bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Invited) Experimental Quantum Transport in Strain Engineered Graphene - Towards NOEMS
Authors: Champagne Alexandre R
Published: May 2020

We measure ballistic charge conductivity in strained suspended graphene and observe the theoretically predicted [1] strain-induced scalar and vector potentials. To do so, we built an experimental platform for quantum transport strain engineering in 2D materials. This instrumentation permits low temperature (0.3 K- 70 K) transport in 0 to 9 Tesla magnetic fields. The tunable uniaxial strain (up to 3%) is completely decoupled from the gate-tunable charge density, permitting quantitative understanding of strain effects. We show slippage-free mechanical clamping of high aspect-ratio graphene crystals, where atomically ordered edges are unnecessary for quantitative straintronics. We study in detail transport in a ballistic graphene channel whose length is 90 nm and width is 600nm. By applying strain up to 0.6 % in this device, we observe that the strain-induced scalar potential shifts its low energy band structure downward by up to 30 meV. We show precise control of the gauge vector potential which reversibly suppresses the conductance by up to 14 %.

We conclude with a brief overview of other projects aimed at integrating both RF dynamic strain control and optically resonant cavities in suspended bilayer graphene devices to achieve fully tunable nano-opto-electro-mechanical (NOEMS) carbon systems. We report for instance a nitrocellulose-based dry-stamping method to manipulate and suspend individual 2D materials. Using this method we assembled optical cavities able to a widely tune light absorption in graphene. [1] A. C. McRae, G. Wei, and A. R. Champagne, Phys. Rev. Applied 11, 054019 (2019)

Figure 1
(Invited) Alteration of the Electrical Transport in Carbon Nanotube Network Field-Effect Transistors Using Polymer Encapsulants and Gate Dielectrics
Authors: Lapointe François
Published: May 2020

Enriched semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) inks of high purity opens a wealth of possibilities for device fabrication using printing techniques and solution processes. [1] Logics, displays, sensors and large-scale integrated circuits [2] appear to be within reach. For those promises to concretize, a better control over parameters such as carrier type and mobility, operation power and device-to-device variability is needed. Beside the ambient effect (notably water and oxygen) on the transport of carbon nanotube network field-effect transistors (CNN-FETs), the nature of the surrounding materials (as a passivation layer or as a gate dielectric) appears to play a crucial role in determining the device’s characteristics.

Firstly, we have tested a large number of polymeric materials as the bottom gate in three-terminal CNN-FETs. We have found that the transport characteristics parameters such as the threshold voltage and the hysteresis are affected by the chemical nature of the polymer. [3] Subjecting those CNN-FETs with various gate dielectrics to a series of volatile analytes, we observed drastically different responses which suggests the usefulness of polymer gate dielectric variations in cross-reactive sensors arrays.

Secondly, polymeric materials were used as an encapsulant over bottom gate CNN-FETs. [4] A smooth and continuous variation of the threshold voltage has been achieved by using a series of poly(styrene–co–2-vinyl pyridine) copolymers with different monomer ratios. A surface charge density measurement methodology has been developed to rationalize the threshold voltage variations upon encapsulation with various polymers. Finally, we explored the use of n-doping molecules blended with polymer encapsulants as an efficient way to obtain n-type transport characteristics. This strategy is further used in the implementation of simple p-n junctions showing a modest rectification.

References

[1] Bati, A. S. R. et al. Recent Advances in Applications of Sorted Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Adv. Funct. Mater.
29 1902273 (2019)

[2] Hills, G. et al. Modern Microprocessor Built from Complementary Carbon Nanotube Transistors. Nature

572
595–602 (2019)

[3] Lapointe, F. et al. Carbon Nanotube Transistors as Gas Sensors: Response Differentiation Using Polymer Gate Dielectrics. ACS Appl. Polym. Mater.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.9b00707 (2019) - Accepted for publication

[4] Lapointe, F. et al. Polymer Encapsulants for Threshold Voltage Control in Carbon Nanotube Transistors ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
11 36027-36034 (2019)
Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecules of Li
+
@C60 and Fluorinated Porphyrins
Authors: Miwa Kazuhira , Aoyagi Shinobu , Ueno Hiroshi , Okada Hiroshi , Kawachi Kazuhiko , Kasama Yasuhiko , Kwon Eunsang
Published: May 2020

Metal endohedral [60]fullerenes (M@C60) have a unique structure encapsulating a metal atom (M) inside the π−conjugated spherical C60 cage. Lithium cation endohedral fullerene (Li
+
@C60) is a commercially available M@C60 and has a potential for application in nano material fields. The cationic Li+@C60 crystallizes with weakly coordinated anions such as SbCl6
− [1], PF6
− [2], Tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate anion (TFPB−) [3], and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI−) [3]. Due to the inside Li+ cation, the first reduction potential of Li+@C60 is shifted to positive direction by 0.7 eV than that of pristine C60. As a result, Li+@C60 has larger electron acceptability than C60 [1]. Li+@C60 also forms a guest–host type supramolecule with [10]cycloparaphenylene ([10]CPP) [4] and π−π stacking supramolecules with porphyrins or phthalocyanines [5][6]. A supramolecule of Li+@C60 and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4–sulfonatophenyl) zinc porphyrin anion (ZnTPPS4
–), [Li+@C60 – ZnTPPS4
–] with the binding constant of ca. 105 M–
1 shows a long−lived electron charge separation state by photoinduced electron transfer and can be used in photovoltaic cells [5]. The [Li+@C60 – ZnTPPS4
–] based photovoltaic cell shows maximum incident photon-to-photocurrent efficiency (IPCE) value of 78% under the certain condition [7]. The performance of the photovoltaic cells would be changed by the chemical modification of porphyrins.

Here, we synthesized two kinds of porphyrins to obtain new supramolecules of Li+@C60. The first one is neutral 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(1,2,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl) porphyrin (H2TTFPP). H2TTFPP was synthesized by Lindsey method and characterized by 1H NMR, 19F NMR, UV-vis, CV, DPV, and XRD. The second one is anionic 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4-carboxymethylthio-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl) zinc porphyrin tetrabutylammonium (ZnTFPP4TC4
−4TBA+). ZnTFPP4TC4
−4TBA+ was synthesized according to the modified Lourenço method [8] and characterized by 1H NMR, 19F NMR, UV-vis, CV, and DPV.

H2TTFPP was confirmed to form supramolecular structure with Li+@C60 in the co-crystal by X-ray structure analysis. ZnTFPP4TC4
− was confirmed to form a supramolecule with Li+@C60 in solution by UV-vis titration experiment. The binding constant of [ZnTFPP4TC4
− − Li+@C60] is significantly larger than that of [H2TTFPP − Li+@C60] because of strong coulomb interactions between anionic ZnTFPP4TC4
− and cationic Li+@C60.

References

[1] S. Aoyagi et al., Nature Chem., 2, 678–683 (2010).

[2] S. Aoyagi et al.,
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 51, 3377–3381 (2012).

[3] S. Aoyagi et al.
, R Soc Open Sci., 5, 180337 (2018).

[4] H. Ueno et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 54, 3707–3711 (2015).

[5] K. Ohkubo et al., Chem. Commun., 48, 4314–4316 (2012).

[6] Y. Kawashima et al., J. Phys. Chem. B, 119, 7690−7697 (2015).

[7] K. Ohkubo et al., Chem. Commun., 49, 4474–4476, (2013).

[8] L. M.O. Lourenço et al.,
J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines, 18, 967–974, (2014).
Selective Chemical Reaction of Empty Cage Fullertubes with Variable-Chain Aminoalcohols
Authors: Koenig Ryan M. , Stevenson Steven
Published: May 2020

Little is published on larger size empty cage fullerenes due to their low yield in soot extracts and inefficient isolation techniques. Even less is known about the newer Fullertubes – molecular carbon structures comprised of fullerene endcaps with a nanotube belt. We have developed a novel method to purify these rarely studied fullertubes and have now opened the door for research into these unique nanoparticles. In this poster presentation, I will discuss the chemical selectivity of various combinations of straight-chain aminoalcohols and solvents to enrich the abundance of Fullertubes in preparation for facile HPLC isolation.
Gadofullerene for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment
Authors: Zhen Mingming
Published: May 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders. Nonetheless, the commonly used anti-T2DM drugs failed to substant to treat T2DM when anti-T2DM was withdrawn. Here we put forward a superior and sustainable anti-diabetic strategy using intraperitoneal administration of amino-acid-functionalized gadofullerene nanoparticles (GFNPs) in db/db diabetic mice. Highly accumulated in the pancreas and liver, GFNPs could prominently decrease hyperglycemia, along with permanently maintaining normal blood sugar levels in T2DM mice and even stopping administration. Importantly, GFNPs reversed the pancreas islets dysfunctions by reducing oxidative stress and in ﬂ ammation responses and fundamentally normalized the insulin secretory function of the pancreas islets. Mechanistically, GFNPs improved hepatic insulin resistance by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism through the activation of IRS2/PI3K/AKT signal pathways, resulting in inhibiting gluconeogenesis and increasing glycogenesis in the liver. Additionally, GFNPs relieved hepatic steatosis in the liver, ultimately maintaining systemic glucose and lipid metabolic homeostasis without obvious toxicity. Together, GFNPs reverse the dysfunctions of the pancreas and improve hepatic insulin resistance, providing a promising approach for T2DM treatment.
(Invited) Structural Studies of Fullerenes: Why IPR Obeying Sc3N@D
3h
-C78 is a Remarkable Molecule
Authors: Balch Alan L. , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Roy Mrittika , Baldauf Lilia
Published: May 2020

The structure of Sc3N@D
3h
-C78, which has been examined crystallographically and found to obey the isolated pentagon rule (IPR), will be discussed and compared to other related endohedral fullerenes. The effect of the composition of the interior M3N unit in this and other endohedral fullerenes will be shown to influence cage structure, sometimes in a predictable fashion. Structural studies of other fullerenes will also be presented.
(Invited) Covalent and Supramolecular Multicomponent Porphyrinoid-Carbon Nanostructure Ensembles
Authors: Ince Mine , Martínez-García M. , Zango German , Mariñas Víctor , Mateo Luis-Manuel , Bottari Giovanni , Martínez-Díaz M. Victoria , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomas
Published: May 2020

Herein, a novel electron donor-acceptor hybrid consisting of a NIR absorbing azulenocyanine as electron donor and few-layer graphene as electron acceptor was prepared. The extended aromatic core of azulenocyanine assist in the exfoliation of graphite and allows formation of a very high-quality few-layer graphene azulenocyanine hybrid system. The development of new chromophoric receptors able to bind curved carbon nanostructures is at the epicenter of the quest for fullerene-based organic photovoltaics with improved performances. Herein, a subphthalocyanine-based multicomponent ensemble consisting of two electron-rich SubPc-monomers rigidly attached to the convex surface of a electron-poor SubPc-dimer has been synthesized and characterized. Such a unique conformation, especialy in terms of the two SubPc-monomers, together with the overall stiffness of the tether endows the multicomponent system with a well-defined tweezer-like topology to efficiently embrace a fullerene in its inner cavity. The selective on-surface synthesis of a porphyrin-graphene nanoribbon hybrid has been accomplished. The atomically precise structure of the hybrid has been unambiguously characterized by bond-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy.
(Invited) Capturing the Double-Heptagon-Containing C70 with Negative Curvature
Authors: Deng Shun-Liu
Published: May 2020

Heptagon-containing fullerenes (heptafullerenes) exhibit negative curvature. Herein, we report the first double negatively curved C70 isomer containing two symmetric heptagons moieties. The compound was captured in situ as dihept-C70Cl6 from a chlorine-involving carbon arc. As demonstrated by X-ray crystallography, the dihept-C70Cl6 isomer with two negatively curved heptagon moieties contained 14 pentagons and 21 hexagons, in which four of the 14 pentagons are fused. The unfavorable local tensile of the adjacent pentagons was dramatically decreased by the binding of chlorine atoms. The two pairs of adjacent pentagons are exactly fused to two concave heptagons, resulting in the negative curvature with a symmetric plane. The occurrence of heptagon moieties provides an additional stabilizing effect on the heptafullerene. Theoretical studies suggest that captured dihept-C70Cl6 can be rationally regarded as a product of C66 via successive C2 insertions. This present study provides insight into the mechanism responsible for heptafullerene formation in a carbon arc.

Figure 1
(Invited) Heteroatom Functionalization of N- and B-Doped Graphene
Authors: Langa Fernando , Barrejon Myriam , Arellano Luis M , Gomez-Escalonilla Maria J.
Published: May 2020

One of the most important issues in the field of graphene for electronic and optoelectronic applications is how to modulate effectively the density of charge carriers, their mobility and their energy levels. One general strategy for achieving this goal is doping graphene with heteroatoms; in this approach, the properties of graphene are controlled by the nature of the dopant elements and by the percentage of doping. For example, by substituting carbon atoms with nitrogen or boron, it is possible to turn graphene into a semiconductor of n- or p-type, respectively. Both elements are by far the most common dopant elements and graphene doped with these heteroatoms have been widely used in electrocatalysis, as photocatalysts and as electronic materials.

Here, we will present our work in the N- and B- functionalization of N- and B-graphene [1-4] and the influence of the nature of substituent on the electronic properties of the material.

[1] M. Barrejón et al. Chem. Commun. 2015, 51, 16916

[2] M. Barrejón et al. Chem. Sci. 2018, 9, 8221

[3] L.M. Arellano et al. Chem. Commun. 2019, 55, 9999

[4] H. Gobeze et al. Nanoscale Adv. 2019, 1, 4009
(Invited) Supramolecular Assembly of Curved Carbon-Rich Molecules
Authors: Tan Yuanzhi
Published: May 2020

Aromatic carbon-rich molecules (CRMs) show fascinating electronic properties, which are promising in organic electronics, photovoltaics, sensing [1]. The nature of sp2 hybrid carbon prefers the planar geometrical structure, however, introducing additional strain to carbon framework can distort the planar structure, resulting in curved CRMs. Generally, incorporating non-hexagonal rings into the skeleton of CRMs will create the curvature, for example, fullerenes and geodesic polyarenes. Alternatively, the stereo-hindrance of bulky peripheral functional groups can highly distort the carbon framework, forming another class of curved CRMs, such as persubstituted polyarenes. Their curved conjugate structure leads to the polarized π-faces, which are particularly attractive for supramolecular assembly. Comparing with the face-to-face planar π-π complexes, the supramolecular assembly of curved CRMs requires both geometrical and electronic matching, which promotes the heterogeneous assembly for multi-components. Sequential functionalization with adaptable substituents can modulate and reinforce the supramolecular assembly. In addition, the substituents can not only tune the electronic nature of CRMs, but also can introduce additional supramolecular interactions.

REFERENCES

1. Wu, J. S.; Pisula, W.; Mullen, K. Chem. Rev. 2007, 107, 718.

2. Liu, Y. M.; Xia, D.; Li, B. W.; Zhang, Q. Y.; Sakurai, T.; Tan, Y. Z.*; Seki, S.; Xie, S. Y.*; Zheng, L. S. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 13047.

3. Liu, Y. M.; Hou, H.; Zhou, Y.-Z.; Zhao, X.-J.; Tang, C.; Tan, Y.Z.*; Müllen, K. Nat. Commun. 2018, 9, 1.

Figure 1
(Invited) Actinide-Based Buckyball Maracas: Fullerene Cages As Nanocontainers That Stabilize Monometallic and Actinide Clusters inside
Authors: Echegoyen Luis , Cai Wenting , Poblet Josep M.
Published: May 2020

Monometallic uranium endohedral fullerene compounds with formula U@C2n where 2n = 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84 86, 88 and 90 have been prepared in an arc-discharge reactor using U3O8 as the starting material. Many of these have been purified using HPLC techniques and have been fully characterized using many techniques, including MALDI MS, UV-Vis, electrochemistry, etc, but more importantly, with single crystal X-Ray diffractometry. Interestingly, the majority of these compounds obey the isolated pentagon rule (IPR) so all five-membered rings are adjacent to five six-membered rings, but there are some exceptions, namely U@C76 and U@C80, which possess non-IPR carbon cage structures. The reason for these exceptions is due to strong interactions of U with the cage via the metal 5f orbitals. More interestingly we have observed never-reported U-based clusters with formula U2X (X = C, N, O, and S) encapsulated inside C2n with 2n = 72, 78 and 80. More recently we have isolated UGd@C72 and UGd@C78 and also fully characterized these. The most recent structural and properties on some of these compounds will be presented and discussed.
(Invited) Electrochemical Functionalizations of [60]Fulleroindolines
Authors: Yan Xing-Xing , Liu Kai-Qing , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: May 2020

In this talk, we will present our recent progress in the electrochemical functionalizations of [60]fulleroindolines. The electrochemically generated dianions of [60]fulleroindolines react with electrophiles such as 1,2-bis(bromomethyl)benzene and phthaloyl chloride to 1,2,4,17-functionalized [60]fullerene derivatives with an unprecedented addition pattern, where the heterocycle is rearranged to a [5,6]-junction and the carbocycle is fused to an adjacent [6,6]-junction. Furthermore, the obtained tetra-functionalized compounds can be successively manipulated to 1,2,3,4,9,10-functionalized [60]fullerene derivatives with an intriguing “S”-shaped configuration via a novel electrochemical protonation.
(Invited) Trapping Metallic Oxide Cluster inside Fullerene Cage
Authors: Feng Lai
Published: May 2020

The sub-nanometer sized void inside fullerene cage permits the accommodation of a single atom, atomic cluster or even small molecule, resulting in the formations of endohedral fullerenes. Particularly, clusterfullerenes can be formed by encapsulating multiple metallic ions in most cases along with non-metal ions (i.e., N3-, C2
2-, S2-, O2-) inside the fullerene cage. Such an association makes clusterfullerene more functional than empty fullerenes and conventional mono-metallofullerenes. Up to date, a variety of clusterfullerenes have been reported, including metal nitrides, carbides, oxides, sulfides, cyanides and so on. Among them, oxide clusterfullerenes (OCFs) can contain variable oxide clusters (i.e., M4O2, M4O3, M3O and M2O; M=Sc or other metal), yielding one of the most versatile families. Thus, OCFs may provide a more convenient platform for developing new functional molecules and for studying the previously less-explored topics such as formation mechanism of clusterfullerenes.

In this Account, we review recent progress in the field of OCFs, including their synthesis, isolation, structural and electrochemical studies as well as the preliminary exploration in their potential functions and applications. Thanks for the concrete crystallographic results of an OCF series, we can track the transition of endohedral cluster and fullerene cage. It is suggested that the configuration and internal dynamics of oxide cluster are highly dependent on not only the cage size but also cage structure. On the other hand, based on the experimental observations, two competitive transformation pathways are established for the majority of OCFs, verifying the bottom-up or top-down formation mechanism. It is also found that the redox behaviors of OCFs are more or less comparable to their isoelectronic species with common cage structure and similar cluster geometry, but varied greatly with the cluster variety (i.e., Sc2O vs Sc4O2-3). The mechanism behind such phenomena has been discussed. In addition, the potential of Dy-based OCFs as single molecular magnets (SMMs) is presented theoretically. Nevertheless, experimental advance remains to be achieved.

Figure 1
(Invited) Three-Dimensional Nanocrystals of Endohedral Fullerenes
Authors: Yang Shangfeng
Published: May 2020

Fullerenes exhibit fascinating physical and chemical properties, rendering promising applications in such functional devices as organic solar cells, light emitting diodes, field effect transistors, and sensors. Constructing ordered micro- or nano-sized fullerene molecular assemblies is crucial for realizing such applications. We developed a universal approach to prepare shape-tunable three-dimensional (3D) crystals of several metal nitride clusterfullerenes (NCFs), including cubes and dices (i.e., hollow cubes with holes at the center of each faces), which can be readily switched by changing the volume ratio of good (mesitylene) and poor (isopropanol) solvents, or turning on/off ultrasonication upon mixing the good/poor (mesitylene/isopropanol) solvents. The 3D nanocrystals were applied in electrocatalysis, revealing the improved methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) activity compared to the cubic-shaped Sc3N@C80 crystals due to its larger surface area resulting from the dice (hole) structure. Moreover, due to the enhanced light absorption, the dice-shaped crystals exhibited anomalously enhanced photoluminescence (PL) relative to that of the cubes.

References:

1. S. F. Yang, T. Wei, F. Jin, Chem. Soc. Rev.
2017, 46, 5005-5058.

2. Y. Xu, C. He, F. Liu, M. Jiao, S. F. Yang, J. Mater. Chem. 2011, 21, 13538-13545.

3. Y. Xu, J. Guo, T. Wei, X. Chen, Q. Yang, S. F. Yang, Nanoscale
2013, 5, 1993-2001.

4. Y. Xu, X. Chen, F. P. Liu, X. Chen, J. H. Guo, S. F. Yang, Mater. Horiz. 2014, 2, 411-418.

5. J. H. Wu, X. J. Zhu, Y. Guan, Y. J. Wang, F. Jin, R. N. Guan, F. P. Liu, M. Q. Chen, Y. C. Tian, S. F. Yang, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
2019, 58, 11350-11354.
(Invited) Electrochemical Generation of Wavy Carbon Nanostructures from Curved Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Marcaccio Massimo , Valenti Giovanni , Paolucci Francesco
Published: May 2020

Carbon nanostructures, such as nanotubes and graphenes, represent a very promising class of new materials in the field of nanotechnology. In principle, graphenes could be obtained following a bottom-up approach by synthesizing large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nanographenes) starting from suitable precursors. Their subsequent intermolecular condensation into progressively more extended structures can produce macroscopic graphene films.

Amongst the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Corannulene is a bowl-shaped species recalling the fullerene surface. It is particularly intriguing, for its unique redox and luminescent properties, to develop new materials. The electrochemical reduction and oxidation processes have been reinvestigated in our lab over a large range of experimental conditions.

Concerning the oxidation, it is completely irreversible and this brings about a rapid fouling and passivation of the electrode surface. The adoption of suitable solvents and electrolytes, with very high oxidation resistance and low nucleophilicity, allowed to explore the reactivity of the electrogenerated corannulene carbocations.

The interesting redox, spectroelectrochemical, luminescence and electrochemiluminesce properties of corannulene and derivative species, together with the structure of their electrochemically generated films, will be discussed.
(Invited) Chemical Reactions of Ionic Metallofullerenes: An Alternative Route for Exohedral Functionalization
Authors: Hu Yajing , Liu Xuechen , Peng Ping , Li Fang-Fang
Published: May 2020

The chemistry of cationic forms of clusterfullerenes remain less explored than that of the corresponding neutral or anionic species. In the present work, M3N@Ih
-C80 (M = Sc or Lu) cations were generated by both electrochemical and chemical oxidation methods. The as-obtained cations successfully underwent the reactions that fail with neutral Sc3N@Ih
-C80. For example, two isomeric Sc3N@Ih
-C80 cation derivatives, [5,6]-open and [6,6]-open adducts, were synthesized, and the former has never been prepared via a Bingel-Hirsch reaction with neutral clusterfullerenes. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the oxidized M3N@Ih
-C80 was much more reactive than the neutral compound upon addition of the nucleophiles. The Bingel-Hirsch reaction of M3N@Ih
-C80 cations occurred via an unusual outer-sphere single-electron transfer (SET) process from the diethyl bromomalonate anion to the stable intermediate [M3N@C80(C2H5COO)2CBr]•. Cationic forms of clusterfullerenes exhibited chemical properties that are different from those of the corresponding neutral and anionic forms. These findings promote a better understanding of EMFs cations and offer a complementary strategy to activate and functionalize EMFs.
Macrophylloflavone: A New Biflavonoid fromGarcinia macrophyllaMart. (Clusiaceae) for Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Activities
Authors: Cane Hawa Purnama Celala Ary , Saidi Nurdin , Yahya Mustanir , Darusman Darusman , Erlidawati Erlidawati , Safrida Safrida , Musman Musri
Published: May 2020

Investigations of antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus activities have been carried out onGarcinia macrophyllaMart. plant extract fractions. An isolate from a fraction of ethyl acetate extract was characterized with spectroscopic data. A new biflavonoid compound was found to have a skeleton of 5,7,4′,5″,7″,3‴,4‴-heptahydroxyflavanone[3-6″] flavones which was named macrophylloflavone (1). The compound was evaluated for its antibacterial activity againstEscherichia coliATCC 25922 andStaphylococcus aureusATCC 25923 with cephazolin as a positive control, antioxidant assay against 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with ascorbic acid as the positive control, and anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment with metformin as a positive control. The biflavonoid compound exhibited a good inhibition for bacteria and free radical DPPH. Furthermore, biflavonoid compound treatment on the diabetic rats suggested its ability to decrease the blood glucose level. This study provided evidence that the plant has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties.
Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma to the Maxillary Sinus: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shimmura Hajime , Mori Eri , Sekine Rumi , Tei Masayoshi , Otori Nobuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Metastasis of the thyroid carcinoma to the paranasal sinuses is rarely reported. Among these sinuses, metastasis to the maxillary sinus alone has been reported only in a few cases. This is the first reported case in a 76-year-old woman with papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasizing to the maxillary sinus alone and resected through endoscopic sinonasal surgery. When patients have sinus lesions and a history of malignancy, metastasis should be included in the differential diagnosis. If they have an isolated metastatic lesion to the paranasal sinus, ESS, either palliative or radical, can be a useful treatment option.
Optimum Location of Autonomous Vehicle Lanes: A Model Considering Capacity Variation
Authors: Movaghar Sara , Mesbah Mahmoud , Habibian Meeghat
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes a model to find the optimal location of autonomous vehicle lanes in a transportation network consisting of both Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and Human-Driven Vehicles (HDVs) while accounting for the roadway capacity variation. The main contribution of the model is considering a generalized definition of capacity as a function of AV proportion on a link and incorporating it into the network design problem. A bilevel optimization model is proposed with total travel time as the objective function to be minimized. At the upper-level problem, the optimal locations of AV lanes are determined, and at the lower level which is a multiclass equilibrium assignment, road users including both AVs and HDVs seek to minimize their individual travel times. It is shown that if capacity variation is ignored, the effect of AV lane deployment can be misleading. Since there will be a long transition period during which both AVs and HDVs will coexist in the network, this model can help the network managers to optimally reallocate the valuable road space and better understand the effects of AV lane deployment at the planning horizon as well as during the transition period. Employing this model as a planning tool presents how the proposed AV lane deployment plan could consider the AV market penetration growth during the transition period. Numerical analysis based on the Sioux Falls network is presented in two cases with and without variable capacity to illustrate the application of this model. At the 60% penetration rate of AVs, the improvement in total travel time was 3.85% with a fix capacity while this improvement was 9.88% with a variable capacity.
Quyushengxin Formula Causes Differences in Bacterial and Phage Composition in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Yang Haojie , Gan Dan , Li Ying , Wang Xiaosu , Jin Lei , Qin Kaijian , Cui Can , Wu Jiong , Wang Zhenyi
Published: May 2020

Background. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon and the rectum. Recently, some studies have shown that microorganisms in the gut play important roles in many chronic diseases such as UC. Methods. To study the candidate viruses and bacteria involved in UC and to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Quyushengxin formula (QYSX) in UC patients, metagenomic sequencing was performed on the feces from healthy donors and UC patients before and after QYSX treatment. Results. QYSX improved the symptoms of UC. In all participants, Caudovirales and Herpesvirales were the most dominant viruses. The abundance of Caudovirales in UC patients was significantly higher than that in the normal controls, while QYSX restored Caudovirales abundance. Furthermore, the abundance of crAssphage was enhanced in UC patients compared with the normal control, while the diversity was then decreased after QYSX treatment. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). Additionally, other non‐crAssphage bacteriophages including phiST, SP-10, and phi17:2 were higher in UC patients and QYSX decreased these viruses, while the trends of MED4−213, P-HM1, and P−HM2 were adverse. Interestingly, PhiDP23.1 was only found in UC patients before and after QYSX treatment. In addition, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroidetes, Prevotellaceae, Actinobacteria, and Corynebacteriales were the biomarkers in UC patients after QYSX treatment due to their high abundance. GO terms and KEGG analysis showed that the identified gut microbiome was involved in many biological processes and pathways. Conclusions. QYSX could regulate disordered gut microbiome and phages, indicating that QYSX has great therapeutic potential for UC.
Prevalence of Severe Depression in Iranian Women with Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Isfahani Parvaneh , Arefy Marziye , Shamsaii Monire
Published: May 2020

Background. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and has mental and emotional effects, which lead to a decline in their quality of life. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian women with breast cancer. Methods. This meta-analysis study was conducted at Zabol University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Seven electronic databases were searched and evaluated for original research papers published on the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian women with breast cancer. Finally, 13 articles were selected and analyzed via Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results. Overall, the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian women with breast cancer was 11% (95% CI (7.2, 16.5)). The highest prevalence was 44% in Tehran City in 2015 (95% CI (31, 57.9)), and the lowest prevalence was 0.8% in Qom City in 2017 (95% CI (0.01, 6.2)). A significant statistical correlation was observed between the prevalence of severe depression and sample size (p<0.05). Conclusion. According to the results of this study, the prevalence of severe depression affects more than one-tenth of women with breast cancer.
Research on the Numerical Calculation Method for Antiloosening Performance of Screwed Joints under Complex Working Conditions
Authors: Mo Yimin , Guo Shenghui , Qin Xiongzhen , Qin Jialiang , Zhan Kui , Gao Xinshang
Published: May 2020

This study aimed at addressing the difficulties entailed in accurately determining the working loads of screwed joints (SJs) by establishing mechanical models and verifying the accuracy of the numerical calculation model of antiloosening performance under complex working conditions. First, considering the slip state of the interface and the stress state of the thread surface, a corresponding mechanical model was established to investigate the quantitative model of the interaction amongst structural parameters, complex working loads, and antiloosening performance of SJs. The applicability of existing models is expanded by this new model. Second, a load calibration test, an actual working condition test, and a dynamic simulation were combined to accurately determine the load under complex working conditions. A new experimental scheme for measuring the critical residual preload was employed to verify the reliability and accuracy of the numerical calculation model. The results confirmed that structural safety is ensured and that accident risk is reduced. Finally, based on this model, the transverse load, axial load, bending moment, torque about the bolt axis, clamping eccentricity, loading eccentricity, and coefficient of friction in the thread and at the interface were analyzed in terms of the antiloosening performance. The results of this study are expected to provide significant guidance to engineering practices. Moreover, the numerical calculation model can accurately predict the antiloosening performance and failure and also provide technical support for improving the structural reliability, particularly for key screwed-joint structures (SJSs), under complex working conditions loading.
Evaluating Provitamin A Carotenoids and Polar Metabolite Compositions during the Ripening Stages of the Agung Semeru Banana (Musa paradisiaca L. AAB)
Authors: Chandra Rosita D. , Siswanti Chandra A. , Prihastyanti Monika N. U. , Heriyanto  , Limantara Leenawaty , Brotosudarmo Tatas H. P.
Published: May 2020

Banana cultivars that are rich in provitamin A carotenoids and other nutrients may offer a potential food source to help alleviate vitamin A deficiencies, particularly in developing countries. The local plantain type banana, Agung Semeru (Musa paradisiaca L.), was investigated, in order to analyse the changes in the compositions of the provitamin A carotenoids and metabolite compounds, including the amino acids, organic acids, and sugars, during the ripening stage as this banana is widely processed for food products in either the unripe, ripe, or overripe stages. The bananas that had reached the desired ripening stages were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and the results indicated that the total provitamin A carotenoid concentrations ranged between 4748.83 μg/100 g dry weight (dw) and 7330.40 μg/100 g dw, with the highest level of vitamin A activity at 457.33±5.18 μg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/100 g dw. Compared to the Cavendish variety, which is consumed worldwide, the Agung Semeru banana had vitamin A activity that was 40 to 90 times higher, dependent on the stage of ripening. The breakdown of the starch during the ripening stages resulted in an increase of its sugar compounds, such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose, as well as its dominant organic acids, such as malic acid, oxalic acid, and citric acid, which were observed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) during the ripening stages. The findings of this study show that the Agung Semeru banana is a promising fruit that could be widely produced as a nutritional and energy food resource, due to its high levels of vitamin A activity and sugars.
Prospective Feasibility Study of Single-Shot Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Transrectal Focal Ablation of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Westhoff Niklas , Ritter Manuel , Maros Máté , Rassweiler-Seyfried Marie-Claire , Michel Maurice-Stephan , Honeck Patrick , von Hardenberg Jost
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent the most frequent complications after transrectal focal ablation of prostate cancer. Single-shot antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention has not yet been described. Methods: In this cohort study of patients who received a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of prostate cancer within a registered prospective single-arm trial, we analyzed posttreatment UTI (≤30 days after HIFU) related to perioperative antibiotic management in an exploratory analysis: single-shot prophylaxis or targeted treatment for bacteriuria. Potential risk factors associated with UTI were evaluated by uni- and multivariate regression analyses. Results: In total, 55 patients were eligible for analysis. Of these, 76.4% received antibiotic single-shot prophylaxis. UTI occurred in 10.7% of all patients, 5.4% developed fever, 3.6% required hospitalization. An antibiotic single-shot prophylaxis helped to protect 90.5% of men from infectious complications. Estimated effects indicate that a longer posttreatment catheterization (OR 3.38, 95% CI 0.47–27.08) and larger ablation volume (OR 4.85, 95% CI 0.61–107.49) might be associated with the highest risk for UTI after treatment. Conclusion: Single-shot antibiotic prophylaxis compared to a targeted antibiotic treatment showed a similar effectivity to prevent patients from infectious complications and should be considered as an element of antibiotic stewardship. Further research on risk factors and antibiotic strategies is required.
Cumulative Burden of Financial Hardship From Medical Bills Across the Spectrum of Diabetes Mellitus and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among Non‐Elderly Adults in the United States
Authors: Mszar Reed , Grandhi Gowtham R. , Valero‐Elizondo Javier , Caraballo César , Khera Rohan , Desai Nihar , Virani Salim S. , Blankstein Ron , Blaha Michael J. , Nasir Khurram
Published: May 2020

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
ASCVD
) has a strong association with diabetes mellitus (
DM
), accounting for approximately two thirds of deaths in this patient population. Many individuals with
ASCVD
and
DM
are vulnerable to financial hardship associated with treatment‐related expenses. Therefore, we examined the burden of financial hardship from medical bills across the spectrum of
ASCVD
status with and without
DM
.

Methods and Results

Using data from the National Health Interview Survey from 2013 to 2017, we used logistic regression analysis to examine the association of
ASCVD
and
DM
status with financial hardship and an inability to pay medical bills from a representative sample of non‐elderly adults in the United States. Our study population consisted of 121 672 individuals. Approximately 3.1% of the weighted population had
ASCVD
, 5.6% had
DM
, and 1.3% had both
ASCVD
and
DM
. Nearly 50% of individuals with
ASCVD
and
DM
reported financial hardship from medical bills (23% being unable to pay medical bills at all), whereas ≈28% of those with neither
ASCVD
nor
DM
reported financial hardship from medical bills (8% being unable to pay medical bills at all). Individuals with concurrent
ASCVD
and
DM
had the highest relative odds of expressing an inability to pay at all when compared with those with neither condition (odds ratio, 2.69; 95%
CI
, 2.21–3.28).

Conclusions

Individuals with concurrent
ASCVD
and
DM
are at a disproportionately high risk of being unable to pay their medical bills. The findings provide strong evidence for developing more effective public health policies that protect vulnerable populations from financial hardship.
Women’s Reproductive Health Education in Catholic Academic Healthcare Institutions: Time for Transparency, Authenticity, and Reflection
Authors: Smith James F.
Published: May 2020

This article illustrates the tensions between the precepts of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education as they apply to education in obstetrics and gynecology, and argues that moving forward, Catholic sponsorship of obstetric and gynecologic residencies now requires transparency, authenticity, and reflection in order to mitigate these inherent tensions.
Ontological Investigations of a Pragmatic Kind? A Reply to Lauer
Authors: Lohse Simon
Published: May 2020

This article is a reply to Richard Lauer’s “Is Social Ontology Prior to Social Scientific Methodology?” and an attempt to contribute to the meta-social ontological discourse more broadly. In the first part I will give a rough sketch of Lauer’s general project and confront his pragmatist approach with a fundamental problem. The second part of my reply will provide a solution for this problem rooted in a philosophy of the social sciences in practice.
Social Skills Instruction, Online Modules, and Telecoaching to Develop Planning Skills of Young Adults With Autism
Authors: Bross Leslie Ann , Huffman Jonathan M. , Watson Emma K. , Wills Howard P. , Mason Rose A.
Published: May 2020

This study examined the efficacy of an intervention package consisting of small group instruction, online instructional modules, and telecoaching to increase planning skills of eight young adults (ages 17–26) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other related neurological disorders. Telecoaching sessions used existing video conference platforms (e.g., FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom) with young adults as the direct recipients of the coaching. The primary dependent variable was number of planning steps described on fictional vignettes, and a supplementary dependent variable was self-reported participation in weekly social activities. A multiple baseline across participants design with participants assigned to three cohorts was utilized. Results indicated all participants increased knowledge of steps required to plan activities. However, implementation of the planned activities varied with minimal gains demonstrated by five of the eight participants. Implications for practice and research related to technology-based interventions to increase social engagement of young adults with ASD is discussed.
Medial Sural Artery Musculocutaneous Perforator (MSAP) Flap for Reconstruction of Pharyngoesophageal Defects
Authors: Taufique Zahrah M. , Daar David A. , Levine Jamie P. , Jacobson Adam S.
Published: May 2020

We describe the use of the medial sural artery musculocutaneous perforator (MSAP) flap at our institution. It is a relatively new flap, originally described in 2001 for lower extremity defects, that has become increasingly popular for head and neck reconstruction due to its versatility, thinness, pliability, long pedicle, and particularly favorable donor site. It has been described for reconstruction of oral defects, but there is little published on its use in pharyngeal reconstruction. We suggest that the MSAP is an ideal flap for addressing defects caused by pharyngoesophageal stenosis, pharyngeal fistulas, or laryngopharyngectomies. We review 5 cases at our institution from June 2016 to November 2017.
High‐Risk Aerosol‐Generating Procedures in COVID‐19: Respiratory Protective Equipment Considerations
Authors: Howard Brittany E.
Published: May 2020

The correct selection and utilization of respiratory personal protective equipment is of the utmost importance in the current COVID‐19 pandemic. This is especially true for health care workers exposed to high‐risk aerosol‐generating procedures, including otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and laparoscopic surgeons. This communication provides a review of approved forms of respiratory protection and compares their characteristics, including surgical masks, N95 respirator, elastomeric respirators, powered air‐purifying respirators, and controlled air‐purifying respirators. For standard airborne precautions, N95 respirator are appropriate for respiratory protection. However, high‐risk aerosol‐generating procedures may create aerosolization of high viral loads that represent increased risk to health care workers. In these situations, enhanced respiratory protection with filters certified as 99, 100, or HEPA (high‐efficiency particulate air) may be appropriate.
Effects of gravity on flow rate estimations of a centrifugal blood pump using the eccentric position of a levitated impeller
Authors: Shida Shuya , Masuzawa Toru , Osa Masahiro
Published: May 2020

Implantable ventricular assist devices are a type of mechanical circulatory support for assisting the pumping of the heart. Accurate estimation of the flow rate through such devices is critical to ensure effective performance. A novel method for estimating the flow rate using the passively stabilized position of a magnetically levitated impeller was developed by our group. However, the performance of the method is affected by the gravity vector, which depends on the patient’s posture. In this study, the effects of gravity on the flow estimation method are analyzed, and a compensation method is proposed. The magnetically levitated impeller is axially suspended and radially restricted by passive stability in a centrifugal blood pump developed by our group. The gravity effects were evaluated by analyzing the relationships between the radial position of the magnetically levitated impeller and the flow rate with respect to the gravity direction. Accurate estimation of the flow rate could not be achieved when the direction of gravity with respect to impeller was unknown. A mean absolute error of up to 4.89 L/min was obtained for flow rate measurement range of 0–5 L/min. However, analysis of the equilibrium of forces on the passively stabilized impeller indicated that the effects of gravity on the flow estimation could be compensated by performing additional measurements of the gravity direction with respect to impeller. The method for compensating the effects of gravity on the flow estimation should improve the performance of therapy with the implantable ventricular assist devices.
Older Adults’ Experiences of Goals in Health: A Systematic Review and Metasynthesis
Authors: Baker Nicky , Lawn Sharon , Gordon Susan J. , George Stacey
Published: May 2020

Objective: To synthesize older adults’ experiences and perceptions of goal setting and pursuit within health systems. Methods: Six databases were searched to May 2019 using a combination of MeSH and free text terms. Included papers were written in English and reported original qualitative research for participants aged 65 years and older. Participant quotes from the results sections of included studies were gathered for thematic analysis and synthesis. Results: Initial search yielded 9,845 articles, and 134 were identified for full-text review. Fifteen papers were included in the final synthesis. Two main themes were identified: enablers (intrinsic and extrinsic) and barriers (personal and system). Conclusion: Older adults’ self-belief is the strongest enabler for goal activities, enhanced by a personalized coaching approach from health staff. Conversely, inconsistent goal terminology confuses patients and reduces engagement. Likewise, fatigue has profound physical and cognitive impact on patients’ ability to engage and participate in goals.