bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic metadata harvesting workflow for analysing scientific networks
Authors: Butt Bilal H. , Rafi Muhammad , Sabih Muhammad
Published: March 2021

One of the disciplines behind the science of science is the study of scientific networks. This work focuses on scientific networks as a social network having different nodes and connections. Nodes can be represented by authors, articles or journals while connections by citation, co-citation or co-authorship. One of the challenges in creating scientific networks is the lack of publicly available comprehensive data set. It limits the variety of analyses on the same set of nodes of different scientific networks. To supplement such analyses we have worked on publicly available citation metadata from Crossref and OpenCitatons. Using this data a workflow is developed to create scientific networks. Analysis of these networks gives insights into academic research and scholarship. Different techniques of social network analysis have been applied in the literature to study these networks. It includes centrality analysis, community detection, and clustering coefficient. We have used metadata of Scientometrics journal, as a case study, to present our workflow. We did a sample run of the proposed workflow to identify prominent authors using centrality analysis. This work is not a bibliometric study of any field rather it presents replicable Python scripts to perform network analysis. With an increase in the popularity of open access and open metadata, we hypothesise that this workflow shall provide an avenue for understanding scientific scholarship in multiple dimensions.
GASTRO-CADx: a three stages framework for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Attallah Omneya , Sharkas Maha
Published: March 2021

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are common illnesses that affect the GI tract. Diagnosing these GI diseases is quite expensive, complicated, and challenging. A computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) system based on deep learning (DL) techniques could considerably lower the examination cost processes and increase the speed and quality of diagnosis. Therefore, this article proposes a CADx system called Gastro-CADx to classify several GI diseases using DL techniques. Gastro-CADx involves three progressive stages. Initially, four different CNNs are used as feature extractors to extract spatial features. Most of the related work based on DL approaches extracted spatial features only. However, in the following phase of Gastro-CADx, features extracted in the first stage are applied to the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and the discrete cosine transform (DCT). DCT and DWT are used to extract temporal-frequency and spatial-frequency features. Additionally, a feature reduction procedure is performed in this stage. Finally, in the third stage of the Gastro-CADx, several combinations of features are fused in a concatenated manner to inspect the effect of feature combination on the output results of the CADx and select the best-fused feature set. Two datasets referred to as Dataset I and II are utilized to evaluate the performance of Gastro-CADx. Results indicated that Gastro-CADx has achieved an accuracy of 97.3% and 99.7% for Dataset I and II respectively. The results were compared with recent related works. The comparison showed that the proposed approach is capable of classifying GI diseases with higher accuracy compared to other work. Thus, it can be used to reduce medical complications, death-rates, in addition to the cost of treatment. It can also help gastroenterologists in producing more accurate diagnosis while lowering inspection time.
Genome-wide identification and expression pattern of SnRK gene family under several hormone treatments and its role in floral scent emission in Hedychium coronarium
Authors: Wang Chutian , Abbas Farhat , Zhou Yiwei , Ke Yanguo , Li Xinyue , Yue Yuechong , Yu Yunyi , Yu Rangcai , Fan Yanping
Published: March 2021

The SnRK (Snf1-Related protein Kinase) gene family plays crucial roles in various plant signaling pathways and stress-adaptive responses including biotic and abiotic stresses via activating protein phosphorylation pathways. However, there is no information available on the role of the SnRK gene family in Hedychium coronarium. H. coronarium is an important crop widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, herb, spice, or condiment. In this study, 60 HcSnRK genes were identified from the H. coronarium genomic and transcriptome data. Phylogenetic and gene structure analysis showed that the HcSnRK genes were divided into three groups (HcSnRK1, HcSnRK2 and HcSnRK3) and among them HcSnRK3 subfamily was further subdivided into two clades according to the number of introns. Chromosome localization analysis showed that HcSnRK genes were unevenly mapped onto all chromosomes, and the Ka/Ks ratio of 24 paralogues includes four tandems and 20 segmental duplications indicated that the HcSnRK gene family underwent a purifying selection. Cis-regulatory elements analysis suggested that the HcSnRK genes respond to multiple hormones and other stresses. The responsiveness of HcSnRK genes to several hormones was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Based on the different transcriptome data, two candidates HcSnRK genes (HcSnRK2.2 and HcSnRK2.9) were screened out for further characterization . The subcellular localization experiment revealed that both genes were located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Moreover, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of HcSnRK2.2 and HcSnRK2.9 significantly reduced the floral volatile contents by suppressing the expression of terpene synthase genes (HcTPS1, HcTPS3, and HcTPS5), indicating that HcSnRK2.2 and HcSnRK2.9 genes play an important role in the regulatory mechanism of floral aroma. These results will provide novel insights into the functional dissection of H. coronarium SnRK gene family.
Primary Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Urinary Bladder: Case Series of a Rare Entity
Authors: Aryadan Noushad , Aravind Sithara , Suresh Akhil , Nayanar Sangeetha Keloth
Published: March 2021

Small cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (SmNEC) is defined as the malignant neoplasm with Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. SmNEC of urinary bladder is a rare entity accounting for 0.3 to 0.7% of all malignant bladder tumours. The largest case series to date includes 64 cases from multiple hospitals across the world. In the present series author undertook a retrospective analysis of clinicopathological and survival characteristics of all cases with immunomorphological diagnosis of primary SmNEC of bladder treated at our centre from 2015-2019. Indian literature describing this entity is still sparse, and to the best of our knowledge present study is the first of its kind from Southern India. Of the total 569 cases of bladder carcinomas reported in our institution, during the five year period, six cases (0.8%) were of primary SmNEC. All the cases were at stage III/IV at the time of diagnosis. Along with characteristic histopathological features, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 and for NE differentiation- IHC-CD56 was positive in all cases leading to a definite diagnosis. Different modalities of treatment were offered owing to the lack of specific treatment guidelines. Median survival time was found to be seven months.
Comparison of LJ Medium and BACTEC MGIT 960 Culture System for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Authors: Kumari Pinki , Thakur Jiwesh Kumar , Kumar Prashant , Kumar Rakesh , Parekh Deval
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Sputum negative pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem. So, the emergence of new techniques for a more precise and rapid microbiological identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical samples is of great importance to improve the management of TB. Aim: To determine and compare the sensitivity and turnaround time for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection by the BACTEC Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 system, Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. Materials and Methods: An Institution based, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, from July 2013-March 2016. Sputum, pericardial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pus and endometrial tissue samples were collected from 80 patients of suspected TB cases. All were Acid-Fast stained by ZN staining method and cultured on solid culture LJ medium and on liquid medium (MGIT). Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, Version 20.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). Fisher’s-Exact test was used to show association of categorical variables. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to show median difference of non-normally distributed continuous variables of two groups. Results: Out of the 80 samples, 41 cases were positive by either of the all methods. The positive specimen for ZN staining, LJ media and MGIT were 21, 29 and 41 cases respectively. The mean Time To Detection (TTD) was shorter for MGIT system than LJ media. Both LJ medium and MGIT 960 detected all cases of sputum smear positive cases and in addition significantly higher number than ZN stain in sputum smear negative cases. MGIT 960 detected significantly higher number of cases of sputum negative cases than LJ Media. The mean TTD was also significantly shorter in case of smear positive cases than the smear negative cases by both the solid and liquid culture mediums. Conclusion: The use of liquid media (MGIT) is more accurate and rapid method for the diagnosis of TB. The combination of more than one method is also highly recommended for rapid detection and early treatment of TB.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Research among Undergraduate Medical Students in India
Authors: Mehta Maulin Dhiren , Patharkar Jayant , Dass Ervilla
Published: March 2021

Introduction: “The detailed process of gathering information or detailed study to discover and understand new information that would initiate, modify or terminate present understanding” is the definition of research. Research is very important in every field to generate new information in particular subject. Aim: To evaluate Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of research in undergraduate medical students in a medical college, India. Materials and Methods: It was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study. Total 150 students from first, second and third year MBBS from the medical college participated voluntarily. Percentages of students were taken for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 150 students, total 143 (95.43%) students had basic understanding about research. Total 139 (92.7%) students knew about both the research study designs that is observational and experimental. Only 59 (41.3%) students knew that randomised controlled trial is not an observational study. Only 62 (42.8%) students knew that meta-analysis type of studies can generate highest level of evidence. Total 88 (58.66%) students were willing to conduct the research. Lack of time (88 students, 60.7%) and lack of guidance (86 students, 59.3%) were two major hurdles for conducting research study. Total 8 (5.3%) students were currently conducting research out of 150. Conclusion: As per the study, in-depth knowledge required to conduct research is not upto the mark among undergraduate medical students. They are willing to conduct research but their major limitations are time and guidance during undergraduate tenure. By including research methodology as subject in undergraduate medical curriculum, medical students can be inspired to conduct research efficiently. Those who are practicing research are getting favourable outcome from it.
Health examination results and work environment factors affecting urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels
Authors: Watanabe Sintaroo , Li Yun-Shan , Kawasaki Yuya , Ootsuyama Yuko , Kawai Kazuaki
Published: March 2021

Objective

Oxidative stress is considered to cause lifestyle-related diseases, including cancer. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is widely analyzed as an oxidative stress marker. We extensively scrutinized the relationships between 8-OHdG levels and lifestyle choices as carcinogenic factors.

Methods

In this study, we investigated health examination results and working conditions affecting urinary 8-OHdG levels in 503 male workers.

Results

The urinary 8-OHdG level was positively associated with high blood sugar and leanness in smokers. In addition, urinary 8-OHdG tended to increase with organic solvent or hydrochloric acid exposure, as well as long working hours. On the other hand, the urinary 8-OHdG level was negatively associated with high plasma LDL-cholesterol levels in non-smokers and anemia.

Conclusion

According to the results, anemia decreased the oxidative stress, regardless of smoking status, while leanness or high blood sugar increased the oxidative stress in smokers, and the presence of plasma cholesterol contributed to the lower oxidative stress in non-smokers. Certain types of occupational exposure may cause oxidative stress. The measurement of urinary 8-OHdG at annual health checks may be a useful biomarker for preventing lifestyle- and work-related diseases.
On the Microstructural and Cyclic Mechanical Properties of Pure Iron Processed by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Torrent Christof Johannes Jaime , Wackenrohr Steffen , Richter Julia , Sobrero César Ernesto , Degener Sebastian , Krooß Philipp , Maier Hans Jürgen , Niendorf Thomas
Published: March 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes such as electron beam melting (EBM) are characterized by unprecedented design freedom. Topology optimization and design of the microstructure of metallic materials are enabled by rapid progress in this field. The latter is of highest importance as many applications demand appropriate mechanical as well as functional material properties. For instance, biodegradable implants have to meet mechanical properties of human bone and at the same time guarantee adequate cytocompatibility and degradation rate. In this field, pure iron has come into focus in recent studies due to its low toxicity. Hierarchical microstructures resulting from the EBM solidification processes and intrinsic heat treatment, respectively, allow for an adjustment of the degradation behavior and may promote enhanced fatigue strength. Herein, commercially pure iron (cp‐Fe) is processed by EBM. Microstructural analysis as well as an evaluation of the cyclic mechanical material properties are conducted. The results are compared to a hot‐rolled (HR) reference material. A contradiction observed as the EBM‐processed cp‐Fe (EBM Fe) shows lower ultimate tensile strength under monotonic loading but improved fatigue properties compared to the HR Fe. It is revealed that such a unique behavior originates from prevailing microstructural features in the EBM as‐built condition.
Surface Plasmons and Visible Light Iniferter Initiated Polymerization for Nanolocal Functionalization of Mesoporous Separation Layers
Authors: John Daniel , Stanzel Mathias , Andrieu‐Brunsen Annette
Published: March 2021

Although the technological relevance of mesoporous ceramic polymer hybrid materials is well accepted, missing functionalization concepts enabling 3D nanoscale local control of polymer placement into mesoporous materials, including thin films, and ideally using controlled polymerization techniques limit the application potential. Here, nanolocal functionalization of mesoporous separation layers using controlled, visible light iniferter initiated polymerization allowing responsive polymer functionalization locally limited to the irradiated spot is introduced. Thereby, two visible light sensitive iniferters, s‐p‐trimethoxysilylbenzyl‐S´‐dodecyltrithiocarbonate and 4‐cyano‐4‐((dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl)sulfanyl)pentanoic acid, are developed for polymer functionalization of mesoporous films in a grafting from and a grafting through approach. 3D nanolocal polymer placement close to the proximity of the plasmonic field source is demonstrated by combining these visible light iniferter initiated polymerizations with optical near field modes, such as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). As the location of the LSPR in mesoporous films can be controlled by placing metal alloy nanoparticles into these films and film thicknesses can be adjusted, this strategy is applied for precise positioning of polymers into mesoporous films with nanolocal control in three dimensions and thus reduces the gap in precision of functional group positioning between technological and biological nanopores.
Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Activity and Cr Tolerance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes by a Multiphase Catalyst Coating
Authors: Niu Yinghua , Zhou Yucun , Lv Weiqiang , Chen Yu , Zhang Yanxiang , Zhang Weilin , Luo Zheyu , Kane Nicholas , Ding Yong , Soule Luke , Liu Yuchen , He Weidong , Liu Meilin
Published: March 2021

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs) are cost‐effective and efficient energy conversion systems. The sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the degradation of cathodes are critical challenges to the commercialization of IT‐SOFCs. Here, a highly efficient multiphase (MP) catalyst coating, consisting of Ba1−xCo0.7Fe0.2Nb0.1O3−δ (BCFN) and BaCO3, to enhance the ORR activity and durability of the state‐of‐the‐art lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ, LSCF) cathode is reported. The conformal MP catalyst‐coated LSCF cathode shows a polarization resistance (Rp) of 0.048 Ω cm2 at 650 °C, about one order of magnitude smaller than that of the bare LSCF. In an accelerated Cr‐poisoning test, the degradation rate of the catalyst‐coated LSCF electrode is 10−3 Ω cm2 h−1 (0.59% h−1) over 200 h, only one fifth of the degradation rate of the bare LSCF electrode at 750 °C. In addition, anode‐supported single cells with the MP catalyst‐coated LSCF cathode show a dramatically enhanced peak power density (1.4 W cm−2 vs 0.67 W cm−2 at 750 °C) and increased durability against Cr and H2O. Both experimental results and density functional theory‐based calculations indicate that the BCFN phase improves the ORR activity while the BaCO3 phase enhances the stability of the LSCF cathode.
Parallel Dislocation Networks and Cottrell Atmospheres Reduce Thermal Conductivity of PbTe Thermoelectrics
Authors: Abdellaoui Lamya , Chen Zhiwei , Yu Yuan , Luo Ting , Hanus Riley , Schwarz Torsten , Bueno Villoro Ruben , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Snyder Gerald Jeffrey , Raabe Dierk , Pei Yanzhong , Scheu Christina , Zhang Siyuan
Published: March 2021

Dislocations play an important role in thermal transport by scattering phonons. Nevertheless, for materials with intrinsically low thermal conductivity, such as thermoelectrics, classical models require exceedingly high numbers of dislocations (>1012 cm–2) to further impede thermal transport. In this work, a significant reduction in thermal conductivity of Na0.025Eu0.03Pb0.945Te is demonstrated at a moderate dislocation density of 1 × 1010 cm–2. Further characteristics of dislocations, including their arrangement, orientation, and local chemistry are shown to be crucial to their phonon‐scattering effect and are characterized by correlative microscopy techniques. Electron channeling contrast imaging reveals a uniform distribution of dislocations within individual grains, with parallel lines along four <111> directions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows the parallel networks are edge‐type and share the same Burgers vectors within each group. Atom probe tomography reveals the enrichment of dopant Na at dislocation cores, forming Cottrell atmospheres. The dislocation network is demonstrated to be stable during in situ heating in the TEM. Using the Callaway transport model, it is demonstrated that both parallel arrangement of dislocations and Cottrell atmospheres make dislocations more efficient in phonon scattering. These two mechanisms provide new avenues to lower the thermal conductivity in materials for thermal‐insulating applications.
Color of Copper/Copper Oxide
Authors: Kim Su Jae , Kim Seonghoon , Lee Jegon , Jo Yongjae , Seo Yu‐Seong , Lee Myounghoon , Lee Yousil , Cho Chae Ryong , Kim Jong‐pil , Cheon Miyeon , Hwang Jungseek , Kim Yong In , Kim Young‐Hoon , Kim Young‐Min , Soon Aloysius , Choi Myunghwan , Choi Woo Seok , Jeong Se‐Young , Lee Young Hee
Published: March 2021

Stochastic inhomogeneous oxidation is an inherent characteristic of copper (Cu), often hindering color tuning and bandgap engineering of oxides. Coherent control of the interface between metal and metal oxide remains unresolved. Coherent propagation of an oxidation front in single‐crystal Cu thin film is demonstrated to achieve a full‐color spectrum for Cu by precisely controlling its oxide‐layer thickness. Grain‐boundary‐free and atomically flat films prepared by atomic‐sputtering epitaxy allow tailoring of the oxide layer with an abrupt interface via heat treatment with a suppressed temperature gradient. Color tuning of nearly full‐color red/green/blue indices is realized by precise control of the oxide‐layer thickness; the samples cover ≈50.4% of the standard red/green/blue color space. The color of copper/copper oxide is realized by the reconstruction of the quantitative yield color from the oxide “pigment” (complex dielectric functions of Cu2O) and light‐layer interference (reflectance spectra obtained from the Fresnel equations) to produce structural color. Furthermore, laser‐oxide lithography is demonstrated with micrometer‐scale linewidth and depth through local phase transformation to oxides embedded in the metal, providing spacing necessary for semiconducting transport and optoelectronics functionality.
Ultra‐Flexible, Dielectric, and Thermostable Boron Nitride‐Graphene Fluoride Hybrid Films for Efficient Thermal Management
Authors: Qiu Wangkang , Lin Weiguang , Tuersun Yisimayili , Ou Meilian , Chu Sheng
Published: March 2021

As an important 2D nanomaterial, boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) has aroused much academic interest due to its high in‐plane thermal conductivity (TC) and good electrical insulation capability. However, the brittleness and low strength of high‐content BNNS films greatly limit its practical application. In the authors’ work, densely layered films containing 2D exfoliated graphene fluoride sheets (GFS) and BNNS with similar phonon vibrational characteristics and intrinsic high TC, are fabricated via vacuum‐assisted filtration (VAF) using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as the framework. The strong hydrogen bonding between the ternary components and tight “face‐to‐face” contact between the BNNS/GFS interfaces significantly improve the thermal pathway density. Superior in‐plane TC (55.65 W m−1 K−1) of the nanocomposite can be achieved at the 90 wt% BNNS‐GFS loading, a value of 114% greater than a BNNS/CNF counterpart. Additionally, the as‐prepared papery films show tolerance to bending, folding, humid environment, and high‐temperature flame. The newly developed hybrid films are promising for efficient thermal management applications in many electronic devices.
The Principle and Architectures of Optical Stress Sensors and the Progress on the Development of Microbend Optical Sensors
Authors: Wang Weijia , Yiu Humphrey H. P. , Li Wen Jung , Roy Vellaisamy A. L.
Published: March 2021

Optical stress sensors have been considered to be amongst the most important categories in the development of stress sensors. Recently, the advancement of microbend optical sensors has been playing a pivotal role in the stress sensor development. In this review, the principles and the architectures of the optical stress sensors are reviewed, and the physical mechanisms of the bend‐loss‐based optical stress sensors are presented. The latest development and applications of microbend optical sensors in key areas are discussed. The authors aim to provide some guidance in the optical sensors fields to researchers engaging in this area and promote the development of the optical sensors for use in next generation technologies.
The Augmented Jump Chain
Authors: Sikorski Alexander , Weber Marcus , Schütte Christof
Published: March 2021

Modern methods of simulating molecular systems are based on the mathematical theory of Markov operators with a focus on autonomous equilibrated systems. However, non‐autonomous physical systems or non‐autonomous simulation processes are becoming more and more important. A representation of non‐autonomous Markov jump processes is presented as autonomous Markov chains on space‐time. Augmenting the spatial information of the embedded Markov chain by the temporal information of the associated jump times, the so‐called augmented jump chain is derived. The augmented jump chain inherits the sparseness of the infinitesimal generator of the original process and therefore provides a useful tool for studying time‐dependent dynamics even in high dimensions. Furthermore, possible generalizations and applications to the computation of committor functions and coherent sets in the non‐autonomous setting are discussed. After deriving the theoretical foundations, the concepts with a proof‐of‐concept Galerkin discretization of the transfer operator of the augmented jump chain applied to simple examples are illustrated.
Effects of nitrogen application strategy and planting density optimization on sorghum yield and quality
Authors: Yang Guang D. , Hu Zun Y. , Zhou Yu F. , Hao Zhi Y. , Li Jing H. , Wang Qiang , Meng Xian X. , Huang Rui D.
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen and planting density are two key factors affecting sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yield. In this study, two dwarf sorghum cultivars were used to analyze the effects of nitrogen and planting density on the yield and quality of sorghum in northern China. The experiment adopted a two‐factor, split‐zone design with the main plots assigned to three nitrogen application strategies, including all nitrogen applied at the sowing stage (N1), one‐third nitrogen applied at the sowing stage and two‐thirds nitrogen applied at the jointing stage (N2), and all nitrogen applied at the jointing stage (N3). The subplots were assigned to four planting densities of 20 × 104 (D1), 25 × 104 (D2), 30 × 104 (D3), and 35 × 104 plants ha−1 (D4). The results showed that N2 improved significantly the leaf area index, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate, and the number of grains per panicle and yield were significantly higher than that of the N1 and N3 treatments. Under the same density, the N2 and N3 increased the plant height. Under the same nitrogen, D3 significantly increased the yield. The combination of density and nitrogen was significantly correlated with grain number per panicle and yield. The protein content increased, and the starch content decreased by applying N3 at the jointing stage. The grain yields and grain number per plant were significantly affected by nitrogen application strategy, planting density, and their interaction. The N2D3 was the recommended planting density and nitrogen combination.
Surgical outcomes of totally extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia: A retrospective multicenter propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Takeuchi Yu , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Kosuke , Ohyama Tetsuji , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Ishio Tetsuya , Kugimiya Mutsuhiro , Matsumoto Toshifumi , Kai Seiichiro , Bandoh Toshio , Shibata Kohei , Iwaki Kentaro , Tahara Kouichirou , Shigemitsu Yuji , Inomata Masafumi ,   the OITA Trial Group
Published: March 2021

Background

Laparoscopic surgical approaches, including total extraperitoneal repair (TEP), have been widely accepted for inguinal hernia repair in Japan. However, there are limited data regarding recurrence after TEP in Japan, given the limited versatility of this procedure. This study retrospectively evaluated the rates of hernia recurrence after TEP and open mesh repair at multiple Japanese centers.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 1917 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair at 32 institutions in the Oita prefecture between January 2014 and December 2015. Eligible patients were grouped according to whether they underwent TEP (1011 patients) or open mesh repair (636 patients). Propensity score matching was performed 1:1 (total: 1076 patients, 538 patients from each group). The outcomes of interest were recurrence, morbidity, and postoperative recovery.

Results

The TEP and open mesh repair groups had similar baseline characteristics. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of recurrence rate (TEP: 0.5% vs open mesh repair: 1.0%, P = .375). However, the TEP group had significantly longer operating times (median: 70.2 min vs 65.0 min, P < .001), significantly less blood loss (0‐5.1 mL vs 0–20.4 mL, P < .001), and significantly shorter postoperative hospital stays (median: 5.0 days vs 6.4 days, P < .001). The overall incidences of morbidity were 6.2% in the TEP group and 7.2% in the open mesh repair group (P = .535).

Conclusion

This multicenter retrospective study with propensity score matching revealed that the recurrence rates were similarly low for TEP and open mesh repair of inguinal hernia. Thus, a well‐trained surgical team could use TEP as a standard procedure.
Salvage treatment after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yagi Koichi , Toriumi Tetsuro , Aikou Susumu , Yamashita Hiroharu , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: March 2021

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is performed for patients with cT4 disease without distant metastasis and also for those with cStage I‐III who are unable to tolerate or who refuse surgery. The rates of clinical complete response (cCR) after dCRT differ depending on the cStage, and patients who once achieved cCR frequently experience tumor recurrence. For those with residual tumor or with recurrence, salvage treatment is performed to achieve a cure. Several procedures have been reported as salvage treatments. Salvage esophagectomy is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, but can offer long‐term survival. With R0 resection, with cCR to dCRT, pulmonary complications appear to be important prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS). Lymphadenectomy is performed for the patients with lymph node metastasis without recurrence of primary lesions or distant metastasis, but the contribution to long‐term OS is unclear. Metastasectomy is performed when distant metastasis is limited to the lung and there are few lesions, possibly contributing to long‐term OS. Endoscopic resection and photodynamic therapy are indicated for cT1a and cT1‐2 residual or recurrent tumors, respectively, and can yield favorable outcomes. Re‐CRT and re‐radiotherapy are performed for the patients with contraindications for surgery, but neither appears to contribute to long‐term OS despite high incidences of esophageal fistula and perforation.
Recent Dearomatization Strategies of Benzofurans and Benzothiophenes
Authors: Nair Sindoori R. , Baire Beeraiah
Published: March 2021

This review article discusses about the recent developments in the area of the strategies for the dearomatization of benzofurans and benzothiophenes (2010–2020). The readers can understand the current state of art of this intriguingly important area in organic synthesis for the generation of diversely functionalized molecules, polycyclic systems from highly abundant benzofurans and benzothiophenes. We hope that the current review article would help the synthetic community for the design and development of new strategies as well as further growth of this novel and rapidly growing area of research.
Chemical Fueling Enables Molecular Complexification of Self‐Replicators**
Authors: Yang Shuo , Schaeffer Gael , Mattia Elio , Markovitch Omer , Liu Kai , Hussain Andreas S. , Ottelé Jim , Sood Ankush , Otto Sijbren
Published: March 2021

Unravelling how the complexity of living systems can (have) emerge(d) from simple chemical reactions is one of the grand challenges in contemporary science. Evolving systems of self‐replicating molecules may hold the key to this question. Here we show that, when a system of replicators is subjected to a regime where replication competes with replicator destruction, simple and fast replicators can give way to more complex and slower ones. The structurally more complex replicator was found to be functionally more proficient in the catalysis of a model reaction. These results show that chemical fueling can maintain systems of replicators out of equilibrium, populating more complex replicators that are otherwise not readily accessible. Such complexification represents an important requirement for achieving open‐ended evolution as it should allow improved and ultimately also new functions to emerge.
Stereoselective Diboration of Spirocyclobutenes: A Platform for the Synthesis of Spirocycles with Orthogonal Exit Vectors
Authors: Nóvoa Luis , Trulli Laura , Parra Alejandro , Tortosa Mariola
Published: March 2021

The diastereo‐ and enantioselective diboration of spirocyclobutenes provides a platform for the rapid preparation of a wide variety of chiral spirocyclic building blocks. The chemoselective functionalization of the carbon‐boron bond in the products, including a stereospecific sp3‐sp2 Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction, provides a powerful tool to control the directionality and the nature of the exit vectors in the spirocyclic framework.
Adapting and Remolding: Orchestrating Tumor Microenvironment Normalization with Photodynamic Therapy by Size Transformable Nanoframeworks
Authors: Liang Tingxizi , Zhang Benhua , Xing Zejing , Dong Yuxiang , Xu Hongmei , Chen Xueqin , Jiang Liping , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Min Qianhao
Published: March 2021

Abnormal tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates tumor proliferation and metastasis and establishes physiological barriers for effective transport of therapeutics inside the tumor, posing great challenges for cancer treatment. We designed a core‐satellite size transformable nanoframework (denoted as T‐PFRT) that can synchronously adapt to and remold TME for augmenting photodynamic therapy to inhibit tumor growth and prevent tumor metastasis. Upon matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2)‐responsive dissociation of the nanoframework in TME, the core structure loaded with TGFβ signaling pathway inhibitor and oxygen‐carrying hemoglobin aims to stroma remodeling and hypoxia relief, allowing photosensitizer‐encapsulated satellite particles to penetrate to deep‐seated tumor for oxygen‐fueled photodynamic therapy. T‐PFRT could overcome the stroma and hypoxia barriers for delivering therapeutics and gain excellent therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of primary and metastatic tumors.
Prediction of Reactive Nitrous Acid Formation in Rare‐Earth MOFs via ab initio Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Vogel Dayton J. , Rimsza Jessica M. , Nenoff Tina M.
Published: March 2021

Reactive gas formation in pores of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is a known mechanism of framework destruction; understanding those mechanisms for future durability design is key to next generation adsorbents. Herein, an extensive set of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations are used for the first time to predict competitive adsorption of mixed acid gases (NO2 and H2O) and the in‐pore reaction mechanisms for a series of rare earth (RE)‐DOBDC MOFs. Spontaneous formation of nitrous acid (HONO) is identified as a result of deprotonation of the MOF organic linker, DOBDC. The unique DOBDC coordination to the metal clusters allows for proton transfer from the linker to the NO2 without the presence of H2O and may be a factor in DOBDC MOF durability. This is a previously unreported mechanisms of HONO formation in MOFs. With the presented methodology, prediction of future gas interactions in new nanoporous materials can be achieved.
Deliberate Construction of Polyoxoniobates Exploiting the Carbonate Ligand
Authors: Amiri Mehran , Martin Nicolas P. , Feng Ching‐Lei , Lovio Jacob Kreager , Nyman May
Published: March 2021

Polyoxometalates (POMs, metals=VV, NbV, TaV, MoVI, WVI) are molecular metal oxides that can be isolated without capping ligands. The high negative charge of polyoxoniobates (PONb) provides strong interactions with heterocations, advantageous for electrostatic assembly of modular materials. In four single‐crystal X‐ray structures, we demonstrate that carbonate combined with the very reactive decaniobate [Nb10O28]6− reassembles into a new decaniobate, [Nb10O25(CO3)6]12−, featuring three carbonate‐ligated Nb‐polyhedra. These Nb‐sites can be replaced by heterometals (lanthanides), and the tridentate carbonate can serve as an anchor point to build niobate‐frameworks. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering and two additional X‐ray structures reveal that the reaction pathway proceeds through a Nb24‐PONb intermediate, and the obtained PONb (with or without carbonate) is counterion, temperature, and solvent‐dependent (water or mixed water‐methanol). This provides an uncommon level of control for PONb chemistry.
Template‐Directed Rapid Synthesis of Pd‐Based Ultrathin Porous Intermetallic Nanosheets for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Guo Jingchun , Gao Lei , Tan Xin , Yuan Yuliang , Kim Jeonghyeon , Wang Yu , Wang Hui , Zeng Yu‐Jia , Choi Sang‐Il , Smith Sean C. , Huang Hongwen
Published: March 2021

Atomically ordered intermetallic nanoparticles exhibit improved catalytic activity and durability relative to random alloy counterparts. However, conventional methods with time‐consuming and high‐temperature syntheses only have rudimentary capability in controlling the structure of intermetallic nanoparticles, hindering advances of intermetallic nanocatalysts. We report a template‐directed strategy for rapid synthesis of Pd‐based (PdM, M=Pb, Sn and Cd) ultrathin porous intermetallic nanosheets (UPINs) with tunable sizes. This strategy uses preformed seeds, which act as the template to control the deposition of foreign atoms and the subsequent interatomic diffusion. Using the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as a model reaction, the as‐synthesized Pd3Pb UPINs exhibit superior activity, durability, and methanol tolerance. The favored geometrical structure and interatomic interaction between Pd and Pb in Pd3Pb UPINs are concluded to account for the enhanced ORR performance.
A Molecular Transformer: A π‐Conjugated Macrocycle as an Adaptable Host
Authors: Wang Junting , Ju Yang‐Yang , Low Kam‐Hung , Tan Yuan‐Zhi , Liu Junzhi
Published: March 2021

Here, we report a facile method to synthesize a series of macrocycles with different conformations. The planar macrocycle dimer (1), twisted macrocycle trimer (2) and “figure‐eight” tetramer (3) are clearly elucidated by X‐ray single‐crystal analysis, in which the electron‐rich phenanthrene units offer the possibility of supramolecular assembly. As expected, in the solid state, 1 and 3 assemble into a columnar stack and an interlocking dimer, respectively, via π–π interactions between the phenanthrene units. Compared to the rigid conformation of dimer 1, the structure of tetramer 3 is more flexible due to its enlarged ring size. 3 can deform from a figure‐eight into a boat‐shaped geometry to host a planar electron‐deficient guest using its electron‐rich phenanthrene units. When assembled with spherical electron‐deficient C60, interestingly, 3 further undergoes a conformational transformation from a figure‐eight to a belt shape in order to host C60. These supramolecular assembly behaviors of 3 demonstrate that it is an adaptable macrocyclic host for both planar molecules and fullerenes.
Ethanol: Unlocking an Abundant Renewable C2‐Feedstock for Catalytic Enantioselective C−C Coupling
Authors: Meyer Cole C. , Stafford Nicholas P. , Cheng Melinda J. , Krische Michael J.
Published: March 2021

With annual production at >85 million tons/year, ethanol is the world's largest‐volume renewable small molecule carbon source, yet its use as a C2‐feedstock in enantioselective C−C coupling is unknown. Here, the first catalytic enantioselective C−C couplings of ethanol are demonstrated in reactions with structurally complex, nitrogen‐rich allylic acetates incorporating the top 10 N‐heterocycles found in FDA‐approved drugs.
Tracheal deviation with phrenic nerve palsy after brachial plexus block
Authors: Querney J. , Singh S. I. , Sebbag I.
Published: March 2021

We present a case of a woman who received a left single‐injection supraclavicular brachial plexus block for analgesia to facilitate upper extremity orthopaedic surgery. Before tracheal extubation she desaturated, was noted to have a low tidal volume and reduced left‐sided air entry on auscultation of the chest. A chest x‐ray taken 1 h following tracheal extubation revealed elevation of the left hemidiaphragm and a rightward shift of the trachea and mediastinal structures, with no evidence of pneumothorax. Findings were in‐keeping with phrenic nerve palsy complicating the brachial plexus block performed. The patient was asymptomatic and discharged home the next day following repeat chest x‐rays. We believe this is the first report of tracheal deviation contralateral to the side of an elevated hemidiaphragm secondary to phrenic nerve palsy from a brachial plexus block.
High‐efficiency catalyst for copper nanoparticles attached to porous nitrogen‐doped carbon materials: Applied to the coupling reaction of alkyne groups under mild conditions
Authors: Ma Lei , Jiang Pengbo , Wang Kaizhi , Huang Xiaokang , Yang Ming , Gong Li , Li Rong
Published: March 2021

Supported catalysts have attracted extensive attention due to their excellent catalytic performance and reliability in heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, we report a general synthesis strategy that achieves the self‐coupling reaction of acetylene derivatives to 1,3‐diyne efficiently under conditions of copper catalyst impregnated on the precursor formed by acetone and urea. The experiments were performed by screening the base, solvent, temperature, and so forth to determine the optimum reaction conditions and then characterization and analysis of the catalyst. The results demonstrate that the Cu/CuO@CN(8) exhibits extraordinary reactivity to the self‐coupling reaction and achieves a high turnover frequency (TOF = 96.8). Typically, the conversion of phenylacetylene reaches 99.9% under the optimal reaction conditions of NaOH (2 mmol) and tert‐butanol (2 ml) and O2 (1 atm) at 60°C for 1 h. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that Cu/CuO@CN(8) has a large specific surface area (626.07 m2 g−1) and low metal loading (3.3%) measured by Brunauer Emmett–Teller (BET) and ICP‐OES, respectively. Simultaneously, kinetics and mechanism are also discussed and analyzed, and the thermodynamic energy value is calculated as 22.74 kJ mol−1. Besides, the optimum catalyst can be reused five times under optimal conditions without a significant decrease in reactivity.
Effective and sequential removal of acid and basic dye wastewater with metallic hybrid mesoporous silica
Authors: Li Shuangli , Wen Nuan , Li Shiqi , Wei Dong , Zhang Yongfang
Published: March 2021

In this work, nickel‐modified mesoporous silica prepared via sol–gel method (Ni‐S) and co‐precipitation method (Ni‐C) as effective adsorbents were successfully employed for the removal of acid fuchsin (AF) and basic fuchsin (BF). The effect of the retained templates on the adsorption of AF in synthetic materials was investigated in detail. The results indicated that retained templates contributed to improve the adsorption of AF and the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of Ni‐S reached 689.66 mg/g according to Langmuir model. The electrostatic attraction between the anions (‐SO3−) in the dye molecules and the cations (‐NH3+) in the template (HAD) helps to enhance the adsorption effect. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics data fitted perfectly to Langmuir isotherm model and followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The thermodynamic parameters calculated from temperature‐dependent isotherms suggested that AF adsorption on nickel‐modified hexagonal mesoporous silica (Ni‐HMS) was endothermic and spontaneous process. In addition, the above‐mentioned adsorbents depleted after adsorbing AF could be recovered by simple calcination to apply into the adsorption of BF and exhibited excellent removal performance for basic dyes.
Genetic analysis and transcriptome analysis of the mini mutant of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Gao Mengjie , Mei Xinglin , Li Cong , Yu Pengcheng , Shen Dongxu , Zhao Qiaoling
Published: March 2021

The expression levels of some intrinsic genes, protease activity, and regulation of signaling pathways were distinct during different growth and development stages in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The silkworm mutant mini was discovered from the normal silkworm strain S8V, and the body‐size of the mini mutant was smaller than the wild‐type from the second‐instar and the difference became more significant in the following stages. In this study, genetic analysis of mini mutant showed that mini mutant was controlled by a single recessive gene, manifested as homozygous lethal. Then, the transcriptome analysis of the mini mutant indicated that 2944 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the silkworm in the 48 h of the second‐instar, of which 1638 genes in the mini mutants were upregulated and 1306 genes were downregulated. These DEGs were mainly distributed in the biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. The functional annotation based on the KEGG database showed that these genes were mainly clustered in metabolic pathways, fatty acid metabolism pathways, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, and so on. Further analysis indicated that some genes involved in the growth and metabolism including enzyme genes, juvenile hormone, and ecdysone exhibited different transcriptional levels. These results provided new experimental evidence regarding the mechanism of the underlying formation of mini mutants.
Unlocking the Remarkable Influence of Intramolecular Group Rotation for Third‐order Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Geng Kangshuai , Xie Qiong , Zhao Yujie , Yang Linpo , Song Yinglin , Hou Hongwei
Published: March 2021

This work exposes for the first time the remarkable influence of intramolecular group rotation on third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) performance. In order to prove the role of group rotation, we designed and synthesized two photo‐response compounds tetramethyl 5,5′‐(((diazene‐1,2‐diylbis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(oxy))bis(methylene))diisophthalate (1) and 5,5′‐(((diazene‐1,2‐diylbis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(oxy))bis(methylene))diisophthalic acid (2) and investigated their NLO performance under different substituent (benzyloxy group) rotation states. 1 and 2 have dynamic benzyloxy group rotation in dilute solution and shows reverse saturated absorption (RSA). When the benzyloxy group rotation of 1 and 2 was restricted by PMMA, their NLO performance not only converted into saturated absorption (SA) and NLO refraction behaviours, but also hardly changed after isomerization. Interestingly, we also restricted the benzyloxy group rotation in solution to a certain extent through photo‐induced trans→cis isomerization, and found that the NLO performances of cis isomers of 1 and 2 exhibit SA and positive refraction and are similar to those of 1‐PMMA and 2‐PMMA. This work provides a new exploratory method for studying the influencing factors of third‐order NLO performance.