bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between Microstructural and Mechanical Performance on Example of an Air‐Hardening Steel
Authors: Grydin Olexandr , Andreiev Anatolii , Zogaj Mergim , Frolov Yaroslav , Schaper Mirko
Published: July 2019

Because of an excellent combination of strength and ductility, mono‐phase low‐alloyed steels with a bimodal grain size are an appropriate alternative to conventionally cold‐rolled and annealed steels as well as to steels with a dual‐phase microstructure. This study investigates how the microstructure of a low‐alloyed air‐hardening steel either with a homogeneous, a dual‐phase, or a bimodal grain structure influences its mechanical and fatigue performances. The homogeneous ferritic grain microstructure of the steel sheets is adjusted by an intercritical annealing at 790 °C, along with subsequent air hardening to obtain a dual‐phase state. Then, the ferritic‐martensitic material is cold‐rolled and annealed at 550–700 °C to produce different bimodal grain microstructures. The evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties are characterized. An annealing temperature of 600 °C is considered to be the optimal temperature resulting in pronounced bimodal grain size distribution. The sheet with a bimodal microstructure exhibits a higher strength and equal ductility compared to one with a homogeneous ferritic microstructure. Additionally, high‐cycle fatigue tests of the material with a bimodal microstructure shows its superior fatigue behavior at a loading of above 800 000 cycles compared with both the homogeneous ferritic microstructure as well as the dual‐phase microstructure.
A New Approach to 3D Printing Dense Ceramics by Ceramic Precursor Binders
Authors: Rosental Tamar , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: July 2019

Fabrication of dense ceramic objects by 3D printing processes is important in achieving improved functions in many applications, such as mechanical, optical, and electrical devices. It is a challenging process, mainly due to the high content of organic binders within the printed object. Upon heating and sintering, the printed object shrinks and becomes porous due to the decomposition of the organic binder. Herein, a new approach is presented based on the utilization of an inorganic binder that is a sol–gel precursor for the same material composing the dispersed ceramic particles. The approach is demonstrated in printing objects composed of barium titanate (BTO), which is an important dielectric and piezoelectric material. This binder also enables us to achieve dispersions with high solid load that exhibits a shear‐thinning rheological behavior, which is essential for direct ink writing (DIW) printing technology. The as‐printed parts contain only 1 wt% organic materials, having 97.8% of the theoretical density, whereas the BTO binder crystalizes upon heating, without forming undesired secondary phases.
High Durable, Biocompatible, and Flexible Piezoelectric Pulse Sensor Using Single‐Crystalline III‐N Thin Film
Authors: Chen Jie , Liu Haoran , Wang Weijie , Nabulsi Noor , Zhao Wenbo , Kim Ja Yeon , Kwon Min‐Ki , Ryou Jae‐Hyun
Published: July 2019

Flexible pulse sensors that can detect subtle skin surface deformation caused by arterial pulses are key components for developing non‐invasive continuous pulse waveform monitoring systems that provide vital health status parameters. Piezoelectric pulse sensors (PPSs) offer a promising solution for flexible pulse sensors due to their relatively high sensitivity and stability, and low power consumption, when compared with conventional active pulse sensors. However, the reported high‐performance PPSs contain toxic lead, which limits their practical applications. In this study, a highly sensitive and flexible PPS that detects surface deflections on the micrometer scale is fabricated with single‐crystalline group III‐nitride thin film. This biocompatible flexible PPS is sensitive enough to detect pulse waveform with detailed characteristic peaks from most arterial pulse sites when attached to the skin surface without applying external pressure. Useful physiological parameters such as the pulse rate, artery augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity can be drawn from the as‐acquired pulse waveforms. The flexible PPS can also be used to continuously monitor the arterial pulse waveform.
Electrically Tunable Perfect Terahertz Absorber Based on a Graphene Salisbury Screen Hybrid Metasurface
Authors: Chen Xieyu , Tian Zhen , Lu Yongchang , Xu Yuehong , Zhang Xueqian , Ouyang Chunmei , Gu Jianqiang , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: July 2019

Graphene, as a popular 2D semiconductor, with a carrier concentration that can be extensively tailored by external stimulants, such as electric bias and photoexcitation, is a promising candidate for active optoelectronics. An electrically tunable perfect terahertz absorber is presented by integrating a metallic grating into classical graphene Salisbury screen. The measurement shows that perfect absorption can be achieved for even lightly‐doped graphene and a modulation depth up to 25% is realized. Numerical simulation and analytical model based on the transmission line theory are developed to validate the design, showing a good agreement with the measured results. In addition, dependence of the terahertz response on physical dimensions and polarization of the incident terahertz field is also experimentally explored. It indicates that the hybrid terahertz device is able to function as tunable perfect absorber or tunable polarizer with an extinction ratio up to 23 dB. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using low carrier mobility chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown graphene for tunable perfect terahertz absorption, which is suitable for potential applications, such as terahertz switching, and time domain and spatial domain modulation.
Willingness to pay of Nigerian poultry producers and feed millers for aflatoxin‐safe maize
Authors: Johnson Andrew M. , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Ayedun Bamikole , Fulton Joan R. , Widmar Nicole J. Olynk , Adebowale Akande , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit , Manyong Victor
Published: July 2019

Dietary aflatoxin exposure is a widespread problem in the developing world and causes severe negative health consequences to humans and livestock animals. A new biological control product, called Aflasafe, has been introduced in Nigeria to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of maize in the field and in storage. No known prior work has estimated how much African agribusinesses using maize for animal feed will pay for aflatoxin‐safe maize. This study measured the levels of Aflasafe awareness, surveyed current aflatoxin management practices, and estimated, using choice experiments, willingness to pay (WTP) for aflatoxin‐safe maize by Nigerian poultry producers and feed millers. Data was gathered from 272 orally administered surveys, which included discrete choice experiments examining maize purchasing decisions. Results suggest that the proportion of enterprises that were aware of aflatoxin was found to vary across states. Two latent classes of Nigerian poultry producers and feed millers were identified that were willing to pay average premiums of 4.9% and 30.9%, respectively for maize with 10 parts per billion (ppb) aflatoxin concentration relative to maize with 20 ppb aflatoxin concentration. Both latent classes were, on average, willing to pay larger premiums for maize with 4 ppb aflatoxin concentration. There was evidence that latent class membership, and hence WTP, varied based on awareness of aflatoxin and across geographies.
Single‐Atom Cr−N4 Sites Designed for Durable Oxygen Reduction Catalysis in Acid Media
Authors: Luo Ergui , Zhang Hao , Wang Xian , Gao Liqin , Gong Liyuan , Zhao Tuo , Jin Zhao , Ge Junjie , Jiang Zheng , Liu Changpeng , Xing Wei
Published: July 2019

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are attracting widespread interest for the catalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), with Fe−Nx SACs exhibiting the most promising activity. However, Fe‐based catalysts suffer serious stability issues as a result of oxidative corrosion through the Fenton reaction. Herein, using a metal‐organic framework as an anchoring matrix, we for the first time obtained pyrolyzed Cr/N/C SACs for the ORR, where the atomically dispersed Cr is confirmed to have a Cr−N4 coordination structure. The Cr/N/C catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity with an optimal half‐wave potential of 0.773 V versus RHE. More excitingly, the Fenton reaction is substantially reduced and, thus, the final catalysts show superb stability. The innovative and robust active site for the ORR opens a new possibility to circumvent the stability issue of the non‐noble metal ORR catalysts.
Efficient Synthesis of Spirooxindole Pyrrolones by a Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation/Carbene Insertion/Lossen Rearrangement Sequence
Authors: Ma Biao , Wu Peng , Wang Xing , Wang Zhengyu , Lin Hai‐Xia , Dai Hui‐Xiong
Published: July 2019

A rhodium(III)‐catalyzed domino annulation of simple olefins with diazo oxindoles to give spirooxindole pyrrolone products is described. This reaction can be formally viewed as the result of an anomalous tandem C−H activation, carbene insertion, Lossen rearrangement, and a nucleophilic addition process. The potential utility of this reaction was further demonstrated by the late‐stage diversification of drug molecules.
Artemisinin–(Iso)quinoline Hybrids by C−H Activation and Click Chemistry: Combating Multidrug‐Resistant Malaria
Authors: Çapcı Aysun , Lorion Mélanie M. , Wang Hui , Simon Nina , Leidenberger Maria , Borges Silva Mariana C. , Moreira Diogo R. M. , Zhu Yongping , Meng Yuqing , Chen Jia Yun , Lee Yew Mun , Friedrich Oliver , Kappes Barbara , Wang Jigang , Ackermann Lutz , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: July 2019

A substantial challenge worldwide is emergent drug resistance in malaria parasites against approved drugs, such as chloroquine (CQ). To address these unsolved CQ resistance issues, only rare examples of artemisinin (ART)‐based hybrids have been reported. Moreover, protein targets of such hybrids have not been identified yet, and the reason for the superior efficacy of these hybrids is still not known. Herein, we report the synthesis of novel ART–isoquinoline and ART–quinoline hybrids showing highly improved potencies against CQ‐resistant and multidrug‐resistant P. falciparum strains (EC50 (Dd2) down to 1.0 nm; EC50 (K1) down to 0.78 nm) compared to CQ (EC50 (Dd2)=165.3 nm; EC50 (K1)=302.8 nm) and strongly suppressing parasitemia in experimental malaria. These new compounds are easily accessible by step‐economic C−H activation and copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reactions. Through chemical proteomics, putatively hybrid‐binding protein targets of the ART‐quinolines were successfully identified in addition to known targets of quinoline and artemisinin alone, suggesting that the hybrids act through multiple modes of action to overcome resistance.
Kinetic Control of Aggregation Shape in Micellar Self‐Assembly
Authors: Buckinx Axel‐Laurenz , Verstraete Kirsten , Baeten Evelien , Tabor Rico F. , Sokolova Anna , Zaquen Neomy , Junkers Tanja
Published: July 2019

The first steps towards top‐down morphology control in micellar self‐assembly are introduced. Kinetically stable micelles are formed from block copolymers (BCPs) using continuous flow techniques by turbulent mixing of water with a THF solution of polymers. In this way, particle shape and size can be altered from spheres to ellipsoids solely via tuning of mixing parameters from a single BCP.
[UF6]2−: A Molecular Hexafluorido Actinide(IV) Complex with Compensating Spin and Orbital Magnetic Moments
Authors: Pedersen Kasper S. , Meihaus Katie R. , Rogalev Andrei , Wilhelm Fabrice , Aravena Daniel , Amoza Martín , Ruiz Eliseo , Long Jeffrey R. , Bendix Jesper , Clérac Rodolphe
Published: July 2019

The first structurally characterized hexafluorido complex of a tetravalent actinide ion, the [UF6]2− anion, is reported in the (NEt4)2[UF6]⋅2 H2O salt (1). The weak magnetic response of 1 results from both UIV spin and orbital contributions, as established by combining X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy and bulk magnetization measurements. The spin and orbital moments are virtually identical in magnitude, but opposite in sign, resulting in an almost perfect cancellation, which is corroborated by ab initio calculations. This work constitutes the first experimental demonstration of a seemingly non‐magnetic molecular actinide complex carrying sizable spin and orbital magnetic moments.
Conditional Singlet Oxygen Generation through a Bioorthogonal DNA‐targeted Tetrazine Reaction
Authors: Linden Greta , Zhang Lei , Pieck Fabian , Linne Uwe , Kosenkov Dmitri , Tonner Ralf , Vázquez Olalla
Published: July 2019

We report the use of bioorthogonal reactions as an original strategy in photodynamic therapy to achieve conditional phototoxicity and specific subcellular localization simultaneously. Our novel halogenated BODIPY‐tetrazine probes only become efficient photosensitizers (ΦΔ≈0.50) through an intracellular inverse‐electron‐demand Diels–Alder reaction with a suitable dienophile. Ab initio computations reveal an activation‐dependent change in decay channels that controls 1O2 generation. Our bioorthogonal approach also enables spatial control. As a proof‐of‐concept, we demonstrate the feasibility of the selective activation of our dormant photosensitizer in cellular nuclei, causing cancer cell death upon irradiation. Thus, our dual biorthogonal, activatable photosensitizers open new venues to combat current limitations of photodynamic therapy.
Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas cedrina infecting Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Liu Fang‐Hua , Lin Xiao‐Li , Kang Zhi‐Wei , Tian Hong‐Gang , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: July 2019

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is one of the most destructive pests worldwide and its management relies exclusively on frequent application of chemical insecticides. Resistance to common insecticides is now widespread, and novel classes of insecticides are needed. Entomopathogenic bacteria and their related products play an important role in the management of this pest. In the present work, one bacterial strain was separated from infected pupae of P. xylostella collected from field and its pathogenicity was evaluated. On the basis of the 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, BLASTN, and phylogenetic analysis, this bacterial isolate was identified as Pseudomonas cedrina. Oral administration of P. cedrina at levels above 10,000 CFU/ml gave significant mortality to P. xylostella larvae. The pathogenicity was also observed by reduced longevity and fecundity in adult females. However, when live bacterial cells were removed, the cultured broth lost any pathogenicity. In response to the bacterial infection, P. xylostella expressed antimicrobial and stress‐associated genes. A mixture treatment of P. cedrina and Bacillus thuringiensis showed an additive effect on larval mortality of P. xylostella. These results indicated that P. cedrina is an opportunistic entomopathogen without secretion of toxins. Furthermore, the additive effect of P. cedrina and B. thuringiensis provide a new insight to develop new strategy for controlling P. xylostella.
BmNPV infection correlates with the enhancement of the resistance of Bombyx mori cells to UV radiation
Authors: Tang Qi , Chen Fangying , Wu Peng , Qiu Lipeng , Chen Huiqing , Chen Keping , Li Guohui
Published: July 2019

At present, the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the interaction between Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) and host remains unclear. In the current study, UV treatment significantly reduced the activity of BmNPV budded viruses (BVs), and UV‐damaged BmN cells were not conducive to BmNPV proliferation. BmNPV infection significantly reduced the viability of host cells, but increased the viability of high‐dose UV‐treated host cells. Furthermore, the quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR (qPCR) results suggested that BmNPV and Bombyx mori might mutually use the same DNA repair proteins for repairing UV‐induced damage and BmNPV infection promote the ability of host cells to repair UV‐induced damage.
Electropolymerizable IrIII Complexes with β‐Ketoiminate Ancillary Ligands
Authors: Ionescu Andreea , Caligiuri Rossella , Godbert Nicolas , Candreva Angela , La Deda Massimo , Furia Emilia , Ghedini Mauro , Aiello Iolinda
Published: July 2019

A series of electropolymerizable cyclometallated IrIII complexes were synthesized and their electrochemical and photophysical properties studied. The triphenylamine electropolymerizable fragment was introduced by using triphenylamine‐2‐phenylpyridine and, respectively, triphenylamine‐benzothiazole as cyclometalated ligands. The coordination sphere was completed by two differently substituted β‐ketoiminate ligands deriving from the condensation of acetylacetone or hexafluoroacetylacetone with para‐bromoaniline. The influence of the ‐CH3/‐CF3 substitution to the electrochemical and photophysical properties was investigated. Both complexes with CH3 substituted β‐ketoiminate were emissive in solution and in solid state. Highly stable films were electrodeposited onto ITO coated glass substrates. Their emission was quenched by electron trapping within the polymeric network as proven by electrochemical studies. The ‐CF3 substitution of the β‐ketoiminate leads instead to the quenching of the emission and inhibits electropolymerization.
Highly Dispersed Ni Nanoparticles on Anhydrous Calcium Silicate (ACS) Nanosheets for Catalytic Dry Reforming of Methane: Tuning the Activity by Different Ways of Ni Introduction
Authors: Sheng Kefa , Zeng Fang , Pang Fei , Ge Jianping
Published: July 2019

Three kinds of nickel‐loaded anhydrous calcium silicate nanocatalysts (ACS), including Ni‐ACS‐Dop, Ni‐ACS‐Iex and Ni‐ACS‐Im, were prepared by introducing Ni species through doping in the synthesis of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) nanosheets, ion‐exchange with premade CSH nanosheets and deposition on calcined ACS nanosheets, respectively. Although Ni species were introduced in different ways, all the Ni‐ACS catalysts showed similar chemical compositions and microstructures, where Ni nanoparticles were highly dispersed on the ultrathin ACS nanosheets with a large surface area and good thermal stability. However, the differences in the way of Ni introduction did produce Ni with different electronic states. The Ni‐ACS‐Iex catalyst with “surface Ni” as a dominant form had more electrons enriched on the surface of Ni, which led to the highest activity in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction among the three catalysts, whereas the Ni‐ACS‐Dop catalyst with “lattice Ni” as a dominant form showed an electron‐deficient property and lowest activity. Different from the introduction of a more favourable nanostructure or chemical component to the catalyst system, this work controlled the chemical environment of metal precursors and created metal catalysts with a preferred surface electronic state during synthesis, which could be a new strategy to improve the catalytic activity.
Single‐Atom Catalysts for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Peng Xianyun , Lü Fang , Mi Yuying , Zhuo Longchao , Ren Junqiang , Liu Xijun , Luo Jun
Published: July 2019

Powered by renewable electricity, the electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to ammonia is proposed as a promising alternative to the energy‐ and capital‐intensive Haber–Bosch process, and has thus attracted much attention from the scientific community. However, this process suffers from low NH3 yields and Faradaic efficiency. The development of more effective electrocatalysts is of vital importance for the practical applications of this reaction. Of the reported catalysts, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) show the significant advantages of efficient atom utilization and unsaturated coordination configurations, which offer great scope for optimizing their catalytic performance. Herein, progress in state‐of‐the‐art SACs applied in the electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is discussed, and the main advantages and challenges for developing more efficient electrocatalysts are also highlighted.
Automata Simulator: A mobile app to teach theory of computation
Authors: Singh Tuhina , Afreen Simra , Chakraborty Pinaki , Raj Rashmi , Yadav Savita , Jain Dipika
Published: July 2019

We developed a mobile app named Automata Simulator to simulate different types of automata and used it to teach the course on theory of computation. The students used the app to design and simulate automata during the lectures. The students also used a more sophisticated desktop application, JFLAP, to study advanced concepts related to automata theory after the lectures. An analysis of the examination results revealed that this approach helped the students to learn the concepts better and score 1% more marks. Moreover, a strong correlation between the marks obtained by the students for questions related to designing of automata and their total score was identified. In a survey conducted at the end of the semester, the students said that it was difficult to use two tools for learning the same concepts. However, they also felt that the combination of the two tools made the course more interactive and contributed positively in the process of learning.
Development of Streptococcus pneumoniae Pan‐Group Quorum‐Sensing Modulators
Authors: Koirala Bimal , Tal‐Gan Yftah
Published: July 2019

The rapid increase in multidrug‐resistant pathogens is a major health concern that could bring mankind back to the pre‐antibiotic era. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a highly recombinogenic opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of deadly diseases and rapidly develops resistance to current antibiotic treatments. S. pneumoniae pathogenicity is dependent on a cell‐density communication mechanism, or quorum sensing (QS), termed the competence regulon. In this work, we set out to design signal‐based QS modulators capable of affecting the two specificity groups found in S. pneumoniae. Through systematic analysis and rational design, we were able to construct peptide‐based pan‐group QS activators and inhibitors with activities in the nanomolar range. These novel analogues are privileged scaffolds for the development of anti‐virulence therapeutics against S. pneumoniae infections.
Bridging the Gaps Between Experimental and Mechanistic Catalysis Research: A Case Study with CO Oxidation Over a Pd/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Ren Jiazheng , Cheng Kai , Li Ming , Zhao Songjian , Li Haoran , Chen Yongsheng
Published: July 2019

Temperature (T), concentrations of the reactants (C), and the corresponding reaction rate (r) are three important quantities for catalyst evaluation especially for mechanistic studies, however, even today experiments have not strictly met the needs. In this work, CO oxidation reactions are conducted over a Pd/Al2O3 catalyst. It is found that steady‐state tests together with the use of catalyst front temperature are necessary to reveal the average intrinsic catalytic performance. More importantly, for the first time, analytical solutions are obtained for T, C, and r within the catalyst bed from solving the differential equation governing general energy balance in the reaction system. Subsequently, it is found that the conventional differential reactor conditions do not result in accurate measurement of true reaction rate as generally believed. The reaction appears to follow a reaction mechanism below 50 % CO conversion probably involving chemical bond cleavage with an apparent activation energy of 194 kJ/mol while above 79 % conversion a 15 kJ/mol activation energy is observed suggestive of diffusion being the rate determining step.
Homogeneous Catalyst Recycling and Separation of a Multicomponent Mixture Using Organic Solvent Nanofiltration
Authors: Schnoor Johann-Kilian , Fuchs Martin , Böcking Axel , Wessling Matthias , Liauw Marcel A.
Published: July 2019

In homogeneous catalysis, the application of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) has become a well‐known alternative to common recycling methods. Even though some OSN membranes are commercially available, their classification and the scope of application have to be determined for the specific solvent mixture. The commercial membrane Evoniks DuraMem® 300 was tested in a mixture of ethanol, ethyl acetate, and cyclohexane with magnesium triflate as possible catalyst. The cross permeate fluxes were measured for two transmembrane pressures and the hydrodynamic radii of the components were determined. Some of the components in the ternary mixture are retained, which makes the membrane also suitable for fractioning thereof.
Hexafluoro‐2‐Propanol‐Promoted Electro‐Oxidative [3+2] Annulation of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and Alkenes
Authors: Xiong Mingteng , Liang Xingan , Liang Xiao , Pan Yuanjiang , Lei Aiwen
Published: July 2019

Abstract: A straightforward and atom‐economical approach to the synthesis of dihydrofurans employing electro‐oxidative [3+2] annulation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compound and alkenes has been developed. Neither metal catalysts nor chemical oxidants are required to promote the dehydrogenation process. Moreover, the use of base to decrease the oxidative potential and 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol to stabilize the reactive intermediates are key to the success of the cyclization.
Structural Rigging of Lignin Precursors for Customized Porous and Graphene‐Like Carbons towards Enhanced Supercapacitive Performance in Aqueous and Non‐Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Liu Mingren , Zhang Kejing , Si Mengying , Yu Hongbo , Chai Liyuan , Shi Yan
Published: July 2019

Maximum supercapacitive performance in different electrolytes is desirable in the design of advanced carbon materials but still challenged by the conflicting properties of electrolytes. Herein, a practical and scalable strategy to customize carbon materials for aqueous and non‐aqueous electrolytes was proposed via structural rigging of lignin precursors. The resultant graphene‐like hierarchical porous carbon sheets from low‐molecular‐weight lignin exhibit a high electrical conductivity of 17.8 S cm−1, a prominent capacitance of 245 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and impressive chemical stability in the symmetric supercapacitor of ionic liquid electrolyte. The top‐level energy density of 96.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 0.9 kW kg−1 and 48.5 Wh kg−1 at 20.5 kW kg−1 is also obtained. In contrast, the 3D oriented N/O co‐doped porous carbon composed of high‐molecular‐weight lignin possesses high specific surface area (>2400 m2 g−1), regulated micropores and rich heteroatoms for remarkable specific capacitances of 402 F g−1 and 306 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 in three‐ and two‐electrode configurations of aqueous electrolyte, respectively. The established formation mechanisms further extend the exploration of highly plastic lignin precursors for diverse energy storage systems.
Electrochemiluminescence for Characterizing the Polymerization Process during Graphitic Carbon Nitride Synthesis
Authors: Wei Jingjing , Zhao Panpan , Chen Lichan , Tian Libing , Wu Haishan , Dong Yongqiang , Chi Yuwu , Zhou Shu‐Feng
Published: July 2019

The physicochemical properties and application performances of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐CN) are highly dependent on its polymerization degree, thus a facile method for screening the polymerization degree is highly desired. Here, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is creatively employed as an effective tool to achieve this goal. Extension of π‐system and change in pedant groups during g‐CN polymerization process are characterized by g‐CN nanosheets/dissolved oxygen (CNNS/O2) and Ru(bpy)32+/CNNS co‐reactant ECL systems, respectively. Linear intensity enhancement along with positive shift in the onset and peak potentials of cathodic CNNS/O2 ECL, as well as linear intensity decreasing in anodic Ru(bpy)32+/CNNS ECL, are observed during polymerization of dicyandiamide to g‐CN, suggesting the feasibility of ECL on studying the polymerization degree. The ECL method would provide a promising prospect for novel properties exploration and application performances optimization of g‐CN.
Evolutionary Algorithm‐Based Crystal Structure Prediction for Copper(I) Fluoride
Authors: Kuklin Mikhail S. , Maschio Lorenzo , Usvyat Denis , Kraus Florian , Karttunen Antti J.
Published: July 2019

Despite numerous experimental studies since 1824, the binary copper(I) fluoride remains unknown. A crystal structure prediction has been carried out for CuF using the USPEX evolutionary algorithm and a dispersion‐corrected hybrid density functional method. In total about 5000 hypothetical structures were investigated. The energetics of the predicted structures were also counter‐checked with local second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory. Herein 39 new hypothetical copper(I) fluoride structures are reported that are lower in energy compared to the previously predicted cinnabar‐type structure. Cuprophilic Cu−Cu interactions are present in all the low‐energy structures, leading to ordered Cu substructures such as helical or zig‐zag‐type Cu−Cu motifs. The lowest‐energy structure adopts a trigonal crystal structure with space group P3121. From an electronic point of view, the predicted CuF modification is a semiconductor with an indirect band gap of 2.3 eV.
Robustness of Water Systems in Industrial Applications
Authors: Slagt J. Marc , Henkel Jochen
Published: July 2019

This paper examines what makes a water treatment system robust and illustrates how to choose a system from the multitude of water treatment technologies that balances the higher costs of a more robust system with the required level of concept functionality. In this report, not all technologies can be covered, but instead the focus is on ultrafiltration, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis technology used in industrial applications and how to maximize the potential of the resulting water system by combining these technologies.
Sole‐ground contact and sitting leg position influence suprahyoid and sternocleidomastoid muscle activity during swallowing of liquids
Authors: Uesugi Yuta , Ihara Yoshiaki , Yuasa Ken , Takahashi Koji
Published: July 2019

Clinically, the stable sole‐ground contact in the diet is considered as important for achieving safe swallows in the dysphagic patients. However, the effects of varied sole‐ground contacts on swallow‐related muscles activities remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sole‐ground contacts on the muscle activities during swallow for various materials; 26 healthy adult subjects participated in this study. Three different sole‐ground contact conditions were investigated; sole‐ground contact with knees bent to 90° (KB 90°), sole‐ground contact with knees bent to 135° (KB 135°), and sole‐ground off the floor (Off). Participants swallowed four bolus materials (saliva, 5‐ml water, 10‐ml water, and 5‐ml yogurt) in each sole‐ground contact condition. The muscular activities of the suprahyoid (SH) muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle during swallowing were detected and recorded using surface electromyography. The sole‐ground contact pressure was evaluated using the data acquisition system. Duration of SH during 10‐ml water swallow for Off was significantly longer than that for KB 90°. Duration of SH during 5‐ml yogurt swallow for Off was significantly longer than that for KB 90°. Integration of SH during 10‐ml water swallow for Off was significantly greater than that for KB 135°. Integration of SH during 5‐ml yogurt swallow for Off was significantly greater than that for KB 90°. No significant differences were found in peak of SH. Sole‐ground contact conditions had significant effect on swallow‐related muscles activities. The stable sitting positions might be more advantageous for performing effective swallows compared with less stable sitting positions.
A global database of paired leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations of terrestrial plants
Authors: Tian Di , Kattge Jens , Chen Yahan , Han Wenxuan , Luo Yongkai , He Jinsheng , Hu Huifeng , Tang Zhiyao , Ma Suhui , Yan Zhengbing , Lin Quanhong , Schmid Bernhard , Fang Jingyun
Published: July 2019

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential components of the basic cell structure of plants. In particular, leaf N and P concentrations and their stoichiometric relationship largely determine the photosynthesis, growth, reproduction, and ecophysiological processes of plants. As important leaf functional traits, leaf N and P concentrations and their stoichiometric relationship play vital roles in indicating plant nutrient‐use strategies and their evolution in terrestrial ecosystems. They also influence physiological and ecological processes in leaves (e.g., growth rate and energy metabolism) and productivity (e.g., net primary production and net ecosystem production) at ecosystem level. However, the lack of a comprehensive data set containing paired leaf N and P concentration records has distinctly limited research on nutrient stoichiometry and leaf functional traits. Here, we provide a global database of paired records of leaf N and P concentrations. A total of 11,354 individual records were acquired spanning 1,291 sites worldwide, including 201 families, 1,265 genera, and 3,227 species. The records span a latitudinal range of 45.28 °S to 68.35 °N and a longitudinal range of 155.5 °W to 168.0 °E. The variables provided for each individual record are (1) geographical location (longitude, latitude, and altitude); (2) matched leaf N and P concentrations and N:P ratio; (3) taxonomic information (family, genera, and species); (4) life form (angiosperm/gymnosperm, monocotyledonous/dicotyledonous and woody plants/herbaceous plants; note that woody plants were further divided into coniferous, deciduous broad‐leaved, and evergreen broad‐leaved woody species and that herbaceous plants were further divided into annual and perennial species); (5) mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP); and (6) soil N and P concentrations and pH value in some records. To date, this database is the world's largest database of paired leaf N and P concentrations, which contains matched information of geographical location, environmental factors, and taxa. We believe that the database will play a fundamental and crucial part of ecological stoichiometric studies. There are no copyright restrictions. When using this database, we kindly request that you cite this article, respecting all the authors’ hard work during sample collection and data compilation.
Perioperative mortality secondary to a pulmonary embolism during a surgical implantation of the Endo‐Exo‐Prosthesis: a case report
Authors: Örgel Marcus , Aschoff Horst‐Heinrich , Krettek Christian , Graulich Tilman , Omar Mohamed , Harb Afif , Alazzawi Sulaiman
Published: July 2019

We report on a 53‐year‐old female patient who suffered a perioperative death secondary to a pulmonary embolism (PE) during an implantation of Endo‐Exo‐Prosthesis. This is a retrospective review of medical case for a patient who had a previous above‐the‐knee amputation secondary to a failed previous arthroplasty surgery. Our planned surgery was a stage 1 implantation of an Endo‐Exo‐Prosthesis, and it was performed under general anaesthesia. After 25 min from starting the surgical procedure, the patient sustained a cardiac arrest, and despite an active cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 50 min, the patient did not recover, the ventilator machine was stopped later on, and the patient was declared deceased at that stage. Fatal intraoperative PE is a rare but significant complication during orthopaedic procedures. There are few reports of similar events but include mainly trauma patients with fractured neck of femur. Endo‐Exo‐Prosthesis is a relatively newly evolved procedure in a unique group of patients. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of such complication during Endo‐Exo‐Prosthesis implantation. Patient and surgeon should be aware of it, and additional preventive measures like preoperative scoring systems and in special cases using inferior vena cava filter should be considered in patients with high risk of developing venous thromboembolism.
Sequential Double Dearomatization of the Pyrazolate‐Based “Two‐in‐One” Pincer Ligand in a Dinuclear Rhodium(I) Complex
Authors: Gers‐Barlag Alexander , Goursot Pierre , Li Ming , Dechert Sebastian , Meyer Franc
Published: July 2019

A binucleating pyrazolate‐based ligand providing two tridentate PNN compartments is shown to form a dinuclear rhodium(I) complex [L{Rh(CO)}2](PF6) (1) that can be deprotonated at both side arm methylene groups between pyridine and phosphino donors to give K[L**{Rh(CO)}2] (3). Sequential twofold deprotonation has been monitored by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and proceeds via the neutral intermediate L*{Rh(CO)}2 (2). X‐ray crystallographic characterization of 1 and the K[2,2,2]+ salt 3′ ([2,2,2] is a cryptand) evidences pyridine dearomatization upon deprotonation, and all spectroscopic and structural signatures are in good agreement with those of related mononuclear rhodium complexes based on a common PNN pincer ligand, which corroborates that pyrazolate‐bridged L– is best described as a scaffold with two pincer‐type subunits.
Comparative evaluation of flavor compounds in fermented green and roasted coffee beans by solid phase microextraction‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Su‐Jin , Lee Sul , Bang Eunjung , Lee Sunho , Rhee Jin‐Kyu , Na Yun‐Cheol
Published: July 2019

Specific fermentation processes such as digestive bioprocessing and monsooning have been of interest to coffee consumers. Volatile compounds of beans during the different fermentation processes vary considerably and exhibit different profiles. The representative flavor compounds for the luwak green bean were found to be pentamethyl heptane and 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, while more diverse and distinct compounds were observed from the monsooned green bean, namely alkyl butanals, pinenes, benzaldehyde and butanediols. However, after roasting, the fermented form of both beans contained similar types of volatiles and their relative contents compared to those of non‐fermented roasted beans, except for α‐pinene in luwak and 2‐methyl furan in monsooned beans. In principal components analysis and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), the different fermented beans were clearly distinguished by the extracted peak entities from their total ion chromatograms. The s‐plot and variable importance on projection (VIP) values related to PLS‐DA showed the significant compounds contributing to the identification of the groups. 3‐Methyl‐1‐butanol was the most distinctive compound for the luwak green bean, and β‐pinene, ethylbenzene and benzaldehyde were found to be the significant compounds in the monsooned green bean. In roasted beans, the most significant compounds to distinguish luwak were furfural, α‐pinene and 3‐carene with high variable in the projection (VIP) values. A significant presence of pyrazine, alkyl pyrazines, pyridine and alkyl pyridines contributed to differentiating both fermented roasted coffee beans from the unfermented roasted beans.
Method to Measure Area Specific Resistance and Chromium Migration Simultaneously from Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Interconnect Materials
Authors: Tallgren J. , Himanen O. , Bianco M. , Mikkola J. , Thomann O. , Rautanen M. , Kiviaho J. , Van herle J.
Published: July 2019

Chromium evaporation is identified as a major degradation mechanism in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks. The major chromium source is the commonly used stainless steel interconnects, thus raising a need for protective coatings on the interconnect steel. Ex situ characterization methods of protective coatings involve chromium evaporation measurements, area specific resistance (ASR) measurements and long‐term exposure tests. To replicate stack conditions, commonly used ASR measurement setups should be further developed. This work presents an improved characterization method for steels and coatings and aims to be an extension to state‐of‐the‐art characterization methods. The studied steel samples, bare or coated, are placed adjacent to palladium foils with a screen‐printed lanthanum‐strontium‐cobalt (LSC) layer and the resistivity over the pair is measured. The method offers similar contact materials, chromium migration mechanisms, electrical contacts and chemical interactions, as seen in stacks. Further, it enables post‐test chromium migration analysis with electron microscopy. Demonstration of the method validated that protective coatings hindered both oxidation and chromium migration from the substrate steels. The presented method could aid in accelerating protective coating development.
The potential diagnostic power of CD138+ microparticles from the plasma analysis for multiple myeloma clinical monitoring
Authors: Liu Zhao‐Yun , Tian Meng‐Yue , Deng Ling , Wang Ying‐Shuai , Xing Rui , Liu Hui , Fu Rong
Published: July 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) is malignant tumor with abnormal proliferation of bone marrow plasma cells. The existing clinical tools used to determine treatment response and tumor relapse are limited in sensitivity. We investigated the CD138+ microparticles (MPs) of MM patients to find out whether MPs could provide a novel means to monitor the malignant cells in MM patients. Our study showed that the levels of MPs were significantly elevated in MM patients. The MP counts in peripheral blood from new diagnosed MM patients were significantly higher than patients in CR and HD. Consist with the total MPs, the number of the PC‐derived MPs (CD138+) increased in BM from MM patients compared with CR and HD. The ratio of the PC‐derived MPs (CD138+) in BM increased in MM patients compared with CR and HD. The correlation test revealed that the CD138+ MPs in BM and PB were all positively correlated with the plasmacyte ratio in bone marrow (BMPC) and the β2‐MG. New diagnosed MM patients and controls were compared, and ROC curves were used to identify cutoff points with optimal sensitivity and specificity concerning the ratios and counts of CD138+ MPs in BM and PB. The AUC of the CD138+ MP counts in BM was 0.767, and in PB was 0.680. The AUC of the CD138+ MP ratios in BM was 0.714, and in PB was 0.666. According to this, the counts of CD138+ MPs in BM showed to be a powerful marker of diagnosis. We demonstrated that CD138+ MPs from the plasma provide support for a potential monitoring biomarker of MM.
Predictive value of procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein, and white blood cells for chorioamnionitis among women with preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Asadi Nasrin , Faraji Azam , Keshavarzi Ameneh , Akbarzadeh‐Jahromi Mojgan , Yoosefi Sedigeh
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine the predictive value of procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells (WBC) for chorioamnionitis among women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study of all women with singleton pregnancy and PPROM admitted to a referral hospital in Shiraz, Iran, from 2016 to 2018. All women were hospitalized until delivery. The incidence of chorioamnionitis was recorded. Maternal serum CRP, procalcitonin, and WBC were measured on the day of admission and the day before termination of pregnancy. The diagnostic accuracy of each test was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Overall, 75 women with PPROM were included in the study. After termination of pregnancy, 34 (45.3%) were diagnosed with clinical chorioamnionitis. Those with chorioamnionitis had significantly higher serum levels of CRP both on admission (P=0.004) and before termination of pregnancy (P<0.001). The area under the curve for last CRP was 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.84), indicating moderate accuracy. Procalcitonin and WBC had low accuracy to predict chorioamnionitis.

Conclusion

Among CRP, procalcitonin, and WBC, maternal serum CRP was found to be the most accurate predictor of chorioamnionitis among women with PPROM.
Humanitarian organizations' information practices: Procedures and privacy concerns for serving the undocumented
Authors: Vannini Sara , Gomez Ricardo , Lopez Diane , Mora Sigifredo , Morrison Julia Clare , Tanner Julee , Youkhana Lena , Vergara Genoveva , del Mar Moreno Tafurt Maria
Published: July 2019

Many humanitarian organizations in the United States work with the information of undocumented migrants to help them secure services that might otherwise be unattainable to them. Information and communication technologies can help their work, but can also significantly exacerbate the risks that undocumented individuals are facing, and expose them to security breakages, leaks, hacks, inadvertent disclosure, and courts requests. This study aims to provide a preliminary understanding of the information practices and systems that US humanitarian organizations employ to protect the privacy of the undocumented individuals they serve. To do so, we conducted interviews and an analysis of organizations' working documents within humanitarian organizations on the US West Coast, including advocacy groups and organizations with ties to higher education. Our outcomes show gaps between current legal standards, technology best practices, and the day‐to‐day functioning of the organizations. We contend the necessity of support to humanitarian organizations in further developing standards and training for digital privacy.
Life skills instruction for children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Robison Melinda A. , Mann Tracie B. , Ingvarsson Einar T.
Published: July 2019

The Preschool Life Skills program is an intervention package designed to teach functional skills to prevent problem behavior in typically developing children. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of the instructional package (renamed “Life Skills”) with children with developmental disabilities. The program involved teaching 12 life skills to nine participants across four instructional units. The units were instruction following, functional communication, tolerance of denial and delay, and friendship skills. Teachers provided instruction through a three‐tiered instructional approach, starting with class‐wide instruction followed by small group and one‐to‐one instruction as necessary. We extended previous research by using visual prompts during all three tiers and progressively increasing intertrial intervals during one‐to‐one instruction. Results indicated that the intervention led to skill acquisition with all nine participants. The skills maintained 4 weeks after instruction ended.
Pyridoxine/pyridoxamine 5′‐phosphate oxidase (Sgll/PNPO) is important for DNA integrity and glucose homeostasis maintenance in Drosophila
Authors: Mascolo Elisa , Amoroso Noemi , Saggio Isabella , Merigliano Chiara , Vernì Fiammetta
Published: July 2019

Pyridoxine/pyridoxamine 5′‐phosphate oxidase (PNPO) and pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) cooperate to produce pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6. PDXK phosphorylates pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal by producing PNP, PMP, and PLP, whereas PNPO oxidizes PNP, PMP, into PLP. We previously demonstrated that PDXK depletion in Drosophila and human cells impacts on glucose metabolism and DNA integrity. Here we characterized sgll, the Drosophila ortholog of PNPO gene, showing that its silencing by RNA interference elicits chromosome aberrations (CABs) in brains and induces diabetic hallmarks such as hyperglycemia and small body size. We showed that in sgllRNAi neuroblasts CABs are largely produced by the genotoxic effect of the advanced glycation end products triggered by high glucose. As in sgllRNAi cells, part of PLP is still produced by PDXK activity, these data suggest that PLP dosage need to be tightly regulated to guarantee glucose homeostasis and DNA integrity.