bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Emerging Therapeutic Interventions for Corona Virus
Authors: Waqas Muhammad Yasir , Javid Muhammad Arshad , Nazir Muhammad Mudasser , Aslam Azhar , Bhatti Sheraz Ahmed , Faraz Asim , Akram Qaiser , Niaz Nasir , Nisar Muhammad Farrukh , Ahmed Tanveer , Asif Muhammad , Khaliq Muhammad Haseeb , Munawar Shaukat , Manzoor Zahid , Ali Qurban
Published: January 2022

The Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the deadliest viruses of current era and is identified as the causative agent of novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This disease stances a severe risk to mankind due to its unexplored pathologies. It was declared as a COVID-19 pandemic by the world health organization. This outbreak has challenged the public health concerns at large, killing the most vulnerable person, causing generalized panic and become a top debate among scientists, clinicians, physicians, pathologists, economists, athletes and politicians. Anti-viral vaccines and target drugs to treat this virus are unavailable due to its diverse genetic instability.  Currently, its prevention, control and treatment are questionable as no proven remedies have been effective for its cure so far. From a research assessment, many number of drugs or medicines are being manufactured and tested at fast pace, goals and objectives are being celebrated on daily basis, and also many drugs are be subjected to clinical tests. Scientists are interested about how to provide the better care to everyone before a vaccine can be made available to common community. To stop COVID-19, effective solutions (i.e., personal protection elements, vaccines, drugs, etc.) are needed urgently. Red bells are ringing but there is no way out. Current review focuses on the ongoing regimes and therapeutic interventions for better combat with COVID-19.
Genetiс Рredisроsitiоn tо Duсtаl Саrсinоmа in situ оf the Breаst: A Review
Authors: Satpathi Shweta , Lamture Yashwant , Yeola Meenakshi , Garde Pankaj , Nagtode Tushar
Published: January 2022

The existence of atypical cells within the epithelium of a tube in the breast is known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCIS is divided into four categories, or so they believed. Papillary, Cribriform, Solid, and Comedo are the most aggressive types, with Comedo being Estrogen Receptor-Progesterone Receptor negative, or so they believed. DCIS is widely regarded as the earliest form of breast cancer significantly. It is not invasive, which is rather crucial. It does not spread outside of the duct and has a very minimal chance of becoming invasive, which is very important. DCIS is typically discovered during mammography to examine carcinoma of breast cancer or for evaluating a lump of the breast. It is, in essence, pretty significant. In recent years our understanding of the genetiс рredisроsitiоn tо саrсinоmа hаs greаtly imрrоved. Three theоretiс сlаsses, саtegоrised by the аssосiаted risks оf саrсinоmа, аreа unit рresently well-knоwn. BRСА1 аnd BRСА2 аreа unit genes knоwn by genоme-wide аnd роint biоlоgiсаl reseаrсh link аnаlysis. Exрerimentаl mоdifiсаtiоn tests аssосiаted with BRСА1 аnd/ оr BRСА2 unсоnсeаled fоur genes, СHEK2, АTM, BRIР1, аnd РАLB2; genetiс mutаtiоns in these genes аreа unit rаre аnd gift а mоderаte risk оf саrсinоmа.The оrgаnizаtiоn’s study аdditiоnаlly knоwn eight соmmоn vаriаnts relаted tо а lоwer inсidenсe оf саrсinоmа. Desрite these findings, mоst оf the fаmily risk оf саrсinоmа hаs nоt been knоwn. during this review, we tend tо desсribe well-knоwn genetiс орtiоns, justify hоwever they're knоwn, аnd аррeаrаnсe аt hоwever mоre аdvаnсes in teсhnоlоgy аnd intelligenсe will fасilitаte determine the remаining genetiс fасtоrs thаt соntribute tо саrсinоmа risk.
Ischemic Stroke in COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Authors: Trepet Ganna , Radzikhovska Nataliia
Published: January 2022

Aims: To determine an association between inflammatory and coagulation markers in a COVID-19 patient with ischemic stroke.

Study Design: We performed a systematic review of 4 databases using the keywords “ischemic”, “stroke”, “COVID-19”,” Virus”

Place and Duration of Study: December 2021 - January 2022.

Methodology: Randomised control trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews were evaluated to ascertain the correlation between inflammatory and coagulation markers in COVID-19 patients with Ischemic stroke. Searches were conducted using Cochrane/EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, and PEDro between (2020-2021).

Results: Of the inflammatory markers, white blood cells (WBC) and platelets did not vary considerably outside their normal ranges. All markers of hypercoagulability were elevated, but only Prothrombin Time corresponded with C-reactive protein (CRP).

Conclusion: Inflammatory markers were not useful in forecasting the development of acute ischemic stroke, but CRP levels may be a possible marker to further research. D-dimer is a tried and true lab test that should be part of management guidelines in the ongoing COVID pandemic.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk of Hair Loss: Knowledge and Practice of Adult Female Population in Saudi Arabia, 2020
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah Ayidh , Alfarhan Ali , AlMutairy Ahmad Nueva , Alomary Saleh Ibrahim
Published: January 2022

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem related to public health causing multiple disorders, for example rickets, osteoporosis (weak bones) and osteomalacia. Lack of information, education and perception about the normal requirements of vitamin D is leading to emergence of many diseases in Saudi population. We aimed to assess Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss among adult female population in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We performed a cross sectional study in adult females older than 16 years who are residing in Saudi Arabia. We excluded female healthcare workers. Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss were measured among included female. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: A total of 810 female were included. Most of participants were between 18-25 (41.6%) and 26-35 (39.5%) years old. 42.6% of total participant were single. 96% of them heard about vitamin D. The main source of information were Relatives & friends (55.8%) followed by health care professional (50.75%).  503 (62.1%) of the participating females correctly knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, 188 (23.2%) thought that there is no relationship while 119 (14.7%) did not know or did not have any opinion. Regarding practice, about 216 (26.7%) participants exposed themselves to sunlight, and 40% were taking Vitamin D supplement. The overall knowledge score was 9.4±2.80 out of 18. A significant difference in knowledge score was found according to age, nationality, residence and marital status.

Conclusions: The overall knowledge score was average among participants, and majority of them heard about vitamin D. About two third of the participants knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. There is a need to increase the taking of vitamin D supplement among female for prevention from diseases.
Stability Testing of Amoxicillin Nano-suspension as Promising Tool for Drug Delivery System
Authors: Eltaib Lina , Mujtaba Md Ali
Published: January 2022

While nano-suspension amoxicillin is one of the approaches for improving dissolution rate of amoxicillinan antibiotic used widely. Stabilizing these nanodosage forms is always a challenge. The present study utilizes nanoprecipitation solvent evaporation technique for preparation of amoxicillin nanoparticles andproposed stability study approach of the same. The methodology was based on investigating stability of amoxicillin nano suspension in vitro, the optimized drug(polymer ratio re-formulated into nano-suspensions) and we compared our results with marketed suspensions. Samples were initially characterized and then subjected to stability testing at ambient temperature and relative humidity up to 6 months assayed using a validated HPLC method. During initial characterization, increase in saturation solubility and dissolution rate observed in all samples. During stability testing, there was gradual decrease in saturation solubility and dissolution rate of the samples, over the period of 3 months. This study considers long-term isothermal measurements, consistent with short-term non-isothermal (accelerating) measurements, providing predictive model to calculate the isothermal degradation periods. As per our results, we agree with the possibility to calculate the value of kinetic constants based on a fixed degradation limit, regardless of the shape of the curve. The accuracy of the prediction would be assessed by comparison of estimated shelf life versus data coming from traditional stability studies.
Role of Cytokines and Vaccines in Break through COVID 19 Infections
Authors: Kumar Roshan , Saha Purabi , Nyarko Richard Owusu , Kahwn Ivan , Boateng Edward Amoah , Boateng Paul Owusu , Christian Asum , Bertram Asare
Published: January 2022

Background: Despite efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, it has failed to provide long-term immunity and protection against COVID-19 and the newly worrying SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains. Understanding cytokines, which are key in generating unique immune responses from pathogenic organisms, is important for creating vaccines.

Objective: In order to better understand cytokines and how the current COVID-19 vaccinations can assist reactivate latent cytokines, the scientific community and the general public must be educated.

Materials and Methods: Medical and scientific indexing sources like PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant medical and scientific publications.

Results: After vaccination, cytokines in the immune system can be activated, which can help signal chemicals that can increase the immune system's ability to fight against new and break-through COVID 19 infections.

Conclusion:  It has been discovered that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines are safe and effective in preventing break through COVID-19 infections, regardless of whether the patient experiences symptoms or not. It is an adenovirus, not an mRNA, that Johnson & Johnson's vaccine is made of.
Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and Assessment of Antioxidant and Anti Cholesterol Activity of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Acalypha indica linn
Authors: Varshan E. Ilammaran , Kavitha S. , Gayathri R. , Vishnupriya V. , Selvaraj J.
Published: January 2022

Background: Acalypha indica Linn. is a weed plant found in shady wetlands. It is commonly called as kuppai meni in Tamil, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is found to be one of the greatest Indian plants with anti-venom, antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Aim:Preliminary phytochemical analysis and assessment of antioxidant and anti cholesterol activity of ethanolic leaf extract of acalypha indica linn

Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential of Acalypha indica Linn.was analysed as per the standard methods. The data were analyzed statistically by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test and it was used to see the statistical significance among the groups. The results with the p<0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant.

Results: Ethanolic leaf extract of Acalypha indica Linn exhibited a significant antioxidant and hypolipidemic activity and increased in a dose dependent manner as compared to the standard drug.

Conclusion: Many researchers are working towards replacing synthetic drugs with herbal alternatives. Herbal extracts are natural and will aid in longevity.
Transferability of patients for radiation treatment between unmatched machines
Authors: Foy Joseph J. , Dogan Serpil K. , Yadav Poonam , Mittal Bharat B. , Das Indra J.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The feasibility of transferring patients between unmatched machines for a limited number of treatment fractions was investigated for three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments.

Methods

Eighty patient‐plans were evaluated on two unmatched linacs: Elekta Versa HD and Elekta Infinity. Plans were equally divided into pelvis 3DCRT, prostate VMAT, brain VMAT, and lung VMAT plans. While maintaining the number of monitor units (MUs), plans were recalculated on the machine not originally used for treatment. Relative differences in dose were calculated between machines for the target volume and organs at risk (OARs). Differences in mean dose were assessed with paired t‐tests (p < 0.05). The number of interchangeable fractions allowable before surpassing a cumulative ±5% difference in dose was determined. Additionally, patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) measurements using ArcCHECK for both machines were compared with distributions calculated on the machine originally used for treatment using gradient compensation (GC) with 2%/2‐mm criteria.

Results

Interchanging the two machines for pelvic 3DCRT and VMAT (prostate, brain, and lung) plans resulted in an average change in target mean dose of 0.9%, −0.5%, 0.6%, 0.5%, respectively. Based on the differences in dose to the prescription point when changing machines, statistically, nearly one‐fourth of the prescribed fractions could be transferred between linacs for 3DCRT plans. While all of the prescribed fractions could typically be transferred among prostate VMAT plans, a rather large number of treatment fractions, 31% and 38%, could be transferred among brain and lung VMAT plans, respectively, without exceeding a ±5% change in the prescribed dose for two Elekta machines. Additionally, the OAR dosage was not affected within the given criterion with change of machine.

Conclusions

Despite small differences in calculated dose, transferring patients between two unmatched Elekta machines with similar multileaf collimator (MLC)‐head for target coverage and minimum changes in OAR dose is possible for a limited number of fractions (≤3) to improve clinical flexibility and institutional throughput along with patient satisfaction. A similar study could be carried out for other machines for operational throughput.
Ultrafast Optical Properties of Cavity‐Enhanced Superfluorescence
Authors: Zhong Yichi , Zhou Chun , Hou Luyang , Li Jingzhou , Xie Wei , Dong Hongxing , Zhang Long
Published: January 2022

Cavity‐enhanced superfluorescence is an ultrafast and intense lasing produced by strong interaction between superfluorescence and optical cavity. However, due to the quite difficulty of particle cooperative emission in solid‐state systems, and the low coupling efficiency between superfluorescence and optical cavity, research on ultrafast optical properties of cavity‐enhanced superfluorescence is thus far in its infancy. Fortunately, perovskites being made into quantum dot superlattice microcavity is an excellent candidate as such light source. This work reveals the time‐dependent redshift process of cavity‐enhanced superfluorescence under high‐power injection, and interprets the physical mechanism of lasing broadening with increasing power from the dynamic perspective. At the same time, the multi‐mode lasing dynamic photoluminescence image output at different times is also tracked. The short‐wavelength resonance mode has a lower stimulated threshold, but its radiation lags behind the long‐wavelength resonance mode by 4 ps in high excited density. These ultrafast optical property researches may promote the application of quantum dot superlattices in information technology, optical communications, ultrafast lasers, and other fields.
In Situ Preparation of Mn0.2Cd0.8S‐Diethylenetriamine/Porous g‐C3N4 S‐Scheme Heterojunction with Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhao Zhiwei , Dai Kai , Zhang Jinfeng , Dawson Graham
Published: January 2022

The design of a step‐scheme (S‐scheme) heterojunction can promote the separation of photogenerated carriers and optimize the oxidation–reduction capacity of the photocatalyst to the greatest possible extent. It is one of the most effective schemes for enhancing the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this work, an S‐scheme of Mn0.2Cd0.8S‐diethylenetriamine/porous g‐C3N4 (MCS/PCN) heterojunction is designed, which accelerates the charge transfer at the interface of Mn0.2Cd0.8S‐diethylenetriamine (Mn0.2Cd0.8S‐DETA) and porous g‐C3N4 (Pg‐C3N4), and provides electrons for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Under the same light conditions, the hydrogen production efficiency of the MCS/PCN composite is 11.42 mmol h‐1 g‐1, which is 30 times higher than that of pure Pg‐C3N4. By constructing this in situ grown S‐scheme heterojunction, a new direction for the precise design of charge separation is provided.
Glucose‐Sensing Photonic Nanochain Probes with Color Change in Seconds
Authors: Cai Jinyang , Luo Wei , Pan Juanjuan , Li Gang , Pu Yuyang , Si Luying , Shi Gongpu , Shao Yuxuan , Ma Huiru , Guan Jianguo
Published: January 2022

Glucose‐sensing photonic crystals are promising for the significant advance of continuous glucose monitoring systems due to the naked‐eye colorimetric readouts and noninvasive detection of diabetes, but the long response time hampers their practical applications. Here, for the first time probes of photonic nanochains (PNCs) are demonstrated that are capable of continuously and reversibly sensing glucose concentration ([glucose]) variation within seconds by color change without power consumption, much faster by 2–3 orders of magnitude than previous ones. They are comprised of 1D equidistant arrays of magnetic nanoparticles enveloped by tens‐of‐nanometer‐thick phenylboronic acid‐functionalized hydrogels, and fabricated by developing selective concentration polymerization of monomers in binary microheterogeneous solvents of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and H2O. In this process, both 3‐acrylamido phenylboronic acid (AAPBA) and N‐2‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAAm) are preferentially dissolved in the small volume of free DMSO concentrated in the vicinity of poly vinylpyrrolidone coated Fe3O4 colloidal nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PVP), yielding Fe3O4@PVP@poly(AAPBA‐co‐HEAAm) PNCs after UV irradiation under magnetic field. The PNCs in phosphate buffered solution have a wavelength‐shift range up to 130 nm when [glucose] changes from 0 to 20 × 10−3 m. The results can facilitate real‐time glucose monitoring and provide an alternative to produce functional organic–inorganic nanostructures.
Perovskite Solar Cells with Carbon‐Based Electrodes – Quantification of Losses and Strategies to Overcome Them
Authors: Bogachuk Dmitry , Yang Bowen , Suo Jiajia , Martineau David , Verma Anand , Narbey Stephanie , Anaya Miguel , Frohna Kyle , Doherty Tiarnan , Müller David , Herterich Jan P. , Zouhair Salma , Hagfeldt Anders , Stranks Samuel D. , Würfel Uli , Hinsch Andreas , Wagner Lukas
Published: January 2022

Carbon‐based electrodes represent a promising approach to improve stability and up‐scalability of perovskite photovoltaics. The temperature at which these contacts are processed defines the absorber grain size of the perovskite solar cell: in cells with low‐temperature carbon‐based electrodes (L‐CPSCs), layer‐by‐layer deposition is possible, allowing perovskite crystals to be large (>100 nm), while in cells with high‐temperature carbon‐based contacts (H‐CPSCs), crystals are constrained to 10–20 nm in size. To enhance the power conversion efficiency of these devices, the main loss mechanisms are identified for both systems. Measurements of charge carrier lifetime, quasi‐Fermi level splitting (QFLS) and light‐intensity‐dependent behavior, supported by numerical simulations, clearly demonstrate that H‐CPSCs strongly suffer from non‐radiative losses in the perovskite absorber, primarily due to numerous grain boundaries. In contrast, large crystals of L‐CPSCs provide a long carrier lifetime (1.8 µs) and exceptionally high QFLS of 1.21 eV for an absorber bandgap of 1.6 eV. These favorable characteristics explain the remarkable open‐circuit voltage of over 1.1 V in hole‐selective layer‐free L‐CPSCs. However, the low photon absorption and poor charge transport in these cells limit their potential. Finally, effective strategies are provided to reduce non‐radiative losses in H‐CPSCs, transport losses in L‐CPSCs, and to improve photon management in both cell types.
Molecular dynamics simulation on the structure–activity relationship between the Gemini surfactant and foam properties
Authors: Tang Haifeng , Song Jiamei , Zha Mengling , He Jincheng , Yan Zhihu
Published: January 2022

The structure–activity relationship between the molecular structure of Gemini surfactants and foam properties has not yet been deeply revealed. In this study, we clarified for the first time the structure–activity relationship between foam properties and molecular structure of Gemini surfactant by discussing the variation characteristics of parameters such as free energy of interface formation, radial distribution function, and mean square displacement calculated by molecular simulation method. The research results show that (1) the Gemini surfactant with the sulfonic acid head group has the most excellent foam properties; (2) the foam properties increase monotonously with the increase of the hydrophobic tail chain length; (3) the foam properties decrease monotonously with the increase of the spacer group length. It is hoped that this article can further broaden the application range of surfactants as foaming agents in industrial fields such as oil and gas exploitation.
Chelation‐activated multiple‐site reversible chemical absorption of ammonia in ionic liquids
Authors: Cai Zhenping , Zhang Jiayin , Ma Yongde , Wu Wenquan , Cao Yanning , Huang Kuan , Jiang Lilong
Published: January 2022

Developing new and facile strategies for multiple‐site reversible chemical absorption of pollutant gases is of wide interests in chemical engineering research. Herein, a series of lithium (Li)‐triethylene glycol (TEG)–chelated ionic liquids (ILs) with crown‐ether‐like cation and different anions were designed. The Li‐TEG–chelated ILs were prepared in quantitative yields by simply mixing equimolar TEG and Li salts. It is found that the chelation of TEG with Li+ activates the hydroxyl sites in TEG for strong interaction with ammonia (NH3). Thus, the hydroxyl sites chelated with Li+, as well as the chelation‐unsaturated Li+, provide the multiple sites for chemical absorption of NH3 in Li‐TEG–chelated ILs. Moreover, the absorption of NH3 in Li‐TEG–chelated ILs is totally reversible, with the NH3 solubilities remaining unchanged after eight times of recycling. The results obtained herein can provide useful guidance for the construction of gas absorbents with high capacity and excellent reversibility.
A SOX3 duplication and lumbosacral spina bifida in three generations
Authors: Butler Kameryn M. , Fee Timothy , DuPont Barbara R. , Dean Jane H. , Stevenson Roger E. , Lyons Michael J.
Published: January 2022

Chromosomal aneuploidies, microduplications and microdeletions are the most common confirmed genetic causes of spina bifida. Microduplications of Xq27 containing the SOX3 gene have been reported in 11 cases, confirming the existence of an X‐chromosomal locus for spina bifida. A three generation kindred reported here with a SOX3 duplication has been identified in one of 17 kindreds with recurrences in the 29 years of the South Carolina Neural Tube Defect Prevention Program. Other recurrences during this time period included siblings with an APAF1 mutation, siblings with a CASP9 mutation, siblings with a microdeletion of 13q, and two sets of siblings with Meckel syndrome who did not have genetic/genomic studies performed.
A population history of indigenousBahamianislanders: Insights from ancientDNA
Authors: Forbes‐Pateman Vanessa , Yardumian Aram , Vilar Miguel , Simms Tanya M. , Pateman Michael P. , Keegan William
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The Bahamas is an archipelago in the western Atlantic Ocean that stretches over 1000 km, just north of Cuba and east of the Florida Peninsula. Modern DNA studies show that contemporary Bahamians are genetic descendants of European and African ancestors, unlike Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, where Indigenous descendancy is well documented. For The Bahamas little was known about the genetic ancestry of the Indigenous Lucayans (AD 700–1600) and their relationship to other Indigenous Caribbean populations. In this study, we investigated genetic diversity in Indigenous Lucayans from the Bahamas Archipelago to better understand the phylogeography of their genetic lineages, and to determine their relationship with other Indigenous Caribbean populations.

Materials and methods

We characterized genetic diversity across two uniparental markers in 31 ancient individuals from burial sites on seven Bahamian islands.

Results

We observed significant homogeneity in Lucayan paternal lineages, with only two haplogroups (Q‐M902 and Q‐Z781) found among them. Mitochondrial lineages were more diverse, with individuals belonging to haplogroup A2, B2, C1b, and C1d1. Four were assigned to a previously unidentified C1d lineage. Of the B2 samples, 7 of 11 belonged to the rare South America/Caribbean haplogroup B2e. This haplogroup was the most prevalent in the Northwest Bahamas while C1, particularly C1d, was more prevalent in the Central and Southern Bahamas.

Discussion

These findings document a complex genetic history with an initial migration from Hispaniola beginning 1300 years ago, and possible gene flow from Cuba to Andros in late Bahamian prehistory.
Comparative anatomy of the ligaments and muscles of the radiocarpal joint in chimpanzees and humans
Authors: Potau Josep Maria , Pastor Juan Francisco , de Paz Félix Jesús , Barbosa Mercedes , Gómez Mónica , de Diego Marina , Casado Aroa
Published: January 2022

Objectives

In the present study, we have analyzed the anatomy of the radiocarpal joint ligaments and muscles in Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens in order to identify similarities and differences between the two species that may be related to differences in hand use and function.

Materials and Methods

Anatomical dissections of the ligaments and muscles of the radiocarpal joint were performed in six adult chimpanzees and 12 humans. The mass of each ligament and of the functional ligament groups were calculated relative to the total ligament mass and compared between the two species. The mass of the functional muscle groups relative to the total mass of the muscles of the radiocarpal joint was also calculated and compared between the two species.

Results

The ligaments of the radiocarpal joint had similar anatomical characteristics in chimpanzees and humans. The relative mass of the palmar ligaments was greater in humans, while that of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament was greater in chimpanzees. In both species, the relative mass of the palmar and dorsal muscle groups was inversely related to that of the corresponding ligament groups.

Discussion

The greater relative mass of the palmar ligaments in humans may be related to the importance of wrist extension during manipulative tasks. The greater relative mass of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament in chimpanzees may be related to the need to stabilize the radiocarpal joint in flexion, mainly during arboreal locomotion.
Defect‐Free Alternating Conjugated Polymers Enabled by Room‐ Temperature Stille Polymerization
Authors: Ma Bowei , Shi Qinqin , Ma Xiaoying , Li Yawen , Chen Hao , Wen Kaikai , Zhao Ruihua , Zhang Fengjiao , Lin Yuze , Wang Zhixiang , Huang Hui
Published: January 2022

The Stille cross‐coupling polymerization is one of the most efficient synthetic methods for donor–acceptor (D–A) type π‐conjugated polymers (CPs). Nevertheless, thermal‐activation Stille polymerization readily produced homocoupling defects, resulting in batch‐to‐batch variations in copolymers quality and deteriorating the device performance of electronics and optoelectronics. Here, a room‐temperature Stille‐type polymerization was developed, the utility and generality of which were demonstrated by synthesis of twelve D–A CPs with high molecular weights. Importantly, the resultant copolymers possessed no homocoupling (hc) structural defects, while hc reactions were observed in the thermal‐activation Stille reactions. Thus, the organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) based on the former exhibited twofold higher charge transport mobility (2.10 cm2 V−1 s−1), since it possessed stronger crystallinity and lower trap density of states (tDOS).
Synthesis of Axially Chiral Aldehydes by N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization Followed by Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Wu Yingtao , Li Mingrui , Sun Jiaqiong , Zheng Guangfan , Zhang Qian
Published: January 2022

Axially chiral aldehydes have received increasing attention in enantioselective catalysis. However, only very few catalytic methods have been developed to construct structurally diverse axially chiral aldehydes. We herein describe an NHC‐catalyzed atroposelective esterification of biaryl dialdehydes as a general and practical strategy for the construction of axially chiral aldehydes. Mechanistic studies indicate that coupling proceeds through a novel combination of NHC‐catalyzed desymmetrization of the dialdehydes and kinetic resolution. This protocol features excellent enantioselectivity, mild conditions, good functional‐group tolerance, and applicability to late‐stage functionalization and provides a modular platform for the synthesis of axially chiral aldehydes and their derivatives.
Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Membrane Based on Pillararene‐Intercalated MXene Nanosheets for Efficient Water Purification
Authors: Sun Yue , Yi Fan , Li Run‐Hao , Min Xuehong , Qin Huan , Cheng Shi‐Qi , Liu Yi
Published: January 2022

Discharge of antibiotic‐containing wastewater causes environmental pollution and threatens biological and human health. An efficient treatment method for this wastewater is urgently required. We prepared inorganic–organic hybrid MXene–pillararene nanosheets with a large lateral size (5–8 μm). The hybrid nanosheets were stacked on supports via vacuum‐assisted filtration to prepare membranes with regular parallel slits and an interlayer spacing of 1.36 nm, which were used to purify antibiotic‐containing water. Permeance through the membrane increased 100‐fold compared with most polymeric and other two‐dimensional nanofiltration membranes with similar rejection. This high permeance and rejection was attributed to the large lateral size of the nanosheets, regular interlayer spacing, and electrostatic interaction between the membrane and antibiotics. These membranes will broaden the applications of lamellar materials for the separation of high‐value‐added drugs in academia and industry.
An Artificial Light‐Harvesting System with Controllable Efficiency Enabled by an Annulene‐Based Anisotropic Fluid
Authors: Yu Zhen , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Chen Xu‐Man , Nie Zhen‐Zhou , Wang Meng , Yang Hong , Li Quan
Published: January 2022

The development of controllable artificial light‐harvesting systems based on liquid crystal (LC) materials, i.e., anisotropic fluids, remains a challenge. Herein, an annulene‐based discotic LC compound 6 with a saddle‐shaped cyclooctatetrathiophene core has been synthesized to construct a tunable light‐harvesting platform. The LC material shows a typical aggregation‐induced emission, which can act as a suitable light‐harvesting donor. By loading Nile red (NiR) as an acceptor, an artificial light‐harvesting system is achieved. Relying on the thermal‐responsive self‐assembling ability of 6 with variable molecular order, the efficiency of such 6‐NiR system can be controlled by temperature. This light‐harvesting system works sensitively at a high donor/acceptor ratio as 1000 : 1, and exhibits a high antenna effect (39.1) at a 100 : 1 donor/acceptor ratio. This thermochromic artificial light‐harvesting LC system could find potential applications in smart devices employing soft materials.
Preparation of waterborne polyurethane film based on spirooxazine containing hydrophilic groups
Authors: Wang Min , Cai Gang , Liu Guojie , Cui Congcong , Gao He , Gao Jun
Published: January 2022

The problem of poor compatibility between organic functional molecules and waterborne polyurethane systems has received widespread attention. Herein, in order to reduce the effect of spirooxazine introduction on the compatibility of polyurethane in aqueous systems, two novel spirooxazine compounds SO2 and SO4 with hydrophilic groups were synthesized and successfully introduced into waterborne polyurethanes by chemical bonding and physical blending. The results show that compared with pure waterborne polyurethane, the particle size of the waterborne polyurethane emulsion bonded with SO2 or SO4 (0.5 wt%) is significantly reduced, and the SO4 effect is more obvious. Therefore, SO20.5‐WPU (grafted with 0.5 wt% SO2) and SO40.5‐WPU (grafted with 0.5 wt% SO4) have more uniform film formation and higher light transmittance. Additionally, the physical blending of SO2 and SO4 has less impact on the mechanical properties and water resistance of the films compared to chemical grafting. Tensile strength was able to maintain 72.3% and 88.5%, and water resistance remained 77.5% and 68.5%, respectively. The films prepared by the two methods have good photochromic performance and fatigue resistance, but the spirooxazine in the chemically bonded film has better thermal stability. Therefore, we provide a new idea for the preparation of functional aqueous polyurethane.
Artificial intelligence changes the way we work: A close look at innovating with chatbots
Authors: Wang Xuequn , Lin Xiaolin , Shao Bin
Published: January 2022

An enhanced understanding of the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) is essential for organizations to improve work design and daily business operations. This study's purpose is to offer insights into how AI can transform organizations' work practices through diving deeply into its innovative use in the context of a primary AI tool, a chatbot, and examining the antecedents of innovative use by conceptualizing employee trust as a multidimensional construct and exploring employees' perceived benefits. In particular, we have conceptualized employee trust in chatbots as a second‐order construct, including three first‐order variables: trust in functionality, trust in reliability, and trust in data protection. We collected data from 202 employees. The results supported our conceptualization of trust in chatbots and showed that three dimensions of first‐order trust beliefs have relatively the same level of importance. Further, both knowledge support and work–life balance enhance trust in chatbots, which in turn leads to innovative use of chatbots. Our study contributes to the existing literature by introducing the new conceptualization of trust in chatbots and examining its antecedents and outcomes. The results can provide important practical insights regarding how to support innovative use of chatbots as the new way we organize work.
Pricing exotic options in the incomplete market: An imprecise probability method
Authors: He Ting , Coolen Frank P. A. , Coolen‐Maturi Tahani
Published: January 2022

This article considers a novel exotic option pricing method for incomplete markets. Nonparametric predictive inference (NPI) is applied to the option pricing procedure based on the binomial tree model allowing the method to evaluate exotic options with limited information and few assumptions. As the implementation of the NPI method is greatly simplified by the monotonicity of the option payoff in the tree, we categorize exotic options by their payoff monotonicity and study a typical type of exotic option in each category, the barrier option and the look‐back option. By comparison with the classic binomial tree model, we investigate the performance of our method either with different moneyness or varying maturity. All outcomes show that our model offers a feasible approach to price the exotic options with limited information, which makes it can be utilized for both complete and incomplete markets.
Kinetic characterization and modeling of sequentially entrapped enzymes in 3D‐printed PMMA microfluidic reactors for the synthesis of amorphadiene via the isopentenol utilization pathway
Authors: Kabernick Derek C. , Gostick Jeff T. , Ward Valerie C. A.
Published: January 2022

The development of cascade cell‐free systems reduces the requirement for extensive metabolic engineering and optimization to increase in vivo pathway flux. For continuous operation and increased stability, direct enzyme entrapment during reactor fabrication by three‐dimensional (3D)‐printing allows for simple immobilization procedures without enzyme‐specific optimization. In this study, the isopentenol utilization pathway (IUP) was selected for the synthesis of amorphadiene, an antimalaria drug precursor, using a 3D‐printed, sequentially immobilized, microfluidic reactor. As an initial proof‐of‐concept, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was entrapped in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based matrix during stereolithographic 3D‐printing and was kinetically characterized. No significant shift of the kinetically modeled substrate binding affinity was observed during immobilization and continuous operation of an entrapped ALP microfluidic reactor displayed high stability. The IUP enzymes retained moderate activity during entrapment (6.6%–9.6%) relative to the free enzyme solutions, however the sequentially immobilized IUP microfluidic reactor was severely limited by low pathway flux due to the use of stereolithographic 3D‐printing which significantly diluted enzyme concentrations for printing. Although this study demonstrated the use of additive manufacturing for the synthesis of amorphadiene using a complex five‐enzyme cascade microfluidic reactor, stereolithographic enzyme entrapment remains limited in scope and dependent on advancements to additive manufacturing technologies.
Acetonitrile coordination to silver(I) ions of 1‐D coordination polymers with 1,3‐di(nicotinoyloxy)‐2‐methylenepropane
Authors: Jo Seong Min , Noh Tae Hwan
Published: January 2022

The fluorescent molecule 1,3‐di(nicotinoyloxy)‐2‐methylenepropane (L) can be a good candidate for construction of coordination polymers with photoluminescence (PL) properties. Self‐assembly of silver(I) hexafluorophosphate with this ligand in a mixture of methanol and dichloromethane produced a 1‐D helical coordination polymer consisting of [Ag(L)](PF6), whereas crystallization from an acetonitrile‐based medium afforded a 1‐D sinusoidal coordination polymer consisting of [Ag(L)(CH3CN)2](PF6) having intramolecular argentophilic Ag∙∙∙Ag and π∙∙∙π interactions arising from the eclipsed conformation of L. These findings suggest that the final structures of the two products can be controlled by the reaction solvent media rather than the crystallization method or concentration. The physicochemical properties of the present silver(I) compounds were fully characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, PL, single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and powder‐XRD measurements.
Effect of online social media marketing efforts on customer response
Authors: Upadhyay Yogesh , Paul Justin , Baber Ruturaj
Published: January 2022

It has been a challenge to map the efficacy of marketing communications in building stronger brands on social media. Given the paucity of research in this area, the present study offers a holistic model that maps the effect of social media marketing (hereinafter SMMEs) on consumer response via building brand equity and brand trust. This study was conducted on customers of major brands of smartphones in India. The data were collected from 318 consumers who visited fan pages of the selected brands of smartphones. The current study examines how SMMEs influence customer behavior via brand equity and trust. Additionally, the study examines how brand equity and brand trust interact during the process. The current study's findings indicate that brand equity partially mediates the effect of SMMEs on customer response. On the other hand, SMMEs do not succeed in converting brand trust into customer response. Further, brand equity fully mediates SMMEs' effect on brand trust. Finally, the results also show that the effect of brand equity on customer response is partially mediated by brand trust. Toward the end, study dwells on its practical implications and limitations.
Effect of different mills on the physical and flow properties of selected black bean flour particle size fractions
Authors: Fernando Supun , Manthey Frank A.
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Particle size and shape can influence inherent flour properties and eventually the quality of the finished food product. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mill type on the physical and flow properties of selected particle size fractions of black bean flour.

Findings

Particle shape differed with mill type and particle size. Disc mill and stone mill produced flour particles with lower circularity and greater elongation than did hammer mill, cyclone mill, and centrifugal mill. Greater particle elongation with a stone mill and disc mill is attributed to compression/shear size‐reduction forces applied to the particles trapped between the rotating/nonrotating stones or discs. Particle circularity increased with an increased particle size, which was reflected by a strong positive correlation between circularity and particle size (r = .93, n = 5) while elongation value was negatively correlated with average minimum particle size (r = −.90, n = 5). Particle circularity had a negative correlation of r = −.93, n = 30; r = −.81, n = 30; r ≈ −.95, n = 30; r = −.94, n = 30 with L*, angle of repose, angle of slide, and compact bulk density, respectively.

Conclusions

Mill type and particle size interaction significantly affected the physical and flow properties of selected particle size fractions of black bean flour. The results indicate that the large black bean particles were more circular and compact and less convex and elongated compared with small particles.

Significance and Novelty

These findings indicate that mill type affects not only particle size but also particle shape, both of which can affect the flow and functional processing properties of black bean flour.
3D‐Printed Acidic Monolithic Catalysts for Liquid‐Phase Catalysis with Enhanced Mass Transfer Properties
Authors: Hock Sebastian , Rein Christof , Rose Marcus
Published: January 2022

The thriving research and development in additive manufacturing and especially 3D printing in chemical engineering and heterogeneous catalysis enables novel and innovative approaches for the shaping of catalysts. In this work, tailor‐made monoliths with complex transport pore channels are designed and printed by fused deposition modelling (FDM) from polystyrene filament. Subsequently, sulfonic acid groups are introduced by sulfonation for a catalytic functionalization of the structured monoliths’ accessible inner surface. As a catalytic test reaction, the aqueous phase hydrolysis of sucrose was chosen. For this reaction the functionalized monoliths exhibited a superior catalytic performance in both batch and continuous reaction mode in comparison to a macroporous sulfonic acid‐functionalized ion exchange resin as commercial benchmark catalyst. This is due to the higher accessibility of the sulfonic acid groups on the surface of the monoliths’ pore channels and hence, enhanced effective reaction kinetics by decreased mass transfer limitations.
Konzepte zur Integration erneuerbarer synthetischer Kraftstoffe in einen bestehenden Raffinerieverbund
Authors: Graf David , Koroveshi Xhesika , Kolb Thomas , Rauch Reinhard
Published: January 2022

Die Bewältigung der globalen Klimakrise fordert neben neuen Ansätzen auch Strategien zur Transformation fossiler Technologien im Sinne der Nachhaltigkeit. Im Verkehrssektor ist der zukünftige nicht‐fossile Energiemix weiterhin nur schwer absehbar. Neben der sicheren Elektrifizierung des Nahverkehrs ist es unumgänglich für die Übergangsphase sowie auch für den Transportsektor Alternativen aufzuzeigen. In der vorliegenden Studie wird die Integration erneuerbarer Benzin‐ und Dieselkraftstoffe nach der Biomass‐to‐Liquid‐ und Power‐to‐Liquid‐Route in eine Raffinerie diskutiert und basierend auf Bilanzen bewertet.
Andrographolide Derivatives Target the KEAP1/NRF2 Axis and Possess Potent Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Activity
Authors: Schulte Bianca , König Maria , Escher Beate I. , Wittenburg Sophie , Proj Matic , Wolf Valentina , Lemke Carina , Schnakenburg Gregor , Sosič Izidor , Streeck Hendrik , Müller Christa E. , Gütschow Michael , Steinebach Christian
Published: January 2022

Naturally occurring compounds represent a vast pool of pharmacologically active entities. One of such compounds is andrographolide, which is endowed with many beneficial properties, including the activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). To initiate a drug repurposing or hit optimization campaign, it is imperative to unravel the primary mechanism(s) of the antiviral action of andrographolide. Here, we showed by means of a reporter gene assay that andrographolide exerts its anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 effects by inhibiting the interaction between Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) causing NRF2 upregulation. Moreover, we demonstrated that subtle structural modifications of andrographolide could lead to derivatives with stronger on‐target activities and improved physicochemical properties. Our results indicate that further optimization of this structural class is warranted to develop novel COVID‐19 therapies.
Matched cohort study of hospitalization in children who have siblings with cancer
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Marcoux Sophie , Bégin Philippe , Lewin Antoine , Lee Ga Eun , Healy‐Profitós Jessica , Luu Thuy Mai
Published: January 2022

Background

Health outcomes of children in families affected by cancer are poorly understood. The authors assessed the risk of hospitalization in children who have a sibling with cancer.

Methods

This was a longitudinal cohort study in which 1600 children who had a sibling with cancer were matched to 32,000 children who had unaffected siblings in Quebec, Canada, from 2006 to 2020. The exposure of interest was having a sibling with cancer. Outcomes included hospitalization for pneumonia, asthma, fracture, and other morbidities any time after the sibling was diagnosed with cancer. The children were followed over time, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the impact of having a sibling with cancer on the risk of hospitalization before age 14 years, adjusted for patient characteristics.

Results

Children who had a sibling with cancer had an increased risk of hospitalization compared with unaffected children (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.29). Conditions associated with a greater risk of hospitalization included pneumonia, hemangioma, other skin conditions, sleep apnea, and inflammatory bowel disease. The risk of hospitalization was greatest for children whose older sibling had cancer (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.32) and for children whose sibling had hematopoietic cancer (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.48).

Conclusions

Children who have a sibling with cancer are at risk of hospitalization for conditions such as pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, and other morbidities. Families affected by childhood cancer may benefit from additional support to facilitate care for all children in the family.

Lay Summary

Little is known about the health of children who have a brother or sister with cancer.

The authors studied the types of hospitalization experienced by children who have siblings with cancer.

The results indicated that having a sibling with cancer increased the chance of being hospitalized for pneumonia and other conditions that could have been preventable.

The results also indicated that children who had an older sibling with cancer or a sibling with blood cancer had a greater chance of being hospitalized.

The findings highlight the importance of providing timely care for children in families affected by childhood cancer.