bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical, chemical, technological and toxicological characteristics of teiu potato flour (Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Oken)
Authors: Correia Bento Juliana Aparecida , Neto Menandes Alves de Souza , Luiz A. M. Bataus Armando G. Rodriguez, , Manoel S. S. Júnior Márcio Caliari,
Published: June 2019

Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Oken, popularly known as teiu potato, is widely used in folk medicine as a purgative and in the treatment of snake bites. There is no scientific data on the physicochemical characterization or anti-nutritional compounds, nor are there any reports on the application of this root in the production of flours for food purposes. Thus, the objective of this work was to contribute with new knowledge concerning the production yield of teiu potato root flour, characterize its physical, chemical and technological properties, and determine its anti-nutritional and toxicological factors. The flour was obtained on three repetitions (batches) and all analyses were carried out in triplicate for each repetition. The flour production yield was 34.29%, and the product obtained was an orange powder with a carbohydrate content of 77.55 g·100 g-1, high contents of total dietary fiber (22.8 g·100 g-1), protein (8.3 g·100 g-1) and ash (3.5 g·100 g-1), and a low lipid (0.8 g·100 g-1) content. The thermogram of the flour showed three endothermic peaks: temperature of gelatinization of the flour starch (77.42 °C); glass transition (106.55 °C) and protein and lipid-amylose complexes (131.77 °C). The flour presented antioxidant potential (89.59% of DPPH discoloration), a high concentration of phenolic compounds (12.67 mg eq gallic acid·100 g-1), nitrates (4.4 g·Kg-1), tannins (5.4 g tannic acid·100 g-1) and trypsin inhibitors (4.3 UTI·mg-1). The teiu potato flour requiring further, more profound studies before being indicated for human nutrition, due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors and the toxicity presented in the test with Artemia salina.
Morphoagronomic characterization of Sorghum cultivar ‘CIAP 132R-05’ obtained by somatic embryogenesis in the conversion phase using different substrates
Authors: Medina Silvio de J. Martínez , Gómez-Kosky, Novisel Veitía Rodríguez Raúl Barbón Rodríguez, Rafael , Vega María Esther González , Castillo Orlando Saucedo , Ardisana Eduardo Fidel Héctor , Álvarez Sandra Pérez
Published: June 2019

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop after wheat, corn, rice and barley. The aim of this research was to study morphological characterization of the plant population of grain sorghum cultivar CIAP 132R-05 regenerated via somatic embryogenesis under semi controlled conditions in green house.  Plants regenerated from somatic embryos were compared to plants grown from botanical seeds. Both populations of plants were characterized morphologically, taking in account quantitative traits (plant height (cm), stem diameter, number of active leaves per plant, limb length and width, number of active roots per plant, length of the roots (cm), fresh weight (gMF), foliar area (dm2), number of shoots per plant) and qualitative traits (albino or variegated plants, color of the leaves). Quantitative characteristics of both populations corresponded with those listed in the National Register of Commercial Varieties of Cuba. However; the population of plants derived from somatic embryos showed significantly higher values ​​for plant height, stem diameter, limb length and width, which may be associated with the physiological rejuvenation produced by the effect of in vitro culture. This allowed to determine the phenotypic stability of the regenerated plants via somatic embryogenesis, by assessing morphological characters in field conditions. The results can be applied to the in vitro propagation of elite plants selected as a product of conventional breeding programs and obtained through the use of different biotechnological methods.
Prevalence and determinants of noise-induced hearing loss among workers in the automotive industry in China: A pilot study
Authors: Chen Yali , Zhang Meibian , Qiu Wei , Sun Xin , Wang Xin , Dong Yiwen , Chen Zhenlong , Hu Weijiang
Published: June 2019

Objective

Data on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the automotive industry are rare. This pilot study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of NIHL among workers in the automotive industry in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 6557 participants from the automotive industry. The questionnaire survey was administered, and individual noise exposure level (LAeq.8h) and hearing loss level were measured.

Results

Of participants, 96.43% were male; the median age was 27.0 years and 28.82% had NIHL defined as adjusted high-frequency noise-induced hearing loss (AHFNIHL). Concerning individual noise levels (LAeq.8h), 62.53% exceeded 85 dB(A), which were mainly concentrated in various jobs, including metal cutting, surface treatment, stamping, welding, grinding, assembly, plastic molding, and forging. Each typical noise source generated its own unique temporal waveform shape with the type of non-Gaussian noise. Of workers, 53.15% regularly used hearing protector devices (HPD), and the proportion of regular HPD use increased with LAeq.8h. The trend test showed that the prevalence of AHFNIHL in male workers significantly increased with an increase in LAeq.8h at <94 dB(A) and cumulative noise exposure (CNE) in each age group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). A logistic regression analysis showed that CNE and HPD usage frequency were important factors contributing to AHFNIHL.

Conclusions

CNE and HPD usage frequency were the determinants for NIHL. Much more human surveys are needed to understand the prevalence and determinants of NIHL in the automotive industry in China.
Treatment of cervical cancer with electronic brachytherapy
Authors: Lozares-Cordero Sergio , Font-Gómez José Antonio , Gandía‐Martínez Almudena , Miranda‐Burgos Anabela , Méndez‐Villamón Agustina , Villa‐Gazulla David , Alba‐Escorihuela Verónica , Jiménez‐Puertas Sara , González‐Pérez Víctor
Published: June 2019

Purpose

We report the first cervical cancer cases treated with interstitial electronic brachytherapy (eBT) at our hospital and compare them with plans made with high‐dose‐rate interstitial brachytherapy based on Ir192 (HDR‐BT).

Materials and methods

Eight patients with cervical cancer were treated with the Axxent eBT device (Xoft, Inc.). Planning was with magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography following the recommendations of the EMBRACE protocol. The dosimetry parameters of organs at risk (OAR) were evaluated for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid colon (D2cc, D1cc, and D0.1cc). In addition, the V150 and V200 of irradiated tissue were compared for both eBT and HDR‐BT. All patients received intensity‐modulated external beam radiation therapy with a regimen of 23 sessions of 2 Gy followed by four sessions of 7 Gy of eBT performed over 2 weeks (two sessions followed by another two sessions a week later) following the EMBRACE recommendations. Each of the eight patients was followed to assess acute toxicity associated with treatment.

Results

The doses reaching OAR for eBT plans were lower than for HDR‐BT plans. As for acute toxicity associated with eBT, very few cases of mucositis were detected. No cases of rectal toxicity and one case with grade 1 urinary toxicity were detected. The results at 1 month are equally good, and no relapses have occurred to date.

Conclusions

The first results of treatment with the Axxent eBT device are promising, as no recurrences have been observed and toxicity is very low. eBT is a good alternative for treating cervical cancer in centers without access to conventional HDR.
Effects of Boron On Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Ti46Al8Nb2.6C0.8Ta Alloys
Authors: Fang Hongze , Chen Ruirun , Yang Yong , Tan Yingmei , Su Yanqing , Ding Hongsheng , Guo Jingjie
Published: June 2019

To regulate and control microstructure and mechanical properties with the addition of boron, Ti46Al8Nb2.6C0.8TaxB alloys have been produced by casting. Boron content, and its influencing mechanism on the alloy, has been discussed especially in the formation of borides. Experimental results indicate that the content of TiB particles (vol%) increases when the content of boron increases and the B2 phase, in the lamellar colony, disappears. There are three types of boride morphologies discerned in these alloys, which are: granular (C), plate (P), and flake (F) borides. The content of TiB particles (C, vol%) shows a more noticeable increase than in the others. The size of the lamellar colony is refined from 28.4 to 20.8 µm when the content of boron is up to 2.0 at%. Compressive testing indicates that the strength increases from 2191to 2255 MPa and the strain from 26.1 to 28.2% when the content of boron is up to 1.2 at%. Tensile tests reveal that the ultimate strength of the Ti46Al8Nb2.6C0.8Ta0.8B alloy rises from 344to 479 MPa and the corresponding strain rises from 3.9 to 9.1%, when the testing temperature increases from 750to 950 °C. The main reasons for the improved mechanical properties are precipitation strengthening of TiB, disappearance of the B2phase and grain boundary strengthening.
Microstructural Analysis and Surface Modification of a Vitreous Enamel Modified with Corundum Particles
Authors: Rossi Stefano , Calovi Massimo , Velez David , Rodriguez Itziar , del Rincón Mónica , Munoz Jose Maria , Grande Hans Juergen
Published: June 2019

Enamel is a vitreous solidified compound with an inorganic composition, resulting from the melting or sintering of inorganic constituents and designed to form a protective surface layer. This coating develops excellent functional properties that justify its use in industrial applications where extreme environments require materials with good mechanical resistance and corrosion protection: storage silos, chemical reactors, heat exchangers, pipes, valves. In order to improve the coating mechanical resistance, hard particles can be introduced in the formulation of the enamel. Although the composition of these particles has been described in several papers, the influence of the additive size and concentration have not been studied in depth, in particular considering the actual trend in reducing the particles dimension. The aim of this work is the study of the properties modification produced in the vitreous enamel due to the addition of corundum particles (micro and macro) with different size and concentration. The microstructure has been evaluated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope. This study shows that the addition of Al2O3 particles modifies the typical enamelled microstructure, increasing the roughness, decreasing the adherence and reducing the closed porosity. These modifications depend strongly on the size and quantity of added particles.
Polymer‐Derived Ultra‐High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) and Related Materials
Authors: Ionescu Emanuel , Bernard Samuel , Lucas Romain , Kroll Peter , Ushakov Sergey , Navrotsky Alexandra , Riedel Ralf
Published: June 2019

Ultra‐high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) represent an emerging class of materials capable of providing mechanical stability and heat dissipation upon operation in extreme environments, e.g., extreme heat fluxes, chemically reactive plasma conditions. In the last few decades, remarkable research efforts and progress were done concerning the physical properties of UHTCs as well as their processing. Moreover, there are vivid research activities related to developing synthetic access pathways to UHTCs and related materials with high purity, tunable composition, nano‐scaled morphology, or improved sinterability. Among them, synthesis methods considering preceramic polymers as suitable precursors to UHTCs have received increased attention in the last few years. As these synthesis techniques allow the processing of UHTCs from the liquid phase, they are highly interesting, e.g., for the fabrication of ultra‐high temperature ceramic composites (UHT CMCs), additive manufacturing of UHTCs, etc. In the present review, UHTCs are in particular discussed within the context of their physical properties as well as energetics. Moreover, various synthesis methods using preceramic polymers to access UHTCs and related materials (i.e., (nano)composites thereof with silica former phases) are summarized and critically evaluated.
End Group Tuning in Acceptor–Donor–Acceptor Nonfullerene Small Molecules for High Fill Factor Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wadsworth Andrew , Bristow Helen , Hamid Zeinab , Babics Maxime , Gasparini Nicola , Boyle Colm W. , Zhang Weimin , Dong Yifan , Thorley Karl. J. , Neophytou Marios , Ashraf Raja Shahid , Durrant James R. , Baran Derya , McCulloch Iain
Published: June 2019

High fill factors have only recently become commonplace in nonfullerene‐based organic solar cells, with the balance of charge carrier mobilities often cited as the contributing factor. Here an end‐group modification to a commonly used nonfullerene acceptor (O‐IDTBR) is reported, in which the rhodanine end groups are replaced with dicyano moieties, resulting in the acceptor O‐IDTBCN. This new acceptor affords significant improvement in the fill factor (73%) and photocurrent (19.8 mA cm−2) in organic solar cells with the low bandgap polymer PTB7‐Th. A narrowing of the bandgap, as a result of greater push–pull hybridization, allows complementary absorption to the donor and thus improved photon harvesting. Additionally, the measurement of charge carrier mobilities and lifetimes in both systems reveal that the PTB7‐Th:O‐IDTBCN blend possesses more balanced charge carrier mobilities, and longer lifetimes. Morphology studies reveal a slightly greater degree of molecular mixing of the O‐IDTBCN when blended with PTB7‐Th, despite the greater and more balanced charge carrier mobilities in this blend.
Microstructural Origins of High Piezoelectric Performance: A Pathway to Practical Lead‐Free Materials
Authors: Wu Haijun , Zhang Yang , Wu Jiagang , Wang John , Pennycook Stephen J.
Published: June 2019

Piezoelectric materials interconvert between electrical energy and mechanical strain and are widely used for electronic and electromechanical devices. Owing to growing environmental concerns, development of lead‐free piezoelectric materials with enhanced properties becomes of great interest. Key to the academic problem is a lack of fundamental understanding on the actual mechanisms involved at the microscopic (unit cell) level. While it is well known that giant responses occur near structural phase boundaries, and it has long been proposed that polarization rotation and nanodomains are major determinants, so far, atomistic understanding of the origin of the response has come mostly from theoretical simulations. Recently, notable breakthroughs have been achieved in improving the properties of piezoceramics and thin films. Precise mapping of atomic displacements by atomically resolved Z‐contrast imaging has demonstrated that gradual polarization rotation bridges the coexisting nanophases. These structural features, which take place on a length scale of just a few nanometers, now visible through aberration‐corrected microscopy, provide a new pivotal understanding on the outstanding piezoelectric behavior that has been obtained in all systems. They also provide key guiding principles for the development of lead‐free piezoelectrics, especially in the form of thin films, which remain far behind bulk ceramics at the time being. Coexistence of nanophases with flexible interconversion, introduced via phase boundary engineering, holds much promise for achieving high performance in other material systems with phase transitions.
Aligned Silver Nanowires Enabled Highly Stretchable and Transparent Electrodes with Unusual Conductive Property
Authors: Hu Hebing , Wang Shichao , Wang Shancheng , Liu Guowei , Cao Tun , Long Yi
Published: June 2019

Transparent conductors for the next generation of soft electronic devices need to be highly stretchable, conductive, and transparent, while an inevitable challenge lies in enhancing them simultaneously. Cost‐effective silver nanowires (AgNWs) are widely used but the conventional random network yields a high junction resistance as well as degraded conductivity in the stretched state. Here, a novel, facile, and versatile agitation‐assisted assembly approach is reported to control the orientation direction and density of AgNWs and to layer‐by‐layer deposit the AgNWs monolayer or multilayers onto the prestrained soft substrate. This electrode demonstrates an unprecedented low sheet resistance of 2.8 Ω sq−1 as well as high transparency of 85% and high stretchability of 40%. It is interesting to note that contrary to most other reports, such a device shows higher conductivity in the stretched state compared to the released state.
Stereochemical Strategy Advances Microbially Antiadhesive Cotton Textile in Safeguarding Skin Flora
Authors: Xu Jiangqi , Zhao Hongjuan , Xie Zixu , Ruppel Scott , Zhou Xiaqing , Chen Shuang , Liang Jun F. , Wang Xing
Published: June 2019

Microbial contamination on cotton textiles (CT) negatively affects people's health as well as the textile itself during use and storage. Using antimicrobial CT in a body‐safe manner is currently still a challenge because it is difficult to balance killing microbes and protecting skin flora. Herein, a borneol‐decorated CT (BDCT) through coupling of borneol 4‐formylbenzoate molecules onto the amino‐modified CT is reported. This BDCT shows strong and broad‐spectrum microbially antiadhesive activities against gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis), gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and fungi (Aspergillus niger, Mucor racemosus, and Candida albicans). Because of its unique stereochemical microbial antiadhesion mechanism, BDCT is harmless to skin flora. In addition, BDCT exhibits prominent durability of microbially antiadhesive capability by bearing 50 times of accelerated laundering. Therefore, this stereochemical BDCT strategy shows great potential for applications in the new generation of textiles, food packaging, and medical protection.
In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy for Energy Materials and Devices
Authors: Fan Zheng , Zhang Liqiang , Baumann Daniel , Mei Lin , Yao Yuxing , Duan Xidong , Shi Yumeng , Huang Jianyu , Huang Yu , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: June 2019

Energy devices such as rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells are central to powering a renewable, mobile, and electrified future. To advance these devices requires a fundamental understanding of the complex chemical reactions, material transformations, and charge flow that are associated with energy conversion processes. Analytical in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) offers a powerful tool for directly visualizing these complex processes at the atomic scale in real time and in operando. Recent advancements in energy materials and devices that have been enabled by in situ TEM are reviewed. First, the evolutionary development of TEM nanocells from the open‐cell configuration to the closed‐cell, and finally the full‐cell, is reviewed. Next, in situ TEM studies of rechargeable ion batteries in a practical operation environment are explored, followed by applications of in situ TEM for direct observation of electrocatalyst formation, evolution, and degradation in proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells, and fundamental investigations of new energy materials such as perovskites for solar cells. Finally, recent advances in the use of environmental TEM and cryogenic electron microscopy in probing clean‐energy materials are presented and emerging opportunities and challenges in in situ TEM research of energy materials and devices are discussed.
Continuous Production of a Shelf‐Stable Living Material as a Biosensor Platform
Authors: Schulz‐Schönhagen Konstantin , Lobsiger Nadine , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: June 2019

The advancements made in biological engineering have led to the development of whole‐cell biosensors and their successful application in diagnostics. However, due to the sensitivity of the systems, as well as the need for advanced readout devices, the use of such sensors is limited to a laboratory environment. Here, a biosensor platform for the diffusion‐based quantification of a small molecule analyte is presented. The platform consists of Bacillus subtilis endospores carrying a genetic reporter construct. The spores are embedded in a poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix casted to a poly(ethylene terephthalate) support material. It is shown that the biosensor platform can be produced continuously on a large scale. The scalable process results in a price per sensor, which is three orders of magnitude lower than the price of a comparable biological lateral flow assay. The performance of the biosensor platform for the quantification of isopropyl‐β‐d‐thiogalactopyranoside is demonstrated and it is shown that the readout can be performed with a 3D‐printed smartphone‐based device. Finally, it is demonstrated that the material is stable under various environmental conditions and that it can be stored for an extended period without losing its functionality. Aforementioned progress makes the presented living material feasible for the application by an untrained user in the field.
Surface‐Plasmon‐Assisted Metal Halide Perovskite Small Lasers
Authors: Li Chun , Liu Zhen , Shang Qiuyu , Zhang Qing
Published: June 2019

Recently, low‐dimensional metal halide perovskites have attracted great attention from micro/nanolaser research fields owing to their low‐cost fabrication process and outstanding optical/electronic properties. The realization of low‐threshold, ultrasmall, and radiation‐controllable lasing is critically important for the practical applications of these micro/nanolasers. Surface plasmon (SP) provides a powerful platform to tailor the spontaneous emission and thereby lasing of the low‐dimensional perovskite structures in nanoscale regime. In this report, the latest advances of SP‐assisted perovskite small lasers toward technologically applicable chip‐level coherent light sources are reviewed. Two kinds of perovskite small lasers, including photonic laser and plasmonic laser, are discussed from the aspects of materials, photophysics, and device geometry, respectively. Finally, insights into bright perspectives and remaining challenges of SP‐assisted perovskite lasers are provided.
Efficiency Enhancement of Light Extraction from an Air/GaN Interface via Nanogap‐Induced Mode Splitting
Authors: Chen Yan‐Ta , Wu Jia‐Ren , Thakur Diksha , Cheng Hsin‐Ming , Chang Sheng Hsiung
Published: June 2019

Two coupled anatase TiO2 nanospheres are used to increase the light‐extraction efficiency of an air/GaN interface, which is theoretically investigated by using the 3D finite‐difference time‐domain method. To understand the effects of the nanogap‐induced near‐field electromagnetic energy coupling between the two adjacent TiO2 nanospheres on the light‐extraction efficiency, a graphic method is used to calculate the local modal indices and the average modal index. The simulation results show that the 97% light‐extraction efficiency can be achieved by manipulating the local modal indices of the whispering‐gallery mode supported by the coupled TiO2 nanospheres with the different gap distance. The manipulation of local modal indices results in the mode splitting, which plays an important role for the efficient light extraction.
Surgical principles for optimal treatment of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nobel Tamar , Molena Daniela
Published: June 2019

The incidence of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma is increasing worldwide. Management of these tumors remains controversial given their unique location between the esophagus and the stomach. Debate surrounding the optimal therapy for EGJ adenocarcinoma has often centered around the tumor origin as defined by the Siewert classification system. However, the optimal surgical management should focus on adhering to important surgical principles that will allow for the best outcomes and prognosis regardless of tumor location including resection with appropriate and negative histological margins, adequate lymphadenectomy, minimization of morbidity and mortality, and preservation of quality‐of‐life. In this article, we provide a discussion of the controversy surrounding EGJ adenocarcinoma within the framework of these concepts.
A review of genetic factors underlying craniorachischisis and omphalocele: Inspired by a unique trisomy 18 case
Authors: Tobin Michael , Gunaji Rajesh , Walsh John C. , Grice Guerard P.
Published: June 2019

Very few cases of craniorachischisis (CRN) with concomitant omphalocele (OMP) in the setting of trisomy 18 are reported in literature. Solitary midline closure defects are estimated to be more prevalent in trisomy 18 compared to the general population. Neurulation defect comparisons include anencephaly 0–2% versus 0.0206%, spina bifida 1–3% versus 0.0350%, and encephalocele 0–2% versus 0.0082% [Parker et al. (2010); Birth Defects Research. Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, 88:1008–1016; Springett et al. (2015); American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part A, 167A:3062–3069]. The solitary anterior malformation OMP has been reported as high as 6% with trisomy 18 [Springett et al. (2015); American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part A, 167A:3062–3069]. We report the third published case of CRN with concomitant OMP observed in a likely trisomy 18 fetus that screened positive by noninvasive prenatal screening. Furthermore, we review and analyze the current literature to augment understanding of the genetic basis for anterior and posterior closure defects such as CRN and OMP. Although the current genetic lexicon lacks any definitive association with the simultaneous defects presented, previous research elucidated various genes related to anterior or posterior closure interruption individually. By consolidating current research, the authors advance knowledge of interconnected genetic pathology and direct future genetic mapping efforts.
α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes as C‐Building Blocks in the Synthesis of Pyridines, 1,4‐Dihydropyridines and 1,2‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: Vchislo N. V.
Published: June 2019

N‐heterocycles are ubiquitous structural units in a variety of biologically active compounds, pharmaceutical preparations, and natural complex molecules. Thousands of original scientific papers are published annually on various aspects of the formation of nitrogenous heterocycles and the study of their chemical and biological properties. Among them, the synthesis of pyridines and their dihydrogenated derivatives attracts the attention of chemists, which develop synthetic techniques, including those ones based on α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. The minireview summarizes and highlights the recent advancements in the construction of pyridines, 1,2‐dihydropyridines, and 1,4‐dihydropyridines from transformations of 2‐alkenals, covering the publications of the last five years.
Efficient Carboxylation of Terminal Alkynes with Carbon Dioxide Catalyzed by Ligand‐Free Copper Catalyst under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Wang Wan‐Hui , Jia Lihong , Feng Xiujuan , Fang Dingqiao , Guo Hongyu , Bao Ming
Published: June 2019

The combined use of simple copper salts and quaternary ammonium salts in a low‐boiling‐point solvent is presented as a new strategy for terminal alkyne carboxylation with CO2 under ambient conditions. The ligand‐free copper‐catalyzed carboxylation was achieved with CuCl, nBu4NOAc, and K2CO3 in MeCN to produce various propiolic acids in high to excellent yields.
Milling Down to Nanometers: A General Process for the Direct Dry Synthesis of Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Schreyer Hannah , Eckert Rene , Immohr Sarah , de Bellis Jacopo , Felderhoff Michael , Schüth Ferdi
Published: June 2019

Supported catalysts are among the most important classes of catalysts. They are typically prepared by wet‐chemical methods, such as impregnation or co‐precipitation. Here we disclose that dry ball milling of macroscopic metal powder in the presence of a support oxide leads in many cases to supported catalysts with particles in the nanometer size range. Various supports, including TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and Co3O4, and different metals, such as Au, Pt, Ag, Cu, and Ni, were studied, and for each of the supports and the metals, highly dispersed nanoparticles on supports could be prepared. The supported catalysts were tested in CO oxidation, where they showed activities in the same range as conventionally prepared catalysts. The method thus provides a simple and cost‐effective alternative to the conventionally used impregnation methods.
Critical illness and multi‐organ failure following topical application of skin‐lightening preparation
Authors: Rudge J. E. , Raithatha M.
Published: June 2019

Topical application of skin‐lightening cream is increasingly undertaken in many non‐Caucasian populations for cultural and social reasons. It is a rare cause of poisoning that has potential to lead to significant harm due to skin damage and systemic absorption of cream following application over prolonged periods of time. This case report describes for the development of multi‐organ failure in an adult due to salicylate toxicity after whole‐body application of a skin‐lightening cream for 24 h. It highlights the need for vigilance and awareness of the toxic potential of topical salicylates.
Hexanuclear Zn(II) and Mononuclear Cu(II) Complexes containing imino phenol ligands: Exploitation of their Catalytic and Biological Perspectives
Authors: Mondal Shyam Sundar , Chatterjee Manosree , Tiwari Ranjay K. , Behera J.N. , Chanda Nripen , Biswas Sourav , Saha Tanmoy Kumar
Published: June 2019

A unique hexanuclear zinc(II) (1) and two mononuclear copper(II) (2 and 3) complexes anchored with imino phenol ligand HL1 and HL2 were synthesized with good yield and purity (where HL1 = 4‐tert‐butyl‐2,6‐bis((mesitylimino)methylphenol and HL2 = 5‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐((mesitylimino)methyl)benzaldehyde). These complexes were characterized by utilizing various spectroscopic protocols like NMR, FTIR, UV as well as ESI‐Mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Their potential to bind calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was tested utilizing different techniques such as UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The experiment implies that they interact with CT‐DNA via non‐intercalative mode with moderate capabilities (Kb ~ 104 M−1). On the other hand, these complexes have high capabilities to quench the fluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) following the static pathway. In addition, they are active catalysts for the oxidation reaction of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (3,5‐DTBC) to 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylquinone (3,5‐DTBQ) under aerobic condition. From the recorded EPR signals of all complexes, it has been concluded that the oxidation reaction proceeds via ligand oriented radical pathway instead of metal based redox participation. Kinetic studies using 1–3 indicate that it follows Michaelis–Menten type of equation with moderate to high turnover number (kcat). Apart from these aspects, complexes 1–3 were screened for their cytotoxic behavior towards HeLa cells (human cervical carcinoma) and found quite active with comparable IC50 values to cisplatin.
Renewable Poly(Thioether‐Ester)s from Fatty Acid Derivatives via Thiol‐Ene Photopolymerization
Authors: Moser Bryan R. , Doll Kenneth M. , Peterson Steven C.
Published: June 2019

Partially bio‐based poly(thioether‐ester)s were obtained in high conversion from thiol‐ene photopolymerization of fatty dienes with dithiols utilizing mild, solventless reaction conditions. Fatty dienes were synthesized by esterification of 9‐decenoic acid, a terminally unsaturated medium‐chain fatty acid that can be obtained from ethenolysis of oleic acid, with ethylene glycol and 9‐decen‐1‐ol to yield bio‐based dienoic monomers amenable to subsequent thiol‐ene polymerization. Polycondensation with 1,2‐ethanedithiol (EDT) and 1,3‐propanedithiol (PDT) gave a series of semicrystalline poly(thioether‐ester)s with degrees of polymerization that ranged from 29 to 85, polydispersity indices between 2.81 and 4.38, and glass transitions from −36.8 to −25.7 °C. The polymers were elastic at room temperature, with EDT‐linked materials exhibiting greater elasticity than the corresponding PDT‐linked polymers. All polymers were thermally stable below 320 °C, with 10% mass loss (T10) occurring above 338 °C. Enthalpies of fusion increased with higher relative crystallinity and were greater than the corresponding enthalpies of crystallization. The polymers were soluble in nonpolar solvents such as chloroform and THF but resisted dissolution in more polar solvents with dielectric constants above 10. Furthermore, the polymers were susceptible to acidic hydrolysis but resisted basic hydrolysis at room temperature.
Multifactor Heston's stochastic volatility model for European option pricing
Authors: Veng Sotheara , Yoon Ji‐Hun , Choi Sun‐Yong
Published: June 2019

In this study, we extend the multiscale stochastic volatility model of [Fouque J‐P, Lorig MJ, SIAM J Financial Math. 2011;2(1):221‐254] by incorporating a slow varying factor of volatility. The resulting model can be viewed as a multifactor extension of the Heston model with two additional factors driving the volatility levels. An asymptotic analysis consisting of singular and regular perturbation expansions is developed to obtain an approximation to European option prices. We also find explicit expressions for some essential functions that are available only in integral formulas in the work of [Fouque J‐P, Lorig MJ, SIAM J Financial Math. 2011;2(1):221‐254]. This finding basically leads to considerable reduction in computational time for numerical calculation as well as calibration problems. An accuracy result of the asymptotic approximation is also provided. For numerical illustration, the multifactor Heston model is calibrated to index options on the market, and we find that the resulting implied volatility surfaces fit the market data better than those produced by the multiscale stochastic volatility model of [Fouque J‐P, Lorig MJ, SIAM J Financial Math. 2011;2(1):221‐254], particularly for long‐maturity call options.
The (relative) insignificance of G revisited to include nanoparticles
Authors: Youn Sungmin , Lawler Desmond F.
Published: June 2019

The collision efficiency functions, α(i,j), of two colliding particles for the three operative transport mechanisms in flocculation (Brownian motion [Br], fluid shear [Sh], and differential sedimentation [DS]) were numerically calculated over a broad size range (including nanoparticles). All computations include the hydrodynamic force and van der Waals (vdW) attraction, while the effects of electrical double‐layer repulsive forces were investigated by their exclusion or inclusion. Flocculation of nanoparticles should be extremely rapid if they are uncharged but will be dramatically reduced when substantially charged. For small neutral particles, α(i,j) values could be greater than those obtained during Sh and DS as vdW attraction outweighs the (negative) hydrodynamic effects. Overall, the results confirm the findings of an earlier article, that Br is the dominant flocculation mechanism when at least one particle is small (<1 μm in diameter), Sh is only dominant when both particles are greater than 1 μm and the ratio of the two particle sizes is less than 10, and DS is dominant in all other cases. Flocculators should be operated with low‐velocity gradient (G) values (in the range of 10–20 s−1), with only sufficient mixing to keep particles in suspension, but proper particle destabilization is essential for effective flocculation.
Benefits of curcumin in brain disorders
Authors: Bhat Abid , Mahalakshmi Arehally M. , Ray Bipul , Tuladhar Sunanda , Hediyal Tousif A. , Manthiannem Esther , Padamati Jagadeeswari , Chandra Ramesh , Chidambaram Saravana B. , Sakharkar Meena K.
Published: June 2019

Curcumin is widely consumed in Asia either as turmeric directly or as one of the culinary ingredients in food recipes. The benefits of curcumin in different organ systems have been reported extensively in several neurological diseases and cancer. Curcumin has got its global recognition because of its strong antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, and antimicrobial activities. Additionally, it is used in diabetes and arthritis as well as in hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, there is growing attention on usage of curcumin to prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes available data from several recent studies on curcumin in various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Prions disease, stroke, Down's syndrome, autism, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and aging. Recent advancements toward increasing the therapeutic efficacy of curcuma/curcumin formulation and the novel delivery strategies employed to overcome its minimal bioavailability and toxicity studies have also been discussed. This review also summarizes the ongoing clinical trials on curcumin for different neurodegenerative diseases and patent details of curcuma/curcumin in India.
The effect of regional factors in the development of eco‐innovations in the firm
Authors: Arranz Nieves , F. Arroyabe Carlos , Fernandez de Arroyabe Juan Carlos
Published: June 2019

This research addresses the study of the effect of regional factors in the development of eco‐innovations in the firm. We assume the hypothesis of regional heterogeneity, that is, geographical factors and the regional heterogeneity play an important role in determining the innovations in the firms. In this line, we will approach our study from the perspective of regional innovation systems (RISs). Therefore, our research question involves the evaluation of regional factors as determinants of eco‐innovation developing in the firm. To examine these questions, the PITEC database that covers the period 2011–2013 was used. Overall, 5,461 firms have been employed for the ordinal logit regression model. This research contributes to the studies of eco‐innovation, extending the investigation into drivers of eco‐innovation, and highlights the impact that RIS has on the eco‐innovative development in the firm. We find that regional interaction and regional characteristics are key elements for the development of eco‐innovation in firms. Thus, the density of companies in the region, the regional per capita income, and the existence of financing mechanisms are key elements for the eco‐innovative development in the firm.
Identifying and developing therapeutic principles for trauma‐focused work in person‐centred and emotion‐focused therapies
Authors: Murphy David , Elliott Robert , Carrick Lorna
Published: June 2019

Background

The aim of this research was to identify facilitative therapeutic principles in person‐centred and emotion‐focused therapy for working with traumatised clients in the early stages of therapy.

Methods

Four cases were selected from the Strathclyde Experiential Therapy for Social Anxiety archive: one good and one poor outcome case from each therapeutic approach. Outcomes were considered good and poor based on quantitative outcome measures. Each case met DSM‐IV‐TR diagnostic criteria for both PTSD and social anxiety. We developed a new method for the identification of therapeutic principles that offers an alternative to current approaches to competency identification. Our method uses a qualitative, bottom‐up inductive process analysis. The first three sessions from each case were transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers (one blinded to the outcomes); the third researcher acted as consultant. The transcripts were analysed by focusing on session episode structure and treatment principles.

Findings

Four trauma‐focused therapist principles were identified: (a) support early relationship building/alliance formation; (b) facilitate client identification and recognition of past events as trauma experiences; (c) facilitate work on traumatic sources of current experiential and interpersonal difficulties; and (d) offer self‐agency focused empathy.

Conclusions

We conclude that our approach identifies and provides a new method for establishing person‐centred experiential therapy principles for early trauma‐focused work. Further research is recommended, and limitations are discussed.
The massacre mentality and school rampage shootings in the United States: Separating culture from psychopathology
Authors: Whaley Arthur L.
Published: June 2019

School rampage shootings in the United States are becoming a common occurrence. The purpose of this article is place school rampage shooting in a broader cultural context. Specifically, in this article, I introduce the concept of the “massacre mentality” as a cultural manifestation of western and southern U.S. values. The massacre mentality is a state of mind in which the individual feels justified in committing indiscriminate killings in defence of honour, protection of property, assurance of absolute personal safety, or the elimination of challenges to the “natural order” from the perspective of the offender. A review of the social psychological literature will contrast the massacre mentality with related concepts of “culture of honour” and “sanctioned massacre.” The relationship between street violence, another major form of violence, and the massacre mentality is also addressed. A cultural analysis suggests that interactions between individual psychology in the form of U.S. regional values and sociocultural context of schools contribute to school rampage shootings more often than mental illness. The prevention of school rampage shootings will require the identification of students predisposed to adopt the values contributing to the massacre mentality and challenging social hierarchies by restructuring the context of schools, as well as changing cultural norms in the broader society. The ultimate goal is to create a U.S. culture where the massacre mentality is obsolete.
Diverse community contexts and community resources for sexual and gender minority youth: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Paceley Megan S. , Fish Jessica N. , Conrad Aaron , Schuetz Nikolaus
Published: June 2019

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth face marginalization and oppression on the basis of their SGM identity, and they often lack traditional support systems to deal with these minority stressors. SGM community resources may alleviate the impact of the stressors that SGM youth face, but these have not been studied in relation to the size and climate of SGM youth's communities. This mixed‐methods study examined the relationship between community size and the climate toward SGM individuals and the availability and utilization of SGM community resources. Survey findings indicate that nonmetropolitan communities were associated with less availability and utilization; hostile communities were associated with lower availability only. Interview findings reveal nuanced complexities on the relationship between community and resource provision. Implications for future research and community practice are discussed.
IUPUI lieutenant becomes systemwide voice on Clery Act compliance
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2019

Last year's news that Lieutenant Heather Braun of the police department at Indiana University‐Purdue University Indianapolis had been named the country's Clery Compliance Officer of the Year in only the second year of the award came as a shock to the recipient. “I didn't even know I was nominated,” Braun recalled. “I thought, ‘I'm just sitting here doing my job.’”
Was university liable for student‐athlete's injury?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: June 2019

In the summer of 2011, University of Toledo freshmen football players participated in a conditioning and training program at the university's athletic facilities. Part of that program required all freshmen to complete activities ordered by upperclassmen.
Focus on setting example for others in college athletics
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: June 2019

Always keeping in mind that student‐athletes and aspiring athletics administrators are watching, Tamica Smith Jones has learned “to push through and overcome” the many obstacles and challenges she's encountered during her 20‐year career in college athletics. While she stayed focused on setting an example and paving a pathway for others, she also achieved significant success in her career, becoming athletics director at the University of California, Riverside, and being named a Women Leaders in College Sports Administrator of the Year for Division I.
Considerations of Trends in Heterogeneous Photocatalysis. Correlations between Conduction and Valence Band Energies with Bandgap Energies of Various Photocatalysts
Authors: Shtarev Dmitry S. , Shtareva Anna V. , Ryabchuk Vladimir K. , Rudakova Aida V. , Serpone Nick
Published: June 2019

A principal objective of our work was to illustrate the existence of unknown trends in the ECB=f(Ebg) and the EVB=f(Ebg) behavior for certain classes of compounds that also included a set of bismuthate photocatalysts; new trends may easily behiddenwithin more general trends. Indeed, when the data for the bismuthates are added to data related to novel visible‐light‐active (VLA) photocatalysts, the trend remains the same with high significance levels for the EVB=f(Ebg) linear correlation. Using well‐known data for complex (ternary) oxides, the search for new trends in the behavior of the ECB=f(Ebg) and the EVB=f(Ebg) dependences opens up the potential to develop new VLA photocatalysts. The feasibility of new desired trends can be estimateda prioriusing a modern theoretical analysis of the electronic structure of targeted semiconductors; note that new trends in the behavior of ECBand EVBversus bandgap energy EBGhave been established for CaBi6O10, Sr2Bi2O5, Sr3Bi2O6, and Sr6Bi2O11. We also re‐examined earlier symmetric‐type plots for a set consisting of a large number of simple (binary) and a set consisting of complex (ternary) metal oxides and find some significant differences. We herein report a novel trend in the empirical dependence of the energy positions of conduction bands (ECB) and valence bands (EVB) on bandgap energies (Ebg) for alkali earth metal bismuthate semiconductor photocatalysts for which we show that their dependences follow the linear functions ECB=A+BEbgand EVB=a+bEbg. However, contrary to earlier symmetric relationships of some metal oxides for whichA=a=1.23 eV,B=−0.5, andb=0.5 toward water splitting, the relationships found for the bismuthates show them to be asymmetric with negative slopes (B<0,b<0) and a converging pointA=a=4.5 eV. Also re‐examined are the earlier symmetric‐type plots for a set consisting of a large number of simple (binary) and a set consisting of complex (ternary) metal oxides and find some significant differences. Variations in both slopes (B<0 andb>0) and the converging point (1.4 eV<A=a<2.0 eV) is demonstrated. The photoactivity of some strontium bismuthates is predicted toward the photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2from the novel trend in behavior of their bands’ energy positions relative to their bandgap energies.
Copper‐Assisted Synthesis of Novel Pyrazolo[3,4‐d]thiazoles
Authors: Ostache Nicu‐Cosmin , Hiebel Marie‐Aude , Fînaru Adriana‐Luminiţa , Guillaumet Gérald , Suzenet Franck
Published: June 2019

Based on both the chemical and the biological importance of the pyrazole and the thiazole backbones, we report herein a convenient design of new pyrazolo[3,4‐d]thiazoles for the development of molecules with a high therapeutic potential. The effective and appropriate strategy chosen consists of an intramolecular copper‐catalysed N‐arylation followed by the Liebeskind‐Srogl cross‐coupling reaction. The efficiency of copper and palladium catalysts for the first step of the synthesis was evaluated. These efforts allowed the synthesis of a variety of modulated heterobicycles.