bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESILIENT part 1: a phase 2 dose‐exploration and dose‐expansion study of second‐line liposomal irinotecan in adults with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Paz‐Ares Luis , Spigel David R. , Chen Yuanbin , Jove Maria , Juan‐Vidal Oscar , Rich Patricia , Hayes Theresa , Calderón Vanesa Gutiérrez , Caro Reyes Bernabe , Navarro Alejandro , Dowlati Afshin , Zhang Bin , Moore Yan , Yao Xiaopan , Kokhreidze Jaba , Ponce Santiago , Bunn Paul A.
Published: February 2022

Background

RESILIENT (NCT03088813) is a phase 2/3 study assessing the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of liposomal irinotecan monotherapy in patients with small cell lung cancer and disease progression on/after first‐line platinum‐based therapy. Here, we present results from RESILIENT part 1.

Methods

This open‐label, single‐arm, safety run‐in evaluation with dose‐exploration and dose‐expansion phases included patients ≥18 years old with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0/1; those with asymptomatic central nervous system metastases were eligible. The primary objectives were to evaluate safety and tolerability and recommend a dose for further development. Efficacy end points were objective response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

During dose exploration, 5 patients received intravenous liposomal irinotecan at 85 mg/m2 (deemed not tolerable; dose‐limiting toxicity) and 12 patients received 70 mg/m2 (deemed tolerable). During dose expansion, 13 additional patients received intravenous liposomal irinotecan at 70 mg/m2. Of these 25 patients (median age [range], 59.0 [48.0‐73.0] years, 92.0% with metastatic disease), 10 experienced grade ≥3 treatment‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), most commonly diarrhea (20.0%) and neutropenia (16.0%), and 3 had serious treatment‐related TEAEs, of whom 2 died. ORR was 44.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.40‐65.07; 1 complete response, 10 partial responses) and median (95% CI) PFS and OS were 3.98 (1.45‐4.24) months and 8.08 (5.16‐9.82) months, respectively.

Conclusion

Overall, no new safety signals were identified with liposomal irinotecan, and antitumor activity was promising. RESILIENT part 2, a randomized, controlled, phase 3 study of liposomal irinotecan versus topotecan, is ongoing.

Lay Summary

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with few treatment options after platinum‐based therapy.

Administering 1 option, irinotecan, as a “liposomal” formulation, may extend drug exposure and improve outcomes.

The RESILIENT part 1 trial assessed the safety and efficacy of liposomal irinotecan in 25 adults with SCLC after disease progression despite platinum‐based therapy.

No new safety concerns were reported.

The most common moderate‐to‐severe side effects were diarrhea (20% of patients) and neutropenia (16%).

Tumors responded to treatment in 44% of patients.

Average survival was 8.08 months, and time to disease progression was 3.98 months.

Liposomal irinotecan trials are ongoing.
Improving the well‐being of women with ductal carcinoma in situ: A worthy goal with an unclear route to success
Authors: Anderson Bethany M. , White Julia R.
Published: February 2022

Providers should be aware that many women experience confusion and concern about their ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosis and treatment that persist for years. Shared decision‐making and research focusing on patient‐reported outcomes are critical.
Vision‐based vehicle detection for road traffic congestion classification
Authors: Chetouane Ameni , Mabrouk Sabra , Jemili Imen , Mosbah Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Due to the increasing number of vehicles in circulation in different urban cities, several automatic traffic monitoring systems have been developed. In particular, traffic monitoring systems using roadside cameras are becoming extensively deployed, as they offer imperative technological advantages compared with other traffic monitoring systems. Vehicle detection and traffic congestion classification are two main steps for video‐based traffic congestion detection systems; the associated methods have a deep impact on the performance of the whole system. In this paper, we investigate four selected vehicle detection methods namely Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), GMM‐Kalman filter, Optical Flow, and ACF object detector in two contexts: urban and highway. Three traffic congestion classification methods are also studied. The comparative study of the different methods allows us to choose the most appropriate ones to be integrated in the framework proposed to solve the traffic issues in the bridge of Bizerte.
Guanidine Carboxy Zinc Complexes for the Chemical Recycling of Renewable Polyesters
Authors: Fuchs Martin , Walbeck Marcel , Jagla Eveline , Hoffmann Alexander , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: February 2022

Our previously published non‐toxic guanidine carboxy Zn catalysts, suitable for lactide ring opening polymerisation (ROP) under industrially preferred melt conditions, have been tested towards the alcoholysis of renewable polyesters. A structure‐reactivity relationship has been found for the methanolysis of PLA in anhydrous THF, dependent on the substituents introduced at the ligand backbone. Using the unsubstituted “TMGasme” catalyst C2, a polyester conversion of 41 % was reached after 5 h at 60 °C. Introducing an electron density donating ‐NMe2 group at the ligand (C3) caused and increase in catalyst activity, resulting in a PLA conversion of 72 %. Hence, C3 was further tested, stressing the industrial applicability of PLA chemical recycling. Catalyst recycling, process scale up as well as solvent free alcoholysis, with full degradation in the PLA melt after 1 h, were demonstrated, allowing for the implementation of a circular (bio)plastics economy promoted by these catalysts.
The Transference Number
Authors: Gao Kevin W. , Fang Chao , Halat David M. , Mistry Aashutosh , Newman John , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: February 2022

The performance of rechargeable batteries and other electrochemical systems depends on the rate at which the working ion (often a cation) is transported from one electrode to the other. The cation transference number is an important transport parameter that affects this rate. The purpose of this perspective is to distinguish between approximate and rigorous methods used in the literature to measure the transference number. We emphasize the fact that this parameter is dependent on the reference frame used in the analysis; care must be taken when comparing values obtained from different sources to account for differences in reference frames. We present data obtained from a well‐characterized electrolyte. We compare rigorously determined transference numbers in two reference frames with values obtained by an approximate method. We conclude with a qualitative discussion of the relationship between the transference number and salt concentration gradients that are obtained when current is drawn through a battery.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of 1,3‐Substituted 2‐Oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes as Ring‐Constrained Tetrahydrofuranosyl C‐Glycosides
Authors: Rico Lorena , Li Da , Hanessian Stephen
Published: February 2022

Herein, we describe the stereocontrolled synthesis of 2,3‐α‐methano 2‐substituted‐5‐(S)‐hydroxymethyl tetrahydrofurans, (formally 1,3‐disubstituted 2‐oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes), using a TFA‐mediated destannylative cyclopropanation reaction, starting from commercially available 4‐(S)‐hydroxymethyl‐butyrolactone. A variety of chiral aryl, alkynyl and heterocyclic anomeric substituents were prepared in good to excellent yields. Facile derivatizations of these versatile compounds provide a series of anomerically functionalized chiral non‐racemic 2,3‐α‐methano tetrahydrofurans as potential substrates for heteroatom mediated ring opening reactions of potential interest in medicinal chemistry. Acid‐promoted methanolysis of a phenyl C‐glycoside analogue resulted in cleavage of the cyclopropane ring and formation of (1S,4S,6R)‐6‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2,7‐dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, a novel dioxabicyclo ketal and its oxocarbenium ion mediated oligomers.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Reaction of Aryl Iodides and Glycal Enones: Application in the Preparation of Dapagliflozin Analogues
Authors: Kumar Singh Adesh , Venkatesh Rapelly , Kumar Kanaujiya Vimlesh , Tiwari Varsha , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: February 2022

An efficient approach for the preparation of C‐1 aryl enones from aryl iodides and glycal enones by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions under ligand‐free conditions was developed. A wide range of aryl iodides bearing electron‐donating and withdrawing groups underwent oxidative C‐1 arylation with galactal, glucal and rhamnal enones in the presence of Pd(OAc)2 and AgNO3 under mild conditions. The protecting groups, including benzyl, acetyl, pivaloyl, and benzoyl groups, were found to be compatible under standard reaction conditions. The developed methodology was applied for the preparation of dapagliflozin analogues (SGLT‐2 inhibitors). Regioselective nitration of C‐1 aryl enones provides C‐2 nitro aryl enones in good yields.
Proposed nonlinear macro‐model for seismic risk assessment of composite‐steel moment resisting frames
Authors: El Jisr Hammad , Kohrangi Mohsen , Lignos Dimitrios G.
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a macro‐model for simulating the hysteretic behavior of composite‐steel beams as part of fully restrained beam‐to‐column connections in composite‐steel moment‐resisting frames (MRFs). Comparisons with experimental data suggest that the proposed model captures the asymmetric hysteretic response of composite‐steel beams including the cyclic deterioration in strength and stiffness. Moreover, the proposed model captures the primary slab‐column force transfer mechanisms and predicts the slip demands in beam‐slab connections under inelastic cyclic loading. The modeling approach is employed in a system‐level study to benchmark the seismic collapse risk of composite‐steel MRF buildings across Europe. Moreover, the beam‐slab slip demands are quantified through the development of beam‐slab slip hazard curves. The simulation studies suggest that the examined composite‐steel MRFs exhibit a system overstrength of about 4. This is attributed to the drift requirements in the current European seismic provisions.1 The annualized probability of collapse of the prototype buildings is well below 1% over a 50‐year building life expectancy regardless of the design site and the degree of composite action. Beam‐slab connections with a partial degree of composite action experience minimal damage for frequently occurring seismic events (i.e., 50% probability of exceedance over 50 years); and light cracking in the slab for a design basis earthquake. The above are important from a seismic repairability standpoint. Accordingly, it is recommended that the 25% reduction in the shear resistance of stud connectors is not imperative for seismic designs that feature steel beams with depths less than 500 mm.
Cooperative vehicles‐assisted task offloading in vehicular networks
Authors: Cui Yaping , Du Lijuan , He Peng , Wu Dapeng , Wang Ruyan
Published: February 2022

Cooperative task offloading emerges a well‐received paradigm for mobile applications that are sensitive to computational power, while dynamic and real‐time characteristics of vehicular networks makes it challenging to guarantee the low delay requirements of vehicular computation offloading. Existing researches cannot satisfy the real‐time computation requests due to the sparse deployment of infrastructure constructions and constrained computing resources of edge servers. Motivated by these, we consider the idea of distributed vehicle‐to‐vehicle task offloading, which makes vehicles act as cooperative nodes to execute tasks. In this paper, we utilize parallel computing of multi‐vehicle cooperation, to provide low‐delay computation services without exceeding the energy constraint. Furthermore, a cooperative vehicles assisted task offloading strategy based on double deep Q‐network is proposed to obtain the optimal task offloading ratio after selecting cooperative vehicles. Simulation results indicate that our proposed strategy can effectively decrease the total system delay. For example, compared with the local execution strategy, the total system delay of the proposed strategy can be reduced by 69.4% on average.
Steam explosion enhances phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity in mung beans
Authors: Wan Fachun , Hou Chunyu , Luo Kaiyun , Cheng Anwei
Published: February 2022

Steam explosion (SE), as a physicochemical pretreatment process, has the dual effect of high temperature and high pressure. In this study, SE was applied to pretreat mung beans to increase phenolic extraction and their antioxidant activity. It can make the material loose and porous, which is beneficial to the release of phenolic compounds from mung beans. Insoluble‐bound phenolics (IBPs) were the dominating fraction, followed by glycosidic phenolics (GPs) and esterified phenolics (EPs), and free phenolics (FPs) were the lowest in mung beans. After SE, the maximum contents of FPs, EPs, GPs, IBPs, and total phenolics were detected at 0.75 MPa for 30 s, which were 1.47‐, 1.87‐, 1.73‐, 1.48‐, and 1.58‐fold compared with the untreated samples, respectively. On the whole, the effect of SE on phenolics in mung beans first increased and then decreased. SE increased the contents of protocatechuic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, catechin, and epicatechin; but there was a decrease in caffeic acid. Compared with the untreated samples, the antioxidant activity of FPs, GPAs, EPs, and IBPs was also improved by SE. The relationship between the phenolic content and antioxidant activity was very high with coefficients of 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐ sulfonic acid) > 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl > ferric reducing antioxidant power. In conclusion, an appropriate SE can lead to a more efficient extraction of phenolics and improvement of antioxidant activity in mung beans.
Adaptive mechanism of Lactobacillus amylolyticus L6 in soymilk environment based on metabolism of nutrients and related gene‐expression profiles
Authors: Fei Yongtao , Huang Li , Wang Hong , Liang Jinglong , Liu Gongliang , Bai Weidong
Published: February 2022

Lactobacillus amylolyticus L6 isolated from naturally fermented tofu‐whey was characterized as potential probiotics. To give insight into the adaptive mechanism of L. amylolyticus L6 in soymilk, the gene‐expression profiles of this strain and changes of chemical components in fermented soymilk were investigated. The viable counts of L. amylolyticus L6 in soymilk reached 1012 CFU/mL in the stationary phase (10 hr). The main sugars reduced gradually while the acidity value significantly increased from 45.33° to 95.88° during fermentation. About 50 genes involved in sugar metabolization and lactic acid production were highly induced during soymilk fermentation. The concentration of total amino acid increased to 668.38 mg/L in the logarithmic phase, and 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in terms of nitrogen metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acid were detected. Other genes related to lipid metabolism, inorganic ion transport, and stress response were also highly induced. Besides, the concentration of isoflavone aglycones with high bioactivity increased from 14.51 mg/L to 36.09 mg/L during the fermentation, and the expression of 6‐phospho‐β‐glucosidase gene was also synchronously induced. This study revealed the adaptive mechanism of L. amylolyticus L6 in the soymilk‐based ecosystem, which gives the theoretical guidance for the application of this strain in other soybean‐derived products.
Tick magnets: The occupational risk of tick‐borne disease exposure in forestry workers in New York
Authors: Roome Amanda , Gouli Sugam , Yodsuwan Ratdanai , Victory Jennifer , Collins Casie , Jenkins Paul , Scribani Melissa , Krupa Nicole , Freilich Daniel , Gadomski Anne
Published: February 2022

Background

Outdoor workers, such as forestry workers, are at an increased risk for contracting tick‐borne diseases due to their prolonged time spent in tick habitats. Although well studied in Europe, no studies have been conducted with forestry workers in the Northeastern United States since 1990s.

Methods

Full‐time forestry workers and two comparison groups (volunteer firefighter/first responders and indoor/healthcare workers) within New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were recruited for this cross‐sectional seroprevalence study. Blood draws were conducted to test for antibodies to Lyme, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Surveys were administered to determine personal risk factors and protective behaviors.

Results

Between November 2020 and May 2021, 256 (105 forestry, 101 firefighter/first responder, and 50 indoor/healthcare) workers participated in this study. Forestry workers had a probability of testing positive nearly twice as high for any tick‐borne disease (14%) compared to firefighter/first responders (8%) and to indoor workers (6%); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = .140). Forestry workers were more likely to find embedded ticks on themselves (f = 33.26,P < .0001 vs both comparison groups) and to have been previously diagnosed with a tick‐borne disease (P = .001 vs firefighter/first responders,P = .090 vs indoor/healthcare workers).

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests a higher proportion of tick‐borne disease risk among forestry workers compared to firefighters/first responders and indoor/healthcare workers with lesser exposure. A larger study to confirm or refute this pilot data could help optimize mitigation/prevention strategies.
Role of peripheral myelin protein 22 in chronic exercise‐induced interactions of muscle and bone in mice
Authors: Kawaguchi Miku , Kawao Naoyuki , Muratani Masafumi , Takafuji Yoshimasa , Ishida Masayoshi , Kinoshita Yuko , Takada Yuto , Mizukami Yuya , Ohira Takashi , Kaji Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Exercise is important for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Although the interactions between skeletal muscles and bone have recently been reported, the myokines linking muscle to bone during exercise remain unknown. We previously revealed that chronic exercise using treadmill running blunts ovariectomy‐induced osteopenia in mice. We herein performed an RNA sequence analysis of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of male mice with or without chronic exercise to identify the myokines responsible for the effects of chronic exercise on the muscle/bone relationship. We extracted peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) as a humoral factor that was putatively induced by chronic exercise in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles of mice from the RNA sequence analysis. Chronic exercise significantly enhanced the expression of PMP22 in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of female mice. PMP22 suppressed macrophage‐colony stimulating factor and receptor activator factor κB ligand‐induced increases in the expression of osteoclast‐related genes and osteoclast formation from mouse bone marrow cells. Moreover, PMP22 significantly inhibited osteoblast differentiation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization in mouse osteoblast cultures; however, the overexpression of PMP22 did not affect muscle phenotypes in mouse muscle C2C12 cells. A simple regression analysis revealed that PMP22 mRNA levels in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were positively related to cortical bone mineral density at the femurs of mice with or without chronic exercise. In conclusion, we identified PMP22 as a novel myokine induced by chronic exercise in mice. We first showed that PMP22 suppresses osteoclast formation and the osteoblast phenotype in vitro.
Interindividual variability in response to protein and fish oil supplementation in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Murphy Caoileann H. , Connolly Claire , Flanagan Ellen M. , Mitchelson Kathleen A.J. , de Marco Castro Elena , Egan Brendan , Brennan Lorraine , Roche Helen M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Precision nutrition is highly topical. However, no studies have explored the interindividual variability in response to nutrition interventions for sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of interindividual variability in response to two nutrition supplementation interventions for sarcopenia and metabolic health, after accounting for sources of variability not attributable to supplementation.

Methods

A 24 week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial tested the impact of leucine‐enriched protein (LEU‐PRO), LEU‐PRO plus long‐chain n‐3 PUFA (LEU‐PRO+n‐3) or control (CON) supplementation in older adults (n = 83, 71 ± 6 years) at risk of sarcopenia. To estimate the true interindividual variability in response to supplementation (free of the variability due to measurement error and within‐subject variation), the standard deviation of individual responses (SDR) was computed and compared with the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) for appendicular lean mass (ALM), leg strength, timed up‐and‐go (TUG), and serum triacylglycerol (TG) concentration. Clinically meaningful interindividual variability in response to supplementation was deemed to be present when the SDR positively exceeded the MCID. The probability that individual responses were clinically meaningful, and the phenotypic, dietary, and behavioural determinants of response to supplementation were examined.

Results

The SDR was below the MCID for ALM (LEU‐PRO: −0.12 kg [90% CI: −0.38, 0.35], LEU‐PRO+n‐3: −0.32 kg [−0.45, 0.03], MCID: 0.21 kg), TUG (LEU‐PRO: 0.58 s [0.18, 0.80], LEU‐PRO+n‐3: 0.73 s [0.41, 0.95], MCID: 0.9 s) and TG (LEU‐PRO: −0.38 mmol/L [−0.80, 0.25], LEU‐PRO+n‐3: −0.44 mmol/L [−0.63, 0.06], MCID: 0.1 mmol/L), indicating no meaningful interindividual variability in response to either supplement. The SDR exceeded the MCID (19 Nm) for strength in response to LEU‐PRO (25 Nm [−29, 45]) and LEU‐PRO+n‐3 (23 Nm [−29, 43]) supplementation but the effect was uncertain, evidenced by wide confidence intervals. In the next stage of analysis, similar proportions of participant responses were identified as very likely, likely, possibly, unlikely, and very unlikely to represent clinically meaningful improvements across the LEU‐PRO, LEU‐PRO+n‐3, and CON groups (P > 0.05). Baseline LC n‐3 PUFA status, habitual protein intake, and numerous other phenotypic and behavioural factors were not determinants of response to LEU‐PRO or LEU‐PRO+n‐3 supplementation.

Conclusions

Applying a novel, robust methodological approach to precision nutrition, we show that there was minimal interindividual variability in changes in ALM, muscle function, and TG in response to LEU‐PRO and LEU‐PRO+n‐3 supplementation in older adults at risk of sarcopenia.
Multiscale analysis of craniomaxillofacial bone repair: A preclinical mini‐pig study
Authors: Ticha Pavla , Pilawski Igor , Helms Jill A.
Published: February 2022

Background

The rate of reparative osteogenesis controls when an implant is sufficiently stable as to allow functional loading. Using a mini pig model, the rate of reparative osteogenesis in two types of implant sites for example, an osteotomy versus a fresh extraction socket were compared.

Methods

Eight adult mini pigs were used for the study. In phase I, three premolars were extracted on one side of the oral cavity; 12 weeks later, in phase II, osteotomies were produced in healed extraction sites, and contralateral premolars were extracted. Animals were sacrificed 1, 5, and 12 weeks after phase II. Bone repair and remodeling were evaluated using quantitative micro‐computed tomographic imaging, histology, and histochemical assays coupled with quantitative dynamic histomorphometry.

Results

One week after surgery, extraction sockets and osteotomy sites exhibited similar patterns of new bone deposition. Five weeks after surgery, mineral apposition rates (MARs) were elevated at the injury sites relative to intact bone. Twelve weeks after surgery, the density of new bone in both injury sites was equivalent to intact bone but quantitative dynamic histomorphometry and cellular activity assays demonstrated bone remodeling was still underway.

Conclusions

The mechanisms and rates of reparative osteogenesis were equivalent between fresh extraction sockets and osteotomies. The volume of new bone required to fill a socket, however, was significantly greater than the volume required to fill an osteotomy. These data provide a framework for estimating the rate of reparative osteogenesis and the time to loading of implants placed in healed sites versus fresh extraction sockets.
Preparation of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for selective dispersive micro‐solid phase extraction of fenitrothion followed by ion mobility spectrometry analysis
Authors: Khojasteh Faezeh Tousi , Bazmandegan‐Shamili Alireza
Published: February 2022

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer based on magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes was fabricated and applied for selective dispersive micro‐solid phase extraction of fenitrothion prior its determination by ion mobility spectrometry. The composite was synthesized using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes as the support. Methacrylic acid was used as the functional monomer, fenitrothion as the template, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross‐linker, and 2,2‐azoisobutyronitrile as the initiator. The resultant polymer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques. Experimental factors affecting the extraction efficiency such as pH and amount of sorbent were evaluated. Under optimum experimental conditions, the developed method displayed the linear range of 5–220 μg/L with a detection limit of 1.3 μg/L. The intra‐ and interday relative standard deviations for determination of fenitrothion were 3.6 and 4.7% (n = 6), respectively. Ultimately, the proposed method was used to monitor trace amounts of fenitrothion in fruits, vegetables, and water samples.
Bulk polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate at broad temperature range investigated by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhito , Mishima Ryutaro , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: February 2022

Bulk polymerization directly provides glassy polymers from liquid monomers and has been used for many engineering applications. Recently, it has drawn attention for potential use as a resin for fiber‐reinforced plastics and additive manufacturing. For such applications, detailed and precise information of the reaction kinetics, including non‐ideal conditions, is required. Here, we investigate the reaction kinetics of isothermal bulk polymerization using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a broad temperature ranged from 40°C to 90°C. 2,2'‐Azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) or 2,2'‐Azobis(4‐methoxy‐2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) (V‐70) is used as an initiator. We analyze the data focusing on the onset of sudden reaction acceleration known as Trommsdorff effect. Because of the reaction kinetics and the nature of Trommsdorff effect, a higher temperature does not always lead to a shorter time for the completion of the reaction. We discuss the reaction kinetics in conjunction with the molecular weight distributions.
Field pea diversity and its contribution to farmers' livelihoods in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gufi Yirga , Tsegay Alemtsehay , Ruelle Morgan L. , Teka Kassa , Tewolde‐Berhan Sarah , Power Alison G.
Published: February 2022

Field pea is grown by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia as a source of food, fodder, income, and soil fertility. This study explores intraspecific diversity of field pea and its contribution to farmers' livelihoods in two agroecological zones of South Tigray and South Wollo, northeastern Ethiopia. Interviews were conducted with 168 farming households. The number of varieties and the Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) were higher in South Tigray (seven varieties, 0.35 SDI) than South Wollo (two varieties, 0.025 SDI). Farmers in South Tigray plant field pea during two growing seasons, allowing for integration of multiple varieties into their farming systems. The price of one field pea type from South Tigray known as “dekoko” was twice as high as other field pea varieties, most likely due to high demand and relatively low supply. Key informants reported “dekoko” has become less common in their communities, with diseases and pests reported as major production constraints. Multistakeholder collaboration is recommended to enhance the contribution of field pea to Ethiopian farming systems.
Climatic zoning of Ghana using selected meteorological variables for the period 1976–2018
Authors: Bessah Enoch , Amponsah William , Ansah Samuel Owusu , Afrifa Andrews , Yahaya Bashiru , Wemegah Cosmos Senyo , Tanu Michael , Amekudzi Leonard K. , Agyare Wilson Agyei
Published: February 2022

Periodic climate zoning is an essential classification of land cover to account for anthropogenic activities resulting from population increase and urbanization that affect key climate response parameters. Rainfall, relative humidity (RH), maximum (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency were used to zone Ghana by adopting cluster and PCA analysis methods and verifying the groupings with the seasonal trend and Tukey Honestly Significance Difference (HSD) analysis. The cluster analysis grouped the synoptic stations into four major homogenous clusters while the PCA distributed them into three sub‐divisions with reference to 1976–2018. Rainfall, RH, Tmax and Tmin were characterized by five, three, two and three factors with factor loadings in the range of 0.71–0.78, 0.53–0.70, 0.54–0.74 and 0.50–0.72, respectively. HSD found transition stations like Bole and Kete Krachi in cluster 1 and 2 to have no significant difference with cluster 1, while Wenchi, Sunyani, Sefwi Bekwai and Koforidua in cluster 2 had no significant difference with cluster 3. Accra station which was classified in cluster 3 showed the seasonal pattern of cluster 4 and was confirmed by HSD to belong in cluster 4. Therefore, Ghana‐based on‐point analysis is climatically grouped into Savannah (11°0′0′′N–7°46′11′′N), Forest (from 7°46′11′′N to the coast) and Coastal (about 30 km from the Gulf of Guinea coastline) based on the assessed parameters. These findings are vital for planners and decision‐makers especially for industries that depend on weather and climatic conditions for their activities.
Amorphous Selenium and Crystalline Selenium Nanorods Graphene Composites as Cathode Materials for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Selenium Batteries
Authors: Hu Han , Liu Fangchao , Shen Zhongli , Yan Rui , Fu Zhengwen
Published: February 2022

Selenium (Se) is an element in the same main group as sulfur and is characterized by high electrical conductivity and large capacity (675 mAh g−1). Herein, a novel ultra‐high dispersion amorphous selenium graphene composite (a‐Se/rGO) was synthesized and a selenium nanorods graphene composite (b‐Se/rGO) was prepared by hydrothermal method as the cathode material for all solid‐state lithium−selenium (Li−Se) batteries, hoping to improve the efficiency and utilization rate of active substances in all solid‐state batteries. The all‐solid‐state batteries were assembled using a heated thawing electrolyte (2LiIHPN−LiI; HPN=3‐hydroxypropionitrile). The utilization rate of a‐Se/rGO was 103 % and the capacity was 697 mAh g−1, which remained at 281 mAh g−1 (41.6 % of the 675 mAh g−1) after 30 cycles under 0.5 C. Notably, a‐Se/rGO showed excellent performance concerning its utilization rate, with a capacity of up to 610 mAh g−1 at 2 C, due to the high availability of amorphous Se and the special properties of the electrolytes. However, in the charge and discharge cycles, the second discharge capacity of a‐Se/rGO was more significantly attenuated than that of the first discharge due to the formation of larger crystals of selenium during the charging process. The battery assembled using b‐Se/rGO maintained a capacity of 270.58 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles (the retention rate of discharge capacity was 66.13 % compared with that in the first cycle). Through TEM and other relevant tests, it is speculated that amorphous selenium is conducive to capacity release, which, however, is affected by the formation of crystalline selenium after the first charge process.
Influence of different dry‐mixing techniques on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical behavior of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene/exhausted tire carbon composites
Authors: Duraccio Donatella , Arrigo Rossella , Bartoli Mattia , Capra Pier Paolo , Malucelli Giulio
Published: February 2022

The mechanical, thermal, and electrical behavior of ultra‐high molecular weight (UHMWPE) composites containing different amount of pyrolyzed exhausted tire carbon (ETC) is investigated. Composites were obtained by dry‐mixing the powders with a homogenizer and an impact mill. The results clearly indicate that, by changing the mixing method, it is possible to tune the rheological and morphological characteristics of the composites and in turn their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Better performances were observed for the composites obtained with the impact mill, which showed improved Young modulus, reduced electrical and thermal resistance with respect to those of homogenized counterparts. All the composites exhibited a relevant reduction of electrical resistivity with a percolation threshold of 1.51 vol%.
Uncoupler SYP‐14288 inducing multidrug resistance of Phytophthora capsici through overexpression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Dai Tan , Wang Zhiwen , Cheng Xingkai , Gao Huige , Liang Li , Liu Pengfei , Liu Xili
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Fungicide resistance has become a serious problem for different mode of action groups except for uncouplers, which makes their resistance mechanism a hot topic, which until now, has not been well clarified. SYP‐14288, a newly developed diarylamine fungicide modeled on fluazinam, has shown good toxicity to both oomycete and fungus by the action of uncoupling. In this research, the resistance of Phytophthora capsici to SYP‐14288 was studied to clarify the resistance mechanism of uncouplers.

RESULTS

The toxicity tests of resistant strains against SYP‐14288 showed multidrug resistance. The high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that resistant strains could efflux the fungicide, and this ability could be inhibited by the efflux pump inhibitor amitriptyline. The target protein of amitriptyline is P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), which was overexpressed in resistant strains. Three products of nitrate reduction of SYP‐14288 were detected and determined by HPLC‐Q‐TOF. Eight cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) proteins were differentially involved in the reduction reaction.

CONCLUSION

Both fungicide efflux and detoxification metabolism were involved in the resistance mechanisms of P. capsici to SYP‐14288. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Profiles of Optical Gain of Impurity‐Doped Quantum Dots under the Stewardship of Gaussian White Noise
Authors: Arif Sk. Md. , Roy Debi , Bera Aindrila , Ghosh Manas
Published: February 2022

The optical gain (OG) of quantum dots containing impurity is dealt with in the present investigation under the governance of applied Gaussian white noise. In this regard, various pertinent physical parameters are varied over a range and the resulting variations of OG are thoroughly monitored. Along with OG, the profiles of the gain radiative current density and the bandgap are also analyzed. The authors have come across that the presence/absence of noise, the mode of application of noise (additive/multiplicative), the particular physical parameter concerned, and the range of magnitude of the physical parameter, in unison, govern the features of the OG profiles in diverse ways. The study reveals that tuning of various physical parameters under applied noise in some preferred mode can be useful for the attainment of high OG and saturation gain. Tuning of emission wavelength can also be exploited to design tunable light sources.
Distribution and migration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment and water of the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Li Ruiping , Shi Yan , Li Meng , Huang Yingping , Li Kun , Xu Tao , Liu Huigang , Xi Ying
Published: February 2022

Sediment and water samples were collected from Xiangxi Bay in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of China to study the spatial distribution, migration, and ecological risks of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) across four periods associated with different water levels from June 2017 to March 2018. Results showed that PAH contents ranged from 178.61 to 250.20 ng L−1 in water and from 5.26 to 1,325.25 ng g−1 in sediments, leading to a classification of moderate pollution in Xiangxi Bay relative to that in other estuarine systems. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels varied across the four stages, with the proportion of two‐, three‐, and four‐ringed PAHs increasing in water and five‐ and six‐ringed PAHs decreasing in sediment across these periods. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the amount of five‐ and six‐ringed PAHs in water was significantly and positively correlated with the amount of suspended solids (p < .05) and that three‐ringed PAHs in sediments were significantly and positively correlated with the amount of soil organic matter (p < .05). Based on fugacity fraction estimation, two‐ringed PAHs mainly diffused from sediment to water, whereas five‐ and six‐ringed PAHs mostly migrated from water to sediment across stages. Ecological risk assessment revealed that PAHs present a moderate ecological risk in Xiangxi Bay overall, with low ecological risk in the second and fourth water level stages and moderate ecological risk in the first and third stages in sediment.
Modification of Beta Zeolites and Their Application in Catalytic Oxidation of Propane
Authors: Jiang Guiyu , Yan Heng , Xu Yingjie , Cai Wuchen , Xia Hongying
Published: February 2022

In this manuscript, Beta zeolites are modified by liquid phase ion exchange method and high temperature roasting method to achieve the effect of catalytic degradation of propane. After modification by hydrochloric acid, nickel nitrate and zinc nitrate, the specific surface area, pore size and pore volume of Ni−Zn−H‐Beta zeolites catalyst increased, which greatly improved the catalytic degradation effect of propane. By high temperature roasting, the effect of conventional calcined catalyst is better than that of microwave calcined catalyst. When the gas composition is air and 1 % propane, the gas flow is 100 ml/min, the reaction temperature is 300 °C, the optimum preparation conditions of the catalyst are Ni: Zn=2 : 1, HCl pickling temperature is 70 °C, conventional roasting temperature is 500 °C, and the holding time is 60 min, the catalytic activity of Ni−Zn−H‐Beta zeolites is the best, and the degradation rate of propane is 79.6 %.
Heterocyclic Surfactants and Their Applications in Cosmetics
Authors: Guin Mridula , Roopa R. A. , Jain Preeti , Singh Nakshatra Bahadur
Published: February 2022

Surfactants are compounds with unique properties such as low toxicity, functionality under extreme conditions, and biologically degradable nature. The diversity of these molecules supports their potential application in the formulation of cosmetic products. Various functional properties of surfactants e. g. cleansing, foaming, solubilizing, wetting, emulsifying, thickening, antimicrobial effects etc are utilized for preparing beautifying agents for skin, hair, nail and other body parts. Presence of heterocyclic moieties is ubiquitous in therapeutic and pharmaceutical compounds. The biological activity of these heterocyclic skeletons is also helpful in cosmetic formulation. The present article discusses about various surface active compounds based on heterocyclic moieties for their possible application in cosmetic technology. The types and properties of surfactants that are commonly used for the preparation of cosmetic products have been discussed.
Catalytic Activity of CuFe2O4 Spinel Oxide for Liquid‐Phase Oxidation of Cinnamyl Alcohol
Authors: Dange Rutvija M. , Niphadkar Prashant S. , Bokade Vijay V. , Nandanwar Sachin U.
Published: February 2022

CuFe2O4 spinel oxide catalyst was synthesized by sol–gel and co‐precipitation methods for liquid phase oxidation of Cinnamyl alcohol (CnOH) to Cinnamaldehydes (CnHO) using tert‐Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidising agent. Spinel oxide catalyst was characterized by different techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption‐desorption, BET surface area, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to understand the structural, physical properties and oxidation state of the catalyst. The result shows that catalyst prepared by sol‐gel method was found higher surface area and smaller crystalline size than co‐precipitation method. XPS data confirm the formation of Cu2+ in the spinel which helps to improve the catalytic activity of oxidation. This reaction follows radical mechanism, and exhibited 76.7 % of CnOH conversion and 68.4 % of CnHO, and 24.8 % benzaldehyde (benzald) selectivity using TBHP at 60 °C. Kinetic data reveal that 41.2 kJ/mol of activation energy for the reaction. The higher activity of spinel oxide catalyst could be due synergetic effect of spinel (88 %) and oxides (12 %) formed in the catalyst, which helps to provide the oxygen during reaction. The contribution of Cu2+ is higher in sol‐gel than co‐precipitation, which may provide the better reactivity of catalyst. This work helps to select the effective and cost‐effective catalyst for the oxidation of CnOH.
Categories and narratives as sources of distinctiveness: Cultural entrepreneurship within and across categories
Authors: Taeuscher Karl , Zhao Eric Yanfei , Lounsbury Michael
Published: February 2022

Research Summary

Cultural entrepreneurship theory suggests that entrepreneurial narratives need to be optimally distinctive—neither portraying an offering as too similar to nor too distinctive from the conventions of its product category—for attracting superior demand. Building on and extending this literature, we propose that the benefits and downsides of a distinctive narrative fundamentally depend on a category's distinctiveness vis‐à‐vis alternative categories because distinctive categories (a) provide an important source of differentiation for their members and (b) disproportionally attract those audience members that highly value novelty. Our longitudinal study of 159,343 Airbnb listings in 45 categories strongly supports our hypotheses: the relationship between Airbnb listings' narrative distinctiveness and demand‐side performance flips from an inverted U‐shaped curve in indistinctive categories to a U‐shaped curve in distinctive categories.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurs need to craft a compelling narrative around their offering to legitimate and differentiate it from competing offerings. In this article, we explore when and why entrepreneurs should craft narratives that portray their offerings as similar, moderately distinctive, or highly distinctive from other offerings. We study this question in the context of the Airbnb marketplace, in which Airbnb hosts compete with their respective accommodation listings. Our study shows that Airbnb listings in indistinctive categories attract most demand when their narratives portray them as moderately distinctive. In contrast, Airbnb listings in distinctive categories attract the most demand when their narratives portray them as either highly similar or highly distinctive from other listings in their category
Facile Synthesis of Highly Dispersed and Well‐Alloyed Bimetallic Nanoparticles on Oxide Support
Authors: Qiu Yu‐Ping , Shi Qing , Wang Wei‐Zhen , Xia Su‐Hong , Dai Hao , Yin Hui , Yang Zhi‐Qing , Wang Ping
Published: February 2022

Supported alloy catalysts play a pivotal role in many heterogeneous catalytic processes of socioeconomic and environmental importance. But the controlled synthesis of supported alloy nanoparticles with consistent composition and tight size distribution remains a challenging issue. Herein, a simple yet effective method for preparation of highly dispersed, homogeneously alloyed bimetallic nanoparticles on oxide supports is reported. This method is based on solid solution of metal cations in parent oxide and strong electrostatic adsorption of a secondary metal species onto the oxide surface. In the reductive annealing process, hydrogen spillover occurs from the surface metal with a higher reduction potential to the solute metal in solid solution, leading to metal exsolution and homogenous alloying of the metals on the oxide surface. The ceria‐supported Ni–Pt alloy is chosen as a model catalyst and hydrazine monohydrate decomposition is chosen as a probe reaction to demonstrate this method, and particularly its advantages over the conventional impregnation and galvanic replacement methods. A systematic application of this method using different oxides and base‐noble metal pairs further elucidates its applicability and generality.
Effect of different nanosized limestone formations on fiber‐matrix interface properties of engineered cementitious composites
Authors: Demirhan Serhat
Published: February 2022

Eight different ECC mixtures were produced by the utilization of three types of nanosized limestone formations as uncoated nanosized calcite (UNC), nano‐CaCO3 (NCC), and coated nanosized calcite (CNC) and also two aggregate to binder volume fractions (A/B) of 0.36 and 0.45. Mechanical properties in terms of compressive strength and flexural characteristics (flexural strength, mid‐span beam deflection, and flexural toughness) were investigated at the curing ages of 7, 28, and 90 days. It was revealed that ECC mixtures modified by nanomaterials exhibited better mechanical and flexural properties regardless of curing age and type of nanosized limestone formation. ECC mixtures modified by UNC showed better contributions. Both parameters, namely curing ECC samples in air conditions and utilization of low water to binder ratio in the production of ECC mixtures, were seen as key‐determinant factors through reported results. Thus, these two variables drive the nanosized limestone formations to behave mainly as a filler material instead of exhibiting the expected mechanism.
Differences in hormone levels around parturition in Hanwoo cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) following artificial insemination and embryo transfer
Authors: Yi Junkoo , Yum Soo‐Young , Kim Daehyun , Han Sera , Ha Jaejung , Kim Jisu , Jung Daejin , Jang Goo , Lee Wonyou , Moon Joonho
Published: February 2022

Background

With unique genetic traits, Hanwoo cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) are well‐adapted to the Korean environment. However, their perinatal mortality rate is 2%–3%, which imposes an economic burden.

Objective

Due to insufficient data on hormonal changes around parturition, the timing of parturition is often predicted subjectively; few studies have examined hormones in Hanwoo cattle. We measured the changes in various hormones around parturition, to seek an objective predictor of parturition time.

Methods

In 14 female Hanwoo cattle, we measured progesterone, prolactin and cortisol concentrations daily in jugular vein blood samples, beginning 6 days before parturition until 7 days after parturition. Conception was induced in five animals using artificial insemination. Nine animals received embryo transfer.

Results

During parturition, the concentration of progesterone decreased significantly in the embryo transfer group (n = 9) and in the total population (n = 14); it did not change significantly in the artificial insemination group (n = 5). Prolactin concentration increased on the day of parturition but did not differ significantly among the groups. Cortisol remained constant throughout the study course.

Conclusion

We concluded that parturition time can be predicted in Hanwoo cattle using progesterone concentration. This knowledge can reduce perinatal mortality, which would help to improve farm income and animal welfare.