bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jean-Marc Ela et la réforme sur Dieu en Jésus-Christ
Authors: Ndongala Maduku Ignace
Published: August 2021

L’article propose de comprendre le sens, d’expliciter et d’approfondir la fécondité d’une affirmation peu connue de J.-M. Ela : « En effet, c’est à partir des faits concrets et des questions qu’il reçoit du monde et de l’histoire que le théologien engage sa réforme sur Dieu en Jésus-Christ ». L’unité et la cohérence de la pensée du théologien camerounais demeurent portées par le bouleversement des ordres de discours sur Dieu. L’article contribue à l’effort de compréhension du paradigme théologique qui émerge de ce bouleversement dans une perspective décoloniale adossée au thème de la libération et arrimée à la postérité de la pensée de J.-M. Ela.
Jean-Marc Ela et l’Afrique d’en bas
Authors: Mabundu Masamba Fidèle
Published: August 2021

Comment élaborer un discours sur Dieu qui soit porteur de sens et constitue une réponse pertinente aux exigences des Africains aujourd’hui ? Est-il possible, en contexte africain, de promouvoir une théologie crédible et porteuse d’espérance au milieu des peuples dont le quotidien se résume par l’oppression, la corruption, l’injustice, la pauvreté, la famine, la maladie, la mort ? Pour Jean-Marc Ela, une théologie africaine pertinente exige d’être à l’écoute des questions et des défis majeurs qui se posent à l’Africain aujourd’hui. Il s’agit de mettre l’homme au centre de l’attention de la théologie. L’enracinement du théologien camerou-nais dans le monde d’en bas témoigne de sa démarche fondamentale, de sa recherche et de sa réflexion théologique.
La traversée des espaces et des temps dans les oeuvres de Abu Rayḥān al-Birūnī, Mīr Ḥaydar et Johannes Vermeer
Authors: Hazan Olga
Published: August 2021

La présente étude consiste à examiner la manière dont trois corpus d’oeuvres, composées en différents lieux entre le XIVe et le XVIIe siècles, donnent à voir de multiples temporalités qui se croisent et se conjuguent : entre images et textes, entre Orient et Occident, et entre thèmes religieux et thèmes séculiers. Ces trois corpus sont les suivants : (1) une représentation du prophète Muhammad qui illustre, à Tabriz au XIVe siècle, un passage des Vestiges des siècles passés de Abu Rayḥān al-Birūnī, rédigés au Khwarizm vers l’an mille ; (2) une illustration tirée du Mi‘rāj Nāmeh de Mīr Ḥaydar, rédigé et enluminé à Hérāt en 1436 et (3) un ensemble de trois tableaux peints par Johannes Vermeer, respectivement vers 1657, en 1668 et en 1669. L’objectif, ici, n’est pas d’offrir une interprétation définitive de chacun de ces corpus, mais bien de montrer l’ampleur, la richesse et la complexité des traversées que l’on y voit à l’oeuvre, alors que celles-ci impliquent pareillement des références au temps, à l’espace et au mouvement.
Sleep Quality in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eshtiaghi Arshia , Eapen-John David , Zaslavsky Kirill , Vosoughi Reza , Murray Brian J. , Margolin Edward
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND:

This review summarizes the literature on sleep quality in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and discusses these findings in the context of current knowledge of sleep physiology.

METHODS:

A literature search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus from inception to September 3, 2020. All included studies reported at least 1 measure of sleep quality in individuals with NMOSD. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores of individuals from 4 studies were compared with those from a data set of controls.

RESULTS:

Thirteen studies (1041 individuals with NMOSD) were included in the review. Disturbed sleep was demonstrated across subjective metrics based on patient surveys and objective metrics such as polysomnography. An estimated 70% of individuals with NMOSD can be classified as poor sleepers. Standardized mean difference between PSQI scores of 183 individuals with NMOSD and those of 9284 controls was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.57–0.86; P < .001). Decreased sleep quality was significantly associated with decreased quality of life and increased anxiety, depression, and disability status. Sleep disturbances in NMOSD were similar in severity to those in multiple sclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sleep disturbances are a major contributor to NMOSD disease burden and may arise from the disruption of sleep circuitry, in addition to physical and psychological complications. Multiple processes involved in sleep regulation may be affected, such as, but not limited to, neural circadian circuit disruption, direct effects of inflammation, aminergic projecting system abnormalities, glymphatic system impairment, and development of sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome/sleep apnea. A better understanding of these mechanisms is necessary for developing effective therapies for NMOSD-associated sleep disturbances.
Simulāciju modelis dzesēšanas paneļiem ar iebūvētu latento siltumenerģijas akumulācijas sistēmu
Authors:   , Millers Renārs
Published: August 2021

Promocijas darba mērķis – uz vienādojumiem balstīta simulācijas modeļa izstrāde dzēšanas panelim ar integrētu latento termālās enerģijas akumulatoru, kas ir eksperimentāli validēts un paredzēts izmatošanai gandrīz nulles enerģijas ēkās. Šāda modeļa izstrāde ir nepieciešama, lai šī tehnoloģija būtu gatava izmantošanai būvniecības industrijā. Promocijas darbs ietver literatūras apskatu un eksperimentālu pētījumu. Literatūras apskatā ir iekļauts pārskats par gandrīz nulles enerģijas ēku prasībām Eiropas Savienības dalībvalstīs, iepriekšējiem pētījumiem pasīvās dzesēšanas tehnoloģiju jomā un latento termālās enerģijas akumulatoru tehnoloģijām. Pasīvās dzesēšanas sistēmas, kas ir aplūkotas literatūras apskatā, tiek uzskatītas par potenciāliem dzesēšanas enerģijas avotiem, ko var izmantot kopā ar iepriekš minētajiem dzesēšanas paneļiem. Šo tehnoloģiju kombināciju var lietot, lai reaģētu uz telpu pārkaršanas problēmām gandrīz nulles enerģijas ēkās. Eksperimentālā pētījuma mērķis ir iepriekš minētā paneļa simulācijas modeļa izstrāde un validācija. Pētījumā izmantotais matemātiskais modelis ir izstrādāts, izmantojot dinamisko simulāciju rīku IDA ICE, un ietver apakšmodeļus, kas rakstīti NMF (Neutral Model Format) programmēšanas valodā. Simulāciju modelis ir validēts eksperimentālos mērījumos, kas veikti testa kamerā, kas izstrādāta speciāli šim pētījumam. Eksperimentālajā pētījumā veikta arī salīdzinoša analīze, kurā savstarpēji salīdzināti izstrādātā simulācijas modeļa rezultāti ar rezultātiem, kas iegūti no plūsmas dinamikas simulācijas (CFD), ko iepriekš izstrādājusi cita pētnieku komanda. Izstrādātā simulācijas modeļa precizitāte attiecībā pret eksperimentālajiem mērījumiem testa kamerā: maksimālā novirze ir 2,2 °C, vidējā kvadrātiskā kļūda – 1,01 °C. Rezultāti liecina par to, ka izstrādātā modeļa precizitāte ir līdzvērtīga vai augstāka par precizitāti, kas ziņota citos līdzīgos pētījumos. Līdz ar to var uzskatīt, ka šī modeļa precizitāte ir pietiekama, lai to izmantotu enerģijas patēriņa, termālā komforta un dzesēšanas slodžu simulācijās, kas ietver pilnu ēkas apjomu. Eksperimentālajā pētījumā ir norādīti arī vairāki izstrādātā modeļa ierobežojumi, kas būtu jāņem vērā, lai sasniegtu precizitāti, kas uzrādīta šajā pētījumā.
American Independent Inventors in an Era of Corporate R&D
Authors: Hintz Eric S.
Published: August 2021

How America's individual inventors persisted alongside corporate R&D labs as an important source of inventions.

During the nineteenth century, heroic individual inventors such as Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell created entirely new industries while achieving widespread fame. However, by 1927, a New York Times editorial suggested that teams of corporate scientists at General Electric, AT&T, and DuPont had replaced the solitary “garret inventor” as the wellspring of invention. But these inventors never disappeared. In this book, Eric Hintz argues that lesser-known inventors such as Chester Carlson (Xerox photocopier), Samuel Ruben (Duracell batteries), and Earl Tupper (Tupperware) continued to develop important technologies throughout the twentieth century. Moreover, Hintz explains how independent inventors gradually fell from public view as corporate brands increasingly became associated with high-tech innovation.

Focusing on the years from 1890 to 1950, Hintz documents how American independent inventors competed (and sometimes partnered) with their corporate rivals, adopted a variety of flexible commercialization strategies, established a series of short-lived professional groups, lobbied for fairer patent laws, and mobilized for two world wars. After 1950, the experiences of independent inventors generally mirrored the patterns of their predecessors, and they continued to be overshadowed during corporate R&D's postwar golden age. The independents enjoyed a resurgence, however, at the turn of the twenty-first century, as Apple's Steve Jobs and Shark Tank's Lori Greiner heralded a new generation of heroic inventor-entrepreneurs. By recovering the stories of a group once considered extinct, Hintz shows that independent inventors have long been—and remain—an important source of new technologies.
The Divide
Authors: Dotson Taylor
Published: August 2021

Why our obsession with truth—the idea that some undeniable truth will make politics unnecessary—is driving our political polarization.

In The Divide, Taylor Dotson argues provocatively that what drives political polarization is not our disregard for facts in a post-truth era, but rather our obsession with truth. The idea that some undeniable truth will make politics unnecessary, Dotson says, is damaging democracy. We think that appealing to facts, or common sense, or nature, or the market will resolve political disputes. We view our opponents as ignorant, corrupt, or brainwashed. Dotson argues that we don't need to agree with everyone, or force everyone to agree with us; we just need to be civil enough to practice effective politics.

Dotson shows that we are misguided to pine for a lost age of respect for expertise. For one thing, such an age never happened. For another, people cannot be made into ultra-rational Vulcans. Dotson offers a road map to guide both citizens and policy makers in rethinking and refashioning political interactions to be more productive. To avoid the trap of divisive and fanatical certitude, we must stop idealizing expert knowledge and romanticizing common sense. He outlines strategies for making political disputes more productive: admitting uncertainty, sharing experiences, and tolerating and negotiating disagreement. He suggests reforms to political practices and processes, adjustments to media systems, and dramatic changes to schooling, childhood, the workplace, and other institutions. Productive and intelligent politics is not a product of embracing truth, Dotson argues, but of adopting a pluralistic democratic process.
Co-occurrence in ant primary parasitoids: a Camponotus rectangularis colony as host of two eucharitid wasp genera
Authors: Pérez-Lachaud Gabriela , Lachaud Jean-Paul
Published: August 2021

Different assemblages of parasitoids may attack a given host species and non-random distribution patterns in parasitoid species assemblages have been reported on various occasions, resulting in co-occurrence at the population, colony, or even individual host levels. This is the case for different closely related species of eucharitid wasps (a family of specialized ant parasitoids) sharing similar niches and co-occurring on the same host at different levels. Here we reviewed all known associations between eucharitid wasps and the ant host genus Camponotus Mayr, 1861 and reported new ant-parasitoid associations. In addition, we report a new case of co-occurrence in eucharitid wasps, at the host colony level, involving a new undescribed species of Pseudochalcura Ashmead, 1904 and an unidentified species of Obeza Heraty, 1985, which attack the common but very poorly known neotropical arboreal ant Camponotus rectangularis Emery, 1890. Most attacks were solitary, but various cocoons were parasitized by two (16%) or three (8%) parasitoids. Globally, parasitism prevalence was very low (3.7%) but showed an important variability among samples. Low parasitism prevalence along with host exposure to parasitoid attack on host plants and overlapping reproductive periods of both parasitoid species may have allowed the evolution of co-occurrence. We also provided some additional data regarding the host ant nesting habits, the colony composition and new symbiotic associations with membracids and pseudococcids. The seemingly polydomous nesting habits of C. rectangularis could play a part in the reduction of parasitism pressure at the population level and, combined with occasionally important local parasitism rates, could also contribute to some parts of the colonies escaping from parasites, polydomy possibly representing an effective parasitism avoidance trait.
Improved glucose recovery from durian peel by alkaline-catalyzed steam pretreatment
Authors: Obeng Abraham Kusi , Premjet Duangporn , Premjet Siripong
Published: August 2021

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) peel, as agricultural waste, is a potential under-utilized lignocellulosic biomass that is sufficiently available in Thailand. In this study, durian peel from monthong (D. zibethinus Murr. cv. Monthong) and chanee (D.zibethinus Murr. cv. Chanee) were subjected to pretreatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) under autoclaving conditions to improve glucose recovery. The effect of NaOH concentration (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and autoclave temperature (110 °C, 120 °C, and 130 °C) was investigated based on the amount of glucose recovered. The optimal NaOH concentration and autoclave temperature were determined to be 2% and 110 °C, respectively, under which maximum glucose (36% and 35% in monthong and chanee peels, respectively) was recovered. Glucose recovery was improved by about 6-fold at the optimal pretreatment condition for both pretreated monthong and chanee when compared to the untreated durian peels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed great changes to the surface morphology of pretreated durian peel from the two cultivars. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also revealed a rise in cellulose crystallinity index (CrIs) after pretreatment. A combination of mild NaOH concentration and autoclaving is a very effective pretreatment technique for maximum glucose recovery from durian peel.
Desulfovibrio is not always associated with adverse health effects in the Guangdong Gut Microbiome Project
Authors: Chen Yi-ran , Jing Qin-long , Chen Fang-lan , Zheng Huimin , Chen Li-dan , Yang Zhi-cong
Published: August 2021

Desulfovibrio (DSV) is frequently found in the human intestine but limited knowledge is available regarding the relationship between DSV and host health. In this study, we analyzed large-scale cohort data from the Guangdong Gut Microbiome Project to study the ecology of DSV and the associations of DSV and host health parameters. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Desulfovibrio piger might be the most common and abundant DSV species in the GGMP. Predominant sub-OTUs of DSV were positively associated with bacterial community diversity. The relative abundance of DSV was positively correlated with beneficial genera, including Oscillospira, Coprococcus,Ruminococcus,Akkermansia, Roseburia,Faecalibacterium, andBacteroides, and was negatively associated with harmful genera, such as Clostridium,Escherichia,Klebsiella, and Ralstonia. Moreover, the relative abundance of DSV was negatively correlated with body mass index, waist size, triglyceride levels, and uric acid levels. This suggests that DSV is associated with healthy hosts in some human populations.
The Surface Modification of Ag3PO4 using Tetrachloroaurate(III) and Metallic Au for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Sulaeman Uyi , Permadi Richo Dwi , Marcorius Alfa , Diastuti Hartiwi , Riapanitra Anung , Yin Shu
Published: August 2021

The improvement of Ag3PO4 photocatalytic activity was successful by incorporating tetrachloroaurate(III) (AuCl4−)  and metallic Au on the surface of Ag3PO4. The photocatalysts were synthesized using the coprecipitation and chemisorption method. Coprecipitation of Ag3PO4 was carried out under ethanol-water solution using the starting material of AgNO3 and Na2HPO4.12H2O. AuCl4− ion and metallic Au were incorporated on the surface of Ag3PO4 using a chemisorption method under auric acid solution. The photocatalysts were characterized using XRD, DRS, SEM, and XPS. The AuCl4− ion and metallic Au were simultaneously incorporated on the Ag3PO4 surface. The high photocatalytic activity might be caused by increasing the separation of hole and electron due to capturing photogenerated electrons by metallic Au and Au(III) as electron acceptors. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Reflector Antennas
Authors: Schejbal Vladimir
Published: August 2021

Reflector antennas have been still one of the best solutions to requirements for cost effective, high gain, high performance antenna systems and therefore have been used in various areas of electrical engineering, ranging from telecommunications and radars to deep‐space exploration and radio astronomy. Consequently, the majority of radar, ground station and spacecraft high gain antennas are reflector antennas. Different types are used such as plane, corner, singly and doubly curved, and single and multiple reflectors. That depend on applications, frequencies, polarizations, resulting radiation patterns, etc. Basic theoretical principles, analytical methods, numerical simulations, experimental results and various practical issues, which can facilitate the design of reflector antennas, are described. The more general design uses geometrical and physical optics. The generalized diffraction synthesis technique can be utilized to produce various radiation patterns such as pencil‐beams and contoured beams, and to enhance the radiation characteristics of an existing canonical or distorted system. The reliability and accuracy of analytical/numerical techniques have allowed employment of commercial or customized computer programs in the performance evaluation and design of reflector antennas considering various parameters such as sidelobe levels at far‐angular regions and cross‐polarization control.
Technical Overview of ATSC 3.0 – Next‐Generation Terrestrial Broadcasting
Authors: Noland Madeleine , Whitaker Jerry
Published: August 2021

This article describes the next‐generation terrestrial broadcast transmission system developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) known as “ATSC 3.0.” The goals of ATSC 3.0 are to improve the television viewing experience with higher audio and video quality, compression efficiency, robust transmission for reception on both fixed and mobile devices, and more accessibility, personalization, and interactivity. ATSC is also addressing changing consumer behavior and preferences, providing TV content on a wide variety of devices. Furthermore, ATSC is working to add value to the broadcast service platform, extending its reach and adding new business models – all without the restriction of backward compatibility with the legacy system.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zhou Ding‐Xuan , Bie Ju Liu
Published: August 2021

Deep learning has been very successful in dealing with big data from various fields of science and engineering. It has brought breakthroughs using various deep neural network architectures and structures according to different learning tasks. An important family of deep neural networks are deep convolutional neural networks. We give a survey for deep convolutional neural networks induced by 1‐D or 2‐D convolutions. We demonstrate how these networks are derived from convolutional structures, and how they can be used to approximate functions efficiently. In particular, we illustrate with explicit rates of approximation that in general deep convolutional neural networks perform at least as well as fully connected shallow networks, and they can outperform fully connected shallow networks in approximating radial functions when the dimension of data is large.
Icariin inhibits hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes via regulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xiu‐Juan , Lv Yan‐Fei , Cui Wen‐Zhu , Li Yan , Liu Yang , Xue Yi‐Tao , Dong Feng
Published: August 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) is caused by the formation of plaques in the arterial walls, leading to a decrease of blood flow to the heart and myocardium injury as a result of hypoxia. Ferroptosis is a crucial event in myocardial injury, and icariin (ICA) exerts protective effects against myocardial injury. Here, we investigated the protective mechanism of ICA in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes. H9C2 cells were subjected to H/R induction. The content of lactate dehydrogenase and the levels of oxidative stress and intracellular ferrous ion Fe2+ were measured. The levels of ferroptosis markers (ACSL4 and GPX4) were detected. H/R‐induced H9C2 cells were cultured with ICA in the presence or absence of ferroptosis inducer (erastin). Znpp (an HO‐1 inhibitor) was added to ICA‐treated H/R cells to verify the role of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. H/R‐induced H9C2 cells showed reduced viability, enhanced oxidative stress and lactate dehydrogenase content, increased levels of Fe2+ and ACSL4, and decreased levels of GPX4. ICA inhibited H/R‐induced ferroptosis and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Erastin treatment reversed the inhibitory effect of ICA on ferroptosis in H/R cells. The expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1 in H/R‐induced H9C2 cells was reduced, whereas ICA treatment reversed this trend. Inhibition of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway reversed the protective effect of ICA on H/R‐induced ferroptosis. Collectively, our results suggest that ICA attenuates H/R‐induced ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes by activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.
Environmental Epidemiology
Authors: Keller Joshua P. , Anderson G. Brooke
Published: August 2021

Environmental epidemiology encompasses a wide array of topics related to the study and evaluation of the environmental determinants of diseases in human populations. Environmental exposures include pollutant substances, such as asbestos, lead, and fine particulate matter, and environmental stressors such as heat and noise. This article provides examples of the different study designs used in environmental epidemiology: descriptive clustering of observational data, analyses of large administrative cohorts, case–control designs, cohort studies, and environmental intervention trials. We provide an overview of approaches to exposure assessment in environmental health studies and the role of measurement error. Throughout, we discuss challenges in identifying causal relationships between environmental exposures and health outcomes.
Liquid Silicone Rubber Foams Made with Water as Blowing Agent
Authors: Marl Svenja , Rüppel Annette , Hartung Michael , Klier Kevin , Giesen Ralf-Urs , Heim Hans-Peter
Published: August 2021

Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is primarily used in injection molding. Foamed molded parts made of LSR are almost nonexistent because the process reliability of LSR foam injection molding is currently not given. It makes sense to have suitable foaming processes for this material as well, because the density of this elastomer is about 1.15 g cm−3. With the injection molding process presented herein for foaming LSR, density reductions of up to 40% can be achieved. In this process, up to 3% by weight of water is added to the material. In addition, the hardness of the component changes, it becomes softer. Especially in the case of hardness, the process parameter mold temperature has a decisive influence, as it determines the pore size in the component. Herein, the structural properties of the silicone foam are now discussed as a function of the process parameters and additives for foaming. Thus, with the new process, material can be saved, the haptic properties of components can be changed, and a stable processing method for foamed components made of LSR is found.
A Study on the Surface Integrity of 50CrMnMoVNb Spring Steels with Different Matrix Strengths Processed by Shot Peening
Authors: Ren Chuanxi , Wang Qiang , Wang Dongqiqiong , Zhang Peng , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: August 2021

The surface integrity of structural materials after surface mechanical strengthening has a significant effect on service performance. Herein, the 50CrMnMoVNb spring steels with different microstructures and strengths are surface strengthened by shot peening (SP) with the same parameter, and the effect of matrix strength on surface integrity, including the roughness, residual stress, and gradient structure, is systematically studied. The experimental results show that both the line roughness and surface roughness decrease with the increase in matrix strength; the microhardness enhancement at the topmost surface layer and thickness of gradient layer decrease with the increase in matrix strength, whereas the surface residual stress and the maximum compressive residual stress display an increasing trend with the increase in matrix strength, and both the depth at the maximum compressive residual stress and the thickness of compressive residual stress zone are stable with a value of ≈75 and ≈300 μm, respectively. Inspired by these results and discussions, the surface integrity of the shot peened (SPed) metallic materials would be improved greatly by composition adjustment and microstructure optimization to regulate the matrix strength, as well as the SP process optimization.
Selective Laser Melting of Cu–10Sn–0.4P: Processing, Microstructure, Properties, and Brief Comparison with Additively Manufactured Cu–10Sn
Authors: Gu Ruinan , Yao Xiyu , Wang Dawei , Wang Hui , Yan Ming , Wong Kam Sing
Published: August 2021

Selective laser melting is an additive manufacturing technique that can be used to achieve excellent forming of Cu alloys. Specifically, high‐Sn–Cu alloys (e.g., Cu–10Sn) offer good wear and corrosion resistance, and are extensively used in industrial applications. Although P is considered a beneficial element in Cu–Sn alloys, particularly with respect to ductility, P‐doped Cu–10Sn alloy (Cu–10Sn–0.4P) has not yet been investigated in detail. Thus, herein, it provides valuable insights regarding the printability, residual stress level, heat treatment conditions, mechanical properties, and microstructural features of selective laser melted Cu–10Sn–0.4P. The alloy is successfully printed using a relatively wide range of processing parameters. The high levels of residual stress after printing were relieved using heat treatment under appropriate conditions. Consequently, a good combination of strength, ductility, and hardness was achieved. The addition of P led to an improved oxygen scavenging capability, thus Cu–10Sn–0.4P alloy exhibited a better ductility than P‐free Cu–Sn alloy. The excellent printability of Cu–10Sn–0.4P is demonstrated by printing a variety of objects, including flanges, sheathings, and jewelry rings.
Hybrid PVDF/PANI Membrane for Removal of Dyes from Textile Wastewater
Authors: Nawaz Hifza , Umar Muhammad , Nawaz Iqra , Ullah Azeem , Tauseef Khawar Muhammad , Nikiel Marek , Razzaq Humaira , Siddiq Muhammad , Liu Xuqing
Published: August 2021

Treatment of textile wastewater has been a matter of considerable interest because of the potential toxicity, colloidal stability, and deformable nature of dyes. Herein, a novel polyaniline (PANI)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hybrid membrane is developed to remove textile wastewater dyes. The hybrid membrane's contact angle decreases by increasing the concentration of polyaniline in the PVDF matrix, enhancing the hybrid membrane's hydrophilicity. Membrane properties, including porosity, antifouling property, solvent content, and pure water flux, are improved in the hybrid membrane compared with neat PVDF membranes. The purified water flux is enhanced from 28 to 47 L m−2 h, which indicates the impact of PANI on the hydrophilicity of the hybrid membranes. Among the hybrid membranes, 3P exhibits 85% dye rejection at 0.1 MPa operating pressure. Hence, the incorporation of PANI in the PVDF matrix is proposed to enhance the hybrid membrane's dye rejection and antifouling properties.
Effects of Laser Energy Density on Carbon‐Nanotube‐Reinforced Titanium Composites Printed via Selective Laser Melting
Authors: DeMartino Anthony , Ansell Troy Y. , Nieto Andy
Published: August 2021

3D‐printing‐reinforced metal matrix composites are a promising avenue for fabricating materials to meet the demands of the 21st century. Ti–6Al–4 V has been a useful material in the aerospace and medical industries for decades due to its incredible strength‐to‐weight ratio, and now its suitability for additive manufacturing has made it even more desirable. One of the leading‐edge reinforcements being studied for metal matrix composites is carbon nanotubes due to their remarkable mechanical properties such as strength and elastic modulus. It is desirable to manufacture advanced metal matrix composites using advanced manufacturing techniques such as selective laser melting. Herein, the effect of 1 vol% carbon nanotube reinforcements on the microstructural evolution and properties of selective‐laser‐melt‐printed Ti64 and the interrelationships with laser energy density, laser power, and laser scan speed are investigated. The effectiveness of reinforcement and influence of printing parameters are assessed via microstructural and porosity analysis, and microhardness testing. Utilizing selective laser melting with a laser energy density of 60 J mm−3, a >99% dense Ti–CNT composite is manufactured with microhardness of 4.75 GPa—a 30% enhancement over its Ti64 counterpart.
Recent Advances on Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Electrochemical Energy Conversion
Authors: Wu Xin , Zhang Huabin , Zhang Jian , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: August 2021

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) hold great promise for electrochemical energy conversion technologies in view of their unique structural features associated with the layered structure and ultrathin thickness. Because the inert basal plane accounts for the majority of a TMDC's bulk, activation of the basal plane sites is necessary to fully exploit the intrinsic potential of TMDCs. Here, recent advances on TMDCs‐based hybrids/composites with greatly enhanced electrochemical activity are reviewed. After a summary of the synthesis of TMDCs with different sizes and morphologies, comprehensive in‐plane activation strategies are described in detail, mainly including in‐plane‐modification‐induced phase transformation, surface‐layer modulation, and interlayer modification/coupling. Simultaneously, the underlying mechanisms for improved electrochemical activities are highlighted. Finally, the strategic evaluation on further research directions of TMDCs in‐plane activation is featured. This work would shed some light on future design trends of TMDCs‐based functional materials for electrochemical energy‐related applications.
Optimal fine fescue mixture seeding dates in the northern United States
Authors: Braun Ross C. , Patton Aaron J. , Watkins Eric , Hollman Andrew B. , Murphy James A. , Park Bradley S. , Kowalewski Alexander R. , Braithwaite Emily T.
Published: August 2021

Research is lacking on best establishment practices of fine fescues (Festuca spp.), such as optimal seeding timings, which are well known for other cool‐season turfgrasses. Our objective was to document establishment and determine optimal seeding timings for mixed stand of fine fescue in multiple cool‐season climate zones in the United States. From 2019 to 2020, an experiment was replicated across four locations in the northern United States to investigate nine monthly fine fescue mixture seeding timings from March through November. Fine fescue seedling emergence typically hastened as temperatures increased during the growing season, and emergence required 6.1–9.4 d when soil temperatures were within a range of 15–25 °C. Final grid count data across multiple sites indicated that seeding fine fescues in August, September, and at times, July, will likely produce the best establishment with the lowest weed infestation pressure, and there may be more flexibility in seeding timings in a Mediterranean climate, such as Oregon. Seeding fine fescues in the early‐spring or late‐autumn can be more unreliable because of greater likelihood of weed infestation, suboptimal growing conditions, and potential of a late‐autumn seeding to act as an unintended dormant seeding. Results indicate the weed invasion pressure of specific weeds will vary depending life cycle of weed and seeding time of year. Overall, seeding a fine fescue mixture in August or September will increase likelihood of success in cool‐season climate zones in the United States with a wider seeding window when planting in Mediterranean climates.
Fodder biomass, nutritive value, and grain yield of dual‐purpose improved cereal crops in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zampaligré Nouhoun , Yoda Gildas , Delma Jethro , Sanfo Abroulaye , Balehegn Mulubrhan , Rios Esteban , Dubeux José C. , Boote Ken , Adesogan Adegbola T.
Published: August 2021

In Burkina Faso, availability of quality feed is the major constraint on livestock productivity. Adoption of improved cereal cultivars among farmers could enhance fodder supply. This study assessed the potential for improved cereal cultivars to provide food and feed. The study sites were located in the Köppen climate Zone B (Katchari and Saria) and Köppen climate Zone A (Farakoba) in Burkina Faso (Beck et al., 2018). Five cultivars of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], nine cultivars of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and four cultivars of maize (Zea mays L.) were grown during two rainy seasons. Grain yield and forage biomass were assessed, and samples analyzed for nutritive value using near infrared spectrometry (NIRS). For pearl millet, MISARI‐1 produced greatest grain yield (1.7, 2.2, and 2.6 Mg DM ha–1, for Katchari (Zone B), Saria (Zone B), and Farakoba (Zone A), respectively) and its fodder biomass averaged 4.0 Mg DM ha–1 across sites. For sorghum, Sariasso‐14, Sariasso‐16, and ICSV1049, produced the greatest grain yield in Saria (Zone B) (1.2–1.6 Mg DM ha–1) and Farakoba (Zone A) (1.1–1.9 Mg DM ha–1). Sorghum cultivars SF15, M67‐M2, and Ponta negra produced more than 5.0 Mg DM ha–1 of fodder across locations. Maize cultivars only differed in fodder biomass, with cultivar Wari producing 4.3 Mg DM ha–1 in Farakoba. The stover of the three species had high fiber, low digestibility, and crude protein concentration ranged from 40 to 94 g kg–1. Fodders from dual‐purpose cereals are valuable feed resources for crop–livestock systems in the Sahel region. Adoption of improved food–feed cultivars has potential to increase fodder productivity and feed quality for livestock, enhancing livelihood of small‐holder farmers in Burkina Faso.
Effect of fertilizer inputs on productivity and herbage quality of native pasture in degraded tropical grasslands
Authors: Bedaso Nebi H. , Bezabih Melkamu , Zewdu Kelkay Tessema , Adie Aberra , Khan Nazir A. , Jones Chris S. , Mekonnen Kindu , Wolde‐meskel Endalkachew
Published: August 2021

The practice of applying fertilizer inputs on an unimproved natural pasture is limited in tropical grasslands. A study was conducted to evaluate the response of degraded natural pasturelands in terms of species composition, forage yield, and quality to the application of different types of fertilizer. The study was conducted in two districts in the central Rift Valley of Ethiopia with contrasting agroecologies. The treatments were control (no application of fertilizer), commercial fertilizer (50 kg urea ha–1 and 100 kg diammonium phosphate [DAP] ha–1), cattle manure (7.5 t ha–1), wood ash (3 t ha–1), and lime (7.5 t ha–1). Soil physical properties were not altered following application of the treatments, but chemical properties, including soil pH (P < .01), electroconductivity (EC) (P < .001), total nitrogen (TN), and P (P < .001) were affected. Soil TN increased from 0.11 to 0.32% following the application of cattle manure. The pH increased from 5.9 to 7.3 with wood ash application. Herbage dry matter (DM) yield increased (P < .001) from 1.88 to 6.65 t ha–1 with chemical fertilizer. The herbage crude protein content increased (P < .01) from 96  to 157 g kg–1 with manure application. On the other hand, the neutral detergent fiber tended to decrease (P < .05) following manure application. Partial cost‐benefit analysis indicated a positive economic gain from the direct sale of pasture hay for all treatments except for lime. The results indicated that fertilizer inputs offer feasible options to improve pasture productivity and enable rural farmers to benefit from their land resources.
A unified approach to multiscenario sensor network design for data reconciliation
Authors: Wei Jiawen , Zhang Qi , Yuan Zhihong
Published: August 2021

The design of sensor networks for chemical plants is an important and complex task. In the context of data reconciliation, there are several desiderata for a sensor network, such as observability, redundancy (including hardware redundancy), and estimation precision, as well as good performance in the process optimization conducted after data reconciliation. While each of these aspects has been considered in the literature, there is no published method that addresses all of them simultaneously. In this work, we develop such a unified approach while also considering the performance of the selected sensor network across multiple operating scenarios. We formulate the problem as a mixed‐integer nonlinear program and highlight the benefits of the proposed integrated model in three computational case studies. In particular, the results show that hardware redundancy can lead to improved performance at the same sensor cost and that a multiscenario approach can be crucial in achieving overall optimality.
The clinical outcomes and genomic landscapes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with E2A‐PBX1: A 10‐year retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Biqi , Chu Xinran , Tian Hong , Liu Tianhui , Liu Hong , Gao Wei , Chen Suning , Hu Shaoyan , Wu Depei , Xu Yang
Published: August 2021

The clinical outcomes and genomic features of E2A‐PBX1 (TCF3‐PBX1)‐positive B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) patients remain unclear. A total of 137 patients carrying E2A‐PBX1 among 3164 B‐ALL patients between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates of the whole cohort were 68.6% and 61.0%, respectively. Age [DFS, p = 0.037; cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), p = 0.005] and the level of minimal residual disease (MRD) after induction chemotherapy (OS, p = 0.020; DFS, p = 0.002; CIR, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors. In adolescents/adults, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) at first complete remission (CR1) significantly improved the 5‐year prognosis (OS, p < 0.001; DFS, p < 0.001; CIR, p < 0.001). Haploidentical HSCT decreased the CIR compared with human leukocyte antigen‐matched HSCT in adolescents/adults (p = 0.017). Mutations in PBX1, PAX5, CTCF and SETD2, amplification of AKT3, and deletion of CDKN2A/B were common in the total cohort, while transcriptome differences were found in the cell cycle, nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling pathway and transcriptional regulation by TP53 between adolescents/adults and children. Patients with multiple subclones at diagnosis tended to have unfavorable 3‐year prognoses (DFS, p = 0.010; CIR, p = 0.021). Leukemia clones with DNA repair gene mutations showed aggressive and treatment‐refractory phenotypes in this subtype of ALL. Our study indicated that age, the level of MRD and DNA repair gene mutations were associated with E2A‐PBX1‐positive B‐ALL outcomes. Allo‐HSCT, especially haploidentical HSCT, could improve the prognosis of adolescent/adult patients.
Whole genome sequencing identifies pathogenic RNU4ATAC variants in a child with recurrent encephalitis, microcephaly, and normal stature
Authors: McMillan Hugh J. , Davila Jorge , Osmond Matt , Chakraborty Pranesh ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Boycott Kym M. , Dyment David A. , Kernohan Kristin D.
Published: August 2021

Biallelic pathogenic variants in RNU4ATAC have been linked to microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 1 (MOPD1). Although children with MOPD1 have been reported to show profound, life‐limiting clinical decompensation at the time of a febrile illness, these episodes including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have not been well characterized. We present acute MRI brain findings for a 10‐year‐old girl with homozygous variants in RNU4ATAC (NR_023343.1) n.55G>A, who presented with two episodes of clinical decompensation associated with a febrile illness in early childhood. The pathogenic variants were identified by whole genome sequencing as RNU4ATAC is not captured in most exome products. Her MRI of the brain revealed symmetric, diffusion restriction of the deep gray nuclei that initially pointed to a mitochondrial disease or acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Her phenotype included microcephaly and profound cognitive impairment that can be seen with MOPD1. However, she did not demonstrate clinical or radiographic evidence of a spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia or “primordial dwarfism” that is characteristic of this disease. As such, the predominant neurological presentation of this child represents an atypical variant of RNU4ATAC‐associated disease and should be a diagnostic consideration for geneticists and neurologists caring for children, particularly in the event of an acute clinical decline.
Photocatalytic C−F Bond Activation of Fluoroarenes, gem‐Difluoroalkenes and Trifluoromethylarenes
Authors: Xu Wengang , Zhang Qiao , Shao Qi , Xia Congjian , Wu Mingbo
Published: August 2021

Fluorine‐containing compounds have been widely applied on pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. The synthetic methodology for the introduction of fluorine into organic motifs has witnessed dramatically development recently. Selective C−F bond activation and functionalization of the easily accessible fluorinated compounds has provided an efficient way to synthesize novel fluorinated products and degradate the extremely stable fluorinated pollutants. As the development of photocatalytic organic transformations, the light induced direct C−F bond activation under mild conditions leading to the production of various functionalities has become one of the most advanced and efficient methodologies available. This minireview summarizes the recent development of the photocatalytic C−F bond activations of fluorinated compounds, including fluoroarenes, gem‐difluoroalkenes and trifluoromethylarenes, and intends to illustrate the readers a comprehensive introduction of this research topic via demonstrating the representative examples and detailed mechanism according to reaction types for the C−F bond transformations.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Deaminative Cross‐Coupling of Disulfides with Katritzky Pryidium Salts to Construct Sulfides
Authors: Li Qiu‐Li , Guo Li‐Yun , Shi Jie , Xiang Tong‐Xu , Li Qing , He Ke‐Han , Wang Bi‐Qin , Feng Chun , Pan Fei
Published: August 2021

The synthesis of thioether or selenoether through the cross‐coupling of C−S or C−Se bond is a high attractive research area due to the prevalence of thioether or selenoether in pharmaceutically active compounds, bioactive natural compounds, agrochemicals, and functional materials. Herein, a novel and general method has been developed for the construction of C−S or C−Se bonds using Katritzky pyridinium salts with disulfides or diselenides in the presence of nickel catalyst. This procedure exhibits remarkable functional group tolerance. Under mild reaction condition, a variety of thioethers and selenoethers is successfully and efficiently obtained through deaminative cross‐coupling.
Local Ordering of Molten Salts at NiO Crystal Interfaces Promotes High‐Index Faceting
Authors: Cheula Raffaele , Susman Mariano D. , West David H. , Chinta Sivadinarayana , Rimer Jeffrey D. , Maestri Matteo
Published: August 2021

Given the strong influence of surface structure on the reactivity of heterogeneous catalysts, understanding the mechanisms that control crystal morphology is an important component of designing catalytic materials with targeted shape and functionality. Herein, we employ density functional theory to examine the impact of growth media on NiO crystal faceting in line with experimental findings, showing that molten‐salt synthesis in alkali chlorides (KCl, LiCl, and NaCl) imposes shape selectivity on NiO particles. We find that the production of NiO octahedra is attributed to the dissociative adsorption of H2O, whereas the formation of trapezohedral particles is associated with the control of the growth kinetics exerted by ordered salt structures on high‐index facets. To our knowledge, this is the first observation that growth inhibition of metal‐oxide facets occurs by a localized ordering of molten salts at the crystal–solvent interface. These findings provide new molecular‐level insight on kinetics and thermodynamics of molten‐salt synthesis as a predictive route to shape‐engineer metal‐oxide crystals.
Ball‐Milling‐Enabled Reactivity of Manganese Metal**
Authors: Nicholson William I. , Howard Joseph L. , Magri Giuseppina , Seastram Alex C. , Khan Adam , Bolt Robert R. A. , Morrill Louis C. , Richards Emma , Browne Duncan L.
Published: August 2021

Efforts to generate organomanganese reagents under ball‐milling conditions have led to the serendipitous discovery that manganese metal can mediate the reductive dimerization of arylidene malonates. The newly uncovered process has been optimized and its mechanism explored using CV measurements, radical trapping experiments, EPR spectroscopy, and solution control reactions. This unique reactivity can also be translated to solution whereupon pre‐milling of the manganese is required.
Zn2+‐Coordination‐Driven RNA Assembly with Retained Integrity and Biological Functions
Authors: Zou Zhen , He Libei , Deng Xiangxi , Wang Huangxiang , Huang Ziyun , Xue Qian , Qing Zhihe , Lei Yanli , Yang Ronghua , Liu Juewen
Published: August 2021

Metal‐coordination‐directed biomolecule crosslinking in nature has been used for synthesizing various biopolymers, including DNA, peptides, proteins, and polysaccharides. However, the RNA biopolymer has been avoided so far, as due to the poor stability of the RNA molecules, the formation of a biopolymer may alter the biological function of the molecules. Herein, for the first time, we report Zn2+‐driven RNA self‐assembly forming spherical nanoparticles while retaining the integrity and biological function of RNA. Various functional RNAs of different compositions, shapes, and lengths from 20 to nearly 1000 nucleotides were used, highlighting the versatility of this approach. The assembled nanospheres possess a superior RNA‐loading efficiency, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability. In‐vitro and in‐vivo evaluation demonstrated mRNA delivery for expressing GFP proteins, and microRNA delivery to triple‐negative breast cancer. This coordination‐directed self‐assembly behavior amplifies the horizons of RNA coordination chemistry and the application scope of RNA‐based therapeutics.