bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative exploration of mechanized systems for palm broom production
Authors: Ozioko Raphael , Egwuagu Onyekachi , Nwankwojike Bethrand
Published: September 2022

Performance and economic capabilities of two distinct mechanized systems for processing brooms from coconut and oil palm leaflets were surveyed in this study to determine the best technology to advance/adopt for commercialization. The systems are abrasive roller and knife edge aided peeling based machines while peeling efficiency, processing time/throughput, payback period and benefit cost ratio constitute the parameters weighed. Results revealed the knife edge based peeling systems as most viable even though the abrasion process based system performs with high throughput. This because it's peeling efficiency of 96% is above the minimum acceptable rate of 95% and that of the abrasion process system (94%) is less. This, implies 5% scraps/reworks associated with abrasive aided peeling system which amount to post peeling operation of sorting. The high cost of production induced by this post peeling operation is obvious from the high payback period and low benefit cost ratio of this system compared the knife edged aided process. The payback and benefit cost rating of knife edge aided system amounts to 0.8 and 2.45 respectively while 1.69 and 1.76 constitutes the respective ratings of abrasion process based machines. In addition, the knife edge aided processing system peels both fresh and dry palm leaflets while the abrasion peeling system handles dry leaflets only. Hence, adoption of knife edge aided peeling process is recommended for advancing broom production from palm leaflets.
Concentration in Serbian insurance sector: 2011-2020 changes and their decomposition
Authors: Bukvić Rajko
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the concentration in the insurance sector and the impact of the market structure (distribution of market shares) and the number of insurance companies on the level of concentration (and competition) in the insurance sector in Serbia (excluding Kosovo and Metohija) in the ten-year period, from 2011 to 2020. The analysis relies upon a stated number of relevant concentration coefficients, based on the total insurance premium, showing a relatively high degree of concentration but without clear fluctuation tendencies. The differentiation of the impact of the mentioned factors was done on the basis of the decomposition of the Hannah-Kay index into two components, figuring the mentioned factors. Decomposition explained most of the degree variations concentration in all observed years (above 87.5%, at a minimum), primarily affected by market structure (changed market share) with a positive, though moderate, correlation; the result was quite different when it came to the number of insurance companies, where divergent and almost completely uncorrelated fluctuations were recorded.
Political and economic risks and insurance
Authors: Petrović Miloš
Published: September 2022

Having in mind that different regulations and strategies increasingly incorporate the areas concerning political risks, the author seeks to clarify more closely the different ways in which this kind of risk manifests itself in insurance industry. The author reveals that the aspect of political risks is increasingly becoming a relevant factor in considering investments, especially in developing countries. The paper contains conceptual definition of political risks, their underlying actors and factors, reviews the circumstances prevalent in the insurance industry, and shows Fitch's analytical approach to risk. The findings support the view that the insurance of political risks should be interpreted primarily as an auxiliary tool for overcoming state and social crises, rather than as the last resort used to make up for possible consequences of a lack of state or institutional capacity.
Agricultural insurance in the Republic Srpska
Authors: Radović Gordana
Published: September 2022

There is a significantly large, objective need for the agricultural insurance coverage in the Republic Srpska, especially in the environment of increasing climate changes. The insurance companies whose offer includes the insurance of agriculture are increasingly present and competing on the market, but the government also provides a big support by granting subsidies for agricultural insurance premiums. The author of this paper analyses the number and structure of agricultural insurance policies, the share of total agricultural insurance premiums in the non-life insurance premium total and/or the number of registered agricultural farms that benefited from the agricultural insurance premium recourses and/or took out the insurance coverage for their production. She concludes that the economic protection provided under the agricultural insurance cover has been underutilized in the Republic Srpska.
Santo Tomás de Aquino: ideas políticas y jurídicas. Proyección en el derecho tributario
Authors: Plazas Veja Mauricio A. , Amatucci Andrea
Published: September 2022

Santo Tomás de Aquino es uno de los más grandes filósofos de la historia Universal. Su monumental obra Suma de teología no solo ha sido y seguirá siendo un referente de primer orden para la doctrina de la Iglesia, sino que ha sido y será determinante en las más variadas expresiones en las ciencias sociales y, por supuesto en el derecho. La teoría de la ley, las profundas reflexiones sobre el derecho natural, la teoría de la justicia y su relación con el derecho, la teoría de la causa, la función del juez; estos, y muchos otros temas trascendentales para los juristas, son abordados con excepcional inspiración en esa obra que, como bien dijo el Papa Juan XXII durante el proceso de canonización de su autor, fue el verdadero y más grande milagro del Aquinate. Los dos textos que integran este volumen, de Andrea Amatucci y Mauricio A Plazas Vega, versan, en su orden, sobre el pensamiento político y jurídico del tomismo en general y su proyección el derecho tributario. De esta manera, se pretende ofrecer a los lectores una visión global del pensamiento ético de Tomás de Aquino que les permita adentrarse en la materia estrictamente tributaria, siempre de la mano de la obra del Angellico. Entre los temas que aborda el primer ensayo se hace especial énfasis en la teoría de la ley, la teoría de la justicia y la teoría de la causa. Sobre esa base, viene a obrar como un verdadero contexto para el segundo de los ensayos dedicado, en esencia, a la fundamentación filosófica tomista del principio fiscal de capacidad contributiva. Todo lo cual es muy pertinente en los tiempos actuales en los cuales la preocupación legal, doctrinaria y jurisprudencial por el principio fundamental de justicia es una constante en los regímenes de democracia liberal.
Velocity history measurement of hypersonic tunnel driver based on photon Doppler velocimeter
Authors: Hao Ge-Yang , Yang Yu-Cheng , Zhao Rong-Juan , Lü Xiao-Peng , Yang Ya-Han , Wu Guo-Jun ,   Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ocean Optics, Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710119, China,   Hypervelocity Aerodynamics Institute, China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, Mianyang 621000, China,   Joint Laboratory of Ocean Observation and Detection (Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics), Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: September 2022

The research of hypersonic process is limited by the transition model, the turbulence model, and the computational complexity. At present the tunnel test is still a better way to investigate the hypersonic process than the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method. In this work, the principle and structure of all-fiber photon Doppler velocimeter (PDV) are introduced. The PDV is based on laser Doppler effect and consists of an all-fiber Mach Zehnder interferometer and an optical antenna. The measurement accuracy and distance of PDV are tested, showing that the error can be controlled to be within 0.17 m/s when the velocity of piston is below 40 m/s. At the same time, the measured distance of PDV can reach 26.3 m. The continuous velocity of the free piston is measured by using the PDV in high enthalpy expansion tunnel of China aerodynamics research and development center (CARDC). During the tunnel tests, the PDV is placed next to the tunnel, and the optical antenna is installed behind the observation window of the tunnel and connected to a circulator by optical fiber. When the driving pressure of the tunnel is 1.3 MPa, the maximum numerical simulation velocity of the piston is 88.981 m/s, and the velocity is measured to be 88.810 m/s with a relative deviation of –0.19%; when the driving pressure of the tunnel is 2.7 MPa, the maximum numerical simulation velocity of the piston is 125.100 m/s, the measured velocity is 123.843 m/s, and the relative deviation is –1.00%. The piston reaches a maximum velocity before impacting on the tunnel, and then decelerates rapidly under the joint action of the driving pressure and compression wave. Therefore, the soft landing of the piston proves feasible, which is put forward by Stallkerin the 1960s. Finally, the reasons why PDV missed the impact velocity of piston is discussed. Through the analysis of received intensity, it is believed that the absorption, scattering and expansion of the laser beam caused by the strong driving pressure is the main reason.
Reaction dynamic process of low pressure discharge plasma in microwave resonant cavity
Authors: Chen Ze-Yu , Peng Yu-Bin , Wang Rui , He Yong-Ning , Cui Wan-Zhao ,   National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Space Microwave, China Academy of Space Technology (Xi’an), Xi’an 710000, China,   School of Microelectronics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Published: September 2022

Low-pressure discharge is an important problem that restricts the development of microwave components of spacecraft toward high-power and miniaturization. To clarify the mechanism of low-pressure discharge of microwave component in spacecraft, we build an emission spectroscopy diagnostic platform for studying the low-pressure radio frequency (RF) discharge plasma, and investigate the plasma reaction dynamics of low-pressure RF discharge of microwave cavity resonator and the damage effect of discharge on microwave component. The emission spectra of the plasma inside the resonator under different gas pressure conditions are obtained, and it is found that the density of hydroxyl OH (A-X), excited nitrogen molecules N2 (C-B) and oxygen atoms O (3p5P→3s5S0) in the plasma each show a first-increasing and then decreasing trend with the increase of gas pressure. The kinetic mechanism of the plasma reaction behind this phenomenon is analyzed, and it is found that the gas pressure can influence the concentration magnitude of each species in the plasma by changing the species production and consumption paths as well as the average electron temperature of the plasma. The variation law of plasma emission spectrum with the input power is studied, and the trends of linear increase of particle concentration with the increase of input power at different air pressures are found. This study provides a reference for investigating the mechanism of low-pressure RF discharge and the reliable design of spacecraft microwave components.
The Hauber's law with intuitionistic fuzzy implications
Authors:   Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Sofia University, Angelova Nora , Kacprzyk Janusz ,   Systems Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences,   Warsaw School of Information Technology, Michalíková Alžbeta ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University,   Mathematical Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Atanassov Krassimir T. ,   Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Published: September 2022

25 years ago, in [7], it was proved that the Hauber's law is an intuitionistic fuzzy tautology. In this case, the used implication was the standard intuitionistic fuzzy one. In the present paper, we check which intuitionistic fuzzy implications, defined during these 25 years, satisfy the Hauber's law as a tautology and which if them – as an intuitionistic fuzzy tautology.
Automatically tracking feeding behavior in populations of foraging C. elegans
Authors: Bonnard Elsa , Liu Jun , Zjacic Nicolina , Alvarez Luis , Scholz Monika
Published: September 2022

Caenorhabditis elegans feeds on bacteria and other small microorganisms which it ingests using its pharynx, a neuromuscular pump. Currently, measuring feeding behavior requires tracking a single animal, indirectly estimating food intake from population-level metrics, or using restrained animals. To enable large throughput feeding measurements of unrestrained, crawling worms on agarose plates at a single worm resolution, we developed an imaging protocol and a complementary image analysis tool called PharaGlow. We image up to 50 unrestrained crawling worms simultaneously and extract locomotion and feeding behaviors. We demonstrate the tool’s robustness and high-throughput capabilities by measuring feeding in different use-case scenarios, such as through development, with genetic and chemical perturbations that result in faster and slower pumping, and in the presence or absence of food. Finally, we demonstrate that our tool is capable of long-term imaging by showing behavioral dynamics of mating animals and worms with different genetic backgrounds. The low-resolution fluorescence microscopes required are readily available in C. elegans laboratories, and in combination with our python-based analysis workflow makes this methodology easily accessible. PharaGlow therefore enables the observation and analysis of the temporal dynamics of feeding and locomotory behaviors with high-throughput and precision in a user-friendly system.
How hungry roots get their microbes
Authors: Wagner Maggie R
Published: September 2022

Maize genes influence which species of bacteria are recruited from the soil, especially in the absence of nitrogen supplied by fertilizer.
Effect of Fermentation on Bacteriological and Physicochemical Properties of ‘Ofada” Rice
Authors: Efunwole O. O. , Ihum T. A. , Adebayo O. R. , Adedokun A. A. , Adetuberu I. A. , Oladipupo O. A.
Published: September 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa) is an important annual crop in Nigeria. It is one of the major staples, which can provide a nation’s population with the required food security of 2,400 calories per person per day. In Nigeria rice is one of the few food items whose consumption has no cultural, religious, ethnic or geographical boundary. Fermented rice is used to produce rice wine, spaghetti and noodles. Work was then carried out on the Nigerian rice var. ITA 150 (ofada) to determine the bacteriological and physicochemical activities during fermentation. Standard microbiological and chemical methods were used. Six microorganisms were isolated which include; Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus Lactobacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus aureus, Leuconcostoc mesenteroides, and Bacillus licheniformis. It was observed that the microbial loads increased till the 72nd hours of fermentation except Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus that their loads decreased after the 72nd hours. There was an increase in the moisture, fibre, fat and protein contents, while carbohydrate, ash and anti-nutrients contents decreased. It was evident that fermentation process contributes to the bacteriological and physicochemical properties of the fermented rice in the production of another consumable product like rice wine, kunnu –zaki, spaghetti and the noodles.
Late and Incidental Discovery of an Anomalous Coronary Artery Originating from the Opposite Sinus after Stemi
Authors: Wakrim Zakaria , Dahman Hajar , Jamili Mohammed El , Benzarouel Dounia , Hattaoui Mustapha El
Published: September 2022

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) comprise a diverse group of congenital malformations with widely varying expressions and pathophysiological mechanisms. The most notable group of CAAs has been termed ‘Anomalous coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva’ (ACAOS), a rare congenital heart disease that is associated with sudden cardiac death and ischemia.

We present the case of an 80-year-old man presenting with inferior STEMI having a single coronary ostium and a rare variant of the coronary artery origin belonging to type A4d with an interatrial LAD course according to Angelini's classification. This abnormal finding was managed conservatively and the patient underwent successful drug-eluding stent implantation in the culprit right coronary artery in its middle portion.
Effect of Moisture Regimes and Gypsum Levels on Growth and Yield of Rabi Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)
Authors: Kavya S. , Susheela R. , Teja K. Charan , Madhavi A. , Parameswari Y. S.
Published: September 2022

A Field experiment was conducted in groundnut at Krishi vignan Kendra, Palem, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana state, India during rabi 2021 to study the influence of three moisture regimes viz 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 IW/CPE ratios and five gypsum levels viz G0- Control, G1- 300 kg ha-1, G2- 400 kg ha-1, G3- 500 kg ha-1 and G4- 600 kg ha-1 and was replicated thrice. Experiment was laid out in split plot design. Among different moisture regimes and gypsum levels, significantly higher values of plant height (26.2 cm) at 90 DAS, drymatter production (1803.4 and 3262.3 kg ha-1) at 90 DAS and at harvest were recorded with I3 (1.0 IW/CPE) and with G4- gypsum @ 600 kg ha-1 (plant height- 27.4 cm) at 90 DAS, drymatter production (2092.7 and 4327.9 kg ha-1) at 90 DAS and at harvest. Similarly yield attributes- number of filled pods plant-1- (60) and shelling percentage- (67.1%) and yield- pod and halum yield- (1977.4, 3253.4 kg ha-1 respectively) was also significantly higher with I3 (1.0 IW/CPE), whereas unfilled pods plant-1 was higher (6.1) with I1 (0.6 IW/CPE). 100-kernel weight found to be non-significant. Among gypsum levels highest yield and yield attributes was recorded with G4 i.e., gypsum @ 600 kg ha-1. The interaction effect also found to be significant with respect to drymatter production, filled and unfilled Pods plant-1.
Effect of Long Term Fertilization Practices on Tembotrione Movement in Soil: Assessment by Plant Bioassay
Authors: Rewar Mahesh , Janaki P. , Jayanthi D.
Published: September 2022

The herbicide behavior in soils is executed nowadays via the chemical extraction and instrumental analysis. However, the biological availability and the dynamics of herbicide in soil could be studied effectively through bioassay in the absence of sophisticated techniques and also in situ conditions. Tembotrione is one of the recently registered triketone herbicide and its movement behavior was not studied much in India. Hence the present study was executed to understand the influence of long term fertilization practices on its transport and movement using the bioassay technique involving Randomized Block Design (RBD). The plot wise soil samples were collected from the 50 years old long term fertilization experiment, processed and used to conduct the leaching column (made of PVC) experiment under controlled condition for 30 days. Soil samples were dissected depth wise and residue of tembotrione in each depth was obtained by conducting bioassay using green gram and sunflower as test species. For calibration curve preparation, a separate bioassay was conducted by fortifying tembotrione in control soil at different concentrations. The recorded plant parameters viz., germination percent and biomass after 15th day of both the test species predicted the tembotrione transport efficiently and the results of both the test species were comparable. The tembotrione has shown movement upto 30 cm soil depth and the concentration of residue decreased with increase in soil depth. The long term fertilization practices with the balanced nutrients supply viz., 100% NPK with hand weeding, Zn, FYM showed significant effect on the transport of tembotrione in soil at various depths.

The study concludes that the plant bioassay technique using green gram and sunflower could be very well used to investigate the transport behavior of Tembotrione in soil. Based on data, tembotrione was identified as moderately mobile compound in sandy clay loam and its movement has been altered by the long term fertilization practices.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome Differences Between Black Patients and Patients of Other Races and Ethnicities With Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Allen Pamela B. , Goyal Subir , Niyogusaba Tim , O’Leary Colin , Ayers Amy , Tarabadkar Erica S. , Khan Mohammad K. , Lechowicz Mary Jo
Published: September 2022

Importance

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) has an increased incidence in Black patients, but clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes have been poorly characterized.

Objective

To assess racial differences in presentation and outcome and identify drivers for racial disparities in MF/SS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of 566 patients with MF/SS diagnosed from 1990 to 2020 and seen at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and Grady Memorial Hospital, both in Atlanta, Georgia. Self-reported race and ethnicity were obtained from patient medical records and analyzed as 2 groups: non-Hispanic Black (Black) and all other races and ethnicities, including Asian, Hispanic, White, and unknown/undeclared (non-Black).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Univariate and multivariable models and Kaplan-Meier assessments were analyzed for overall survival and time to next treatment. The primary outcome was to assess differences in overall survival by racial and ethnic group. The hypotheses were formulated prior to data collection.

Results

Of the 566 patients with MF/SS identified (mean [SD] age 55 [16.4] years; 270 (47.7%) female), 257 were Black and 309 were non-Black. Black race was associated with increased rates of progression to a higher TNMB stage (39.8% in Black patients vs 29.1% in non-Black patients; P < .001) but not survival. Black patients were younger and had increased female predominance, higher TNMB stage, higher tumor stage, nodal involvement, and higher lactate dehydrogenase level compared with non-Black patients with MF/SS. Hypopigmented MF (HMF) was found in 62 patients, who were mostly Black (n = 59). Hypopigmented MF was significantly associated with survival on univariate and multivariable models, with 10-year survival of 100% in patients with HMF compared with 51.8% in patients without HMF. Black race was only associated with inferior outcomes after excluding patients with HMF who were younger than 60 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.02-2.55; P = .04), but not in patients older than 60 years (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.80-1.81; P = .37). On multivariate analysis, among the cohort without HMF who were younger than 60 years, Black race remained statistically significant when controlling for cancer stage and large-cell transformation (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.08-2.87; P = .43).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, Black patients with MF/SS showed distinct clinical presentations and patterns of progression with heterogeneous outcomes depending on age at presentation and presence of HMF.
Effect of Rolling Deformation on Corrosion and Discharge Behavior of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Huang Zhiquan , Huang Renyao , Pei Yanjie , Gao Xiangyu , Jiang Lianyun , Zou Jinchao
Published: September 2022

The corrosion and discharge behaviors of AZ91 magnesium alloy after hot rolling with different deformations (0%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) are systematically studied in this article. The results indicate that AZ91 without rolling deformation (0% rolling deformation) possesses the most outstanding corrosion resistance; at high current densities (40, 50 mA cm−2), the discharge activity of AZ91 after hot rolling with 20% deformation is optimal, while 0% rolling deformation shows the most excellent discharge activity at low current densities (5, 10 mA cm−2). Combined with the observation results of microstructure, it demonstrates that the corrosion resistance and discharge activity of AZ91 are closely related to the fragmentation of the second phase, the distribution of the second phase at the grain boundary, and the increase of the grain boundary after hot rolling.
Super‐Ionic Conductivity in ω‐Li9TrP4 (Tr = Al, Ga, In) and Lithium Diffusion Pathways in Li9AlP4 Polymorphs
Authors: Restle Tassilo M. F. , Strangmüller Stefan , Baran Volodymyr , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Kirchhain Holger , Klein Wilhelm , Merk Samuel , Müller David , Kutsch Tobias , van Wüllen Leo , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: September 2022

Phosphide‐based compounds are promising materials for solid electrolytes. In recent times, a multiplicity of compounds featuring isolated MP4 (M = Si,Ge,Sn,Al,Ga) tetrahedra as structural building units in different arrangements with superionic lithium conductivity have been discovered. ω‐Li9AlP4, ω‐Li9GaP4, and ω‐Li9InP4 are presented as new high‐temperature modifications with superionic lithium conductivity reaching 4.5 mS cm−1 at room temperature. Impedance spectroscopy and static temperature‐dependent 7Li NMR experiments reveal conductivity values in the range of 0.2 to 4.5 mS cm−1 at room temperature and low activation energies for the title compounds. X‐ray and neutron diffraction methods disclose that the phosphorus atoms form a cubic‐close packing. The triel element and Li atoms are located in tetrahedral voids, further Li atoms partially fill the octahedral voids. Temperature‐dependent neutron diffraction shows for Li9AlP4 a phase transition at 573 K that influences the occupation of voids with Li and significantly affects the Li‐ion mobility. The evaluation of nuclear scattering densities by the maximum‐entropy approach and application of the one‐particle‐potential formalism reveal 3D lithium diffusion with a low activation energy preferentially on paths of adjacent tetrahedral and octahedral voids. The investigation of different polymorphs suggests that the equilibrated filling of tetrahedral and octahedral voids is a crucial parameter for the enhancement of superionic lithium conductivity.
Ultrathin Non‐Ising Charged Domain Walls Confined in BiFeO3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Lisha , Xu Kun , Li Qian , Huang Yu , Shu Liang , Cheng Yue‐Yu‐Shan , Zhang Suwei , Luo Jin , Zhu Jing , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: September 2022

Rich functionalities have been identified for domain walls (DWs, naturally occurring interfaces in ferroics), e.g., enhanced conductance and photovoltaic effect, which specify the interest in their internal structure. The dimension/width and type are of particular interest, which is the carrier of their functionality. Recent attention has been focused on head‐to‐head or tail‐to‐tail charged DWs with greatly enhanced conductivity compared to the inner domains, which are found to be an order of magnitude thicker (tens of unit cells) than normal neutral DWs. In this study, ultrathin non‐Ising charged DWs are found, where polarization switched their direction within 2–3 unit cells in self‐assembled BiFeO3 nanocrystals. An analytical model and finite element method simulation are used to interpret the origin of this phenomenon, i.e., electrostatic constraints linked to DW configurations in a ferroelectric. This study indicates that as an intrinsic property, the width of the ferroic DWs varies with different electrostatic constraints and must be taken into consideration during its applications.
Optical Humidity Sensor Based on CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Modified by Porous Silica
Authors: Yuan Baozhen , Zhang Xuanyu , Yu Jiahao , Zhou Leiqing , Luo Bingshen , Liu Yanjun , Chen Rui
Published: September 2022

Ultra‐sensitive optical humidity sensors based on nanomaterials play important roles in the fields of science and industry. The related research has been reported, however, the underlying physical mechanism is still unclear. In order to clarify this point, and further improve the sensing performance, herein, optical humidity sensor based on porous silica/quantum dots (PS/QDs) hybrid nanoarchitecture has been developed. PS is selected to enhance emission of QDs due to its large surface roughness, which can improve light utilization. Under optimized conditions, the emission from the hybrid PS/QDs can be enhanced 6.5 times compared with the as‐grown QDs. With the increase of relative humidity from 20% to 80%, the hybrid PS/QDs demonstrate excellent response, wide sensing range, fast response time (22–40 s), good selectivity, and repeatability. Based on laser spectroscopy, the sensing mechanism is ascribed to the passivation of the surface defects by water molecules, which results in enhanced emission. This work provides a simple and low‐cost method to fabricate humidity sensors and shows promising applications in environmental detection.
Interface‐Tailored Relaxor Ferroelectric Nanocomposites with Ultrahigh‐Insulation Shell of Fluorinated Aromatic Polythiourea for High‐Capacitance Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Zhu Ning , Liu Jiahao , Zhou Jingtao , Zhang Lei , Yao Ni , Liu Xiaolian , Chen Yingxin , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: September 2022

The strategy of interface engineering plays a prominent role in obtaining desirable dielectric performance of polymer nanocomposites. In this study, ultrahigh‐insulation BaTiO3@fluorinated aromatic polythiourea (BT@ArPFTU) nanoparticles (NPs), which are successfully synthesized via microwave‐initiated polymerization, are served as novel nanofillers to prepare poly(vinylidenefluoride‐trifluoroethylenechlorotrifuoroethylene)‐based (P(VDF‐TrFE‐CTFE)‐based) nanocomposites for capacitor applications. The ArPFTU coating shell forms a strong interface with 30‐nm thickness between BT and the matrix. It not only contributes to the suppression of current density at the interfaces, the regulation of interfacial charge distribution and tolerating high electric‐field strength, but also favors the improvement in dielectric constant and electric polarization due to interfacial polarization, as confirmed by finite element simulations and experimental results. In addition, the direct observation of electric‐polarization enhancement at the interfaces in the P(VDF‐TrFE‐CTFE)/BT@ArPFTU nanocomposites is well probed by piezoelectric force microscopy. Remarkably, with small loading of BT@ArPFTU NPs, relaxor ferroelectric nanocomposites display an unprecedented discharged energy density of 23.1 J cm−3 and the charge–discharge efficiency of 65%, which is much larger than that of other types of BT‐based polymer nanocomposites and commercial biaxially oriented polypropylene of 0.71 J cm−3. This systematic study further paves a new avenue to design high‐performance polymer nanocomposites by interfacial architecture for capacitor application.
The forgotten survivor: A comprehensive review on Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma survivorship
Authors: Alabdaljabar Mohamad S. , Durani Urshila , Thompson Carrie A. , Constine Louis S. , Hashmi Shahrukh K.
Published: September 2022

The number of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors is increasing. With the advancement of NHL therapies, it is crucial to focus on the challenges these survivors may face. Three main categories are to be considered in NHL survivorship, including quality of life and uncertainty about the future, possible physical health complications (including cardiovascular disease, infertility, and subsequent neoplasms), and the impact of novel NHL treatments and their potential complications. The latter includes CAR T‐cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this report, we aim to shed the light on these aspects and to discuss survivorship care plan for NHL.
How Subtle Changes Can Make a Difference: Reproducibility in Complex Supramolecular Systems
Authors: Schnitzer Tobias , Preuss Marco D. , van Basten Jule , Schoenmakers Sandra M. C. , Spiering A. J. H. , Vantomme Ghislaine , Meijer E. W.
Published: September 2022

The desire to construct complex molecular systems is driven by the need for technological (r)evolution and our intrinsic curiosity to comprehend the origin of life. Supramolecular chemists tackle this challenge by combining covalent and noncovalent reactions leading to multicomponent systems with emerging complexity. However, this synthetic strategy often coincides with difficult preparation protocols and a narrow window of suitable conditions. Here, we report on unsuspected observations of our group that highlight the impact of subtle “irregularities” on supramolecular systems. Based on the effects of pathway complexity, minute amounts of water in organic solvents or small impurities in the supramolecular building block, we discuss potential pitfalls in the study of complex systems. This article is intended to draw attention to often overlooked details and to initiate an open discussion on the importance of reporting experimental details to increase reproducibility in supramolecular chemistry.
A Reactivity‐Tunable Self‐Immolative Design Enables Histone Deacetylase‐Targeted Imaging and Prodrug Activation
Authors: Liu Feng , Ding Xu , Xu Xiaobo , Wang Fenglin , Chu Xia , Jiang Jian‐Hui
Published: September 2022

Histone deacetylase (HDAC)‐targeted probes and prodrugs are crucial for cancer theranostics. We developed a self‐immolative design that enables in vivo activatable near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging and prodrug release in response to HDAC. This design comprises a phenyl ester linker with tunable reactivity, facilitating efficient release of caged fluorophores/drugs upon deacetylation. We engineered a new fluorophore using a spirocyclic xanthene scaffold with ring‐open property, affording NIRF/PA detection with high contrast. We showed that a nitro‐substituted self‐immolative linker allows sensitive NIRF/PA in vivo imaging of HDAC with minimal interference. A highly efficient prodrug system was further developed for targeted therapy in HDAC‐overexpressed triple negative breast tumors in mice. Our study provides a valuable paradigm for HDAC‐targeted NIRF/PA imaging and prodrug release in vivo, highlighting its potential for bioimaging and drug development.
Conservation of Nickel Ion Single‐Active Site Character in a Bottom‐Up Constructed π‐Conjugated Molecular Network
Authors: Baranowski Daniel , Cojocariu Iulia , Sala Alessandro , Africh Cristina , Comelli Giovanni , Schio Luca , Tormen Massimo , Floreano Luca , Feyer Vitaliy , Schneider Claus M.
Published: September 2022

On‐surface chemistry holds the potential for ultimate miniaturization of functional devices. Porphyrins are promising building‐blocks in exploring advanced nanoarchitecture concepts. More stable molecular materials of practical interest with improved charge transfer properties can be achieved by covalently interconnecting molecular units. On‐surface synthesis allows to construct extended covalent nanostructures at interfaces not conventionally available. Here, we address the synthesis and properties of covalent molecular network composed of interconnected constituents derived from halogenated nickel tetraphenylporphyrin on Au(111). We report that the π‐extended two‐dimensional material exhibits dispersive electronic features. Concomitantly, the functional Ni cores retain the same single‐active site character of their single‐molecule counterparts. This opens new pathways when exploiting the high robustness of transition metal cores provided by bottom‐up constructed covalent nanomeshes.
The Growth Mechanism of a Conductive MOF Thin Film in Spray‐based Layer‐by‐layer Liquid Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Zheng Rui , Fu Zhi‐Hua , Deng Wei‐Hua , Wen Yingyi , Wu Ai‐Qian , Ye Xiao‐Liang , Xu Gang
Published: September 2022

The layer‐by‐layer liquid‐phase epitaxy (LBL‐LPE) method is widely used in preparing metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films with the merits of controlling thickness and out‐of‐plane orientation for superior performances in applications. The LBL‐LPE growth mechanism related to the grain boundary, structure defect, and orientation is critical but very challenging to study. In this work, a novel “in‐plane self‐limiting and self‐repairing” thin‐film growth mechanism is demonstrated by the combination study of the grain boundary, structure defect, and orientation ofCu3(HHTP)2‐xCthin film via microscopic analysis techniques and electrical measurements. This mechanism results a desired high‐quality MOF thin film with preferred in‐plane orientations at its bottom for the first time and is very helpful for optimizing the LBL‐LPE method, understanding the growth cycle‐dependent properties of MOF thin film, and inspiring the investigations of the biomimetic self‐repairing materials.
Mouse dendritic cells in the steady state: Hypoxia, autophagy, and stem cell factor
Authors: Barroeta Seijas Amairelys Belen , Simonetti Sonia , Filippi Irene , Naldini Antonella , Favaretto Gabriele , Colombo Teresa , Natalini Ambra , Antonangeli Fabrizio , Laffranchi Mattia , Sozzani Silvano , Santoni Angela , Di Rosa Francesca
Published: September 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) are innate immune cells with a central role in immunity and tolerance. Under steady‐state, DCs are scattered in tissues as resting cells. Upon infection or injury, DCs get activated and acquire the full capacity to prime antigen‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, thus bridging innate and adaptive immunity. By secreting different sets of cytokines and chemokines, DCs orchestrate diverse types of immune responses, from a classical proinflammatory to an alternative pro‐repair one. DCs are highly heterogeneous, and physiological differences in tissue microenvironments greatly contribute to variations in DC phenotype. Oxygen tension is normally low in some lymphoid areas, including bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic niches; nevertheless, the possible impact of tissue hypoxia on DC physiology has been poorly investigated. We assessed whether DCs are hypoxic in BM and spleen, by staining for hypoxia‐inducible‐factor‐1α subunit (HIF‐1α), the master regulator of hypoxia‐induced response, and pimonidazole (PIM), a hypoxic marker, and by flow cytometric analysis. Indeed, we observed that mouse DCs have a hypoxic phenotype in spleen and BM, and showed some remarkable differences between DC subsets. Notably, DCs expressing membrane c‐kit, the receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), had a higher PIM median fluorescence intensity (MFI) than c‐kit− DCs, both in the spleen and in the BM. To determine whether SCF (a.k.a. kit ligand) has a role in DC hypoxia, we evaluated molecular pathways activated by SCF in c‐kit+ BM‐derived DCs cultured in hypoxic conditions. Gene expression microarrays and gene set enrichment analysis supported the hypothesis that SCF had an impact on hypoxia response and inhibited autophagy‐related gene sets. Our results suggest that hypoxic response and autophagy, and their modulation by SCF, can play a role in DC homeostasis at the steady state, in agreement with our previous findings on SCF's role in DC survival.
Bicyclic Caged Morpholino Oligonucleotides for Optical Gene Silencing**
Authors: Pattanayak Sankha , Sarode Bhagyesh R. , Deiters Alexander , Chen James K.
Published: September 2022

Caged morpholino oligonucleotides (cMOs) are synthetic tools that allow light‐inducible gene silencing in live organisms. Previously reported cMOs have utilized hairpin, duplex, and cyclic structures, as well as caged nucleobases. While these antisense technologies enable efficient optical control of RNA splicing and translation, they can have limited dynamic range. A new caging strategy was developed where the two MO termini are conjugated to an internal position through a self‐immolative trifunctional linker, thereby generating a bicyclic cMO that is conformationally resistant to RNA binding. The efficacy of this alternative cMO design has been demonstrated in zebrafish embryos and compared to linear MOs and monocyclic constructs.
Treatment of Reactive Dyes Using Amberlite Resin Functionalized with Amine‐Based Solvent – Batch and Continuous Studies
Authors: Awasthi Anjali , Datta Dipaloy
Published: September 2022

The azo dyes Reactive Orange‐16 and Reactive Green‐19 were removed using Aliquat‐336‐incorporated Amberlite XAD7HP resin in batch and in a continuous stirrer vessel. The prepared resin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect of dosage, initial dye concentration, time, pH, and temperature on the removal efficiency of both dyes was evaluated. Equilibrium, kinetic, and diffusion models were fitted to the batch data. Design calculations for single‐stage batch adsorption were done to scale up the process industrially. The resin was regenerated using ethanol. To intensify the process further, continuous studies were performed in a recirculating stirred vessel at different flow rates and stirring speeds.
Alkyne Activation in the Diversity Oriented Synthesis of sp2‐Rich Scaffolds: A Biased Library Approach for Targeting Polynucleotides (DNA/RNA)
Authors: Chen Shuqi , Priebbenow Daniel L. , Somkhit Julie , Scullino Carmen V. , Agama Keli , Pommier Yves , Flynn Bernard L.
Published: September 2022

Polynucleotides, DNA and RNA (mRNA and non‐coding RNAs) are critically involved in the molecular pathways of disease. Small molecule binding interactions with polynucleotides can modify functional polynucleotide topologies and/or their interactions with proteins. Current approaches to library design (lead‐like or fragment‐like libraries) are based on protein‐ligand interactions and often include careful consideration of the 3‐dimensional orientation of binding motifs and exclude π‐rich compounds (polyfused aromatics) to avoid off‐target R/DNA interactions. In contrast to proteins, where π,π‐interactions are weak, polynucleotides can form strong π,π‐interactions with suitable π‐rich ligands. To assist in designing a polynucleotide‐biased library, a scaffold‐divergent synthesis approach to polyfused aromatic scaffolds has been undertaken. Initial screening hits that form moderately stable polynucleotide‐ligand‐protein ternary complexes can be further optimized through judicious incorporation of substituents on the scaffold to increase protein‐ligand interactions. An example of this approach is given for topoisomerase‐1 (TOP1), generating a novel TOP1 inhibitory chemotype.
Bismuth Gadolinium Oxychloride with a Remarkable Visible‐Light‐Responsive O2 Evolution Activity Promoted by Iodine Doping
Authors: Zhao Conghui , Sun Liwei , Xu Yang , Dong Beibei , Luo Yuhong , Li Jingde , Chen Jianxin , Zhang Zisheng
Published: September 2022

Visible‐light‐responsive bismuth‐based oxyhalide has recently attracted extensive attention, however, the promotion of its charge separation is still challenging. Herein, we introduce iodine into Bi2GdO4Cl to synthetize I‐doped Bi2GdO4Cl (denoted as yI−Bi2GdO4Cl, 0≤y≤2). The incorporation of I− ions is found to enhance light absorption and to accelerate charge separation by combining various characterizations such as density functional theory calculation, photoelectrochemical test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectrum, and open‐circuit voltage decay. The O2‐evolving performances of 1I−Bi2GdO4Cl with optimized dopant concentration of I− ion and IrO2 loaded 1I−Bi2GdO4Cl are tremendously enhanced by ca. 4 and 45 times compared to pristine Bi2GdO4Cl. Notably, The O2 evolution rate reaches as high as 154.8 μmol ⋅ h−1 with an apparent quantum efficiency of ∼1.1 % at 420 nm. The synthetic iodine‐doped photocatalyst remains stable after long‐term photoreaction, demonstrating its potential in the field of photocatalysis.
Non‐Covalent Integration of a [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Mimic to Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zamader Afridi , Reuillard Bertrand , Pécaut Jacques , Billon Laurent , Bousquet Antoine , Berggren Gustav , Artero Vincent
Published: September 2022

Surface integration of molecular catalysts inspired from the active sites of hydrogenase enzymes represents a promising route towards developing noble metal‐free and sustainable technologies for H2 production. Efficient and stable catalyst anchoring is a key aspect to enable this approach. Herein, we report the preparation and electrochemical characterization of an original diironhexacarbonyl complex including two pyrene groups per catalytic unit in order to allow for its smooth integration, through π‐interactions, onto multiwalled carbon nanotube‐based electrodes. In this configuration, the grafted catalyst could reach turnover numbers for H2 production (TONH2) of up to 4±2×103 within 20 h of bulk electrolysis, operating at neutral pH. Post operando analysis of catalyst functionalized electrodes revealed the degradation of the catalytic unit occurred via loss of the iron carbonyl units, while the anchoring groups and most part of the ligand remained attached onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes.
Efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in male breast cancer compared with female breast cancer
Authors: Leone José Pablo , Hassett Michael J. , Leone Julieta , Tolaney Sara M. , Vallejo Carlos T. , Leone Bernardo A. , Winer Eric P. , Lin Nancy U.
Published: September 2022

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is standard for many females with breast cancer (FBC). The efficacy of NAC in male breast cancer (MaBC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare proportions of pathologic complete response (pCR) between MaBC and FBC by tumor subtype (TS).

Methods

MaBC and FBC treated with NAC between 2010 and 2016, with known TS, were evaluated from the National Cancer Database. Proportions of pCR (ypT0/Tis ypN0) were compared between sexes within TS by Fisher test. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the independent association of sex with pCR. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan–Meier.

Results

A total of 385 MaBC and 68,065 FBC were included. Median time from initiation of NAC to surgery was 143 days in MaBC and 148 days in FBC. Proportions of pCR in MaBC and FBC by TS were: hormone receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HR+/HER2–): 4.9% vs 9.7%, p = .01; HR+/HER2+: 16.1% vs 33.6%, p < .001; HR–/HER2+: 44.0% vs 53.2%, p = .42; and HR–/HER2–: 21.4% vs 32.1%, p = .18, respectively. FBC had twice the odds of pCR than MaBC (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.5–2.8; p < .001). Five‐year OS for MaBC with pCR vs not was 90% vs 64.7%; p = .02. Five‐year OS for FBC with pCR vs not was 91.9% vs 75.3%; p < .01.

Conclusions

Proportions and odds of pCR to NAC were numerically lower in MaBC compared with FBC for each TS and statistically significant for HR+/HER2– and HR+/HER2+. The independent association of sex with pCR was confirmed in multivariable analysis. pCR is prognostic in both MaBC and FBC.