bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follow-up Evaluation of Medial Clear Space and Talar Tilt After Bimalleolar Equivalent Fracture Fixation Without Primary Deltoid Repair
Authors: Ryba Dalton , Ernst Jordan , Blair Somer , Motley Travis A.
Published: September 2021

Background

We sought first to determine the efficacy of lateral ankle fixation alone in maintenance of medial clear space and talar valgus in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures not receiving primary deltoid repair, and second to assess perceived outcomes via the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. To our knowledge, no study has quantified the reduction of medial clear space and talar valgus in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures receiving lateral ankle fixation alone.

Methods

We compared preoperative, initial postoperative, and greater than 1-year follow-up radiographs of medial clear space and talar valgus in individuals who received lateral ankle fixation alone in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures. Subjective outcomes were measured via the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score.

Results

Thirty-seven patients participated in the study and showed a statistically significant reduction of medial clear space and restoration of talar position, and maintenance with this fixation method during follow-up in patients with bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures. Adjunctively, patients perceived their outcomes to be satisfactory, as demonstrated by the results of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score.

Conclusions

We aimed to assess the efficacy of lateral ankle fixation in the maintenance of medial clear space and talar valgus reduction at midterm follow-up. Although some authors contend that primary deltoid repair in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures is warranted, these midterm study results suggest that isolated lateral ankle fixation is adequate for medial ankle stabilization in bimalleolar equivalent fractures, and thus primary deltoid repair is not indicated.
Response of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Varieties to Different Blended NPSZnB Fertilizer Rates in Haro Limmu District, Western Ethiopia : A Pilot Study
Authors: Wakgari Birhanu , Debele Tadesse , Abraham Thomas
Published: September 2021

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] plays a crucial role in achieving food and nutritional security in Ethiopia being predominant staple food. Lack of high yielding varieties suitable to the area and inadequate site-specific blended fertilizers are the major constraints to higher tef productivity. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2020 main cropping season to identify high yielding variety and determine economically feasible blended NPSZnB fertilizer rate at Farmers Training Center in Ucha Kebele, Haro Limmu district. Experiment included five different NPSZnB fertilizer rates (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and three Tef varieties (Negus, Tesfa and local). Treatments were factorially combined and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that thousand seed weight of Tef was significantly influenced by main effect of varieties, blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and their interactions. Panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.001) affected by main effect of blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and the interactions of the two factors, while the panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index and grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.01; 0.05) affected by main effect of varieties respectively. Highest (118.20 cm) plant height, dry biomass yield (9. 64 t ha-1), straw yield (7.02 t ha-1), grain yield (2.62 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.42 t ha-1) and harvest index (27.1%) were recorded from Tesfa variety with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Similarly, the highest (7.42 t ha-1), straw yield, dry biomass yield (9.76 t ha-1), grain yield (2.34 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.4 g) and panicle length (44.20 cm) were recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 200 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate and the highest total number of tillers (10.1) and effective number of tillers (9.7) were recorded with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Grain yield of Tef showed increment by 91.22% with the application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 with Tesfa variety over the control. Highest net profit of ETB 83229.4 with marginal rate of return of 1553.71% was recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Therefore, farmers of the study area should use Tesfa variety based on the grain yield and net profitability benefits achieved with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 fertilizer rate to enhance Tef production and productivity.
Antioxidant Activities of the Aqueous Extracts of Pedalium murex D. Royen EX L. Fruit and Leafy Stem
Authors: Dossou-Agoin Gerard Bessan , Ganfon Habib , Assogba Fidèle , Gbankoto Adam , Gbenou Joachim , Anatole Laleye
Published: September 2021

Aims: The leafy stem and fruit of P.murex have been reported to be used in folk medicine to treat male reproductive system ailments. This study was undertaken to assess the antioxidant potential of the aqueous extracts of P.murex leafy stem and fruit.

Methodology: Extracts were prepared by macerating the powder in water. Total phenolics amount were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, flavonoids were quantified by aluminum chloride method and total tannin content was estimated by hexacyanoferric method. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts were assessed through 2,2´-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, reducing power assay, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibition assay and lipid peroxidation assay.

Results: Total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins content were respectively equal to 48.91± 1.67 µg/mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE); 56.01± 0.90 µg/mg Rutin Equivalents (RUE); 16.92± 1.22 µg/mg Tannic Acid Equivalents (TAE) for the leafy stem extract while they were equal to 26.26± 0.54 µg/mg GAE; 47.88± 2.39 µg/mg RUE; 7.94± 0.31 µg/mg TAE for the fruit. The leafy stem extract exhibited a more pronounced DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation activity than the fruit extract.

Conclusion: The antioxidant activity of the leafy stem aqueous extract was significantly more potent than that of the fruit extract. Further studies will find out the extracts pharmacological efficacy and innocuity.
Problems of Chemical Control in Agriculture: An Environmental Perspective
Authors: Shimada Belmiro Saburo , Simon Marcos Vinícius , Silva Vinícius Bueno da , Nunes Diego Sidney de Oliveira
Published: September 2021

Introduction: In the environment, agriculture has been causing several environmental problems due to the use of chemicals in agriculture, and mainly of agrochemicals, causing serious damage to the environment and the environment in which we live. The use of chemical products occurred due to many factors, which caused their consumption to increase, and one of them is the high demand for food due to the increase in the population.

Aims: The aim of this work is to carry out a brief literature review on the problems of chemical control in agriculture: an environmental perspective, describing its importance in the agricultural sector.

Literature Review: The control of pests, diseases and weeds, chemical control is essential, and before agriculture took a turn in sustainable rural development, the use of agrochemicals was common, and it was not seen as something that brings many problems. However, with the search for sustainability, and sustainable rural development, since the high consumption of pesticides was caused by agriculture, it was necessary to adopt other methods of controlling pests, diseases, and weeds. Even with the benefits of using chemical control, current agriculture seeks its use when other methods are not possible, as the use of pesticides causes many problems for the environment, for human health and for food.

Final considerations: As a result, other methods have been adopted, such as cultural and biological control, so that, in this way, the use of pesticides in agriculture is reduced, and problems in different sectors of society are avoided, providing a more sustainable environment.
Safety and efficacy of dimethyl fumarate in ALS: randomised controlled study
Authors: Vucic Steve , Henderson Robert D. , Mathers Susan , Needham Merrilee , Schultz David , Kiernan Matthew C. ,   the TEALS study group
Published: September 2021

Objective

Neuroinflammation is an important pathogenic mechanism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with regulatory T cells (Tregs) mediating a slower rate of disease progression. Dimethyl fumarate enhances Treg levels and suppresses pro‐inflammatory T cells. The present study assessed the safety and efficacy of dimethyl fumarate in ALS.

Methods

Phase‐2, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomised clinical trial recruited participants from May 1, 2018 to September 25, 2019, across six Australian sites. Participants were randomised (2:1 ratio) to dimethyl fumarate (480 mg/day) or matching placebo, completing visits at screening, baseline, weeks 12, 24 and 36. The primary efficacy endpoint was a change in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R) at week 36. Secondary outcome measures included survival, neurophysiological index (NI), respiratory function, urinary neurotrophin‐receptor p75 and quality of life.

Results

A total of 107 participants were randomised to dimethyl fumarate (n = 72) or placebo (n = 35). ALSFRS‐R score was not significantly different at week 36 (−1.12 [−3.75 to 1.52, p = 0.41]). Dimethyl fumarate was associated with a reduced NI decline week 36 (differences in the least‐squares mean: (0.84 [−0.51 to 2.22, p = 0.22]). There were no significant differences in other secondary outcome measures. Safety profiles were comparable between groups.

Interpretation

Dimethyl fumarate, in combination with riluzole, was safe and well‐tolerated in ALS. There was no significant improvement in the primary endpoint. The trial provides class I evidence for safety and lack of efficacy of dimethyl fumarate in ALS.
Nitriding of White‐Solidified Fe–C–Si Alloys: Diffusion Path Concept Applied to Inhomogeneous Microstructures
Authors: Kante Stefan , Motylenko Mykhaylo , Leineweber Andreas
Published: September 2021

The microstructure formation during nitriding of white‐solidified Fe–C–Si alloys, relevant to advanced surface treatments for cast irons, is studied. The as‐cast microstructures mainly contain Si‐free, C‐rich eutectic cementite and Si‐enriched, C‐lean ferrite/pearlite. The spatial extent of these microstructure regions is significantly larger than the diffusion distance of Si during nitriding. The phases and microstructure forming during nitriding vary with the local Si content in the substrate. Nitriding conditions only allowing to form γ′–Fe4N from pure α‐Fe generate a compound layer composed of γ′–Fe4(C, N), ε–Fe3(C, N)1+x
, and Si‐rich nitride, X. ε is the main constituent, whereas γ′ only forms from Si‐free eutectic cementite. Different nitriding experiments elucidate the interrelated thermodynamic and kinetic effects of C and Si on the phase evolution and the compound layer growth. A schematic model of the microstructure evolution is developed. Information on the topology of the largely unknown Fe–C–Si–N phase diagram is derived from the experimental observations. For this, the diffusion path concept is adapted to describe the microstructure formation during nitriding of compositionally inhomogeneous alloys, in which substitutional alloying elements are heterogeneously distributed and largely immobile. α + ε and α + ε + X phase fields are identified as particular features of the Fe–C–Si–N phase diagram at 540 °C.
On the Origin of Sinter‐Resistance and Catalyst Accessibility in Raspberry‐Colloid‐Templated Catalyst Design
Authors: van der Hoeven Jessi E. S. , Krämer Stephan , Dussi Simone , Shirman Tanya , Park Kyoo‐Chul K. , Rycroft Chris H. , Bell David C. , Friend Cynthia M. , Aizenberg Joanna
Published: September 2021

Nanoparticle (NP) sintering is a major cause of the deactivation of supported catalysts. Raspberry‐colloid‐templated (RCT) catalysts are an emerging class of materials that show an unprecedented level of sinter‐resistance and exhibit high catalytic activity. Here a comprehensive study of the origin of NP stability and accessibility in RCT catalysts using theoretical modeling, 3D electron microscopy, and epitaxial overgrowth is reported. The approach is showcased for silica‐based RCT catalysts containing dilute Pd‐in‐Au NPs previously used in hydrogenation and oxidation catalysis. Modeling of the contact line of the silica precursor infiltrating into the assembled raspberry colloids suggests that a large part of the particles must be embedded into silica, which is confirmed by quantitative visualization of >200 individual NPs by dual‐axis electron tomography. The RCT catalysts have a unique structure in which all NPs reside at the pore wall but have >50% of their surface embedded in the matrix, giving rise to the strongly enhanced thermal and mechanical stability. Importantly, epitaxial overgrowth of Ag on the supported NPs reveals that not only the NP surface exposed to the pore but the embedded interface as well remained chemically accessible. This mechanistic understanding provides valuable guidance in the design of stable catalytic materials.
A “Bridge‐Building” Glycan Scaffold Mimicking Microbial Invasion for In Situ Endothelialization
Authors: Mu Ruoyu , Zhang Yuhan , Yan Lingli , Liao Zhencheng , Yang Yushun , Su Huanxing , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming
Published: September 2021

The globally high prevalence of peripheral artery diseases poses a pressing need for biomaterials grafts to rebuild vasculature. When implanted, they should promote endothelial cells (ECs) adhesion both profoundly and selectively—but the latter expectation remains unfulfilled. Here, this work is inspired by fungi that invade blood vessels via the “bridge” of galectins that, secreted by ECs, can simultaneously bind carbohydrates on fungal surface and integrin receptors on ECs. A glucomannan decanoate (GMDE) substrate mimicking fungal carbohydrates that highly and preferentially supports ECs adhesion while rejecting several other cell types is designed. Electrospun GMDE scaffolds efficiently sequester endogenous galectin‐1—which bridges ECs to the scaffolds as it functions in fungal invasions—and promote blood perfusion in a murine limb ischemic model. Meanwhile, the application of GMDE requires no exogenous pro‐angiogenic agents and causes no organ toxicity or adverse inflammation in mice, highlighting its high safety of potential translation. This glycan material, uniquely mimicking a microbial action and harnessing a secreted protein as a “bridge,” represents an effective, safe, and different strategy for ischemic vascular therapy.
Fully Bottom‐Up Waste‐Free Growth of Ultrathin Silicon Wafer via Self‐Releasing Seed Layer
Authors: Hong Ji‐Eun , Lee Yonghwan , Mo Sung‐In , Jeong Hye‐Seong , An Jeong‐Ho , Song Hee‐eun , Oh Jihun , Bang Junhyeok , Oh Joon‐Ho , Kim Ka‐Hyun
Published: September 2021

The fabrication of ultrathin silicon wafers at low cost is crucial for advancing silicon electronics toward stretchability and flexibility. However, conventional fabrication techniques are inefficient because they sacrifice a large amount of substrate material. Thus, advanced silicon electronics that have been realized in laboratories cannot move forward to commercialization. Here, a fully bottom‐up technique for producing a self‐releasing ultrathin silicon wafer without sacrificing any of the substrate is presented. The key to this approach is a self‐organized nanogap on the substrate fabricated by plasma‐assisted epitaxial growth (plasma‐epi) and subsequent hydrogen annealing. The wafer thickness can be independently controlled during the bulk growth after the formation of plasma‐epi seed layer. In addition, semiconductor devices are realized using the ultrathin silicon wafer. Given the high scalability of plasma‐epi and its compatibility with conventional semiconductor process, the proposed bottom‐up wafer fabrication process will open a new route to developing advanced silicon electronics.
A Highly Robust Ionotronic Fiber with Unprecedented Mechanomodulation of Ionic Conduction
Authors: Yao Mingyue , Wu Baohu , Feng Xunda , Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi
Published: September 2021

Stretchable ionic conductors are appealing for tissue‐like soft electronics, yet suffer from a tardy mechanoelectric response due to their poor modulation of ionic conduction arising from intrinsic homogeneous soft chain network. Here, a highly robust ionotronic fiber is designed by synergizing ionic liquid and liquid crystal elastomer with alternate rigid mesogen units and soft chain spacers, which shows an unprecedented strain‐induced ionic conductivity boost (≈103 times enhanced as stretched to 2000% strain). Such a surprisingly high enhancement is attributed to the formation of microphase‐separated low‐tortuosity ion‐conducting nanochannels guided by strain‐induced emergence of aligned smectic mesophases, thus allowing for ultrafast ion transport that resembles the role of “swimming lanes.” Intriguingly, the boosting conductivity even reverses Pouillet's Law‐dictated resistance increase at certain strains, leading to unique waveform‐discernible strain sensing. Moreover, the fiber retains thermal actuation properties with a maximum of 70% strain changes upon heating, and enables integrated self‐perception and actuation. The findings offer a promising molecular engineering route to mechanically modulate the ion transport behavior of ionic conductors toward advanced ionotronic applications.
Secondary Bonding Channel Design Induces Intercalation Pseudocapacitance toward Ultrahigh‐Capacity and High‐Rate Organic Electrodes
Authors: Hu Zhongli , Zhao Xiaolin , Li Zhenzhu , Li Sha , Sun Pengfei , Wang Gulian , Zhang Qiaobao , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Li
Published: September 2021

Organic electrode materials have shown extraordinary promise for green and sustainable electrochemical energy storage devices, but usually suffer from low specific capacity and poor rate capability, which is largely caused by inactive components and diffusion‐controlled Li+ intercalation. Herein, high‐rate Li+ intercalation pseudocapacitance in organic molecular crystals is achieved through introducing weak secondary bonding channels, far exceeding their theoretical capacity based on redox chemistry at functional groups. The authors’ combined experimentally electrochemical characterization with first‐principles calculations show that the heterocyclic organic molecule 2,2′‐bipyridine‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid (BPDCA) crystal permits a four‐electron redox reaction at conventional CO and CN groups and a six‐electron intercalation pseudocapacitance along conjugated alkene hydrogen bonding channels (H2NC5H⋯OC(OH)) and heterocyclic aromatic stacking channels (C5H3N⋯NH3C5). The BPDCA electrode delivers an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 1206 mAh g‐1 at 0.5 A g‐1 and an exceptional rate capability. A 4.8 V high‐energy/power‐density BPDCA anode‐based hybrid Li‐ion capacitor is thus realized. This work opens a new avenue for developing organic intercalation pseudocapacitive materials via secondary bonding structure design.
Nanosecond‐Pulsed Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes at High Current Density
Authors: Zhao Lianfeng , Roh Kwangdong , Kacmoli Sara , Al Kurdi Khaled , Liu Xiao , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Gmachl Claire , Rand Barry P.
Published: September 2021

While metal‐halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) hold the potential for a new generation of display and lighting technology, their slow operation speed and response time limit their application scope. Here, high‐speed PeLEDs driven by nanosecond electrical pulses with a rise time of 1.2 ns are reported with a maximum radiance of approximately 480 kW sr−1 m−2 at 8.3 kA cm−2, and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 1% at approximately 10 kA cm−2, through improved device configuration designs and material considerations. Enabled by the fast operation of PeLEDs, the temporal response provides access to transient charge carrier dynamics under electrical excitation, revealing several new electroluminescence quenching pathways. Finally, integrated distributed feedback (DFB) gratings are explored, which facilitate more directional light emission with a maximum radiance of approximately 1200 kW sr−1 m−2 at 8.5 kA cm−2, a more than two‐fold enhancement to forward radiation output.
Brain Cell Laser Powered by Deep‐Learning‐Enhanced Laser Modes
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Sun Wen , Zhang Na , Ang Randall , Wang Wenjie , Chew Sing Yian , Chen Yu‐Cheng
Published: September 2021

Single cellular lasers have recently attracted tremendous research due to their outstanding lasing characteristics for cell sensing and tracking. Thanks to enhanced light−cell interactions in Fabry–Pérot microcavities, transverse laser modes from cellular lasers are highly correlated to the spatial biophysical properties of cells. However, the huge complexity and randomness of laser modes set a critical challenge towards practical applications in cell analysis. In this study, deep learning is applied to unravel the complex laser modes generated from single‐cell lasers by establishing the correlation between laser modes and cellular physical properties. Primary cells extracted from rat brains and cell‐like droplets are investigated and trained through a convolutional neuron network based on laser mode images. Detailed simulations and experiments are conducted to study the effect of cell size on laser modes. Predictions of cell diameters with a sub‐micron accuracy are achieved with deep learning. Finally, the potential application of using deep‐learning‐enhanced laser modes for cell classification is demonstrated. Neuron and glial cells extracted from rat brains are classified through hyperspectral images of laser modes. The results demonstrate that deep learning has the potential to enable laser modes with biological significance and functions, offering new possibilities for biophotonic applications.
Umpolung Strategy for Arene C−H Etherification Leading to Functionalized Chromanes Enabled by I(III) N‐Ligated Hypervalent Iodine Reagents
Authors: Mikhael Myriam , Guo Wentao , Tantillo Dean J. , Wengryniuk Sarah E.
Published: September 2021

The direct formation of aryl C−O bonds via the intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling of a C−H bond and a pendant alcohol represents a powerful synthetic transformation. Herein, we report a method for intramolecular arene C−H etherification via an umpoled alcohol cyclization mediated by an I(III) N‐HVI reagent. This approach provides access to functionalized chromane scaffolds from primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols via a cascade cyclization‐iodonium salt formation, the latter providing a versatile functional handle for downstream derivatization. Computational studies support initial formation of an umpoled O‐intermediate via I(III) ligand exchange, followed by competitive direct and spirocyclization/1,2‐shift pathways.

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A Synthesis of Spirooxindole‐Isoindolinones Through Ugi Reaction Followed by Copper‐Catalyzed Tandem C−N/C−C Coupling Process
Authors: Zhong Xianqiang , Luo Jianghao , Zhou Wei , Cai Qian
Published: September 2021

A synthesis of spiroindolinone‐isoindolinone skeletons is presented. The protocol is through a Ugi four‐component reaction followed by highly efficient and mild copper‐catalyzed intramolecular tandem C−N/C−C coupling process. Control experiments demonstrated that the formation of C−C bond is a copper catalyzed coupling process rather than base promoted nucleophilic aromatic substitution pathway which proposed in Prof. Van der Eycken's palladium catalyst system previously.

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Total Hilar Exposure Maneuver for Repair of Complex Bile Duct Injury
Authors: Wiboonkhwan Nan‐ak , Pitakteerabundit Thakerng , Thongkan Tortrakoon
Published: September 2021

The reconstruction of high‐level bile duct injury is challenging because exposure of the hilar area is limited and sometimes inaccessible by the Hepp–Couinaud approach. We describe a maneuver for total hilar exposure to perform complex bile duct injury reconstruction. After adhesions surrounding the liver are divided, intraoperative ultrasonography is used to delineate the hilar and intrahepatic biliary anatomy. Surgical exposure of the biliary system is achieved by our maneuver, which consists of four steps: (1) identification of landmark structures, such as the base of the umbilical fissure, the inferior edge of segment 4b, the cystic‐hilar plate junction, and the right anterior portal pedicle; (2) lowering of the hilar plate; (3) hepatotomy along the right anterior pedicle; and (4) connection of the hepatotomy to the base of segment 4b. This maneuver allows the liver to be flipped upward, which facilitates clear exposure of the hilar duct and preserves the liver parenchyma. The anterior parts of the right and left hepatic duct are then opened, a wide‐hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis is achieved for biliary reconstruction, and a jejunal subcutaneous limb is created. We used this maneuver for treating complex bile duct injury in six cases; none of the patients has died, and two had Clavien–Dindo grade III complications, including surgical site infection and intra‐abdominal collection. The total hilar exposure maneuver is thus feasible and safe. It provides excellent exposure of both hepatic ducts and is a good surgical alternative to the Hepp–Couinaud approach in cases of high‐level injury.
Floral morphogenesis of Celtis species: implications for breeding system and reduced floral structure
Authors: Leme Flávia M. , Staedler Yannick M. , Schönenberger Jürg , Teixeira Simone P.
Published: September 2021

Premise

Celtis is the most species‐rich genus of Cannabaceae, an economically important family. Celtis species have been described as wind‐pollinated and andromonoecious. However, the andromonoecy of Celtis has been debated because there are reports of monoclinous flowers with non‐opening anthers on short filaments. Our objective was to study the floral morphogenesis of Celtis to establish the breeding system and to better understand the developmental patterns that lead to the formation of reduced flowers in the genus.

Methods

Flowers and floral buds of Celtis species were studied using scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution x‐ray computed tomography, and light microscopy.

Results

All flowers initiate stamens and carpels during early floral development, but either stamens or carpels abort during later stages. Thus, at anthesis, flowers are either functionally pistillate or functionally staminate. In pistillate flowers, stamens abort late and become staminodes with normal‐looking anthers. These anthers have no functional endothecium and, in most of the species studied, produce no viable pollen grains. The gynoecium is pseudomonomerous, and its vascularization is similar in the sampled species. In staminate flowers, the gynoecium aborts early resulting in small pistillodes. No vestiges of petals were found.

Conclusions

The species studied are monoecious and not andromonoecious as described earlier. The absence of petals, the carpel and stamen abortion, and the pseudomonomerous gynoecium result in the reduced flowers of Celtis species. The use of high‐resolution x‐ray computed tomography was essential for a more accurate interpretation of ovary vascularization, confirming the pseudomonomerous structure of the gynoecium.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Divergent C2‐carboxymethylation of Indoles and C7‐formylmethylation of Indolines with Vinylene Carbonate
Authors: Hu Weinan , Wang Xu , Yu Xiaoni , Zhu Xinju , Hao Xin‐Qi , Song Mao‐Ping
Published: September 2021

A Rh‐catalyzed divergent alkylation of indole derivatives with vinyl carbonate was described. Depending on the substrate and solvent, indoles reacted with vinyl carbonate and alcohols to give C2 carboxymethylated adducts via a sequential three‐component reaction, while indolines reacted with vinyl carbonate in toluene to provide C7 formylmethylated products. The structures of carboxymethylated product 3 a and formylmethylated product 5 a were further confirmed by X‐ray analysis. The current protocol featured broad substrate scope, tunable reaction conditions, divergent functionalization, and good regioselectivity.
Sleep Deprivation Exacerbates Seizures and Diminishes GABAergic Tonic Inhibition
Authors: Konduru Sai Surthi , Pan Yu‐Zhen , Wallace Eli , Pfammatter Jesse A. , Jones Mathew V. , Maganti Rama K.
Published: September 2021

Patients with epilepsy report that sleep deprivation is a common trigger for breakthrough seizures. The basic mechanism of this phenomenon is unknown. In the Kv1.1−/− mouse model of epilepsy, daily sleep deprivation indeed exacerbated seizures though these effects were lost after the third day. Sleep deprivation also accelerated mortality in ~ 52% of Kv1.1−/− mice, not observed in controls. Voltage‐clamp experiments on the day after recovery from sleep deprivation showed reductions in GABAergic tonic inhibition in dentate granule cells in epileptic Kv1.1−/− mice. Our results suggest that sleep deprivation is detrimental to seizures and survival, possibly due to reductions in GABAergic tonic inhibition. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:840–844
Cyclische Dipnictadialane
Authors: Nees Samuel , Fantuzzi Felipe , Wellnitz Tim , Fischer Malte , Siewert Jan‐Erik , Goettel James T. , Hofmann Alexander , Härterich Marcel , Braunschweig Holger , Hering‐Junghans Christian
Published: September 2021

Bei Umsetzungen der AlI‐Verbindung Cp3tAl mit Triphosphiranen (PAr)3 (Ar=Mes, Dip, Tip) ist es gelungen, Lewis‐basenfreie cyclische Diphosphadialane herzustellen, bei denen sowohl das Al‐ als auch das P‐Atom drei Substituenten tragen. Mit den sterisch anspruchsvolleren Dip‐ und Tip‐Substituenten wurden die ersten 1,2‐Diphospha‐3,4‐dialuminacyclobutane erhalten, während mit Mes‐Substituenten [Cp3tAl(μ‐PMes)]2 gebildet wird. Diese abweichende Reaktivität wurde durch DFT‐Studien bestätigt, die auf eine thermodynamische Präferenz für die 1,2‐Diphospha‐3,4‐dialuminacyclobutane für sterisch anspruchsvollere Gruppen am Phosphor hinwiesen. Mithilfe von Cp*Al konnten wir dieses Konzept auf die entsprechenden cyclischen Diarsadialane [Cp*Al(μ‐AsAr)]2 (Ar=Dip, Tip) ausdehnen und zusätzlich die Phosphorvarianten [Cp*Al(μ‐PAr)]2 (P=Mes, Dip, Tip) synthetisieren. Die Reaktivität von [Cp3tAl(μ‐PPh)]2 gegenüber NHCs wurde untersucht und führte zu doppelt NHC‐stabilisiertem [Cp3t(IiPr2)Al(μ‐PPh)]2.
Pore‐Bound Water at the Key Residue Histidine 37 in Influenza A M2
Authors: Movellan Kumar Tekwani , Dervişoğlu Rıza , Becker Stefan , Andreas Loren B.
Published: September 2021

Atomic details of structured water molecules are indispensable to understand the thermodynamics of important biological processes including the proton conduction mechanism of the M2 protein. Despite the expectation of structured water molecules based on crystal structures of Influenza A M2, only two water populations have been observed by NMR in reconstituted lipid bilayer samples. These are the bulk‐ and lipid‐associated water populations typically seen in membrane samples. Here, we detect a bound water molecule at a chemical shift of 11 ppm, located near the functional histidine 37 residue in the M2 conductance domain, which comprises residues 18 to 60. Combining 100 kHz magic‐angle spinning NMR, dynamic nuclear polarization and density functional theory calculations, we show that the bound water forms a hydrogen bond to the δ1 nitrogen of histidine 37.
Cyclo‐Dipnictadialanes
Authors: Nees Samuel , Fantuzzi Felipe , Wellnitz Tim , Fischer Malte , Siewert Jan‐Erik , Goettel James T. , Hofmann Alexander , Härterich Marcel , Braunschweig Holger , Hering‐Junghans Christian
Published: September 2021

Using the AlI precursor Cp3tAl in conjunction with triphosphiranes (PAr)3 (Ar=Mes, Dip, Tip) we have succeeded in preparing Lewis base‐free cyclic diphosphadialanes with both the Al and P atoms bearing three substituents. Using the sterically more demanding Dip and Tip substituents the first 1,2‐diphospha‐3,4‐dialuminacyclobutanes were obtained, whereas with Mes substituents [Cp3tAl(μ‐PMes)]2 is formed. This divergent reactivity was corroborated by DFT studies, which indicated the thermodynamic preference for the 1,2‐diphospha‐3,4‐dialuminacyclobutane form for sterically more demanding groups on phosphorus. Using Cp*Al we could extend this concept to the corresponding cyclic diarsadialanes [Cp*Al(μ‐AsAr)]2 (Ar=Dip, Tip) and additionally add the phosphorus variants [Cp*Al(μ‐PAr)]2 (P=Mes, Dip, Tip). The reactivity of one variant [Cp3tAl(μ‐PPh)]2 towards NHCs was tested and resulted in double NHC‐stabilised [Cp3t(IiPr2)Al(μ‐PPh)]2.
Core‐shell structured magnetite silica‐supported hexatungstate: A novel and powerful nanocatalyst for the synthesis of biologically active pyrazole derivatives
Authors: Nemati Ramin , Elhamifar Dawood , Zarnegaryan Ali , Shaker Masoumeh
Published: September 2021

This article describes the synthesis of a novel core‐shell structured magnetic silica‐supported hexatungstate (Fe3O4@SiO2‐NH3[W6O19]) nanocatalyst through immobilization of hexatungstate on amine‐modified magnetic silica nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of Fe3O4@SiO2‐NH3[W6O19] were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, wide‐angle PXRD, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses. The Fe3O4@SiO2‐NH3[W6O19] nanocatalyst was used as a powerful and heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives. This novel catalyst was reused at least seven times without loss of its activity.
Effects of safinamide on pain in patients with fluctuating Parkinson's disease
Authors: Grigoriou Sotirios , Martínez‐Martín Pablo , Ray Chaudhuri K. , Rukavina Katarina , Leta Valentina , Hausbrand Denise , Falkenburger Björn , Odin Per , Reichmann Heinz
Published: September 2021

Background

Non‐motor symptoms (NMS) are integral to Parkinson's Disease (PD) and management remains a challenge. Safinamide is a novel molecule in relation to addressing NMS due to its multifocal mechanism of action with both dopaminergic and non‐dopaminergic properties.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of safinamide on NMS and its burden in PD patients with motor fluctuations after 6 months of treatment.

Methods

This observational, multicenter, open‐label, pilot study assessed a wide range of NMS using the following rating scales, NMSS (non‐motor symptom scale), KPPS (King's PD pain scale), HADS (hospital anxiety and depression scale), PDQ‐8 (Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire), and PDSS‐2 (Parkinson's disease sleep scale), EuroQol‐5D 3 level version (EQ‐5D‐3L), CGI‐I (clinical global impression of improvement), and PGI‐C (patient global impression of change). Motor examination using UPDRS part III (Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale, motor examination), UPDRS IV (complications of therapy) and Hoehn and Yahr staging were also obtained.

Results

27 patients were included in the analysis and were evaluated at baseline and ≥ 6 months after safinamide treatment. 26 patients had a daily maintenance dose of 100 mg and 1 patient a daily dose of 50 mg. Significant improvements in UPDRS IV, KPPS item 5 (region‐specific “off” dystonia), KPPS domain 3 (items 4–6, fluctuation related pain) and KPPS total score were observed after treatment with safinamide, while maintaining stable dopaminergic medication. No statistically significant differences were found in NMSS, HADS, PDSS‐2, EQ‐5D‐3L, and PDQ‐8 after treatment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that safinamide may have a beneficial effect on pain, a key unmet need in fluctuating PD patients.
How to embed environmental sustainability: The role of dynamic capabilities and managerial approaches in a life cycle management perspective
Authors: Bianchi Guia , Testa Francesco , Tessitore Sara , Iraldo Fabio
Published: September 2021

Life cycle management (LCM) is a managerial framework to embed a holistic environmental sustainability logic inside organizations. Despite its long tradition, the implementation of LCM is little explored. In this study we observe how sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capabilities together with managerial approaches to environmental sustainability help organizations embed LCM in their practices. We performed a multinomial logistic regression using a sample of 187 medium and large enterprises. Our findings show that sensing and seizing capabilities and an integrative approach to sustainability help embed LCM in presence of complex environments. Among dynamic capabilities, reconfiguring does not appear to help organizations embed LCM. This study contributes to the literature on LCM and dynamic capabilities.
Disparities in cancer prevalence, incidence, and mortality for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated patients: A scoping review
Authors: Manz Christopher R. , Odayar Varshini S. , Schrag Deborah
Published: September 2021

Background

Racial and ethnic minority status, structural racism, low educational attainment, and poverty are consistently associated with cancer disparities and with higher rates of incarceration. The objective of this scoping review is to conduct a qualitative synthesis of the literature on cancer prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disparities in these outcomes for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated patients, as this literature is fragmented and heterogenous.

Methods

This scoping review included Bureau of Justice Statistics reports and searched PubMed in May 2021 for all English language studies published between 1990 and 30 April 2021, that reported on cancer prevalence, incidence, or mortality for incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals in the United States.

Results

Twenty studies were selected. Data on cancer prevalence and incidence were scarce but suggested that incarcerated and formerly incarcerated patients have a similar overall risk of cancer diagnosis as the general population, but elevated risk of certain cancers such as cervical, lung, colorectal, and hepatocellular carcinoma for which effective prevention and screening interventions exist. Cancer mortality data in state and local jails as well as prisons were robust and suggests that both incarcerated and formerly incarcerated patients have higher cancer mortality than the general population.

Conclusions

Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated patients likely have a higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population, but important gaps in our knowledge about the extent and drivers of disparities for this population remain. Additional research is needed to guide interventions to reduce cancer disparities for patients experiencing incarceration.
Artificial intelligence‐assisted colonoscopy: A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of polyp detection
Authors: Xu Lei , He Xinjue , Zhou Jianbo , Zhang Jie , Mao Xinli , Ye Guoliang , Chen Qiang , Xu Feng , Sang Jianzhong , Wang Jun , Ding Yong , Li Youming , Yu Chaohui
Published: September 2021

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) assistance has been considered as a promising way to improve colonoscopic polyp detection, but there are limited prospective studies on real‐time use of AI systems.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing colonoscopy at six centers. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to conventional colonoscopy (control group) or AI‐assisted colonoscopy (AI group). AI assistance was our newly developed AI system for real‐time colonoscopic polyp detection. Primary outcome is polyp detection rate (PDR). Secondary outcomes include polyps per positive patient (PPP), polyps per colonoscopy (PPC), and non‐first polyps per colonoscopy (PPC‐Plus).

Results

A total of 2352 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with the control, AI group did not show significant increment in PDR (38.8% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.183), but its PPC‐Plus was significantly higher (0.5 vs. 0.4, p < 0.05). In addition, AI group detected more diminutive polyps (76.0% vs. 68.8%, p < 0.01) and flat polyps (5.9% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.05). The effects varied somewhat between centers. In further logistic regression analysis, AI assistance independently contributed to the increment of PDR, and the impact was more pronounced for male endoscopists, shorter insertion time but longer withdrawal time, and elderly patients with larger waist circumference.

Conclusion

The intervention of AI plays a limited role in overall polyp detection, but increases detection of easily missed polyps; ChiCTR.org.cn number, ChiCTR1800015607.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Selenium‐substituted Benzoxazine via Radical Initiated Cyclization
Authors: Lin Xinxin , Zeng Cuilian , Pang Xinyan , Zhu Chenlong , Liu Chengkou , Yang Xiaobing , Hu Yujing , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: September 2021

A strategy for electrochemically synthesizing selenium benzoxazines through o‐vinylaniline and diselenide has been developed. This metal‐free and oxidant‐free electrochemical synthesis method is carried out in an undivided cell under mild conditions, which is more environmentally friendly. Moreover, a variety of selenium‐substituted benzoxazine can be prepared in good yield with a broad scope and functional group tolerance, which has potential industrial application value.
Physico‐Chemical and Kinetic Evaluation of a Combined Vertical Settler/Self‐Aerated Unit for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
Authors: El‐Khateeb Mohamed A.
Published: September 2021

Water resource limitation is one of the crises facing many countries worldwide. The work aims to apply a compact unit consisting of a vertical settler (VS) followed by a self‐aerated chamber (SAC) for wastewater treatment. The dimensions of the unit are 2 × 1 × 2.5 m for length, width, and height, respectively. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) is 5 h in the VS for performance study while for the kinetic study the HRT is 4, 6, 8, 10, to 12 h. The unit is packed with a non‐woven fabric material produced from waste plastic. The influent organic concentrations expressed by chemical and biological oxygen demand (CODtot and BOD) are 367.7 and 254.7 mg L−1, respectively. The concentrations of CODtot and BOD in the treated effluent are 78.8 and 80.5% to 36.7 and 16.6 mg L−1, respectively. The prevailed removal kinetic for COD and nitrogen (N) concentrations is the second‐order reaction kinetic. With the exception of fecal coliform (FC), the final treated effluent meet the National regulatory requirements. The disinfection step is essential to reuse the final treated effluent safely. The unit can serve 100 p.e. in rural and unserved areas in developing countries with area of 2–3 m2.
Bismuth‐based Nanomaterials for Aqueous Alkaline Batteries: Recent Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Shang Xuefeng , Shi Xin , Cao Xianshuo , Lu Xihong
Published: September 2021

Aqueous alkaline batteries (AABs) with the merits of cost‐effectiveness, environmental benignity and high safety have attracted extensive interests and considered as the most promising stational energy storage system. As potential anode candidates in AABs, bismuth‐based materials show special advantages such as non‐toxic, low redox potential and high theoretical capacity. In this review, we overview the structure of Bi based materials and their energy storage mechanism. Then the application of Bi and its compound in AABs including modification strategies are summarized. In addition, perspectives on future anode design and innovation direction are provided for the further investigation and development of Bi‐based AABs.
Shape Control Synthesis of CuPt Alloys with Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Methanol Oxidation Reaction Activities
Authors: Yang Xianghua , Lin Zeqing , Cai Xingyi , Cheng Aozhi , Zhang Qian , Meng Qingwei , Qiu Songbai , Wang Wenxia , Ma Liang , Lin Ling , Tan Junjun
Published: September 2021

The high expense, poor stability, and low abundance of platinum (Pt) catalysts on earth greatly handicaps its further application. Alloying Pt with other metals is an alternate idea, however, as a promising catalyst should be synthesized on a large scale, one important goal is that the morphologies and electrocatalytic activities of the as‐obtained electrocatalysts can maintain the same, even when the precursor ratio is varied. In addition, according to the Le Chatellier's principle as more earth‐abundant precursors were used can accelerate the transforming efficiency of noble metal during the synthesis. Unfortunately, no current research has reached this goal, we herein report a facile two‐step method for the synthesis of three‐dimensional CuPt alloys via galvanic replacement between the noble Pt precursor and pre‐synthesized copper (Cu) nanocubes in a liquid system free of capping agent. Further investigation proved that the morphologies can be regulated via changing the reaction temperature, while the composition of precursors does not affect the morphologies evolutions match well with the industrial demand. The CuPt alloys obtained at 80 °C (denoted as CuPt‐80) exhibited superior activities towards both HER and MOR reaction when compared with CuPt‐60, CuPt‐100, Pt nanocrystals (Pt NCs) and 20% Pt/C. This work enriched the application of Le Chatellier's principle and provides a promising way for the rational design and synthesis of efficient and robust catalysts for sustainable energy conversion.
Tracheal chondrosarcoma: A case report, systematic review, and pooled analysis
Authors: Heuermann Mitchell , Bekker Simon , Czeczok Thomas , Gregory Stacie , Sharma Arun
Published: September 2021

Background

Tracheal chondrosarcoma is a rare malignancy, and formal treatment guidelines have not been established due to the lack of high quality studies. Best evidence at this time is limited to case reports.

Aim

Explore the role of surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and the long‐term outcomes for these interventions for tracheal chondrosarcoma.

Methods and Results

A literature search was performed using PubMed (1959–2020) and ResearchGate (1959–2020) using medical subject heading terms “tracheal chondrosarcoma” OR “trachea chondrosarcoma.” Additional reports were identified within reviewed articles and included for review. Articles pertaining to chondrosarcomas of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or other head and neck subsites were excluded. Cases of chondromas were excluded. Thirty‐five patients with tracheal chondrosarcoma were identified in the literature since 1959. Advanced age was significantly associated with recurrent or persistent disease (p = .003). The majority (77%) of cases were treated with open surgical resection, with an open approach and negative surgical margins being significantly associated with being disease‐free after treatment (p = .001 and p < .001, respectively). Adjuvant radiotherapy was reserved for those unfit for surgery or for recurrent disease. Tumor size, extra‐tracheal extension, tumor calcification, location, and initial diagnosis were not associated with tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

Non‐metastatic tracheal chondrosarcoma can be treated by adequate surgical resection, with little to no role for adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Open surgery and negative margins were associated with oncologic control, while advanced age was associated with recurrent or persistent disease.