bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foodborne Diseases and Intoxication in Nigeria: Prevalence of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Salmonella, Shigella and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Odo Samuel Ekene , Uchechukwu Chidiebere Francis , Ezemadu Ugochi Rita
Published: February 2021

The prevalence of foodborne diseases in Nigeria is alarming despite efforts by Government and Non-governmental Organizations to prevent the spread of foodborne pathogens. Health and socio-economic implications of foodborne diseases are enormous, including loss of productivity and low quality of life. In Nigeria, most people eat food at least once outside their homes every day. Food is an indispensable basic need of all humans and animals to sustain a healthy, reproductive and productive life. Humans are very active and highly productive when they consume safe food and are in a state of good health; however, consuming food already contaminated with microbial pathogens or its products such as Escherichia coli  0157:H7, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Clostridium spp., Campylobacter spp., and Staphylococcus aureus-toxin to a harmful level can cause severe illnesses and even progress to death. Therefore, it is essential for food handlers and vendors to maintain proper personal hygiene, undergo regular health checks, constantly improve environmental sanitation and adequately prepare food to prevent the spread of foodborne diseases. Consumers of ready-to-eat foods and food products should consider the overall safety of the food; environment where the food was prepared, where and how the food is distributed in order to mitigate likely foodborne infections and diseases. Water used in preparing food and watering animals should be clean and safe.
Aerobic Bacteriology of Burn Wound Infections in Burn Patients and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kashmir Valley
Authors: Nazir Asifa , Bashir Humaira , Aleem Seema , Khan Shoaib Mohmad
Published: February 2021

Aims: The burn wound represents a susceptible site for opportunistic colonization by organisms of endogenous and exogenous origin. Burn wound infections are an important cause of mortality, morbidity and prolonged hospitalization in burn patients and the causative agent is generally a multidrug resistant organism. The pattern of microbial flora infecting burn wound varies according to geographical pattern as well as with duration of hospital stay. The main aim of the study was to determine the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of burn wound isolates.

Study Design:  It was a prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study.

Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, from December 2019 to November 2020.

Methodology: Swabs were taken from burn wound of 351 patients and cultured aerobically. Samples were processed for identification and sensitivity. Bacteria isolated were identified using their morphological characteristics, Gram staining reaction and biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results: A total of 351 samples were obtained for the study out of which, the most common isolate was Klebsiella pneumoniae  – 154 (38.3%), followed by  Pseudomonas aeruginosa  - 133 (33.08%), Proteus sp – 42( 10.44%) ,  Acinetobacter sp- 26 (6.46%), Staphylococcus aureus - 26 (6.46%),  Escherichia coli - 17 (4.22%),  Enterococcus - 2 (0.49%), and Providencia sp- 2 (0.49%). Colistin was the most effective drug against Gram negative organisms while as linezolid was most effective against Gram positives.

Conclusion: The finding of the study will be helpful for identifying the common bacteria causing burn wound infection and also to take proper precautions to prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Prevelance of Common Organisms Involved in Acute Appendicitis in Althowra Hospital, Elbyda, Libya
Authors: Mohamed Salma S. , Musbah Nasser , Sergaiwa Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Background: Bacteria have been involved in the aetiopathogenesis of acute appendicitis. The known of bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity mode will assist in modulating treatment regime for acute appendicitis.

Aim: This study aimed to find out the incidence of the offending organisms in acute appendicitis                                  to determine the most effective antibiotic in a local population in Albyda city.

Methods: Patients with acute appendicitis presenting between January 2019 and December    2019 were studied, At surgery 1cm rim of appendix was cut from the base and sent into the transport medium. The specimen was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed.

Results: Sixty patients were conscript; Escherchia coli, gram negative bacilli were the commonest organism isolated. They were sensitive to) ciprofluxacin (65%), chloramphnical (60%) and third generation cephalosporins (52%) resistant to amoxycilin with clavulanic acid and tetracycline. The anaerobes were sensitive to metronidazole (96.5%).
Prevalence and Predictors of Adherence to Self-Care Practices among Heart Failure Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Qureshi Nazuk Eraj , Batra Simran , Haque Muhammad Tanzeel Ul , Saquib Javeria , Qureshi Noorulain , Rathi Parversh Kumar , Kumari Raveena , Feroze Anushe Mohsin , Khemani Deepika , Usman Muhammad Abdullah , Farhan Syed Ahmed , Shahab Iqra , Zaki Umaima
Published: February 2021

Aims: Congestive heart failure affects about five million Americans and has become an increasingly frequent reason for hospital admission during the last two decades. It represents a significant health problem. The aim of this study was to enumerate the frequency of self-care and to study the factors affecting adherence to self-care in patients with heart failure.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Cardiology and Department of Medicine in three public sector hospitals of Karachi, between March 2020 and September 2020.

Methodology: In this study, 187 heart failure patients from three hospitals were surveyed with consent. Demographic details of the participants were also collected, which included gender, mean age, BMI, education, living and marital status, smoking history, an ejection fraction <40, cancer, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery bypass graft procedure in patients. The data were analyzed through SPSS v. 25.0 using an adherence scale. A cumulative score of ≥32/40 (80%) was termed as good adherence. In an individual question, a score of four or five and zero to three inclusive was taken as good and poor adherence, respectively.

Results: It was found that patients who were not educated (65.8%, n=123), with age > 65years (67.4%, n=126) and with no history of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (94.1%, n=176) had a significantly bad impact on heart-failure self-care (P-value<0.05). Good adherence was seen in 16.6% of the patients (n=31). Hence, most of the patients were non-adherent.

Conclusion: There is an urgent need to counsel patients regarding heart failure self-care for a better prognosis of the disease. Government and doctors together should take part in enlightening the issue.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Beans (Vigna unguiculata) Obtained from Oja-Tuntun Market, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogundele K. T. , Makinde O. W. , Eluyera M. , Orisamoyi Y. C.
Published: February 2021

Beans play a significant role in human diet especially in developing nations like Nigeria, the largest producer and consumer of beans in the world. To ensure food safety, heavy metal levels need to be monitored on regular basis to control human exposure through dietary intake. This study aimed at assessing the levels of heavy metals in some species of beans available in Ife market, Osun State, Nigeria. Samples of each species of beans were bought and analyzed for heavy metals using X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy. Results showed that the concentration of heavy metals such as Cu was present at a level ranging from 0.131–0.205 ppm, and Zn was present at level ranging from 0.073–0.182 ppm. Cd was present at concentration < 0.039 ppm. Cu, Zn and Cd levels in natural beans sample were observably below maximum permissible limit set by WHO in Table 2. Therefore, it can be concluded that majority of these beans species were not contaminated with the studied heavy metals, hence pose no immediate health risk to human.
Potential of Use of Potato Genotypes by the Industry
Authors: Pereira Ariana Mota , Guimarães Maria Eduarda da Silva , Gomes Mateus de Paula , Cruz Renata Ranielly Pedroza , Galdino Antonia Gorete da Silva , Freire Ana Izabella , Gonçalves Dreice Nascimento , Finger Fernando Luiz
Published: February 2021

Aims: Evaluate four potato genotypes in terms of sprouting and coloring depending on the storage time at 8 °C and their potential for use by the potato processing industry.Study Design: The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a split-plot scheme with five replications, each replication consisting of two tubers.Place and Duration of Study: Tubers were obtained from the production area of Perdizes, Minas Gerais, Brazil (Latitude 19º 21’ 10’’ N and Longitude 47º 17’ 34’’ E and 1000 m).Methodology: The genotypes Alibaba, Arsenal, Antartica and Babylon were stored at 8° C for up to 180 days, with the analysis of sprouting, visual coloration before and after frying, parameters L*, b* and c*. Results: All potato genotypes were light colored before frying, category 1 (USDA). Babylon obtained the best parameters of b * and c *. Antartica and Babylon potato genotype showed low sprouting.Conclusion: The Arsenal and Antartica potato genotype have potential for use by the processing industry due to the color of the sticks before and after frying and low sprouting.The Alibaba potato genotype was darkly colored after frying. Babylon was the potato genotype with the best color of the sticks after frying and less germination.
Antimicrobial Activity of Pregnenolone in vitro
Authors: Popova Teodora P. , Ignatov Ignat , Petrova Toshka , Dinkov Georgi
Published: February 2021

The antimicrobial effect of pregnenolone on clinical and reference strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was tested. Pregnenolone was found to have inhibitory activity against all tested bacterial strains. Slightly higher sensitivity is shown by the strains of S. aureus. When applied directly, pregnenolone has a weak antimicrobial effect due to its very low water solubility, as it is in oleose state because the formulation studied in this experiment contains tocopherol (a fat-soluble vitamin) as a co-solvent. When emulsified with lecithin, as well as with methanol, its solubility in water increases and penetrates over a longer distance in the agar around the points of its application. Applied as an emulsion, it shows significantly higher inhibitory activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Even the non-emulsified version should still be useful in vivo due to the fact that intracellular environments are much more lipophilic than serum, the target of most antimicrobial substances is the intracellular space, and non-emulsified pregnenolone has been shown to have very high intracellular uptake.
In-vivo Hypoglycemic Activity of Grewia asiatica Fruit Extract in Streptozotocin Mediated Diabetic Rats
Authors: Akram Zuneera , Noreen Aisha , Hussain Muzammil , Inayat Maryam , Akhter Sobia , Farooqi Usman Ghani , Akram Anum , Sabzoi Waqar Ahmed
Published: February 2021

Diabetes mellitus has high global prevalence and occurrence and is considered to bean endocrinological and/or metabolic disorder. Conventional drug treatment is costly and has toxic side effects, although it is successful in treating diabetes mellitus. If effective and less toxic, herbal medicine will thus include alternative therapy. This research has been designed to investigate the role of Grewia asiatica extract in the control of diabetes in male albino rats with Streptozotocin mediated type 2 diabetes. Grewia asiatica fruit extract at a dose of 200mg/kg was given to Streptozotocin mediated type II DM Rats. A known anti-diabetic drug, Glibenclamide has been used as a standard drug. The method of the research was to monitor the effect of Grewia asiatica on the blood glucose level of Rats. In this study, Rats were split into four categories i.e. Control, Streptozotocin treated, Streptozotocin + Glibenclamide treated and Streptozotocin +Grewia asiatica extract-treated group.  Grewia asiatica fruit extract significantly improve the blood glucose levels as compared to the standard drug Glibenclamide in Streptozotocin mediated diabetic group.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Grewia asiatica may be used in the treatment of diabetes or decreasing the elevated level of blood sugar.
Effect of Optimization Factors on the Production of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Chi-Nwankwo C. , Ogbulie J. N. , Akujobi C. O.
Published: February 2021

The recent discovery of silver nanoparticles and their production from Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli have enhanced optimization attempts. Extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli cultured supernatants was done according to standard procedures. Optimization of the production of silver nanoparticles was done in a 3 X 3 (three factors) design involving temperature (25, 30 and 35 degrees), pH (6, 7 and 8), and time of incubation (24, 48 and 72 Hours) in a total of 15 non-randomized runs. The result showed a sharp decline in the synthesis of B. subtilis silver nanoparticles (BNP) within the first 40 hours but attained steady optimization between 40 – 60 mins. An exponential increase in BNP synthesis was observed between pH 6 – 7 with a slight decline observed between pH 7 – 8. An increase in temperature from 25-300C resulted in a decrease in the production of BNP while the production of BNP increased over 30-350C. An initial lag in Escherichia coli synthesized silver nanoparticle (ENP) synthesis was observed with temperature variations. ENP synthesis maintained an exponential increase up to pH 7 but decreased with 7>pH≤8. The results showed that the increase in temperature resulted in a gradual decrease in production of ENP producing a negative slope. Therefore, the variations in optimization factors of silver nanoparticles produced from both B. subtilis and E. coli led to improved production.
Effect of Employees Commitment and Distributive Justice to the Reward of Management Practices in Some Selected Organizations in South East Nigeria
Authors: Orajaka Ugochukwu Paul
Published: February 2021

The study focused on understanding the influence of employee commitment and distributive justice to the reward of Management practices and its performance in some selected organizations in south East Nigeria. The data was collected using research questionnaires. Research design was adopted for this study. The sample sizes of 365 persons were used for the analyses. The application of correlation tools and mean likert was employed to evaluate the significant relationship and coefficient of determination of the variables. However, the tools show that there is a strong positive relationship association between the employee commitment and distributive justice in public university. The analysis also shows that there is a strong positive significant relationship in the system. The results also shows that the hypothesis will be accepted which says that there’s a strong and positive relationship with employee commitment and distribution of justice to reward of management in South East Nigeria.
LIPSS‐Sticks: Laser Induced Double Self Organization Enhances the Broadband Light Absorption of TiO2 Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Arul Rakesh , Dong Junzhe , Simpson M. Cather , Gao Wei
Published: February 2021

Sub‐wavelength laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) created by ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation on the surface of titanium are used for the first time to template the electrochemical growth of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays, creating a combined structure we term LIPSS‐Sticks. This is an example of a double self‐organized process, as both LIPSS formation and electrochemical anodization involve spontaneous generation of order from initially nonordered precursors. LIPSS‐Sticks have a 2× greater visible to near‐infrared light (400–1400 nm) collection efficiency compared with flat titanium dioxide due to the enhanced light scattering from grating‐like structures. The growth of nanostructures with time is modeled electrostatically to explain the features of a templated anodization process that differ from the usual anodization of flat surfaces. This new templated growth method using two complementary fabrication techniques is general and can also be applied to Cu, W, Fe, and Al oxide surfaces.
Optoelectronic Gas Sensing Platforms: From Metal Oxide Lambda Sensors to Nanophotonic Metamaterials
Authors: Perkins Josh , Gholipour Behrad
Published: February 2021

Real‐time monitoring is critical to improving safety and efficiency in chemical factories, oil and gas reservoirs, refineries, as well as land/marine/air transportation infrastructure. The lack of real‐time knowledge of constantly changing conditions in these systems causes delayed responses to critical situations such as equipment failure, chemical spills, and fire hazards, resulting in operational downtime and possible environmental damage. Sensing of hydrocarbon levels is of paramount importance in all these systems. To this end, electrical lambda sensors based on metal oxides that rely on changes in the electrical conductivity (permittivity) of the active oxide layer as a result of exposure to a target gas species have been used traditionally. These devices can suffer from low sensitivity, slow response, and bulky designs. Traditional optical sensors based on optrode and nondispersive‐infrared technology provide greater sensitivity, a wider dynamic range, and multispecies sensitivity. Recently the emergence of nanophotonic metamaterials for sensing various species shows a very promising path forward for realizing highly miniaturized, fast‐response devices. Herein, a comprehensive review of the evolution of optoelectronic gas sensing technologies is presented, not just focusing on a device‐level perspective but also examining the underlying physics and material considerations that are critical to obtaining optimal device performance.
Ultra‐Conformable Ionic Skin with Multi‐Modal Sensing, Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial and Regenerative Capabilities for Smart and Expedited Wound Care
Authors: Lin Xiao , Mao Yuxuan , Li Peng , Bai Yanjie , Chen Tao , Wu Kang , Chen Dandan , Yang Huilin , Yang Lei
Published: February 2021

While rapid wound healing is essential yet challenging, there is also an unmet need for functional restoration of sensation. Inspired by natural skin, an ultra‐conformable, adhesive multi‐functional ionic skin (MiS) with multi‐modal sensing capability is devised for smart and expedited wound care. The base of MiS is a unique skin‐like, conductive and self‐adaptive adhesive polyacrylamide/starch double‐network hydrogel (PSH) and self‐powered, flexible, triboelectric sensor(s) is integrated on top of PSH for multi‐tactile sensing. MiS could enhance wound contraction, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and epidermis formation in a full‐thickness skin defect wound model in vivo, while significantly inhibiting the biofilm formation of a wide range of microorganisms. MiS also exhibits multi‐modal sensing capability for smart and instant therapeutics and diagnostics, including skin displacement or joint motion, temperature, pressure and tissue exudate changes of wound bed, and locally releasing drugs in a pH‐responsive manner. More importantly, MiS could restore the skin‐mimicking tactile sensing function of both touch location and intensity, and thus could be used as a human‐machine interface for accurate external robotic control. MiS demonstrates a new comprehensive paradigm of combining wound diagnosis and healing, broad‐spectrum anti‐microbial capability and restoration of multi‐tactile sensing for the reparation of severe wound.
A multiple‐standards framework to address externalities resulting from meat production
Authors: Vissers Luuk S. M. , Jongeneel Roel A. , Saatkamp Helmut W. , Oude Lansink Alfons G. J. M.
Published: February 2021

This article develops a framework for assessing the implementation of standards in a context of multiple negative externalities resulting from meat production. The framework is applied to the introduction of the New Dutch Retail Standard in the Dutch broiler market, a standard on animal welfare initiated by the private sector with national coverage. The results show that this standard did not lower producer, retailer, and consumer welfare; rather, social welfare increased by approximately 300 million euros. The framework provides a sound scientific basis for an ex ante analysis on the market potential of multiple standards.

JEL CLASSIFICATION

D62; Q13; Q18
Evaluation of five bermudagrass cultivars fertigated with swine lagoon effluent
Authors: Spearman Rebecca L. , Castillo Miguel S. , Sosinski Stephanie
Published: February 2021

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay is an important output from land receiving swine (Sus scrofa) effluent application (also known as spray fields); however, there is limited information about cultivar differences in the upper Southeast United States. Herbage accumulation, nutritive value, tissue nitrate concentration, and stem maggot damage were evaluated for five bermudagrass cultivars (‘Coastal’, ‘Midland 99’, ‘Ozark’, ‘Tifton 44’, and ‘Tifton 85’) fertigated with swine effluent throughout three growing seasons (2016, 2017, and 2018). All cultivars achieved canopy height ≥35 cm by July and cover of 100% by August of year of planting. Based on 3‐yr averages, Tifton 85 (9.3 Mg ha–1) had greater herbage accumulation than cultivars Coastal, Ozark, and Tifton 44 (≈7.9 Mg ha–1), and Midland 99 was intermediate (8.5 Mg ha–1). Bermudagrass stem maggot (Atherigona reversura) damage was consistently lower for Tifton 85 and resulted in larger differences in herbage accumulation in 2017 (11.2 vs. 8.4 Mg ha–1 for Tifton 85 and the other cultivars, respectively). There were moderate differences in crude protein concentration (ranged from 179 to 212 g kg–1) and no difference in total digestible nutrients (622 g kg–1). Tissue nitrate concentrations ranged from 3,433 to 16,168 mg NO3– kg–1. Differences in productivity and nutritive value were moderate among cultivars; however, in areas with potentially high bermudagrass stem maggot damage, greater utilization of Tifton 85, if adapted, is warranted. Hay production from spray fields results in high yields and high nutritive value forage. Frequent nitrate testing, if possible by harvested hay lot, is advised.
Perennial grass ley rotations with annual crops in tropical Africa: A review
Authors: Wortmann C. S. , Bilgo A. , Kaizzi C. K. , Liben F. , Garba M. , Maman N. , Serme I. , Stewart Z. P.
Published: February 2021

Rotation of grass ley with periods of annual crop production can be a means to increased farming system productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This research review offers interpretations of rotation research results for future African agriculture. Some rotation studies were with naturally generated and severely over‐grazed fallows consisting primarily of annual plant species but other studies were with planted and well‐managed perennial grass ley. Generally, the rotations increased annual crop yields with soil improvement. System benefits were similar or greater for ley compared with fallow with generally higher fodder yields with ley. Surface crusting of sandy soil in the Sahel is a major concern that may be worsened by fallow due to the deposition of clay and silt particles. Ley and fallow were terminated in all studies with inversion plow tillage with more tillage for subsequent crops while the rotation benefits may be greater with less tillage. Most studies did not have fertilizer use but annual crop yield response to fertilizer was greatly increased following ley in one study and with no system by fertilizer interaction effect in three studies. The profitability of ley rotations will vary with fodder demand which is rapidly increasing, especially near urban areas. Strip cropping, for example, alternate ley with annual crop strips of 5–20 m width and rotation cycles of 6–10 yr, may often be optimal for erosion control and sediment trapping, protection from uncontrolled grazing, and nearby supply of vegetative planting material for ley re‐establishment. Rotation management can be improved through experiential learning and experimentation.
“The Heidelberg Five” personality dimensions: Genome‐wide associations, polygenic risk for neuroticism, and psychopathology 20 years after assessment
Authors: Heilbronner Urs , Papiol Sergi , Budde Monika , Andlauer Till F. M. , Strohmaier Jana , Streit Fabian , Frank Josef , Degenhardt Franziska , Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Witt Stephanie H. , Forstner Andreas J. , Loerbroks Adrian , Amelang Manfred , Stürmer Til , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Nöthen Markus M. , Rietschel Marcella , Schulze Thomas G.
Published: February 2021

HeiDE is a longitudinal population‐based study that started in the 1990s and, at baseline, assessed an array of health‐related personality questionnaires in 5133 individuals. Five latent personality dimensions (The Heidelberg Five) were identified and interpreted as Emotional Lability (ELAB), Lack of Behavioral Control (LBCN), Type A Behavior (TYAB), Locus of Control over Disease (LOCC), and Psychoticism (PSYC). At follow‐up, 3268 HeiDE participants (post‐QC) were genotyped on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. To further characterize The Heidelberg Five, we analyzed genomic underpinnings, their relations to the genetic basis of the Big Five trait Neuroticism, and longitudinal associations with psychiatric symptoms at follow‐up. SNP‐based heritability was significant for ELAB (34%) and LBCN (29%). A genome‐wide association study for each personality dimension was conducted; only the phenotype PSYC yielded a genome‐wide significant finding (p < 5 × 10−8, top SNP rs138223660). Gene‐based analyses identified significant findings for ELAB, TYAB, and PSYC. Polygenic risk scores for Neuroticism were only associated with ELAB. Each of The Heidelberg Five was related to depressive symptoms at follow‐up. ELAB, LBCN, and PSYC were also associated with lifetime anxiety symptoms. These results highlight the clinical importance of health‐related personality traits and identify LBCN as a heritable “executive function” personality trait.
Molybdenum‐Catalyzed Deoxygenative Cyclization of Carbonyl Compounds for the Synthesis of Pyrido[2,1‐a]isoindoles
Authors: Asako Sobi , Kobayashi Takafumi , Ishihara Seina , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: February 2021

A simple catalytic system consisting of Mo(0) and ortho‐quinone as catalyst and phosphine as a reductant has been developed for the synthesis of pyridoisoindoles and pyridoisoindolium salts through the deoxygenation of carbonyl compounds.
Stereoselective Synthesis of (Z)‐Dihomoallylic Phosphonates with Quaternary Carbon Center by Palladium‐Catalyzed Bisallylation of Vinylethyene Carbonates with β‐Ketophosphonates
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Ke Miaolin , Zhang Ke , Zuo Sheng , Jiang Meifen , Chen Fener
Published: February 2021

A palladium‐catalyzed bisallylation of vinylethylene carbonates with β‐ketophosphonates to access to (Z)‐trisubstituted dihomoallylic phosphonates bearing a quaternary carbon center with good regio‐ and stereoselectivity is reported. This operationally simple protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance to deliver valuable dihomoallylic phosphonates.
Bioinspired Polymeric High‐Aspect‐Ratio Particles with Asymmetric Janus Functionalities
Authors: Finbloom Joel A. , Cao Yiqi , Desai Tejal A.
Published: February 2021

Polymeric particles with intricate morphologies and properties have been developed based on bioinspired designs for applications in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. However, the fabrication of particles with asymmetric functionalities remains a challenge. Janus polymeric particles are an emerging class of materials with asymmetric functionalities; however, they are predominantly spherical in morphology, made from nonbiocompatible materials, and made using specialized fabrication techniques. Herein nonspherical Janus particles inspired by high‐aspect‐ratio filamentous bacteriophage are fabricated using polycaprolactone polymers and standard methods. Janus high‐aspect‐ratio particles (J‐HARPs) are fabricated with a nanotemplating technique to create branching morphologies selectively at one edge of the particle. J‐HARPs are fabricated with maleimide handles and modified with biomolecules such as proteins and biotin. Regioselective modification is observed at the tips of J‐HARPs, likely due to the increased surface area of the branching regions. Biotinylated J‐HARPs demonstrate cancer cell biotin receptor targeting, as well as directional crosslinking with spherical particles via biotin–streptavidin interactions. Finally, maleimide J‐HARPs are functionalized during templating to contain amines exclusively at the branching regions and are dual‐labeled orthogonally, demonstrating spatially separated bioconjugation. Thus, J‐HARPs represent a new class of bioinspired Janus materials with excellent regional control over biofunctionalization.
Synthesis of Zigzag Carbon Nanobelts through Scholl Reactions
Authors: Xia Zeming , Pun Sai Ho , Chen Han , Miao Qian
Published: February 2021

Zigzag carbon nanobelts are a long‐sought‐after target for organic synthesis. Herein we report new strategies for designing and synthesizing unprecedented zigzag carbon nanobelts, which present a wave‐like arrangement of hexagons in the unrolled lattice of (n,0) single wall carbon nanotubes (n=16 or 24). The precursors of these zigzag carbon nanobelts are hybrid cyclic arylene oligomers consisting ofmeta‐phenylene and 2,6‐naphthalenylene as well aspara‐phenylene units. The Scholl reactions of these cyclic arylene oligomers form multiple carbon‐carbon bonds selectively at the α‐positions of naphthalene units resulting in the corresponding zigzag carbon nanobelts. As monitored with fluorescence spectroscopy, one of these nanobelts binds C60with an association constant as high as (6.6±1.1)×106 M−1in the solution in toluene. Computational studies combining linear regression analysis and hypothetical homodesmotic reactions reveal that these zigzag nanobelts have strain in the range of 67.5 to 69.6 kcal mol−1, and the ladderization step through Scholl reactions is accompanied by increase of strain as large as 69.6 kcal mol−1. The successful synthesis of these nanobelts demonstrates the powerfulness and efficiency of Scholl reactions in synthesizing strained polycyclic aromatics.
Formate Dehydrogenases Reduce CO2 Rather than HCO3−: An Electrochemical Demonstration
Authors: Meneghello Marta , Oliveira Ana Rita , Jacq‐Bailly Aurore , Pereira Inês A. C. , Léger Christophe , Fourmond Vincent
Published: February 2021

Mo/W formate dehydrogenases catalyze the reversible reduction of CO2 species to formate. It is thought that the substrate is CO2 and not a hydrated species like HCO3−, but there is still no indisputable evidence for this, in spite of the extreme importance of the nature of the substrate for mechanistic studies. We devised a simple electrochemical method to definitively demonstrate that the substrate of formate dehydrogenases is indeed CO2.
Hydrolysis of Aliphatic Bis‐isonitriles in the Presence of a Polar Super Aryl‐Extended Calix[4]pyrrole Container
Authors: Sun Qingqing , Escobar Luis , Ballester Pablo
Published: February 2021

We report binding studies of an octa‐pyridinium super aryl‐extended calix[4]pyrrole receptor with neutral difunctional aliphatic guests in water. The guests have terminal isonitrile and formamide groups, and the complexes display an inclusion binding geometry and 1:1 stoichiometry. Using 1H NMR titrations and ITC experiments, we characterized the dissimilar thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the complexes. The bis‐isonitriles possess independent reacting groups, however, in the presence of 1 equiv of the receptor the hydrolysis reaction produces mixtures of non‐statistical composition and a significant decrease in reaction rates. The selectivity for the mono‐formamide product is specially enhanced in the case of the bis‐isonitrile having a spacer with five methylene groups. The analysis of the kinetic data suggests that the observed modifications in reaction rates and selectivity are related to the formation of highly stable inclusion complexes in which the isonitrile is hidden from bulk water molecules. The concentration of the reacting substrates in the bulk solution is substantially reduced by binding to the receptor. In turn, the hydrolysis rates of the isonitrile groups for the bound substrates are slower than in the bulk solution. The receptor acts as both a sequestering and supramolecular protecting group.
Aramid fiber reinforcedEPDMmicrocellular foams: Influence of the aramid fiber content on rheological behavior, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and cellular structure
Authors: Wen Huayin , Wang Min , Luo Shikai , Zhou Yuanlin , Liu Tao
Published: February 2021

In this paper, aramid fiber (AF)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) microcellular foams added with different content of AF are prepared by the supercritical foaming method. The effect of the AF content on the rheological behavior, mechanical properties, thermal properties and cellular structure of the AF/EPDM microcellular foams has been systematically studied. The research illustrates that compared with pure EPDM, the AF/EPDM matrix has greater viscosity and modulus, which is conducive to reduce the cell size and increase its density. And the thermal stability of EPDM foams is improved with the addition of aramid fiber. Meanwhile, when the content of AF is added to 1 wt%, the AF/EPDM microcellular foam exhibits a relatively low thermal diffusion coefficient and apparent density with the thermal conductivity to 0.06 W/mK. When the AF is added to 5 wt%, the tensile strength of the AF/EPDM microcellular foam increases to 1.95 MPa, which is improved by 47% compared with that of the pure EPDM foam. Furthermore, when the compressive strain reaches to 50%, the compressive strength of the AF/EPDM microcellular foam is 0.48 MPa, improved by 296% compared with that of the pure EPDM foam.
Calendering of Li(Ni0.33Mn0.33Co0.33)O2‐Based Cathodes: Analyzing the Link Between Process Parameters and Electrode Properties by Advanced Statistics
Authors: Primo Emiliano N. , Touzin Matthieu , Franco Alejandro A.
Published: February 2021

The optimization of the calendering process represents one of the key tasks for tuning the lithium‐ion battery performance. In this study, we present a systematic statistical‐based study of the three main calendering parameters (namely, the applied pressure, roll temperature, and line speed) effect on the porosity, electrode mechanical properties and electronic conductivity. Our work main goal is to understand how by changing the calendering parameters, the electrode properties can be tuned and up to which degree they determine the electrode capacity of Li(Ni0.33Mn0.33Co0.33)O2‐based cathodes. The statistical tools used for the analysis were the analysis of the covariance (ANCOVA), the principal components analysis (PCA), and the unsupervised machine learning k‐means clustering algorithm. Our results showed that while porosity and the mechanical properties depend mainly on the applied pressure, the electrode's conductivity correlates mainly with the temperature. All of them were found to influence the cathode's capacity (at a rate equal to C), being the best condition applied pressures between 60 and 120 MPa and roll temperatures between 60 and 75 °C.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Effect of Functionalized Pyrene Polymerization on Carbon Electrode Surfaces for Electrochemical Storage
Authors: Anothumakkool Bihag , Sayed‐Ahmad‐Baraza Yuman , Massuyeau Florian , Brousse Thierry , Ewels Chris , Gaubicher Joel
Published: February 2021

We report the effect of −(CH2)n−COOH (n=0,1,3) functional groups on pyrene adsorption and associated electropolymerization mechanisms on carbon nanotube model electrodes, as well as resulting electrochemical charge‐storage properties in a Li metal supercapacitor configuration. The impact of pyrene functional groups is tested by varying the alkyl chain length as well as the composite electrode formulation protocol. From experiment and DFT calculations we conclude that (i) all pyrene derivatives bind strongly to the MWCNT (multiwall carbon nanotube) surface with submonolayer loadings. Intermolecular forces and/or packing configurations rather than charge transfer between MWCNT and substrate likely play a major role in the extent of self‐adsorption process (ii) trends of predicted ionization energies (‐HOMO levels) and Hammett substituent constants match with (measured) oxidation potentials of adsorbed monomers. However, this correlation fails for unsubstituted pyrene presumably because of molecular aggregation, an argument supported by excimer formation in supernatent solutions, (iii) fusion rather than linear‐type oligomerization takes place and is described for the first time and, (iv) longer alkyl chains lead to more extended functionalized oligomers which in turn enhances p‐doping (reversible capacity). In a Li metal hybrid supercapacitor configuration, best capacity‐power compromise was found with 55 wt% 1‐pyreneacetic, resulting in a 5‐fold capacity increase from 13 mAh/gelectrode (19 F/gelectrode) for untreated MWCNT to 68 mAh/gelectrode (102 F/gelectrode) between 2–4.4 V vs. Li+/Li.
Metabolomic analysis improves bioconversion of methanol to isobutanol in Methylorubrum extorquens AM1
Authors: Ma Zeng‐xin , Zhang Min , Zhang Chang‐tai , Zhang Hui , Mo Xu‐hua , Xing Xin‐hui , Yang Song
Published: February 2021

Background

Methylorubrum extorquens AM1 can be engineered to convert methanol to value‐added chemicals. Most of these chemicals derive from acetyl‐CoA involved in the serine cycle. However, recent studies on methylotrophic metabolism have suggested that C3 pyruvate is a good potential precursor for broadening the types of synthesized products.

Methods and Results

In the present study, we found that isobutanol was a model chemical that could be generated from pyruvate through a 2‐keto acid pathway. Initially, the engineered M. extorquens AM1 could only produce a trace amount of isobutanol at 0.62 mgL‐1 after introducing the heterologous 2‐ketoisovalerate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis revealed that insufficient carbon fluxes through 2‐ketoisovalerate and pyruvate were the key limitation steps for efficient biosynthesis of isobutanol. Based on this analysis, the titer of isobutanol was improved by over 20‐fold after overexpressing alsS gene encoding acetolactate synthase and deleting ldhA gene for lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, substituting the cell chassis with the isobutanol‐tolerant strain isolated from adaptive evolution of M. extorquens AM1 further increased the production of isobutanol by 1.7‐fold, resulting in the final titer of 19 mgL‐1 in flask cultivation.

Conclusion

Our current findings provided promising insights into engineering methylotrophic cell factories capable of converting methanol to isobutanol or value‐added chemicals using pyruvate as the precursor.
Development of a simultaneous analytical method for clozapine and its metabolites in human plasma using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with linear range adjusted by in‐source collision‐induced dissociation
Authors: Sato Toshihiro , Suzuka Masato , Sato Yuji , Iwabuchi Riko , Kobayashi Daisuke , Ogura Jiro , Takasaki Shinya , Yokota Maki , Tsukamoto Taku , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Kikuchi Masafumi , Maekawa Masamitsu , Mano Nariyasu
Published: February 2021

Clozapine (CLZ) is a key drug in treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of CLZ and its metabolites, N‐desmethylclozapine and clozapine N‐oxide, is required to monitor and manage the risks of side effects. Although quantification methods for TDM have been developed for CLZ and its metabolites, they were not sufficiently accurate for the quantification of CLZ owing to the upper limits of the calibration curves. An analytical method using high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the simultaneous measurement of CLZ and its metabolites in human plasma. To expand the concentration range of the calibration curves, we used a linear range shift technique using in‐source collision‐induced dissociation (CID). Using our approach, the linearity and quantitative range were improved compared to those reported by previous studies, and were sufficient for TDM in clinical practice. The intra‐ and inter‐assay accuracy was 84.6%–114.8%, and the intra‐ and inter‐assay precisions were ≤9.1% and ≤9.9%, respectively. Moreover, all samples from patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia were successfully quantified. Therefore, our novel analytical method using in‐source CID had the appropriate performance to measure the plasma concentrations of CLZ and its metabolites for TDM in clinical practice.
Limited‐edition advertising does not always work for luxury brands: The influence of consumption contexts
Authors: Tseng Ting‐hsiang , Huang Hazel H. , Liu Matthew Tingchi
Published: February 2021

Limited‐edition advertising on a limited quantity available to be sold (limited quantity scarcity) is used to increase product value, thereby enticing consumers. This type of limited‐edition advertising has been proven to be effective for luxury brands; as a result, its adoption has increased over the years. However, are limited editions effective across all consumption situations? The current study argues that limited‐edition advertising may not always work as well as previously thought and that it is only effective when (1) consumers are in emotional (vs. cognitive) consumption contexts; (2) the consumption is socially visible (vs. invisible); and (3) the country of origin where the luxury product was made is favorable (vs. unfavorable). The results of two experiments using 807 participants confirmed the study's hypotheses. More importantly, the findings showed that limited‐edition advertising had detrimental effects in a cognitive consumption context; that is, using limited‐edition advertising in a cognitive consumption context decreased consumers' purchase intentions. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with COVID‐19 and acute coronary syndrome: What if the old normal became the new normal?
Authors: Piccolo Raffaele , Esposito Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Key Points

The management of COVID‐19 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains challenging.

This initial experience supports the safety and efficacy of invasive assessment in patients with COVID‐19 and ACS as well as the safety of the procedure for healthcare personnel.

The study findings raise the question of whether we should continue to follow “COVID‐19 guidelines” suggesting a more conservative approach to ACS patients with COVID‐19 or rather go back to a more unrestricted use of invasive angiography and revascularization.
Interventional closure of aortomitral perforation after TAVR: A case report
Authors: Petri Nils , Lengenfelder Björn , Voelker Wolfram , Nordbeck Peter
Published: February 2021

Despite TAVR emerging as the gold standard for a broad spectrum of patients, it is associated with serious complications. In this report we present a case, where a TAVR procedure led to a perforation at the aortomitral continuity, discuss the risk factors for the occurrence of perforations and how we decided to treat the patient.
Necrotizing sialometaplasia—A self‐limiting condition which poses a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Priyadarshinee Anamika , Rao Lavanya Nanjunda , Redhu Anju , Jha Kumari Sonam
Published: February 2021

Necrotizing sialometaplasia can make anyone very anxious about the lesion especially if they have habit of tobacco consumption. It requires a prompt diagnosis, counseling with assurance to patient and treatment.
Isolated posterior capsule rupture after blunt eye injury
Authors: Elksnis Ēriks , Vanags Juris , Elksne Eva , Gertners Oskars , Laganovska Guna
Published: February 2021

Isolated posterior capsule rupture of the crystalline lens after blunt eye injury is a rare complication and demands a special surgical management strategy in order to achieve a good visual outcome.
Design of Trimetallic NiMoFe Hollow Microspheres with Polyoxometalate‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yu Zhongyuan , Lin Tong , Zhu Chunfeng , Li Jintang , Luo Xuetao
Published: February 2021

Design of efficient and inexpensive oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is the key to realizing the wide application of water electrolysis in industrial production. Herein, we synthesized trimetallic hollow microspheres composed with FeNi nanoparticles and nitrogen‐doped carbon‐based Ni2Mo3N (NiMoFe@NC700) using a “PBA@POMOF” strategy. In order to synthesize the precursor with ideal morphology and structure in the least steps, a polyoxometalate based metal‐organic framework (POMOF) is used as a substrate to grow a Ni−Fe‐based Prussian blue analogue (NiFePBA) on it. Benefiting from the hollow sphere structure formed by stacking flakes, better charge transfer performance and the synergistic effect between Ni2Mo3N and Fe0.64Ni0.36, the final product, NiMoFe@NC700, exhibits low overpotentials of 288 and 360 mV to achieve current densities of 10 and 50 mA cm−2 for OER in 1 M KOH, respectively, which is superior to the benchmark IrO2 catalyst. This work proposes a facile and effective strategy to synthetize carbon‐based polymetallic OER electrocatalysts based on PBA@POMOF.
Power‐to‐X‐Anwendungen mit Anschluss an das Stromnetz
Authors: Siebels Carsten
Published: February 2021

Power‐to‐X‐Anwendungen (PtX) stehen im Rahmen der Energiewende u. a. deshalb in der Diskussion, da von ihnen erwartet wird, dass durch sie die zeitweise auftretenden Überschüsse elektrischer Energie aus der direkten Nutzung von Sonne und Wind sinnvoll verwertet werden können. Es werden am Beispiel Deutschlands die in den nächsten Jahrzehnten erwartbaren Überschussleistungen und ‐zeiten analysiert. Daneben werden sowohl die zeitgerecht durch Stromerzeugung aus Erneuerbaren Energien abdeckbaren als auch die dadurch ohne Zwischenspeicherung nicht abdeckbaren Anteile der Nachfrage exemplarisch ausgewiesen.
Design and optimization of a CMOS IC novel RF tracking sensor
Authors: Chung Jooik , Iliadis Agis A.
Published: February 2021

This research reports the development of an RF sensor integrated circuit (IC) chip capable of tracking the directionality of RF remote emissions. The IC design uses an angle‐of‐arrival algorithm, and it is designed for the 180 nm CMOS technology and applicable to other technologies, also. The sensor chip requires two pairs of antennas aligned and placed at distance s for detection of azimuthal and polar angles of the RF incident wave. The circuit consists of custom designed low‐noise amplifiers (LNAs) at the front end, with a novel design of double‐balanced Gilbert cell mixers (GCMs). This amplifies and mixes the signals from the antennas and converts the phase difference Δφ into an equivalent output voltage map suitable for an 18‐bit analog to digital converter. Systematic optimization techniques were developed to maximize the third‐order intercept point and suppress flicker noise for the LNAs and GCMs, resulting in improved sensing accuracy. The overall system‐level evaluation results showed state‐of‐art angle‐of‐arrival sensing capability with an upper limit error of 3.447°.