bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entry flow of a low-density-polyethylene melt into a slit die: An experimental study by laser-Doppler velocimetry
Authors: Wassner E. , Schmidt M. , Münstedt H.
Published: July 2002

The flow behavior of a low-density-polyethylene melt in a 14:1 planar contraction was investigated by laser-Doppler velocimetry. The velocity field in the central plane of the flow channel is composed of the measurement of the velocity components in and perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. Two dies differing in their entrance angles are compared. In the case of the flat entry die large recirculating vortices are found in front of the die entry plane. Under stable flow conditions there is no material exchange between the vortices and the primary flow. It is shown that very small velocities within the vortices can be measured accurately. In the case of the oblique entry die no vortices are found. By the normalization of the velocity profiles with the average velocity in the die, calculated independently from the mass flow rate, an output-invariant presentation is found for the apparent shear rate range from 53 to 182 s−1. The velocity distribution along the centerline of the flow channel exhibits a pronounced velocity overshoot shortly after the die entry plane. The distance up to a fully developed velocity field within the die is about 15 times the height of the slit. Due to the acceleration of the melt in front of the die entry large elongational deformations occur. The resulting maximum elongation rates (20 s−1) are very high compared to those achievable by elongational rheometers. It is demonstrated by the comparison of the strain rate tensor components that the elongational deformation in the center plane of the flow channel is planar.
High Steric‐Hindrance Windmill‐Type Molecules for Efficient Ultraviolet to Pure‐Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes via Hybridized Local and Charge‐Transfer Excited‐State
Authors: Zhong Ziting , Zhu Xiangyu , Wang Xianhui , Zheng Yu , Geng Sinuo , Zhou Zhikuan , Feng Xin Jiang , Zhao Zujin , Lu Hua
Published: April 2022

Hybridized local and charge‐transfer (HLCT) excited‐state compounds that enable full exciton utilization through a reverse intersystem conversion (RISC) from a high‐lying triplet to a singlet state have attracted attention. Developing high‐performance ultraviolet (UV) and blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is challenging due to difficulties acquiring HLCT molecules with a large energy bandgap and a high photoluminescence. Herein, a new strategy for excellent‐performance UV to blue emitters based on high steric‐hindrance windmill‐type structure is proposed. These emitters exhibit good thermal, morphological, and electrochemical stabilities, as well as HLCT excited‐state characteristics. Results suggest that OLED using CTPPI efficiently emits UV light (396 nm, CIEx,y = 0.16, 0.04) with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.9% and currently ranks third in UV OLEDs. The lights of these devices are well modulated from UV/deep‐blue to pure‐blue with EQEs greater than 5% by regulating the locally excited (LE) and charge‐transfer (CT) components. Experimental and theoretical investigations indicate that harvesting triplet excitons afford high electroluminescence efficiencies via HLCT excited states in the devices. This study provides an efficient strategy to achieve high‐performance UV and blue OLEDs and offers great flexibility for material design.
Novel Robust, Reusable, Microbial‐Resistant, and Compostable Protein‐Based Cooling Media
Authors: Zou Jiahan , Sbodio Adrian Oscar , Blanco‐Ulate Barbara , Wang Luxin , Sun Gang
Published: April 2022

Novel environment‐friendly heat‐storage materials with efficient cooling capacity are in high demand by the food, pharmaceutical, and related industries and supply chains. Better control and prevention of cross‐contamination caused by meltwater from traditional ice have become critical to ensure the safety and quality of food and other commodities. Here is reported a microbial‐resistant, reusable, and compostable novel stationary cooling medium, “Jelly Ice Cubes” (JICs), based on gelatin–menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) hydrogels (Gel/MSB‐JICs) with cooling efficiency comparable with traditional ice. For the first time, the photo‐crosslinking reactions induced by MSB are proposed and validated theoretically and experimentally. Photo‐tuning is used collectively with rapid‐freeze‐slow‐thaw treatment to construct robust hydrogel frameworks against the functional and structural damages caused by the phase transition of water during repeated uses. Exceptionally stable cooling efficiency and robust mechanical strength are observed across ten application cycles, with stable antimicrobial functions against bacteria, fungi, and yeast. At the end of the lifecycle of JICs, they can be composted or used as a soil treatment to promote plant growth. The novel JICs are competent as promising, safer, and more eco‐friendly substitutes for traditional ice and ice packs.
Hierarchically Structured Black Gold Film with Ultrahigh Porosity for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Yan , Yu Bin , Yin Kuibo , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: April 2022

Plasmonic metals demonstrate significant potential for solar steam generation (SSG) because of their localized surface plasmon resonance effect. However, the inherently narrow absorption spectra of plasmonic metals significantly limit their applications. The fabrication of nanostructures is essential to achieve broadband solar absorption for high‐efficiency vapor generation. Herein, a self‐supporting black gold (Au) film with an ultrahigh porosity and a hierarchically porous structure is fabricated by formulating an extremely dilute Cu99Au1 precursor and controlling the dealloying process. In situ and ex situ characterizations reveal the dealloying mechanism of Cu99Au1 in a 1 m HNO3 solution as that involving the phase transformation of Cu(Au) → Au(Cu) → Au, giant volume shrinkage (≈87%), structural evolution/coarsening of ligaments, and development of ultrahigh porosity (86.2%). The multiscale structure, consisting of ultrafine nanoporous nanowires, aligned nanogaps, and various microgaps, provide efficient broadband absorption over 300–2500 nm, excellent hydrophilicity, and continuous water transport. In particular, the nanoporous black Au film shows high SSG performance with an evaporation rate of 1.51 kg m–2 h–1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 94.5% under a light intensity of 1 kW m–2. These findings demonstrate that the nanoporous Au film has great potential for clean water production and seawater desalination.
Efficient Alkaline Water/Seawater Hydrogen Evolution by a Nanorod‐Nanoparticle‐Structured Ni‐MoN Catalyst with Fast Water‐Dissociation Kinetics
Authors: Wu Libo , Zhang Fanghao , Song Shaowei , Ning Minghui , Zhu Qing , Zhou Jianqing , Gao Guanhui , Chen Zhaoyang , Zhou Qiancheng , Xing Xinxin , Tong Tian , Yao Yan , Bao Jiming , Yu Luo , Chen Shuo , Ren Zhifeng
Published: April 2022

Achieving efficient and durable nonprecious hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts for scaling up alkaline water/seawater electrolysis is desirable but remains a significant challenge. Here, a heterogeneous Ni‐MoN catalyst consisting of Ni and MoN nanoparticles on amorphous MoN nanorods that can sustain large‐current‐density HER with outstanding performance is demonstrated. The hierarchical nanorod–nanoparticle structure, along with a large surface area and multidimensional boundaries/defects endows the catalyst with abundant active sites. The hydrophilic surface helps to achieve accelerated gas‐release capabilities and is effective in preventing catalyst degradation during water electrolysis. Theoretical calculations further prove that the combination of Ni and MoN effectively modulates the electron redistribution at their interface and promotes the sluggish water‐dissociation kinetics at the Mo sites. Consequently, this Ni‐MoN catalyst requires low overpotentials of 61 and 136 mV to drive current densities of 100 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, in 1 m KOH and remains stable during operation for 200 h at a constant current density of 100 or 500 mA cm−2. This good HER catalyst also works well in alkaline seawater electrolyte and shows outstanding performance toward overall seawater electrolysis with ultralow cell voltages.
Hierarchically Ordered Perovskites with High Photo‐Electronic and Environmental Stability via Nanoimprinting Guided Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly
Authors: Han Hyowon , Oh Jin Woo , Park Jumi , Lee Hyeokjung , Park Chanho , Lee Seung Won , Lee Kyuho , Jeon Seungbae , Kim Sohee , Park Youjin , Jeong Beomjin , Ryu Du Yeol , Park Cheolmin
Published: April 2022

The development of a sub‐50 nm nanopattern of a thin perovskite film is of significant interest with its excellent photo‐electronic properties and environmental stability. By employing nanoimprinting of a moldable perovskite precursor, self‐assembled with a block copolymer, a thin perovskite nanopattern with excellent photo‐electronic stability is developed over a large area. Approximately 40 nm nanodomains consisting of perovskite crystals, which are 10 nm in diameter, are templated in the block copolymer, and the registry of the perovskite nanodomains is further guided by the topological pattern with a periodicity of a few hundred nanometers. This method can produce hierarchically controlled nanostructures of the perovskites from molecular crystals to self‐assembled domains with tens of nanometer scale and patterned structures of a few hundred nanometers. With an ultrathin top skin layer on a patterned perovskite/block copolymer film developed during the nanoimprinting, the hierarchically ordered perovskite is environmentally stable in ambient conditions over 100 days with its photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈28%. Furthermore, the enhanced photoconduction of the perovskite nanocrystals hierarchically structured in the nanopatterns allows for developing the arrays of photodetectors with long‐term environmental stability over 90 days.
Flexible Multichannel Neural Probe Developed by Electropolymerization for Localized Stimulation and Sensing
Authors: Chik Gary Kwok Ki , Xiao Na , Ji Xudong , Tsang Anderson Chun On , Leung Gilberto Ka Kit , Zhang Shiming , Tin Chung , Chan Paddy Kwok Leung
Published: April 2022

Miniaturization and minimization of mechanical mismatch in neural probes have been two well‐proven directions in suppressing immune response and improving spatial resolution for neuronal stimulations and recordings. While the high impedance brought by the miniaturization of electrodes has been addressed by using conductive polymers coatings in multiple reports, the stiffness of such coatings remains orders of magnitude higher than that of the brain tissue. Here, a flat neural probe based on a highly flexible microelectrode array with electrodeposited hydrogel coatings poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) and conductive polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT/PSS), with a cross‐section area at only 300 µm × 2.5 µm is presented. The PEDOT/PSS coating provides a low interfacial impedance, and the pHEMA deposition bridges the mechanical mismatch between the probe and the brain tissues. The two layers of polymers modification enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio and allow the microelectrodes array to be engineered for both recording and stimulation purposes. Besides, in vivo testing of microelectrode arrays implanted in rat hippocampus confirms a high senstivity in neural signal recording and excellent charge injection capacity which can induce long‐term potentiation in neural activities in the hippocampus. The probes provide a robust and low‐cost solution to the brain interfaces problem.
Drop breakup and entrainment in the updraft
Authors: Liu Hai‐Feng , Wang Yu‐Fan , Zhao Hui , Li Wei‐Feng , Xu Jian‐Liang
Published: April 2022

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of gas–liquid countercurrent contact processes. In spray towers or other applications, several drops containing pollutants are entrained by the updraft flue gas, which can easily cause environmental pollution. Traditionally, this drop entrainment phenomenon is alleviated by increasing the diameter of the drops. However, the breakup of a large drop would also cause drop entrainment to become serious, a process referred to as secondary atomization. Herein, we propose the boundary of three drop modes in the updraft: drop falling mode, reverse entrainment mode, and breakup entrainment mode. The critical Weber number (We) is the key dimensionless number marking the beginning of the drop breakup. The ratio of the drag force to gravity and We are proposed as criteria for the drop entrainment.
A Minireview on the Scope of Cadogan Cyclization Reactions Leading to Diverse Azaheterocycles
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Kumar Raj
Published: April 2022

From the last two decades, Cadogan cyclization reaction is considered as one of the best routes for the preparation of various azaheterocycles comprising carbazoles, indoles, coumarins, carbolines, pyrazoloquinoxalines, S,N‐heterotetracenes from the nitro‐based substrates by using a variety of tetravalent phosphorus‐based reagents. To date the majority of Cadogan reactions are found to be intramolecular reactions, however, interestingly, a case of intermolecular Cadogan reaction is also reported, resulting in the widening of the reaction scope for futuristic perspectives. We report the Cadogan cyclization reactions for the synthesis of azaheterocycles from 2018 to present according to multiple classes of chemical frameworks including its scope (FDA approved drugs), along with the possibilities and mechanistic developments for unexpected products.
Use of intraoperative frontal sinus mometasone‐eluting stents decreased interleukin 5 and interleukin 13 in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Schneider Alexander L. , Racette Samuel D. , Kang Anthony K. , Reddy Abhita T. , Huang Julia H. , Lehmann David S. , Price Caroline P.E. , Eide Jacob G. , Rodeghiero Samuel R. , Conley David B. , Welch Kevin C. , Kern Robert C. , Shintani‐Smith Stephanie , Peters Anju T. , Kato Atsushi , Stevens Whitney S. , Schleimer Robert P. , Tan Bruce K.
Published: April 2022

Background

Mometasone‐eluting stents (MES) have demonstrated improvement in short‐term endoscopic outcomes and reduce short‐ to medium‐term rescue interventions. Their effect on the local inflammatory environment, longer‐term patient‐reported outcomes, and radiographic severity have not been studied.

Methods

Middle meatal mucus and validated measures of disease severity were collected before and 6 to 12 months after endoscopic surgery in 52 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). Operative findings, type 2 mediator concentrations, intraoperative variables, and disease severity measures were compared between those who did and those who did not receive intraoperative frontal MES.

Results

A total of 52 patients with CRSwNPs were studied; 33 received frontal MES and were compared with 19 who did not. Pre–endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) middle meatus (MM) interleukin (IL) 13 and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were higher in the stented group (p < 0.05), but pre‐ESS clinical measures of disease severity were similar as were surgical extent and post‐ESS medical management. Intraoperative eosinophilic mucin was more frequent in the stented group (58% vs 11%, p = 0.001). IL‐5 (p < 0.05) and IL‐13 (p < 0.001) decreased post‐ESS in the stented group, but this was not observed in the nonstented group. Post‐ESS IL‐4 and IL‐13 were higher in the nonstented vs stented group (p < 0.05 for both).

Conclusion

Although patients who received intraoperative frontal MES had significantly higher pre‐ESS MM IL‐13 and ECP, patients who received frontal MES had lower concentrations of IL‐4 and IL‐13 than those who did not at a median of 8 months post‐ESS. However, these changes did not correspond to significantly different measures of symptomatic or radiographic disease severity.
Design of a modular and compliant wrist module for upper limb prosthetics
Authors: Demofonti Andrea , Carpino Giorgio , Tagliamonte Nevio Luigi , Baldini Giulia , Bramato Laura , Zollo Loredana
Published: April 2022

In the last decades, there have been great efforts in the development of advanced polyarticulated prosthetic hands; in contrast, prosthetic wrists have drawn less interest. Nevertheless, increasing the dexterity of the wrist improves handling skills because the wrist allows the prepositioning of the hand before carrying out a task, avoiding the onset of unwanted trunk or shoulders compensatory movements and potential onset or exacerbation of articular injuries. This study presents a novel 2‐degree‐of‐freedom prosthetic wrist module with active pronation/supination and passive elastic flexion/extension. This system is suitable to be included in hand prostheses to improve anthropomorphism and produce a more physiological motion. The first submodule within the socket is able to rotate a prosthetic hand and an external load of 3 kg at 2.6 rad/s. The second one can guarantee a range of motion of ±75° with a centering elastic torque (compliant mode) or it can keep firms grasps (fixed mode). Compliant mode is based on a Scotch‐Yoke mechanism converting wrist flexion/extension into the linear motion of a crossbeam acting on compression springs, while fixed mode is achieved by means of a piston that can be engaged/disengaged. The whole module fits with anthropometry and the modular design ensures the proposed system can be used in a stand‐alone way and adapted to different hand prostheses. This device is expected to favor a more physiological dexterity with respect to simpler fixed prostheses that can potentially induce harmful motion of body districts not naturally involved in the reaching and grasping tasks.
Critical success factors‐based strategy to facilitate green manufacturing for responsible business: An application experience in Indian context
Authors: Seth Dinesh , Rehman Minhaj Ahemad A.
Published: April 2022

For responsible business, green manufacturing (GM) and its management demand an in‐depth examination of key areas which offer strategic advantage to the company while minimising environmental damage. It is significant in the context to a rapidly rising economy India, which is emerging as manufacturing hub for the globe and is also infamous for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This research offers a unique strategy to facilitate GM implementation by addressing critical success factors (CSFs), its intensity and its overall impact, through a framework in Indian context. Detailed literature review and industry experts' views are utilised to synthesise key CSFs in Indian context, followed by framework development for its application in a manufacturing company, through hybrid multicriteria decision‐making approach. This research highlights priorities and potential challenges that a manufacturing organisation will face if it wishes to implement GM. The findings strategically guide practitioners and researchers about where and what to focus and caution them before an organisation invests its resources. Research offers a powerful strategy to leverage and translate qualitative CSFs in the form of a quantitative intensity index. Authors expect that this CSFs‐based strategy will be beneficial to both researchers and professionals in strengthening the link between manufacturing and environment research domains.
Anatomy podcasts for medical education
Authors: Skadorwa Tymon
Published: April 2022

The implementation of podcasts as a complementary educational activity increased over the past year due to the Covid‐19 pandemic. Being an alternative channel for transmission of anatomical knowledge, the on‐demand audio broadcasts became an intriguing medium for both students and educators. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire study on the evaluation of an audio podcast designed specifically for the first‐year medical students as an innovative and optional component of the human anatomy course. The audience expressed their opinions in four categories: engagement in listening to the podcast, content and preferences, technical level and perspectives of using the podcast in further years of medical studies. Despite the non‐compulsory nature of the podcast, the listenership reached the level of 45%. In the study, 1608 listeners had access to the survey and the overall response rate was 35.9%. Based on the analysis, the attitude and preferences of the listeners were demonstrated, including the preferred time of listening, length of the episodes, selection of topics, format of the broadcast, or the method of its delivery. Students also commented on the influence of the podcast on passing the final exam in anatomy and a concept of recording broadcasts in a foreign language. The presented data allowed the recognition of the needs of medical students and contributed to the improvement of the ongoing project. The paper presents the technical data and guidelines for educators willing to include this medium in the students' anatomical curriculum.
In Silico Analysis Identifies the Anti‐Liver Injury Targets of Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate: Validated in Perfluorooctanoic Acid‐Lesioned Mouse Model
Authors: Qin Jingru , Song Jianhua , Liang Yujia , Jiao Aijun , Yang Bin
Published: April 2022

Liver injury refers to a pathological condition that causes dysfunction to hepatic parenchymal cells. And diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) is clinically prescribed for hepatoprotection. To date, detailed information regarding DG against liver injury in molecular mechanisms remains unrevealed totally. In the present study, we applied network pharmacology and molecular docking to decipher substantial genes, biological functions of DG for treating liver injury. Furthermore, preclinical experiments using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)‐induced liver injury in mice were used to validate the bioinformatic findings. Our results showed that the target network of DG and liver injury predominantly shared 90 genes. Eleven core genes of DG treating liver injury including ALB, TP53, TNF, CASP3, PTGS2, JUN, TLR4, IL10, STAT3, NOS3, FOS. The gene ontology and KEGG enrichment further highlighted their importance in regulation of cell proliferation, regulation of transcription, inflammatory response, regulation of NF‐kappaB import into nucleus, regulation of apoptotic process, T cell receptor signaling pathway, and Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, DG treatment was found to rescue the PFOA‐induced liver injury through the modulation of identified genes including TNF, CASP3, PTGS2, and ALB. Current integrated data from bioinformatics method and experimental validation uncovered that DG exerts potent actions to treat liver injury through regulating core targets associated with inflammation and immunomodulation.
The Isoflavanoid (+)‐PTC Regulates Cell‐Cycle Progression and Mitotic Spindle Assembly in a Prostate Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Moraes de Farias Kaio , Rosa‐Ribeiro Rafaela , Souza Edmarcia E. , Kobarg Jörg , Banwell Martin G. , de Brito Vieira Neto José , Leyenne Alves Sales Sarah , Roberto Ribeiro Costa Paulo , Cavalcante dos Santos Rafael , Vilaça Gaspar Francisco , Gomes Barreto Junior Amaro , da Conceição Ferreira Oliveira Maria , Odorico de Moraes Manoel , Libardi M. Furtado Cristiana , Carvalho Hernandes F. , Pessoa Claudia
Published: April 2022

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men and the development of effective therapeutic strategies remains challenging when more advanced, androgen‐independent or insensitive forms are involved. Accordingly, we have evaluated, using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and image analysis, the anti‐proliferative effects of (+)‐2,3,9‐trimethoxypterocarpan [(+)‐PTC, 1] on relevant human prostate cancer cells as well as its capacity to control mitosis within them. In particular, the studies reported herein reveal that (+)‐PTC exerts anti‐proliferative activity against the PC‐3 cell lines by regulating cell‐cycle progression with mitosis being arrested in the prophase or prometaphase. Furthermore, it emerges that treatment of the target cells with this compound results in the formation of monopolar spindles, disorganized centrosomes and extensively disrupted γ‐tubulin distributions while centriole replication remains unaffected. Such effects suggest (+)‐PTC should be considered as a possible therapy for androgen‐insensitive/independent prostate cancer.
One‐Pot Solvothermal Synthesis of Carbon Black‐Supported CuO for Catalysis of CO2Electroreduction
Authors: Dias Eduardo H. , Da Silva Gelson T. S. T. , Da Cruz Jean C. , Ribeiro Caue
Published: April 2022

Here we propose a simple one‐pot solvothermal method to synthesize well‐dispersed CuO catalysts over carbon black surface for application in CO2electrolysis. Although simple, the route produced catalysts with good performance even in lower CuO contents, increasing the efficiency of the catalytic layer. Films prepared by straightforward dropping on fluorine tin oxide (FTO) substrates were stable (up to 30 hours), showing good activity for CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) and controlling the competitive H2evolution to preferentially form CO2reduction products (CO, formic acid, ethanol, and acetic acid). The results showed values of almost 50 % of faradaic efficiency for products of CO2reduction, comparable with other more elaborated catalysts reported in the literature, even utilizing cheap support, easy synthesis, and lower potentials.
On‐Surface Metathesis of an Ionic Liquid on Ag(111)
Authors: Massicot Stephen , Sasaki Tomoya , Lexow Matthias , Maier Florian , Kuwabata Susumu , Steinrück Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2022

We investigated the adsorption, surface enrichment, ion exchange, and on‐surface metathesis of ultrathin mixed IL films on Ag(111). We stepwise deposited 0.5 ML of the protic IL diethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([dema][TfO]) and 1.0 ML of the aprotic IL 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8C1Im][PF6]) at around 90 K. Thereafter, the resulting layered frozen film was heated to 550 K, and the thermally induced phenomena were monitored in situ by angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Between 135 and 200 K, [TfO]− anions at the Ag(111) surface are exchanged by [PF6]− anions and enriched together with [C8C1Im]+ cations at the IL/vacuum interface. Upon further heating, [dema][PF6] and [OMIm][PF6] desorb selectively at ∼235 and ∼380 K, respectively. Hereby, a wetting layer of pure [C8C1Im][TfO] is formed by on‐surface metathesis at the IL/metal interface, which completely desorbs at ∼480 K. For comparison, ion enrichment at the vacuum/IL interface was also studied in macroscopic IL mixtures, where no influence of the solid support is expected.
Direct Reduction of Siderite Ore Combined with Catalytic CO/CO2 Hydrogenation to Methane and Methanol: A Technology Concept
Authors: Kleiber Sascha , Loder Astrid , Siebenhofer Matthäus , Böhm Andreas , Lux Susanne
Published: April 2022

Industrial CO2 emission mitigation necessitates holistic technology concepts; especially in high‐emission industrial sectors like the iron and steel industry. A novel direct reduction technology with hydrogen reduces CO2 emissions in iron production from siderite ore by more than 60 %. Subsequent valorization of the process gas, consisting of unconverted hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and CO2, by catalytic hydrogenation to methane and methanol completes the technology concept. This route gives access to CO2 emission‐lean iron production from siderite ore, fossil‐free methane and methanol synthesis, and thus, improved energy density of the energy carrier hydrogen.
A comparison of local therapy alone with local plus systemic therapy for stage I pT1aN0M0 HER2+ breast cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Cao Lifen , Towe Christopher W. , Shenk Robert , Stabellini Nickolas , Amin Amanda L. , Montero Alberto J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Small invasive breast cancers (BCs) with tumor sizes ≤5 mm (T1a) are associated with an excellent prognosis without systemic therapy. Although HER2 overexpression (HER2+) is associated with a higher risk of recurrence and poorer clinical outcomes, in the absence of HER2 directed therapy, it remains unclear whether adjuvant systemic therapy is necessary in node‐negative patients diagnosed with HER2+ invasive BCs ≤5 mm (pT1aN0M0).

Methods

The National Cancer Database was searched to identify patients diagnosed with HER2+ pT1aN0M0 BCs from 2004 to 2017. The cohort was stratified by treatment status: local therapy alone or local plus adjuvant systemic therapy. A 1:1 propensity match was performed. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using stratified multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results

Of the 8948 patients found, 4026 (45.0%) underwent surgery alone, and 4922 (55.0%) received surgery plus systemic therapy. Patients with either moderately differentiated (odds ratio [OR], 2.053; P < .001) or poorly/undifferentiated tumors (OR, 3.780; P < .001) or with the presence of lymphovascular invasion (OR, 3.351; P < .001) were more likely to have received systemic therapy. Propensity matching generated 1162 pairs of patients who were hormone receptor positive (HR+) and 748 pairs who were hormone receptor negative (HR–). Propensity matching effectively reduced selection bias between study groups. In the matched cohort, the addition of systemic therapy was not associated with superior OS (hazard ratio for HR+, 1.613; P = .107, and hazard ratio for HR– 1.319; P = .369) compared with patients who received local therapy alone.

Conclusions

In pT1aN0M0 HER2+ BC, the addition of adjuvant systemic therapy after surgical excision was not associated with improved OS compared with local therapy alone.
A deep learning method for automatic SMS spam classification: Performance of learning algorithms on indigenous dataset
Authors: Abayomi‐Alli Olusola , Misra Sanjay , Abayomi‐Alli Adebayo
Published: April 2022

SMS, one of the most popular and fast‐growing GSM value‐added services worldwide, has attracted unwanted SMS, also known as SMS spam. The effects of SMS spam are significant as it affects both the users and the service providers, causing a massive gap in trust among both parties. This article presents a deep learning model based on BiLSTM. Further, it compares our results with some of the states of the art machine learning (ML) algorithm on two datasets: our newly collected dataset and the popular UCI SMS dataset. This study aims to evaluate the performance of diverse learning models and compare the result of the new dataset expanded (ExAIS_SMS) using the following metrics the true positive (TP), false positive (FP), F‐measure, recall, precision, and overall accuracy. The average accuracy for the BiLSTSM model achieved moderately improved results compared to some of the ML classifiers. The experimental results achieved significant improvement from the ground truth results after effective fine‐tuning of some of the parameters. The BiLSTM model using the ExAIS_SMS dataset attained an accuracy of 93.4% and 98.6% for UCI datasets. Further comparison of the two datasets on the state‐of‐the‐art ML classifiers gave an accuracy of Naive Bayes, BayesNet, SOM, decision tree, C4.5, J48 is 89.64%, 91.11%, 88.24%, 75.76%, 80.24%, and 79.2% respectively for ExAIS_SMS datasets. In conclusion, our proposed BiLSTM model showed significant improvement over traditional ML classifiers. To further validate the robustness of our model, we applied the UCI datasets, and our results showed optimal performance while classifying SMS spam messages based on some metrics: accuracy, precision, recall, and F‐measure.
Role of environmental and occupational factors in fall‐related maxillofacial fractures
Authors: Sattar Nigam , Rabia Rahat Gillani Syeda , Erkin Mahwish , Khan Muslim , Abbas Maryam , Khurshid khattak Nimrah
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and patterns of maxillofacial fractures in falls due to environmental and occupational reasons.

Material and Methods

One hundred and nineteen patients were included in this study who presented to the department of Oral and maxillofacial surgery at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. The duration of study was 3 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Demographic data such as age, gender and data environmental or occupational etiology of falls and pattern of fractures was noted in a customized Performa after detailed history, clinical and radiographic examination. Patients of maxillofacial fractures resulting due to falls with age ranging from 16 to 64 years were included. Those cases of falls that presented with systemic diseases or had chances of pathological fractures were excluded from the study.

Results

Male population was affected more than females (60% vs. 39.4%). The mean age was 32.39 SD ± 16.031. Falls due to environmental factors were more common than occupational factors (81.5% vs 18.5%). Fracture of midface was more common (57.1%) than fracture of mandible (36.7%) in patients of falls. 5.5% had both midface and mandible fractures.

Conclusion

We concluded that Environmental and work‐related facial fractures in falls are common in third and fourth decade of life. Falls due to stumbling, tripping and slipping, falls from height and falls from stairs most commonly result in midface fractures. Mandible fractures are commonly seen in sportsmen and laborers. Preventive strategies shall be adopted to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with such injuries.
A critical review of cannabis in medicine and dentistry: A look back and the path forward
Authors: Abidi Ammaar H. , Alghamdi Sahar S. , Derefinko Karen
Published: April 2022

Introduction

In the last two decades, our understanding of the therapeutic utility and medicinal properties of cannabis has greatly changed. This change has been accompanied by widespread cannabis use in various communities and different age groups, especially within the United States. With this increase, we should consider the potential effects of cannabis–hemp on general public health and how they could alter therapeutic outcomes.

Material and Methods

The present investigation examined cannabis use for recreational and therapeutic use and a review of pertinent indexed literature was performed. The focused question evaluates “how cannabis or hemp products impact health parameters and do they provide potential therapeutic value in dentistry, and how do they interact with conventional medicines (drugs).” Indexed databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE) were searched without any time restrictions but language was restricted to English.

Results

The review highlights dental concerns of cannabis usage, the need to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS), cannabinoid receptor system, its endogenous ligands, pharmacology, metabolism, current oral health, and medical dilemma to ascertain the detrimental or beneficial effects of using cannabis–hemp products. The pharmacological effects of pure cannabidiol (CBD) have been studied extensively while cannabis extracts can vary significantly and lack empirical studies. Several metabolic pathways are affected by cannabis use and could pose a potential drug interaction. The chronic use of cannabis is associated with health issues, but the therapeutic potential is multifold since there is a regulatory role of ECS in many pathologies.

Conclusion

Current shortcomings in understanding the benefits of cannabis or hemp products are limited due to pharmacological and clinical effects not being predictable, while marketed products vary greatly in phytocompounds warrant further empirical investigation. Given the healthcare challenges to manage acute and chronic pain, this review highlights both cannabis and CBD‐hemp extracts to help identify the therapeutic application for patient populations suffering from anxiety, inflammation, and dental pain.
Digital planning of composite customized veneers using Digital Smile Design: Evaluation of its accuracy and manufacturing
Authors: Ortensi Luca , Sigari Giancarlo , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Ferri Agnese , Grande Francesco , Pedullà Eugenio
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the production of customized composite veneers starting from a two‐dimensional (2D) digital preview using the Digital Smile System (DSS).

Material and Methods

A photographic examination of 30 patients was performed by taking two digital pictures of the face and a digital preview through the DSS. Moreover, optical scans of the dental arches were obtained and the data were entered into a three‐dimensional (3D) software to prepare a virtual preview. The standard tessellation language files were sent for production using CAD‐CAM technology. The Friedman test, Bonferroni, and Dunn post hoc tests were used, comparing the linear measurements of the 2D and 3D plans and the final veneers (α = .05).

Results

Significant differences emerged between the pictures and digital scans on the mesial–distal widths of the lateral incisors and canine. Linear measurements in the 2D plan were significantly different from those of the 3D plan, except for the height measures of incisors. No significant changes were found on comparing the parameters of the 2D and 3D plans with those of the final pieces.

Conclusions

The customized veneers were clinically adequate and similar to 2D and 3D plans, although significant differences emerged between the picture and digital scans as well as between the 2D and 3D plans.
Cultural dynamics and conflict management: Evidence from Buipe and Bole chieftaincy conflicts in the Savannah Region, Ghana
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed Gadafi , Mahama Edward Salifu , Fuseini Moses Naiim
Published: April 2022

Chieftaincy violence and tensions have persisted in most of the Savannah Region's traditional areas, and attempts to resolve them through the formal court system have failed since the parties reject most court decisions. Consequently, this study examined cultural dynamics in conflict management. A multiple case study design was used while data were gathered using interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic and cross‐case analyses were used to analyze the data. The study found that structural causes of the conflicts are interwoven with cultural breakdowns. The cognizance of culture into the management process by the traditional committees formed resulted in acceptable outcomes, as the processes proved to be meaningful to all stakeholders because it better met local needs. It is proposed that stakeholders in conflict management and peacebuilding should encourage, develop, and expedite local conflict management processes, with culture as an essential factor to consider in the process.
From microbes to mammals: Pond biodiversity homogenization across different land‐use types in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Ionescu D. , Bizic M. , Karnatak R. , Musseau C. L. , Onandia G. , Kasada M. , Berger S. A. , Nejstgaard J. C. , Ryo M. , Lischeid G. , Gessner M. O. , Wollrab S. , Grossart H.‐P.
Published: April 2022

Local biodiversity patterns are expected to strongly reflect variation in topography, land use, dispersal boundaries, nutrient supplies, contaminant spread, management practices, and other anthropogenic influences. Contrary to this expectation, studies focusing on specific taxa revealed a biodiversity homogenization effect in areas subjected to long‐term intensive industrial agriculture. We investigated whether land use affects biodiversity levels and community composition (α‐ and β‐diversity) in 67 kettle holes (KH) representing small aquatic islands embedded in the patchwork matrix of a largely agricultural landscape comprising grassland, forest, and arable fields. These KH, similar to millions of standing water bodies of glacial origin, spread across northern Europe, Asia, and North America, are physico‐chemically diverse and differ in the degree of coupling with their surroundings. We assessed aquatic and sediment biodiversity patterns of eukaryotes, Bacteria, and Archaea in relation to environmental features of the KH, using deep‐amplicon‐sequencing of environmental DNA (eDNA). First, we asked whether deep sequencing of eDNA provides a representative picture of KH aquatic biodiversity across the Bacteria, Archaea, and eukaryotes. Second, we investigated if and to what extent KH biodiversity is influenced by the surrounding land use. We hypothesized that richness and community composition will greatly differ in KH from agricultural land use compared with KH in grasslands and forests. Our data show that deep eDNA amplicon sequencing is useful for in‐depth assessments of cross‐domain biodiversity comprising both micro‐ and macro‐organisms, but has limitations with respect to single‐taxa conservation studies. Using this broad method, we show that sediment eDNA, integrating several years to decades, depicts the history of agricultural land‐use intensification. Aquatic biodiversity was best explained by seasonality, whereas land‐use type explained little of the variation. We concluded that, counter to our hypothesis, land use intensification coupled with landscape wide nutrient enrichment (including atmospheric deposition), groundwater connectivity between KH and organismal (active and passive) dispersal in the tight network of ponds, resulted in a biodiversity homogenization in the KH water, leveling off today's detectable differences in KH biodiversity between land‐use types. These findings have profound implications for measures and management strategies to combat current biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes worldwide.
Impact of roasting on the phenolic and volatile compounds in coffee beans
Authors: Wu Hanjing , Lu Peiyao , Liu Ziyao , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Suleria Hafiz A. R.
Published: April 2022

Phenolic compounds present in coffee beans could generate flavor and bring benefits to health. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of commercial roasting levels (light, medium, and dark) on phenolic content and antioxidant potential of Arabica coffee beans (Coffea arabica) comprehensively via antioxidant assays. The phenolic compounds in roasted samples were characterized via liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS). Furthermore, the coffee volatile compounds were identified and semi‐quantified by headspace/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS). Generally, for phenolic and antioxidant potential estimation, light roasted samples exhibited the highest TPC (free: 23.97 ± 0.60 mg GAE/g; bound: 19.32 ± 1.29 mg GAE/g), DPPH, and FRAP. The medium roasted beans performed the second high in all assays but the highest ABTS+ radicals scavenging capacity (free: 102.37 ± 8.10 mg TE/g; bound: 69.51 ± 4.20 mg TE/g). Totally, 23 phenolic compounds were tentatively characterized through LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS, which is mainly adopted by 15 phenolic acid and 5 other polyphenols. The majority of phenolic compounds were detected in the medium roasted samples, followed by the light. Regarding GC‐MS, a total of 20 volatile compounds were identified and semi‐quantified which exhibited the highest in the dark followed by the medium. Overall, this study confirmed that phenolic compounds in coffee beans would be reduced with intensive roasting, whereas their antioxidant capacity could be maintained or improved. Commercial medium roasted coffee beans exhibit relatively better nutritional value and organoleptic properties. Our results could narrow down previous conflicts and be practical evidence for coffee manufacturing in food industries.
Selection of superior accessions of turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa L.) based on tuber quality‐related characters
Authors: Khadivi Ali , Mirheidari Farhad , Moradi Younes
Published: April 2022

Turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa L.) (syn. B. campestris L. ssp. rapifera Sinsk) is an important crop species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The 185 accessions belonging to this crop were collected from several areas of Toodshak region in Isfahan province, Iran, and their tubers were cultivated under homogeneous conditions in loamy clay soil. The morphological traits of different organs of those accessions were evaluated. Significant variations were detected among the accessions studied based on the traits recorded. Tuber shape showed high variation and included globose, oblong, ovate, obovate, and fusiform. Also, tuber skin color was highly variable, including white, bicolor white–violet, light violet, and dark violet. Tuber weight ranged from 1.56 to 35.70 g, while total soluble solids (TSS) of tuber flesh ranged from 7.00 to 11.80%. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 18 components were extracted by explaining 74.88% of total variance. The dendrogram obtained based on all the characters measured clustered the accessions into two major clusters. Sixteen accessions were placed into the first cluster, while the remaining accessions were placed into the second cluster which was divided into six subclusters. High level of morphological variabilities was observed among the accessions, which is applicable and useful for B. rapa var. rapa breeding programs. Based on the commercial and quality traits, 17 accessions could be selected for direct cultivation. Also, the promising accessions identified here can be utilized directly in breeding programs for genetic enhancement of this crop.
Maintenance metronomic chemotherapy for metastatic/recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Twu Chih‐Wen , Lin Po‐Ju , Tsou Hsiao‐Hui , Liu Yi‐Chun , Jiang Rong‐San , Liang Kai‐Li , Lin Tian‐Yun , Wang Wen‐Yi , Lin Jin‐Ching
Published: April 2022

Background

We investigated the survival impact and toxicity of maintenance metronomic chemotherapy in patients with metastatic/recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (met/rec NPC).

Methods

Ninety‐eight patients with met/rec NPC were first salvaged by IV cisplatin‐based chemotherapy and showed nonprogression disease; then maintenance metronomic chemotherapy for at least 12 months was recommended. We analyzed the treatment outcome between patients who received (n = 51) and did not receive (n = 47) maintenance chemotherapy.

Results

Baseline patient characteristics showed no significant differences between both arms. Median overall survival for patients with and without maintenance chemotherapy was 36.0 and 12.3 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). Similarly, median progression‐free survival was 24.7 and 7.3 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, toxicities during maintenance oral chemotherapy period were usually mild. Transient grade 3 leucopenia (9.8%), anemia (3.9%), thrombocytopenia (7.8%), and no grade 4 toxicity were observed.

Conclusion

After IV salvage chemotherapy, maintenance oral metronomic chemotherapy significantly improved overall and progression‐free survivals while demonstrating low toxicity in patients with met/rec NPC.