford Fiona Carol
Published: November 2020

Laugier‐Hunziker syndrome is a rare and benign disorder characterized by hyperpigmentation of the lips and buccal mucosae with associated longitudinal melanonychia of nails. Clinical correlation is needed to rule out other pigmentary disorders.
The role of red blood cell exchange in sickle cell disease in patient with COVID‐19 infection and pulmonary infiltrates
Authors: Okar Lina , Aldeeb Maya , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: November 2020

Due to the overlap between ACS and COVID‐19 pneumonia, we recommend close monitoring for those patients and offering them RBC exchange early in the course of the disease to avoid clinical deterioration.
Nucleation Rate Prediction of Curcumin Particles in Microfluidic‐Assisted Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Valeh-e-Sheyda Peyvand , Mir Elham
Published: November 2020

A hybrid computational model was developed to interpret the formation of curcumin particles via liquid antisolvent precipitation (LASP) in three microchannel reactors (MCRs) with different confluence angles. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was numerically combined with a discretized population balance approach. The nucleation kinetics were computed using an expression obtained from the nucleation rate and supersaturation equation from previous experimental data. A quantitative comparison of the particle size distributions (PSDs) demonstrated that the particles with the smallest diameters are observed right after the intersection of the three streams. Besides, the large confluence angle of 135° in the MCR presented higher population density as a result of the smaller size of the precipitated curcumin particles. These findings illustrate the efficient applicability of the hybrid model.
Verstärkungsmethode für aussteifende Mauerwerkswände in Erdbebengebieten
Authors: Wertenbroch Axel , Ötes Atilla
Published: November 2020

Zur Verbesserung des Tragverhaltens von aussteifenden Mauerwerkswänden unter Erdbebeneinwirkung wurde an der TU Dortmund eine neuartige Verstärkungsmethode entwickelt. Dünne textilbewehrte Betonelemente, die mittels mechanischer Verbindungsmittel an der Mauerwerkswand befestigt werden, führen zu einem Wandsystem, das nicht nur die Anforderungen an Integrität und Tragwiderstand erfüllt, sondern auch ein duktiles Grenztragverhalten entwickelt. Nach der Vorstellung des Konzepts und der Konstruktionsprinzipien werden anhand der Ergebnisse experimenteller und rechnerischer Untersuchungen die Kapazität sowie die Wirkungsweise dieses Verstärkungssystems detailliert vorgestellt. Besonders instruktiv sind dabei die Erdbebensimulationsversuche an geschosshohen Wänden mit dem direkten Vergleich zwischen unverstärkten und verstärkten Mauerwerkswänden. Nach der genaueren Beschreibung des Tragverhaltens und der Systemvoraussetzungen wird die Wirksamkeit des Verstärkungssystems für ein Gebäude mit aussteifenden Mauerwerkswänden mittels vergleichender Erdbebenberechnung identifiziert.
Characterization of various geometric arrangements of “air‐assisted” flow gating interfaces for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Opekar František , Tůma Petr
Published: November 2020

For connecting flow‐through analytical methods with capillary electrophoresis, a chip working in the air‐assisted flow gating interface regime is cast from poly(dimethylsiloxane). In the injection space, the exit from the delivery capillary is placed close to the entrance to the separation capillary. Prior to injecting the sample into the separation capillary, the background electrolyte is forced out of the injection space by a stream of air. In the empty space, a drop of the sample with a volume of <100 nL is formed between the exit from the delivery capillary and the entrance into the separation capillary, from which the sample is injected hydrodynamically into the separation capillary. After injection, the injection space is filled with BGE, and the separation can be begun. Three geometric variants for the mutual geometric arrangement of the delivery and separation capillaries were tested: the delivery capillary is placed perpendicular to the separation capillary, from either above or below, or the capillaries are placed axially, that is, directly opposite one another. All of the variants are equivalent from the analytical and separation efficiency viewpoints. The repeatability expressed by RSD is up to 5%. The tested flow gating interface variants are also suitable for continuous and discontinuous sampling at flow rates of the order of units of μL/min. The developed instrument for sequential electrophoretic analysis operates fully automatically and is suitable for rapid sequential monitoring of dynamic processes.
The behaviour of beach elevation contours in response to different wave energy environments
Authors: Pang Wenhong , Ge Zhenpeng , Dai Zhijun , Li Shushi , Huang Hu
Published: November 2020

Within the context of a warming climate, there are wide and increasing concerns about the way beaches respond to different wave energy environments. However, behavioural differences in changes in beach elevation contours (including shorelines) in different wave energy environments remain unknown. Thus, it is unilateral to evaluate the changes in beaches based on a single elevation contour (e.g. shoreline) in coastal engineering and management applications. In this study, based on the collected shoreline and wave energy data of two international beaches, as well as the measured beach elevation contour data from Yintan Beach and the corresponding wave energy data simulated by Xbeach, our results show that frequency distributions of beach elevation contour changes exhibit distinct features under different wave energy environments. Under high wave energy environments, the frequency distributions of beach elevation contour changes show a Gaussian distribution. However, frequency distributions of beach elevation contour changes present a power law, intermediate between the logarithmic and Gaussian distributions under low and moderate wave energy environments, respectively. Furthermore, the conceptual model of beach elevation contour changes constructed by this study indicates that the relative importance of the wave energy and sediment resistance determines this phenomenon. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
The Case for Rural Grid Modernization and the Path Forward
Authors: Khalid Saba , Tong Jeanne , Sefah Kojo
Published: November 2020

Grid modernization is a transformation from a more centralized and monolithic electric grid to one that is modular and agile—changing from central generation and radial transmission to a combined centralized and distributed generation with intelligent load control. The grid's current configuration is not easily adaptable to infrastructure changes, such as the addition of distributed energy resources (DERs) or new loads, and has even exhibited some failures. To address this need for grid resiliency and accommodate the dynamic build of the new grid, grid modernization provides the capability for automation, reliability, and real‐time responsiveness sought by grid operators.
Comparison of different MOF fillers on CO2 removal performance of supported PEBA mixed matrix membranes
Authors: Erfani Amir , Asghari Morteza
Published: November 2020

Poly(amide‐6‐b‐ethylene oxide)(PEBA) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing different metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) of CuBTC, ZIF‐8, and ZIF‐67 have been dip‐coated on asymmetric PAN supports. To optimize the ideal skin‐layer parameters, MOF loadings of 5, 15, 25, and 35 wt% were applied. The synthesized MOFs and MMMs were structurally characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The average sizes of the synthesized ZIF‐8, ZIF‐67, and CuBTC have been determined about 100, 400, and 60–500 nm, respectively. Permeability tests of the MMMs performed using 12‐bar feed streams of pure CO2, CH4, and N2, showed 200–338% enhancements of CO2 permeability and up to a 43% increase in CO2/CH4 selectivity relative to the neat PEBA membrane. The membrane performances were also examined by the mixed gas feeds of CO2:CH4 (10:90). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of different amendments (organic matter and hydrogel) on the actual evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of turf grass under field conditions*
Authors: Bandenay Gladys L. , Renau‐Pruñonosa Arianna , Morell Ignacio , Esteller María V.
Published: November 2020

The irrigation schedule in arid areas has to be efficient in order to reduce losses due to evaporation and deep infiltration. Irrigation optimization poses the need to establish with precision the value of actual evapotranspiration (ETa), and the crop coefficient (Kc). The water soil availability can be increased using hydrogel and organic matter amendments, and their effects could vary ETa and Kc. The aim of this study was to determine the ETa, and Kc of an experimental site with lysimeters on the Spanish Mediterranean coast cropped with a turf grass variety, Agrostis stolonifera ‐L‐93, under field conditions, and amended with hydrogel and organic matter.

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) was determined from meteorological data (FAO‐Penman‐Monteith equation). ETa was calculated from the water balance, and Kc was obtained by dividing ETa by ET0. Kc was calculated and compared on a yearly, monthly and daily basis. In summer, the differences between amendments become manifest:Unamended lysimeter (100% sand) had Kc values (0.92‐1.16), similar to organic matter amended lysimeter (0.99‐1.17). Maximum and minimum Kc values for the hydrogel amended lysimeters (1.04‐1.52) were higher than those from the other because of the ability of this compound to retain water, which facilitated evapotranspiration. Finally, hydrogel helped to maintain the turf grass quality.
Interaction effect of myocardial infarction and obesity on left atrial functions
Authors: Davarpasand Tahereh , Hosseinsabet Ali , Omidi Fatemeh , Mohseni‐Badalabadi Reza
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To determine whether myocardial infarction (MI) would lead to a greater decrease in left atrial (LA) functions in subjects with than without obesity.

Methods

A total of 310 consecutive patients were divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of obesity and MI. The functions of the LA were evaluated in terms of longitudinal deformation of the LA myocardium via 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography.

Results

The adjusted analysis showed a reduction in the strain and strain rate during the reservoir and contraction phases and in the strain rate during the conduit phase in patients with MI and in subjects with obesity (P < .05). In addition, there was a significant interaction effect of obesity and MI on the strain rate during the contraction phase (P = .048).

Conclusions

There is an independent and additional interaction effect of obesity and MI on the reservoir and conduit functions of the LA. MI was more deleterious to the contraction function in subjects without than with obesity, so that the contraction function was similar in MI patients without obesity and MI patients with obesity.
How are the social determinants of health being taught in dental education?
Authors: Leadbeatter Delyse , Holden Alexander C.L.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The social determinants of health that influence how wellness and illness are experienced within society must be a core component of dental curricula where aspiring dental professionals are taught about the aetiology and social history of dental diseases. Through this scoping review, we examine the current approaches that have been employed to incorporate the social determinants of health within dental curricula.

Methods

Using a scoping review methodology, we searched the databases Scopus, PubMed, and Embase using keywords relevant to the social determinants of health and dental education.

Results

Following screening and sorting, 36 articles were included within this review. The majority of the articles described research that evaluated outcomes of educational interventions with relevance to the social determinants of health. The remainder of the included studies discussed attitudes and readiness relative to the social determinants of health and how this core competency could be taught effectively.

Conclusion

The included literature revealed that the social determinants of health frequently are not the focus of educational activities in dental curricula, with students frequently having little active guidance on how they might make sense of their educational experiences in this domain. The socioeconomic, cultural, political, geographic, and structural barriers that contribute to patients being impacted by the social determinants of health should be explicitly addressed and discussed with students as a foundation element of the dental curriculum.
Early‐onset vitamin B6‐dependent epilepsy due to pathogenic PLPBP variants in a premature infant: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Heath Oliver , Pitt James , Mandelstam Simone , Kuschel Carl , Vasudevan Anand , Donoghue Sarah
Published: November 2020

Vitamin B6‐dependent epilepsies are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by decreased availability of the active cofactor pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate (PLP). While pathogenic variants in ALDH7A1 or PNPO genes account for most cases of these disorders, biallelic pathogenic variants in PLPBP have been shown to cause a form of early onset vitamin B6‐dependent epilepsy (EPVB6D). PLPBP is thought to play a role in the homeostatic regulation of vitamin B6, by supplying PLP to apoenzymes while limiting side‐reaction toxicity related to excess unbound PLP. Neonatal‐onset intractable seizures that respond to pyridoxine and/or PLP are a predominant feature of EPVB6D in humans. Unlike other causes of vitamin B6‐dependent epilepsies; however, a specific biomarker for this disorder has yet to be identified. Here we present data from a premature infant found to have pathogenic variants in PLPBP and propose that prematurity may provide an additional clue for early consideration of this diagnosis. We discuss these findings in context of previously published genotypic, phenotypic, and metabolic data from similarly affected patients.
A multicenter survey on the effectiveness of nasal irrigation devices in rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Piromchai Patorn , Puvatanond Charoiboon , Kirtsreesakul Virat , Chaiyasate Saisawat , Suwanwech Triphoom
Published: November 2020

Background

Nasal irrigation is widely used as an adjunctive treatment for rhinosinusitis. However, there is little information available regarding the efficacy of the devices used in this procedure. The objective of this study was thus to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal irrigation devices based on the experiences of patients with rhinosinusitis.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter survey study between November 2017 and December 2019. The questionnaire was developed based on the available literature and expert opinion and submitted to the otolaryngology residents and staff of each center as well as those in their networks.

Results

Four hundred eighteen patients were enrolled in this study: 76 with acute viral rhinosinusitis (18%), 53 with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (13%), 156 with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (37%), and 133 with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (32%). We found that high‐volume devices were most effective in helping to clear secretion in patients with acute viral rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (P = .017, .009, .002, respectively) and in reducing post‐nasal drip in those with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (P = .040). There were no statistically significant differences among devices in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Conclusions

Nasal irrigation with high‐volume devices was an effective treatment for rhinosinusitis and was more effective at clearing nasal secretion and reducing post‐nasal drip than that with other types of devices.

Level of Evidence

2C
Optimal strategies for mitigating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Philippines
Authors: Estadilla Carlo Delfin S. , de los Reyes Aurelio A.
Published: November 2020

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) impairs a person's immune system against many infections and some types of cancer, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is characterized by severe illnesses. The number of HIV infections in the Philippines has increased, more than doubled, within the last decade. This alarming HIV crisis in the country requires urgent actions. In this study, a mathematical model is developed to describe the disease transmission in the Philippines. Disease‐free and endemic equilibria are obtained, stability analysis is performed, and the basic reproduction number is computed. Sensitivity analyses and subset selection are performed to identify influential parameters and to determine an identifiable parameter set given measurements, respectively. Available data on the number of asymptomatic aware infectious, those who are in the AIDS stage, and those under treatment are utilized to estimate key epidemiological parameters such as transmission, treatment, and screening rates. Uncertainty of these parameter estimates is quantified through bootstrapping method. Furthermore, intervention strategies are investigated in the framework of optimal control theory. Control measures include precaution, HIV screening, antiretroviral treatment, and pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. These various control efforts are compared with regard to cost efficiency and effectiveness in reducing the number of infected individuals. Given limited available control measures, the PrEP‐only scenario is shown to be the most cost‐effective, followed by other scenarios that combine PrEP with other controls.
Long‐term outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter in female patients with spina bifida
Authors: Gasmi Anis , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimée , Hascoet Juliette , Bey Elsa , Jezequel Magali , Voiry Caroline , Perrouin‐Verbe Brigitte , Gamé Xavier , Manunta Andrea , Lenormand Loic , Capon Grégoire , Peyronnet Benoit
Published: November 2020

Aims

To report the long‐term functional outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in female patients with spinal dysraphism and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) related to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD).

Methods

The charts of all spina bifida female patients with SUI due to ISD who underwent AUS (AMS 800) implantation between 2005 and 2019 at three academic departments of urology were retrospectively reviewed. Reoperation was defined as either revision or explantation of the AUS device. Reoperation‐free survival of the AUS device was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Continence status as per patients' subjective assessment was categorized as follows: complete continence (no pads), improved continence, unchanged SUI or worsened SUI.

Results

Twenty‐three patients were included, 69.6% were self‐catheterizing. The median follow‐up was 14 years. Median time to first reoperation was 10 years. Survival rates without reoperation were 85.9%, 41.8%, 34.6%, and 20.9% at 5, 10, 15, 20 years, respectively. Survival rates without AUS explantation were 90.7%, 66.3%, 55.2%, and 41.4% at 5, 10, 15, 20 years, respectively. None of the patients who underwent device explantation had a new AUS implanted. The only predictive factor of reoperation‐free survival was the type of spinal dysraphism (hazards ratio = 3.60 for closed vs. open dysraphism; p = .04). At last follow‐up, 17 of the 23 patients were fully continent (73.9%).

Conclusion

AUS in female patients with spina bifida may be associated with satisfactory long‐term functional outcomes and a high reoperation rate. The median time to first reoperation was similar to what is reported in the male AUS literature (10 years).
Revising Financial Policies and Practices to Support the Nonprofit Human Services Sector
Authors: Basso Phil , Lederer Katy , Armstrong Barbara
Published: November 2020

The nonprofit human services sector has long recognized the need to strengthen overall human services capacity and promote social and economic mobility for the people and communities they serve, especially for people of color. Yet many community‐based organizations (CBOs), which comprise a key component of the human services ecosystem and whose proximity to community is the closest, have themselves been caught in a cycle of poverty.
“Make no little plans”: Impactful research to solve the next generation of transportation problems
Authors: Agatz Niels , Hewitt Mike , Thomas Barrett W.
Published: November 2020

The transportation science research community has contributed to numerous practical and intellectual innovations and improvements over the last decades. Technological advancements have broadened and amplified the potential impacts of our field. At the same time, the world and its communities are facing greater and more serious challenges than ever before. In this paper, we call upon the transportation science research community to work on a research agenda that addresses some of the most important of these challenges. This agenda is guided by the sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations and organized into three areas: (1) well‐being, (2) infrastructure, and, (3) natural environment. For each area, we identify current and future challenges as well as research directions to address those challenges.
Synergism between Angiotensin receptors ligands: Role of Angiotensin‐(1‐7) in modulating AT2R agonist response on nitric oxide in kidney cells
Authors: Patel Sanket , Hussain Tahir
Published: November 2020

Angiotensin‐(1‐7), an endogenous agonist for the MasR, has been shown to interact with ang‐II AT1R and AT2R. Earlier we showed a physical and functional interaction between MasR and AT2R in response to their respective agonists ang‐(1‐7) and C21. Moreover, ang‐(1‐7) is cardio‐protective via AT1R and alters ang‐II function. Such complex nature of ang‐(1‐7) function is not clearly understood, particularly in relation to its functional interaction with these receptors. We tested how ang‐(1‐7) affects AT2R function by utilizing HK‐2 cells. The HK‐2 cells were treated with a wide range of concentrations of angiotensin receptor agonists. The generation of NO• in response to agonists was determined as a readout and subjected to Bliss definition (δ score) to assess the nature of functional interaction between these receptors. Preincubation with ang‐(1‐7) followed by incubation with endogenous AT1R/AT2R agonist ang‐II (δ = 162) or selective AT2R agonist C21 (δ = 304) synergized NO• formation. The synergism was also observed when the order of incubation with ang‐(1‐7)/C21 was reversed (δ = 484), but not when the cells were simultaneously incubated with a mixture of ang‐(1‐7) and C21 (δ = 76). The synergism with nonpeptidic MasR agonist AVE0991 followed by C21 (δ = 45) was minimal. Ligand binding experiment suggested the binding of ang‐(1‐7) with these three receptors. However, the synergism observed with ang‐(1‐7) and ang‐II/C21 was sensitive to the antagonists of AT2R (PD123319) and AT1R (candesartan), but not MasR (A779). Ang‐(1‐7) at lower concentrations synergies the AT2R function in an AT1R‐dependent but MasR‐independent manner. This phenomenon may have a physiological significance.
About 335 nm Ultraviolet Emissions Obtained from Simple Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor Light‐Emitting Tunnel Diodes
Authors: Lin Chen-Sheng , Allsopp Duncan W. E. , Cavanagh Kate , Tsui Hei Chit Leo , Yu Ling-Shan , Wang Wang-Nan , Mihai Andrei , Zou Bin , Moram Michelle A.
Published: November 2020

To overcome the low external quantum efficiency of ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (UV LEDs) in the technologically significant wavelength range of 300–350 nm, a change of approach to device design may be required. Herein, room‐temperature electroluminescence (EL) at 335 nm is achieved from simple aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN)‐based metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), which do not contain any p‐doped material. Current–voltage and capacitance–voltage measurements indicate that electrons in the valence band of the n‐Al0.14Ga0.86 N layer efficiently tunnel via localized states in the thin, sputter‐deposited aluminum nitride (AlN) barrier of the MIS device to provide the source of holes needed for near‐band‐edge luminescence. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the UV emission peak is only around 18 nm and it is very close to the photoluminescence (PL) peak of the active n‐Al0.14Ga0.86N layer, confirming that the EL is derived from band‐to‐band radiative transitions in the simple non‐p‐doped MIS diode. This design is a potential option to overcome the problem of the poor thermal excitation of holes in the AlGaN‐based pn junction devices.
disturbance attenuation for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems with large input delay
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Li Yunhan , Wang Jianan , Wang Dandan
Published: November 2020

This article investigates disturbance attenuation problem for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems subject to unknown sensor disturbances/faults and large input delay. First, the Artstein model reduction method is applied to deal with the input delay and a descriptor observer is constructed to estimate the predicted state and sensor faults simultaneously. Then, a finite‐dimensional controller is designed, which gets rid of the distributed delays in traditional reduction controllers and is easy to be implemented. By using Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the disturbance attenuation. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Oxygen partial pressure influenced stoichiometry, structural, electrical, and optical properties of DC reactive sputtered hafnium oxide films
Authors: Venkataiah Sunke , Chandra S.V. Jagadeesh , Chalapathi Uppala , Ramana Ch.V.V. , Uthanna Suda
Published: November 2020

HfO2 films have been deposited on quartz and p‐type Si (100) substrates using DC reactive magnetron sputtering technique by sputtering of hafnium target at different oxygen partial pressures. Variation of cathode potential with oxygen partial pressure was systematically studied. The influence of oxygen partial pressure on chemical composition, crystallographic structure, and optical properties of HfO2 films was systematically investigated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis were employed to determine the chemical composition. The films formed at oxygen partial pressure of 5 × 10−4 Torr were of stoichiometric HfO2. X‐ray diffractometer studies revealed that the films formed at 5 × 10−4 Torr were weakly crystallized with monoclinic structure. Optical bandgap of the HfO2 films increased with increasing oxygen partial pressure. Metal oxide semiconductor structures with configuration of Al/HfO2/p‐Si were fabricated and studied its dielectric and electrical properties. From these studies, it is confirmed that HfO2 film‐based metal oxide semiconductor devices formed at an optimum oxygen partial pressure of 5 × 10−5 Torr showed dielectric constant of 13 with leakage current density of 4.7 × 10−7 A/cm2.
Calcium Poisoning Mechanism of Cu‐SAPO‐18 for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with Ammonia
Authors: Gao Qi , Ye Qing , Han Shuai , Dai Hongxing
Published: November 2020

To investigate the effect of Ca poisoning on Cu‐SAPO‐18, a series of samples with different Ca amounts were prepared by the impregnation method, and their NH3‐SCR activities were evaluated. When the Ca amount was 0.8 mmol/gcat, NO conversion at 350 °C was 40.6% (lower than that over the fresh Cu‐SAPO‐18 sample), which shows that the catalytic deNOx performance was significantly decreased after Ca poisoning. Ca poisoning did not have a great influence on the structure of Cu‐SAPO‐18, but the formed CaO blocked part of the micropores, which reduced surface area and micropore volume, and further reduced accessibility of the active sites and surface acidity of the sample. The total amount of the isolated Cu2+ species decreased from 62.83 μmol/gCu‐SAPO‐18 to 23.45 μmol/g0.8Ca‐Cu‐SAPO‐18, which resulted in conversion of the isolated Cu2+ species to Cu2O in the sample after the addition of Ca. In addition, the substitution of Ca2+ with H or Cu2+ in Si–O(H)–Al or Si–O(Cu2+)–Al to form the Si–O(Ca2+)–Al species decreased amounts of the Lewis and Brönsted acid sites, which might be the important reasons for the drop in catalytic activity. Both the Eley–Rideal (E–R) and Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) reaction mechanisms existed over the samples in the NH3‐SCR reaction, but the L–H reaction mechanism was dominant. The catalytic mechanism over the sample did not change, but the reaction was slower after Ca poisoning.
Morphology Modulated Photocatalytic Activity of CeO2 Nanostructures for Selective Oxidation of Biobased Alpha‐Pinene to Oxygenates
Authors: Mavuso Mlungisi A. , Makgwane Peter R. , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: November 2020

The effective Ce3+/Ce4+ redox and oxygen mobility of CeO2 induced by tunable nanostructure morphology has attracted a great interest in photocatalytic organic synthesis. Herein, we report on the microwave‐assisted synthesis of CeO2 with nanoparticles (NPs), nanorods (NRs) and nanocubes (NCs) morphologies. The optical‐electronic properties of the nanostructure CeO2 catalysts varied relatively with the respective morphologies. Ce‐NPs catalyst showed a significant blue shift while a red shift was observed for Ce‐NCs and a slight blue shift for Ce‐NRs. The Ce‐NRs and Ce‐NPs showed high charge recombination suppression, which was due to the formation of surface defects associated with dislocations, steps and oxygen vacancies (Vo) as elucidated from the photolumiscence, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance results. The surface oxygen defects populated with reactive superoxide oxygens of Ce‐NRs and its high surface showed better photocatalytic activity for oxidation of alpha‐pinene to pinene oxide, verbenol and verbenone as major products. A pinene conversion of 33.6 % to pinene oxide with the selectivity of 54.3 % was achieved with Ce‐NRs. The effective photocatalytic activity of the Ce‐NRs was attributed to its enhanced efficient charge recombination suppression and oxygen vacancies. Ce‐NRs catalyst was recyclable without any significant loss of its initial photoactivity.
Sensing of Phosphate and ATP by Lanthanide Complexes in Aqueous Medium and Its Application on Living Cells
Authors: Sahoo Jashobanta , Jaiswar Santlal , Jena Himanshu Sekhar , Subramanian Palani S.
Published: November 2020

The design of coordination complexes as synthetic receptors for selective sensing of inorganic anions and nucleoside phosphates in aqueous medium under physiological conditions are important for biomedical research and drug delivery. In this work, two phenanthroline‐based luminescent lanthanide complexes; EuLCl3 (1) and TbLCl3 (2), were explored for sensing anions such as HPO42−, SO42−, CH3COO−, I−, Br−, Cl−, F−, NO3− and HSO4− with HPO42− exhibiting the strongest emission. Nucleoside phosphates such as ATP, ADP and AMP could be also detected. Both complexes 1 and 2 are highly selective sensing ATP at physiological pH. The detection limit and their corresponding Stern‐Volmer quenching constant were calculated for ATP as in the range of 0.2 μM–1 mM and 2.0×106 M−1. Complex 1 was applied as a staining agent to study alga cells (Microspora unialgal filamentous cell). The result shows that the ligand L causes a severe cytotoxic effect and induces the cell damage.
Recent Progress in Synthesis and Applications of Tunable Materials and Nanomaterials Based on Organic Salts
Authors: Kaur Pawanpreet , Chopra Harish K.
Published: November 2020

GUMBOS (group of uniform materials based on organic salts) are a new class of solid organic ionic materials that shared similar properties as that of ionic liquids, but have a wider range of melting points from 25 °C to 250 °C. A large number of combinations have been made to design and synthesize multifunctional GUMBOS with tuned properties that are encouraged to explore these organic materials for various applications. Further, nanomaterials can be fabricated from GUMBOS through various reliable synthetic approaches. These nanomaterials have known as ‚nanoGUMBOS‘ that possessed advantageous properties at the nanoscale and can be used for target applications. Besides, the size, shape, and uniformity of nanomaterials can be tuned by varying different experimental parameters, and synthetic routes.

This review is divided into two parts and presents all the published data regarding GUMBOS and nanoGUMBOS. The first part enclosed the synthesis of GUMBOS as well as their potential applications in the field of analytical, optoelectronics, biology, and sensor technology. In the second part, the synthesis of nanoGUMBOS using different methods and their applications in the field of cellular imaging, optoelectronics, catalysis, enantiorecognition, and sensor technology will be highlighted.
Study on Characterization and Coke Compositions of Deactivated 5 A Molecular Sieve for Adsorption Separation of Industrial Naphtha
Authors: Liu Jiaxu , Zhu Shenjie , Zhang Lin , Liu Zongjian , Cui Qun , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2020

The deactivation causes and coke compositions of the deactivated 5 A molecular sieves (5A−E) used in the liquid phase adsorption separation process for industrial naphtha were analyzed. The results showed that 5A−E existed 14 species of C10∼C11 benzene series, naphthalene series and indans (main components of industrial corrosion inhibitor), which formed coke to block 4.4–4.9 Å micropores of 5 A−E. The coke content was ∼3.72 % and there had a strong exothermic peak at 271 °C on the surface of 5A−E. The static adsorption capacity of fresh 5 A molecular sieves for n‐hexane reduced by 24.6 % within 90 min in the isooctane/n‐hexane mixed solution containing 400 ppm industrial corrosion inhibitor. It indicated that trace corrosion inhibitor would be deposited on the surface of 5 A molecular sieves during industrial long‐term operation, resulting in slow deactivation of 5 A molecular sieves. It can provide the guidance for industrial production of liquid phase adsorption separation process of naphtha.
Tremella‐shaped TiCN Nanosheets as Anode mAterials of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Guojun , Gao Xinran , Xing Zheng , Hong Haiping , Ju Zhicheng
Published: November 2020

Transition metal carbides and nitrides have attracted more and more attention as excellent mAterials in the field of electrochemical energy storage. Here, we have taken a different approach to synthesize tremella‐like unique titanium carbonitride (TiCN) nanosheets by hydrothermal method and high temperature solid phase sintering. Through microscopic characterization, the final products are gathered together in the form of nanosheets or ribbons like individual petals, which creates mAny ion transports channels and voids. In addition, two different products were prepared by changing the basic conditions of the precursor. After comparing the microstructures of the two groups of products and their precursors, TiCN‐5 mol was mAinly studied. In terms of electrochemical performance, TiCN‐5 mol nanosheets possess higher reversible specific capacity (476mAhg−1 after 80 cycles) and excellent coulombic efficiency (98.5 % after 80 cycles) and superior rate performance up to 5000 mAg−1 (100 % of its capacity at 100 mAg−1 rate) compared to TiCN‐10 mol. The enhanced electrochemical performance is primarily due to the high specific surface area and low ion diffusion barrier of the TiCN nanosheets, which provides high ion electrical conductivity and plays an important role in reducing large volume expansion during prolonged cycling.
Dandelion‐like CoO/Co3O4/Carbon Composites as Anode Materials for a High‐Performance Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Huang Run , Zhou Rihui , Wang Li , Zhu Yongmei
Published: November 2020

Here, dictyophora indusiata is used as raw materials, through simple hydrothermal reaction and unique triethylamine (TEA) combustion to prepare dandelion‐like CoO/Co3O4/dictyophora indusiata‐derived carbon (DIC) composites. The CoO/Co3O4/DIC are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffractometer, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm and thermogravimetric analysis, The CoO/Co3O4/DIC shows three‐dimensional network and porous structure, which facilitates the electron transport, enlarges the contact area with the electrolyte, and effectively alleviates the damage from volume expansion of CoO/Co3O4 during discharge/charge process. During TEA combustion process, the DIC is crosslinked successfully to form a stable N‐doped networks. When used as a negative electrode material for lithium ion batteries, it can still provide a high capacity of 545 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 after 250 cycles. The readily available and renewable biomass material is of great significance for achieving efficient electrochemical energy storage.
Facile Fabrication of Fe3O4@poly(acrylic) Acid Based Ferrofluid with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Effect
Authors: Le The Tam , Nguyen Hoa Du , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Linh , Phan Thi Hong Tuyet , Ho Dinh Quang , Nguyen Thien Vuong , Le Thi Thu Hiep , Vuong Thi Kim Oanh , Le Khoa Hai , La Duc Duong , Le Trong Lu , Tran Lam Dai
Published: November 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as one of the most promising techniques, which employs nanoscience and imaging technology, for early diagnosis of the cancers. In this work, magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4@ poly(acrylic) acid (PAA) were synthesized using a low cost thermal decomposition method from iron ions precursor and utilized as a signal agent for MRI imaging. The Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles obtained from FeCl2.4H2O precursor at the reaction temperature of 315 °C in 1‐octadcene solvent are of spherical shape with average diameter of 8.4 nm and high saturation magnetization (Ms) of 60.05 emu/g. After phase transferred with PAA, the magnetic Fe3O4@PAA fluid is highly stable in a wide range of pHs solution (5 ‐ 9) and wide range of NaCl concentrations (50 ‐ 300 mM) with zeta potential of −35.7 mV. The prepared Fe3O4@PAA fluid showed noncytotoxicity to the Hep‐G2, MCF‐7, RD cancer cell line and Vero healthy cell line. MRI in‐vitro results showed that transverse relaxation rate r2 was around 158.4 mM−1s−1 and the signal intensity was not affected by the pHs solution and NaCl concentrations. In‐vivo test on rabbit revealed the clear observation of rabbit's body parts after injection of the Fe3O4@PAA magnetic fluid with retention time of 90 minutes in the body.
Synthesis and Anti proliferative Activity of New N‐Pentylquinoxaline carboxamides and Their O‐Regioisomer
Authors: Aboelmagd Ahmed , Alotaibi Saad H. , El Rayes Samir M. , Elsayed Gomaa M. , Ali Ibrahim A. I. , Fathalla Walid , Pottoo Faheem H. , Khan Firdos A.
Published: November 2020

We have designed a series of quinoxalinepeptidomimetic derivatives based on our previous reported scaffold in attempt to find a promising lead compound. Quinoxaline derivatives; N‐alkyl‐3‐(3‐oxo‐4‐pentyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐quinoxalin‐2‐yl)‐propanamides and methyl 2‐[3‐(3‐oxo‐4‐pentyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐quinoxalin‐2‐yl)propanamido]alkanoates and their O‐regioisomers were prepared by alkylation of the ambient nucleophile methyl 3‐(3‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2‐yl)propanoate with pentyl bromide to give the corresponding N‐ and O‐pentylquinoxaline ester derivatives. The N‐ and O‐pentyl‐quinoxaline ester derivatives gave the desired products by the reaction with amines and amino acid esters via azide coupling method. We have examined the anti proliferative activity of the 35 different synthesized compounds on human HCT‐116 and HEK‐293 cell lines. Out of 35 screened derivatives, 14 active compounds exhibited inhibitory action on the HCT‐116 cells with IC50 values ranging from 0.43 mM to 2.62 mM. We have also examined the impact of these active compounds on cancer cells nucleus and caspase 3 activity, we have the found that active compounds also increased in the caspase 3 activity which led to programmed cell death of cancer cells. We have also examined the impact of 35 compounds on the normal and non‐cancerous cells (HEK‐293) and we have found these active compounds did not cause any cytotoxic effect on the normal cells.
Tracking and Recovery of Metal Desorption from Organized Films of Polyguanamine Derivatives having Cyclic Moieties
Authors: Fukushi Keito , Yamaguchi Junto , Shibasaki Yuji , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: November 2020

Metal desorption behavior of polyguanamine derivatives having cyclic moieties (c‐PGs), with metal‐scavenging abilities, organized into molecular films was investigated, and a recovery technique was realized. Cadmium (a toxic metal), palladium (a precious metal), and neodymium (a rare earth metal) were studied, along with sodium (a cationic metal). A monolayer of c‐PGs forming on an aqueous metal solution surface effectively scavenges cations from the subphase owing to the relative basicity of the cyclic moiety. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that cadmium and palladium (both divalent cations) were desorbed by simple 30–60 min ultrasonication of their Langmuir–Blodgett multilayers. Conversely, the desorption of neodymium, a trivalent cation, was very slow. Sodium, a monovalent cation, was difficult to collect. Its valence and monolayer condensation on the aqueous sodium buffer were remarkable, indicating that coordinated sodium ions escape during the monolayer condensation.
Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Alginate and Polyquaternium‐10 Hollow Microcapsules by a Layer‐by‐Layer Self‐Assembly Technique
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Huihui , Shao Huili , Yang Gesheng
Published: November 2020

Novel micro‐scaled hollow capsules were obtained by consecutively adsorbing oppositely‐charged polyelectrolytes of sodium alginate (ALG) and polyquaternium‐10 (PQ‐10) on biocompatible porous calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microspheres, followed by the subsequent removal of the CaCO3 template using acetic acid. The properties of the microcapsules were characterized at various stages of the preparation procedure by using a zeta potential analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results demonstrated that ALG and PQ‐10 were successfully assembled on the surface of the CaCO3 microspheres, and the resulting hollow microcapsules exhibited spherical morphology with typical folds by SEM observations. Furthermore, TEM observations indicated that the average thickness of the monolayer film was ∼1–2 nm, and CLSM results revealed that the microcapsules possessed selective permeability for different charged molecules.
Template Preparation of Copper‐Based Chalcogenides and their Electrochemical Performance for Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yanfen , Pei Quan , Liu Xiaolin , Chen Xiuli , Rao Xianfa , Li Dong , Chen Guoxin , Zhong Shengwen
Published: November 2020

Transition‐Metal chalcogenides have high Li‐ion storage capacity and considerable cycle performance, which has attracted great interest from researchers and is expected to replace graphite materials in the field of Li ion batteries. The purpose of this paper is to find a low‐cost and ecofriendly method for producing copper‐based chalcogenides as anodes with a high capacity and long cycling stability for lithium ion batteries. In our strategy, carbon nanospheres are used as templates to prepare precursor Cu(OH)2@C. Then, the Cu(OH)2@C is converted into copper‐based chalcogenides by different routes. The structure and morphology of the as‐synthesized materials is characterized by the X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The anode electrochemical performance of the samples was investigated by galvanostatic cycling (GC) vs. Li/Li+ at different current rate. Compared to other copper chalcogenides, the synthesized copper oxide shows better charge/discharge cycle stability and rate performance. Its capacity retention is as high as 128 % at a current density of 0.5 C after 200 cycles.
Atropisomerism inN1‐aryl Substituted 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐thiones
Authors: Gonçalves Itamar L. , Davi Leonardo , Machado das Neves Gustavo , Porto Kagami Luciano , Garcia Solange C. , Oliveira Battastini Ana M. , Figueiró Fabrício , Faria Santos Canto Rômulo , Merlo Aloir A. , Eifler‐Lima Vera L.
Published: November 2020

Dihydropyrimidinone/thiones (DHPMs) are heterocycles widely explored due to their ability to interact with different pharmacological targets. We report herein the C–N axial chirality in a DHPM scaffold with the presence of various substituents at theortho‐position of the aromatic ring linked to the N1. This structural feature produced atropisomerism due to the restricted rotation around the C−N bond. The atropisomerism in DHPMs was investigated by NMR, HPLC, andin silicoexperiments. The effect of the solvent, microwave radiation, temperature, and substituent at theorthoposition on the selectivity of the reaction was examined.
±π‐Hole Interactions: A Comparative Investigation Based on Boron‐Containing Molecules
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Rady Al‐shimaa S. M. , Al‐Fahemi Jabir H. , Telb Ebtisam M. Z. , Ahmed Saleh A. , Shawky Ahmed M. , Moussa Nayra A. M.
Published: November 2020

A comparative investigation for the versatility of sp2‐hybridized trivalent triel‐containing molecules to engage in ±π‐hole interactions with Lewis base, Lewis acid, σ‐hole‐containing molecules, and lp‐hole‐containing molecules was dwelled using quantum mechanical calculations. According to the results, it was found that the −π‐hole interactions were more favorable than the +π‐hole ones, with larger negative interaction energies and shorter intermolecular distance. +π‐hole interactions with lp‐hole‐containing molecules were observed with larger substantial interaction energies than Lewis acids, and σ‐hole‐containing molecules varied from –0.65 to –5.18 kcal/mol. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules and noncovalent interaction index analyses revealed the noncovalent nature for ±π‐hole interactions. As well, symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory‐based energy decomposition analysis affirmed that electrostatic and dispersion forces controlled the −π‐hole interactions, whereas the +π‐hole analogs were dominated by dispersion forces only. These findings will be of advantage to the forthcoming studies in the materials and supramolecular chemistry.