bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giggers, Greeners, Peyserts, and Palliards
Authors: Blankinship Kevin
Published: April 2020

Traditionally studied as a window onto Arab-Muslim social reality, the medieval Arabic underworld slang found in Kitāb al­-Bukhalāʾ (The book of misers) by al-Jāḥiẓ (d. 869 CE) and indeed al­-Bukhalāʾ as a whole serve a number of functions and meanings at once, not just historical documentation. Such multiplicity has implications for translation, which should strive to convey the work’s sociolinguistic and textual heterogeneity. With this ideal in mind, this article compares two English versions of the Arabic slang: R. B. Serjeant’s The Book of Misers and Jim Colville’s Avarice and the Avaricious. Serjeant uses transliteration, explicitation, and footnotes to create a “thick translation” that exposes the rich sociolinguistic and textual range. In somewhat of a contrast, Colville employs English colloquialisms and Scots canting slang to produce what might arguably be called “dynamic equivalence,” which stages a natural English reading experience. The comparison raises further questions about the relationship between a translation’s effects and the translator’s intent, as well as between translation and a second process to which it is sometimes compared, namely, reading.
Calling in Sick during the Reign of Gongsun Shu
Authors: Farmer J. Michael
Published: April 2020

Calling in sick to get out of work is a time-honored practice, and something of an art form in and of itself. Early and medieval Chinese texts are full of instances of individuals claiming illness to either excuse themselves from current positions, or to avoid appointments to office, a practice firmly situated in the rhetoric of reclusion. This paper focuses on several cases contained in Chang Qu’s 常璩 (ca. 291–ca. 361) Huayang guo zhi 華陽國志 (Records of the States South of Mount Hua, compiled ca. 350 CE) of men who made medical excuses to reject appointments offered by Gongsun Shu 公孫述 (d. 36 CE), the self-proclaimed emperor of the Shu region. I will examine these anecdotes with an eye toward understanding primarily their historiographical significance. Moreover, this paper is not an effort to compile a comprehensive history of illness and public service, nor a detailed examination of the medical science behind the illnesses used to avoid work; its focus is narrow and specific. How did the persons narrated by Chang Qu use illness to avoid service under a particular ruler, and what underlying messages might we glean from Chang’s own telling of these stories?
Linguistic Ideas of Joseph Edkins (1823–1905)
Authors: Orlandi Giorgio (Georg)
Published: April 2020

This paper analyzes and evaluates the linguistic ideas of the British Protestant missionary Joseph Edkins (1823–1905), as well as the linguistic trends of his time, in order to recognize the merits and the achievements in the field of historical Chinese phonology. Furthermore, this paper seeks to demonstrate that many ideas about the sound system of Old Chinese were posited or at least presaged by Edkins in his philological works, where the earliest attempt to reconstruct the old language of the ancient Chinese classics took place for the first time.
John Porter Brown, Early American Orientalist (1814–1872)
Authors: Leiser Gary
Published: April 2020

John Porter Brown was a diplomat who served at the American Legation in Constantinople from 1832 to 1872. This is a brief account of his diplomatic career and largely forgotten contribution to early American orientalism.
Closed Formulas for the Sums of Cubes of Generalized Fibonacci Numbers: Closed Formulas of Σn k=0W3 Σ k and n k=1W3
Authors: Soykan Y¨ uksel
Published: April 2020

In this paper, closed forms of the sum formulas for the cubes of generalized Fibonacci numbers are presented. As special cases, we give summation formulas of Fibonacci, Lucas, Pell, Pell-Lucas, Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal-Lucas numbers.
Evaluation of Margarine Quality Prepared from Sunflower and Coconut Oil
Authors: Toma Maria Afroz , Amin Md. Ruhul , Alim Md. Abdul
Published: April 2020

The study was conducted to prepare healthy and nutritious margarine from sunflower oil (SO) and coconut oil (CO). Quality evaluation of the prepared margarine samples were done by determining the nutritional value and sensory evaluation. Three samples of margarine were formulated from sunflower oil and coconut oil on a 100 gram basis. The average composition of margarine was found as follows: 84% fat, 10.5% moisture, 4.75% protein and 0.58% total carbohydrate. The three formulations are: A (sunflower oil: coconut oil=1:1), B (sunflower oil: coconut oil=3:2), C (sunflower oil: coconut oil=2:3). The three formulations were analyzed for chemical composition. A sensory evaluation of the processed margarine was also done with the help of 10 panelists on the basis of organoleptic properties such as color, flavor, taste and overall acceptability. Both the statistical analysis and proximate analysis (moisture, fat, protein, total carbohydrate and ash content comparison) showed that formulation B (sunflower oil: coconut oil=3:2) is more acceptable than other formulations. So, it may be concluded that by processing margarine (sample B) in Bangladesh, it will be helpful for both vegetarian and general people to consume butter like nutritious product and to fulfil the daily intake of fat per capita to ensure good health.
Effect of Tuber Size and Intra-row Spacing on Yield and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: . Dawinder , Singh Gurbax , Singh Amanpreet , Singh Jagjot
Published: April 2020

A study was conducted to determine the effect of tuber size and intra row spacing on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield and subsequent growth in the 2017 production season. The experiment was laid out in a 3x4 combination arranged in a split-plot design with three replications (three levels of tuber size: 20-30 mm, 30-40 mm and 40-50 mm and four levels of intra row spacing's: 8, 12, 16 and 20 cm). For the optimum emergence and successful growth of potato tubers for processable yield, a size of 40-50 mm and spacing of 20 cm between plants, respectively were identified as the best treatments to be used in the study area.
Access and Impact of Microcredit on Economic Activities of Organized Women Groups in the Adentan Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Adu-Okoree Benzies Isaac , Sedegah Daniella Delali , Kuyiba Pancy-Patience Wemoanu , Sedegah Samuel Kwashie
Published: April 2020

The paper examines the accessibility of women groups within the Adentan Municipality to micro-credits and their impacts economic activities. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents. A semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions were employed for data collection. The study revealed that respondents accessed microcredits through the initiative of their associations while others did so through their friends or introduction by workers of Microfinance organizations to the women associations. However, the lack of record keeping and inconsistent saving patterns creates challenges in accessing micro-credits. Micro-credits have helped women to improve their capacity to set aside income from their economic activities for savings, pay for their children’s education, as well as improve on their nutritional and medical needs. The study recommends among others that the leadership of women associations need to collaborate with the management of MFOs to educate their members on how to access microcredit services that they provide and the requirements that are needed. This would help those who are yet to access the credits to prepare adequately so that they will not have to face challenges when accessing micro-credits and having to let middle men or women to exploit them.
Mental Alertness, Self-esteem and Emotional Intelligence of Underprivileged Students: A Remedial Intervention Program
Authors: Maheshbabu N. , Madhushree S.
Published: April 2020

Aim: To assess the remedial training intervention on mental alertness, self-esteem, emotional intelligence of underprivileged.

Study Design: The present study is experimental design and adopts remedial intervention program.

Place and Duration of Study: Underprivileged students of high school (Bidar district of North Karnataka, India).

Methodology: Underprivileged students of 9th standard were selected from Government high schools located in Bidar district using the purposive sampling technique and in the first phase, the pre-test was conducted and based on the results the intervention program over a period of six months was conducted. Mental alertness scale developed by Srivastava [1] self-esteem scale developed by Prasad Thakur [2] and emotional intelligence developed by Shettal Prasad [3]. The questionnaires were administered in both phases i.e. pre-test and post-test.

Sample: Underprivileged students 120 studying at 9th grade were included both boys and girls.

Results: Paired t-test was used for data analysis and it was found that there is a significant difference in mental alertness, self-esteem and emotional intelligence of underprivileged in post-test; this means remedial intervention training has an effect on students learning process.

Conclusion: The remedial intervention program has an effect on mental alertness, self-esteem and emotional intelligence. Therefore, underprivileged students’ needs special care and attention for their learning process as they are lack in proper parenting style and hence such remedial program can be planned based upon the students’ academic achievements and this should be the major part of the school curriculum for underprivileged.
Magnetron Sputtered Silicon Coatings as Oxidation Protection for Mo‐Based Alloys
Authors: Anton Ronja , Laska Nadine , Schulz Uwe , Obert Susanne , Heilmaier Martin
Published: April 2020

Mo‐based alloys with solidus temperatures around and above 2000 °C are attractive high‐temperature structural materials for future applications in the hot section of gas turbines. However, their oxidation behavior is poor due to pesting starting at 600 °C and nonprotective oxide growth at temperatures above 1000 °C. To ensure a sufficient oxidation resistance over a wide temperature range, protective coatings become inevitable. Herein, silicon coatings have been applied by magnetron sputtering on Mo‐9Si‐8B and on titan–zirconium–molybdenum alloy (TZM). The coating architecture is designed to minimize the intercolumnar gaps and porosity, thereby increasing the density. Specimens are tested at 800 and 1200 °C in air isothermally for up to 300 h. The focus is put on the chemical reactions at the coating–substrate interface, the phase formation, and the evolution of the thermally grown oxide. An initially globular SiO2 evolves into a uniform SiO2 layer providing excellent oxidation protection. The investigations reveal a rather slow interdiffusion between the coating and the alloys when tested in air. At the coating–substrate interface exclusively, the Mo3Si phase develops. Finally, the phase formation at the coating–substrate interface is studied in detail for various heat treatments in air and vacuum.
Developments and Challenges in Self‐Healing Antifouling Materials
Authors: Wang Zhanhua , Scheres Luc , Xia Hesheng , Zuilhof Han
Published: April 2020

Self‐healing antifouling materials have gained rapidly increasing interest over the past decade and have been studied and used in a rapidly increasing range of applications. Recent developments and challenges in self‐healing antifouling materials are summarized in four sections: first, the different mechanisms for both antifouling and self‐healing are briefly discussed. Second, three main categories of self‐healing antifouling materials based on surface replenishing and dynamic covalent and noncovalent interactions are discussed, with a focus on the preparation, characterization, and central characteristics of different self‐healing antifouling materials. Third, different types of potential applications of self‐healing antifouling materials are summarized, such as injectable hydrogels and oil/water separations. Finally, a summary of future development of the field is provided, and a number of critical limitations that are still outstanding are highlighted.
Role of Interlayer in 3D Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Frameworks with Tunable Magnetotransport Properties
Authors: Sun Xing , Kalaswad Matias , Li Qiang , Paldi Robynne L. , Huang Jijie , Wang Han , Gao Xingyao , Zhang Xinghang , Wang Haiyan
Published: April 2020

To investigate the role of interlayers on the growth, microstructure, and physical properties of 3D nanocomposite frameworks, a set of novel 3D vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) frameworks are assembled by a relatively thin interlayer (M) sandwiched by two consecutively grown La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)‐ZnO VANs layers. ZnO nanopillars from the two VAN layers and the interlayer (M) create a heterogeneous 3D frame embedded in the LSMO matrix. The interlayer (M) includes yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), CeO2, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, and MgO with in‐plane matching distances increasing from ≈3.63 to ≈4.21 Å, and expected in‐plane strains ranging from tensile (≈8.81% on YSZ interlayer) to compressive (≈–6.23% on MgO interlayer). The metal‐insulator transition temperature increases from ≈133 K (M = YSZ) to ≈252 K (M = MgO), and the low‐field magnetoresistance peak value is tuned from ≈36.7% to ≈20.8%. The 3D heterogeneous frames empower excellent tunable magnetotransport properties and promising potentials for microstructure‐enabled applications.
Asymmetric Catalytic 1,2‐Dihydrophosphination of Secondary 1,2‐Diphosphines – Direct Access to Free P*‐ and P*,C*‐Diphosphines
Authors: Teo Ronald Hong Xiang , Chen Houguang Jeremy , Li Yongxin , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Leung Pak‐Hing
Published: April 2020

A 1,2‐dihydrophosphination of bis(phenylphosphino)ethane with a wide range of activated olefins was achieved in a catalytic manner with enantiomeric and diastereomeric excess of up to >99% and 44% respectively. The protocol can be extended to selected substrates leading to free P‐ and C‐chiral 1,2‐diphosphines. The synthesized ligands can also undergo direct complexation onto palladium affording complexes with complete retention of stereo‐integrity.

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Emerging Trends in Nanocarbon‐Based Cardiovascular Applications
Authors: Veerubhotla Krishna , Lee Chi H.
Published: April 2020

This review aims to review the biomedical applications of nanocarbons to various cardiovascular devices including implantable scaffolds, patches, and stents against coronary artery diseases (CAD). The clinical applications of nanocarbons in cardiac tissue engineering, cardiomyocyte supporting implants, biosensors for cardiovascular biomarkers, bioimaging and monitoring of pathological conditions of CAD are addressed. In addition, the current challenges in minimizing the toxicity of nanocarbon materials and alleviating techniques are discussed from a clinical perspective. A novel fabrication approach for nanocarbons in cell‐laden cardiovascular stents is a promising regenerative means for the treatment of damaged infarction in CAD.
Hydrogel‐Based Multifunctional Dressing Combining Magnetothermally Responsive Drug Delivery and Stem Cell Therapy for Enhanced Wound Healing
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhang , Tian Conghui , Chen Zhongrong , Zhao Gang
Published: April 2020

Multifunctional dressings are attracting increased interest in the area of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process that requires multidisciplinary management. However, dressings that exhibit both anti‐infective and tissue regenerative properties are still limited. Herein, a hydrogel‐based multifunctional dressing weaved by drug‐loaded magnetothermally responsive [Fe3O4@SiO2‐interpenetrating polymer network (IPN)] microfibers and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell‐laden microfibers is developed. Magnetothermally responsive microfibers, as smart constructs, can release antibiotics on‐demand to prevent infection, due to the magnetothermal heating effect of the embedded magnetic nanoparticles and the thermoresponsive property of the IPN hydrogels. Furthermore, stem cell‐laden microfibers markedly promote cell proliferation and tissue remodeling, with improved re‐epithelization, granulation tissue formation, and collagen deposition at the wound site. Hydrogel‐based microfibers have the additional ability of absorbing exudate, providing a moist environment, and retaining the therapeutic cells. Therefore, functional microfibers and textiles significantly accelerate the healing process. An advanced dressing for wound healing, incorporating controlled drug delivery and stem cell‐based therapy is developed. Furthermore, the results of the present study reveal the potential of multifunctional dressings in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Dual Supramolecular Nanoparticle Vectors Enable CRISPR/Cas9‐Mediated Knockin of Retinoschisin 1 Gene—A Potential Nonviral Therapeutic Solution for X‐Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis
Authors: Chou Shih‐Jie , Yang Peng , Ban Qian , Yang Yi‐Ping , Wang Mong‐Lien , Chien Chian‐Shiu , Chen Shih‐Jen , Sun Na , Zhu Yazhen , Liu Hongtao , Hui Wenqiao , Lin Tai‐Chi , Wang Fang , Zhang Ryan Yue , Nguyen Viet Q. , Liu Wenfei , Chen Mengxiang , Jonas Steve J. , Weiss Paul S. , Tseng Hsian‐Rong , Chiou Shih‐Hwa
Published: April 2020

The homology‐independent targeted integration (HITI) strategy enables effective CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockin of therapeutic genes in nondividing cells in vivo, promising general therapeutic solutions for treating genetic diseases like X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis. Herein, supramolecular nanoparticle (SMNP) vectors are used for codelivery of two DNA plasmids—CRISPR‐Cas9 genome‐editing system and a therapeutic gene, Retinoschisin 1 (RS1)—enabling clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) knockin of the RS1 gene with HITI. Through small‐scale combinatorial screenings, two SMNP vectors, with Cas9 and single guide RNA (sgRNA)‐plasmid in one and Donor‐RS1 and green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐plasmid in the other, with optimal delivery performances are identified. These SMNP vectors are then employed for CRISPR/Cas9 knockin of RS1/GFP genes into the mouse Rosa26 safe‐harbor site in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo study involves intravitreally injecting the two SMNP vectors into the mouse eyes, followed by repeated ocular imaging by fundus camera and optical coherence tomography, and pathological and molecular analyses of the harvested retina tissues. Mice ocular organs retain their anatomical integrity, a single‐copy 3.0‐kb RS1/GFP gene is precisely integrated into the Rosa26 site in the retinas, and the integrated RS1/GFP gene is expressed in the retinas, demonstrating CRISPR/Cas9 knockin of RS1/GFP gene.
The Development of Pseudocapacitor Electrodes and Devices with High Active Mass Loading
Authors: Chen Ri , Yu Miao , Sahu Rakesh P. , Puri Ishwar K. , Zhitomirsky Igor
Published: April 2020

Pseudocapacitive materials are used for supercapacitor applications due to their exceptionally high capacitance and low cost. Good capacitive performance of the pseudocapacitive materials at high active mass loadings is vital for the development of the next generation of supercapacitor devices. This review describes recent advances in materials and nanotechnologies, which allows the development of advanced pseudocapacitive devices with high active mass. An important breakthrough is the discovery of novel dispersing and capping agents for the colloidal processing of nanoparticles. Particularly important are novel co‐dispersants that exhibit enhanced adsorption on materials of different types, such as inorganic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Conceptually new strategies are designed to fabricate coated particles. Recent innovations pave the way for the development of multifunctional redox‐active dopants‐dispersants and dopants‐oxidants to manufacture conductive polymer composites. Among the most important advances in nanotechnology is the development of template methods and heterocoagulation techniques for composite manufacturing. The progress in the design of novel surface modification techniques and materials, discovery of advanced anchoring groups, and development of liquid–liquid extraction allows agglomerate‐free processing of nanomaterials and composites. This review describes fundamental aspects of novel technologies and their applications in the manufacturing of pseudocapacitive devices for energy storage.
High‐Efficiency CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells with Dopant‐Free Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Hole Transporting Layers
Authors: Li Ming‐Hua , Liu Shun‐Chang , Qiu Fa‐Zheng , Zhang Zhen‐Yun , Xue Ding‐Jiang , Hu Jin‐Song
Published: April 2020

CsPbI2Br is emerging as a promising all‐inorganic material for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its more stable lattice structure and moisture resistance compared to CsPbI3, although its device performance is still much behind this counterpart. Herein, a preannealing process is developed and systematically investigated to achieve high‐quality CsPbI2Br films by regulating the nucleation and crystallization of perovskite. The preannealing temperature and time are specifically optimized for a dopant‐free poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)‐based device to target dopant‐induced drastic performance degradation for spiro‐OMeTAD‐based devices. The resulting P3HT‐based device exhibits comparable power conversion efficiency (PCE) to spiro‐OMeTAD‐based devices but much enhanced ambient stability with over 95% PCE after 1300 h. A diphenylamine derivative is introduced as a buffer layer to improve the energy‐level mismatch between CsPbI2Br and P3HT. A record‐high PCE of 15.50% for dopant‐free P3HT‐based CsPbI2Br PSCs is achieved by alleviating the open‐circuit voltage loss with the buffer layer. These results demonstrate that the preannealing processing together with a suitable buffer layer are applicable strategies for developing dopant‐free P3HT PSCs with high efficiency and stability.
Defining a Focused Pediatric Emergency Medicine Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents: A Case Study at Michigan Medicine
Authors: Morrison Ponce Daphne P. , Wolff Margaret
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Emergency medicine (EM) is dedicated to the treatment of urgent and emergent illness requiring physicians to evaluate, treat, and diagnose patients of all ages. EM residency provides the foundation of knowledge enabling trainees to care for any patient. However, specific pediatric curriculum guidance from governing bodies is limited. The literature includes two potential curricula that are cumbersome to implement. Our primary objective was to identify the components of this curricula that were specific to pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). Secondary objectives were to provide a methods framework and to compare the results with the American Board of Emergency Medicine Model of Clinical Practice (EM Model).

Methods

With the modified Delphi technique, iterative rounds of expert panels sought to reach consensus on PEM‐specific topics. We utilized the published curricula as the foundation and focused this list using a group of local experts. Predetermined consensus was defined as 80% agreement.

Results

The literature‐derived list of 190 topics was reviewed by the expert panel. Experts identified 92 PEM‐specific topics, and the remaining 98 topics were deemed adequately covered by general EM curricula. All topics reached consensus after three rounds. The final list was sorted in accordance with the EM Model categories. Redundant topics were consolidated resulting in 68 PEM topics. Of these 68 topics, we identified 20 topics (five of which are critical) that were incompletely covered by the EM Model.

Conclusions

Emergency medicine residency programs should focus their PEM curriculum by deliberately assessing their coverage of key PEM topics. The methods of this study can be replicated to yield locally applicable results in other EM programs. Additionally, the next iteration of the EM Model of Clinical Practice should inform their PEM topics from the available curricula in the literature.
Phenological changes in the nutritive value of honey mesquite leaves, pods, and flowers in the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Mayagoitia Piedad , Bailey Derek W. , Estell Richard E.
Published: April 2020

Honey mesquite [Prosopis glandulosa (Torr.) glandulosa] is a potential foraging resource in southwestern United States rangelands and in other semi‐arid rangelands. Yet, intake by ruminants is limited. We conducted an in vitro digestion experiment to assess phenological changes in nutrient value and relative digestibility of honey mesquite leaves, pods, and flowers throughout the 2012 growing season. Crude protein (CP) content of leaves decreased (P < .001) during the year, while acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased (P < .05). Crude protein content of pods decreased (P = .009) over time, but we did not detect (P > .10) any phenological changes in ADF or NDF levels during the study. A cubic response was observed with in vitro gas production and Julian date for both leaves and pods (P ≤ .01). Gas production from leaves collected in spring and early summer were lower than during late summer and early fall. Gas production and nutrient content values suggest that concentration of secondary compounds of mesquite leaves may decrease in late summer. Gas production values of mesquite leaves were lowest in early and mid‐summer when CP levels were high and fiber levels were low. Mesquite flowers and pods can be valuable forage resources for cattle. Although mesquite leaves contain nutrients, secondary compounds likely limit intake, especially in late spring and early summer when the CP in mesquite leaves would be most beneficial because quality of herbaceous forages in southwestern United States rangelands at that time is usually low.
Nutrient uptake and productivity of four tropical cropping systems under biochar amendment
Authors: Bashagaluke Janvier Bigabwa , Logah Vincent , Sakordie‐Addo Joseph , Opoku Andrews
Published: April 2020

Integrated measures including climate‐smart options have been proposed to improve crop production in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, there are limited studies exploiting biochar (BC) use under different cropping systems in the region. We evaluated nutrient uptake, grain and biomass yields, and economic viabilities of integrated use of BC under cereal‐ and legume‐based cropping systems in Ghana. The two‐factor field experiment was conducted in three consecutive cropping seasons and comprised soil amendments (BC, NPK fertilizers, 50% NPK + 50% BC, and control) and cropping systems (sole maize [Zea mays], maize intercropped with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], sole soybean and cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L.]). Generally, sole application of mineral fertilizers increased (p < .05) maize grain yield more than the 50% NPK+50% BC. Conversely, the 50% NPK + 50% BC generally produced similar yields (p > .05) of cowpea and soybean as the sole application of the 100% recommended NPK rates. For maize biomass yield, 50% NPK + 50% BC generally outperformed the sole NPK and sole BC treatments. Nutrient uptake in maize was higher in sole NPK and the integrated plots under sole cropping than in intercropping system. Nitrogen uptake of maize in 50% NPK + 50% BC was 12–22% higher in sole cropping than in intercropping system. The value/cost ratio under NPK was above the economic threshold (>2.0) under cropping systems. For 50% NPK + 50% BC, the economic threshold was only exceeded under intercropping cropping system, indicating a considerable intercropping benefits in integrated biochar and mineral fertilizer application.
Prognostic factors and long‐term follow‐up of basiliximab for steroid‐refractory acute graft‐versus‐host disease: Updated experience from a large‐scale study
Authors: Liu Si‐Ning , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Xu Lan‐Ping , Wang Yu , Yan Chen‐Hua , Chen Huan , Chen Yu‐Hong , Han Wei , Wang Feng‐Rong , Wang Jing‐Zhi , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Mo Xiao‐Dong
Published: April 2020

Acute graft‐vs‐host disease (aGVHD) is one of the most important causes of early mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), particularly for those with steroid‐refractory (SR)‐aGVHD. We aimed to identify the prognostic factors and long‐term clinical outcomes of basiliximab treatment for SR‐aGVHD. Basiliximab was administered on days 1, 3, and 8, and repeated weekly until aGVHD was less than grade II, or patients showed no response after four doses. Out of 1498 patients receiving allo‐HSCT, 230 patients with SR‐aGVHD were enrolled. Grade III to IV aGVHD before basiliximab treatment significantly and independently predicted a poorer response to basiliximab in multivariate analysis. And, the cumulative incidence of overall response at 14 days, 28 days, and 56 days after treatment was 41.4% vs 23.1% (P = .023), 70.2% vs 43.6% (P = .002), and 80.1% vs 66.7% (P = .013), respectively. This was for those with grade II and grade III to IV aGVHD. Patients receiving more than four doses of basiliximab had higher rates of infections. The 4‐year cumulative incidence of total and severe chronic GVHD after basiliximab treatment was 44.8% (95% CI 38.3%‐51.3%) and 2.2% (95% CI 0.3%‐4.1%), respectively. The 4‐year cumulative incidence of relapse, non‐relapse mortality, disease‐free survival, and overall survival after basiliximab treatment was 11.3% (95% CI 7.2%‐15.4%), 30.0% (95% CI 24.1%‐35.9%), 58.7% (95% CI 52.3%‐65.1%), and 61.7% (95% CI 55.4%‐68.0%), respectively. Comorbidities before allo‐HSCT and refined Minnesota aGVHD risk score at diagnosis had significant influences on long‐term survival. Thus, basiliximab was a safe and effective treatment for patients with SR‐aGVHD.
Efficient Synthesis of Sulfenamides through Mitsunobu‐type Coupling Reaction of Thiols with Amines using Dibenzyl Azodicarboxylate
Authors: Ryu Se Hwan , Ra Jongmin , Ko Haye Min
Published: April 2020

S−H activation reaction of thiols employing dibenzyl azodicarboxylate (DBAD) has been developed for the preparation of sulfenamides. The dehydrogenation of thiols and amines under these reaction conditions involved the formation of dibenzyl hydrazine‐1,2‐dicarboxylate (5 a), which led to the S−N bond formation reaction. The reaction proceeds efficiently with the release of 5 a and affords various sulfenamides in good to excellent yields.
A novel sensitive assay for detection of a biomarker of pericyte injury in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Sweeney Melanie D. , Sagare Abhay P. , Pachicano Maricarmen , Harrington Michael G. , Joe Elizabeth , Chui Helena C. , Schneider Lon S. , Montagne Axel , Ringman John M. , Fagan Anne M. , Morris John C. , Pa Judy , Nation Daniel A. , Toga Arthur W. , Zlokovic Berislav V.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Blood‐brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and loss of brain capillary pericytes contributes to cognitive impairment. Pericytes express platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFRβ) that regulates brain angiogenesis and blood vessel stability. Elevated soluble PDGFRβ (sPDGFRβ) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicate pericyte injury and BBB breakdown, which is an early biomarker of human cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

A combination of reagents and conditions were tested, optimized, and validated on the Meso Scale Discovery electrochemiluminescence platform to develop a new sPDGFRβ immunoassay that was used to measure sPDGFRβ in human CSF from 147 individuals.

Results

We developed standard operating procedures for a highly sensitive and reproducible sPDGFRβ immunoassay with a dynamic range from 100 to 26,000 pg/mL, and confirmed elevated CSF sPDGFRβ levels in individuals with cognitive dysfunction.

Discussion

This assay could be applied at different laboratories to study brain pericytes and microvascular damage in relation to cognition in disorders associated with neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction.
DNA‐Polymer‐Nanostrukturen durch RAFT‐Polymerisation und polymerisationsinduzierte Selbstassemblierung
Authors: Lückerath Thorsten , Koynov Kaloian , Loescher Sebastian , Whitfield Colette J. , Nuhn Lutz , Walther Andreas , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Ng David Y. W. , Weil Tanja
Published: April 2020

Wir präsentieren hier eine neuartige Plattformtechnologie für die Herstellung von DNA‐Polymer‐Nanostrukturen mit verschiedenen Formen, indem wir uns die Methode der polymerisationsinduzierten Selbstassemblierung (PISA) für die Polymerisation einzelsträngiger DNA (ssDNA) zunutze machen. Es wurde ein Grafting‐from‐Verfahren für die thermische RAFT‐Polymerisation von ssDNA unter Umgebungsbedingungen entwickelt und für die Synthese von funktionalen DNA‐Blockcopolymeren sowie von DNA‐Diblockcopolymeren verwendet, die von Acrylaten und Acrylamiden abgeleitet wurden. Mit diesem Verfahren konnte PISA für die Herstellung von isotropen und anisotropen DNA‐Polymer‐Nanostrukturen angewendet werden, indem die Kettenlänge des Polymerblocks variiert wurde. Die resultierenden Nanostrukturen wurden ferner mit einer komplementären ssDNA funktionalisiert, die mit einem Farbstoff markiert war. PISA bietet damit eine effiziente Route zur Herstellung intrinsisch funktionaler DNA‐Polymer‐Nanostrukturen.
Systematic Research and Evaluation Models of Nanomotors for Cancer Combined Therapy
Authors: Wan Mimi , Wang Qi , Li Xiaoyun , Xu Bo , Fang Dan , Li Ting , Yu Yueqi , Fang Leyi , Wang Yue , Wang Meng , Wang Fenghe , Mao Chun , Shen Jian , Wei Jia
Published: April 2020

Limited tumor permeability of therapeutic agents is a great challenge faced by current cancer therapy methods. Herein, a kind of near infrared light (NIR)‐driven nanomotor with autonomous movement, targeted ability, hierarchical porous structure, multi‐drugs for cancer chemo/photothermal therapy is designed, prepared and characterized. Further, we establish a method to study the interaction between nanomotors and cells, along with their tumor permeability mechanism, including 2D cellular models, 3D multicellular tumor spheroids and in vivo models. In vivo tumor elimination results verify that the movement behaviour of the nanomotors can greatly facilitate them to eliminate tumor through multiple therapeutic methods. This work tries to establish systematic research and evaluation models, providing strategies to understand the relationship between motion behaviour and tumor permeation efficiency of nanomotors in depth.
A Sodalite‐Type Silver Orthophosphate Cluster in a Globular Silver Nanocluster
Authors: Deng Chenglong , Sun Cunfa , Wang Zhi , Tao Yunwen , Chen Yilin , Lin Jinqing , Luo Genggeng , Lin Bizhou , Sun Di , Zheng Lansun
Published: April 2020

The synthesis and structure of a giant 102‐silver‐atom nanocluster (NC)1is presented. X‐ray structural analysis reveals that1features a multi‐shelled metallic core of Ag6@Ag24@Ag60@Ag12. An octahedral Ag6core is encaged by a truncated octahedral Ag24shell. The Ag24shell is composed of a hitherto unknown sodalite‐type silver orthophosphate cluster (SOC) {(Ag3PO4)8}, reminiscent of the Ag3PO4photocatalyst. The SOC is capped by six interstitial sulfur atoms, giving a unique anionic cluster [Ag6@{(Ag3PO4)8}S6]6−, which functions as an intricate polyhedral template with abundant surface O and S atoms guiding the formation of a rare rhombicosidodecahedral Ag60shell. An array of 6 linear Ag2staples further surround this Ag60shell. [Ag6@{(Ag3PO4)8}S6]6−is an unusual Ag‐based templating anion to induce the assembly of a SOC within silver NC. This finding provides molecular models for bulk Ag3PO4, and offers a fresh template strategy for the synthesis of silver NCs with high symmetry.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Catalyzed Ring‐Closing C−O/C−O Metathesis of Aliphatic Ethers over Ionic Liquid under Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhao Yanfei , Zhang Fengtao , Wu Yunyan , Li Ruipeng , Xiang Junfeng , Wang Zhenpeng , Han Buxing , Liu Zhimin
Published: April 2020

O‐heterocycles have wide applications, and their efficient and green synthesis is very interesting. Herein, we report hydrogen‐bonding catalyzed ring‐closing metathesis of aliphatic ethers to O‐heterocycles over ionic liquid (IL) catalyst under metal‐ and solvent‐free conditions. The IL 1‐butylsulfonate‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([SO3H‐BMIm][OTf]) is discovered to show outstanding performance, better than the reported catalysts. An interface effect plays an important role in mediating the reaction rate due to the immiscibility between the products and the IL catalyst, and the products can be spontaneously separated. NMR analysis and DFT calculation suggest that a pair of cation and anion of [SO3H‐BMIm][OTf] could form three strong H‐bonds with an ether molecule, which catalyze the ether transformation via a cyclic oxonium intermediate. A series of O‐heterocycles including tetrahydrofurans, tetrahydropyrans, morpholines and dioxane can be obtained from their corresponding ethers in excellent yields (e.g., >99 %). This work opens an efficient and metal‐free way to produce O‐heterocycles from aliphatic ethers.
A2SnS5: A Structural Incommensurate Modulation Exhibiting Strong Second‐Harmonic Generation and a High Laser‐Induced Damage Threshold (A=Ba, Sr)
Authors: Li Rui‐An , Zhou Zhengyang , Lian Yu‐Kun , Jia Fei , Jiang Xingxing , Tang Ming‐Cong , Wu Li‐Ming , Sun Junliang , Chen Ling
Published: April 2020

Structural modulations have been recently found to cause some unusual physical properties, such as superconductivity or charge density waves; however, thus‐induced nonlinear optical properties are rare. We report herein two unprecedented incommensurately modulated nonlinear optical sulfides exhibiting phase matching behavior, A2SnS5 (A=Ba, Sr), with the (3+1)D superspace groups P21212(00γ)00s or P21(α0γ)0, featuring different modulations of the [Sn2S7]∞ belts. Remarkably, Ba2SnS5 exhibits an excellent second harmonic generation (SHG) of 1.1 times that of the benchmark compound AgGaS2 at 1570 nm and a very large laser‐induced damage threshold (LIDT) of 8×AgGaS2. Theoretical studies revealed that the structural modulations increase the distortions of the Sn/S building units by about 44 or 25 % in A2SnS5 (A=Ba, Sr), respectively, and enhance significantly the SHG compared with α‐Ba2SnSe5 without modulation. Besides, despite the smaller Eg, the A2SnS5 samples exhibit higher LIDTs owing to their smaller thermal expansion anisotropies (Ba2SnS5 (1.51)<Sr2SnS5 (2.08)<AgGaS2 (2.97)).
Silylium‐Ion‐Promoted (5+1) Cycloaddition of Aryl‐Substituted Vinylcyclopropanes and Hydrosilanes Involving Aryl Migration
Authors: He Tao , Wang Guoqiang , Bonetti Vittorio , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: April 2020

A transition‐metal‐free (5+1) cycloaddition of aryl‐substituted vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs) and hydrosilanes to afford silacyclohexanes is reported. Catalytic amounts of the trityl cation initiate the reaction by hydride abstraction from the hydrosilane, and further progress of the reaction is maintained by self‐regeneration of the silylium ions. The new reaction involves a [1,2] migration of an aryl group, eventually furnishing 4‐ rather than 3‐aryl‐substituted silacyclohexane derivatives as major products. Various control experiments and quantum‐chemical calculations support a mechanistic picture where a silylium ion intramolecularly stabilized by a cyclopropane ring can either undergo a kinetically favored concerted [1,2] aryl migration/ring expansion or engage in a cyclopropane‐to‐cyclopropane rearrangement.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric [4+2] Cycloaddition of 2‐Methylidenetrimethylene Carbonate with Alkenes: Access to Chiral Tetrahydropyran‐Fused Spirocyclic Scaffolds
Authors: Mao Biming , Liu Honglei , Yan Zhengyang , Xu Yi , Xu Jiaqing , Wang Wei , Wu Yongjun , Guo Hongchao
Published: April 2020

A palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition of 2‐methylidenetrimethylene carbonate with alkenes derived from pyrazolones, indandione, or barbiturate has been successfully developed, affording pharmacologically interesting chiral tetrahydropyran‐fused spirocyclic scaffolds. The target compounds were generated in good to excellent yields and with high enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee). Furthermore, this cycloaddition reaction could be efficiently scaled up, and several synthetic transformations were accomplished for the construction of other useful chiral spiropyrazolone and spiroindandione derivatives.
Strong Metal–Support Interactions between Pt Single Atoms and TiO2
Authors: Han Bing , Guo Yalin , Huang Yike , Xi Wei , Xu Jie , Luo Jun , Qi Haifeng , Ren Yujing , Liu Xiaoyan , Qiao Botao , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2020

Strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) has gained great attention in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. However, whether single‐atom catalysts can exhibit SMSI remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that SMSI can occur on TiO2‐supported Pt single atoms but at a much higher reduction temperature than that for Pt nanoparticles (NPs). Pt single atoms involved in SMSI are not covered by the TiO2 support nor do they sink into its subsurface. The suppression of CO adsorption on Pt single atoms stems from coordination saturation (18‐electron rule) rather than the physical coverage of Pt atoms by the support. Based on the new finding it is revealed that single atoms are the true active sites in the hydrogenation of 3‐nitrostyrene, while Pt NPs barely contribute to the activity since the NP sites are selectively encapsulated. The findings in this work provide a new approach to study the active sites by tuning SMSI.
Synthesis of NiO Crystals Exposing Stable High‐Index Facets
Authors: Susman Mariano D. , Pham Hien N. , Zhao Xiaohui , West David H. , Chinta Sivadinarayana , Bollini Praveen , Datye Abhaya K. , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2020

Metal oxides exposing high‐index facets are potentially impactful in catalysis and adsorption processes owing to under‐coordinated ions and polarities that alter their interfacial properties compared to low‐index facets. Here, we report molten‐salt syntheses of NiO particles exposing a variety of crystal facets. We show that for a given anion (nitrate or chloride), the alkali cation has a notable impact on the formation of crystals exposing {311}, {611}, {100}, and {111} faces. Based on a parametric analysis of synthesis conditions, we postulate that the crystallization mechanism is governed by the formation of growth units consisting of NiII complexes whose coordination numbers are determined by temperature and the selection of anion (associated to the coordination sphere) and alkali cation (associated with the outer coordination sphere). Notably, our findings reveal that high‐index facets are particularly favored in chloride media and are stable under prolonged periods of catalysis and steaming.
Pleiotropy in the Genetic Predisposition to Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Phenome‐Wide Association Study and Inverse Variance–Weighted Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kawai Vivian K. , Shi Mingjian , Feng Qiping , Chung Cecilia P. , Liu Ge , Cox Nancy J. , Jarvik Gail P. , Lee Ming T. M. , Hebbring Scott J. , Harley John B. , Kaufman Kenneth M. , Namjou Bahram , Larson Eric , Gordon Adam S. , Roden Dan M. , Stein C. Michael , Mosley Jonathan D. ,   the eMERGE Investigators
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study was undertaken to investigate the hypothesis that a genetic predisposition toward rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases the risk of 10 cardiometabolic and autoimmune disorders previously associated with RA in epidemiologic studies, and to define new genetic pleiotropy present in RA.

Methods

Two approaches were used to test our hypothesis. First, we constructed a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) and then examined its association with 10 prespecified disorders. Additionally, a phenome‐wide association study (PheWAS) was carried out to identify potential new associations. Second, inverse variance–weighted regression (IVWR) meta‐analysis was used to characterize the association between genetic susceptibility to RA and the prespecified disorders, with the results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

The wGRS for RA was significantly associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 1.10 [95% CI 1.04–1.16]; P = 9.82 × 10−4) and multiple sclerosis (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.77–0.88]; P = 1.73 × 10−8), but not with other cardiometabolic phenotypes. In the PheWAS, wGRS was also associated with an increased risk of several autoimmune phenotypes including RA, thyroiditis, and systemic sclerosis, and with a decreased risk of demyelinating disorders. In the IVWR meta‐analyses, RA was significantly associated with an increased risk of type 1 DM (P = 1.15 × 10−14), with evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (Mendelian Randomization–Egger intercept estimate P = 0.001) likely driven by rs2476601, a PTPN22 variant. The association between type 1 DM and RA remained significant (P = 9.53 × 10−9) after excluding rs2476601, with no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (intercept estimate P = 0.939). RA was also significantly associated with type 2 DM and C‐reactive protein levels. These associations were driven by variation in the major histocompatibility complex region.

Conclusion

This study presents evidence of pleiotropy between the genetic predisposition to RA and associated phenotypes found in other autoimmune and cardiometabolic disorders, including type 1 DM.
A model with space‐varying regression coefficients for clustering multivariate spatial count data
Authors: Lagona Francesco , Ranalli Monia , Barbi Elisabetta
Published: April 2020

Multivariate spatial count data are often segmented by unobserved space‐varying factors that vary across space. In this setting, regression models that assume space‐constant covariate effects could be too restrictive. Motivated by the analysis of cause‐specific mortality data, we propose to estimate space‐varying effects by exploiting a multivariate hidden Markov field. It models the data by a battery of Poisson regressions with spatially correlated regression coefficients, which are driven by an unobserved spatial multinomial process. It parsimoniously describes multivariate count data by means of a finite number of latent classes. Parameter estimation is carried out by composite likelihood methods, that we specifically develop for the proposed model. In a case study of cause‐specific mortality data in Italy, the model was capable to capture the spatial variation of gender differences and age effects.
Identifying the chemical markers in raw and wine‐processed Scutellaria baicalensis by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry coupled with multiple statistical strategies
Authors: Hu Lianqi , Xiong You , Zou Zhengrong , Yang Yuanzhen , He Junwei , Zhong Lingyun , Wang Yaqi , Yang Ming
Published: April 2020

Herb processing is a typical pharmaceutical preparation process for traditional Chinese medicine. After processing, its clinical applications and pharmacological effects vary greatly, which is most commonly attributed to the changing chemical properties between raw herb and processed products. In this work, a total of 53 chemical compounds were detected, among which 17 compounds were identified as discriminatory chemicals between raw and wine‐processed Scutellaria baicalensis, and 10 components were identified as chemical markers with a cumulative content contribution of 88.75%. In addition, this work revealed that the best wine‐processed time was 18 min by investigating the changes of chemical markers in S. baicalensis during processing. This work demonstrated that ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry coupled with multiple statistical strategies is an effective approach for screening and identifying discriminatory chemical markers in complex traditional Chinese medicine.