bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Advanced Organic Electrode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Synthesis, Mechanisms, Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Yin Xiuping , Sarkar Samrat , Shi Shanshan , Huang Qiu‐An , Zhao Hongbin , Yan Liuming , Zhao Yufeng , Zhang Jiujun
Published: January 2020

Rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered attractive alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries for next‐generation sustainable and large‐scale electrochemical energy storage. Organic sodium‐ion batteries (OSIBs) using environmentally benign organic materials as electrodes, which demonstrate high energy/power density and good structural designability, have recently attracted great attention. Nevertheless, the practical applications and popularization of OSIBs are generally restricted by the intrinsic disadvantages related to organic electrodes, such as their low conductivity, poor stability, and high solubility in electrolytes. Here, the latest research progress with regard to electrode materials of OSIBs, ranging from small molecules to organic polymers, is systematically reviewed, with the main focus on the molecular structure design/modification, the electrochemical behavior, and the corresponding charge‐storage mechanism. Particularly, the challenges faced by OSIBs and the effective design strategies are comprehensively summarized from three aspects: function‐oriented molecular design, micromorphology regulation, and construction of organic–inorganic composites. Finally, the perspectives and opportunities in the research of organic electrode materials are discussed.
Fire‐Resistant Structural Material Enabled by an Anisotropic Thermally Conductive Hexagonal Boron Nitride Coating
Authors: Gan Wentao , Chen Chaoji , Wang Zhengyang , Pei Yong , Ping Weiwei , Xiao Shaoliang , Dai Jiaqi , Yao Yonggang , He Shuaiming , Zhao Beihan , Das Siddhartha , Yang Bao , Sunderland Peter B. , Hu Liangbing
Published: January 2020

Fire retardant coatings have been proven effective at reducing the heat release rate (HRR) of structural materials during burning; yet effective methods for increasing the ignition temperature and delay time prior to burning are rarely reported. Herein, a strong, fire‐resistant wood structural material is developed by combining a densification treatment with an anisotropic thermally conductive flame‐retardant coating of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanosheets to produce BN‐densified wood. The thermal management properties created by the BN coating provide fast, in‐plane thermal diffusion, slowing the conduction of heat through the densified wood, which improves the material's ignition properties. Compared with densified wood without the BN coating, a 41 °C enhancement in ignition temperature (Tig), a twofold increase in ignition delay time (tig), and a 25% decrease in the maximum HRR of BN‐densified wood can be achieved. As a proof of concept for scalability, the pieces of the BN‐densified wood are fabricated with a length larger than 25 cm, width greater than 15 cm, and thickness more than 7 mm. The improved thermal management, fire resistance, mechanical strength, and scalable production of BN‐densified wood position it as a promising structural material for safe and energy‐efficient buildings.
Insights into Correlation among Surface‐Structure‐Activity of Cobalt‐Derived Pre‐Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Ruchun , Hu Bihua , Yu Tongwen , Chen Haixin , Wang Yi , Song Shuqin
Published: January 2020

Rational design of unique pre‐catalysts for highly active catalysts toward catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a great challenge. Herein, a Co‐derived pre‐catalyst that allows gradual exposure of CoOOH that acts as the active center for OER catalysis is obtained by both phosphate ion surface functionalization and Mo inner doping. The obtained catalyst reveals an excellent OER activity with a low overpotential of 265 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and good durability in alkaline electrolyte, which is comparable to the majority of Co‐based OER catalysts. Specifically, the surface functionalization produces lots of Co‐PO4 species with oxygen vacancies which can trigger the surface self‐reconstruction of pre‐catalyst for a favorable OER reaction. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the Mo doping optimizes adsorption‐free energy of *OOH formation and thus accelerates intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. Expanding on these explorations, a series of transition metal oxide pre‐catalysts are obtained using this general design strategy. The work offers a fundamental understanding toward the correlation among surface‐structure‐activity for the pre‐catalyst design.
Neural and Psychological Predictors of Cognitive Enhancement and Impairment from Neurostimulation
Authors: Yang Li‐Zhuang , Zhang Wei , Wang Wenjuan , Yang Zhiyu , Wang Hongzhi , Deng Zhi‐De , Li Chuanfu , Qiu Bensheng , Zhang Da‐Ren , Kadosh Roi Cohen , Li Hai , Zhang Xiaochu
Published: January 2020

Modulating the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), especially the right counterpart, shows promises in enhancing social cognitive ability. However, it is ambiguous whether the functional lateralization of TPJ determines people's responsiveness to brain stimulation. Here, this issue is investigated with an individual difference approach. Forty‐five participants attended three sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) experiments and one neuroimaging session. The results support the symmetric mechanism of left and right TPJ stimulation. First, the left and right TPJ stimulation effect are comparable in the group‐level analysis. Second, the individual‐level analysis reveals that a less right‐lateralized TPJ is associated with a higher level of responsiveness. Participants could be classified into positive responders showing cognitive enhancement and negative responders showing cognitive impairment due to stimulation. The positive responders show weaker connectivity between bilateral TPJ and the medial prefrontal cortex, which mediates the prediction of offline responsiveness by the lateralization and the social‐related trait. These findings call for a better characterization and predictive models for whom tDCS should be used for, and highlight the necessity and feasibility of prestimulation screening.
Atomic Scale Origin of Metal Ion Release from Hip Implant Taper Junctions
Authors: Balachandran Shanoob , Zachariah Zita , Fischer Alfons , Mayweg David , Wimmer Markus A. , Raabe Dierk , Herbig Michael
Published: January 2020

Millions worldwide suffer from arthritis of the hips, and total hip replacement is a clinically successful treatment for end‐stage arthritis patients. Typical hip implants incorporate a cobalt alloy (Co–Cr–Mo) femoral head fixed on a titanium alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V) femoral stem via a Morse taper junction. However, fretting and corrosion at this junction can cause release of wear particles and metal ions from the metallic implant, leading to local and systemic toxicity in patients. This study is a multiscale structural‐chemical investigation, ranging from the micrometer down to the atomic scale, of the underlying mechanisms leading to metal ion release from such taper junctions. Correlative transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography reveals microstructural and compositional alterations in the subsurface of the titanium alloy subjected to in vitro gross‐slip fretting against the cobalt alloy. Even though the cobalt alloy is comparatively more wear‐resistant, changes in the titanium alloy promote tribocorrosion and subsequent degradation of the cobalt alloy. These observations regarding the concurrent occurrence of electrochemical and tribological phenomena are vital to further improve the design and performance of taper junctions in similar environments.
Progress and Perspective of Ceramic/Polymer Composite Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Li Song , Zhang Shi‐Qi , Shen Lu , Liu Qi , Ma Jia‐Bin , Lv Wei , He Yan‐Bing , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: January 2020

Solid composite electrolytes (SCEs) that combine the advantages of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) and inorganic ceramic electrolytes (ICEs) present acceptable ionic conductivity, high mechanical strength, and favorable interfacial contact with electrodes, which greatly improve the electrochemical performance of all‐solid‐state batteries compared to single SPEs and ICEs. However, there are many challenges to overcome before the practical application of SCEs, including the low ionic conductivity less than 10−3 S cm−1 at ambient temperature, poor interfacial stability, and high interfacial resistance, which greatly restrict the room temperature performance. Herein, the advances of SCEs applied in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries are presented, including the Li ion migration mechanism of SCEs, the strategies to enhance the ionic conductivity of SCEs by various morphologies of ICEs, and construction methods of the low resistance and stable interfaces of SCEs with both cathode and anode. Finally, some typical applications of SCEs in lithium batteries are summarized and future development directions are prospected. This work presents how it is quite significant to further enhance the ionic conductivity of SCEs by developing the novel SPEs with the special morphology of ICEs for advanced all‐solid‐state lithium batteries.
Winter cover crops effects on soil properties and sweet corn yield in semi‐arid irrigated systems
Authors: Antosh Eric , Idowu John , Schutte Brian , Lehnhoff Erik
Published: January 2020

Winter cover crops (WCCs) can bolster agroecosystem services, including improving soil and crop yields. However, information is lacking about WCCs in irrigated crops in the semiarid climates of the southwestern United States. We chose three WCC species for their ecological attributes: hairy vetch (Vicia villosa, nitrogen fixation), rye (Secale cereale, nutrient sequestration; allelopathy), and mustard (Brassica juncea, biofumigant). Crops were planted in either monoculture or 2‐ and 3‐way combinations to evaluate agroecosystem services. Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) was planted approximately 2 wk after WCC termination. Neither monocultures nor mixtures consistently produced the most biomass, as WCC biomass production differed between site and year. The highest yielding cover crop was vetch (4302 kg ha−1) followed by mustard–vetch (3528 kg ha−1) and rye–vetch (3130 kg ha−1), all within the same site year, and rye (3016 kg ha−1) in another site year. Cover crops generally increased mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (a measure of dry soil aggregation) over time, with values nearly doubling in mustard–vetch and mustard–rye–vetch plots at one site. Wet aggregate stability increased by as much as 18% in mustard and 27% in mustard–vetch plots. Fertilizer requirements decreased compared to fallow plots in the second year in all WCC plots except for rye at one site, and vetch increased sweet corn yield compared to dry fallow plots in 1 yr by an average of 43.1%. These results demonstrate that WCCs can have positive effects on dry aggregate stability and potentially cash crop yield in irrigated, semiarid agroecosystems.
Tunable, Flexible, and Resilient Robots Driven by an Electrostatic Actuator
Authors: Jin Congran , Zhang Jinhua , Xu Zhe , Trase Ian , Huang Shicheng , Dong Lin , Liu Ziyue , Usherwood Sophie E. , Zhang John X. J. , Chen Zi
Published: January 2020

Robustness, deformability, maneuverability, and ease of fabrication are among the most desirable features of soft robots that can adapt to various working environments and complex terrains. Herein, polymeric thin‐film‐based flexible robots are designed, prototyped, and examined that use mechanical instability and electrostatic force actuation for locomotion. An electrostatic actuator is first developed using a buckled beam that can deform by up to 68% of its height under an applied voltage. A centimeter‐scale robotic bug is then designed that shows superb flexibility, adaptability, and maneuverability by incorporating origami structural elements. For instance, the robotic bug can be completely smashed and still recover its mobility, walk on various terrains, slopes (up to 30°) and narrow spaces, overcome hurdles, make turns, and even move backward with a crawling (linear) and turning (rotation) speed up to 40 mm s−1 and ≈45° s−1, respectively. Such remarkable characteristics are controlled by a set of parameters such as the amplitude and frequency of the input voltage and/or the origami geometries. The facile and tunable design and the actuation principle can potentially enable ample opportunities for the development of the next‐generation soft robotics.
Tatton‐Brown‐Rahman syndrome: Six individuals with novel features
Authors: Balci Tugce B. , Strong Alana , Kalish Jennifer M. , Zackai Elaine , Maris John M. , Reilly Anne , Surrey Lea F. , Wertheim Gerald B. , Marcadier Julien L. , Graham Gail E. , Carter Melissa T.
Published: January 2020

Tatton‐Brown Rahman syndrome (TBRS) is an overgrowth‐intellectual disability syndrome caused by heterozygous variants inDNMT3A. Seventy‐eight individuals have been reported with a consistent phenotype of somatic overgrowth, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and similar dysmorphisms. We present six individuals with TBRS, including the youngest individual thus far reported, first individual to be diagnosed with tumor testing and two individuals with variants at the Arg882 domain, bringing the total number of reported cases to 82. Patients reported herein have additional clinical features not previously reported in TBRS. One patient had congenital diaphragmatic hernia. One patient carrying the recurrent p.Arg882HisDNMT3Avariant, who was previously reported as having a phenotype due to a truncating variant in theCLTCgene, developed a ganglioneuroblastoma at 18 months and T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma at 6 years of age. Four patients manifested symptoms suggestive of autonomic dysfunction, including central sleep apnea, postural orthostatic hypotension, and episodic vasomotor instability in the extremities. We discuss the molecular and clinical findings in our patients with TBRS in context of existing literature.
Further delineation of the phenotypic spectrum of nevus comedonicus syndrome to include congenital pulmonary airway malformation of the lung and aneurysm
Authors: Sheppard Sarah E. , Smith Anna , Grand Katheryn , Pogoriler Jennifer , Rubin Adam I. , Schindewolf Erica , Fitzgerald Mark P. , Moldenhauer Julie , Laje Pablo , Peranteau William , Bhoj Elizabeth , McMahon Patrick , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie
Published: January 2020

Nevus comedonicus syndrome (NCS) is a rare epidermal nevus syndrome characterized by ocular, skeletal, and central nervous system anomalies. We present a 23‐month‐old boy with a history of a congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) of the lung and a congenital cataract who developed progressive linear and curvilinear plaques of dilated follicular openings with keratin plugs (comedones) on parts of his scalp, face, and body consistent with nevus comedonicus. MRI of the brain demonstrated an aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery. Genetic testing identified NEK9 c.1755_1757del (p.Thr586del) at mean allele frequency of 28% in the nevus comedonicus. This same mutation was present in the CPAM tissue. This is the first case of a CPAM in a patient with an epidermal nevus syndrome. This case expands the phenotype of nevus comedonicus syndrome to include CPAM and vascular anomalies.
Studies on the curing behavior, thermal, and mechanical properties of epoxy resin‐co‐amine‐functionalized lead phthalocyanine
Authors: Zu Li‐Wu , Li Ji‐dong , Gao Bao‐Chang , Pan Zhong‐Cheng , Wang Jun , Liu Wen‐Bin , Zegaoui Abdeldjalil , Dayo Abdul Qadeer
Published: January 2020

A high performance copolymer was prepared by using epoxy (EP) resin as matrix and 3,10,17,24‐tetra‐aminoethoxy lead phthalocyanine (APbPc) as additive with dicyandiamide as curing agent. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study the curing behavior, curing kinetics, dynamic mechanical properties, impact and tensile strength, and thermal stability of EP/APbPc blends. The experimental results show that APbPc, as a synergistic curing agent, can effectively reduce the curing temperature of epoxy resin. The curing kinetics of the copolymer was investigated by non‐isothermal DSC to determine kinetic data and measurement of the activation energy. DMA, impact, and tensile strength tests proved that phthalocyanine can significantly improve the toughness and stiffness of epoxy resin. Highest values were seen on the 20 wt% loading of APbPc in the copolymers, energy storage modulus, and impact strength increased respectively 388.46 MPa and 3.6 kJ/m2, Tg decreased 19.46°C. TGA curves indicated that the cured copolymers also exhibit excellent thermal properties.
Synthesis, characterization, and swelling behavior of poly(N‐hydroxymethylacrylamide) grafted poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Kurşun Fatma , Işıklan Nuran
Published: January 2020

In this study, the graft copolymerization of N‐hydroxymethylacrylamide (NHMAAm) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was carried out by using potassium persulfate/N,N,N,N‐tetramethylethylenediamine (K2S2O8) to improve physicochemical properties and functionality of PVA. The structures of PVA‐g‐poly‐NHMAAm (PNHMAAm) copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), 13C‐NMR, and size exclusion chromatography. Their thermal behaviors were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA results indicated that the graft copolymers show better thermal stability then PVA. The effects of reaction time, temperature, NHMAAm, and K2S2O8 concentrations on grafting parameters were examined. The maximum grafting yield (34.01%) was provided when reaction was carried out under optimum conditions (time = 2 hr, T = 40°C, [NHMAAm] = 0.25 M, [K2S2O8] = 4.56 × 10−3 M). Moreover, PVA‐g‐PNHMAAm membranes were prepared and their swelling behaviors were studied. The results demonstrated that swelling degree of graft membranes increased almost 3.5‐fold compared to PVA membrane.
Designing business models in circular economy: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Centobelli Piera , Cerchione Roberto , Chiaroni Davide , Del Vecchio Pasquale , Urbinati Andrea
Published: January 2020

The concept of circular economy is increasingly receiving attention in different domains, including strategic management, operations management, and technology management. It requires companies to design their business model (i.e., the value network, the relationships with the supply chain partners, and the value propositions towards customers) around a new concept of sustainable development that reduces consumption of natural resources and preserves the environment. However, extant research falls short in terms of explaining how companies design their business model according to the circular economy principles. Starting from this premise, the present paper provides a systematic review of the literature on the design of business models in the context of circular economy, aiming to offer an overview of the state of research and outline a promising research agenda.
Causes of death among cancer patients in the era of cancer survivorship in Korea: Attention to the suicide and cardiovascular mortality
Authors: Oh Chang‐Mo , Lee Dahhay , Kong Hyun‐Joo , Lee Seokmin , Won Young‐Joo , Jung Kyu‐Won , Cho Hyunsoon
Published: January 2020

Background

Improved cancer survival is expected to increase noncancer deaths; however, detailed causes of death have rarely been discussed. Changing landscapes in mortality patterns and noncancer mortality risks in patients with cancer require evaluation.

Methods

We identified cancer and noncancer‐related causes of death using data from the 2000‐2016 national cancer registry in Korea (n = 2 707 520), and we characterized the leading causes of death and proportionate mortalities over time. Risks of noncancer deaths relative to the general population were estimated using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

Results

Of 1 105 607 identified deaths, 87% were due to the primary cancer. Proportionate mortalities of primary cancer among overall deaths remained high in patients with liver (86%) and lung (70%) cancers and in female patients with breast cancer (77%), even 5 to 10 years following diagnosis, whereas proportionate mortalities reduced to ≤50% in patients with stomach (men, 39%; women, 48%), prostate (47%), and female thyroid (27%) cancers. Despite the predominance of index cancer deaths, the proportion of noncancer deaths among all deaths increased over time. There was a 20‐fold increase in cardiovascular disease deaths among patients with cancer from 2000 to 2016, and the risk of suicide among patients with cancer was higher than that among the general population (SMR: 1.68 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63‐1.74] in men, SMR: 1.42 [95% CI: 1.33‐1.55] in women).

Conclusions

Deaths from primary cancer remain a major concern; however, follow‐up is required for both cancer and noncancer‐related health issues in cancer survivors, especially concerning suicide and cardiovascular deaths.
Association between socioeconomic factors at diagnosis and survival in breast cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Ji Peng , Gong Yue , Jiang Chang‐Chuan , Hu Xin , Di Gen‐Hong , Shao Zhi‐Ming
Published: January 2020

Background

The associations between socioeconomic statuses and survival outcomes of breast cancer remain unclear. No model has included both histological and socioeconomic factors to predict the survival of breast cancer. This study was designed to develop nomograms to predict breast cancer–specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) with consideration of socioeconomic factors for breast cancer patients.

Materials and methods

We included a total of 207 749 female patients, diagnosed with malignant breast cancer between 2007 and 2012 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. BCSS and OS were evaluated with Gray's test and log‐rank tests, respectively. Marital statuses, insurance statuses, residence, median household income, poverty rate, unemployment rate, and education level were included as socioeconomic factors in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Clinicopathological factors and socioeconomic factors were integrated to construct nomograms. Calibration plots and concordance indexes (C‐indexes) were used to evaluate the accuracy and discrimination of the models.

Results

Four and three socioeconomic factors were involved in constructing the nomograms for 3‐, 5‐, and 7‐year BCSS and OS, respectively. The C‐indexes of the final nomograms were higher than those of the TNM staging system for predicting BCSS (0.835 vs 0.782; P < .001) and OS (0.773 vs 0.676; P < .001). The performance of the nomograms for predicting OS was significantly lower when excluding socioeconomic factors (P < .001).

Conclusion

These findings may highlight the importance of developing health‐related policies and the necessity of targeted social support‐based interventions for high‐risk patients.
Prognostic factors of adjuvant chemotherapy discontinuation among stage III colon cancer patients: A survey of medical oncologists and a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Boyne Devon J. , O'Sullivan Dylan E. , Heer Emily V. , Hilsden Robert J. , Sajobi Tolulope T. , Cheung Winson Y. , Brenner Darren R. , Friedenreich Christine M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Factors that are prognostic of early discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy among stage III colon cancer patients have yet to be described. To address this gap, a survey of medical oncologists and a systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted.

Methods

A survey was distributed in March 2019 to medical oncologists who treat colon cancer within Alberta, Canada. Clinicians were asked to rank the prognostic importance of a set of variables using a Likert scale and agreement was quantified using a weighted Cohen's kappa. In addition, we systematically searched four databases up to July 2019. Meta‐analyses were conducted using a random‐effects model.

Results

Of the 25 clinicians who were sent the survey, 14 responded. Overall, there was no agreement regarding which variables were prognostic of early discontinuation (weighted Cohen's kappa = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.05‐0.18). From an initial 3927 articles, 18 investigations were identified for inclusion in our review. Based upon evidence from both the survey and the systematic review, the following four variables were identified as being prognostic of early discontinuation: (a) comorbidity (OR2+ vs 0 = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.30‐1.79); (b) performance status (ORECOG 2+ vs 0‐1 = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.07‐1.65); (c) T stage (ORT4 vs T1‐2 = 1.57; 95% CI = 0.99‐2.50); and (d) chemotherapy regimen (estimates not pooled due to heterogeneity). In addition to these factors, there was some suggestion that age, marital status/social support, muscle mass, N stage, and tumor grade had prognostic value.

Conclusions

Current evidence is heterogeneous and limited. Additional research is needed to confirm our findings and to explore additional prognostic factors.
A Structure‐Activity Relationship between the Veratrum Alkaloids on the Antihypertension and DNA Damage Activity in Mice
Authors: Cong Yue , Wu Yantong , Shen Shan , Liu Xiping , Guo Jinggong
Published: January 2020

Veratrum plant contains a family of compounds called steroidal alkaloids which have been previously reported to cause DNA damage and blood pressure decrease in vivo. In this study, the antihypertensive effects and DNA damage in brain cells of 12 steroidal alkaloids separated from Veratrum plant were all evaluated to develop a relationship among chemical structure, antihypertensive activity and neurotoxicity by utilization of chemical principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Twelve steroidal alkaloids markedly reduced high blood pressure of hypertensive mice and also similarly induced varying degrees of DNA single‐strand breaks in mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex after oral administration. On the basis of the PCA and HCA results, it was suggested that the 3‐carboxylic esters and benzene group play a core role in the DNA damage of brain cells, while more hydroxy groups in the A‐ring and B‐ring structure of jervine‐type alkaloid led to stronger antihypertensive activity. The primary structure, activity and neurotoxicity relationship were discussed briefly.
Wo andere Lösungen scheitern
Authors: Renc Anita
Published: January 2020

In Abgasschächten und Schornsteinen entstehendes Kondenswasser kann sich negativ auf die Messergebnisse von Durchflussmesssonden auswirken. Auch unter härtesten Einsatzbedingungen soll die robuste Durchflussmesssonde KBar 2000 WGF von Kurz Instruments zuverlässige Daten liefern und nahezu wartungsfrei sein.
Universale Durchflussströmungsmesser
Authors: Ali Agha Raza
Published: January 2020

Aufgrund der umfangreichen Möglichkeiten zur Vor‐Ort‐Programmierung eignen sich die Durchflussregler MIM und MIS von KOBOLD Messring für einen branchenübergreifenden Einsatz insbesondere bei der Dosierung.
Für hohe Verfügbarkeit
Authors: Schnathmann Regina
Published: January 2020

Beumer wurde von TTCL Public Company Limited, einem EPC‐Anbieter in Thailand, mit der Lieferung von Abfülllinien für den Long‐Son‐Petrochemiekomplex in Vietnam beauftragt.
Flexibel pendeln
Authors: Sullivan Regula
Published: January 2020

Die neuen K3‐Vibrationsdosierer von Coperion K‐Tron sind mit einem neuartigen Antriebssystem ausgstattet, das eine 35 % höhere Genauigkeit, ermöglicht.
Wenn sich der Neuzustand prozessbedingt verändert
Authors: Saal Franz
Published: January 2020

Eine neue Armaturendiagnostik bietet eine wertvolle Unterstützung für Verfahrensingenieure, Instandhaltung und Produktionsplaner im Umgang mit Industriearmaturen.
Chemisch aggressive Medien fördern
Authors:   HOMA
Published: January 2020

Korrosion beschädigt nichtbeständige metallische Komponenten: Pumpenbaureihe aus Edelstahlfeinguss erhöht Standzeit bei maximalem Wirkungsgrad.
Environmentally Friendly Eutectogels Comprising l‐amino Acids and Deep Eutectic Solvents: Efficient Materials for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Marullo Salvatore , Meli Alessandro , Dintcheva Nadka. Tz. , Infurna Giulia , Rizzo Carla , D'Anna Francesca
Published: January 2020

Current concerns for sustainability and the environment make low‐impact materials desirable for environmental remediation and, in particular wastewater treatment. We obtained supramolecular gels of l‐amino acids in the deep eutectic solvent formed by choline chloride and phenylacetic acid. After gel characterization, and investigating gel–sol transition temperatures, gelation kinetics, rheological properties, and morphology, the gels were applied as sorbents to remove cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. The effects of the pH, dye nature, volume, and concentration of wastewater were analyzed, and the best result was obtained with a l‐phenylalanine‐based eutectogel. It can be reused for at least 9 times without losing efficiency, also with dye mixtures. Interestingly, this gel can be loaded onto columns to decolorize flowing solutions, achieving 85 % of removal efficiency in only 10 minutes and allowing its reuse for at least 4 cycles. In terms of adsorption capacity, this eutectogel is competitive with efficient gel‐based dye sorbent systems, with a value 1930 mg/g reached at a high concentration of rhodamine B 479 mg/L.
Effects of corporate environmental responsibility strength and concern on innovation performance: The moderating role of firm visibility
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Liang Zhou , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2020

Based on stakeholder theory, this research aims to examine the effects of the two dimensions of corporate environmental responsibility (CER), which are CER strength and CER concern, on firm innovation performance, and the moderating effect of firm visibility on these relationships. Using data on Chinese firms listed on Shenzhen stock exchange from 2006 to 2015, this research finds that CER strength positively affects firm innovation performance while CER concern negatively affects innovation performance. These relationships are stronger for firms with greater visibility. This research provides insights for understanding the relationship between CER and innovation performance and has important managerial implications for firms to manage their environmental behaviors and improve innovation performance to achieve sustainable development.
Solvent Effects on Degradative Condensation Side Reactions of Fructose in Its Initial Conversion to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Fu Xing , Hu Yexin , Zhang Yanru , Zhang Yucheng , Tang Dianyong , Zhu Liangfang , Hu Changwei
Published: January 2020

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Liangfang Zhu and Changwei Hu at Sichuan University. The image shows a general understanding on the solvent‐controlled formation of oligomers (the possible precursors of humins) accompanying with formation of small‐molecular carboxylic acids as by‐products in the initial reaction stage of fructose dehydration. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201902309.
Nutrients mitigate the impacts of extreme drought on plant invasions
Authors: Kelso Megan A. , Wigginton Rachel D. , Grosholz Edwin D.
Published: January 2020

Extreme climate events, such as drought, are becoming increasingly important drivers of plant community change, yet little is known about their impacts on invasive plants. Further, drought impacts may be altered by other anthropogenic stressors, such as eutrophication. We found drought dramatically reduced density of invasive Lepidium latifolium in salt marshes, and this die‐back was mitigated by nutrient addition. In a 3‐yr field experiment (2014–2016) conducted during an unprecedented drought (2012–2015), we tracked the effects of drought and nutrient addition on the plant community. We conducted this research at four salt marshes across a salinity gradient in the San Francisco Bay, California, USA. We manipulated paired native and invaded plots, one‐half of which were treated monthly with N and P for 1.5 yr during the most intense period of the drought and one subsequent wet winter. In addition, we monitored unmanipulated L. latifolium‐invaded transects within our freshest and most saline sites throughout the three years of our manipulative experiment and one additional wet winter. We documented a dramatic die‐back of invasive L. latifolium during extreme drought, with reductions in stem density (52–100%) and height (17–47%) that were more severe at low salinity sites than high salinity sites. We found nutrient application lessened the effect of drought on L. latifolium stem density, but not height. In native plots, extreme drought reduced native plant cover (4–24%), but nutrient addition mitigated this impact. Interestingly, native plants in invaded plots did not suffer reductions in cover due to drought, perhaps because they were simultaneously benefiting from the die‐back of the invader. Our results show drought negatively impacted both native and invasive plants and this impact was stronger on the invader, which experienced persistent declines two years after the end of the drought. However, by mitigating the effect of drought on invasive plants, nutrient addition potentially erased the advantage drought provided native plants over invasive plants under ambient nutrient conditions.
Foundation species promote community stability by increasing diversity in a giant kelp forest
Authors: Lamy Thomas , Koenigs Craig , Holbrook Sally J. , Miller Robert J. , Stier Adrian C. , Reed Daniel C.
Published: January 2020

Foundation species structure communities, promote biodiversity, and stabilize ecosystem processes by creating locally stable environmental conditions. Despite their critical importance, the role of foundation species in stabilizing natural communities has seldom been quantified. In theory, the stability of a foundation species should promote community stability by enhancing species richness, altering the population fluctuations of individual species, or both. Here we tested the hypothesis that the stability of a marine foundation species, the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, increased the stability of the aggregate biomass of a phylogenetically diverse assemblage of understory algae and sessile invertebrates that compete for space beneath the giant kelp canopy. To achieve this goal, we analyzed an 18‐yr time series of the biomass of giant kelp and its associated benthic community collected from 32 plots distributed among nine shallow reefs in the Santa Barbara Channel, USA. We showed that the stability of understory algae and sessile invertebrates was positively and indirectly related to the stability of giant kelp, which primarily resulted from giant kelp's direct positive association with species richness. The stability of all community types was positively related to species richness via increased species stability and species asynchrony. The stabilizing effects of richness were three to four times stronger when algae and invertebrates were considered separately rather than in combination. Our finding that diversity–stability relationships were stronger in communities consisting of species with similar resource requirements suggests that competition for shared resources rather than differential responses to environmental conditions played a more important role in stabilizing the community. Increasing threats to structure‐forming foundation species worldwide necessitates a detailed understanding of how they influence their associated community. This study is among the first to show that dampened temporal fluctuations in the biomass of a foundation species is an important determinant of the stability of the complex communities it supports.
Resistance and robustness of the global coral–symbiont network
Authors: Williams Sara D. , Patterson Mark R.
Published: January 2020

Increasing ocean temperatures have widespread consequences for coral reefs, one of which is coral bleaching. We analyzed a global network of associations between coral species and Symbiodiniaceae for resistance to temperature stress and robustness to perturbations. Null networks were created by changing either the physiological parameters of the nodes or the structures of the networks. We developed a bleaching model in which each link, association, is given a weight based on temperature thresholds for specific host–symbiont pairs and links are removed as temperature increases. Resistance to temperature stress was determined from the response of the networks to the bleaching model. Ecological robustness, defined by how much perturbation is needed to decrease the number of nodes by 50%, was determined for multiple removal models that considered traits of the hosts, symbionts, and their associations. Network resistance to bleaching and robustness to perturbations differed from the null networks and varied across spatial scales, supporting that thermal tolerances, local association patterns, and environment play an important role in network persistence. Networks were more robust to attacks on associations than to attacks on species. Although the global network was fairly robust to random link removals, when links are removed according to the bleaching model, robustness decreases by about 20%. Specific environmental attacks, in the form of increasing temperatures, destabilize the global network of coral species and Symbiodiniaceae. On a global scale, the network was more robust to removals of links with susceptible Symbiodiniaceae than it was to removals of links with susceptible hosts. Thus, the symbionts convey more stability to the symbiosis than the hosts when the system is under an environmental attack. However, our results also provide evidence that the environment of the networks affects robustness to link perturbations. Our work shows that ecological resistance and robustness can be assessed through network analysis that considers specific biological traits and functional weaknesses. The global network of associations between corals and Symbiodiniaceae and its distribution of thermal tolerances are non‐random, and the evolution of this architecture has led to higher sensitivity to environmental perturbations.
The effect of parity on exercise physiology in women with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Beale Anna L. , Cosentino Carmela , Segan Louise , Mariani Justin A. , Vizi Donna , Evans Shona , Nanayakkara Shane , Kaye David M.
Published: January 2020

Aims

Women are overrepresented amongst patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the underpinning mechanism for this asymmetric distribution is unclear. Pregnancy represents a potential gender‐specific risk factor for HFpEF. It leads to significant physiological adaption, and increasing parity has been associated with some cardiovascular risk. We sought to examine the relationship between prior parity with the rest and exercise haemodynamic and echocardiographic profile of women with HFpEF.

Methods and results

Patients referred for assessment of exertional dyspnoea and confirmed to have a haemodynamic and clinical profile consistent with HFpEF were included. Detailed evaluation consisted of rest and exercise right heart catheterization and echocardiography. A socio‐economic and obstetric history was also documented. Fifty‐eight women were assessed and categorized as having either 0–2 births or ≥3 births, dividing the cohort equally. Women with ≥3 births achieved a lower symptom‐limited workload than those with 0–2 births [38 (24–51) vs. 46 (31–68) W, P = 0.04]. Women with ≥3 births had a greater rise in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure indexed to workload with exercise [0.5 (0.3–0.8) vs. 0.3 (0.2–0.5) mmHg/W, P = 0.03], paralleled by a greater rise in right atrial pressure [10 (8–12) vs. 7 (3–11), P = 0.01]. Pulmonary vascular resistance was also higher in women with ≥3 births [1.9 (1.6–2.4) vs. 1.6 (1.4–1.9) mmHg/L/min rest, P = 0.046, and 1.9 (2.4–2.4) vs. 1.4 (1–1.8) mmHg/L/min exercise, P = 0.024]. Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower at rest [60 (57–61) vs. 63 (60–66), P = 0.008] and during exercise [65 (62–67) vs. 68 (66–70), P = 0.038] in women with higher parity.

Conclusions

Higher parity is associated with greater impairments in multiple physiologic parameters of HFpEF severity in women, including diastolic reserve, pulmonary vascular resistance, and systolic dysfunction.
Synthesis of N‐Sulfonyl Pyrazoles Through Cyclization Reactions of Sulfonyl Hydrazines with Enaminones Promoted by p‐TSA
Authors: Zhang Qiaohe , Hu Biao , Zhao Yuxuan , Zhao Siyun , Wang Yanqin , Zhang Biao , Yan Shengjiao , Yu Fuchao
Published: January 2020

A strategy for the rapid synthesis of 3‐substituted N‐sulfonyl pyrazoles via p‐TSA‐promoted cyclization reactions of sulfonyl hydrazines with N,N‐dimethyl enaminones has been developed. This method achieves both the formation of pyrazole ring and the continued retention of sulfonyl group, providing a series of 3‐substituted N‐sulfonyl pyrazoles in moderate to good yields with good functional group tolerance, easily available starting materials, and can be scaled‐up.
Small diameter blood vessels with controllable micropore structure induced by centrifugal force for improved endothelialization
Authors: Li Jinge , Gao Qinwei , Chen Zhaobin , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: January 2020

The micropore structure is prerequisite for fast and durable endothelialization of artificial small diameter blood vessels (ASDBVs). Although some methods, such as salt leaching, coagulation, and electrospinning, have been developed to construct micropores for ASDBVs, the uncontrollability of the structure and the complicated procedures of the process are still the issues to be concerned about. In this study, a compact device based on the principle of centrifugal force is established and used to prepare polyurethane (PU) ASDBVs with micropore structures by blasting different porogens. It is found that the glass beads could construct micropores with regular round shape, uniform distribution, and controllable size (60–350 µm), which significantly improves the endothelialization of PU‐based ASDBVs, especially when the pore size is about 60 µm. This method is easy‐accessible and wide‐applicable, which provides a new pathway for the research and development of ASDBVs.
CO Methanation on Mesoporous Ni–VOx/FDU‐12 Catalyst: Effects of the VOx Promoter on Low‐Temperature Activity
Authors: Tian Zhiwei , Yang Hongyuan , Liu Qing
Published: January 2020

Herein, a series of Ni–VOx/FDU‐12 catalysts are prepared by an incipient impregnation method with FDU‐12 (cubic, Fm‐3m) as the support. The samples are characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, H2‐temperature programmed reduction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Among all catalysts, Ni–VOx/FDU‐12 with NiO of 10 wt% and V2O5 of 2 wt% (10N2VF) show the best catalytic performance, which reaches maximum CO conversion and CH4 yield of 99.4% and 89%, respectively, at 325 °C. The lifetime test is conducted at a constant temperature of 450 °C for 100 h at 0.1 MPa and a high weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 60 000 mL g−1 h−1. The 10N2VF exhibit high antisintering and coking properties. The addition of the vanadium promoter improve Ni dispersion and change Ni electron density, which enhance the low‐temperature ability for CO dissociation via the weakening of CO linkage. In contrast, a large number of oxygen vacancies formed by the oxidation–reduction cycle of V5+/V4+/V3+ can enhance the dissociation of the by‐product CO2 and generate oxygen intermediates, which prevent carbon deposition on the surface of Ni particles.
A novel method to evaluate cleaning quality of oil in shale using pyrolysis pyrogram
Authors: Dong Xu , Shen Luyi , Zhao Jianpeng , Liu Xuefeng , Sun Yuli , Golsanami Naser , Wang Fei , Bi Haisheng , Zitha Pacelli
Published: January 2020

Complete and thorough core cleaning is a critical prerequisite for the precise measurements of most rock's petrophysical parameters. In shale, the oil cleaning process, aimed to remove the volatile hydrocarbons, is often complicated by the requirement for intact solid organic. Evaluation of shale's cleaning methods needs to take structural integrity of organic matrix into account but neglected in the existing researches. Here, we develop a novel evaluation method using a modified ESH (extended slow heating) pyrolysis cycle, which starts at a lower initial temperature of 150°C for 10 minutes and then slowly increases to 650°C by 10°C/min. Hydrocarbons on the ESH pyrogram were divided into light free hydrocarbon (SA), FHR (fluid‐like hydrocarbon, SB), and solid organic matter (SC). We propose a set of quantitative evaluation criterions comparing the results of pyrograms, for different types of the hydrocarbons, at different cleaning conditions. We showed that a modified pyrogram achieves complete cleaning with SA and SB removed while SC remains almost intact. The modified pyrogram achieves complete removal of FHR in the second stage of pyrogram, while earlier researches often report residual FHR. The introduced method improves the accuracy in the identification of production potential in kerogen‐rich shale reservoirs up to about 3% of the total pore volume. Further, the new approach allows a quantitative assessment for the cleaning quality without altering the sample's organic matrix. Future studies on the petrophysical properties of the hydrocarbon‐bearing reservoir rocks may benefit from the thorough hydrocarbon removal achieved through the modified pyrogram methods proposed in this study.
Vegetation and hydrogeomorphic features of a large lowland river: NDVI patterns summarizing fluvial dynamics and supporting interpretations of ecological patterns
Authors: Marchetti Z.Y. , Ramonell C.G. , Brumnich F. , Alberdi R. , Kandus P.
Published: January 2020

The interactions among hydrogeomorphic features of large lowland rivers regulate the spatio‐temporal fluvial dynamics and influence the occurrence and understanding of the ecological patterns in these systems. We studied the hydrogeomorphic features that explain the fluvial dynamics of the Paraná River floodplain and investigated the usefulness of NDVI patterns in summarizing these dynamics. Information layers related to elevation, drainage network, geomorphic units, runoff dynamics, and NDVI patterns of the study area were generated from multi‐source remote sensing data and fieldwork measurements. All these layers were integrated and analysed in a GIS environment, and the statistical association among them was corroborated. In our study area, the interaction among hydrogeomorphic features determined a centrifugal flooding pattern through which inundation occurs when water from remote courses, fluvial lakes, and secondary tributaries reaches the main channel. The areas closest to the main channel are flooded only when it overflows. Five NDVI patterns statistically different in terms of their means and standard deviations were identified and characterized. These NDVI patterns were significantly associated with elevation, geomorphic units, and runoff dynamics, highlighting their usefulness to characterize the fluvial dynamics and support understanding of the ecological patterns. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.