bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Imaging of Cutaneous Innervations of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Yeo Yujin , Son Hye Min , Lee Sung‐Moon
Published: January 2020

Ultrasound (US) is commonly used to evaluate the cutaneous innervation of the lower extremity, owing to the following advantages: (1) US is a high‐resolution soft tissue imaging modality; (2) it is feasible in patients who are deemed unsuitable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging; and (3) it enables dynamic and real‐time imaging. The evaluation of cutaneous nerves requires accurate knowledge of the anatomy as well as technical details. We present a review of the US anatomy of the cutaneous nerves in the lower extremity in addition to a description of a few pathologic conditions.
High‐Molecular‐Weight Polyampholytes Synthesized via Daylight‐Induced, Initiator‐Free Radical Polymerization of Renewable Itaconic Acid
Authors: Mielczarek Kacper , Łabanowska Maria , Kurdziel Magdalena , Konefał Rafał , Beneš Hynek , Bujok Sonia , Kowalski Grzegorz , Bednarz Szczepan
Published: January 2020

Herein, it is reported for the first time that when mixed with choline chloride, itaconic acid (IA), normally a low‐reactive vinyl monomer, undergoes initiator‐free radical polymerization under normal daylight. Furthermore, the process results in the formation of abnormally high‐molecular‐weight poly(itaconic acid) derivatives with Mw greater than ≈800 000 g mol−1. Detailed 1D/2D NMR studies indicate that the polymers have two types of ionizable moieties, that is, anionic carboxylic and cationic choline ester groups in an average molar ratio of 12:1. Potentiometric titration shows polyampholyte behavior of the polymers. Tentative mechanistic studies reveal that the daylight‐induced polymerization is initiated by species generated via interactions of near UV light with IA. However, EPR findings show that choline also participates in secondary radical reactions. The obtained polyampholytes are useful bio‐based materials for fast and straightforward fabrication of polymer–clay nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties.
Identification of novel differentially expressed genes in retinas of STZ‐induced long‐term diabetic rats through RNA sequencing
Authors: Xing Xindan , Jiang Yan , Wang Hanying , Zhang Yuan , Niu Tian , Qu Yuan , Wang Chingyi , Wang Haiyan , Liu Kun
Published: January 2020

Background

The aim of this research was to investigate the retinal transcriptome changes in long‐term streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced rats' retinas using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq), to explore the molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to identify novel targets for the treatment of DR by comparing the gene expression profile we obtained.

Methods

In this study, 6 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into wild‐type (WT) group and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced group, 3 rats each group. After 6 months, 3 normal retina samples and 3 DM retina samples (2 retinas from the same rat were considered as 1 sample) were tested and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were measured by RNA‐seq technology. Then, we did Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analysis and validated the results of RNA‐seq through qRT–PCR.

Results

A total of 118 DEGs were identified, of which 72 were up‐regulated and 46 were down‐regulated. The enriched GO terms showed that 3 most significant enrichment terms were binding (molecular function), cell part (cellular component), and biological regulation (biological process). The results of the KEGG pathway analysis revealed a significant enrichment in cell adhesion molecules, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and allograft rejection, etc.

Conclusion

Our research has identified specific DEGs and also speculated their potential functions, which will provide novel targets to explore the molecular mechanisms of DR.
A linearized power amplifier with nonlinear feedback architecture
Authors: Pan Wensheng , Li Chenxing , Quan Xin , Xu Qiang , Liu Ying , Shao Shihai , Tang Youxi , Kang Kai
Published: January 2020

In this letter, a linearized power amplifier (PA) with nonlinear feedback architecture is proposed to improve the linearity of a radio frequency (RF) PA, without efficiency degradation. In this proposed architecture, a linearization circuit is designed for linearity improvement, which consists of a signal cancellation loop and a signal adjustment circuit. The cancellation loop first extracts the distorted signal of the RF PA, while the adjustment circuit regulates the amplitude and the phase of the extracted nonlinear signal before feeding it into the PA with the linear source signal. Subsequently, the regulated nonlinear signal is redirected to the PA input port and combined with the PA input signal to cancel the PA nonlinear distortions. A testbed is designed to validate the performance of the proposed architecture by using the PA chip NPTB00004A at 2.6 GHz with 5‐MHz, 10‐MHz, and 20‐MHz long‐term evolution (LTE) signals. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture can improve the third order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) by more than 30 dB to achieve an adjacent channel power ratio of −45 dBc at an output power level of 33 dBm with drain efficiency over 30%.
Wideband bended CPS‐to‐microstrip transition for millimeter‐wave antenna‐detector module
Authors: Lee Gwan Hui , Kim Dong Hwi , Mohyuddin Wahab , Kumar Sachin , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook
Published: January 2020

In this article, the design of a new compact transition with two bended structures for millimeter‐wave (W/F‐band) antenna‐detector module is presented. The millimeter‐wave antenna is a dual dipole antenna fed by a coplanar stripline (CPS). Due to small size of the antenna‐detector, the CPS line impedance tends to be very high (~160 Ω). The down‐converted broadband microwave signal in the CPS is channeled to a 50 Ω microstrip line using a CPS‐to‐microstrip line transition (balun). If the start frequency of the transition is low, the conventional straight balun tends to be very long. In order to reduce transition length, the transition with bended parts while optimizing the impedance tapering based on the analytical formulas (conformal mapping) is chosen. In the proposed transition design, a transition with two bends in 120° is designed and implemented. The measured results show the maximum insertion loss of 1.5 dB in the frequency range of 1.8 to 17.8 GHz. Also, the return loss of the proposed transition is greater than 10 dB from 1.8 to 20 GHz.
Compact broadband slot‐based MIMO antenna array for vehicular environment
Authors: Bactavatchalame Partibane , Rajakani Kalidoss
Published: January 2020

This article presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a broadband directional slot antenna and its application in a vehicular environment. The proposed antenna consists of a slot antenna fed by a simple microstrip line. Broadband impedance matching is achieved by replacing the conventional microstrip line with a modified microstrip line. The modified microstrip line consists of a microstrip line terminated with an impedance transformer and a square patch. The proposed antenna offers 76.9% bandwidth centered around 4.8 GHz covering most of the communication applications between 3 and 6.75 GHz. Furthermore, the antenna's radiation pattern is shaped to obtain the desired directional characteristics using a simple reflector and array of via holes. The typical gain enhancement is 2.45 dBi at 5 GHz. This gain enhanced slot antenna is further used to construct the four‐element MIMO antenna. The proposed MIMO antenna configuration offers omnidirectional coverage with realized antenna gain greater than 6 dBi making the antenna more suitable for the vehicular environment. The prototype antenna and the MIMO array are fabricated and measurement results are presented. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation results.
A Simple Process for Making Supercontraction Fiber From Polycaprolactone/Elastomer Blends
Authors: Shi Jing , Yao Donggang
Published: January 2020

Supercontraction fiber with shrinkage ratio as high as eight times is processed from simple polymer blending and melt spinning. Specifically, polycaprolactone and ethylene‐octene block copolymer blends are made and then processed into fibers with a two‐step sequence of melt extrusion and room‐temperature drawing. The morphological properties, mechanical properties, rheological behavior, thermal properties, and shrinking ability of the blend fiber are characterized. The scanning electron microscope images of the blends indicate two types of structure: cocontinuous structure and matrix‐droplet structure. Fiber made from the cocontinuous blend has the supercontraction ability, while fiber from the matrix‐droplet blend does not. Additional hot drawing of the fiber at 50°C is found to be helpful for improving the mechanical properties, shrinking ratio, and shrinking stress. Cyclic tensile testing was also conducted and the results show that the supercontraction fiber may be used repeatedly for multiple times. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:793–801, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and pharmacokinetic study of poly(ethylene oxide) triazole dendrimers decorated with aminosteroids as anticancer agent
Authors: Darveau Patrick , Maltais René , Roy Jenny , Poirier Donald , Morin Jean‐François
Published: January 2020

The use of new aminosteroids has shown increased therapeutic efficiency on multiple cancer cell lines. Those molecules are, however, highly hydrophobic, leading to bad pharmacokinetic properties. Dendrimers are excellent candidates to improve PK, especially for absorption and distribution, since their structure can be designed to be water‐soluble. We have the capacity to tailor the particle's size to allow high‐loading capacity. In this article, we managed to enhance aqueous solubility of the aminosteroid AH‐38 by grafting on three generations of poly(ethylene oxide) triazole dendrimers to reach high drug loading values (w/w %). In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted and showed interesting results, such as increased plasma concentration of the free aminosteroid with G1 and G2 nanocarriers over the AH‐38 administrated as a free drug. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 654–661
An evoluted bio‐based 2,5‐furandicarboxylate copolyester fiber from poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Wei , Zhang Yajie , Lin Jinyou , Chen Peng
Published: January 2020

A series of bio‐based poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PEFT) fibers was prepared via the industrially feasible melt‐spinning and hot‐drawing process. The effect of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) content on the fibers properties was studied using differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, sound velocity, tensile, and boiling water shrinkage tests. It was found that the PEFT fibers showed comparable or superior tenacity to the PET fibers under the same conditions, especially the PEFT‐4 fibers exhibited the highest tenacity (2.3, 2.9 cN/dtex for the drawn PET and PEFT‐4 fibers prepared at the same take‐up speed of 2500 m/min and a fixed draw ratio of 1.6). Moreover, the boiling water shrinkage of the PEFT fibers was quite close to that of the PET fibers under the same conditions, showing that the PEFT fibers were comparable to the PET fibers in heat resistance. The results indicated that the bio‐based PEFT fibers would be a feasible alternative for the PET fibers, in terms of sustainability, processability, and mechanical properties. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 320–329
Dynamic Model Metallo‐Supramolecular Dual‐Network Hydrogels with Independently Tunable Network Crosslinks
Authors: Ahmadi Mostafa , Seiffert Sebastian
Published: January 2020

Hybrid polymer networks emerge between chemical and physical crosslinking, where two different modes of chain connectivity control the material behavior. However, rational relations between their microstructural characteristics, supramolecular kinetics, and the resulting network mechanics and dynamics are not well developed. To address this shortcoming, this study introduces a material platform based on a model dual‐network hydrogel, comprising independently tunable chemical and physical crosslinks. The idea is realized by a click reaction between a tetra‐PEG and a linear‐PEG precursor, whereby the linear block also carries a terpyridine ligand at each end that can form additional physical crosslinks by metal ion–bis(terpyridine) complexation. We change the number of chemical crosslinks by varying the molar mass of the tetra‐PEG, and we independently tune the metallo‐supramolecular bonds by using different metal ions, Mn2+, Zn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+. Based on that modular approach, we study the rheological behavior and the diffusivity of fluorescent polymeric tracers. The dissociation of the metallo‐supramolecular bonds provides a relaxation step, whose timescale and intensity are quantified by a sticky Rouse model. These two characteristics differ not only depending on the metal ion but also according to the chemical network mesh size, which highlights an interplay between the chemical and physical crosslinks. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 330–342
Preparation of Liquid Crystal Film Capable of Shielding Visible Light Band by Two‐Phase Coexistence
Authors: Li Erli , Zhang Dongdong , Cao Hui , Chen Yinjie , Zhao Limin , Gan Ping , Yang Zhou , Wang Dong , He Wanli
Published: January 2020

A broadband reflective film covering the visible region is prepared by twice crosslinking polymerization of active monomer at different temperatures. The system is transformed from cholesteric phase to twist grain boundary A phase with the decrease of temperature. Based on the temperature dependence of pitch in two‐phase coexistence system, the polymer networks formed by free‐radical polymerization fix a part of small pitch when the system is in cholesteric phase at high temperatures, and then the large pitch is fixed by cationic polymerization when system is in twist grain boundary A phase at low temperatures. The non‐uniform distribution of pitch is formed in the system so that the reflection band of the film is broadened. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 599–606
Symptoms of prolonged grief and major depressive disorders: Distinctiveness and temporal relationship in the first 2 years of bereavement for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Tsai Wei‐I , Wen Fur‐Hsing , Kuo Su‐Ching , Prigerson Holly G. , Chou Wen‐Chi , Shen Wen‐Chi , Tang Siew Tzuh
Published: January 2020

Objective

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are common syndromes shaping bereaved caregivers' quality of life (QOL). However, distinctiveness of these syndromes warrants confirmation, and the temporal relationship of PGD and MDD symptoms has not been established. To fill these knowledge gaps, we conducted this longitudinal study.

Methods

PGD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and psychological QOL were measured over 398 caregivers' first 2 years of bereavement using the Prolonged Grief‐13 (PG‐13) scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression (CES‐D) scale, and Short Form‐36 Health Survey mental health summary, respectively. To clarify the distinctiveness of PGD and MDD symptoms, we examined their associations with psychological QOL by incremental validity testing. Distinctiveness and temporal relationship of PGD and MDD symptoms were also examined using longitudinal, lower‐level mediation analysis with a lagged approach.

Results

After the variance in psychological QOL was explained by CES‐D scores (pseudo‐R2 = 44.19%, P < .001), PG‐13 scores significantly, incrementally increased the explained variance in psychological QOL (pseudo‐R2 = 0.21%, P < .001), confirming the distinctiveness of PGD and MDD symptoms. CES‐D scores mediated 40.7% of the time vs PG‐13 score relationship, whereas PG‐13 scores mediated 78.2% of the time vs CES‐D score relationship with a better model fit, indicating that PG‐13 scores assessed earlier mediated caregivers' current depressive status rather than vice versa.

Conclusions

PGD and MDD are distinct constructs, and PGD precedes onset of MDD. Clinicians should distinguish between these two disorders and address bereaved caregivers' PGD to reduce PGD‐associated distress and morbidity and to prevent MDD onset, thereby improving their QOL.
Multivalent Sorbitol Probes for Near‐Infrared Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yoo Youngbum , Jo Gayoung , Jung Jin Seok , Yang Dae Hyeok , Hyun Hoon
Published: January 2020

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a targeted and non‐invasive therapeutic strategy for effective cancer treatment. Image‐guided PTT based on bifunctional near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophores has received significant attention recently and the development of NIR fluorophores is advised for targeted imaging and precise cancer therapy. In this study, a multivalent sorbitol‐conjugated NIR fluorophore (4Sorbitol‐800) is used as a photothermal therapeutic agent for in vivo cancer imaging and therapy because of the high tumor‐targetability of the sorbitol moieties and excellent photothermal properties of the NIR heptamethine cyanine core. This NIR fluorophore demonstrates an excellent photothermal effect, which increases the temperature of the tumor by 57.4 °C upon NIR laser irradiation (1.1 W cm−2) for 5 min. The volumes of HT‐29 tumors targeted by 4Sorbitol‐800 significantly decrease over 7 days after photothermal treatment. The 4Sorbitol‐800 developed in this study exhibits good in vivo safety and a highly efficient antitumor capability. Therefore, 4Sorbitol‐800 in combination with NIR laser irradiation has promising potential for future clinical applications with targeted photothermal cancer therapy.
Searching for ways to tackle the problem of over‐prescribing
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: January 2020

Polypharmacy in the elderly, weaning patients off steroids, and reducing the use of antibiotics, antidepressants and opioids were among the topics discussed at the Royal College of Physicians’ conference Avoiding Harm from Over‐prescribing held in London in November. Joy Ogden presents some of the highlights of the conference.
Fremanezumab for prophylaxis of migraine in adults
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: January 2020

Fremanezumab (Ajovy) is a new anti‐CGRP monoclonal antibody therapy indicated for the prophylaxis of migraine in adults. This article outlines its properties, efficacy, adverse effects and place in therapy.
Clinical Trial Simulation To Optimize Trial Design for Fludarabine Dosing Strategies in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Langenhorst Jurgen B. , Dorlo Thomas P.C. , van Kesteren Charlotte , van Maarseveen Erik M. , Nierkens Stefan , de Witte Moniek A. , Boelens Jaap Jan , Huitema Alwin D.R.
Published: January 2020

Optimal fludarabine exposure has been associated with improved treatment outcome in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, suggesting potential benefit of individualized dosing. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing alternative fludarabine dosing strategies to current practice may be warranted, but should be sufficiently powered for a relevant end point, while still feasible to enroll. To find the optimal design, we simulated RCTs comparing current practice (160 mg/m2) to either covariate‐based or therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)‐guided dosing with potential outcomes being nonrelapse mortality (NRM), graft failure, or relapse, and ultimately overall survival (covering all three aforementioned outcomes). The inclusion in each treatment arm (n) required to achieve 80% power was calculated for all combinations of end points and dosing comparisons. The trial requiring the lowest n for sufficient power compared TDM‐guided dosing to current practice with NRM as primary outcome (n = 70, NRM decreasing from 21% to 5.7%). We conclude that a superiority trial is feasible.
gQSPSim: A SimBiology‐Based GUI for Standardized QSP Model Development and Application
Authors: Hosseini Iraj , Feigelman Justin , Gajjala Anita , Susilo Monica , Ramakrishnan Vidya , Ramanujan Saroja , Gadkar Kapil
Published: January 2020

Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models are often implemented using a wide variety of technical workflows and methodologies. To facilitate reproducibility, transparency, portability, and reuse for QSP models, we have developed gQSPSim, a graphical user interface–based MATLAB application that performs key steps in QSP model development and analyses. The capabilities of gQSPSim include (i) model calibration using global and local optimization methods, (ii) development of virtual subjects to explore variability and uncertainty in the represented biology, and (iii) simulations of virtual populations for different interventions. gQSPSim works with SimBiology‐built models using components such as species, doses, variants, and rules. All functionalities are equipped with an interactive visualization interface and the ability to generate presentation‐ready figures. In addition, standardized gQSPSim sessions can be shared and saved for future extension and reuse. In this work, we demonstrate gQSPSim’s capabilities with a standard target‐mediated drug disposition model and a published model of anti‐proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Exact two‐sided tolerance interval controlling tail proportions for sample variances
Authors: Guo Baocai , Zhu Naifan , Wang Wei , Song Yurong , Wang Hsiuying
Published: January 2020

Tolerance intervals (TIs) for variances are useful when we are interested in the precision of the quality characteristic. They can provide a deeper understanding of the process variability corresponding to process improvement and deterioration. In this paper, we consider the exact two‐sided TI for sample variances that simultaneously controls the proportions in each of the two tails of the distribution. The minimum number of subgroups required to achieve a specified level of precision is also computed. Moreover, we minimize the width of the TI through adjusting the tolerance factors, and the performance of the adjusted TI shows some improvement, especially when the amount of reference data is small. Finally, a real application is used to illustrate the construction and implementation of the proposed TIs.
Decentralized sliding mode control for a class of nonlinear interconnected systems by static state feedback
Authors: Feng Jiehua , Zhao Dongya , Yan Xing‐Gang , Spurgeon Sarah K.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a class of interconnected systems is considered, where the nominal isolated systems are fully nonlinear. A robust decentralized sliding mode control based on static state feedback is developed. By local coordinate transformation and feedback linearization, the interconnected system is transformed to a new regular form. A composite sliding surface which is a function of the system state variables is proposed and the stability of the corresponding sliding mode dynamics is analyzed. A new reachability condition is proposed and a robust decentralized sliding mode control is then designed to drive the system states to the sliding surface in finite time and maintain a sliding motion thereafter. Both uncertainties and interconnections are allowed to be unmatched and are assumed to be bounded by nonlinear functions. The bounds on the uncertainties and interconnections have more general forms when compared with existing work. A MATLAB simulation example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Unleashing the cure: Overcoming persistent obstacles in the translation and expanded use of hematopoietic stem cell-based therapies
Authors: Talib Sohel , Shepard Kelly A.
Published: January 2020

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is broadly used for treating and curing hematological cancers and various disorders of the blood and immune system. However, its true therapeutic potential remains vastly constrained by significant scientific and technical hurdles that preclude expansion to new indications and limit the number of patients who could benefit from, gain access to, or financially afford the procedure. To define and overcome these challenges, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) held multiple workshops related to HSCT and has subsequently invested in a new generation of approaches to address the most compelling needs of the field, including new sources of healthy and immunologically compatible hematopoietic stem cells for transplant; safe and efficient genome modification technologies for correction of inherited genetic defects and other forms of gene therapy; safer and more tractable transplantation procedures such as nongenotoxic conditioning regimens, methods to accelerate immune reconstitution and recovery of immune function, and innovations to minimize the risk of immune rejection; and other life-threatening complications from transplant. This Perspective serves to highlight these needs through examples from the recent CIRM-funded and other notable investigations, presents rationale for comprehensive, systematic, and focused strategies to unleash the full potential of HSCT, thereby enabling cures for a greatly expanded number of disorders and making HSCT feasible, accessible, and affordable to all who could benefit.

Significance statement Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is commonly used to treat leukemias and severe disorders of the blood and immune system, but it has not been possible to extend HSCT to many patients in need of transplant, or into various new areas of disease that might benefit. This vast, untapped potential results from inadequate sources of healthy, immune-compatible stem cells for transplant, technological barriers to efficient engraftment, and the significant health risks associated with the HSCT procedure itself. This Perspective elaborates on current limitations of HSCT and describes novel strategies to overcome them, including key innovations developed with support from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Addressing these challenges could greatly expand the feasibility and accessibility of HSCT to all who might benefit, and enable HSCT to serve as a leading paradigm for developing new stem cell-based therapies in the future.
Trifluoromethyl‐Directed Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Fullerenes: Synthesis, Characterization and Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Thawarkar Sachin , Nagarjuna Puvvala , Bagui Anirban , Narayan Ramanuj , Panicker Jayanthy S. , Nair Vijayakumar C. , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: January 2020

Self‐assembly of fullerene derivatives plays an important role in controlling photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we have synthesized two covalently bonded phenyl substituted fullerene derivatives ‐N‐Mtheyl‐2‐[2,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] fullerenopyrrolidine (1) and N‐Methyl‐2‐[2,4bis(trifluoro‐methyl‐6‐methoxy)phenyl]fullerenopyrrolidine (2), which are employed as electron acceptors in OSCs. The self‐assembly of two aforementioned molecules were investigated in the binary solvent system of chloroform and methanol (1:1 volume ratio). Further, optical, electro‐chemical and micro‐structural properties of self assembled structures were also studied. It is found that the architecture of assembly is directed by the functional groupsatthe phenyl ring and solvent molecule. The molecule 1 possessing ‐CF3 group and the molecule 2 possessing additional ‐OMe group on fullerene unitform flowers and flakes like structures, respectively. The assembly structure of 1 gets converted from flower to disc like structure with the variation of solvent from methanol to hexane. The OSCs fabricated using molecule 1 and molecule 2 as acceptor with PTB7 donor showed a power conversion efficiency of 6.8 and 3.6%, respectively with high open circuit voltages of ∼0.8 V.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fe3O4/Carbon Dot Supported MnO2 Nanoparticles for the Controlled Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols
Authors: Prathibha Edwin , Rangasamy Rajmohan , Sridhar Arunasalam , Lakshmi Kannappan
Published: January 2020

In recent past, magnetic catalyst has gained much attention because it can be easily separated from the reaction mixture. Herein we report a facile synthesis of magnetic carbon dot supported MnO2 nanoparticles for the oxidative transformation of organic compounds. In the actual synthesis, initially Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by microwave assisted method and carbon dots were prepared instantaneously from glucose by simple incineration under closed condition. The synthesized carbon dots were coated over iron oxide nanoparticles via sonochemical deposition method. Further, magnetic carbon dot supported MnO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by conventional homogeneous precipitation using potassium permanganate. The synthesized nanocomposite material was characterized using FT‐IR, SEM, TEM, XRD and VSM techniques. The catalytic efficiency of the nanomaterial was successfully demonstrated for the oxidation of benzyl alcohols to benzaldehydes. The advantages of this method include, controlled oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes with broad substrate scope, the use of molecular oxygen as a green oxidant and beyond that a facile magnetic separation of the catalyst material. Moreover, the catalyst can be recycled for 5 times without much loss in its efficiency.
Metal‐Organic Framework Derived Porous α‐Fe2O3/C Nano‐shuttles for Enhanced Visible‐light Photocatalysis
Authors: Pang Yingping , Li Zhengping , Jiao Xiuling , Chen Dairong , Li Cheng
Published: January 2020

Visible‐light photocatalytic degradation is one of the most intriguing and cost‐effective strategy toward wastewater treatment, wherein one key lies in the design of efficient photocatalysts that afford fast migration of photo‐generated electrons and holes on the interfaces to react with the pollutants. In this article, a rational design of photocatalyst by controlled pyrolyzing Fe‐MIL‐88B MOF precursor was described for the synthesis of porous α‐Fe2O3/C nano‐shuttles. These nano‐shuttles are very uniform with a length of ∼1.5 μm and width of ∼500 nm, with each one consisting of subunit nanocrystals and interstitial nanopores produced thereby. This unique structure plays an important role in improving photocatalytic activity by increasing the surface area of the material and enhancing the adsorption of the dye molecules. Moreover, this MOF‐derived α‐Fe2O3/C composite can quickly transfer light‐generated electrons to prevent recombination between photo‐generated electrons and holes, thereby increasing the photo‐carrier concentration, and thus the photocatalytic efficiency can be significantly improved. The results show that methylene blue (MB) degradation rate reaches 85.2% in 210 min under simulated sunlight illumination using porous α‐Fe2O3/C nano‐shuttle photocatalyst, which is much higher than that of Fe‐MIL‐88B (39.1%), commercial α‐Fe2O3 (20%) and pure α‐Fe2O3 nano‐shuttles (24.4%).
Effect of Metal Work Function on Hydrogen Production from Photocatalytic Water Splitting with MTiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Beasley Charles , Kumaran Gnanamani Muthu , Santillan‐Jimenez Eduardo , Martinelli Michela , Shafer Wilson D. , Hopps Shelley D. , Wanninayake Namal , Kim Doo‐Young
Published: January 2020

Photocatalytic water splitting was performed on TiO2 and metal‐containing TiO2 (MTiO2) catalysts under UV light irradiation. TiO2 was added with various metals of different work functions, namely, Pt (5.93 eV), Pd (5.60 eV), Cu (5.10 eV), Ru (4.71 eV), and Ag (4.26 eV).  The hydrogen production was found to increase linearly with increasing metal work function.  The rate of charge recombination increases with decreasing work function difference between the metal and TiO2. Pt and Pd were highly efficient co‐catalysts to TiO2 for hydrogen generation from water due to their larger work function and upward‐bent band causing the photoelectrons to be trapped in those metal sites that are eventually consumed during water reduction.  Co‐catalysts such as Ag, Ru, and Cu were less effective towards water splitting due to downward‐bent band gaps that allow the photoelectrons to flow back to TiO2 from the metal which leads to faster charge recombination.
Fast Catalytic Esterification Using a Hydrophobized Zr‐MOF with Acidic Ionic Liquid Linkers
Authors: Xu Zichen , Zhao Guoying , Hedin Niklas , Xu Mengmeng , Liu Jiahui , Ullah Latif , Zhang Suojiang
Published: January 2020

A Zr‐MOF with an acidic ionic liquid linker ([bpyH][CF3SO3]) were externally hydrophobized with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) via a vapor deposition method (denoted as PDMS@UiO‐67‐CF3SO3). The morphology of UiO‐67‐CF3SO3 was well maintained after PDMS coating, and PDMS had little effect on the chemical properties of UiO‐67‐CF3SO3, while the hydrophobicity of the surface of UiO‐67‐CF3SO3 was improved greatly as demonstrated by water contact angle measurement. The derived hydrophobized PDMS@UiO‐67‐CF3SO3 exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the esterification of acetic acid and isooctyl alcohol, it only needed 4 h to reach the reaction equilibrium, while for UiO‐67‐CF3SO3, it was 18 h. The decrease in reaction time was mainly attributed to the accelerated the removal of water and isooctyl acetate, resulting the increase rate in the forward reaction. In addition, in the other esterification of acids and alcohols, PDMS@UiO‐67‐CF3SO3 also showed good catalytic performance.
Simultaneous Detection of Cu2+ and Co2+ by a Water‐Soluble Carboxamide‐Based Colorimetric Chemosensor
Authors: Rha Chang Joo , Lee Hangyul , Kim Cheal
Published: January 2020

A novel carboxamide‐based colorimetric chemosensor ATA‐Msal ((E)‐3‐((2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)amino)thiophene‐2‐carboxamide) for detecting Cu2+ and Co2+ in aqueous solution was synthesized. Sensor ATA‐Msal could probe Cu2+ and Co2+ by color change from colorless to pale yellow. According to results of Job plot and ESI‐mass, the binding modes of ATA‐Msal to Cu2+ and Co2+ were determined to be a 1 : 1 ratio. The detection limits (0.14 μM and 0.88 μM) of ATA‐Msal for Cu2+ and Co2+ were much lower than WHO standard (31.5 μM for Cu2+) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard (1.70 μM for Co2+). ATA‐Msal can be applicable to real samples and test strips, and F− could be used to distinguish between ATA‐Msal ‐Cu2+ and ATA‐Msal ‐Co2+. The sensing process of Cu2+ and Co2+ by ATA‐Msal was demonstrated by UV‐vis titration, ESI‐mass, EPR, 1H NMR titration, and DFT.
Study of 1D Titanate‐Based Materials –New Modification of the Synthesis Procedure and Surface Properties‐Recent Applications
Authors: Ameur Nawal , Bachir Redouane
Published: January 2020

This paper represents a general study of titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) which are among the most important materials in the field of catalysis. This research work covers more than 100 publications about the formulation, characterisation and most recent applications of TiNTs. TiNTs can be prepared by different methods, namely the anodic deposition, sol‐gel template synthesis and alkaline hydrothermal treatment. The present study focuses on the preparation of this tubular structure by alkaline treatment, using the latest and most recent processes that have been introduced in this method (stirring, acid nature, annealing temperature, etc). The surface properties, such as the point of zero charge (P.Z.C), acid‐base nature and light absorption, of TiNTs are also evoked. In the end, some recent and important TiNTs applications in the field of renewable energies are reported (H2 production and methanation). In addition, NO reduction, CO oxidation, photocatalysis and organic synthesis are also mentioned. Therefore, it may be said that this paper is a structured study about TiNTs for the purpose of making the reader aware of their importance, understand their synthesis, and know their scope of applications. To conclude, the most important data, acquired through various characterization techniques, are provided.
Self‐reported cognitive difficulties and cognitive functioning in relation to emotional exhaustion: Evidence from two studies
Authors: Horvat Marina , Tement Sara
Published: January 2020

Individuals with burnout often report having difficulties with concentration and memory in everyday life. However, empirical evidence on cognitive decline using performance‐based measures is limited and often obtained on small clinical samples. The aim of the present two studies was to investigate cognitive correlates of emotional exhaustion on otherwise healthy populations at different life stages with varying degrees of burnout. A total of 201 graduate and undergraduate students participated in Study 1, and a heterogeneous sample (N = 203) of working individuals took part in Study 2. Cognitive performance was assessed by self‐reported cognitive difficulties and three performance‐based cognitive tests of sustained attention, inhibition of irrelevant information, and inhibition of prepotent responses. Controlling for gender, age, and depression symptoms, multiple regression analyses in Study 1 indicated a positive relationship between emotional exhaustion and self‐reported cognitive difficulties but no correlation with the performance‐based cognitive measures. A similar pattern of results emerged in Study 2. However, we found tentative evidence for cognitive impairment on the sustained attention measure. The results of these two studies partially support previous findings and extend the literature on cognitive aspects of burnout.
Problem solving and affect as mechanisms linking daily mindfulness to task performance and job satisfaction
Authors: Forjan Danielle N. , Tuckey Michelle R. , Li Yiqiong
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the daily relationships between mindfulness and job satisfaction via affect and mindfulness and task performance via problem solving confidence. Participants were 57 full‐time and part‐time employees who completed a baseline survey and five daily diary entries. Data were analysed using multilevel modelling. On days when they experienced greater mindfulness, employees also experienced (a) greater daily job satisfaction via high‐activation positive affect (but not low‐activation positive affect nor negative affect) and (b) greater daily self‐reported task performance via problem solving confidence. Our findings suggest that high‐activation positive affect and problem solving confidence may be important daily mechanisms of mindfulness at work. Growing evidence links mindfulness to work‐related outcomes; however, limited research has investigated the mechanisms involved. The present study is one of the first to collect empirical observations regarding how state mindfulness operates at work on a daily basis, providing support for both affective and cognitive pathways. Advances in this area can underpin a robust theoretical framework to guide the implementation of daily mindfulness practice and interventions targeting specific work‐related outcomes.
Atomic Modulation Triggering Improved Performance of MoO3 Nanobelts for Fiber‐Shaped Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Si , Xu Cuixia , Yang Hui , Qian Guangsheng , Hua Shugui , Liu Jie , Zheng Xusheng , Lu Xihong
Published: January 2020

Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) are emerging as a new class of energy storage devices that could potentially meet the increasing power and energy demand for next‐generation portable and flexible electronics. Yet, the energy density of ASC is severely limited by the low capacitance of the anode side, which commonly uses the carbon‐based nanomaterials. Here, the demonstration of sulfur‐doped MoO3−x nanobelts (denoted as S‐MoO3−x) as the anode for high‐performance fiber‐shaped ASC are reported. The Mo sites in MoO3 are intentionally modulated at the atomic level through sulfur doping, where sulfur could be introduced into the MoO6 octahedron to intrinsically tune the covalency character of bonds around Mo sites and thus boost the charge storage kinetics of S‐MoO3−x. Moreover, the oxygen defects are occurring along with sulfur‐doping in MoO3, enabling efficient electron transport. As expected, the fiber‐shaped S‐MoO3−x achieves outstanding capacitance with good rate capability and long cycling life. More impressively, the fiber‐shaped ASC based on S‐MoO3−x anode delivers extremely high volumetric capacitance of 6.19 F cm−3 at 0.5 mA cm−1, which makes it promising as one of the most attractive candidates of anode materials for high‐performance fiber‐shaped ASCs.
Nickel‐Doping Effect on Mn3O4 Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Water Oxidation under Neutral Condition
Authors: Hong Jung Sug , Seo Hongmin , Lee Yoon Ho , Cho Kang Hee , Ko Changwan , Park Sunghak , Nam Ki Tae
Published: January 2020

As the demand for energy has dramatically increased in the past decade, electrochemical water splitting has been regarded as an attractive approach to produce renewable hydrogen energy. However, large overpotentials of oxygen‐evolving reaction (OER) is a key bottleneck for practical application. Thus, water‐oxidizing electrocatalysts with low cost and high efficiency should be developed. Here, 5 nm‐sized Mn3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by a hydrothermal method, which is appropriate for large‐scale production. To further improve their performance, various 3d transition metal elements are successfully doped in Mn3O4 NPs. Ni‐doped Mn3O4 NPs exhibit the highest efficiency among the Mn3O4 NPs doped with various elements. Based on structural analysis, the Ni‐doping process leads to the lattice distortion of their tetragonal spinel structure and it strongly correlates with the enhancement of OER activity. The overpotential at the current density of 10 mA cm–2 is 524 and 458 mV for pristine and 5 at% doped Mn3O4 NPs under neutral condition. The heteroatom‐doping process in sub‐10 nm‐sized nanocatalysts is expected to be a promising methodology to induce distorted structure related to active species. Thus, it can be effective to improve catalytic performance of various heterogeneous nano‐catalysts.
Quantum Magnetic Imaging of Iron Biomineralization in Teeth of the Chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa
Authors: McCoey Julia M. , Matsuoka Mirai , de Gille Robert W. , Hall Liam T. , Shaw Jeremy A. , Tetienne Jean‐Philippe , Kisailus David , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L. , Simpson David A.
Published: January 2020

Iron is critical for life. Nature capitalizes on the physical attributes of iron biominerals for functional, structural, and sensory applications. Iron biomineralization is well exemplified by the magnetite‐bearing radula of chitons, the hardest known biomineral of any animal. Although magnetism is an integral property of iron biominerals, limited information exists on the magnetic state, structure, and orientation of these nanoscale materials during mineralization. The advent of quantum‐based magnetic microscopy provides a new avenue to probe these biological systems directly, providing detailed magnetic information of the iron oxide structures. Here two complementary quantum magnetic microscopy methods are applied, based on nitrogen‐vacancy centers in diamond, to spatially map the mineral phases ferrihydrite and magnetite in the developing teeth of the chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa. The images reveal previously undiscovered long‐range magnetic order, established at the onset of magnetite mineralization. This is in contrast to electron microscopy studies that show no strong common crystallographic orientation. The implications of these results are important, not just for the insights gained in biomineralization of the target organism, but also for the study of a broad range of iron minerals in the physical and biological sciences.
Inverse coefficient problem of the variable properties reconstruction for the viscoelastic cylindrical waveguide
Authors: Vatulyan Alexander O. , Uglich Pavel S. , Yavruyan Oksana V.
Published: January 2020

An effective technique for inverse coefficient problem solving of the shear modulus reconstruction for both inhomogeneous elastic and viscoelastic cylindrical waveguide is proposed. The identification is carried out using the displacement field data measured on the finite part of the outer boundary of the cylindrical waveguide in the torsional vibrations mode. An iterative scheme for solving the inverse problem is developed. At each iteration step, the correction to the shear modulus distribution function is calculated using the Fredholm integral equation of the first kind with a smooth kernel. Numerical results are obtained for both direct and inverse problems for different laws of the shear modulus variation.
Medial injuries of the clavicle: more prevalent than expected? A big data analysis of incidence, age, and gender distribution based on nationwide routine data
Authors: Bakir Mustafa Sinan , Unterkofler Jan , Haralambiev Lyubomir , Kim Simon , Carbon Roman , Ekkernkamp Axel , Schulz-Drost Stefan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Although shoulder-girdle injuries occur frequently, injuries of the medial part remain widely unexplored. This study overviews these rare injuries with a focus on incidence, age, and sex distribution in Germany.

Methods

The data are based on diagnoses according to ICD-10 in all German hospitals provided by the German Federal Statistical Office. ICD-10 codes S42.01 (medial clavicle fracture, MCF) and S43.2 (sternoclavicular joint dislocation, SCJD) were evaluated in detail between 2012 and 2014.

Results

We identified 14,264 cases with medial clavicle injuries (MCIs). MCFs occurred more often (11.6% of all clavicle-related shoulder-girdle injuries vs. 0.6% for SCJD). Mean ages of MCI were significantly different between males (43.7 years) and females (57.1 years) (p < 0.01). Age demonstrated a bimodal distribution with peaks at 20 and 50 years, which were predominantly associated with males. Females showed more injuries at age beyond 70 years. This applies to both SCJD and MCF. The incidence rate of these shoulder-girdle injuries was 47.0 per 100,000 person-years, for MCIs overall 5.9 (4.1 for men, 1.8 for women). This indicates disparity with a significant predominance of male patients over females as for all shoulder-girdle injuries (p < 0.01). Among children (< 16 years old), the incidence rate showed no significant difference in gender ratio.

Conclusion

MCIs appear more frequently than estimated so far and are distinguished from other clavicle fractures in that they occur more at higher age and peaking around 50 years. Further work on possible prevention strategies should focus on the most frequently affected groups of men around 20 and 50 years old.
1,4-D-Glucan block copolymers: synthesis and comprehensive structural characterization
Authors: Hashemi Payam , Mischnick Petra
Published: January 2020

Multi-block glucans comprising permethylated and partially methylated blocks are compounds of interest. In order to monitor their formation by transglycosylation of corresponding starting glucans, a method has been developed and applied to model compounds. This method allows determining the average length of the blocks and the progress of incorporation of methyl blocks in partially methylated sequences with a random distribution. The method, comprising liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and electrospray ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-CID-MSn) measurements of two types of peralkylated glucans representing derivatives of the target compounds, is comprehensively described and discussed. ESI-MSn allows looking into the sequences of oligomeric domains. In addition, transglycosylation is followed by attenuated total reflection FTIR and NMR spectroscopy.