bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving environmental sustainability through green transformational leadership policy: Can green team resilience help?
Authors: Çop Serdar , Olorunsola Victor Oluwafemi , Alola Uju Violet
Published: October 2020

The race to gain competitive advantage through the formulation of a sustainable business strategy is key for the survival in the global business sphere. Even more importantly is the quest to deploy an effective green strategy to combat the numerous negative impact industrialization has on the environment. Researches pointed out the role of leaders and stakeholder's engagement in bringing about reform. This research focuses on how to build a robust psychological capital within an organization through the leader's transformative ability in combating environmental issues. This is necessary because research related to green transformational leadership and the effect on green team resilience has not been considered in literature. Drawing from the combination of three theories; broaden‐and‐build theory, job demand–resource theory, and conservation of resource theory, this study contributes to the extant literature by testing the effect of green transformational leadership via the mediating role of green work engagement to green team resilience. Using Amos 20 version to analyze 351 questionnaires that were collected from employees in four and five star hotels in Turkey, the result reviews that green transformational leadership has a positive effect on green work engagement and green team resilience, and green work engagement fully mediates the relationship between the variables. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Impact of stress‐response related transcription factor overexpression on lignocellulosic inhibitor tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae environmental isolates
Authors: Mertens Jeffrey A. , Skory Christopher D. , Nichols Nancy N. , Hector Ronald E.
Published: October 2020

Numerous transcription factor genes associated with stress response are upregulated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in the presence of inhibitors that result from pretreatment processes to unlock simple sugars from biomass. To determine if overexpression of transcription factors could improve inhibitor tolerance in robust S. cerevisiae environmental isolates as has been demonstrated in S. cerevisiae haploid laboratory strains, transcription factors were overexpressed at three different expression levels in three S. cerevisiae environmental isolates. Overexpression of the YAP1 transcription factor in these isolates did not lead to increased growth rate or reduced lag in growth, and in some cases was detrimental, when grown in the presence of either lignocellulosic hydrolysates or furfural and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural individually. The expressed Yap1p localized correctly and the expression construct improved inhibitor tolerance of a laboratory strain as previously reported, indicating that lack of improvement in the environmental isolates was due to factors other than nonfunctional expression constructs or mis‐folded protein. Additional stress‐related transcription factors, MSN2, MSN4, HSF1, PDR1, and RPN4, were also overexpressed at three different expression levels and all failed to improve inhibitor tolerance. Transcription factor overexpression alone is unlikely to be a viable route toward increased inhibitor tolerance of robust environmental S. cerevisiae strains.
Functional Food XingJiuTang Attenuates Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury by Regulating SIRT1/Nrf‐2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hao Jiatong , Ding Yue , Shi Wen , Zhang Chaofeng , Li Renshi
Published: October 2020

Lipid accumulation, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathology of alcohol‐induced liver injury (ALI). In this work, we evaluated the effects of the functional food XingJiuTang (XJT) on ALI and explored the underlying mechanism. We used alcohol‐stimulated human normal hepatocytes L02 for in vitro experiments, while for in vivo experiments, 55 % alcohol was intragastrically administrated to C57BL/6 mice at 16 mL/kg with pre‐administration of bifendate and XJT. Liver histology and function, along with the inflammatory cytokines, oxidative mediators and SIRT1/Nrf‐2 pathway were evaluated. The results showed that XJT treatment significantly alleviated ALI, ameliorated lipid peroxidation, improved the liver function impaired by alcohol and inhibited the hepatocytes apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, XJT treatment modulated the activation of the SIRT1/Nrf‐2 signaling pathway and suppressed the overexpression of NOX4. Overall, the functional food XJT effectively protects against experimental ALI via activating the SIRT1/Nrf‐2 pathway.
Why Does the Novel Coronavirus Spike Protein Interact so Strongly with the Human ACE2? A Thermodynamic Answer
Authors: de Andrade Jones , Gonçalves Paulo Fernando Bruno , Netz Paulo Augusto
Published: October 2020

The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic is the biggest health concern today, but until now there is no treatment. One possible drug target is the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the coronavirus’ spike protein, which recognizes the human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Our in silico study discusses crucial structural and thermodynamic aspects of the interactions involving RBDs from the SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 with the hACE2. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations explain why the chemical affinity of the new SARS‐CoV‐2 for hACE2 is much higher than in the case of SARS‐CoV, revealing an intricate pattern of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions and estimating a free energy of binding, which is consistently much more negative in the case of SARS‐CoV‐2. This work presents a chemical reason for the difficulty in treating the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus with drugs targeting its spike protein and helps to explain its infectiousness.
Multifaceted modifications for a cell size‐based circulating tumor cell scope technique hold the prospect for large‐scale application in general populations
Authors: Zhang Leisheng , Zou Linglin , Ma Yue , Feng Chunjing , Zhan Rucai , Yang Hongju , Song Baoquan , Han Zhongchao
Published: October 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) indicate the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients, together with benefiting individual treatment and anticancer drug development. However, their large‐scale application in general population still requires systematically multifaceted modifications for currently proprietary new technologies based on filtration. We primitively utilized a cell size‐based platform to evaluate the recovery efficiency of spiked abnormal cell lines and analyzed circulating abnormal cells (CACs). To dissect the subpopulations of CACs, we conducted immunofluorescent (IF) staining with a combination of unique biomarkers of CTCs and circulating endothelial cells (CECs). Furthermore, we improved the CTC screening system by assessing the feasibility of transferring CTCs for automatic IF analysis, together with simulating and optimizing the circumstances for long‐term CTC storage and transportation. We detected CACs in 15 HD candidates with CTC characteristics such as abnormally large cytomorphology, high nuclear−cytoplasmic ratio, and positive for panCK or VIM staining. Thereafter, we improved accuracy of the platform by distinguishing CTCs from CECs, which satisfied the elementary requirement for small‐scale CTC screening in HD candidates. Finally, large‐scale CTC screening in general population was available after multifaceted modifications including automatic analysis by transferring CTCs on slides, choosing the appropriate blood‐collecting tube, optimizing the conditions for long‐term CTC storage and transportation, and evaluating the potential effect on the CTC phenotype. Hence, we systematically modified the scope of technique parameters, improved the accuracy of early cancer detection, and made it realizable for large‐scale CTC or CEC screening in general population.
5‐FU inhibits migration and invasion of CRC cells through PI3K/AKT pathway regulated by MARCH1
Authors: Wang Nuan , Yang Lijuan , Dai Juanjuan , Wu Yan , Zhang Ranran , Jia Xingfang , Liu Chengxia
Published: October 2020

Colorectal cancer is a major health problem with a significant impact on the patients' quality of life. 5‐Fluorouracil is the most common chemotherapy drug used for this type of cancer. While its molecular mechanism is the inhibition of DNA synthesis via the inhibition of thymine nucleotide synthetase, its complete anticancer mechanism is not clear. Membrane‐associated RING‐CH‐1 (MARCH1) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays an important role in antigen presentation. However, MARCH1 has not been studied in the context of colorectal cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that MARCH1 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, migration and invasion of colorectal tumor cells were inhibited via transfection with small interfering RNAs to suppress the expression of MARCH1. The western blot analysis showed that MARCH1 regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition and the PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, 5‐fluorouracil inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, via the targeting of MARCH1 and the consequent downregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, impacting the progression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, our study shows that MARCH1 may play a role as an oncogene in colorectal cancer and may represent a new target molecule of 5‐fluorouracil.
Removing the plaque and implanting a drug‐eluting stent: The way to success
Authors: Colombo Antonio , Laricchia Alessandra
Published: October 2020

Key Points

Effective lesion debulking with directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) improves performance of drug‐eluting stents (DES).

The use of DCA in bifurcation lesions prevents complex stenting in favor of single stent strategy, as it preserves side branches from either plaque or carina shift.

A randomized trial without selection bias and including more true bifurcation lesions as well as more complex calcific lesions is required to thoroughly explore DCA benefits in the era of second‐generation DES and drug‐coated balloons.
Clinical impact of intravascular ultrasound‐guided balloon angioplasty in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia for isolated infrapopliteal lesion
Authors: Soga Yoshimitsu , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Ito Nobuhiro , Katsuki Tomonori , Imada Kazuaki , Hiramori Seiichi , Tomoi Yusuke , Ando Kenji
Published: October 2020

Background

To estimate the impact of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) who underwent balloon angioplasty for isolated infrapopliteal lesion.

Methods

The study was performed as a single‐center, prospective maintained database, retrospective analysis. Between January 2013 and December 2018, consecutive 155 CLTI patients (155 limbs) who primarily underwent balloon angioplasty for de novo isolated infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions with Rutherford category class 4 or 5 were identified (IVUS‐guided: 92 patients, angio‐guided: 63 patients) and included in the analysis. We compared clinical outcomes in IVUS‐guided group with that in angio‐guided group. The primary endpoint was limb salvage without any reintervention. The main secondary endpoints were wound healing rate and time to wound healing in the tissue loss group.

Result

Patient and limb characteristics were similar between the two groups. The IVUS‐guided group was treated with a larger balloon size for all types of below‐the‐knee vessel (p < .001), although lesion characteristics, including the QVA‐measured vessel diameter, were similar between the two groups. The IVUS‐guided group had a higher rate of limb salvage without any reintervention than the angio‐guided group (p = 0028). Whereas limb salvage and overall survival was not significantly different. Wound healing was significantly earlier and the time to wound healing was significantly shorter (84 ± 55 days vs. 135 ± 118 days, p = .007) in the IVUS‐guided group.

Conclusion

Limb salvage rate without any reintervention in IIVUS‐guided balloon angioplasty group was significantly higher than that in angio‐guided balloon angioplasty group in patients with CLTI due to isolated infrapopliteal disease.
The Hydrodeoxygenation of Glycerol over NiMoSx: Catalyst Stability and Activity at Hydropyrolysis Conditions
Authors: Anderson Anthony D. , Lanci Michael P. , Buchanan J. Scott , Dumesic James A. , Huber George W.
Published: October 2020

Catalytic activity tests were run to elucidate the chemistry and catalyst stability for the hydrodeoxygenation of glycerol and other aliphatic oxygenates over a NiMoSx/Al2O3 catalyst at different pretreatments at hydropyrolysis conditions in a continuous flow reactor. Reactivity metrics were developed to quantify and compare the reactivity of NiMo for deoxygenation, hydrogenation, and C−C cleavage. Activity experiments showed sulfided NiMo and reduced NiMo catalysts had similar deoxygenation and hydrogenation activity for glycerol HDO at 400 °C and 270 psig H2 with the NiMoSx catalyst showing higher C−C cleavage activity. Without a sulfur co‐feed, both the NiMoSx and NiMoOx catalysts lost >40 % deoxygenation activity over 30 h time on stream. With a 2100 ppm H2S co‐feed the NiMoSx catalyst showed a 12 times decrease in the deactivation rate for deoxygenation and 6 time decrease in the deactivation rate for hydrogenation. The main products at high conversion were propylene, propane, ethylene, methane, CO, methanol, ethanol, and 1‐propanol. At low conversion, the major products were unsaturated allyl alcohol, acrolein, hydroxyacetone, and acetaldehyde. With no H2S co‐feed at short contact times, there was a significant amount of carbon loss possibly due to condensation reactions, while at 2100 ppm H2S in the feed, the carbon balance was 102.4 %. Temperature programmed oxidation of the spent NiMoSx catalysts after 30 h of glycerol HDO without an H2S co‐feed showed that one of the causes of deactivation was coking.
New Understanding of Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Ethylbenzene Catalyzed by Nitrogen‐doped Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Su Yongzhao , Li Yuhang , Chen Zhicheng , Huang Jiangnan , Wang Hongjuan , Yu Hao , Cao Yonghai , Peng Feng
Published: October 2020

Selective aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons undergoes a free‐radical chain reaction to yield corresponding value‐added products is the significant process in the chemical industry. Nanocarbons with heteroatoms doping as free‐metal catalysts have been proved to be excellent alternatives in various fields of reactions. In this work, nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) were applied for the aerobic oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) in the liquid‐phase. The catalytic performance was unexpectedly suppressed, even lower than the control experiment, which is totally different from earlier publications. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that N doping would inhibit the abstraction of α‐H from EB molecule and end the radical propagation, thus suppressing the overall activity. Addition of TBHP would be helpful for the α‐H abstraction and forming alkyl radicals, which start the Franck‐Rabinowitch cage reaction and promote radical propagation in the presence of carbon catalysts. Herein, a higher catalytic efficiency with 46 % EB conversion and 72 % AcPO selectivity were obtained over NCNTs with O2and TBHP as dual‐oxidants.
Twofold C−H Activation Enables Synthesis of a Diazacoronene‐Type Fluorophore with Near Infrared Emission Through Isosteric Replacement
Authors: Greßies Steffen , Ito Masato , Sakai Mika , Osaki Hiroshi , Kim Ju Hyun , Gensch Tobias , Daniliuc Constantin , Ando Naoki , Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Glorius Frank
Published: October 2020

The synthesis and photophysical properties of a soluble amide‐embedded coronene is reported. The key step in this synthesis is the twofold C−H activation of diazaperylene by a rhodium(III)Cp* catalyst. This unprecedented structural motif shows intense fluorescence in the near infrared region with a small Stokes shift and a distinct vibronic structure, which exhibits a slight extent of negative solvatochromism. Comparison of this compound with some relevant compounds revealed the importance of the amide incorporation in the peripheral concave region including an angular position to retain high aromaticity reflecting that of parent coronene. Treatment of this compound with Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 formed a bis‐adduct, which exhibited enhanced aromaticity as a consequence of the increased double bond character of the amide C−N bonds.
Self‐Assembled Two‐Dimensional NiO/CeO2 Heterostructure Rich in Oxygen Vacancies as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Yan , Ye Fei , Li Wei‐Dong Z.
Published: October 2020

The development of high‐efficiency bifunctional electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline surroundings is essential and challenging for the large‐scale generation of clean hydrogen. Herein, a novel self‐assembled two‐dimensional (2 D) NiO/CeO2 heterostructure (HS) consisting of NiO and CeO2 nanocrystals is prepared through a facile two‐step approach, and utilized as an enhanced bifunctional electrocatalyst for the HER and OER under alkaline conditions. It is concluded that this 2 D NiO/CeO2 HS, rich in oxygen vacancies, demonstrates attractive electrocatalytic properties for both the HER and OER in 1 m KOH, including low onset overpotential (η1), η10 and Tafel slope, excellent durability, as well as large active surface area. Therefore, the self‐assembled 2 D NiO/CeO2 HS is believed to be an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst toward the HER and OER.
Multiobjective optimization of area‐to‐point heat conduction structure using binary quantum‐behaved PSO and Tchebycheff decomposition method
Authors: Cai Hongwei , Guo Kai , Liu Hui , Xiang Wenyu , Liu Chunjiang
Published: October 2020

A multiobjective optimization of area‐to‐point heat conduction to minimize both mean temperature and temperature variance is conducted based on a decomposition‐based multiobjective binary quantum‐behaved particle swarm optimization (PSO) method (MOMBQPSO/D). The MOMBQPSO/D adopts the framework of the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition and modifies the binary quantum‐behaved PSO. In the first step of the MOMBQPSO/D, the multiobjective area‐to‐point problem is divided into a series of subproblems using Tchebycheff decomposition method. Next, all the subproblems are solved simultaneously using the modified binary quantum‐behaved PSO. Finally, a series of Pareto optimal solutions representing the conducting path structures are stepwise selected from the solutions to the subproblems. The features of the Pareto optimality‐based conducting paths and cooling performance are described. In addition, the effects of the conductive material quantity, optimization objective, heat sink location, and heat source distribution on the conducting path structure and cooling performance are discussed.
Kinetic study of carbonylation of ethanol using homogeneous Rh complex catalyst
Authors: Xu Lin , Zhang Kai , Nawaz Muhammad A. , Liu Dianhua
Published: October 2020

Carbonylation of ethanol using homogeneous rhodium complex catalysts is an essential route for the manufacture of propionic acid, as carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid is a large‐scale commercial process that could provide critical insights for the ethanol carbonylation process. The reaction mechanism of ethanol has not been well understood yet, and the high cost of downstream separation due to high water content is still worrying. Consequently, propionic acid was used as solvent to reduce water content in the kinetic experiments carried out in a semibatch autoclave reactor. Homogeneous rhodium was used as complex catalyst with HI as a promoter and propionic acid as solvent. The effects of ethanol, hydroiodic acid, rhodium, and the pressure of carbon monoxide on reaction rate and selectivity of propionic acid were investigated. The reaction mechanism was determined through these batches in the meantime. A kinetic model for ethanol carbonylation was deduced based upon the observations and reaction mechanism. The parameters of the model were regressed and verified with the experimental data. The activation energy was found to be 75.6 kJ·mol−1. Residual error distribution and a statistical test showed that the kinetic model is reasonable and acceptable.
The Stone Guest: How Does pH Affect Binding Properties of PD‐1/PD‐L1 Inhibitors?
Authors: Riccio Alessandra , Coletti Alice , Dolciami Daniela , Mammoli Andrea , Cerra Bruno , Moretti Sonia , Gioiello Antimo , Ferlin Simone , Puxeddu Efisio , Macchiarulo Antonio
Published: October 2020

The interaction between programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) and its ligand PD−L1 activates a coinhibitory signal that blocks T‐cell activation, promoting the immune escape process in the tumor microenvironment. Development of monoclonal antibodies targeting and inhibiting PD‐1/PD−L1 interaction as anticancer immunotherapies has proved successful in multiple clinical settings and for various types of cancer. Notwithstanding, limitations exist with the use of these biologics, including drug resistance and narrow therapeutic response rate in a majority of patients, that demand for the design of more efficacious small molecule‐based immunotherapies. Alteration of pH in the tumor microenvironment is a key factor that is involved in promoting drug resistance, tumor survival and progression. In this study, we have investigated the effect of pH shifts on binding properties of distinct classes of PD−L1 inhibitors, including macrocyclic peptide and small molecules. Results expand structure‐activity relationships of PD−L1 inhibitors, providing insights into structural features and physicochemical properties that are useful for the design of ligands that may escape a drug resistance mechanism associated to variable pH conditions of tumor microenvironment.
Caregiver‐reported dementia as a predictor of oral health among patients receiving home‐visit dental treatment: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Horigome Yukari , Endo Kosei , Komagata Moritoshi , Komai Shinya , Komaki Kenichiro , Miyata Hideki , Sugano Kazuhiko , Ito Setsuko , Itabashi Shiho , Sato Harumi , Okahashi Minako , Kishi Sayaka , Abe Rika , Hattori Yoshinori
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess caregiver‐reported dementia as a risk factor for retained roots, an indicator of poor oral hygiene, among patients receiving home‐visit dental treatment in Japan.

Methods

The medical records of 231 dentate patients who received home‐visit dental treatment (covered by public medical insurance) for more than 2 years were retrospectively analyzed. The number of teeth and retained roots at the initial and final examinations were obtained from the dental charts, and the “change in the number of retained roots from initial to final examination” was determined. The presence or absence of caregiver‐reported dementia, diabetes, and osteoporosis, as well as the level of long‐term care needed, were used as indicators of general health condition at the initial interview. Multiple regression analyses were conducted in five models that tested the association of independent variables (age, gender, observation period, general health, presence or absence of caregiver‐reported dementia at the initial interview) with changes in the number of retained roots.

Results

In all models, the presence of caregiver‐reported dementia at the initial interview was significantly associated with the change in the number of retained roots (p < .05). The adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) of model 5, which included all the predetermined independent factors, was .168.

Conclusions

Caregiver‐reported dementia may be a risk factor for an increase in the number of retained roots among patients who receive home‐visit dental treatment and may serve as an indicator of the need for regular and proactive oral hygiene management.
Floret site utilization and reproductive tiller number are primary components of grain yield in intermediate wheatgrass spaced plants
Authors: Altendorf Kayla R. , DeHaan Lee R. , Heineck Garett C. , Zhang Xiaofei , Anderson James A.
Published: October 2020

Perennial plants provide extensive environmental services and increasing their prevalence on the agricultural landscape is one way to improve sustainability. Direct domestication of intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] as a perennial grain crop is underway, and selection has focused primarily on improving seed size and grain yield. Breeders lack understanding of grain yield and its relationship with component traits in this species. We characterized a large (n = 1,168) spaced plant nursery in St. Paul, MN, and Salina, KS, in 2017 and 2018 for a series of 13 yield component traits. In Year 2 in St. Paul, yield per plant and reproductive tiller number nearly doubled, whereas other yield components, including yield per spike, spikelets per spike, florets per spikelet, and thousand‐grain weight, significantly decreased. Correlation analyses between traits highlighted positive associations of seven traits with grain yield. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that when yield was measured on a yield per spike basis, floret site utilization was the primary contributor to yield, and when measured on a per‐plant basis, reproductive tiller number was the primary contributor. The indirect effects of biomass and maturity traits on both measures of yield were limited. Future work should investigate the predictive ability of reproductive tiller counts in spaced plant and sward environments to inform how breeders assess and select for yield.
Lithium‐Doped CuO Nanosheets: Structural Transformation, Optical, and Electrical Characteristics with Enhanced Photocatalytic and Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Siddiqui Hafsa , Qureshi Mohammad Shums , Haque Fozia Z.
Published: October 2020

Energy and environmental stuff are two of the main worries for humanity, and nanoscience plays a key role in providing the solution. Huge nano‐research activities have attracted lot of attention in the current scenario. However, designing the material with enhanced optoelectronic properties remains the foremost challenge. In the present work, the Li doped CuO nanosheets are synthesized by the chemical route and examined in photovoltaics and environmental remediation applications. The crystallographic and optical study reveals that crystallite size and bandgap decrease with an increase in lithium‐doping concentration up to 5 mole % and beyond that a reverse trend is observed. Additionally, impedance study has shown the significant contribution of lithium‐ions to the total capacitance and resistivity. Further, the photoactivity of Cu1−xLixO nanosheets (optimum concentration of Cu1−xLixO NSs (x = 0.05)) is projected to the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and used to fabricate bulk heterojunction solar cell together with P3HT and PCBM blend, respectively. The ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PC70BM:Cu1−xLixO (x = 0.05)/LiF/Al solar cell realized higher power‐conversion efficiency η ˜ 3.91 than their corresponding pristine device η ˜ 2.98 with enhanced photocurrent density from 9.026 to 11.56 mA cm−2. The proliferation in photocatalysts and solar cells efficiency of Cu1−xLixO (x = 0.05) is mainly attributed to the higher light absorption and lesser electron‐hole recombination. The approach for the synthesis of Cu1−xLixO NSs as potential donor material and device prototypes fabricated is completely safe and cost‐effective.
Tris(dicyclohexylamido) Group 4 Metal Allyl and Phenylacetylide Complexes – Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Frerichs Nils , Lukas Lenard , Schmidtmann Marc , Beckhaus Rüdiger
Published: October 2020

The synthesis and characterization of organyl complexes derived from group 4 metal dicyclohexylamido complexes (Cy2N)3MCl (Cy: Cyclohexyl, M = Ti, Zr, Hf 1‐M) is presented. The allyl Grignard reagent is used to obtain the corresponding group 4 allyl complexes 2‐M, and lithium phenylacetylide is used to obtain the phenylacetylide complexes 3‐M. The thermal stability of complexes 2‐M and 3‐M is investigated. All complexes are characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Their molecular structures in solution and in the solid state are discussed.
Immobilization of CoII‐(N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐2‐aminobenzylamine) on Poly(pyrrole‐co‐o‐anisidine)/Chitosan Composite Films: Application to Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Catechol
Authors: Yalçınkaya Süleyman , Çakmak Didem
Published: October 2020

In this study, poly (pyrrole‐co‐o‐anisidine)/chitosan composite (Cs) films were prepared by cyclic voltammetry technique on platinum electrode using different pyrrole and o‐anisidine mole ratios. Immobilization process was accomplished in CoII‐(N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐2‐aminobenzylamine)(CoL) dissolved 0.15 M acetonitrile‐LiClO4 solution by cyclic voltammetry technique at 0.2–2.0 V potential range. Three electrode methods were applied in all electrochemical studies. After immobilization process, the characterizations of the electro catalytic surfaces (Cs−CoL−Pt) were carried out by cyclic voltammetry and SEM images. The SEM images clearly indicated that the [CoL] complex is immobilized onto composite films. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrodes on the catechol was investigated using buffer solutions of different pH values. The results of catalytic studies revealed that, pH=10 buffer solution was the optimal solution and 1 : 1 Cs−CoL−Pt electrode was the best electrode for catechol oxidation. In square wave voltammetry measurements using this electrode, two linear working ranges were determined. The linear response ranges for catechol determination were found as 3.0 μM–6.0 μM and 16 μM–80 μM for the first and the second linear working ranges, respectively, with 1.1 μM detection limit.
Ce0.8Sr0.2CoxFe1‐xO3‐δ (x=0.2, 0.5, 0.8) – A Perovskite‐type Nanocomposite for Application in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Njoku C. B. , Doyle B. P. , Carleschi E. , Kriek R. J.
Published: October 2020

Three perovskite‐type nanocomposites, i. e. Ce0.8Sr0.2CoxFe1‐xO3‐δ (x=0.2, CSCF1; 0.5, CSCF2; 0.8, CSCF3), were synthesized employing the sol‐gel technique, subsequent to which they were physically and electrochemically evaluated for their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium (0.1 M KOH) at room temperature (25 °C). Electrochemical characterisation revealed Ce0.8Sr0.2Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (CSCF3) to be the most active having the lowest overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 (440 mV), the lowest Tafel slope (40.7 mV dec−1), the highest mass activity (20.11 mA mg−1) and highest specific activity (2.22 mA cm−2).
A New Optimization Framework for Harmonic Compensation Considering Plug‐in Electric Vehicle Penetration Using Adaptive Particularly Tunable Fuzzy Chaotic Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Jafari Siahroodi Hossein , Mojallali Hamed , Mohtavipour Seyed Saeid
Published: October 2020

Plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) can contribute to eliminating undesirable harmonics generated by nonlinear loads. In this study, a novel stochastic optimization approach for harmonic compensation is proposed which is capable of optimizing contrary objectives, including total harmonic distortion and harmonic inject current, simultaneously, while meeting the relevant constraints. This problem can be influenced by the uncertainty of PEVs which is reflected in the force outage rate concept. The Monte–Carlo simulation technique is implemented to consider the uncertainty associated with PEVs by generating plausible scenarios with the aim of converting the mentioned framework to the respective deterministic equivalents. Afterward, adaptive particularly tunable fuzzy chaotic particle swarm optimization (APTFCPSO) is utilized, based on the weighted sum method, and the acquired results are compared with those obtained by other implemented swarm intelligence‐based algorithms. Accordingly, at first, several benchmark optimization functions are considered to verify the performance of the APTFCPSO. Afterward, active power line conditioners (APLCs) and PEVs are separately employed for harmonics cancellation in the deterministic form. After adopting the scenario reduction technique, the optimization framework is solved for each remaining scenario by the mentioned procedure. The statistical analysis reveals that PEVs outperform APLCs to cancel harmonic orders defined in a 14‐node micro‐grid.
Early intervention in child and adolescent eating disorders: The role of a parenting group
Authors: Rosello Rocio , Gledhill Julia , Yi Irene , Watkins Beth , Harvey Lucy , Hosking Alexandra , Viner Russell , Nicholls Dasha
Published: October 2020

Objective

Parental involvement is emphasised in treatment guidelines for Eating Disorders (ED). The primary aim of this phase II study was to estimate the impact of a parent group intervention delivered immediately post‐diagnosis on weight gain and ED psychopathology in a cohort of young people referred to a community ED service. A secondary aim was to identify predictor variables for early treatment response in children whose parents attended the programme.

Method

Parents of 64 new cases of Anorexia Nervosa (AN; n = 50) and Atypical Anorexia (AAN, n = 14) attended a 6 week parent group intervention in addition to treatment as usual in which patients were weighed and reviewed, but had no other contemporaneous psychological intervention. Age and gender adjusted BMI (%median [m] BMI) and ED psychopathology at baseline, 6‐week and 6‐month follow‐up were analysed to assess weight gain and identify predictors of outcome.

Results

The intervention was associated with weight gain and improved ED psychopathology by the end of the programme; these gains were sustained at 6 months %mBMI at 6 weeks was the only predictor of outcome (%mBMI) at 6 months.

Conclusions

This preliminary work highlights the positive benefit of an ED focused parent group early intervention that could be further evaluated.
Multistage direction‐of‐arrival estimation approach for noncoherent and multigroup coherent signals
Authors: Shahimaeen Assieh , Dehghani Mohammad Javad
Published: October 2020

A new multistage direction estimation (MSDE) method using two parallel uniform linear arrays (ULAs) is proposed, which estimates two‐dimensional (2D) direction‐of‐arrivals (DOAs) of a mixture of noncoherent and multigroup of coherent signals, sequentially. At first, we estimate 2‐D DOAs of noncoherent signals, next, utilize an iterative procedure to make the estimation accuracy better, then omit the effect of noncoherent signals by the oblique projectors. Now, to estimate the 2D DOAs of each group separately, the group with the minimum coherent signals is decorrelated by the forward spatial smoothing, then an initial 2D DOA estimation is calculated and the estimation accuracy of this group is improved by using an iterative procedure. Afterward, the information of the signals whose DOAs are estimated, is omitted by oblique projectors. We repeat in the same way until the 2D DOAs of all coherent groups are estimated. It is shown in the simulation results section that the proposed method has good performance.
Review of optical and wireless backhaul networks and emerging trends of next generation 5G and 6G technologies
Authors: Sharma Teena , Chehri Abdellah , Fortier Paul
Published: October 2020

Mobile Backhauling provides an interface between radio controller and base stations, mostly realized with a physical medium such as optical fibers or microwave radio links. With the huge mobile traffic due to an increase in mobile subscribers as well as deployment of 4G and 5G cellular network technologies, better solutions for capacity and coverage should be provided in order to enhance spectral efficiency. For 4G cellular networks, mobile backhaul networks deal with capacity, availability, deployment cost, and long‐distance reaches. In addition, mobile backhaul networks based on the 5G network incurs additional challenges that include 1 ms or less ultralow latency time requirements and ultra‐dense nature of the network capabilities. Therefore, for 5G technologies, latency delay, QoS, packet efficiency, noise suppression, and mitigation techniques, efficient modulation schemes, and packet network timing synchronization are some aspects that are to be dealt with while designing efficient backhaul approaches (wired/wireless). Current backhaul systems typically use cost‐effective solutions (eg, ‐Wi‐Fi and WiMAX)‐based packet‐switched technologies, especially Ethernet/Internet technologies and high‐speed optical fiber links.
Changes in hillslope hydrology in a perched, shallow soil system due to clearcutting and residual biomass removal
Authors: McCarter Colin P. R. , Sebestyen Stephen D. , Eggert Susan L. , Kolka Randall K. , Mitchell Carl P. J.
Published: October 2020

Sustainable fuels legislation and volatility in energy prices have put additional pressures on the forestry sector to intensify the harvesting of biomass for “advanced biofuel” production. To better understand how residual biomass removal after harvest affects forest hydrology in relatively low slope terrain, a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact (BACI) study was conducted in the USDA Forest Service's Marcell Experimental Forest, Minnesota, USA. Hydrological measurements were made from 2010–2013 on a forested hillslope that was divided into three treatment blocks, where one block was harvested and residual biomass removed (Biomass Removed), the second was harvested and residual biomass left (Biomass Left), and the last block was left as an Unharvested Control. The pre‐harvest period (2 years) was 2010–11 and post‐harvest (2 years) was 2012–13. Water table elevation at the upslope and downslope position, subsurface runoff, and soil moisture were measured between May–November. Mixed effect statistical models were used to compare both the before‐after and “control” treatment ratios (ratios between harvested hillslopes and the Unharvested Control hillslope). Subsurface runoff significantly increased (p < .05) at both harvested hillslopes but to a greater degree on the Biomass Left hillslope. Greater subsurface runoff volumes at both harvested hillslopes were driven by substantial increases during fall, with additional significant increases during summer on the Biomass Left hillslope. The hydrological connectivity, inferred from event runoff ratios, increased due to harvesting at both hillslopes but only significantly on the Biomass Left hillslope. The winter harvest minimized soil disturbance, resulting in no change to the effective hydraulic conductivity distribution with depth. Thus, the observed hydrological changes were driven by increased effective precipitation and decreased evapotranspiration, increasing the duration that both harvested hillslopes were hydrologically active. The harvesting of residual biomass appears to lessen hydrological connectivity relative to leaving residual biomass on the hillslope, potentially decreasing downstream hydrological impacts of similar forestry operations.
When the physical coldness in the viewer's environment leads to identification with a suffering protagonist
Authors: Tal‐Or Nurit , Razpurker‐Apfeld Irene
Published: October 2020

Based on theories of narrative engagement and embodied cognition, we hypothesised that a fit between the psychological state of a protagonist and the physical sensation of the viewer would enhance the subsequent identification with the protagonist, but not para‐social relationship with him (seeing the protagonist as a friend). We also hypothesised that identification and a para‐social relationship would lead to distinct effects on attitudes related to the narrative. Participants (N = 60) were randomly assigned to either a warmed or cooled room where they watched a movie clip alone in which a suffering protagonist wanted to undergo euthanasia while his close others wanted him to stay alive. Then, the participants answered a questionnaire measuring their identification and para‐social relationship with the protagonist and their attitudes toward euthanasia. In accordance with the hypotheses, the results demonstrated that feeling cold enhanced identification with the suffering protagonist. However, the environmental temperature did not affect the development of para‐social relationships. Moreover, identification with the suffering protagonist contributed to acceptance of his attitudes, reflected in more positive views of euthanasia. In contrast, having a para‐social relationship with the protagonist resulted in negative attitudes toward euthanasia.
Teaching adults with developmental disabilities to problem solve using electronic flowcharts in a simulated vocational setting
Authors: Villante Natalie K. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Som Sopia , Hunt Justin C.
Published: October 2020

Teaching job‐related problem‐solving skills may increase the likelihood that individuals with developmental disabilities obtain and maintain employment (Kaye et al., 2011; Peck & Kirkbride, 2001; Unger, 2002). In this study, we evaluated the use of electronic‐based flowcharts on an iPod Touch as a form of self‐instruction to increase problem solving skills with 2 men diagnosed with developmental disabilities. An instructor implemented behavioral skills training (BST) to teach the participants how to use an electronic flowchart to solve one problem and then evaluated the participants' use of electronic flowcharts to solve other types of problems, including those that required more than one solution. Results showed increases in problem solving skills across at least 2 problems that were not associated with BST and increases across all problem exemplars with verbal reminders and feedback. These findings have important implications for increasing independence on the job and decreasing intrusive and costly supports for those with disabilities.
Application of automated nonparametric statistical analysis in clinical contexts
Authors: Kranak Michael P. , Falligant John Michael , Hausman Nicole L.
Published: October 2020

Functional analyses (FAs) provide clinicians with results upon which they design behavioral treatments. Unfortunately, interrater reliability of visual analysis of FA results can be inconsistent. Accordingly, researchers have designed quantitative metrics and visual aids to supplement visual analysis. Recently, Hall et al. (2020) provided a proof of concept for using automated nonparametric statistical analysis (ANSA) to interpret FA data. Their results show promise for ANSA as a supplemental tool. However, they evaluated ANSA with only published FA datasets, which may not be representative of FAs commonly encountered in clinical care. Therefore, the purpose of this replication was to compare ANSA to another validated supplemental aid (i.e., the structured criteria method) and investigate its utility with unpublished clinical FA data. Our results were consistent with Hall et al.’s, indicating ANSA may augment clinical interpretation of FA data. Recommendations for clinical applications of ANSA and future directions for researchers are discussed.
Rare case of intracranial hemorrhage associated with seoul virus infection diagnosed by metagenomic next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Xie Dan , Xu Wen , Xian Ying , Yuan Xiaofeng , Huang Zhenchao , You Jingya , Bi Xiaogang
Published: October 2020

Background

Seoul virus (SEOV) is a Hantavirus and the causative pathogen of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Diagnosing SEOV infection is difficult because the clinical presentations are often undistinguishable from other viral or bacterial infections. In addition, diagnostic tools including serological and molecular assays are not readily available in the clinical settings.

Case Report

A 57‐year‐old male presented with fever and a sudden loss of consciousness in November 2019. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed subdural hematoma, subfalcine herniation, and brain infarction. He developed thrombocytopenia and elevated transaminases, but no rashes or obvious kidney damage. He reported having a rat bite. HFRS was suspected. The Hantavirus IgG was positive, and the metagenomic next‐generation sequencing (mNGS) detected SEOV sequences directly in the blood.

Conclusion

This report highlights the importance of suspecting SEOV infection in febrile patients with thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes despite the absence of hemorrhagic manifestations of skin and renal syndromes. Next‐generation sequencing is a powerful tool for pathogen detection. Intracranial hemorrhage and brain infarction as extrarenal manifestations of HFRS are rare but possible as demonstrated in this case.
The social context of nonsuicidal self‐injury: Links to severity, suicide risk, and social factors
Authors: O'Loughlin Caitlin M. , Gomer Brenna , Ammerman Brooke A.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Though nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is generally considered to be a private act, 21%–52% of individuals who engage in NSSI do so around others. Those who engage in NSSI alone often demonstrate severe behavior. However, little is known about the distinction between those who only sometimes versus always engage in NSSI when they are around others. Three groups of individuals who engage in NSSI were examined: Always, sometimes, and never alone.

Method

Participants (N = 861; 84.2% female; M age = 20.06) were undergraduates who answered online questionnaires. Severity of NSSI, suicide risk, and social risk factors were used to predict group membership.

Results

Engaging in NSSI around others aligned with less severe NSSI behavior, lower suicide risk, and fewer interpersonal difficulties versus those who engage in NSSI alone.

Conclusions

NSSI's social context may indicate clinical severity. This information is useful for clinicians who work with individuals with a history of NSSI.
The association of metacognition with emotion recognition and perspective taking in a Russian sample with psychosis
Authors: Lysaker Paul H. , Chernov Nikita , Moiseeva Tatyana , Sozinova Marta , Dmitryeva Nadezhda , Alyoshin Vitaliy , Kukla Marina , Wiesepape Courtney , Karpenko Olga , Kostyuk Georgiy
Published: October 2020

Objective

Schizophrenia may reflect an interactive network of disturbances in cognition. In this study we have examined the relationship between two forms of cognition: metacognition and social cognition among a sample with schizophrenia (n = 41), early episode psychosis (n = 37), and major depression (n = 30) gathered in Moscow, Russia.

Methods

Metacognition was assessed with the Metacognition Assessment Scale‐Abbreviated. Social cognition was assessed with the Ekman 60 Faces Test and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Verbal memory and global psychopathology were included as potential covariates.

Results

Partial correlations controlling for demographics, neurocognition, and psychopathology revealed greater metacognitive capacity was linked to better facial emotion recognition and perspective taking in the prolonged schizophrenia group. Greater metacognitive capacity in the early psychosis group was linked with greater facial emotion recognition. Metacognition and social cognition were not related to one another in the depression group.

Conclusions

Social cognition and metacognition may be uniquely related in psychosis.