bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation on Energy Recovery System for Continuous Biochar Production System
Authors: Jawale Laleet , Panwar N. L. , Salvi B. L. , Jain Sudhir , Sharma Deepak , Jain N. K.
Published: January 2021

Fossilfuel requirement is the necessity for fulfilling the global energy needs, which is increasing day by day due to this it will drain in future. Bio-energy became as one of the vital alternatives to replace fossil fuel. Thermochemical conversion of biomass for obtaining the bioenergy is getting more popular in the recent time. In the present study, slow pyrolysis is used for bio-energy production from the waste biomass available in the form of crop residues of Groundnut Shell (GS), Chana Straw (CS) and Wheat Straw (WS) using the developed continuous biochar production system (Pratap Kiln) to produce biochar. An energy recovery system consisting of cooling chamber was developed to recover the bio-oil from the waste flue gas (syngas). The pyrolysis of selected biomass was carried out at 450°C and residence time of about 4 min. The yield of biochar and bio-oil and syngas properties were determined. The maximum biochar yield was found in CS feedstock as 35% followed by WS and GS, i.e. 33% and 29%, respectively. The bio-oil recovery in GS, CS and WS was 31%, 26% and 30% respectively, whereas the syngas production was 40%, 39% and 37% respectively.
The Hypoglycemic Effects of Ethanol Leaves Extract of Cymbopogon citratus and Its Fractions in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Temu Joyce , Martin Haikael D. , Sauli Elingarami
Published: January 2021

Varieties of plants including Cymbopogon citratus are traditionally used in controlling hyperglycemia by either stimulating insulin secretion, inhibition α- Glucosidase or α-amylase activity. Cymbopogon citratus leaves were shade dried, grinded into fine powder and then extracted by cold maceration using ethanol. Fractionation was done by VLC using dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. OGTT was performed for both crude extract and fractions. Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate (170 mg/kilogram body weight). The mice were treated with ethyl acetate fraction once daily at 400 mg/kilogram body weight dose for the period of 20 days.FBG and weight were then recorded in days 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 after six hours of fasting. Safety of crude water extract and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated in mice by using Lorke’s method, followed by 5 days observation for their mortality and behavioral changes. Comparisons of results among groups were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. The difference between the means of the two population groups (each against negative control) was considered significant at p< 0.05. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Both crude and ethyl acetate fractions from C. citratus showed significant hypoglycemic activity. Moreover, higher hypoglycemic activity was shown by ethyl acetate fraction (p = 0.004). No mortality was observed at 5000 mg/kilogram body weight dose but sleeping and tremor were observed at a 1000 -5000 mg/kilogram body weight dose. Good hypoglycemic and safety results from ethyl acetate fraction highly suggest that Cymbopogon citratus extracts are effective against insulin-dependent hyperglycemia, which may be contributed by the action of the present of alkaloids, saponins, antraquinone, phenol and tannins. Isolation and testing of the active ingredients from the C. citratus extract are thus warranted for use in developing pharmaceutical anti-hyperglycemic drugs from this herbal plant.
Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Alkali Pretreatment for Enhancement of Delignification Process of Cocoa Pod Husk
Authors: Muharja Maktum , Darmayanti Rizki Fitria , Palupi Bekti , Rahmawati Istiqomah , Fachri Boy Arief , Setiawan Felix Arie , Amini Helda Wika , Rizkiana Meta Fitri , Rahmawati Atiqa , Susanti Ari , Putri Ditta Kharisma Yolanda
Published: January 2021

In this study, the optimization of microwave-assisted alkaline (MAA) pretreatment is performed to attain the optimal operating parameters for the delignification of cocoa pod husk (CPH). The MAA performance was examined by heating the CPH solid with different particle sizes (60–120 mesh) and NaOH solution with a different sample to a solvent (SS) ratio (0.02–0.05 g/L), for short irradiation time (1–4 min). Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was utilized to optimize the percentage of lignocellulose composition changes. The results show that by enlarging particle size, the content of lignin and cellulose decreased while hemicellulose increased. By prolong irradiation time, the content of lignin and hemicellulose decreased while cellulose elevated. On the other hand, increasing the SS ratio was not significant for hemicellulose content changes. From FTIR and SEM characterization, the MAA drove the removal of lignin and hemicellulose of CPH and increased cellulose slightly. Supported by kinetic study which conducted in this work, it was exhibited that MAA pretreatment technology is an effective delignification method of CPH which can tackle the bottleneck of its commercial biofuel production. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Considerations on the transformation of the position of Jizo in Kyoto by analyzing newspaper articles
Authors: Takeuchi Yasushi , Maki Norio
Published: January 2021

This paper clarifies the transformation of the social position of Jizo by analyzing newspaper articles and photographs of Jizo and Jizo‐bon festival from the early modern period to today and shows that the number of articles increased four times during this period. In addition, it clarifies the changes in the physical position of Jizo not only in terms of the festival but also in general situations. Furthermore, this paper indicates that the elements of the festival started being transformed from the long‐term setting materials into short‐term ones, and this transformation period overlapped with the decades ranging from 1955 to 1984.
3D Bioelectronic Model of the Human Intestine
Authors: Moysidou Chrysanthi‐Maria , Pitsalidis Charalampos , Al‐Sharabi Mohammed , Withers Aimee M. , Zeitler J. Axel , Owens Róisín M.
Published: January 2021

Organ on chip (OoC) technologies have the potential to improve the translation of promising therapies currently failing in clinical trials at great expense and time due to dissimilarities between animal and human biology. Successful OoC models integrate human cells within 3D tissues with surrounding biomolecular components, and have benefited from the use of inert 3D gels and scaffolds used as templates, prompting tissue formation. However, monitoring technologies used to assess tissue integrity and drug effects are ill adapted to 3D biology. Here, a tubular electroactive scaffold serves as a template for a 3D human intestine, and enables dynamic electrical monitoring of tissue formation over 1 month. Cell‐ and extracellular matrix component‐invoked changes in the properties of the scaffold alleviate the need for posthoc placement of invasive metallic electrodes or downstream analyses. Formation of in vivo‐like stratified and polarized intestinal tissue compete with lumen contrasts with other quasi‐3D models of the intestine using rigid porous membrane to separate cell types. These results provide unprecedented real‐time information on tissue formation with highly sensitive multimodal operation, thanks to dual electrode and transistor operation. This device and the methodology for tissue growth within it represents a paradigm shift for disease modeling and drug discovery.
Structural Dynamics of Ultrathin Cobalt Oxide Nanoislands under Potential Control
Authors: Stumm Corinna , Bertram Manon , Kastenmeier Maximilian , Speck Florian D. , Sun Zhaozong , Rodríguez‐Fernández Jonathan , Lauritsen Jeppe V. , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Cherevko Serhiy , Brummel Olaf , Libuda Jörg
Published: January 2021

Cobalt oxide is a promising earth abundant electrocatalyst and one of the most intensively studied oxides in electrocatalysis. In this study, the structural dynamics of well‐defined cobalt oxide nanoislands (NIs) on Au(111) are investigated in situ under potential control. The samples are prepared in ultra‐high vacuum and the system is characterized using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). After transfer into the electrochemical environment, the structure, mobility, and dissolution is studied via in situ electrochemical (EC) STM, cyclic voltammetry, and EC on‐line inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cobalt oxide on Au(111) forms bilayer (BL) and double‐bilayer NIs (DL), which are stable at the open circuit potential (0.8 VRHE). In the cathodic scan, the cobalt oxide BL islands become mobile at potentials of 0.5 VRHE and start dissolving at potentials below. In sharp contrast to the BL islands, the DL islands retain their morphology up to much lower potential. The re‐deposition of Co aggregates is observed close to the reduction potential of Co2+ to Co3+. In the anodic scan, both the BL and DL islands retain their morphology up to 1.5 VRHE. Even under these conditions, the islands do not show dissolution during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) while maintaining their high OER activity.
A Brief History of OLEDs—Emitter Development and Industry Milestones
Authors: Hong Gloria , Gan Xuemin , Leonhardt Céline , Zhang Zhen , Seibert Jasmin , Busch Jasmin M. , Bräse Stefan
Published: January 2021

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have come a long way ever since their first introduction in 1987 at Eastman Kodak. Today, OLEDs are especially valued in the display and lighting industry for their promising features. As one of the research fields that equally inspires and drives development in academia and industry, OLED device technology has continuously evolved over more than 30 years. OLED devices have come forward based on three generations of emitter materials relying on fluorescence (first generation), phosphorescence (second generation), and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (third generation). Furthermore, research in academia and industry toward the fourth generation of OLEDs is in progress. Excerpts from the history of green, orange‐red, and blue OLED emitter development on the side of academia and milestones achieved by key players in the industry are included in this report.
Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy at High‐Temperatures
Authors: Ngabonziza Prosper , Wang Yi , van Aken Peter A. , Maier Joachim , Mannhart Jochen
Published: January 2021

Ion conducting materials are critical components of batteries, fuel cells, and devices such as memristive switches. Analytical tools are therefore sought that allow the behavior of ions in solids to be monitored and analyzed with high spatial resolution and in real time. In principle, inelastic tunneling spectroscopy offers these capabilities. However, as its spectral resolution is limited by thermal softening of the Fermi–Dirac distribution, tunneling spectroscopy is usually constrained to cryogenic temperatures. This constraint would seem to render tunneling spectroscopy useless for studying ions in motion. Here, the first inelastic tunneling spectroscopy studies above room temperature are reported. For these measurements, high‐temperature‐stable tunnel junctions that incorporate within the tunnel barrier ultrathin layers for efficient proton conduction are developed. By analyzing the vibrational modes of OH bonds in BaZrO3‐based heterostructures, the detection of protons with a spectral resolution of 20 meV at 400 K (full‐width‐at‐half maximum) is demonstrated. Overturning the hitherto existing prediction for the spectral resolution limit of 186 meV (5.4 kBT ) at 400 K, this resolution enables high‐temperature tunneling spectroscopy of ion conductors. With these advances, inelastic tunneling spectroscopy constitutes a novel, valuable analytical tool for solid‐state ionics.
Atomic Layer Deposition of 2D Metal Dichalcogenides for Electronics, Catalysis, Energy Storage, and Beyond
Authors: Mattinen Miika , Leskelä Markku , Ritala Mikko
Published: January 2021

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are among the most exciting materials of today. Their layered crystal structures result in unique and useful electronic, optical, catalytic, and quantum properties. To realize the technological potential of TMDCs, methods depositing uniform films of controlled thickness at low temperatures in a highly controllable, scalable, and repeatable manner are needed. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a chemical gas‐phase thin film deposition method capable of meeting these challenges. In this review, the applications evaluated for ALD TMDCs are systematically examined, including electronics and optoelectonics, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, energy storage, lubrication, plasmonics, solar cells, and photonics. This review focuses on understanding the interplay between ALD precursors and deposition conditions, the resulting film characteristics such as thickness, crystallinity, and morphology, and ultimately device performance. Through rational choice of precursors and conditions, ALD is observed to exhibit potential to meet the varying requirements of widely different applications. Beyond the current state of ALD TMDCs, the future prospects, opportunities, and challenges in different applications are discussed. The authors hope that the review aids in bringing together experts in the fields of ALD, TMDCs, and various applications to eventually realize industrial applications of ALD TMDCs.
Glycerol–Silicone Membranes for Sustained and Controlled Topical Delivery of Antimicrobial and Pain‐Relief Drugs
Authors: Mazurek Piotr , Frederiksen Nikoline S. , Silau Harald , Yuusuf Nuura A. , Mordhorst Hanne , Pamp Sünje J. , Skov Anne L.
Published: January 2021

Controlling drug delivery from medical dressings to wounds remains a challenge despite the presence of multiple drug‐containing wound dressings on the market. The dressing should ideally be effective immediately after application and still show no burst effect, and must also be comfortable for an extended period of time. Here, a silicone‐based membrane is shown to offer an adjustable, constant release of various drugs even at a minimum moisture level resembling that of dry wounds. The drugs are dissolved in glycerol, which is speed‐mixed with silicone and subsequently cured to yield a solid membrane with evenly distributed glycerol microcontainers housing the drug. The drugs are released immediately upon contact with moisture, enabling efficient treatment with short response time and no burst. Drug delivery capability is evaluated using a classical drug release experiment, as well as by performing an antimicrobial susceptibility test on ten bacterial strains in agar diffusion assays. Results show that glycerol–silicone membranes are promising candidates for fighting bacterial infections. Moreover, the addition of glycerol domains to a silicone matrix is proven to have a positive impact on water vapor transmission rate and moisture handling capabilities, resulting in a more skin compliant dressing.
Hierarchical Assembly of Surface Modified Silk Fibroin Biomass into Micro‐, and Milli‐Metric Hybrid Aerogels with Core‐Shell, Janus, and Composite Configurations for Rapid Removal of Water Pollutants
Authors: Bruder Valentin , Ludwig Tim , Opitz Stephan , Christoffels Ronja , Fischer Thomas , Maleki Hajar
Published: January 2021

Multifunctional aerogels, with intriguing micro‐morphologies and macroscopic sizes, are fabricated for the first time from silk fibroin (SF) biopolymer extracted from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoon to optimize the adsorption performances of heavy metal ions and soluble organic pollutants. By a synergistic combination of approaches such as surface‐modification of SF with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and its hierarchical cryo‐assembly with graphene oxide into various macrostructures, namely core‐shell, composite, and Janus, series of millimetric aerogels (2–3 mm) with interesting center divergent honeycomb micro‐morphologies are prepared. In addition, cryo‐assembly assisted electro‐spraying of SF‐PEI led to obtaining micro‐aerogels (74 µm), possessing a wrinkled surface morphology with a high surface area. The aerogel beads exhibit superior adsorption capacities for Cu2+ (186.7 mg g−1, in 240 min) with a regeneration potential, but also for anionic dyes, for example, methylene orange (811.3 mg g−1) and organic solvents (1138 g g−1% for chloroform). The large adsorption capacities and fast adsorption kinetics of cations obtained by these aerogels are attributed to their impressive micro‐morphologies and small geometries, enabling rapid diffusion and cations uptake. Therefore, the sustainability, biodegradability, ease of fabrications, rapid, and reusable adsorption performance make aerogel beads of this study highly potent for multipollutant adsorption.
Advanced Photonic Processes for Photovoltaic, Energy Storage, and Environmental Systems
Authors: Maragkaki Stella , Savva Kyriaki , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: January 2021

On account of the increasing energy demand, there is a need for worldwide exploration for new materials and methods in developing other energy sources and storage technologies. With the development of portable electronics, integrated graphene‐based systems have attracted increasing attention due to their environmental friendliness, mechanical flexibility, and lightweight features. In this review, the latest advances in laser‐directed design and fabrication of integrated graphene‐based devices, along with state‐of‐the‐art applications in energy storage and solar cell technologies are comprehensively summarized. Recent advances in this field give promising and clean solutions offering an answer to the increasing concern of global warming and the growing energy demand in developed nations. The perspectives and challenges in designing and improving future graphene integrated devices are also discussed.
Silicon‐Based Photocatalysis for Green Chemical Fuels and Carbon Negative Technologies
Authors: Li Ning , Xiang Fei , Fratalocchi Andrea
Published: January 2021

Silicon, an earth‐abundant material with mature technology, low‐cost manufacturing, and high stability, holds promise to enable the sustainable exploitation of solar energy resources currently under utilized at the world‐scale. Apart from traditional interest in the photovoltaic industry, recent years have seen increasingly large activity in the study of Si‐based photo‐electro‐chemical (PEC) cells for water splitting and CO2 reduction. This research established an exciting area with the potential to address the present environmental crisis originating from unregulated CO2 emission levels. In this review, the recent work on Si‐based PEC devices for large scale production of hydrogen via water splitting, and carbon‐negative technologies for the solar‐driven reduction of CO2 into chemical fuels of industrial interest are summarized. Bias‐assisted and bias‐free PEC architectures are discussed, highlighting the motivations, challenges, functional mechanisms, and commenting on the perspectives related to this field of research both as a science and engineering.
Intraoperative Assessment and Photothermal Ablation of the Tumor Margins Using Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wei Qiaolin , Arami Hamed , Santos Hélder A. , Zhang Hongbo , Li Yangyang , He Jian , Zhong Danni , Ling Daishun , Zhou Min
Published: January 2021

Surgical resection is commonly used for therapeutic management of different solid tumors and is regarded as a primary standard of care procedure, but precise localization of tumor margins is a major intraoperative challenge. Herein, a generalized method by optimizing gold nanoparticles for intraoperative detection and photothermal ablation of tumor margins is introduced. These nanoparticles are detectable by highly sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering imaging. This non‐invasive technique assists in delineating the two surgically challenged tumors in live mice with orthotopic colon or ovarian tumors. Any remaining residual tumors are also ablated by using post‐surgical adjuvant photothermaltherapy (aPTT), which results in microscale heat generation due to interaction of these nanoparticles with near‐infrared laser. Ablation of these post‐operative residual micro‐tumors prolongs the survival of mice significantly and delays tumor recurrence by 15 days. To validate clinical translatability of this method, the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, Raman contrast, aPTT efficiency, and toxicity of these nanoparticles are also investigated. The nanoparticles have long blood circulation time (≈24 h), high tumor accumulation (4.87 ± 1.73%ID g−1) and no toxicity. This high‐resolution and sensitive intraoperative approach is versatile and can be potentially used for targeted ablation of residual tumor after resection within different organs.
Mechanism for Zincophilic Sites on Zinc‐Metal Anode Hosts in Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Xie Fangxi , Li Huan , Wang Xuesi , Zhi Xing , Chao Dongliang , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: January 2021

The zinc‐metal anode (ZMA) is a critical component of rechargeable Zn‐based batteries. Zinc‐dendrite formation on ZMA during cycling causes an internal short‐circuit, thereby limiting long‐term practical operation of batteries. A strategy of introducing zincophilic sites shows promise in suppressing dendrite growth. However, the mechanism is not understood. Here, a detailed study of the mechanism of zincophilic sites based on multiple in situ/ex situ techniques is reported. Using a carbon‐host as a model system with nitrogen sites as zincophilic sites and both ex situ near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and in situ Raman spectra, it is shown that zinc ions are bonded with pyridine sites to form ZnN bonds. The ZnN bonds induce spacious nucleation of zinc on carbon‐hosts and suppress zinc‐dendrite formation. The host with zincophilic sites exhibits a homogenous Zn deposition, together with boosted electrochemical performance. This finding underscores the impact of nitrogen zincophilic sites in suppressing zinc‐dendrite formation. It is shown that bonding between zinc ions and zincophilic sites is the mechanism for zincophilic nucleation in the ZMA host. These findings are expected to be of immediate benefit to researchers in battery technologies and materials science.
Optimized Ni‐Rich NCMA Cathode for Electric Vehicle Batteries
Authors: Park Nam‐Yung , Ryu Hoon‐Hee , Park Geon‐Tae , Noh Tae‐Chong , Sun Yang‐Kook
Published: January 2021

The electrochemical and structural stabilities of a conventional Li[Ni0.90Co0.045Mn0.045Al0.01]O2 (NCMA90) cathode and a core–shell with concentration gradient cathode (CSG‐NCMA90) are evaluated by cycling the cathodes at different depths of discharge (DoDs). The CSG‐NCMA90 cathode consists of fine, elongated primary particles that are radially aligned from the center of a spherical secondary particle. This unique microstructure effectively suppresses microcrack formation and propagation in the highly charged state. Moreover, microstructural analysis through transmission electron microscopy reveals that the thin elongated primary particles, largely featuring (001) facets on their lateral sides, are tolerant of electrolyte attack, thus suppressing surface degradation. In a full cell, these microstructural features enable the CSG‐NCMA90 cathode to retain 90.7% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 100% DoD. Unlike conventional Ni‐rich layered cathodes whose capacity should be restricted to ≈60–80% to ensure their long service life, the proposed CSG‐NCMA90 cathode can be cycled at full capacity, thus facilitating higher electrochemical performance and realizing the development of economical Li‐ion batteries.
Osteosarcopenia is a potential predictor for the prognosis of patients who underwent hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Furukawa Kenei , Haruki Koichiro , Taniai Tomohiko , Hamura Ryoga , Shirai Yoshihiro , Yasuda Jungo , Shiozaki Hironori , Onda Shinji , Gocho Takeshi , Ikegami Toru
Published: January 2021

Aim

We investigated the prognostic impact of osteosarcopenia, which is the combination of osteopenia and sarcopenia, in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) after hepatic resection.

Methods

One hundred and eighteen patients were analyzed retrospectively. Osteopenia was evaluated with computed tomographic measurement of pixel density in the midvertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra. Sarcopenia was evaluated with psoas muscle areas at the third lumbar vertebra. Osteosarcopenia was defined as the concomitant occurrence of osteopenia and sarcopenia.

Results

Osteosarcopenia was identified in 38 (32%) of the patients. In univariate analysis, the overall survival was significantly worse in patients with lymph node metastases (P = .01), extrahepatic lesion (P = .01), sarcopenia (P = .02), osteosarcopenia (P < .01), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) 1 or 2 (P = .05), and curability R 1 or 2 (P = .04). In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastases (P < .01), osteosarcopenia (P < .01), and GPS 1 or 2 (P = .03) were independent and significant predictors of the overall survival. In patients with osteosarcopenia, there were more women than men and body mass index was lower compared to patients without osteosarcopenia.

Conclusion

Osteosarcopenia was the strong predictor for outcomes in patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM.
The “weanling's dilemma” revisited: Evolving bodies of evidence and the problem of infant paleodietary interpretation
Authors: Kendall Ellen , Millard Andrew , Beaumont Julia
Published: January 2021

Breastfeeding is known to be a powerful mediator of maternal and childhood health, with impacts throughout the life course. Paleodietary studies of the past 30 years have accordingly taken an enduring interest in the health and diet of young children as a potential indicator of population fertility, subsistence, and mortality patterns. While progress has been made in recent decades toward acknowledging the agency of children, many paleodietary reconstructions have failed to incorporate developments in cognate disciplines revealing synergistic dynamics between maternal and offspring biology. Paleodietary interpretation has relied heavily on the “weanling's dilemma,” in which infants are thought to face a bleak choice between loss of immunity or malnutrition. Using a review of immunological and epidemiological evidence for the dynamic and supportive role that breastfeeding plays throughout the complementary feeding period, this article offers context and nuance for understanding past feeding transitions. We suggest that future interpretative frameworks for infant paleodietary and bioarchaeological research should include a broad knowledge base that keeps pace with relevant developments outside of those disciplines.
Uncloaking a Lost Cause: Decolonizing ancestry estimation in the United States
Authors: DiGangi Elizabeth A. , Bethard Jonathan D.
Published: January 2021

Since the professionalization of US‐based forensic anthropology in the 1970s, ancestry estimation has been included as a standard part of the biological profile, because practitioners have assumed it necessary to achieve identifications in medicolegal contexts. Simultaneously, forensic anthropologists have not fully considered the racist context of the criminal justice system in the United States related to the treatment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; nor have we considered that ancestry estimation might actually hinder identification efforts because of entrenched racial biases. Despite ongoing criticisms from mainstream biological anthropology that ancestry estimation perpetuates race science, forensic anthropologists have continued the practice. Recent years have seen the prolific development of retooled typological approaches with 21st century statistical prowess to include methods for estimating ancestry from cranial morphoscopic traits, despite no evidence that these traits reflect microevolutionary processes or are suitable genetic proxies for population structure; and such approaches have failed to critically evaluate the societal consequences for perpetuating the biological race concept. Around the country, these methods are enculturated in every aspect of the discipline ranging from university classrooms, to the board‐certification examination marking the culmination of training, to standard operating procedures adopted by forensic anthropology laboratories. Here, we use critical race theory to interrogate the approaches utilized to estimate ancestry to include a critique of the continued use of morphoscopic traits, and we assert that the practice of ancestry estimation contributes to white supremacy. Based on the lack of scientific support that these traits reflect evolutionary history, and the inability to disentangle skeletal‐based ancestry estimates from supporting the biological validity of race, we urge all forensic anthropologists to abolish the practice of ancestry estimation.
Non‐Adiabatic Transitions in Parabolic and Super‐Parabolic PT‐Symmetric Non‐Hermitian Systems in 1D Optical Waveguides
Authors: Kam Chon‐Fai , Chen Yang
Published: January 2021

Exceptional points, which are spectral degeneracy points in the complex parameter space, are fundamental to non‐Hermitian quantum systems. The dynamics of non‐Hermitian systems in the presence of exceptional points differ significantly from those of Hermitian ones. Here, non‐adiabatic transitions in non‐Hermitian ‐symmetric systems are investigated, in which the exceptional points are driven through at finite speeds which are quadratic or cubic functions of time. Different transmission dynamics separated by exceptional points are identified, and analytical approximate formulas for the non‐adiabatic transmission probabilities are derived. Possible experimental realizations with a ‐symmetric non‐Hermitian 1D tight‐binding optical waveguide lattice are discussed through non‐Hermitian Bloch oscillations between different bands.
A Large Starphene Comprising Pentacene Branches
Authors: Holec Jan , Cogliati Beatrice , Lawrence James , Berdonces‐Layunta Alejandro , Herrero Pablo , Nagata Yuuya , Banasiewicz Marzena , Kozankiewicz Boleslaw , Corso Martina , de Oteyza Dimas G. , Jancarik Andrej , Gourdon Andre
Published: January 2021

Starphenes are attractive compounds due to their characteristic physicochemical properties that are inherited from acenes, making them interesting compounds for organic electronics and optics. However, the instability and low solubility of larger starphene homologs make their synthesis extremely challenging. Herein, we present a new strategy leading to pristine [16]starphene in preparative scale. Our approach is based on a synthesis of a carbonyl‐protected starphene precursor that is thermally converted in a solid‐state form to the neat [16]starphene, which is then characterised with a variety of analytical methods, such as 13C CP‐MAS NMR, TGA, MS MALDI, UV/Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, high‐resolution STM experiments unambiguously confirm its expected structure and reveal a moderate electronic delocalisation between the pentacene arms. Nucleus‐independent chemical shifts NICS(1) are also calculated to survey its aromatic character.
Unterbrochene Pyridin‐Hydrierung: asymmetrische Synthese von δ‐Lactamen
Authors: Wagener Tobias , Lückemeier Lukas , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Glorius Frank
Published: January 2021

Die Metall‐katalysierte Hydrierung ist eine effektive Methode, um leicht verfügbare Aromaten in gesättigte Motive zu überführen. Allerdings sind derzeitige Hydrierungsstrategien auf die Bildung von C‐H‐ und N‐H‐Bindungen beschränkt. Dabei führt die schrittweise Addition von Wasserstoff zu reaktiven, ungesättigten Zwischenprodukten, die schnell weiter reduziert werden. Im Gegensatz dazu bietet die Unterbrechung der vollständigen Hydrierung durch zusätzliche Funktionalisierung ungesättigter Zwischenprodukte großes Potenzial zur Erhöhung der chemischen Komplexität in einem einzigen Reaktionsschritt. Das Überwinden der vollständigen Reduktion in der Aromatenhydrierung wurde bisher nur selten demonstriert. In dieser Arbeit berichten wir über die Synthese begehrter, enantioangereicherter δ‐Lactame aus Oxazolidinon‐substituierten Pyridinen und Wasser durch einen unterbrochenen Hydrierungsmechanismus.
First‐Principles Evaluation of One‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalytic C−H Activation of Natural Gas
Authors: Shen Min‐Hsiu , Chao Tzu‐Hsuan , Tang Yu‐Tzu , Cheng Mu‐Jeng
Published: January 2021

To replace the oxygen evolution reaction with thermodynamically more favorable and economically more profitable methane and ethane (the major components of natural gas) electrochemical partial oxidation, we employed constant electrode potential density functional theory calculations to screen 20 one‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks containing heteroatom‐substituted benzene as electrocatalysts. By computing the Pourbaix diagrams, O−H binding energies, and C−H activation barriers, we determined that although none of these catalysts were able to activate methane, one was able to hydroxylate ethane to ethanol with facile kinetics, making it a promising electrocatalyst for natural gas oxidation.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass using native cellulase produced by Aspergillus niger ITV02 under liquid state fermentation
Authors: Infanzón‐Rodríguez María Ines , Ragazzo‐Sánchez Juan Arturo , del Moral Sandra , Calderón‐Santoyo Montserrat , Aguilar‐Uscanga María Guadalupe
Published: January 2021

The objective of this work was to evaluate the biochemical characteristics of an enzymatic extract obtained from autochthonous fungus Aspergillus niger ITV02 and its application in the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw and corn stubble pretreated by steam explosion. The enzymatic extract was obtained by submerged fermentation using delignified sweet sorghum bagasse as a carbon source. The results obtained showed that the enzymatic extract had β‐glucosidase and endoglucanase activities. The effects of pH and temperature on cellulase activity were evaluated and its thermostability was determined. The optimal parameters of the β‐glucosidase and endoglucanase activities obtained were pH 5 and 70 °C. The enzymatic extract of A. niger ITV02 was used to hydrolyze wheat straw and corn stubble, and the hydrolysis yields were compared with those obtained by a commercial cellulase (Celluclast 1.5L NS 50013) and CellicCTec3. The results showed that with the use the mixture of Celluclast 1.5L‐A. niger ITV02 and CellicCTec3‐A. niger ITV02 in the hydrolysis, conversions of 86.36% and 67.8% were obtained, respectively. Glucose production for the mixture extract increased 2.15 times more than when the enzyme was used independently alone. The present work shows that A. niger ITV02 has a potential as an enzyme producer for lignocellulosic hydrolysis.
Role of Polymers in Enhancing the Performance of Electrochemical Supercapacitors: A Review
Authors: Suriyakumar Shruti , Bhardwaj Preetam , Grace Andrews Nirmala , Stephan A. Manuel
Published: January 2021

In this modern era, there is an increasing significance in the usage of supercapacitor devices in power applications due to their outstanding power density, ultrafast charging/discharging capability, and prolonged cycling ability. Extensive efforts are being made to improve their capacitive performance by engineering high‐performing polymeric materials as electrode and electrolyte materials. Predominantly, the employment of conducting polymer (CP)‐based composite materials as electrode materials has led to practical and theoretical benefits such as the outstanding surface area that facilitates quick access of dispersed electrolyte ions. The insertion of carbon materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and porous carbon within the CPs matrix has an imperative role in refining the overall system‘s specific capacitance. The electrodes′ specific capacitance proficiency and cycling constancy are improved synergistically by integrating both materials for efficient energy‐storage applications. This Minireview encompasses the storage mechanism in different gel polymer‐based electrolytes and their role in enhancing the pseudocapacitance of redox‐active materials for supercapacitor applications. Further, the Minireview focuses on the influence of conducting polymers in promoting the device performance with a view on the synthesis methodology and pseudocapacitive nature. The different types of supercapacitors designed with polymer gel electrolyte, solid polymer electrolyte, and biodegradable polymer‐based electrolytes for improved supercapacitive performance are critically reviewed.
Transport of Sodium Ions in Solids: Progress in First‐Principle Theoretical Formulation of Potential Solid Sodium‐Ion Electrolytes
Authors: Yu Yuran , Xu Hongjie , Wang Zhuo , Shao Guosheng
Published: January 2021

All‐solid‐state sodium ion batteries (ASSIBs) have attracted great attention due to ever‐increasing safety concern about current lithium ion batteries and the limited natural reserves of lithium. A major materials basis to enable high‐performance ASSIBs lies in delivering ultra‐fast Na+ conductors, which is yet even more challenging than developing solid electrolytes for the lithium‐ion batteries. This is largely attributed to limited fundamental understanding of the transportation characteristics of sodium ions, which is rather different from the smaller alkali lithium ions. Here, we have carried out a perspective review of recent advances in theoretical formulation of novel solid electrolytes, focusing on methods, achievements, and the potential and shortcomings of identified materials systems. Efforts are made in offering a dependable framework to formulate fundamentally competitive materials to support developing “better” solid sodium‐ion batteries.
Board gender diversity and carbon emissions: European evidence on curvilinear relationships and critical mass
Authors: Nuber Claudio , Velte Patrick
Published: January 2021

The role of European businesses in addressing environmental issues and climate change has taken center stage with the European Green Deal. With increasing attention to the effect of board gender diversity (BGD) on firms' environmental performance, the question arises whether BGD has any influence on carbon emissions. Based on legitimacy and critical mass theory, this study empirically investigates the impact of BGD on firms' carbon performance (CP), based on total carbon emissions intensity. The paper relies on two‐stage least squares (2SLS) regressions with instrumental variable (IV) and a two‐step generalized method of moments (GMM) system approach to analyze a cross‐country sample of 3123 observations from non‐financial firms in the European STOXX600 index over the 2009–2018 period. Our findings add to the growing empirical evidence twofold: (1) there is a robust linear and positive relationship between BGD and CP, whereas some indication of a U‐shaped relationship is found; and (2) we find that a critical mass of at least two women directors needs to be reached to increase CP. Our research results contribute to the current discussion on sustainable corporate governance, especially in the European capital market, and have implications for researchers, business practice, and regulatory issues alike.
Intravascular lithotripsy for stent under‐expansion: Panacea or Pandora's box?
Authors: Chugh Yashasvi , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: January 2021

Key Points

Balloon undilatable lesions are common and can be challenging to treat, especially within stents, and require a systematic, algorithmic approach.

Stent under‐expansion is usually treated with high‐pressure balloon inflations, followed by plaque modification balloons, laser with contrast, orbital or rotational atherectomy, and subintimal crossing with coronary artery bypass graft being the ultimate solution is all techniques fail to expand the stent.

Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) appears to be an easy to use and effective tool for treating stent under‐expansion, but further study is needed to confirm its efficacy and (acute and long‐term) safety.
Solitary metastases of lower extremity myxoid liposarcoma to breast: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Omranipour Ramesh , Mashoori Negar , Jahanbin Behnaz , Ghasemi Dorsa
Published: January 2021

Solitary breast metastases from myxoid liposarcoma are extremely rare. Resection with negative margins seems as an effective treatment leading to improved survival.
Laparoscopic treatment of recurrent and chemoresistant cesarean scar choriocarcinoma
Authors: Bakır Mehmet Sait , Birge Özer , Karadag Ceyda , Doğan Selen , Simsek Tayup
Published: January 2021

Depending on the developing laparoscopic technique and experience, the treatment of cesarean scar choriocarcinoma can be safely performed laparoscopically by experts.
Childhood‐onset keratosis lichenoides chronica: A case report
Authors: Nasiri Soheila , Rakhshan Azadeh , Zahedi Khatere , Dadkhahfar Sahar , Gheisari Mehdi
Published: January 2021

Keratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC) is a rare dermatosis which represents different clinical characteristics between adult‐ and pediatric‐onset cases. We described a childhood case of KLC with features typical for adult‐onset disease. Acitretin led to partial improvement of her skin, but not mucosal, lesions.
Well‐Defined, Versatile and Recyclable Half‐Sandwich Nickelacarborane Catalyst for Selective Carbene‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Wang Linghua , Perveen Saima , Ouyang Yizhao , Zhang Shuai , Jiao Jiao , He Gang , Nie Yong , Li Pengfei
Published: January 2021

Catalytic carbene‐transfer reactions constitute a class of highly useful transformations in organic synthesis. Although catalysts based on a range of transition‐metals have been reported, the readily accessible nickel(II)‐based complexes have been rarely used. Herein, an air‐stable nickel(II)‐carborane complex is reported as a well‐defined, versatile and recyclable catalyst for selective carbene transfer reactions with low catalyst loading under mild conditions. This catalyst is effective for several types of reactions including diastereoselective cyclopropanation, epoxidation, selective X−H insertions (X = C, N, O, S, Si), particularly for the unprotected substrates. This represents a rare example of carborane ligands in base metal catalysis.
Phase 1 Concentration‐QTc and Cardiac Safety Analysis of the MDM2 Antagonist KRT‐232 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors, Multiple Myeloma, or Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Taylor Adekemi , Lee Dana , Allard Martine , Poland Bill , Greg Slatter J.
Published: January 2021

Cardiac safety and plasma concentration‐QTc interval analyses were completed using data from 2 phase 1 studies of the selective mouse double minute chromosome 2 antagonist, KRT‐232, in patients with solid tumors or multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received KRT‐232 doses of 15 to 480 mg once daily (QD; N = 130). A linear mixed‐effects model related change from baseline Fridericia‐corrected QT interval (ΔQTcF) to KRT‐232 plasma concentrations. The final model included parameters for the intercept (with between‐subject variability), KRT‐232 concentration–ΔQTcF slope, and baseline QTcF effect on the intercept. Diagnostic plots indicated an adequate model fit. Mean (90% confidence interval) predicted ΔQTcF values at the maximum clinical dose (480 mg QD) were 2.04 (0.49‐3.60) milliseconds for patients with solid tumors and 4.52 (2.35‐6.69) milliseconds for patients with AML. Because the 90% confidence interval upper bound of the mean ΔQTcF was predicted to be below 10 milliseconds at doses up to 480 mg QD in patients with solid tumors, multiple myeloma, or AML, KRT‐232 does not result in clinically meaningful QT prolongation at the doses currently under investigation in clinical trials. No significant cardiac safety concerns were identified at these doses.
How to Manage a Crystallization Process Aimed at Obtaining a Desired Combination of Number of Crystals and Their Distribution by Size: Learn Here
Authors: Nanev Christo N.
Published: January 2021

Managing a crystallization process adequately, it is possible to obtain a crystalline product having the desired crystal size distribution. Recommendations for selecting crystallization parameters that are needed to achieve this goal are given basing of a theoretical analysis in which special attention is paid to the growth of crystals from solutions with a preset concentration. Mathematical equations which enable calculation of the theoretical yield for the crystallization process have been elaborated. New formula giving the crystal nuclei number per unit volume as a function of both supersaturation and nucleation time has been devised based on the logistic kinetics of crystal nucleation proceeding under constant supersaturation. The quantitative relation between number density and mean size of crystals growing in batch crystallization is calculated. The calculation shows that the mean size of crystals reached at any time of their growth is inversely proportional to root third of the crystal number density.
Limited heat tolerance in an Arctic passerine: Thermoregulatory implications for cold‐specialized birds in a rapidly warming world
Authors: O'Connor Ryan S. , Le Pogam Audrey , Young Kevin G. , Robitaille Francis , Choy Emily S. , Love Oliver P. , Elliott Kyle H. , Hargreaves Anna L. , Berteaux Dominique , Tam Andrew , Vézina François
Published: January 2021

Arctic animals inhabit some of the coldest environments on the planet and have evolved physiological mechanisms for minimizing heat loss under extreme cold. However, the Arctic is warming faster than the global average and how well Arctic animals tolerate even moderately high air temperatures (Ta) is unknown.

Using flow‐through respirometry, we investigated the heat tolerance and evaporative cooling capacity of snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis; ≈31 g, N = 42), a cold specialist, Arctic songbird. We exposed buntings to increasing Ta and measured body temperature (Tb), resting metabolic rate (RMR), rates of evaporative water loss (EWL), and evaporative cooling efficiency (the ratio of evaporative heat loss to metabolic heat production).

Buntings had an average (±SD) Tb of 41.3 ± 0.2°C at thermoneutral Ta and increased Tb to a maximum of 43.5 ± 0.3°C. Buntings started panting at Ta of 33.2 ± 1.7°C, with rapid increases in EWL starting at Ta = 34.6°C, meaning they experienced heat stress when air temperatures were well below their body temperature. Maximum rates of EWL were only 2.9× baseline rates at thermoneutral Ta, a markedly lower increase than seen in more heat‐tolerant arid‐zone species (e.g., ≥4.7× baseline rates). Heat‐stressed buntings also had low evaporative cooling efficiencies, with 95% of individuals unable to evaporatively dissipate an amount of heat equivalent to their own metabolic heat production.

Our results suggest that buntings’ well‐developed cold tolerance may come at the cost of reduced heat tolerance. As the Arctic warms, and this and other species experience increased periods of heat stress, a limited capacity for evaporative cooling may force birds to increasingly rely on behavioral thermoregulation, such as minimizing activity, at the expense of diminished performance or reproductive investment.