bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation, Characterization and Dissolution Behaviour of Freeze Dried Complexes of Curcumin-Gamma Cyclodextrin
Authors: Ansari M. J. , Kohli K. , Ali J.
Published: March 2021

The aim of the current research was to develop and characterize curcumin-gamma cyclodextrin inclusion complexes in order to enhance solubility and rate of dissolution of poorly soluble curcumin. Based on the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, the inclusion complexes of curcumin with γ-cyclodextrin were prepared by freeze drying method. The prepared dried and solidified inclusion complexes were characterized with the help of infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffractometry. The comparative evaluation of solubility and rate of dissolution were investigated and compared with pure curcumin. Dissolution study demonstrated only 10% release from pure curcumin at 1 hour as opposed of approximately 72% release form freeze dried curcumin complexes. The freeze dried complexes exhibited almost complete release after 5 hours while only 34% release was observed from the pure curcumin during the same time period. Therefore, the freeze dried complex provided approximately 3 to 7-fold enhancement in the dissolution and release of curcumin over a period of 6 hours of dissolution testing.  The kinetics of the in vitro release behaviors of the curcumin and curcumin complexes were investigated by applying various models such as zero order, first order, Higuchi and Peppas models. The release of the curcumin was observed to follow the first order release kinetics, since the correlation coefficient (R2) for the first order was the highest in comparison to other kinetic models.
Vaccine Resistance-Vantage Point from Health Professionals of South India
Authors: Binub Kanniyan , Govindaraj . , Haveri Sheela P.
Published: March 2021

Background: Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases. Early success brought widespread acceptance and mass vaccination campaigns have greatly reduced the incidence of many diseases in numerous geographic regions.

Objectives: To study the perspective of health professionals regard to barriers and solution for vaccination program in a district of South Kerala.

Materials and Methods: A qualitative study design was done using free listing technique for both barriers and solutions. The data was entered into notepad and was transferred to Visual Anthropac software trial version. The software helped to generate ten important free lists of barriers and solutions with percentage, rank and Smith S value.

Results: The present study had discussed regarding trust of western countries promoting vaccination and conspiracy theories related to them. The work of antivaccine lobby globally was debated. The controversy of MMR Autism and political will of different countries were deliberated. The role of media especially impact social media and internet had paved pathway for swift spread of contents.

Conclusion: Major interventions should be planned systematically by the government to address barriers for immunization. Strengthening Information education and communication (IEC) over digital media using appropriate technology should be engrossed for sustaining vaccine coverage.
Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Entrepreneurship Programmes by Students in Cross River State College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ugal G. A. , Adie A. J. , Osim J. Ekpe
Published: March 2021

The key objective of entrepreneurship education in higher institutions generally is to foster a culture amongst students with a view of not only educating them but to also support graduates towards establishing and also maintaining sustainable business ventures. To achieve the purpose of this study, the basic structures and three research objectives, questions and hypotheses were formulated. A well designed questionnaire was prepared, two hundred and sixty copies printed and distributed to respondents. Two hundred and fifty - five (255) copies (of the questionnaire) were returned, representing 98% success, while five (5) copies were destroyed for want of information and poor completion. The two hundred and fifty – five copies were used for analysis. The data were extracted from the questionnaire and arranged in tables to ease percentage analysis. Chi – square statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that entrepreneurial education is relevant to students in the institution as it equipped them with skills for post-graduation job creation ability, the students’ low attitude towards the scheme which seems to have negative effect on the utilization rate. The study recommended collaborative efforts of Government to identify other entrepreneurship programmes to address unemployment on graduation.
Nutritional and techno-functional properties of monofloral bee-collected sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen
Authors: Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Milinčić Danijel D. , Trifunović Bojana D. Špirović , Stanojević Sladjana P. , Lević Steva , Nedić Nebojša , Nedović Viktor , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to examine nutritional (total lipid, carbohydrate, protein and ash content, fatty acids and protein profile) and techno-functional properties of monofloral bee-collected sunflower pollen (Helianthus annuus L.). The content of water, total protein, carbohydrate, lipid and ash was 24.99, 14.36, 82.01, 1.62 and 2.01 g/100g DW, respectively, with the total energy value of 400.06 kcal/100 g DW. The fatty acid profile revealed the presence of five fatty acids with the stearic acid as dominant one (31.4%) followed by α-linoleic (20.7%), pentadecanoic (18.2%), heneicosanoic (17.1%) and palmitic (12.5%) acids. FTIR analysis of bee pollen grains confirmed the presence of the main pollen chemical constituents such as proteins, water, carbohydrates and lipids, but also the presence of sporopollenin and polyphenols. Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that the surface of pollen grains was rich in carotenoids. Low protein (3.64 g/100g DW) but high carbohydrate (77.09 g/100 g DW) solubility of bee pollen was observed. The good emulsifying properties (ESI, 19.98 min; EAI, 80.54 m2/g) and excellent oil (2.43 g/g DW) but poor water (0.87 g/g DW) absorption capacities were also registered. On the other hand, the sunflower bee pollen did not show foaming properties. These findings indicate to its applicability as useful nutritional, lipophilic and anti-foaming food ingredients.
Utilization of Date By-Products in the Food Industry
Authors: Najjar Zein , Stathopoulos Constantinos , Chockchaisawasdee Suwimol
Published: March 2021

The fruit of date palm tree Phoenix dactylifera is among the most abundant fruits, and it is rich in essential nutrients. Quality-wise, not all cultivated date fruits meet the commercial standards, and tons of date fruit that are immature, or of poor appearance but with no reduced nutritive value are treated as date by-product and are being used for animal feed or are discarded during processing by the relevant industries. Together with the rejected fruit, date seed which is the inedible part, and the trimmed fronds of the date palm, they are all discarded, resulting in an environmental problem, and an economical loss. The objective of this review is to identify current practices on the uses of low-grade date, seed, and frond in the industry. The literature shows date fruit of low quality is typically processed to make date paste and date syrup, and both are well utilized in the food sector. The chemical composition of date seed, and increasingly of other parts are well known, and fully exploited in many industrial applications.
Chromatographic characterization of juice in fruits of different Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) genotypes cultivated in Sweden
Authors: Hellín María  Pilar , Jordán María  José , Rumpunen Kimmo , Ros José  María
Published: March 2021

The juice in fruits of 19 genotypes of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica), representing plant breeding material, was characterised using high performance liquid chromatography. The juice was extracted by halving and squeezing the fruit. Samples of Japanese quince juice were always analysed fresh. The main compounds found were sugars: glucose (131-1056 mg 100 ml-1), fructose (351-2515 mg 100 ml-1) and sorbitol (10-367 mg 100 ml-1); organic acids: malic acid (2.27-4.84 g 100 ml-1) and quinic acid (0.50-2.50 g 100 ml-1); amino acids: aspartic acid (0.8-10.7 mg 100 ml-1), asparagine (0.2-36.3 mg 100 ml-1) and glutamic acid (6.2-17.7 mg 100 ml-1); the cation potassium (145-214 mg 100 ml-1) and the anion fluoride (21-122 mg 100 ml-1). These results on composition suggest that Japanese quince may be an interesting raw material source of valuable substances and its juice an ingredient for the food industry. A principal components analysis separated the Japanese quince genotypes, thus indicating a clear difference in the chemical composition of the juice.
Physiological quality of conventional soybean cultivars of seeds as a function of pod position in plant canopy
Authors: Souza Tiago Rodrigues , Araujo Marcos Eduardo Viana , Teixeira Itamar Rosa , Guerrero Marina Costa , Silva Neto Sebastião Pedro , Corrêa Paulo Cesar
Published: March 2021

Soybean cultivars have different growth habits, and the cultivation of those of indeterminate habit has increased significantly in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean seeds produced in two harvests, from cultivars with different growth habits and ripening cycles, harvested in different canopy thirds of the plant in the canopy. The seeds were produced in Ipameri, Goiás –Brazil, in two crop harvests, 2014/15 and 2015/16. A completely randomized design was used in a 4x3 factorial scheme with four replications. The treatments consisted of four soybean cultivars with different growth habits and ripening cycles (BRS 6780, BRS 6980, BRS 7980 and BRS 8381), harvested in three positions of the plant canopy (upper, middle and lower). Germination, first count, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests were performed. It was observed that the physiological quality of genetic materials studied was influenced by the variable environmental conditions. Soybean cultivars the early cycles produced seeds of superior physiological quality, regardless of plant growth habit. Seeds of soybean cultivars of indeterminate and determined growth habits and earlier cycle, harvested from the upper and middle thirds of the plant, are of better quality. Finally, cultivars with semi-determined and determined habits and late cycles will produce lower quality batches of seeds, regardless of which third of the plant they were harvested.
Influence of storage period and shelf-life on the incidence of chilling injury and microbial load in "Angeleno" and "Larry Ann" plums
Authors: Pimienta J. Rocha- , Oyola J. Llera- , Bote M.E. , Yuste M.C. Ayuso- , Bernalte M.J. , Velardo B. , Adamez J. Delgado-
Published: March 2021

Refrigeration is the most widely used post-harvest technology for increasing commercial life (shelf-life) of plums after harvest. Nevertheless, low-temperature conservation is limited by chilling injury (CI), leading to rejection by consumers. The objective of the present work was to characterize biotic and non-biotic chilling injures that lead to quality loss in plums during post-harvest storage. Larry Ann and Angeleno plums were stored at 1.0±0.5°C and 90.0±2.0% RH for 4 and 8 weeks and after this period the plums were stored either 3 or 6 days at 20ºC for evaluating changes in their shelf-life. Pulp firmness, post-harvest losses, presence of chilling injuries and the count of mesophilic microorganisms, molds and yeasts were determined after harvest and after storage plus shelf-life. In general, a drastic decrease in the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast during post-harvest storage at 1ºC was observed, following an increased microbial growth during shelf-life storage. Sensitivity to low temperature was cultivar-dependent. Larry Ann plums showed higher pulp firmness reduction and lower impact of CI than Angeleno, with an increased microbial spoilage. Plums that presented cold-damaged or physiologically compromised tissues suffered from faster decomposition and provided a better substrate for microbial growth than non-damaged plums.
Toxicity Analysis of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp. Leaves Extract and Its Stability against Different pH and Temperature
Authors: Ramli Suzita , Radu Son , Shaari Khozirah , Rukayadi Yaya
Published: March 2021

Food sanitizer is important to reduce or eliminate microbial population on the food surface and also to removes dirt. Nowadays, food sanitizer is basically from chemical base. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the toxicity level of S. polyanthum and its stability against different pHs and different temperatures in determining the suitability of leaves extract as natural food sanitizer. Leaves extract was adjusted to pH 3, pH 7, pH 11 conditions and exposed to temperatures at 30°C, 50°C and 80°C for 15 min each. Treated extracts were tested for their antimicrobial properties in term of MICs and MBCs. Toxicity level of S. polyanthum was determined by brine shrimp lethality assay. As a result, antimicrobial activities of S. polyanthum extract was not affected by different pHs and temperatures while toxicity study demonstrated that S. polyanthum, extract was not toxic to Artemia salina with LC50 was 75.85 mg/mL. Therefore, S. polyanthum had the potential to be developed as antimicrobial agent in food sanitizer.
The impact of environmental factors on the occurrence of DFD-type of beef in commercial abattoirs
Authors: Kawecki Krzysztof , Stangierski Jerzy , Niedźwiedź Jacek , Grześ Bożena
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to analyse the causes of increased beef pH value measured 36-hours after slaughter (pH ≥ 5.8) taking into account the cattle type and the slaughter season. The pH36 data were collected on 235,555 and 237,563 animals in the season one and season two, respectively, harvested at two commercial abattoirs. The following sets of interactions were significantly associated with the incidence of pH36 >5.80: cattle type x cattle breed; cattle type x ante-mortem resting time; cattle type x hot carcass weight, cattle type x carcass conformation class and cattle type x fat cover class. During the entire period under analysis the overall incidence of pH ≥ 5.8 was 10.89%. In 2017 and 2018 pH ≥ 5.8 amounted to 12.25% and 9.47%, respectively. The type and breed of cattle type and the slaughter season also impacted the following beef production parameters: live weight, hot carcass weight, carcass dressing yield percentage and the carcass conformation and fat cover classes in EUROP classification.
Nutrient digestibility of green seaweed Ulva meal and the influence on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Suryaningrum Lusi Herawati , Samsudin Reza
Published: March 2021

Green seaweed Ulva had a high growth rate and spread in all of Indonesian waters. Species Ulva had a complete nutrient content that made it potential to be used as an alternative fish feed ingredient. This experiment was conducted in two series of trial, digestibility measurement of Ulva meal and its effects on the growth performance of the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). In measuring the nutrient digestibility, a protein rich diet was formulated with a test diet in which 30% of the reference diet was replaced with Ulva meal, used Cr2O3 as an inert marker. Fish with initial weight about 16±0.35 g were stocked with a density of 15 fish per aquarium and collecting faeces is carried out until sufficient sample was available for analysis. The growth trial was conducted using a completely randomized design with four treatments and three replications. The experimental diets were U0 (Ulva 0%), U10 (Ulva 10%), U20 (Ulva 20%) and U30 (Ulva 30%).  The Nile tilapia with an average body weight of 3.42±0.01 g, were stocked into the 60x50x50 cm aquaria with 25 fish in each tank and cultured for 60 days. Fish were fed three times daily on those diets at satiation level. The parameters which evaluated were specific growth rate, protein retention, lipid retention, feed efficiency, survival rate and blood hematology of the Nile tilapia. The results of digestibility measurement showed that Ulva meal had acceptable nutrients as an ingredient in Nile tilapia diet. Protein digestibility of Ulva meal was 87.36%, while lipid was 93.05%. The results of growth trial revealed that fish fed on 10% Ulva meal tended to have highest growth performance than those fed to the control, while the survival rate and fish health seemed not to be affected directly (P>0.05).
EFFECT OF PRUNING AND ORGANIC FERTILIZATION OVER PRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF FOUR MEXICAN PROVENANCES OF Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: Rodriguez Ofelia Andrea Valdes- , Gomez-Zuniga Izteotl , Palacios-Wassenaar Olivia Margarita , Quintas Gabina Sol , Perez-Vazquez Arturo
Published: March 2021

The performance of Mexican provenances of Jatropha curcas L. under different agropractices has not been very widely investigated in their center of origin. The purpose of this study was to determine the flowering, fruit and seed production performance of four Mexican provenances of J. curcas to pruning and organic fertilization. The evaluated provenances were obtained from the municipalities of Actopan, Tamiahua, Papantla and Amatlán located in southeastern, Mexico. The experimental design considered two factors: provenance and treatment. The treatments were bokashi, vermicompost, pruning, and the control, each one with five individuals per provenance (80 plants). Plants were monitored every week during one productive cycle (April 2016 to January 2017), starting with the development of inflorescences until the harvesting of mature fruits. The seeds obtained from the fruits were dried and weighted to determine plant productivity. The analysis of variance was performed with a significant level of 0.05. Results indicated statistically significant differences between treatments and provenances, but there was no interaction between provenances and treatments. Application of bokashi and vermicompost was statistically similar and allowed the highest productivity, Actopan had the highest productivity (436 g of dried seed by plant), which was 26 % over the control, pruning allowed the highest fruit mooring, but it delayed production by two months, which reduced the total seed productivity (297 g by plant), being statistically similar to the control. We conclude that Mexican provenances have a positive response to organic fertilization and pruning, but pruning reduces its productive period.
Secondary Metabolites of Asclepias curassavica (Apocynaceae) and its Effects on Food Preference and Mortality of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: De Leão Renato Marcos , Cruz João Vitor Souza , Ramos Vânia Maria , De Almeida Viviane Tavares , Gorni Pedro Henrique , Camargo Roberto da Silva , Pacheco Ana Cláudia , Lima Letícia Vieira de , Forti Luiz Carlos
Published: March 2021

Asclepias curassavica L. plant is toxic for vertebrates, and little is known about its effects on invertebrates, as well as whether its secondary metabolites have an influence on food preference and survival of insects. Thus, a study was conducted to verify the action of A. curassavica on Spodoptera frugiperda J.E.Smith. The plants were collected, dried and ground to compose a crude ethanolic extract. Food tests were carried out with and without opportunity of choice, using corn leaf discs immersed in the extract at concentrations of 1%, 2% and 4%, for assessment of food consumption (g) and preference index. Later, the extract was topically applied on second- and fifth-instar caterpillars, at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 4% and 6%, in order to observe its effect on survival. In parallel, analysis was conducted to verify the presence and measure the amount of total polyphenols and flavonoids in the extract. There was contact action between the extract and second-instar caterpillars at all concentrations, with treatment 6% causing 100% of mortality 72 hours after application. None of the treatments promoted contact action on fifth-instar caterpillars. In food tests with and without opportunity of choice, all treatments caused reductions in consumption, which classified all as phagodeterrent, with treatment 4% standing out as the least favorite. The presence of total polyphenols and flavonoids was found in the extract, presenting 58.75 ug/mL and 150.1 ug/mL, respectively. The A. curassavica extract proved promising in S. frugiperda control.
LC-MS Method for the Detection and Quantification of Ursolic Acid and Uvaol Levels in Olive Leaves and Oregano
Authors: Al-Tannak Naser F. , Novotny Ladislav
Published: March 2021

Ursolic acid and uvaol belong to pentacyclic triterpenes are both secondary metabolites with significant biological activity. Ursolic acid and uvaol are exist in many natural matrices such as olive leaves, oregano and thymus. Therefore, a new rapid and validated UPLC method was developed to identify and quantify ursolic acid and uvaol in dry olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) planted in Kuwait and dry oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) planted in Palestine and Spain. The separation of ursolic acid and uvaol was achieved by using BEH Phenyl (1.7 μm, 2.1 x 100 mm) analytical column (Waters® Acquity UPLC) and a mobile phase composed of water and acetonitrile (37:63 v/v). Solid-phase extraction cartridges (HyperSep™) was used to extract ursolic acid and uvaol from natural matrices. Ursolic acid and uvaol were detected in all-natural matrices used. The concentrations of ursolic acid and uvaol in olive leaves were 55.10 μg/g ± 0.72 and 314.29 μg/g ± 0.97, respectively. In contrast, ursolic acid and uvaol concentrations in oregano brands were ranging from 25.57 μg/g ± 0.35- 28.70 μg/g ± 0.36 and 19.07 μg/g ± 0.38 - 48.10 μg/g ± 0.62, respectively. In conclusion, the developed method was capable to identify and determine ursolic acid and uvaol in pure powder and natural matrices with good linearity, accuracy and precision.
Bokashi compost and biofertilizer increase lettuce agronomic variables in protected cultivation and indicates substrate microbiological changes
Authors: Hata Fernando Teruhiko , Spagnuolob Felipe Alvares , Paulaa Maria Tereza de , Moreiraa Amanda Aleixo , Venturaa Mauricio Ursi , Fregonezic Gustavo Adolfo de Freitas , Oliveiraa André Luiz Martinez de
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate agronomic productive variables of iceberg lettuce and soil microbiological variables for two crop cycles by using organic inputs. The treatments were as follows: control (no fertilization); Bokashi compost (20 g per plant); Penergetic-k plus Penergetic-p bio-activators (both at 1.5 g per litre of water, applied to the substrate and plant, respectively); and biofertilizer at different concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10% dilutions in water). Biofertilizer concentrations were applied during five fertigation times per day in the first crop experiment and in single daily fertigation in the second crop experiment. Agronomic productive variables evaluated were: total mass, commercial mass, discarded leaves mass, stem diameter, commercial head diameter and plant height. Soil microbial biomass carbon, basal soil respiration and metabolic quotient were evaluated for substrate microbial quality measurement. In the first cycle, plants treated with Bokashi or Penergetic presented superior total mass, commercial mass and commercial head diameter of lettuce, while plants treated with biofertilizer did not exhibit improvement and presented tipburn in some plants, when compared to control. In the second cycle, the use of Bokashi and biofertilizers improved the total mass and commercial head diameter, compared to control. Higher than control microbial biomass was achieved with biofertilizer concentrations and Bokashi. Lower metabolic quotient (qCO2) was observed for all the treatments, when compared to control. Soil microbial quality data corresponded to better lettuce yields.
Validation of a secondary dose check tool against Monte Carlo and analytical clinical dose calculation algorithms in VMAT
Authors: Piffer Stefano , Casati Marta , Marrazzo Livia , Arilli Chiara , Calusi Silvia , Desideri Isacco , Fusi Franco , Pallotta Stefania , Talamonti Cinzia
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) is very important in radiotherapy, especially for patients with highly conformed treatment plans like VMAT plans. Traditional QA protocols for these plans are time‐consuming reducing considerably the time available for patient treatments. In this work, a new MC‐based secondary dose check software (SciMoCa) is evaluated and benchmarked against well‐established TPS (Monaco and Pinnacle3) by means of treatment plans and dose measurements.

Methods

Fifty VMAT plans have been computed using same calculation parameters with SciMoCa and the two primary TPSs. Plans were validated with measurements performed with a 3D diode detector (ArcCHECK) by translating patient plans to phantom geometry. Calculation accuracy was assessed by measuring point dose differences and gamma passing rates (GPR) from a 3D gamma analysis with 3%–2 mm criteria. Comparison between SciMoCa and primary TPS calculations was made using the same estimators and using both patient and phantom geometry plans.

Results

TPS and SciMoCa calculations were found to be in very good agreement with validation measurements with average point dose differences of 0.7 ± 1.7% and −0.2 ± 1.6% for SciMoCa and two TPSs, respectively. Comparison between SciMoCa calculations and the two primary TPS plans did not show any statistically significant difference with average point dose differences compatible with zero within error for both patient and phantom geometry plans and GPR (98.0 ± 3.0% and 99.0 ± 3.0% respectively) well in excess of the typicalclinical tolerance threshold.

Conclusion

This work presents results obtained with a significantly larger sample than other similar analyses and, to the authors' knowledge, compares SciMoCa with a MC‐based TPS for the first time. Results show that a MC‐based secondary patient‐specific QA is a clinically viable, reliable, and promising technique, that potentially allows significant time saving that can be used for patient treatment and a per‐plan basis QA that effectively complements traditional commissioning and calibration protocols.
Atomic Structure and Electron Magnetic Circular Dichroism of Individual Rock Salt Structure Antiphase Boundaries in Spinel Ferrites
Authors: Li Zhuo , Lu Jinlian , Jin Lei , Rusz Ján , Kocevski Vancho , Yanagihara Hideto , Kita Eiji , Mayer Joachim , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Xiang Hongjun , Zhong Xiaoyan
Published: March 2021

Spinel ferrites are an important class of materials, whose magnetic properties are of interest for industrial applications. The antiphase boundaries (APBs) that are commonly observed in spinel ferrite films can hinder their applications in spintronic devices and sensors, as a result of their influence on magnetic degradation and magnetoresistance of the materials. However, it is challenging to correlate magnetic properties with atomic structure in individual APBs due to the limited spatial resolution of most magnetic imaging techniques. Here, aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy‐loss magnetic chiral dichroism are used to measure the atomic structure and electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD) of a single APB in NiFe2O4 that takes the form of a rock salt structure interlayer and is associated with a crystal translation of (1/4)a[011]. First principles density functional theory calculations are used to confirm that this specific APB introduces antiferromagnetic coupling and a significant decrease in the magnitude of the magnetic moments, which is consistent with an observed decrease in EMCD signal at the APB. The results provide new insight into the physical origins of magnetic coupling at an individual defect on the atomic scale.
High‐Throughput Screening for Phase‐Change Memory Materials
Authors: Liu Yu‐Ting , Li Xian‐Bin , Zheng Hui , Chen Nian‐Ke , Wang Xue‐Peng , Zhang Xu‐Lin , Sun Hong‐Bo , Zhang Shengbai
Published: March 2021

Phase change memory (PCM) is an emerging non‐volatile data storage technology concerned by the semiconductor industry. To improve the performances, previous efforts have mainly focused on partially replacing or doping elements in the flagship Ge‐Sb‐Te (GST) alloy based on experimental “trial‐and‐error” methods. Here, the current largest scale PCM materials searching is reported, starting with 124 515 candidate materials, using a rational high‐throughput screening strategy consisting of criteria related to PCM characteristics. In the results, there are 158 candidates screened for PCM materials, of which ≈68% are not employed. By further analyses, including cohesive energy, bond angle analyses, and Born effective charge, there are 52 materials with properties similar to the GST system, including Ge2Bi2Te5, GeAs4Te7, GeAs2Te4, so on and other candidates that have not been reported, such as TlBiTe2, TlSbTe2, CdPb3Se4, etc. Compared with GST, materials with close cohesive energy include AgBiTe2, TlSbTe2, As2Te3, TlBiTe2, etc., indicating possible low power consumption. Through further melt‐quenching molecular dynamic calculation and structural/electronic analyses, Ge2Bi2Te5, CdPb3Se4, MnBi2Te4, and TlBiTe2 are found suitable for optical/electrical PCM applications, which further verifies the effectiveness of this strategy. The present study will accelerate the exploration and development of advanced PCM materials for current and future big‐data applications.
Stable Silicon Anodes by Molecular Layer Deposited Artificial Zincone Coatings
Authors: Mu Tiansheng , Zhao Yang , Zhao Changtai , Holmes Nathaniel Graham , Lou Shuaifeng , Li Junjie , Li Weihan , He Mengxue , Sun Yipeng , Du Chunyu , Li Ruying , Wang Jiajun , Yin Geping , Sun Xueliang
Published: March 2021

A stable interface between silicon anodes and electrolytes is vital to realizing reversible electrochemistry cycling for lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, a zincone polymer coating is controllably deposited on a silicon electrode using the molecular layer deposition to serve as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Enhanced electrochemical cycling depends on the thickness of zincone coating. The optimal zincone coating of ≈3 nm markedly improves the lithium storage performance of silicon anodes, resulting in a high reversible capacity (1741 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1), outstanding cycling stability (1011 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles), and superior rate capability (1580 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1). Such remarkable electrochemical reversibility stems from the in situ conversion of the zincone coating and a zincone‐driven thin lithium fluoride (LiF)‐rich SEI, which endow the silicon electrode with superior electron/ion transport and structural stability. Meanwhile, the zincone coating demonstrates good compatibility with ether‐based electrolytes (893 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles, 970 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1). Additionally, in situ conversion of artificial zincone coating also opens a door for constructing a functional interface on other electrode surfaces, such as lithium/sodium metal.
General and Robust Photothermal‐Heating‐Enabled High‐Efficiency Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: He Bing , Jia Songru , Zhao Mingyang , Wang Yang , Chen Tao , Zhao Shiqiang , Li Zhen , Lin Zhiqun , Zhao Yanli , Liu Xueqin
Published: March 2021

The ability of photoanodes to simultaneously tailor light absorption, charge separation, and water oxidation processes represents an important endeavor toward highly efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Here, a robust strategy is reported to render markedly improved PEC water splitting via sandwiching a photothermal Co3O4 layer between a BiVO4 photoanode film and an FeOOH/NiOOH electrocatalyst sheet. The deposited Co3O4 layer manifests compelling photothermal effect upon near‐infrared irradiation and raises the temperature of the photoanodes in situ, leading to extended light absorption, enhanced charge transfer, and accelerated water oxidation kinetics simultaneously. The judiciously designed NiOOH/FeOOH/Co3O4/BiVO4 photoanode renders a superior photocurrent density of 6.34 mA cm–2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible reference electrode (VRHE) with outstanding applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency of 2.72% at 0.6 VRHE. In addition to the metal oxide, a wide variety of metal sulfides, nitrides, and phosphides (e.g., CoS, CoN, and CoP) can be exploited as the heaters to yield high‐performance BiVO4‐based photoanodes. Apart from BiVO4, other metal oxides (e.g., Fe2O3 and TiO2) can also be covered by photothermal materials to impart significantly promoted water splitting. This simple yet general strategy provides a unique platform to capitalize on their photothermal characteristics to engineer high‐performing energy conversion and storage materials and devices.
2D‐Berry‐Curvature‐Driven Large Anomalous Hall Effect in Layered Topological Nodal‐Line MnAlGe
Authors: Guin Satya N. , Xu Qiunan , Kumar Nitesh , Kung Hsiang‐Hsi , Dufresne Sydney , Le Congcong , Vir Praveen , Michiardi Matteo , Pedersen Tor , Gorovikov Sergey , Zhdanovich Sergey , Manna Kaustuv , Auffermann Gudrun , Schnelle Walter , Gooth Johannes , Shekhar Chandra , Damascelli Andrea , Sun Yan , Felser Claudia
Published: March 2021

Topological magnets comprising 2D magnetic layers with Curie temperatures (TC) exceeding room temperature are key for dissipationless quantum transport devices. However, the identification of a material with 2D ferromagnetic planes that exhibits an out‐of‐plane‐magnetization remains a challenge. This study reports a ferromagnetic, topological, nodal‐line, and semimetal MnAlGe composed of square‐net Mn layers that are separated by nonmagnetic Al–Ge spacers. The 2D ferromagnetic Mn layers exhibit an out‐of‐plane magnetization below TC ≈ 503 K. Density functional calculations demonstrate that 2D arrays of Mn atoms control the electrical, magnetic, and therefore topological properties in MnAlGe. The unique 2D distribution of the Berry curvature resembles the 2D Fermi surface of the bands that form the topological nodal line near the Fermi energy. A large anomalous Hall conductivity of ≈700 S cm–1 is obtained at 2 K and related to this nodal‐line‐induced 2D Berry curvature distribution. The high transition temperature, large anisotropic out‐of‐plane magnetism, and natural heterostructure‐type atomic arrangements consisting of magnetic Mn and nonmagnetic Al/Ge elements render nodal‐line MnAlGe one of the few, unique, and layered topological ferromagnets that have ever been observed.
Role of Diisocyanate Structure on Self‐Healing and Anticorrosion Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings
Authors: Yu Changjiang , Salzano de Luna Martina , Russo Andrea , Adamiano Ignazio , Scherillo Fabio , Wang Zhanhua , Zhang Xi , Xia Hesheng , Lavorgna Marino
Published: March 2021

Organic coatings are extensively investigated as possible solution to prevent or at least retard the occurring of corrosion processes on metal surfaces. Their actual breakthrough is still hampered by the risk of barrier properties loss because of local failure of the coating integrity. To address this issue, self‐healing coatings, which are intrinsically able to recover from damages upon exposure to external stimuli, are currently gaining increasing attention. Herein, waterborne polyurethanes (PU) are synthesized, and a Diels–Alder adduct is added into the polymeric backbone to endow the material with self‐healing functionality. The effect of different diisocyanate in PU synthesis is explored, namely isophorone diisocyanate, 4,4′‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate. The obtained results highlight the key role of the interactions among soft and hard segments in ultimately defining the coating performances. Actually, the combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and X‐ray diffration analysis reveals that the HMDI‐based PU have showed the best balance in terms of H‐bonding strength among hard segments and crystallinity degree in the soft ones. This allows to reach a good compromise in terms of mechanical resistance, anticorrosion properties, and self‐healing ability.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Aerobic Oxidative Csp3−H Functionalization of Glycine Derivatives for 2‐Substituted Benzoxazoles
Authors: Zhu Zhi‐Qiang , Liu Shan , Hu Zhi‐Yu , Xie Zong‐Bo , Tang Juan , Le Zhang‐Gao
Published: March 2021

We report a simple oxidative Csp3−H functionalization reaction of glycine derivatives by visible‐light photoredox catalysis. A wide range of glycine derivatives readily undergo the oxidative cyclization to afford various 2‐substituted benzoxazoles. Importantly, this photocatalytic intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling reaction allows for the C−H functionalization of glycine derivatives involving short peptides under mild conditions, which may have value in preparing peptide‐derived pharmacologically active molecules.

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A Fifteen‐Gene Classifier to Predict Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Responses in Patients with Stage IB to IIB Squamous Cervical Cancer
Authors: Tian Xun , Wang Xin , Cui Zifeng , Liu Jia , Huang Xiaoyuan , Shi Caixia , Zhang Min , Liu Ting , Du Xiaofang , Li Rui , Huang Lei , Gong Danni , Tian Rui , Cao Chen , Jin Ping , Zeng Zhen , Pan Guangxin , Xia Meng , Zhang Hongfeng , Luo Bo , Xie Yonghui , Li Xiaoming , Li Tianye , Wu Jun , Zhang Qinghua , Chen Gang , Hu Zheng
Published: March 2021

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remains an attractive alternative for controlling locally advanced cervical cancer. However, approximately 15–34% of women do not respond to induction therapy. To develop a risk stratification tool, 56 patients with stage IB‐IIB cervical cancer are included in 2 research centers from the discovery cohort. Patient‐specific somatic mutations led to NACT non‐responsiveness are identified by whole‐exome sequencing. Next, CRISPR/Cas9‐based library screenings are performed based on these genes to confirm their biological contribution to drug resistance. A 15‐gene classifier is developed by generalized linear regression analysis combined with the logistic regression model. In an independent validation cohort of 102 patients, the classifier showed good predictive ability with an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–0.91). Furthermore, the 15‐gene classifier is significantly associated with patient responsiveness to NACT in both univariate (odds ratio, 10.8; 95% CI, 3.55–32.86; p = 2.8 × 10−5) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 17.34; 95% CI, 4.04–74.40; p = 1.23 × 10−4) in the validation set. In conclusion, the 15‐gene classifier can accurately predict the clinical response to NACT before treatment, representing a promising approach for guiding the selection of appropriate treatment strategies for locally advanced cervical cancer.
AIDeveloper: Deep Learning Image Classification in Life Science and Beyond
Authors: Kräter Martin , Abuhattum Shada , Soteriou Despina , Jacobi Angela , Krüger Thomas , Guck Jochen , Herbig Maik
Published: March 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI)‐based image analysis has increased drastically in recent years. However, all applications use individual solutions, highly specialized for a particular task. Here, an easy‐to‐use, adaptable, and open source software, called AIDeveloper (AID) to train neural nets (NN) for image classification without the need for programming is presented. AID provides a variety of NN‐architectures, allowing to apply trained models on new data, obtain performance metrics, and export final models to different formats. AID is benchmarked on large image datasets (CIFAR‐10 and Fashion‐MNIST). Furthermore, models are trained to distinguish areas of differentiated stem cells in images of cell culture. A conventional blood cell count and a blood count obtained using an NN are compared, trained on >1.2 million images, and demonstrated how AID can be used for label‐free classification of B‐ and T‐cells. All models are generated by non‐programmers on generic computers, allowing for an interdisciplinary use.
A Biomimetic Evolvable Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Authors: Gerasimov Jennifer Y. , Zhao Dan , Sultana Ayesha , Abrahamsson Tobias , Han Shaobo , Bliman David , Tu Deyu , Simon Daniel T. , Olsson Roger , Crispin Xavier , Berggren Magnus , Fabiano Simone
Published: March 2021

Biomimicry at the hardware level is expected to overcome at least some of the challenges, including high power consumption, large footprint, two‐dimensionality, and limited functionality, which arise as the field of artificial intelligence matures. One of the main attributes that allow biological systems to thrive is the successful interpretation of and response to environmental signals. Taking inspiration from these systems, the first demonstration of using multiple environmental inputs to trigger the formation and control the growth of an evolvable synaptic transistor is reported here. The resulting transistor exhibits long‐term changes in the channel conductance at a fixed gate voltage. Biomimetic logic circuits are investigated based on this evolvable transistor that implement temperature and pressure inputs to achieve higher order processes like self‐regulation of synaptic strength and coincidence detection.
Structural Engineering of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zhou Limin , Jo Seonyong , Park Mihui , Fang Liang , Zhang Kai , Fan Yanpeng , Hao Zhimeng , Kang Yong‐Mook
Published: March 2021

The structural designability of organic materials lays an optimal foundation for comprehensive energy‐storage applications, owing to their selectivity of functional groups, diversity of linkage modes, and operability of synthesis conditions. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as a notable ordered porous framework structure, can provide a specific direction for ion diffusion as well as control the amount and location of redox sites, which are believed to be potential energy‐storage or ion‐transport carriers. In this study, a systematic overview of COFs for battery application is provided by conducting a comprehensive analysis and offering objective comments on the plasticity of the dominant structure and the improvement of the electrochemical properties. In addition, the existing problems and corresponding solutions of COFs for different devices are elaborated, and future research directions and application prospects of COFs are proposed. This review would provide theoretical guidance for alternative energy‐storage materials and widen the applications of such promising materials for next‐generation energy‐storage devices.
Modeling and Control of a Soft Robotic Fish with Integrated Soft Sensing
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsiang , Siddall Robert , Schwab Fabian , Fukushima Toshihiko , Banerjee Hritwick , Baek Youngjoon , Vogt Daniel , Park Yong-Lae , Jusufi Ardian
Published: March 2021

Soft robotics can be used not only as a means of achieving novel, more lifelike forms of locomotion, but also as a tool to understand complex biomechanics through the use of robotic model animals. Herein, the control of the undulation mechanics of an entirely soft robotic subcarangiform fish is presented, using antagonistic fast‐PneuNet actuators and hyperelastic eutectic gallium–indium (eGaIn) embedded in silicone channels for strain sensing. To design a controller, a simple, data‐driven lumped parameter approach is developed, which allows accurate but lightweight simulation, tuned using experimental data and a genetic algorithm. The model accurately predicts the robot's behavior over a range of driving frequencies and a range of pressure amplitudes, including the effect of antagonistic co‐contraction of the soft actuators. An amplitude controller is prototyped using the model and deployed to the robot to reach the setpoint of a tail‐beat amplitude using fully soft and real‐time strain sensing.
TiCl4‐Mediated [2+2] Cycloaddition for Synthesis of Isolable CF3‐Substituted 2‐Azetines
Authors: Hara Shunya , Ito Shigekazu
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate the catalytic intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of electron‐rich alkynes and a trifluoroiminopyruvate, affording the corresponding CF3‐substituted isolable 2‐azetines. Whereas [4+2] interaction affording acyclic imidates was predominant in the absence of a Lewis acid catalyst, using a catalytic amount of titanium(IV) tetrachloride was quite effective in promoting the desired [2+2] cycloaddition providing 2‐azetines. Electron‐rich aryl‐substituted inner alkynes provided complete regioselectivity, and using a silyl group was effective for inducing the dominant [2+2] cycloaddition pathway. Both [2+2] cycloaddition and formation of γ‐butenolides via a “5‐exo‐dig type” cyclization pathway were confirmed. Hydride reduction of a 2‐azetine provided the azetine‐substituted primary alcohol, and treatment with potassium t‐butoxide promoted ring expansion, affording the 6‐membered cyclic sulfonamide.
Organocatalyzed Highly Enantioselective Aldol Reaction of Aldehydes for Synthesis of (R)‐Pantolactone
Authors: Du Zhi‐Hong , Yuan Meng , Tao Bao‐Xiu , Qin Wen‐Juan , Liang Xiang‐Ming , Li Yu‐Yan , Lin Hang , Zhang Lian‐Chun , Da Chao‐Shan
Published: March 2021

This work demonstrates that a tert‐leucine‐derived 2‐phenolic anilide is the efficient organocatalyst to catalyze the asymmetric cross‐aldol reaction of glyoxylate and alkyl aldehydes in high yield and enantioselectivity at room temperature. As compared to the reported simple primary amino acids, the 2‐phenolic anilide can produce two hydrogen bonds from its phenolic hydroxy and amide groups with aldehyde moiety of ethyl glyoxylate, greatly enhancing the electrophilicity of ethyl glyoxylate and effectively increasing the asymmetric induction of the aldol reaction. Additionally, the large side group‐bearing tert‐leucine is also essential to high enantioselectivity. The reaction was successfully performed on 50 mmol scale with no decrease in the yield and enantioselectivity, showing potential for the chemical production of the pharmaceutical intermediate (R)‐pantolactone with high yield and enantiopurity in an eco‐friendly method.
Polymorphie und schnelle Kalium‐Ionenleitung im Phosphidosilicat KSi2P3 mit T5 Supertetraedern
Authors: Haffner Arthur , Hatz Anna‐Katharina , Zeman Otto E. O. , Hoch Constantin , Lotsch Bettina V. , Johrendt Dirk
Published: March 2021

Die Feststoffbatterie (all‐solid‐state‐battery, ASSB) ist ein vielversprechender Kandidat für die elektrochemische Energiespeicherung. Angesichts der begrenzten Verfügbarkeit von Lithium werden alternative Systeme auf Basis reichlich verfügbarer und günstiger Elemente gesucht. Neben den bereits gut untersuchten Natriumverbindungen bieten die bisher kaum erforschten Kaliumverbindungen ebenso die Vorteile geringer Kosten und eines großen elektrochemischen Spannungsbereiches. Hier berichten wir hier über die Synthese und Kristallstruktur des Kaliumionenleiters T5‐KSi2P3. Diese Verbindung besteht aus SiP4‐Tetraedern, die interpenetrierende Netzwerke aus großen T5‐Supertetraedern bilden. Die Verbindung durchläuft bei 1020 °C einen rekonstruktiven Phasenübergang von der bekannten T3‐Struktur zu einer tetragonalen T5‐Modifikation. Beim Abkühlen treten weitere displazive enantiotrope Phasenübergänge bei etwa 155 °C und 80 °C auf. Die Kaliumionen befinden sich in großen Kanälen zwischen den T5‐Netzwerken und sind leicht beweglich. Die Ionenleitfähigkeit beträgt bis zu 2.6×10−4 S cm−1 bei 25 °C mit einer Aktivierungsenergie um 0.20 eV. Dies ist bemerkenswert hoch für einen Kaliumionenleiter bei Raumtemperatur und kennzeichnet KSi2P3 als ersten nicht‐oxidischen festen Kaliumionenleiter.