bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an HDR‐BT QA tool for source position verification
Authors: Kumazaki Yu , Hirai Ryuta , Igari Mitsunobu , Kobayashi Nao , Okazaki Shohei , Abe Takanori , Tamaki Tomoaki , Noda Shin‐ei , Kato Shingo
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) quality assurance (QA) tool for verification of source positions, and to report on its effectiveness.

Methods

We fabricated a cuboid phantom measuring 30 × 30×3 cm3 with spaces to embed Fletcher‐Williamson tandem and ovoid applicators. Lead‐based, cylindrically shaped radiopaque markers, which scatter radiation and blacken the Gafchromic® RTQA2 films placed on the applicators, were inserted into the phantom to determine the applicator tip and reference source positions. A three‐dimensional image‐guided brachytherapy (3D‐IGBT) plan was generated, and the source positions on the film and radiation treatment planning system (RTPS) were verified with the tool. Source position errors were evaluated as the distance in the applicator axis direction between the source position and the center position of two radiopaque marker pairs.

Results

Source position errors on the film and RTPS were in good agreement with one another and were all within 0.5 mm for all applicators. Offset values of each applicator were in good agreement with the value determined in treatment planning (6 mm). The expanded measurement uncertainty of our QA tool was estimated to be 0.87 mm, with a coverage factor k of 2.

Conclusions

Our new HDR‐BT QA tool developed for comprehensive source position verification will be useful for cross checking actual source positions and planned source positions on the RTPS.
Light Regulation of Circadian Rhythms: Fact and Fiction and Design Implications
Authors: Foster Russell G
Published: November 2020

Russell G Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience and Head of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford, has spent his career researching visual and circadian neurobiology. His main focus is the mechanisms through which light regulates vertebrate circadian rhythms, affecting a range of molecular, cellular, anatomical and behavioural aspects, as well as addressing the implications for human performance, productivity and health.
Museums and the Embodied Mind: Sensory Engagement with Artworks and Architecture
Authors: Smith Barry C
Published: November 2020

A museum or gallery is usually thought of as a space containing objects arranged in a chosen way. Understanding the multisensory factors that modulate an audience's experiences of artworks in their settings offers museum curators and architects opportunities to enhance visitors’ sensory engagement with their collections. Barry C Smith, Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Centre for the Study of the Senses, School of Advanced Study, University of London, considers a number of ways this can happen.
Rapid‐Fabricated and Recoverable Dual‐Network Hydrogel with Inherently Anti‐Bacterial Abilities for Potential Adhesive Dressings
Authors: Lei Kun , Wang Kaiqi , Sun Yunlong , Zheng Zhen , Wang Xinling
Published: November 2020

To satisfy the ever‐accelerated demands for advanced engineering biomaterials with excellent physicochemical properties, injectable and recoverable dual‐network (DN) hydrogels based on poly(l‐lysine)‐graft‐4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (PLL‐g‐HPA) and Aga are constructed by simply mixing PLL‐g‐HPA/HRP and PLL‐g‐HPA/H2O2 in Aga through enzyme‐catalyzed cross‐linkage of PLL‐g‐HPA and temperature‐adjusted sol‐gel transition of Aga. The recoverable and injectable performances of hydrogels are attributed to the reversible sol‐gel transitional feature of Aga and enzymatically cross‐linked reaction of PLL‐g‐HPA. DN hydrogels have fast and adjusted gelation time, connective pore structure, superior formability, and good biocompatibility. The helically structural Aga network endows the hydrogels with good mechanical strength and superior stability in extreme condition. Schiff‐base effect between amino in skin tissues and carbonyl formed by the oxidation of phenol groups in hydrogel imparts the hydrogels to promising tissue attachment. Bursting pressure assay illustrates that the bursting pressure (34.5 ± 2.4 kPa) for 13.6% DN hydrogel is much higher than arterial blood pressure (16 kPa). The incorporated cationic PLL‐g‐HPA gives the hydrogels remarkable antibacterial ability, which effectively prevents the bacterial infection. In conclusion, the DN hydrogel with good cytocompatibility, inherently antibacterial ability, tissue adhesion, and excellent stability in extreme environment is probably able to become a promising candidate as potential wound dressings.
Stable Potassium Metal Anodes with an All‐Aluminum Current Collector through Improved Electrolyte Wetting
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Wang Yixian , Hao Hongchang , Basu Swastik , Feng Xuyong , Xu Yixin , Boscoboinik Jorge Anibal , Nanda Jagjit , Watt John , Mitlin David
Published: November 2020

This is the first report of successful potassium metal battery anode cycling with an aluminum‐based rather than copper‐based current collector. Dendrite‐free plating/stripping is achieved through improved electrolyte wetting, employing an aluminum‐powder‐coated aluminum foil “Al@Al,” without any modification of the support surface chemistry or electrolyte additives. The reservoir‐free Al@Al half‐cell is stable at 1000 cycles (1950 h) at 0.5 mA cm−2, with 98.9% cycling Coulombic efficiency and 0.085 V overpotential. The pre‐potassiated cell is stable through a wide current range, including 130 cycles (2600 min) at 3.0 mA cm−2, with 0.178 V overpotential. Al@Al is fully wetted by a 4 m potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide‐dimethoxyethane electrolyte (θCA = 0°), producing a uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during the initial galvanostatic formation cycles. On planar aluminum foil with a nearly identical surface oxide, the electrolyte wets poorly (θCA = 52°). This correlates with coarse irregular SEI clumps at formation, 3D potassium islands with further SEI coarsening during plating/stripping, possibly dead potassium metal on stripped surfaces, and rapid failure. The electrochemical stability of Al@Al versus planar Al is not related to differences in potassiophilicity (nearly identical) as obtained from thermal wetting experiments. Planar Cu foils are also poorly electrolyte‐wetted and become dendritic. The key fundamental takeaway is that the incomplete electrolyte wetting of collectors results in early onset of SEI instability and dendrites.
Periodic Wrinkle‐Patterned Single‐Crystalline Ferroelectric Oxide Membranes with Enhanced Piezoelectricity
Authors: Dong Guohua , Li Suzhi , Li Tao , Wu Haijun , Nan Tianxiang , Wang Xiaohua , Liu Haixia , Cheng Yuxin , Zhou Yuqing , Qu Wanbo , Zhao Yifan , Peng Bin , Wang Zhiguang , Hu Zhongqiang , Luo Zhenlin , Ren Wei , Pennycook Stephen J. , Li Ju , Sun Jun , Ye Zuo‐Guang , Jiang Zhuangde , Zhou Ziyao , Ding Xiangdong , Min Tai , Liu Ming
Published: November 2020

Self‐assembled membranes with periodic wrinkled patterns are the critical building blocks of various flexible electronics, where the wrinkles are usually designed and fabricated to provide distinct functionalities. These membranes are typically metallic and organic materials with good ductility that are tolerant of complex deformation. However, the preparation of oxide membranes, especially those with intricate wrinkle patterns, is challenging due to their inherently strong covalent or ionic bonding, which usually leads to material crazing and brittle fracture. Here, wrinkle‐patterned BaTiO3 (BTO)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) membranes with finely controlled parallel, zigzag, and mosaic patterns are prepared. The BTO layers show excellent flexibility and can form well‐ordered and periodic wrinkles under compressive in‐plane stress. Enhanced piezoelectricity is observed at the sites of peaks and valleys of the wrinkles where the largest strain gradient is generated. Atomistic simulations further reveal that the excellent elasticity and the correlated coupling between polarization and strain/strain gradient are strongly associated with ferroelectric domain switching and continuous dipole rotation. The out‐of‐plane polarization is primarily generated at compressive regions, while the in‐plane polarization dominates at the tensile regions. The wrinkled ferroelectric oxides with differently strained regions and correlated polarization distributions would pave a way toward novel flexible electronics.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Molten Magnesium Chloride Using Machine‐Learning‐Based Deep Potential
Authors: Liang Wenshuo , Lu Guimin , Yu Jianguo
Published: November 2020

In previous work, molten magnesium chloride has been investigated using first‐principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations based on density functional theory (DFT). However, such simulations are computationally intensive and therefore are restricted in terms of simulated size and time. In this work, a machine learning‐based deep potential (DP) is trained to accelerate the molecular dynamics simulation of molten magnesium chloride. The trained DP can accurately describe the energies and forces with the prediction errors in energy and force being 1.76 × 10−3 eV/atom and 4.76 × 10−2 eV Å−1, respectively. Applying the deep potential molecular dynamics (DPMD) approach, simulations can be performed with more than 1000 atoms, which is infeasible for FPMD simulations. Additionally, the partial radial distribution functions, angle distribution functions, densities, and self‐diffusion coefficients predicted by DPMD simulations are also in reasonable agreement with FPMD or experimental results. This work shows that the DP enables higher efficiency and similar accuracy relative to DFT, exhibiting a bright application prospect in modeling molten salt systems.
Emerging Porous Materials and Their Composites for NH3 Gas Removal
Authors: Kang Dong Won , Ju Susan Eungyung , Kim Dae Won , Kang Minjung , Kim Hyojin , Hong Chang Seop
Published: November 2020

NH3, essential for producing artificial fertilizers and several military and commercial products, is being produced at a large scale to satisfy increasing demands. The inevitable leakage of NH3 during its utilization, even in trace concentrations, poses significant environmental and health risks because of its highly toxic and reactive nature. Although numerous techniques have been developed for the removal of atmospheric NH3, conventional NH3 abatement systems possess the disadvantages of high maintenance cost, low selectivity, and emission of secondary wastes. In this context, highly tunable porous materials such as metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, hydrogen organic frameworks, porous organic polymers, and their composite materials have emerged as next‐generation NH3 adsorbents. Herein, recent progress in the development of porous NH3 adsorbents is summarized; furthermore, factors affecting NH3 capture are analyzed to provide a reasonable strategy for the design and synthesis of promising materials for NH3 abatement.
Morphology Tuning and Its Role in Optimization of Perovskite Films Fabricated from A Novel Nonhalide Lead Source
Authors: Gu Jinwen , Li Faming , Wang Zenghui , Xie Yiran , Yan Lihe , Zeng Peng , Yu Hua , Liu Mingzhen
Published: November 2020

Usage of nonhalide lead sources for fabricating perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has recently attracted increasing attention as a promising route toward realizing high quality PSC devices. However, the unique role of nonhalide lead sources in improving perovskite film morphology and PSC performance has largely remained unexplored, impeding broader application of these materials. Here, it is demonstrated that by using a new nonhalide lead source, lead formate (Pb(HCOO)2), good control of perovskite film morphology can be achieved. With the usage of lead formate, PbI2 can nicely border the perovskite grain boundaries (GBs) and form domain “walls” that segregate the individual perovskite crystal domains. The PbI2 at the GBs lead to significant improvement in film quality and device performance through passivating the defects at the perovskite GBs and suppressing lateral carrier diffusion. An impressive carrier lifetime at the microsecond scale (τ2 = 1714 ns) is achieved, further with an optimal power conversion efficiency of 20.3% for the resulting devices. This work demonstrates a promising and effective method toward fabricating high‐quality perovskites and high‐efficiency PSCs.
Comparative performance of orangutans (Pongo spp.), gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), and drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus), in an ephemeral foraging task
Authors: Prétôt Laurent , Mickelberg Jennifer , Carrigan Jodi , Stoinski Tara , Bshary Redouan , Brosnan Sarah F.
Published: November 2020

A goal of the comparative approach is to test a variety of species on the same task. Here, we examined whether the factors that helped capuchin monkeys improve their performance in a dichotomous choice task would generalize to three other primate species: orangutans, gorillas, and drill monkeys. In this task, subjects have access to two options, each resulting in an identical food, but one (the ephemeral option) is only available if it is chosen first, whereas the other one (the permanent option) is always available. Therefore, the food‐maximizing solution is to choose the ephemeral option first, followed by the permanent option for an additional reward. On the original version (plate task), the options were discriminated by the color and pattern of the plates holding the food, while on two subsequent versions we used altered cues that we predicted would improve performance: (1) the color of the foods themselves (color task), which we hypothesized was relevant to primates, who choose foods rather than substrates on which foods are found when foraging, and (2) patterned cups covering the foods (cup task), which we hypothesized would help primates avoid the prepotent response associated with visible food. Like capuchins, all three species initially failed to solve the plate task. However, while orangutans improved their performance from the plate to the color task, they did not for the cup task, and only a few gorillas and no drills succeeded in either task. Unfortunately, our ability to interpret these data was obscured by differences in the subjects' level of experience with cognitive testing and practical constraints that precluded the use of completely identical procedures across species. Nonetheless, we consider what these results can tell us, and discuss the value of conducting studies across multiple sites despite unavoidable differences.
A Urease‐Containing Fluorescent Hydrogel for Transient Information Storage
Authors: Le Xiaoxia , Shang Hui , Yan Huizhen , Zhang Jiawei , Lu Wei , Liu Mingjie , Wang Liping , Lu Guangming , Xue Qunji , Chen Tao
Published: November 2020

The improper handling of decrypted information can lead to the leakage of confidential data. Thus, there is increasing interest in the development of self‐erasing decrypted data. Herein, we report a urease‐containing fluorescent hydrogel for multistage information security protection. Information can be input into the fluorescent hydrogel, which is based on the protonated 4‐(N,N‐dimethylaminoethylene) amino‐N‐allyl‐1,8‐naphthalimide (DEAN‐H+) and doped with urease, using metal ions, such as Zn2+ that coordinate with DEAN. Upon exposure to urea, urease produces NH3, which reduces the fluorescence of the hydrogel. In the presence of urea, metal‐coordinated hydrogel fluorescence decreases more slowly than the fluorescence of the hydrogel alone, revealing the information. The displayed information is then automatically erased within a few minutes. This work opens up a new insights in designing and fabricating information storage materials.
Hydrogen Bond Donor Catalyzed Cationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers
Authors: Kottisch Veronika , Jermaks Janis , Mak Joe‐Yee , Woltornist Ryan A. , Lambert Tristan H. , Fors Brett P.
Published: November 2020

The synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight poly(vinyl ethers) under mild conditions is a significant challenge, since cationic polymerization reactions are highly sensitive to chain‐transfer and termination events. We identified a novel and highly effective hydrogen bond donor (HBD)–organic acid pair that can facilitate controlled cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers under ambient conditions with excellent monomer compatibility. Poly(vinyl ethers) of molar masses exceeding 50 kg mol−1 can be produced within 1 h without elaborate reagent purification. Modification of the HBD structure allowed tuning of the polymerization rate, while DFT calculations helped elucidate crucial intermolecular interactions between the HBD, organic acid, and polymer chain end.
Frontal sinus anatomy of the noble Swéerts‐Sporck family and verification of their biological relationships using similarity analysis
Authors: Cvrček Jan , Velemínský Petr , Jor Tomáš , Rmoutilová Rebeka , Brůžek Jaroslav
Published: November 2020

The evaluation of frontal sinus similarity is one way to detect biological relationships, especially in small groups, including families of historically known personalities. However, possibilities for studying this issue are currently limited. This contribution deals with the frontal sinuses of a rare osteological sample with known genealogical data, members of the noble Swéerts‐Sporck family from the 17th to 20th centuries. The aim is to verify whether the frontal sinuses reflect documented family relationships. Basic dimensions of the frontal sinus such as total surface area and volume, and maximum height and width, and also morphology and anatomical features were evaluated using computed tomography scans. The portions of the frontal sinus above the “external supraorbital line” were analyzed. The degree of similarity between biologically related individuals was determined for each variable and compared with their known biological distance. The degree of similarity based on dimensions was evaluated using both the unadjusted measured data and standardized data adjusted to size. For the unadjusted dimensions, a positive correlation between morphological similarity and biological relatedness was apparent. On the other hand, no positive correlation was apparent for most of the standardized data. Only total volume showed a very weak indication of a positive trend in the standardized data, but this was weaker than in the original values. A positive quantifiable relationship between morphological patterns and biological distance is not clearly indicated. However, nonmetric features do support the documented relationships of the individuals.
Development of a Novel Peer‐sharing Application to Supplement Learning from Cadaveric Dissection
Authors: Dua Anoushka , Coppola Kristen M. , Mulheron George W. , Troupe David , Lebeau Robert
Published: November 2020

Gross anatomy dissection in contemporary medical education must balance the traditional value of learning from the cadaver with the possibilities created by the use of digital tools as supplemental resources that personalize and deepen the student learning experience. This study broadly examined the design, implementation, and use of AnatomyShare, a novel iPad application employing learner‐generated content that allows students to securely share annotated images of their dissections with each other and take faculty‐generated image‐based quizzes during their first‐year medical school gross anatomy course. Almost all students enrolled in the course used the application (N = 176; 91% use based on analytics). Seventy‐five students responded to a survey asking how and when they used the application, along with their perceptions of its usefulness and contribution to learning. More students reported using the application outside of laboratory (97.3%) than during laboratory (85.3%), despite only in‐laboratory use being required. Taking quizzes using the “Exam” feature was the highest rated use of AnatomyShare, and students cited that the application exposed them to anatomical variation and motivated them to correctly identify structures during dissection. While steps need to be taken to combat low‐quality learner‐generated content and to enhance meaningful student interaction and collaboration, AnatomyShare was a feasible and highly rated supplement to dissection that provided valuable assessment opportunities for students. Future research will examine the impact of use on course grades and engagement in gross anatomy dissection.
Radical Transformations towards the Synthesis of Quinoline: A Review
Authors: Teja Chitrala , Khan Fazlur Rahman Nawaz
Published: November 2020

Quinoline is considered one of the most ubiquitous heterocycles due to its engaging biological activities and synthetic utility over organic transformations. Over the past few decades, numerous reports have been documented in the synthesis of quinolines. The classical methods including, Skraup, Friedlander, Doebner‐von‐Miller, Conrad‐Limpach, Pfitzinger quinoline synthesis, and so forth, these are the well‐known methods to construct principal quinoline scaffold with several advantages and limitations. Recently, radical insertion or catalyzed reactions have emerged as a powerful and efficient tool to construct heterocycles with high atom efficiency and step economy. In this concern, this minireview mainly focused on the developments of Quinoline synthesis via radical reactions. In addition, a brief description of the preparation procedure, reactivity, and mechanisms is also included, where as possible. Respectively, the synthesis of quinolines is classified and summarized based on its reactivity, so it will help the researchers to grab the information in this exploration area, as Quinolines are promising pharmacophores.
Design Principles of Interfacial Dynamic Bonds in Self‐Healing Materials: What are the Parameters?
Authors: Sattar Mohammad Abdul , Patnaik Archita
Published: November 2020

Polymers and polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are extensively used in daily life. However, the growing requirement of advanced PNCs laid persistent environmental issues due to deformation‐induced damage that once formed, does not vanish at future stages. Therefore, self‐healing materials with significantly enhanced long life and safety have been designed to epitomize the forefront of recent advances in materials chemistry and engineering. Self‐healing PNC (SH‐PNCs) materials are a class of smart composites in which nanoparticles induce interfacial reconstruction via multiple covalent and non‐covalent interactions culminating in improved mechanical strength and self‐healing capability. However, since the filler nanoparticles are independent of the reversible supramolecular network, the filler incorporation destroys the self‐healing ability but could enhance the mechanical strength. Hence, the molecular parameters controlling the alliance of robust mechanical strength with virtuous self‐healing ability is a crucial challenge. Herein, we review the latest developments that have been made in self‐healing materials and puts advancing insights into the fabrication of SH‐PNCs in which the combination of covalent bonds and non‐covalent interactions provides an optimal balance between their mechanical performance and self‐healing capability. We highlight the importance of specific entropic, enthalpic changes, polymer chain conformations and flexibility that enable the reconstruction of damaged surface and physical reshuffling of dynamic bonds at the interface of cut surfaces.
Recent advances in computational methods for biosensor design
Authors: Khoshbin Zahra , Housaindokht Mohammad R. , Izadyar Mohammad , Bozorgmehr Mohammad R. , Verdian Asma
Published: November 2020

Biosensors are analytical tools with a great application in healthcare, food quality control, and environmental monitoring. They are of considerable interest to be designed by using cost‐effective and efficient approaches. Designing biosensors with improved functionality or application in new target detection has been converted to a fast‐growing field of biomedicine and biotechnology branches. Experimental efforts have led to valuable successes in the field of biosensor design; however, some deficiencies restrict their utilization for this purpose. Computational design of biosensors is introduced as a promising key to eliminate the gap. A set of reliable structure prediction of the biosensor segments, their stability, and accurate descriptors of molecular interactions are required to computationally design biosensors. In this review, we provide a comprehensive insight into the progress of computational methods to guide the design and development of biosensors, including molecular dynamics simulation, quantum mechanics calculations, molecular docking, virtual screening, and a combination of them as the hybrid methodologies. By relying on the recent advances in the computational methods, an opportunity emerged for them to be complementary or an alternative to the experimental methods in the field of biosensor design.
Randomized trial assessing impact of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiome and clinical outcome from targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dizman Nazli , Hsu JoAnn , Bergerot Paulo G. , Gillece John D. , Folkerts Megan , Reining Lauren , Trent Jeffrey , Highlander Sarah K. , Pal Sumanta K.
Published: November 2020

Studies suggest a link between the gut microbiome and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) outcomes, including evidence that mRCC patients possess a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. compared to healthy adults. We sought to assess if a Bifidobacterium‐containing yogurt product could modulate the gut microbiome and clinical outcome from vascular endothelial growth factor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF‐TKIs). mRCC patients initiating VEGF‐TKIs, regardless of the line of therapy, were randomized to probiotic‐supplemented (two 4 oz. servings of the probiotic yogurt product daily) or probiotic‐restricted arms. Stool samples were collected prior to therapy and at weeks 2, 3, 4, and 12. Microbiome composition was assessed using whole‐metagenome sequencing. A total of 20 patients were randomized. Bifidobacterium animalis, the active ingredient of the probiotic supplement, reached detectable levels in all patients in the probiotic‐supplemented arm versus two patients in the probiotic‐restricted arm. Clinical benefit rate was similar in probiotic‐supplemented versus probiotic‐restricted arms (70% vs. 80%, p = 0.606). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size analysis of MetaPhIAn2 abundance data predicted 25 enriched species demonstrating an LDA score >3 in either clinical benefit or no clinical benefit. In patients with clinical benefit (vs. no clinical benefit), Barnesiella intestinihominis and Akkermansia muciniphila were significantly more abundant (p = 7.4 × 10−6 and p = 5.6 × 10−3, respectively). This is the first prospective randomized study demonstrating modulation of the gut microbiome with a probiotic in mRCC. Probiotic supplementation successfully increased the Bifidobacterium spp. levels. Analysis of longitudinal stool specimens identified an association between B. intestinihominis, A. muciniphila, and clinical benefit with therapy.

Trial Registration: NCT02944617
Cyanine Dyes Containing Quinoline Moieties: History, Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Applications
Authors: Ilina Kristina , Henary Maged
Published: November 2020

Cyanine dyes carrying quinoline moieties are an important class of organic molecules that are of great interest for applications in many fields like medicine, pharmacology, and engineering. Despite their exceptional properties, such as stability, high molar extinction coefficients, and high pH‐sensitivity, this class of dyes has been less analyzed and reviewed in the last few decades. Therefore, this review article focuses on discussing the history of quinoline compounds, various synthetic routes to prepare quinolinium salts and symmetrical and asymmetrical mono‐, di‐, tri‐, penta‐ and heptamethine cyanine dyes, containing quinoline moieties, together with their optical properties and applications as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy, probes in biomolecules for labeling of nucleic acids, as well as imaging agents.
Self‐Assembled FeSe2 Microspheres with High‐Rate Capability and Long‐Term Stability as Anode Material for Sodium‐ and Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xin Wen , Chen Nan , Wei Zhixuan , Wang Chunzhong , Chen Gang , Du Fei
Published: November 2020

Sodium‐ and potassium‐ion batteries have attracted intensive attention recently as low‐cost alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries with naturally abundant resources. However, the large ionic radii of Na+ and K+ render their slow mobility, leading to sluggish diffusion in host materials. Herein, hierarchical FeSe2 microspheres assembled by closely packed nano/microrods are rationally designed and synthesized through a facile solvothermal method. Without carbonaceous material incorporation, the electrode delivers a reversible Na+ storage capacity of 559 mA h g−1 at a current rate of 0.1 A g−1 and a remarkable rate performance with a capacity of 525 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1. As for K+ storage, the FeSe2 anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 393 mA h g−1 at 0.4 A g−1. Even at a high current rate of 5 A g−1, a discharge capacity of 322 mA h g−1 can be achieved, which is among the best high‐rate anodes for K+ storage. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the favorable morphological structure and the use of an ether‐based electrolyte during cycling. Moreover, quantitative study suggests a strong pseudocapacitive contribution, which boosts fast kinetics and interfacial storage.
Sulfonated 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Proton Conduction
Authors: Yang Zongfan , Chen Pei , Hao Wenjing , Xie Zhen , Feng Yu , Xing Guolong , Chen Long
Published: November 2020

Open 1D channels found in covalent organic frameworks are unique and promising to serve as pathways for proton conduction; how to develop high‐rate yet stable transporting systems remains a substantial challenge. Herein, this work reports a strategy for exploring proton‐conducting frameworks by engineering pore walls and installing proton‐containing polymers into the pores. Amide‐linked and sulfonated frameworks were synthesized from imine‐linked precursors via sequentially engineering to oxidize into amide linkages and to further anchor sulfonic acid groups onto the pore walls, enabling the creation of sulfonated frameworks with high crystallinity and channel ordering. Integrating sulfonated polyether ether ketone chains into the open channels enables proton hopping to across the channels, greatly increases proton conductivity and enables a stable continuous run. These results suggest a way to explore proton‐conducting COFs via systematic engineering of the wall and space of the open nanochannels.
Bioequivalence of Metformin in Ertugliflozin/Metformin Fixed‐Dose Combination Tablets to Canadian‐Sourced Metformin Coadministered With Ertugliflozin Under Fasted and Fed States
Authors: Dawra Vikas Kumar , Pelletier Kathleen , Matschke Kyle , Shi Haihong , Hickman Anne , Zhou Susan , Krishna Rajesh , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali
Published: November 2020

A fixed‐dose combination (FDC) product of a selective sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor ertugliflozin and immediate‐release metformin is approved for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United States, European Union countries, Canada, and other countries. Two studies were conducted to assess the bioequivalence of metformin in the ertugliflozin/metformin FDC tablets to the corresponding doses of Canadian‐sourced metformin (Glucophage) coadministered with ertugliflozin. Both studies were phase 1 randomized, open‐label, 2‐period, single‐dose crossover studies (n = 32) in which healthy subjects received an ertugliflozin/metformin FDC tablet (2.5/500 mg or 7.5/850 mg) and the respective doses of the individual components (ertugliflozin coadministered with Canadian‐sourced metformin) under fasted (n = 18) or fed (n = 14) conditions. Blood samples were collected 72 hours postdose to determine metformin concentrations. The 90% confidence intervals were within the bioequivalence acceptance criteria for the adjusted geometric mean ratios (FDC:coadministered) for metformin area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time zero to time t, where t is the last point with a measurable concentration and peak observed plasma concentration for both dose strengths under fasted and fed conditions. All study medications were well tolerated. Bioequivalence was demonstrated for the metformin component of the ertugliflozin/metformin FDC tablets and the corresponding doses of the Canadian‐sourced metformin coadministered with ertugliflozin.
Exploring fine fescues as an option for low‐input golf greens in the north‐central USA
Authors: Petrella Dominic P. , Bauer Sam , Horgan Brian P. , Watkins Eric
Published: November 2020

There is a need to reduce inputs on golf course putting greens. In the north‐central United States, the use of alternative species, like fine fescues (Festuca spp.), could be part of a solution, but information is needed on management and cultivar choices. Our objectives were twofold: (a) to compare performance of fine fescues (strong creeping red [Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin, STF], slender creeping red [Festuca rubra L. ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier, SLF], Chewings [Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin, CHF], and hard fescue [Festuca brevipila Tracey, HDF]) to bentgrasses (creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L., CRB], and colonial bentgrass [Agrostis capillaris L., CLB]) managed as low‐input greens treated with 0, 48.9, 97.7, or 195.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1 during 2017–2018; and (b) to evaluate multiple fine fescue cultivars for multiyear performance when maintained as low‐input greens in St. Paul, MN. In 2017, CHF and SLF maintained the highest quality of the fine fescues and maintained higher quality at low N compared with both bentgrasses, primarily due to less dollar spot (Clarireedia spp.). During 2018, fine fescue responses to N were similar to those in 2017, but summer patch (Magnaporthe spp.) disease resulted in decline of some taxa. In the cultivar study, top‐performing cultivars were CHF, most of which performed similarly. However, SLF and STF cultivars performed more variably. Chewings fescue and SLF maintained with 48.9–97.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1 may be alternatives to CRB for low‐input greens in the north‐central United States, primarily due to reduced dollar spot.
Benefit Sharing for Human Genomics Research: Awareness and Expectations of Genomics Researchers in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Munung Nchangwi Syntia , de Vries Jantina
Published: November 2020

Benefit sharing is an ethical issue that underscores the need to find a balance between access to genetic resources and the provision of fair benefits in exchange for access. The Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) is one of the few initiatives to have engaged with the topic of benefit sharing in human genomics. However, there is a lack of clarity on what benefit sharing entails in human genomics research and how it could be implemented in practice. This paper reports on a qualitative study that explored the views and expectations of benefit sharing by a group of genomics researchers in sub‐Saharan Africa. Overall, while there was little awareness of benefit sharing among the researchers, there was support for benefit sharing in human genetics, and this was based on principles of fairness, solidarity, and reciprocity. This in‐depth explorative study demonstrates the need for genomics research consortia in Africa to have open discussions on benefit sharing and to develop ethics frameworks for benefit sharing in population genomics studies in Africa. HUGO's statement on benefit sharing and the Nagoya Protocol could provide guidance.
Evolutionary origins of taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Southeast Asia
Authors: Ahmed Ibrar , Lockhart Peter J. , Agoo Esperanza M. G. , Naing Kyaw W. , Nguyen Dzu V. , Medhi Dilip K. , Matthews Peter J.
Published: November 2020

As an ancient clonal root and leaf crop, taro (Colocasia esculenta, Araceae) is highly polymorphic with uncertain genetic and geographic origins. We explored chloroplast DNA diversity in cultivated and wild taros, and closely related wild taxa, and found cultivated taro to be polyphyletic, with tropical and temperate clades that appear to originate in Southeast Asia sensu lato. A third clade was found exclusively in wild populations from Southeast Asia to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Our findings do not support the hypothesis of taro domestication in Papua New Guinea, despite archaeological evidence for early use or cultivation there, and the presence of apparently natural wild populations in the region (Australia and Papua New Guinea).
Development of real‐time vibration measurement system by fiber Bragg gratings with pulse light
Authors: Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Sugimoto Yamato , Shinoda Yukitaka
Published: November 2020

We developed a vibration measurement system by fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with a pulse light. The pulse light is produced by modulating a broadband light with an optical fiber switch at a modulation frequency of 40 kHz. This system enables to separate and detect reflection signals from multiple FBGs like a pulse train. This system achieves multipoint and real‐time vibration measurement by FBGs with a time resolution of 25 µs.
Analgesic effect of music during wound care among patients with diaphyseal tibial fractures: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ferraz Maria Cristina Leite , Santana‐Santos Eduesley , Pinto Jonas Santana , Nunes Ribeiro Caíque Jordan , Santana Joyce Francielle Nei Bomfim , Alves José Antonio Barreto , Ribeiro Maria do Carmo de Oliveira
Published: November 2020

Background

Evidence is scarce regarding the analgesic effect of music for the relief of acute pain during the care of surgical tibial fracture wounds.

Objective

To evaluate the analgesic effect of music on acute procedural pain during the care of surgical tibial fracture wounds.

Method

This was a randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial with 70 patients in the immediate postoperative period for diaphyseal tibial fracture surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: a control group (CG), in which patients received only the institution's standard analgesia, and an intervention group (IG) composed of patients receiving a 30‐min session of music of their own choice, as a complementary method to the institution's standard analgesia. Pain was evaluated during the first postoperative dressing change, using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Results

The sample was homogeneously composed of men (91.4%), young adults (61.4%), without previous diseases (88.6%) and whose traumas were related to a motorcycle crash (84.3%). The main musical genres chosen by participants were the most popular in their region (61.4%). Those who listened to music presented lower pain scores when compared with those in the CG (IG:2.4 ± 2.4 versus CG:5.8 ± 2.7; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.171; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Listening to music is effective for relieving acute procedural pain during the first post‐operative tibial fracture dressing change. Music should be incorporated into the multimodal analgesia protocols for management of orthopedic postoperative wound care‐related pain.

Significance

Patients with diaphyseal tibial fractures that listened to music before and during the wound dressing change showed less pain when compared to those who received the standardized pharmacologic analgesia alone.
Effects on Apical Outcomes of Regulatory Relevance of Early-Life Stage Exposure of Double-Crested Cormorant Embryos to 4 Environmental Chemicals
Authors: Crump Doug , Boulanger Emily , Farhat Amani , Williams Kim L. , Basu Niladri , Hecker Markus , Head Jessica A.
Published: November 2020

Environmental risk assessment is often challenged by a lack of toxicity data for ecological species. The overall goal of the present study was to employ an avian early-life stage toxicity test to determine the effects of 4 chemicals (benzo[a]pyrene [BaP], chlorpyrifos, fluoxetine hydrochloride [FLX], and ethinyl estradiol [EE2]) on an ecologically relevant avian species, the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), and to compare our results with those we previously reported for a laboratory model species, Japanese quail. Chemicals were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and administered via air cell injection to fertilized, unincubated double-crested cormorant eggs at 3 nominal concentrations, the highest selected to approximate the 20% lethal dose. Of the 4 chemicals, only chlorpyrifos and FLX were detected in liver tissue of embryos at midincubation (day 14) and termination (day 26; 1–2 d prior to hatch); EE2 and BaP were not detectable, suggesting embryonic clearance/metabolism. No apical effects were observed in double-crested cormorant embryos up to the highest concentrations of chlorpyrifos (no-observed-effect level [NOEL] = 25 µg/g) or FLX (NOEL = 18 µg/g). Exposure to EE2 reduced embryonic viability and increased deformities at a concentration of 2.3 µg/g (NOEL = 0.18 µg/g), and BaP decreased embryonic viability (median lethal dose = 0.015 µg/g; NOEL = 0.0027 µg/g). Compared with Japanese quail, double-crested cormorant were more sensitive with regard to embryolethality and deformities for EE2 and embryolethality for BaP, whereas they were less sensitive to embryonic deformities associated with chlorpyrifos exposure. These data reinforce the idea that standardized toxicity tests using a laboratory model species may not always be protective of wild birds, and thus they stress the importance of developing such alternative testing strategies (e.g., the EcoToxChip Project) for ecologically relevant species to augment risk assessment efforts. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:390–401. © 2020 SETAC
Permissionless proof‐of‐reputation‐X: A hybrid reputation‐based consensus algorithm for permissionless blockchains
Authors: Bou Abdo Jacques , El Sibai Rayane , Demerjian Jacques
Published: November 2020

Over the past years, blockchain technology has become more and more interesting since its ability to carry out transactions without any mediator. To ensure the transactions' reliability, consensus algorithms are adopted by blockchain technology. However, due to the failure of consensus algorithms in managing nodes' identities, blockchain technology is considered inappropriate for many applications. In this article, we propose the permissionless proof‐of‐reputation‐X (PL‐PoRX) that upgrades an existing consensus algorithm, the proof‐of‐reputation‐X (PoRX). PL‐PoRX replaces the trusted identity database in PoRX with a new admission process to make the algorithm suitable for permissionless blockchains, while maintaining PoRX's reputation mechanism. Several experiments are conducted to show the efficiency of our approach under different scenarios. We also debate the security model of the new protocol and study its time complexity. The results show that PL‐PoRX decreases the number of blocks issued by malicious miners, and help benign miners build reputation faster.
Evaluation of thermodynamic properties and antioxidant activities of Achachairu (Garcinia humilis) peels under drying process
Authors: Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , Santos Newton Carlos , Alves Israel Luna , André Anastácia Maria M. C. N.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature on the drying kinetics of achachairu peels. Empirical and diffusive models were used to describe the drying kinetics and the thermodynamic properties of the process. Both fresh and dehydrated samples were characterized according to their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The drying was carried out in an air circulation oven at a speed of 1.5 m s−1at temperatures ranging from 40 to 80°C. Parameters of the effective diffusivity and activation energy were calculated considering the first six terms of Fick's model, and the thermodynamic properties are as follows: enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy. Total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity by ABTS•+and DPPH•, and total tannins using aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were analysed for both fresh peels and the dehydrated. Page's model was considered to be the most appropriate for describing the drying process that occurred at a decreasing rate from the initial phases until the end of the process; Fick's model showed a higher diffusivity value at a temperature of 80°C. The activation energy of the process ranged from 27.773 to 27.569 kJ mol−1depending on the number of terms used in Fick's model. The thermodynamic properties indicated that the process is endothermic and not spontaneous. The extraction process using solvents with different polarities (water and ethanol) enabled the extraction of phenolic compounds; however, the extraction by 'AE' revealed superior results for AA‐ABTS•+, TT and AA‐DPPH•, the latter not being capable of identifying differences in the fresh sample.
Biological activity, and volatile and phenolic compounds from five Lamiaceae species
Authors: Çelik Gonca , Kılıç Gözde , Kanbolat Şeyda , Özlem Şener Sıla , Karaköse Mustafa , Yaylı Nurettin , Karaoğlu Şengül Alpay
Published: November 2020

Lamiaceae, a family of flowering plants, have been historically used as culinary herbs, shrubs and medicinal plants. With this study, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the five species of the Lamiaceae family (Thymus cilicicus, Clinopodium nepeta L., Nepeta italica L., Thymbra spicata L. and Ziziphora clinopodioides) that grow in Turkey were identified by the SPME/GC‐FID/MS method. The five species were screened in order to reveal their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Phenolic compound analyses of five species were performed by using RP‐HPLC with diode array detection. Among the total number of 73 compounds that were identified, α‐pinene (2.2%‐13.8%), β‐pinene (0.3%‐25.9%), p‐cymene (0.7%‐17.9%), γ‐terpinene (0.4%‐22.0%), carvacrol (0.1%‐40.2%), sabinene (1.2%‐34.2%), terpinen‐4‐ol (0.2%‐27.5%), (E)‐β‐caryophyllene (0.1%‐13.8%) and (E)‐β‐farnesene (0.4%‐19.7%) were found to be the most plentiful ones. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the methanol extracts of the five species of the Lamiaceae family were investigated, and the results were in the range of 23‐959 µg/mL; the most pronounced antibacterial activities were determined to be against Mycobacterium smegmatis (23‐291 µg/mL). All of the methanol extracts possessed effective antioxidant capacity (IC50: 1.82‐28.18 μmol/L Trolox/g sample) as estimated from the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging assays. Additionally, the effect of phenolics, especially benzoic acid (86.27, 27.85, ‐, 13.11, 9.59 mg/g extract, respectively), on the biological properties of the methanol extracts of the five species of the Lamiaceae family, was investigated.
Infertility as seen by the infertile couples from a collectivistic culture
Authors: Husain Waqar , Imran Mibarrah
Published: November 2020

Infertility in collectivistic cultures is usually regarded as a matter of social stigmatization instead of a biomedical problem. It has adverse sociocultural consequences, especially for the female spouse. The current study, by involving 20 infertile couples, was a qualitative research focusing on the sociocultural experiences of the infertile couples about the nature, causes, and consequences of infertility. The findings of the current study clearly depicted the sociocultural factors involved in interpreting infertility as a matter of shame and bad reputation for the couple and its family. The study has filled a significant knowledge gap and will be useful in identifying and addressing the cultural barriers in the treatment of infertility.