bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Text Message–Enhanced Monitoring Versus Routine Monitoring in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Kuusalo Laura , Sokka‐Isler Tuulikki , Kautiainen Hannu , Ekman Päivi , Kauppi Markku J. , Pirilä Laura , Rannio Tuomas , Uutela Toini , Yli‐Kerttula Timo , Puolakka Kari ,   for the SandRA Study Group
Published: February 2019

Objective

Frequent monitoring of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is required for achieving good outcomes. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of text message (SMS)–enhanced monitoring on early RA outcomes.

Methods

We randomized 166 patients with early, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug–naive RA to receive SMS‐enhanced follow‐up or routine care. All patients attended visits at 0, 3, and 6 months, and a follow‐up visit at 12 months. Treatment was at the physicians’ discretion. The intervention included 13 SMSs during weeks 0–24 with questions concerning medication problems (yes/no) and disease activity (patient global assessment [PtGA], scale 0–10). Patients were contacted if response SMSs indicated medication problems or PtGA exceeded predefined thresholds. Primary outcome was 6‐month Boolean remission (no swollen or tender joints and normal C‐reactive protein levels). Quality of life (QoL; measured by the Short Form 36 survey) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were assessed.

Results

Six and 12‐month follow‐up data were available for 162 and 157 patients, respectively. In the intervention group, 46% of the patients (38 of 82) reported medication problems and 49% (40 of 82) reported text message PtGAs above the alarm limit. Remission rates at 6 months (P = 0.34) were 51% in the intervention group and 42% in the control group. These rates were 57% and 43% at 12 months (P = 0.17) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The respective mean ± SD DAS28 scores for the intervention and control groups were 1.92 ± 1.12 and 2.22 ± 1.11 at 6 months (P = 0.09); and 1.79 ± 0.91 and 2.08 ± 1.22 at 12 months (P = 0.28). No differences in QoL were observed.

Conclusion

The study did not meet the primary outcome despite a trend favoring the intervention group. This may be explained by the notably high overall remission rates.
Three Quality Improvement Initiatives and Performance of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Measures in Electronic Health Records: Results From an Interrupted Time Series Study
Authors: Gandrup Julie , Li Jing , Izadi Zara , Gianfrancesco Milena , Ellingsen Torkell , Yazdany Jinoos , Schmajuk Gabriela
Published: February 2019

Objective

Applying treat‐to‐target strategies in the care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is critical for improving outcomes, yet electronic health records (EHRs) have few features to facilitate this goal. We undertook this study to evaluate the effect of 3 health information technology (health‐IT) initiatives on the performance of RA disease activity measures and outcomes in an academic rheumatology clinic.

Methods

We implemented the 3 following initiatives designed to facilitate performance of the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI): an EHR flowsheet to input scores, peer performance reports, and an EHR SmartForm including a CDAI calculator. We performed an interrupted time‐series trial to assess effects on the proportion of RA visits with a documented CDAI. Mean CDAI scores before and after the last initiative were compared using t‐tests. Additionally, we measured physician satisfaction with the initiatives.

Results

We included data from 995 patients with 8,040 encounters between 2012 and 2017. Over this period, electronic capture of CDAI scores increased from 0% to 64%. Performance remained stable after peer reporting and the SmartForm were introduced. We observed no meaningful changes in disease activity levels. However, physician satisfaction increased after SmartForm implementation.

Conclusion

Modifications to the EHR, provider culture, and clinical workflows effectively improved capture of RA disease activity scores and physician satisfaction, but parallel gains in disease activity levels were missing. This study illustrates how a series of health‐IT initiatives can evolve to enable sustained changes in practice. However, capture of RA outcomes alone may not be sufficient to improve levels of disease activity without a comprehensive treat‐to‐target program.
Scalable Production of Graphene Inks via Wet‐Jet Milling Exfoliation for Screen‐Printed Micro‐Supercapacitors
Authors: Bellani Sebastiano , Petroni Elisa , Del Rio Castillo Antonio Esau , Curreli Nicola , Martín‐García Beatriz , Oropesa‐Nuñez Reinier , Prato Mirko , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: February 2019

The miniaturization of energy storage units is pivotal for the development of next‐generation portable electronic devices. Micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) hold great potential to work as on‐chip micro‐power sources and energy storage units complementing batteries and energy harvester systems. Scalable production of supercapacitor materials with cost‐effective and high‐throughput processing methods is crucial for the widespread application of MSCs. Here, wet‐jet milling exfoliation of graphite is reported to scale up the production of graphene as a supercapacitor material. The formulation of aqueous/alcohol‐based graphene inks allows metal‐free, flexible MSCs to be screen‐printed. These MSCs exhibit areal capacitance (Careal) values up to 1.324 mF cm−2 (5.296 mF cm−2 for a single electrode), corresponding to an outstanding volumetric capacitance (Cvol) of 0.490 F cm−3 (1.961 F cm−3 for a single electrode). The screen‐printed MSCs can operate up to a power density above 20 mW cm−2 at an energy density of 0.064 µWh cm−2. The devices exhibit excellent cycling stability over charge–discharge cycling (10 000 cycles), bending cycling (100 cycles at a bending radius of 1 cm) and folding (up to angles of 180°). Moreover, ethylene vinyl acetate‐encapsulated MSCs retain their electrochemical properties after a home‐laundry cycle, providing waterproof and washable properties for prospective application in wearable electronics.
Encapsulation of Noble Metal Nanoparticles through Seeded Emulsion Polymerization as Highly Stable Plasmonic Systems
Authors: Scarabelli Leonardo , Schumacher Marius , Jimenez de Aberasturi Dorleta , Merkl Jan‐Philip , Henriksen‐Lacey Malou , Milagres de Oliveira Thais , Janschel Marcus , Schmidtke Christian , Bals Sara , Weller Horst , Liz‐Marzán Luis M.
Published: February 2019

The implementation of plasmonic nanoparticles in vivo remains hindered by important limitations such as biocompatibility, solubility in biological fluids, and physiological stability. A general and versatile protocol is presented, based on seeded emulsion polymerization, for the controlled encapsulation of gold and silver nanoparticles. This procedure enables the encapsulation of single nanoparticles as well as nanoparticle clusters inside a protecting polymer shell. Specifically, the efficient coating of nanoparticles of both metals is demonstrated, with final dimensions ranging between 50 and 200 nm, i.e., sizes of interest for bio‐applications. Such hybrid nanocomposites display extraordinary stability in high ionic strength and oxidizing environments, along with high cellular uptake, and low cytotoxicity. Overall, the prepared nanostructures are promising candidates for plasmonic applications under biologically relevant conditions.
Encapsulation of Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells Enables High Temperature and Long‐Term Outdoor Stability
Authors: Fu Zhengyang , Xu Mi , Sheng Yusong , Yan Zhibing , Meng Jun , Tong Changheng , Li Da , Wan Zhining , Ming Yue , Mei Anyi , Hu Yue , Rong Yaoguang , Han Hongwei
Published: February 2019

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved high power conversion efficiency on the lab scale, rivaling the other commercialized photovoltaic technologies. However, stability issues have made it difficult for PSCs to achieve comparable or practical lifetimes in outdoor applications. Here, three different types of hot melt films (polyurethane, PU; polyolefin, POE; and ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA) together with glass sheets are employed to encapsulate printable PSCs. The influence of thermal stress and the encapsulation (lamination) process on cell performance is investigated. It is found that POE and EVA, which are the typical encapsulants for silicon and thin film solar cells, are not suitable for the encapsulation of PSCs due to a high laminating temperature (>130 °C) or corrosion of the perovskite absorber. By contrast, encapsulation with PU can be carried out at a relatively mild temperature of 80 °C, and significantly enhance the thermal stability of the cells. When this encapsulation method is applied to large‐area (substrate area 100 cm2) printable PSC submodules, the submodules can maintain 97.52% of the initial efficiency after 2136 h under outdoor conditions (location: 39°19′48″N 114°37′26″E). This work demonstrates the potential of industrially relevant encapsulation techniques to enable the commercial viability of PSCs.
Extraordinary Sensitivity of Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Molecules on MoS2 (WS2) Nanodomes/Graphene van der Waals Heterostructure Substrates
Authors: Ghopry Samar A. , Alamri Mohammed A. , Goul Ryan , Sakidja Ridwan , Wu Judy Z.
Published: February 2019

Two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)/graphene van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures integrate the superior light–solid interaction in TMDs and charge mobility in graphene, and therefore are promising for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Herein, a novel TMD (MoS2 and WS2) nanodome/graphene vdW heterostructure SERS substrate, on which an extraordinary SERS sensitivity is achieved, is reported. Using fluorescent Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as probe molecules, the SERS sensitivity is in the range of 10−11 to 10−12 m on the TMD nanodomes/graphene vdW heterostructure substrates using 532 nm Raman excitation, which is comparable to the best sensitivity reported so far using plasmonic metal nanostructures/graphene SERS substrates, and is more than three orders of magnitude higher than that on single‐layer TMD and graphene substrates. Density functional theory simulation reveals enhanced electric dipole moments and dipole–dipole interaction at the TMD/graphene vdW interface, yielding an effective means to facilitate an external electrostatic perturbation on the graphene surface and charge transfer. This not only promotes chemical enhancement on SERS, but also enables electromagnetic enhancement of SERS through the excitation of localized surface plasmonic resonance on the TMD nanodomes. This TMD nanodome/graphene vdW heterostructure is therefore promising for commercial applications in high‐performance optoelectronics and sensing.
Manipulation of Bi3+/In3+ Transmutation and Mn2+‐Doping Effect on the Structure and Optical Properties of Double Perovskite Cs2NaBi1‐xInxCl6
Authors: Zhou Jun , Rong Ximing , Zhang Peng , Molokeev Maxim S. , Wei Peijia , Liu Quanlin , Zhang Xiuwen , Xia Zhiguo
Published: February 2019

The halide double perovskite family represented by A2(B+,B3+)X6 can overcome the lead toxicity and enable generally large band gap engineering via B/B sites' transmutation or exotic dopants to fulfill the emerging applications in the optoelectronic fields. Herein, the design and the experimental synthesis of a new family of Mn2+‐doped Cs2NaBi1‐xInxCl6 crystals with an intense orange‐yellow emission band are reported, and the phase formation stability is discussed via a combined experimental–theoretical approach. Depending on the manipulation of Bi3+/In3+ combination, the band gap increases with In3+ content, and a subsequent evolution from indirect to direct band gap is verified. First‐principles calculations and parity analyses indicate a parity forbidden effect on Cs2NaInCl6, and a combination effect of absorption on Cs2NaBi1‐xInxCl6 from both Cs2NaBiCl6 and Cs2NaInCl6. The associated Mn2+‐doped photoluminescence depending on the Bi3+/In3+ substitution is also addressed from the variation of the different Mn–Cl environment and neighboring‐cation effect.
Efficient Direct Synthesis of Aziridine‐Containing Chiral Tridentate Ligands by the Iminium‐Mediated Self‐Ring Opening Reaction of Enantiopure Aziridines and Salicylaldehydes
Authors: Chen Xingpeng , Lin Chao , Du Hongguang , Xu Jiaxi
Published: February 2019

An efficient method for the direct synthesis of aziridine‐containing chiral tridentate ligands was developed from enantiopure aziridines and salicylaldehydes. The method achieved the regiospecific cleavage of more substituted C−N bonds of aziridines through an iminium‐mediated self‐ring opening reaction of aziridines with up to 95% yield and complete inversion of configuration. The (S)‐2‐alkylaziridine‐derived tridentate ligands displayed excellent activity and stereoselectivity in the zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate‐catalyzed asymmetric aldol reactions of acetone and aromatic aldehydes.

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Latest Advances in Cryogel Technology for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Memic Adnan , Colombani Thibault , Eggermont Loek J. , Rezaeeyazdi Mahboobeh , Steingold Joseph , Rogers Zach J. , Navare Kasturi Joshi , Mohammed Halimatu S. , Bencherif Sidi A.
Published: February 2019

There exists a technological need for advanced materials with improved properties for emerging biomedical applications. Recent developments in macroporous materials have demonstrated their applicability as indispensable tools in biomedical research. Cryogels, which are materials with a macroporous 3D structure, are produced as a result of controlled freezing during polymerization with a highly interconnected polymer network. Cryogels’ interest lies in their ability to address some of the limitations of their hydrogel analogues. In this review, hydrogel and cryogel basic concepts are discussed as a short primer for readers unfamiliar with the cryogels literature. Next, a general overview of the methods for synthesis and characterization of cryogels is provided, highlighting key concepts relevant to cryogels and explaining their unique properties. Finally an in‐depth overview of specific technologies and fields where cryogels have been applied is given. It is argued that the latest advances in cryogel technologies are able to address challenges in bioseparation, tissue engineering, and other emerging bioengineering disciplines.
Toward the Application of High Frequency Electromagnetic Wave Absorption by Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Zheng , Qi Luping , Liao Qingliang , Kang Zhuo , Zhang Yue
Published: February 2019

With the booming development of electronic information technology, the problems caused by electromagnetic (EMs) waves have gradually become serious, and EM wave absorption materials are playing an essential role in daily life. Carbon nanostructures stand out for their unique structures and properties compared with the other absorption materials. Graphene, carbon nanotubes, and other special carbon nanostructures have become especially significant as EM wave absorption materials in the high‐frequency range. Moreover, various nanocomposites based on carbon nanostructures and other lossy materials can be modified as high‐performance absorption materials. Here, the EM wave absorption theories of carbon nanostructures are introduced and recent advances of carbon nanostructures for high‐frequency EM wave absorption are summarized. Meanwhile, the shortcomings, challenges, and prospects of carbon nanostructures for high‐frequency EM wave absorption are presented. Carbon nanostructures are typical EM wave absorption materials being lightweight and having broadband properties. Carbon nanostructures and related nanocomposites represent the developing orientation of high‐performance EM wave absorption materials.
Next‐Generation Additive Manufacturing of Complete Standalone Sodium‐Ion Energy Storage Architectures
Authors: Down Michael P. , Martínez‐Periñán Emiliano , Foster Christopher W. , Lorenzo Encarnación , Smith G. C. , Banks Craig E.
Published: February 2019

The first entirely AM/3D‐printed sodium‐ion (full‐cell) battery is reported herein, presenting a paradigm shift in the design and prototyping of energy‐storage architectures. AM/3D‐printing compatible composite materials are developed for the first time, integrating the active materials NaMnO2 and TiO2 within a porous supporting material, before being AM/3D‐printed into a proof‐of‐concept model based upon the basic geometry of commercially existing AA battery designs. The freestanding and completely AM/3D‐fabricated device demonstrates a respectable performance of 84.3 mAh g−1 with a current density of 8.43 mA g−1; note that the structure is typically comprised of 80% thermoplastic, but yet, still works and functions as an energy‐storage platform. The AM/3D‐fabricated device is critically benchmarked against a battery developed using the same active materials, but fabricated via a traditional manufacturing method utilizing an ink‐based/doctor‐bladed methodology, which is found to exhibit a specific capacity of 98.9 mAh m−2 (116.35 mAh g−1). The fabrication of fully AM/3D‐printed energy‐storage architectures compares favorably with traditional approaches, with the former providing a new direction in battery manufacturing. This work represents a paradigm shift in the technological and design considerations in battery and energy‐storage architectures.
Progress of Lead‐Free Halide Double Perovskites
Authors: Igbari Femi , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: February 2019

The field of halide metal perovskite photovoltaics has caught widespread interest in the last decade. This is seen in the rapid rise of power conversion efficiency, which is currently over 23%. It has also stimulated a widespread application of halide metal perovskites in other fields, such as light‐emitting diodes, field‐effect transistors, detectors, and lasers. Despite the fascinating characteristics of the halide metal perovskites, the presence of toxic lead (Pb) in their chemical composition is regarded as one of the major limiting factors preventing their commercialization. Addressing the toxicity issues in these compounds by a careful and strategic replacement of Pb2+ with other nontoxic candidate elements represents a promising direction to fabricate lead‐free optoelectronic devices. Such attempts yield a halide double perovskite structure which allows flexibility for various compositional adjustments. Here, the authors present the current progress and setbacks in crystal structures, materials preparation, optoelectronic properties, stability, and photovoltaic applications of lead‐free halide double perovskite compounds. Prospective research directions to improve the optoelectronic properties of existing materials are given that may help in the discovery of new lead‐free halide double perovskites.
New Anthracene‐Fused Nonfullerene Acceptors for High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells: Energy Level Modulations Enabling Match of Donor and Acceptor
Authors: Feng Huanran , Yi Yuan‐Qiu‐Qiang , Ke Xin , Yan Jing , Zhang Yamin , Wan Xiangjian , Li Chenxi , Zheng Nan , Xie Zengqi , Chen Yongsheng
Published: February 2019

Two new nonfullerene small molecule acceptors (NF‐SMAs) AT‐NC and AT‐4Cl based on heptacyclic anthracene(cyclopentadithiophene) (AT) core and different electron‐withdrawing end groups are designed and synthesized. Although the two new acceptor molecules use two different end groups, naphthyl‐fused indanone (NINCN) and chlorinated INCN (INCN‐2Cl) demonstrate similar light absorption. AT‐4Cl with chlorinated INCN as end groups are shifted significantly due to the strong electron‐withdrawing ability of chlorine atoms. Thus, desirable Voc and photovoltaic performance are expected to be achieved when polymer PBDB‐T is used as the electron donor with AT‐NC as the acceptor, and fluorinated analog PBDB‐TF with down‐shifted energy levels is selected to blend with AT‐4Cl. Consequently, the device based on PBDB‐TF:AT‐4Cl yields a high power conversion efficiency of 13.27% with a slightly lower Voc of 0.901 V, significantly enhanced Jsc of 19.52 mA cm−2 and fill factor of 75.5% relative to the values based on PBDB‐T:AT‐NC. These results demonstrate that the use of a new electron‐rich AT core, together with energy levels modulations by end‐group optimizations enabling the match with polymer donors, is a successful strategy to construct high‐performance NF‐SMAs.
Viscoelastic and Nonflammable Interface Design–Enabled Dendrite‐Free and Safe Solid Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ma Qiang , Zeng Xian‐Xiang , Yue Junpei , Yin Ya‐Xia , Zuo Tong‐Tong , Liang Jia‐Yan , Deng Qi , Wu Xiong‐Wei , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: February 2019

Herein, a composite polymer electrolyte with a viscoelastic and nonflammable interface is designed to handle the contact issue and preclude Li dendrite formation. The composite polymer electrolyte (cellulose acetate/polyethylene glycol/Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6P3O12) exhibits a wide electrochemical window of 5 V (vs Li+/Li), a high Li+ transference number of 0.61, and an excellent ionic conductivity of above 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C. In particular, the intimate contact, low interfacial impedance, and fast ion‐transport process between the electrodes and solid electrolytes can be simultaneously achieved by the viscoelastic and nonflammable layer. Benefiting from this novel design, solid lithium metal batteries with either LiFePO4 or LiCoO2 as cathode exhibit superior cyclability and rate capability, such as a discharge capacity of 157 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at C/2 and 97 mA h g−1 at 5C for LiFePO4 cathode. Moreover, the smooth and uniform Li surface after long‐term cycling confirms the successful suppression of dendrite formation. The viscoelastic and nonflammable interface modification of solid electrolytes provides a promising and general strategy to handle the interfacial issues and improves the operative safety of solid lithium metal batteries.
A Calcium‐Ion Hybrid Energy Storage Device with High Capacity and Long Cycling Life under Room Temperature
Authors: Wu Nanzhong , Yao Wenjiao , Song Xiaohe , Zhang Ge , Chen Bingjie , Yang Jinhu , Tang Yongbing
Published: February 2019

Ca‐ion based devices are promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage with high performance and low cost, thanks to its multielectrons, superior kinetics, as well as abundance (2500 times lithium). Because of the lack of an appropriate combination of suitable electrode materials and electrolytes, it is unsuccessful to attain a satisfactory performance on complete Ca‐ion energy storage devices. Here, the multiion reaction strategy is defined to construct a complete Ca‐ion energy storage device and a capacitor–battery hybrid mechanism is deliberately adopted. Profiting from the elaborate design, it exhibits a high reversible capacity of 92 mAh g−1, unmatchable rate capability, and a high capacity retention of 84% over 1000 cycles under room temperature, which is the best performance of reported Ca‐based energy storage devices.
Elevated blood lead levels in adults—Missouri, 2013
Authors: Victory Kerton R. , Braun Carol R. , de Perio Marie A. , Calvert Geoffrey M. , Alarcon Walter
Published: February 2019

Background

Over 90% of adults with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in the United States are exposed occupationally. Missouri historically has been among the states with the highest prevalence rates of elevated BLLs. We characterized cases of elevated BLLs among Missouri adults to target preventive interventions.

Methods

We reviewed 2013 data on Missouri residents ≥16 years from the Missouri Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance system and analyzed characteristics of those with elevated BLLs. We used the contemporaneous CDC definition of elevated BLL as ≥10 μg/dL.

Results

Of the 15 123 residents with a BLL in 2013 (median: 1.5 μg/dL, range: 0‐151 μg/dL), 3145 (21%) had BLLs ≥10 μg/dL. Occupational exposures accounted for the majority of residents (n = 3099, 98%) with elevated BLLs, mostly in battery manufacturing (n = 1373, 44%) and lead mining (n = 821, 26%) industries.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the need for focused interventions targeting battery manufacturing and lead mining, the high‐risk industries, to further reduce overexposures to lead.
The deep biology of cognition: Moving toward a comprehensive neurodevelopmental model of Turner syndrome
Authors: Knickmeyer Rebecca C. , Hooper Stephen R.
Published: February 2019

Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) often exhibit specific deficits in visual–spatial functions, arithmetical abilities, social cognition, and executive functions with preserved general intelligence and preserved or enhanced verbal skills. This unique pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses is accompanied by a well‐described neuroanatomical phenotype characterized by decreased gray matter volumes in premotor, somatosensory, and parietal‐occipital cortex, and increased volumes of the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. Why the absence of the second sex chromosome should produce these effects remains poorly understood. In this article, we propose that the TS research community leverage recent advances in neuroimaging, large‐scale data‐rich biology (omics), and patient‐powered research registries to build a comprehensive neurodevelopmental model of TS.
A hypothesis: Could telomere length and/or epigenetic alterations contribute to infertility in females with Turner syndrome?
Authors: Jackson‐Cook Colleen
Published: February 2019

One of the traits most consistently seen in females with Turner syndrome is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The biological mechanisms underlying the germ cell atresia that leads to infertility in most women with Turner syndrome are unclear. Given that telomeres are important for proper chromosomal pairing and other early steps in meiosis and oogenesis, one can conjecture that perturbations in telomere length and/or function might contribute to the POI associated with Turner syndrome. Also, one can speculate that epigenetic modifications that arise in response to asynapsis, as well as the resetting of the epigenome during embryogenesis, could contribute to monosomy X‐related germ cell atresia. Moreover, errors in recombination‐based DNA repair might contribute to the failure of cells lacking all, or a portion of, a second sex chromosome to successfully complete oogenesis. This article presents a review of the extant literature related to telomere length and/or epigenetic patterns associated with POI in females with a monosomy X complement (in humans and animal models). A goal of this review is to inspire researchers to use new technological advances to better characterize the components of the biological cascade leading to early germ cell loss in females with Turner syndrome.
Emerging Theory, Materials, and Screening Methods: New Opportunities for Promoting Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Ouyang Yulou , Zhang Zhongwei , Li Dengfeng , Chen Jie , Zhang Gang
Published: February 2019

High‐performance thermoelectric materials have attracted immense interest due to the capability of directly converting thermal energy into electrical energy. The correlation and inherent complexity between the thermoelectric parameters pose serious challenges to improving the materials’ thermoelectric performance. Herein, the emerging novel theories in the field of thermoelectrics are summarized, such as the coherent phonon, nanophononic metamaterial, rattling effect, topological phonon, and topological electron. The impacts of these new concepts on thermoelectric performance are then reviewed. Finally, a number of promising thermoelectric materials such as one‐dimensional nanowires, two‐dimensional layered materials, and nanomesh structures are discussed. The advanced understanding of thermal and electrical transport properties in thermoelectric materials is presented herein, providing new opportunities for improving thermoelectric performance.
On Entropic Uncertainty Relations for Measurements of Energy and Its “Complement”
Authors: Rastegin Alexey E.
Published: February 2019

Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in application to energy and time is a powerful heuristics. This statement plays an important role in foundations of quantum theory and statistical physics. If some state exists for a finite interval of time, then it cannot have a completely definite value of energy. It is well known that the case of energy and time principally differs from more familiar examples of two non‐commuting observables. Since quantum theory was originated, many approaches to energy–time uncertainties have been proposed. Entropic way to formulate the uncertainty principle is currently the subject of active researches. Using the Pegg concept of complementarity of the Hamiltonian, uncertainty relations of the “energy–time” type are obtained in terms of Rényi and Tsallis entropies. Although this concept is somehow restricted in scope, derived relations can be applied to systems typically used in quantum information processing. Both the state‐dependent and state‐independent formulations are of interest. Some of the derived state‐independent bounds are similar to the results obtained within a more general approach on the basis of sandwiched relative entropies. The developed method allows us to address the case of detection inefficiencies.
Dienamine‐Induced Divinylcyclopropane–Cycloheptadiene Rearrangements
Authors: Apel Caroline , Hartmann Sven Sören , Lentz Dieter , Christmann Mathias
Published: February 2019

Sigmatropic rearrangements constitute an important group of pericyclic reactions. In contrast to cycloaddition reactions, examples of catalytic variants of electrocyclic reactions and sigmatropic rearrangements are still scarce in the chemical literature. Herein, we report the first organocatalytic Cope rearrangement of in situ‐generated divinylcyclopropanes. The reactive motif was generated by condensation of 4‐(2‐vinylcyclopropyl)but‐2‐enal derivatives with a secondary amine catalyst to form a transient dienamine. The cycloheptadiene products could be obtained in high yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. Importantly, the reaction was demonstrated to be stereospecific, proceeding under mild conditions, while exhibiting broad functional group tolerance.
Air‐Stable n‐Type Thermoelectric Materials Enabled by Organic Diradicaloids
Authors: Yuan Dafei , Guo Yuan , Zeng Yan , Fan Qingrui , Wang Jianjun , Yi Yuanping , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: February 2019

Air‐stable n‐type thermoelectric materials are recognized as an important and challenging topic in organic thermoelectrics (OTEs) because conventional n‐type OTE materials prepared by chemical doping are highly volatile upon exposure to air. Besides, doping efficiency and microstructure are hard to control with the incorporation of external dopants. We report herein the design and synthesis of unconventional n‐type OTE materials based on the diradicaloids 2DQQT‐S and 2DQQT‐Se, which are proved to be neutral single‐component organic conductors that exhibit an unprecedented air stability. Without external n‐doping, a pristine film of 2DQQT‐Se shows an electrical conductivity as high as 0.29 S cm−1 delivering a power factor of 1.4 μW m−1 K−2. Under ambient conditions, no decay in electrical conductivity is observed for over 260 hours. This work demonstrates that diradicaloids are promising candidates for air‐stable and high‐performance OTE materials.
Oxime palladacycle in PEG as a highly efficient and recyclable catalytic system for phenoxycarbonylation of aryl iodides with phenols
Authors: Gaikwad Vinayak V. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: February 2019

In this report, we have developed a sustainable protocol for the synthesis of aromatic esters by a carbonylative method using di‐μ‐chlorobis [5‐hydroxy‐2‐[1‐(hydroxyimino‐ĸN) ethyl] phenyl‐ĸC] palladium (II) dimer (1) catalyst in PEG‐400 as a greener and recyclable solvent. The reaction is carried out at room temperature using CO in a balloon. Good to excellent yield of various esters can be synthesize using this protocol. Direct insertion of CO moiety leads to the high atom and step economy. Compared to previous protocol this phosphine free approach for the synthesis of aromatic esters provides high Turnover Number (TON) and Turnover Frequency (TOF). Developed approach has an alternative route for use of conventional palladium precursor with high conversion and selectivity. The catalyst system and product can easily be separated using diethyl ether as a solvent. The Pd/PEG‐400 system could be reused up to a fifth consecutive cycle without any loss of its activity and selectivity.
Effect of pyrolysis conditions on the improvement of the physicochemical structure of activated carbon obtained from Jixi bituminous coal
Authors: Liu Dong Dong , Jia Bo Yin , Li Song , Dong Liang Jie , Gao Ji Hui , Qin Yu Kun
Published: February 2019

Different pyrolysis conditions have been confirmed as a useful way to improve the physicochemical structure of Jixi bituminous char to obtain fully developed porosity after a low burn‐off during activation. In this paper, a series of coal‐char samples were prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures, rates, and residence times. The effect of the pyrolysis temperature on the physicochemical structure in coal char is important because it can control the breakage and recombination of different types of chemical bonds. The impact of the pyrolysis rate gradually increases with increasing temperature, indicating that its influence is closely related to the pyrolysis temperature. However, an extension of the residence time at different pyrolysis temperatures and rates can only help the evolution of the chemical structure. It was determined that the typical char (KJX800‐40) produced by rapid pyrolysis at 800°C over a long residence time (40 min) is the most suitable for subsequent activation due to its disordered carbon structure, abundant initial pores, and active sites. The initial pores that developed in the KJX800‐40 char facilitate the diffusion of activated gas to avoid serious carbon losses on the surface of the particles; alternatively, more active sites help the etching of the carbon structure to promote the rapid and continuous development of the micropores, following nonhierarchical development. On the basis of these results, a pyrolysis condition with a high SBET (859.14 m2/g)/burn‐off ratio (25.2%) of 34.09 m2/(g•%) was identified.
Intumescent fire‐retardant coatings for plastics based on poly(vinylphosphonic acid): Improving water resistance with comonomers
Authors: Williams Katherine , Ebdon John R. , Kandola Baljinder K.
Published: February 2019

Coatings based on the in situ photopolymerization of vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA) with triallyl cyanurate as a crosslinking agent are shown to be effective not only for fire‐protecting glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin (GRE) composites but also poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a typical meltable and flammable thermoplastic. Dry adhesion of polyVPA coatings to PMMA surfaces is excellent but, as with coatings on GRE, adhesion following water‐soak tests is poor. Copolymerizing VPA with more hydrophobic monomers improves wet adhesion, albeit with some impairment of fire performance, with copolymers of VPA and acrylonitrile giving the best results. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 47601.
Prospects for using a new sequential chemiluminescence strategy for monitoring the caffeine content in soft and energy drinks via the catalytic activities of different nano‐metal oxides
Authors: Alarfaj Nawal A. , Al‐tamimi Salma A. , El‐Tohamy Maha F. , Al‐dughmi Maha S.
Published: February 2019

This article suggests a new sequential injection analysis chemiluminescence (SIA‐CL) strategy for monitoring the caffeine (CAF) content in soft and energy drinks using the catalytic activities of different nano‐metal oxides. The present study describes three different SIA‐CL systems (luminol–ferricyanide (III) coupled with Fe2O3 or ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), and luminol–H2O2 coupled with CuONPs. All experimental conditions were optimized and the linear concentration ranges of pure CAF were evaluated using the calibration graphs. The selectivity of the developed SIA‐CL systems was studied under the influence of various interfering species that may be present in soft or energy drinks such as sodium ions, sucrose, glucose, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, riboflavin, niacin, citric, phosphoric and ascorbic acids. International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines were obeyed for the validation of the suggested CL methods. The developed SIA‐CL systems displayed linear relationships over the concentration ranges 1.0–350, 5.0–400 and 10.0–400 μg ml−1 with Fe2O3 NPs, ZnO NPs and CuO NPs, respectively. The recorded lower limits of detection and quantification were 0.7, 2.7 and 7.8 μg ml−1, and 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 μg ml−1 for the previously mentioned SIA‐CL systems. The results revealed high selectivity for CAF determination and were in good agreement with those obtained by other reported methods.
Simultaneous quantification of levofloxacin, pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin in microvolumes of human plasma using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Ziqing , Lui Gabrielle , Hirt Déborah , Treluyer Jean‐Marc , Benaboud Sihem , Aboura Radia , Gana Inès
Published: February 2019

Levofloxacin, pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin are four fluoroquinolones used in the treatment of serious bacterial infections. The antibacterial activity of fluoroquinolones is concentration dependent. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring in daily clinical practice is warranted to ensure the therapy's efficacy and prevent bacterial resistance. The purpose of the present study was to develop a method using high‐pressure liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector for simultaneous quantification of these four fluoroquinolones in human plasma. A 50 μL aliquot of plasma was precipitated by 200 μL of methanol using gatifloxacin as internal standard. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Kinetex XB‐C18 column using a mobile phase composed of a mixture of orthophosphoric acid 0.4% (v/v), acetonitrile and methanol at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. Dual UV wavelength mode was used, with levofloxacin and moxifloxacin monitored at 293 nm, and pefloxacin and ciprofloxacin monitored at 280 nm. The calibration was linear over the ranges of 0.125–25 mg/L for levofloxacin, 0.1–20mg/L for moxifloxacin and 0.05‐10 mg/L for both pefloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Inter‐ and intra‐day trueness and precision were <13% for all the compounds under study. The proposed method was simple, reliable, cost‐effective and suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring or pharmacokinetics studies.
The role of putative human anterior intraparietal sulcus area in observed manipulative action discrimination
Authors: Orban Guy A. , Ferri Stefania , Platonov Artem
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Although it has become widely accepted that the action observation network (AON) includes three levels (occipito‐temporal, parietal and premotor), little is known concerning the specific role of these levels within perceptual tasks probing action observation. Recent single cell studies suggest that the parietal level carries the information required to discriminate between two‐alternative observed actions, but do not exclude possible contributions from the other two levels.

Methods

Two functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments used a task‐based attentional modulation paradigm in which subjects viewed videos of an actor performing a manipulative action on a coloured object, and discriminated between either two observed manipulative actions, two actors or two colours.

Results

Both experiments demonstrated that relative to actor and colour discrimination, discrimination between observed manipulative actions involved the putative human anterior intraparietal sulcus (phAIP) area in parietal cortex. In one experiment, where the observed actions also differed with regard to effectors, premotor cortex was also specifically recruited.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the primary role of parietal cortex in discriminating between two‐alternative observed manipulative actions, consistent with the view that this level plays a major role in representing the identity of an observed action.
Green human resource management and the enablers of green organisational culture: Enhancing a firm's environmental performance for sustainable development
Authors: Roscoe Samuel , Subramanian Nachiappan , Jabbour Charbel J.C. , Chong Tao
Published: February 2019

Scholars have shown that green human resource management (GHRM) practices enhance a firm's environmental performance. However, existing studies fail to explain how GHRM initiatives can enable a green organisational culture or how such a culture affects the environmental performance and sustainable development of the firm. This paper examines the relationship between GHRM practices, the enablers of green organisational culture, and a firm's environmental performance. We conduct a large‐scale survey of 204 employees at Chinese manufacturing firms. Our findings suggest that proenvironmental HRM practices including hiring, training, appraisal, and incentivisation support the development of the enablers of green organisational culture. We suggest the key enablers of green organisational culture include leadership emphasis, message credibility, peer involvement, and employee empowerment. Our paper contributes to HRM theory in terms of originality and utility of research by explaining that the enablers of green organisational culture positively mediate the relationship between GHRM practices and environmental performance. Managers are provided with a detailed understanding of the GHRM practices needed to enable an organisational culture of environmentally aware employees. Finally, we address potential implications of this work for teaching green organisational culture to future generations of responsible managers.
Comparison of outcome and toxicity of postoperative intensity‐modulated radiation therapy with two‐dimensional radiotherapy in patients with soft tissue sarcoma of extremities and trunk
Authors: Wang Jianyang , Song Yongwen , Liu Xinfan , Jin Jing , Wang Weihu , Yu Zihao , Liu Yueping , Li Ning , Fang Hui , Ren Hua , Tang Yuan , Tang Yu , Chen Bo , Lu Ningning , Qi Shunan , Wang Shulian , Li Yexiong
Published: February 2019

Background

To compare the survival outcomes and late toxicities of postoperative intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with two‐dimensional radiotherapy (2D‐RT) for patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of extremities and trunk.

Methods

274 consecutive patients with nonmetastatic STS of extremities and trunk treated with postoperative IMRT (n = 187) and 2D‐RT (n = 87) were analyzed. Survival was calculated by using Kaplan‐Meier method. Independent prognostic factors were identified using Cox stepwise regression analysis for variables with a P‐value <0.1 in univariate analysis.

Results

With a median follow‐up time of 58.1 months, 30 local recurrences, 66 distant metastases, and 40 deaths occurred. Compared to 2D‐RT group, the IMRT group had higher 5‐year local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) (91.1% vs 80.8%; P = 0.029), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) (80.0% vs 69.7%; P = 0.048), disease‐free survival (DFS) (75.2% vs 59.2%; P = 0.021), and overall survival (OS) (90.2% vs 81.0%; P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis showed IMRT was an independent favorable factor for LRFS, DMFS, DFS, and OS. For late toxicities, the patients in IMRT group enjoyed lower incidences of ≥Grade 2 joint stiffness (3.9% vs 12.3%; P = 0.041) and ≥Grade 3 fractures (0.0% vs 3.4%; P = 0.25) than those in 2D‐RT group. ≥Grade 2 Edema was similar between these two groups (4.8% vs 9.2%; P = 0.183).

Conclusions

When compared with conventional techniques, postoperative IMRT seems to provide better LRFS, DMFS, DFS, and OS and less late toxicities in patients with STS of extremities and trunk, which should be offered as a preferred treatment.
CD9 in acute myeloid leukemia: Prognostic role and usefulness to target leukemic stem cells
Authors: Touzet Lucas , Dumezy Florent , Roumier Christophe , Berthon Céline , Bories Claire , Quesnel Bruno , Preudhomme Claude , Boyer Thomas
Published: February 2019

CD9 is a cell surface protein and belongs to the tetraspanin family. Its role in carcinomagenesis has been widely studied in solid tumors but remains controversial, depending on the cancer type. Although CD9 seems to be associated with unfavorable outcome and disease progression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), this marker has not yet been studied in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). First, we explored its prognostic role and its association with biological factors in a cohort of 112 AML patients treated with intensive chemotherapy. CD9 was expressed in 40% of AML and was associated with a favorable outcome (event‐free survival and relapse‐free survival) in univariate (P = 0.009 and P = 0.048, respectively) and multivariate (P = 0.004 and P = 0.039, respectively) analyses. Interestingly, CD9 expression was different between the more immature physiologic and AML cells (CD34+CD38−) as it was also expressed in AML on putative leukemic stem cells (LSCs) but not on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Hence, CD9 could be a very relevant marker for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring in AML based on LSC targeting.
The average relative dose intensity of R‐CHOP is an independent factor determining favorable overall survival in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Długosz‐Danecka Monika , Szmit Sebastian , Ogórka Tomasz , Skotnicki Aleksander B. , Jurczak Wojciech
Published: February 2019

The prognosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients depends on lymphoma‐ and patient‐related risk factors and is best estimated by the international prognostic index (IPI). The aim of the study was to determine whether the average relative dose intensity (ARDI) of an anthracycline‐containing regimen could predict DLBCL outcome independently from the IPI. We analyzed 223 white Caucasian DLBCL patients who completed at least four cycles of first‐line immunochemotherapy with rituximab, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP). The ARDI was calculated by specially developed software in each individual patient, simultaneously with the chemotherapy prescription, which instantly revealed all causes of its decrease. The relevance of the ARDI for progression‐free/overall survival (PFS/OS) was evaluated. Prolonged intervals between cycles of immunochemotherapy—the most common cause of decreased ARDI (49.3%, 110/223)—were due to neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <1.0 × 109/L) and infections. Reductions in cytostatic doses were observed in 19.7% (44/223) of patients, mainly as the consequence of cardiotoxicity (23/223, 10.3%). The OS varied significantly when the ARDI was >90% (P < 0.00001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that an ARDI>90% was an IPI‐independent predictor of prolonged PFS (HR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.20‐0.47; P < 0.00001) and OS (HR = 0.32; 95%CI: 0.21‐0.48; P < 0.00001). With an analytic tool allowing real‐time ARDI assessment, it was possible to maintain an ARDI above 90% in 161 of 223 patients (72%). DLBCL patients with an ARDI >90% have significantly better outcome regardless of the IPI; therefore, our official recommendation is an adequate dose density through efficient neutropenia prophylaxis and cardiac protection.