bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Consumption Pattern of Adolescents in Delhi-NCR Born Full Term with Low Birth Weight with Reference to the New Estimated Average Requirement
Authors: Malik Anku , Gusain Yamini , Pathak Renuka , Kumar Geeta Trilok
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Nutrition and lifestyle transition in India have attributed to the burden of malnutrition in early life. Evidence suggests that children born Low Birth Weight (LBW) are at increased risk of later life diseases. Aim: The study aims to describe the nutrient intake of term LBW children with reference to the new estimated average requirement. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted in the premises of Institute of Home Economics, Delhi. Dietary intake data for 139 term LBW children (9-12 years) was collected using 24-hour recall. Nutrient and food group intake was analysed using Diet Cal (version 10). Gender differences in dietary intake were assessed using Mann-Whitney U test. Proportion of children with micronutrient intake below Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) was also estimated. Data was analysed using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. Results: The protein intake of more than 50% children provided 10-15% of energy. Carbohydrate contributed to less than 55% of day’s energy while energy from fat was more than 30% for majority of children. Percentage of children with inadequate micronutrient intake ranged from 44.6% for Vitamin C to 100% for Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. A high proportion of children had low consumption of green leafy vegetables, nuts, oilseeds, and fleshy foods. The intake of milk and milk products were significantly higher in boys as compared to girls (p=0.02). Conclusion: There is a transition from carbohydrate dense foods to high fat processed foods that are inadequate in micronutrients. Findings highlight the need for an intensive public health approach to improve the diet quality of the Indian population.
Giant Malignant Phyllodes Tumour of Breast- A Clinical Dilemma and Surgical Challenge
Authors: Yelamanchi Raghav , Gupta Nikhil , Gupta Dhruv , Durga CK
Published: August 2021

Phyllodes tumour is an uncommon tumour of the breast. It is fibroepithelial in origin and mostly benign. Giant phyllodes tumours are described as tumours with size more than 10 cm and are extremely rare. Differentiating malignant and benign tumours pathologically is difficult and needs clinical judgement and high index of suspicion. A 50-year-old female presented with complaint of swelling in the left breast. On further evaluation, it was diagnosed as phyllodes tumour on biopsy. She underwent left mastectomy and excision of pectoralis major muscle due to clinical and radiological suspicion of malignancy. Postoperative histopathology report revealed malignant phyllodes tumour. Cases of giant phyllodes tumour should undergo adequate imaging and image guided biopsy with high index for suspicion for malignancy. They should be operated as per the principles of oncosurgery as there is a high probability of such huge tumours harboring malignancy.
Is DtPa the Gold Standard for Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation in Voluntary Kidney Donors before and after Donor Nephrectomy?
Authors: Bahirani Prashant , Talwar Raghav , Singh Amit Kumar , Prasad Ajay Shankar , Singh Gagandeep , Solanki Nimit , Dixit Prashant Kumar
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Precise assessment of renal function of voluntary kidney donors has important implications for both donor and recipient health outcome. The ideal test for assessment of overall renal function is measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Various centres use various creatinine based formulae to calculate the GFR, however when compared to GFR measurements by 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) isotope clearance, their performance remain inconclusive. Aim: To assess the efficacy of creatinine-based GFR estimating equations in comparison to DTPA scan in voluntary kidney donors before and after donor nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 voluntary kidney donors who underwent donor nephrectomy at Army Hospital (R&R), New delhi. This study was conducted from November 2016 to March 2018 as a single centre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study on living related kidney donors with follow up at 1 and 3 months after kidney donation. The predictive capabilities of GFR estimation by Cockroft Gault (CG) equation, CG equation corrected for GFR and 24-hour urine Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) corrected for Body Surface Area (BSA), for both pre- and postdonor nephrectomy at 90 days, were assessed and further compared with DTPA-GFR as reference GFR. Individual quantitative parameters were compared using Student t test. For the normally distributed GFR data, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was also calculated. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24.0, software and MS Excel were used for analysis. Results: Out of 50 subjects studied, 38 (76%) were females and 12 (24%) were males. Majority of donors were spouses. The mean GFR measured by 99mTc-DTPA scan was 99.47±14.4 ml/min/1.73m2 and 62.1±11.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 pre and postdonation respectively. All the equations being evaluated in this study underestimated the GFR as measured by 99mTc DTPA renal scan prior to kidney donation whereas GFR estimation postdonor nephrectomy by CG CrCl and CG GFR overestimated the GFR values while Urine CrCl underestimated it. Conclusion: All the equations performed unsatisfactorily. Even the best performing equation urine-CrCl was also found to be suboptimal for donor evaluation. More accurate methods of GFR estimation, should, thus be used keeping the potential risks of living kidney donation in perspective.
Effect of Diluted Vasopressin vs Saline on Intraoperative Blood Loss during Vaginal Hysterectomy- A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Nimodia Vinika , Jain Sandhya , Rajaram Shalini , Tyagi Asha , Gupta Bindiya
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Vasopressin has been used to control blood loss in gynaecological surgeries such as in myomectomy, abdominal hysterectomy etc. Only few studies have demonstrated its efficacy in Vaginal Hysterectomy (VH) in reducing intraoperative blood loss. VH is frequently performed gynaecological surgery in safe lower dose of vasopressin. There is no consensus on dose of infiltration. Aim: To compare submucosal vasopressin vs saline infiltration during VH and assess surgical parameters i.e., intraoperative blood loss, postinfiltration vitals, ease of dissection, use of electrocautery, need of blood transfusion and complications. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled trial was done in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with Department of Anaesthesia from November 2017 to April 2019. Low risk women aged <65 years with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification-Stage (POP-Q stage) III/IV prolapse were recruited from Outpatient Department (OPD). They were randomised into two groups. Group I (n=35) patients received submucosal infiltration with diluted vasopressin (40mL vasopressin of 0.1U/mL, total 4U), prior to the incision. Group II (n=35) patients received 40cc of normal saline. Vitals were checked at one and five minutes postinfiltration. All the qualitative parameters were compared between the two groups by chi-square test and quantitative parameters by unpaired t-test. Inter and intragroup comparison was done by Repetitive Measure ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. For the parameters, which did not follow the Gaussian distribution, were compared by non-parametric Mann-Whitney test between the two groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. All the data analysis was carried out in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: The mean estimated blood loss from incision till creation of flaps was half in vasopressin group as compared to saline group (21.33 mL vs 49.67 mL, p-value=0.001). Vasopressin group had less use of electrocautery, whereas ease of dissection was more in saline group. There was no significant difference in duration of surgery till flap creation and need of blood transfusion. There was fall in pulse rate and Blood Pressure (BP) in both groups which did not require medical intervention and was likely due to neuraxial anaesthesia. Conclusion: Vasopressin appears to be safe and effective in VH at infiltration dose of four units in dilution. However further studies on larger sample size are recommended to gather more evidence in this regard.
Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnancy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sibia Preetkanwal , Kaur Navneet , Sibia Raminderpal Singh , Kaur Sarabhjit , Kaur Anupreet
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global public health crisis. Pregnant women are known to be disproportionately affected by respiratory illnesses, which are associated with increased infectious morbidity and high maternal mortality rates. Aim: To study the management of COVID-19 in pregnancy and its perinatal outcome. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department from March 2020 to September 2020. To evaluate the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy and to determine the maternal and fetal outcomes in COVID-19 positive patients. In order to evaluate the pattern of caesarean and vaginal deliveries in COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients, chi-square test was done. Results: A total of 150 COVID-19 positive patients were admitted to the COVID-19 labour room and out of them 142 (94.67%) were antenatal and 8 (5.33%) were postnatal. Total number of the deliveries in this period was 80 (53.33%) and out of them vaginal deliveries were 35 (23.33%) and caesarean section were 45 (30%). A 6 (7.50%) babies with poor Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration (APGAR) score were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and 70 (87.50%) had good APGAR after delivery, four had Intrauterine Death (IUD). Conclusion: The pregnant women with suspected COVID-19 who need medical care should be transferred to a hospital equipped with sufficient health facilities and fully trained clinicians to take proper care of critically ill obstetric patients for effective management.
The Nature of Postharvest Losses of Rice among Rice Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State Nigeria
Authors: Okadonye Emmy Owoicho , Idyorough Alamveabee Efihraim , Gomez David , Korinjoh Mluna Charles
Published: August 2021

This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The study specifically examined the stages of the postharvest losses of rice. A sample of 399 rice producers were drawn in Makurdi using the Taro Yamane formula. Quantitative data collection techniques were used to elicit information from respondents. The findings from the study revealed that, the nature postharvest losses of rice start from harvest to consumption stage, with threshing recording the highest loss of 27%. However, the total losses from all the stages are between 37%-40%. The study therefore recommended sensitization of farmers through the relevant agricultural agencies on postproduction of rice, establishment of reserves for the preservation of rice, linking farmers with agro-processing equipment available in state or those at national research institute at an affordable price, plus farmers to take advantage of cooperatives to benefit from agricultural projects establish by the government.
Applications of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Knowledge Management (KM) Concepts in Defect Identification: A Case of Cable Manufacturing
Authors: U-Dominic Chukwuebuka M. , Ujam James C. , Igbokwe Nkemakonam
Published: August 2021

Compromised Insulation thickness of a cable product is essentially linked to several quality problems ranging from energy leakage, electric shocks and increased chances of electrocution incidence, loss of customer goodwill, difficulty in product usage, material waste, etc. However, identifying the cause of this extrusion defect is a lengthy process due to complexities in extrusion coating processes and its economic effect is harsh on organization's financial bottom line. The extrusion complexities and the financial implications of compromised cable products require the need for a systematic decision approach in identifying vital defect causes for proper containment. A multi-criteria decision-making approach-AHP was deployed to solve similar real-life quality problems in cable manufacturing. With the aid of the decision technique, a hierarchy of decision was modeled and defect causes were properly identified and prioritized based on the members aggregated judgments on Insulation thickness failures. The technique has helped the case organization in having a deeper understanding of their process by guiding the interest of their improvement team towards vital defect warnings while acknowledging the possible influence of the trivial many.
An Empirical Analysis of Consumers’ Perceptions of Privacy Protection
Authors: Sambada Jagdish N. , Bhayani Sanjay
Published: August 2021

This study explores how consumers perceive privacy protection and how their perceptions differ by different demographic factors like gender, profession, education and marital status. The study focuses on one of the dimensions of privacy which is privacy protection. In India studies have been done to understand consumer attitudes and concern towards privacy issues but relationship between demographic variables and consumers’ perception of privacy issues have not been researched. The descriptive research design is being used to study the formulated problem. Non-Probability convenient Random sampling technique has been used for research. Chi-square test has been used to test the relationship as the variables under study are categorical. Findings of the study revealed that when it comes to safety of personal information on smartphones profession as a demographic variable has significant effect on consumers’ perception of privacy protection. Marital status as a demographic variable also has effect on consumers’ perception of privacy protection on social networking websites. Married respondents are seen to be more apprehensive of their privacy protection on social networking websites. As most of the customers do not hesitate in sharing their personal information with service providers it has positive implications for the companies.
Effect of Varying NPK 15-15-15 Fertilizer Application Rates on Growth and Yield of Cucumis melo L. (Muskmelon)
Authors: Aluko Matthew
Published: August 2021

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is cultivated for the nutritional and medicinal values. Information on nutrient requirements which is important components of improved cultural practices for production. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria in the rainy seasons of 2017 and 2018. This study aims to evaluate the growth and yield responses of muskmelon to varying rates of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer rates (0, 167, 333 and 500 kg ha-1) in a randomized complete block design. Data were collected on growth parameters, number and weight of fruits. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means separated with Duncan's multiple range test. NPK fertilizer rates increased vegetative growth and fruit yield linearly. Muskmelon's response to varying rates of NPK 15-15-15 followed the same trend in the two seasons, and fertilizer application reduced day to flowering significantly. The 500 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer produced a significantly higher number of fruits ha-1, but 333 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer produced higher quality fruits culminating in higher fruit yield (17.3 t ha-1) and therefore recommended.
Sierpinski Carpet and Chaos in the Periodic Table of the Elements
Authors: Hojatkashani Leila
Published: August 2021

Fractals are self-similar geometric pattern which can be found in nature. They have applications in mathematic, electronic, architecture. Fractal sets also can be used to create chaotic systems. This work is about applying Sierpinski carpet order on the periodic table of the elements to create a new pattern for the chemical elements. Fibonacci numbers and Math lab software are used to transform a linear system to three spiral systems. This new pattern which is consisted of three layers shows that the flows among chemical elements are based on Archimedes spiral equation The purpose of this study is to show Sierpinski carpet order in the periodic table of the chemical elements and also there can be a chaos even in chemical elements.
Food Production and Quality in Agriculture in 2018 and 2019
Authors: Shimada B. S. , Simon M. V. , Cunha L. Do. S.
Published: August 2021

Food is the basis of human survival, and one of the Brazilian sectors that stands out the most is the agricultural sector, which in 2019 fed about 728,658 million people in the world. food, which has been taking care to produce quality and safe food. The objective of this work is to carry out a brief literature review on food production and quality in agriculture in 2018 and 2019, describing and characterizing the importance of agriculture in food production and food quality. This study was developed following the methodology based on literature review and relevant research on food production and quality in agriculture in 2018 and 2019, with the aim of characterizing the importance of agriculture in the production and quality of food. Many changes occur in the production of food in agriculture through the adopted technologies, enabling the large production of food that the country has, being one of the largest producers. However, it is still insufficient to supply food for the entire population, making agriculture an essential link for food, but it has been experiencing difficulties in increasing its production, due to environmental and management factors, impacting crop yields, and how the consumer started to demand a higher quality and safer food, care is needed in the production of quality and safe food. Agriculture is essential for feeding the population and the food sector depends on its production, in the years 2018 and 2019 it is clear that crop productivity still has to increase, and due to consumer demands, food production is necessary quality and insurance.
Identification of reliable reference genes for quantitative real‐time PCR analysis of the Rhus chinensis Mill. leaf response to temperature changes
Authors: Chen Yanchao , Luo Biao , Liu Chuwei , Zhang Zhengfeng , Zhou Chi , Zhou Ting , Peng Guoping , Wang Xujun , Li Waichin , Wu Chuan , Rao Liqun , Wang Qiming
Published: August 2021

Rhus chinensis Mill. (RCM) is the host plant of Galla chinensis, which is valued in traditional medicine. Environmental temperature directly determines the probability of gallnut formation and RCM growth. At present, there is no experiment to systematically analyse the stability of internal reference gene (RG) expression in RCM. In this experiment, leaves that did not form gallnuts were used as the control group, while leaves that formed gallnuts were used as the experimental group. First, we conducted transcriptome experiments on RCM leaves to obtain 45 103 differential genes and functional enrichment annotations between the two groups. On this basis, this experiment established a transcriptional gene change model of leaves in the process of gallnut formation after being bitten by aphids, and RCM reference candidate genes were screened from RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data. This study is based on RCM transcriptome data and evaluates the stability of 11 potential reference genes under cold stress (4 °C) and heat stress (34 °C), using three statistical algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper). The results show that GAPDH1 + PP2A2/UBQ are stable reference genes under heat stress, while GAPDH1 + ACT are the most stable under cold stress. This study is the first to screen candidate reference genes in RCM and could help guide future molecular studies in this genus.
Evaluating the impact of prescription isodose line on plan quality using Gamma Knife inverse planning
Authors: Xu Qianyi , Kubicek Gregory , Mulvihill David , Goldman Warren , Eastwick Gary , Turtz Alan , Fan Jiajin , Luo Dershan
Published: August 2021

The impact of selection of prescription isodose line (IDL) on plan quality has not been well evaluated during inverse planning (IP). In this study, a total of 180 IP plans at five levels of IDL were generated for 30 brain metastases (BMs). For each BM, one round of IP was performed with typical IP settings, followed by a quick fine‐tuning to ensure the same target coverage and comparable conformality index. The impact of the IDL on the quality metrics (selectivity, gradient index [GI], and treatment time) was evaluated. The decrease of selectivity and increase of GI meant inferior target dose conformality and more dose spillage. Additionally, a metric directly correlated to the treatment time was proposed. For all cases, the mean GI decreased monotonically as IDL decreased from 70% to 30%, and the decreasing rate was significantly different based on tumor size. The mean selectivity and number of shots decreased monotonically as IDL decreased for all the tumors. From 70% to 30% IDL, the decreasing rate of the mean selectivity was 2.8% (p = 0.020), 7.7% (p = 0.005), and 15.4% (p = 0.020) and that of the number of shots was 75.4% (p = 0.001), 73.2% (p = 0.001), and 50.7% (p = 0.009), for the large, medium, and small tumors, respectively. For the medium and small tumor groups, the mean treatment time increased monotonically when IDLs decreased (increasing rate was 80.0% [p = 0.002] for medium tumors [p = 0.001] and 130.8% [p = 0.001] for small tumors from 70% to 30%). For the large tumors, the mean treatment time was the shortest at 50% IDL (59.0 min) and higher at 70% (65.9 min) and 30% (71.9 min). Overall, the GammaPlan chose smaller sectors for plans with lower IDLs except for the large size group.
Trend analysis of the dosimetric impact of anatomical changes during proton therapy for maxillary sinus carcinoma
Authors: Narita Yuki , Kato Takahiro , Ono Takashi , Oyama Sho , Yamazaki Yuhei , Ouchi Hisao , Takemasa Kimihiro , Murakami Masao
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Anatomical changes, such as shrinkage and aeration, can affect dose distribution in proton therapy (PT) for maxillary sinus carcinoma (MSC). These changes can affect the dose to the target and organs at risk (OARs); however, when these changes occur during PT is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the dosimetric impact of anatomical changes during PT.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen patients with MSC were enrolled in this study. Initial PT plans were generated based on initial computed tomography (CT) images. Several repeat CT images were obtained to confirm anatomical changes during PT. Evaluation PT plans were generated by copying initial PT plans to repeat CT images. The dose differences of the target and OARs were evaluated by comparing both the plans.

Results

At 3–4 weeks after the initiation of PT, the target volume reduced by approximately 10% as compared with the initial volume. Consequently, the target volumes gradually varied until the end of treatment. The value of V95(volume that received 95% of the prescription dose) in the clinical target volume of the evaluation PT plan was similar to that of the initial PT plan. However, the dose to OARs, such as the contralateral optic nerve, contralateral eyeball, brainstem, and optic chiasm, increased significantly from the middle to the later phases of the treatment course. In contrast, there was a slight dose difference in the ipsilateral optic apparatus.

Conclusion

The trend analysis in this study showed that anatomical changes appeared 3–4 weeks after the start of PT, and the dose to the OARs tended to increase. Therefore, it is recommended to check the status of tumor 3–4 weeks after the start of treatment to avoid the deterioration of dose distribution due to these changes.
Spontaneous Topological Magnetic Transitions in NdCo5 Rare‐Earth Magnets
Authors: Zuo Shulan , Liu Jun , Qiao Kaiming , Zhang Ying , Chen Jie , Su Na , Liu Yanli , Cao Jun , Zhao Tongyun , Wang Jingmin , Hu Fengxia , Sun Jirong , Jiang Chengbao , Shen Baogen
Published: August 2021

Particle‐like magnetic textures with nanometric sizes, such as skyrmions, are potentially suitable for designing high‐efficiency information bits in future spintronics devices. In general, the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions and dipolar interactions are the dominant factors for generating nonlinear spin configurations. However, to stabilize the topological skyrmions, an external magnetic field is usually required. In this study, the spontaneous emergence of skyrmions is directly observed, together with the unique successive topological domain evolution during the spin reorientation transition in a neodymium–cobalt (NdCo5) rare‐earth magnet. On decreasing the temperature, nanometric skyrmion lattices evolve into enclosed in‐plane domains (EIPDs) similar to mini bar‐magnets with size below 120 nm. The internal magnetization rotates with magnetic anisotropy, demonstrating the ability to manipulate the mini bar‐magnets. The nanoscale EIPD lattices remain robust over the wide temperature range of 241–167 K, indicating the possibility of high‐density in‐plane magnetic information storage. The generation of spontaneous magnetic skyrmions and the successive domain transformation in the traditional NdCo5 rare‐earth magnet may prompt application exploration for topological magnetic spin textures with novel physical mechanisms in versatile magnets.
Long‐Term‐Stable Strong Second Harmonic Generation in Flexible DAST−PVDF Composite Films Realized by the Interface Interactions
Authors: Cheng Xiaomeng , Xu Xiangdong , Zhang Mingang , Gu Yu , Wang Ququan , Qiu Yunhang , Fan Ting , Jiang Yadong , Xu Jimmy
Published: August 2021

In this work, novel composite films that are composed of guest 4‐N,N‐dimethylamino‐4′‐N′‐methyl‐stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) and host polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer are prepared. Results show that these guest‐host composite films offer the advantages of strong second harmonic generation (SHG), scalability, flexibility, and long‐term stability. The SHG pumped at 800 nm in the poled, thermally annealed, and phase‐matched DAST−PVDF composite films are four orders of magnitude stronger than that of a pure PVDF film, or 300 times stronger than that of a potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystal. Particularly, the interface interactions of the electrostatic interactions and the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds between DAST and PVDF improve the conjugation of π electrons and molecular ordering of DAST, making the NLO properties of the composites tunable with the ratio of DAST:PVDF. And consequently, the high SHG of the DAST−PVDF composite films can remain stable even after exposure to air for three years.
Optimizing the Magnetocuring of Epoxy Resins via Electromagnetic Additives
Authors: Chaudhary Richa , Chaudhary Varun , Suda Yoshiyuki , Ramanujan Raju V. , Steele Terry W. J.
Published: August 2021

Magnetocuring of adhesives refers to the curing of an epoxy + Curie temperature controlled magnetic nanoparticles (CNP) composite using a suitable alternating magnetic field. The controlled heating of the CNP results in remote, wireless curing without resin overheating. However, typical CNP possess only a fraction of the heat output of ferric oxide nanoparticles, quantified as the specific absorption rate (SAR). Previous investigations of epoxy + CNP adhesives revealed a SAR of 5 W.g−1, which is 10–100× less than that of ferric oxides. Here, it is demonstrated that SAR can be improved to up to 60 W.g−1 by tuning CNP composition and by the addition of carbon allotropes (CA) within the resin. Heat generation and dissipation can be also regulated by electromagnetic shielding, resin conductivity, and viscosity. Nanocoils and nanotubes of CA result in improved heating profiles of epoxy thermosets. Magnetocured composites achieve activation within 180 s due to the improved SAR and addition of CA. Remarkably, under optimized conditions, a relatively stable one‐pot adhesive was formed by magnetocuring of epoxy + CNP + CA composites without a hardener.
Pressure Engineering for Extending Spectral Response Range and Enhancing Photoelectric Properties of Iodine
Authors: Li Zonglun , Li Haiyan , Liu Nana , Du Mingyang , Jin Xilian , Li Quanjun , Du Yi , Guo Lin , Liu Bingbing
Published: August 2021

Constantly exploring and improving the photoelectric properties of functional materials is of paramount importance for the development of the optoelectronics industry. Herein, a new strategy to extend the spectral response range and enhance the photoelectric properties of functional materials using high pressure is presented. In addition, the successful application of this strategy to the regulation of the photoelectric properties of 2D layered semiconductor iodine is reported. The maximum photocurrent is four orders of magnitude higher than that measured under initial pressure, with visible‐light illumination. Impressively, the light‐response range of iodine is successfully extended to the near‐infrared (1064 nm) with the application of pressure, and the photoresponse properties are also significantly enhanced with compression. These dramatically enhanced photoelectric activities are attributed to charge delocalization as well as an increased charge density in the regions between parallel molecules, which occur as a result of pressure‐induced charge transfer in the iodine molecules. These findings can be extended to guide the modification of the spectral response range and photoelectric properties of other functional materials.
Fertilizer source and chitosan effect on productivity, nutrient accumulation, and phenolic compounds of Thymus daenensis Celak
Authors: Bistgani Zohreh Emami , Hashemi Masoud , Hamid Rasmieh
Published: August 2021

Productivity of medicinal and aromatic plants refers to their biomass and the target chemical constituents' quantity. A 2‐yr field study was laid out as a split‐plot to evaluate the effectiveness of the exogenous chitosan and fertilizer type on biomass, biochemical characteristics, and phenolic compounds of Thymus daenensis Celak. (denaian thyme, from the mint family). Mainplots consisted of fertilizer type, including synthetic fertilizer (Syn), cow manure (CM), vermicompost (VC), and a combined fertilizer. Foliar application of chitosan at three concentrations (0, 200, and 400 mg L–1) was allocated to subplots. Thyme responded differently, based on its stage of growth. In the establishing year, Syn, and 400 mg L–1 chitosan produced 2,047 kg ha–1dry matter. In the harvesting year, maximum biomass (2,853 kg ha–1) was obtained from the combined fertilizer and 400 mg L–1 chitosan. Accumulation of nutrients was in the order of K > N > P. The highest nutrient accumulation was obtained when combined fertilizer was used. Exogenous chitosan at the rate of 400 mg L–1 boosted nutrient density in leaves. Inboth growing seasons, all phenolic compounds were influenced by fertilizer and chitosan application. Cinnamic acid and rosmarrenic acid were the major phenolic compounds. In the establishment year, major and minor phenolic compounds were highest when CM was applied. Phenolic compounds reached their peak concentration in the harvest year in combined fertilizer treatment. The interactive effects of fertilizer and chitosan on phenolic compounds were minimal in both growing seasons. Combined organic and Syn and chitosan seemed an effective strategy to improve biomass yield, phenolic compounds, and nutrient density in thyme.
Victor McKusick and his short course
Authors: Wray Charles , Cox Gregory , Valle David
Published: August 2021

The Short Course in Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics (aka the “Short Course” or the “Bar Harbor course”) is one of Victor McKusick's landmark contributions to medical genetics. Conceived in 1959 as a way to increase the contribution of genetic advances to medicine, it has directly affected more than 7000 students and 600 participating faculty from around the world. Now, more than 10 years after his death, it continues to be a vibrant disseminator of genetics, and genomics knowledge for medicine, a catalytic agent for ongoing research and a source of collegiality in our field. What an extraordinary gift!
Rhodium‐Catalyzed meta‐Selective C−H Carboxylation Reaction of 1,1‐Diarylethylenes via Hydrorhodation‐Rhodium Migration
Authors: Saito Takanobu , Caner Joaquim , Toriumi Naoyuki , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: August 2021

A meta‐selective C−H carboxylation reaction of 1,1‐diarylethylene derivatives with CO2 by using a rhodium catalyst with NaOiPr as a stoichiometric reductant has been achieved. Together with hydrogenation of the ethylene moiety, a carboxyl group was introduced to the meta‐position of the aryl ring with high selectivity over the ortho‐positions. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies indicate that this carboxylation reaction proceeds via hydrorhodation on the ethylene moiety, followed by 1,4‐rhodium migration and successive 1,2‐rhodium migration on the aryl ring. The use of a bulky phosphine ligand seems to be the key to this unusual aryl‐to‐aryl 1,2‐rhodium shift.
Crystalline‐Phase‐Recognition‐Induced Domino Phase Transition and Luminescence Switching for Advanced Information Encryption
Authors: Zhang Zhizhuan , Lin Yangpeng , Jin Jiance , Gong Liaokuo , Peng Yingchen , Song Ying , Shen Nannan , Wang Zeping , Du Kezhao , Huang Xiaoying
Published: August 2021

Herein, a new mechanism, namely, crystalline phase recognition (CPR), is proposed for the single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) transition of metal halides. Chiral β‐[Bmmim]2SbCl5 (Bmmim=1‐butyl‐2,3‐methylimidazolium) can recognize achiral α‐[Bmmim]2SbCl5 on the basis of a key–lock feature through intercontact of their single crystals, resulting in a domino phase transition (DPT). The concomitant photoluminescence (PL) switching enables observation of the DPT in situ. The liquid eutectic interface, stress–strain transfer, and feasible thermodynamics are key issues for the CPR. DFT calculations and PL measurements revealed that the optical absorption and emission of the isomers mainly originate from [SbCl5]2− anions. The structural effects (e.g., supramolecular interactions and [SbCl5]2− distortion) on the optical emission are clarified. As a novel type of stimuli response, the CPR‐induced DPT and luminescence switching exhibit potential for application in advanced time‐resolved information encryption.
Cation‐Exchange‐Induced Metal and Alloy Dual‐Exsolution in Perovskite Ferrite Oxides Boosting the Performance of Li‐O2 Battery
Authors: Cong Yingge , Geng Zhibin , Zhu Qian , Hou Hongwei , Wu Xiaofeng , Wang Xiyang , Huang Keke , Feng Shouhua
Published: August 2021

A temperature‐controlled cation‐exchange approach is introduced to achieve a unique dual‐exsolution in perovskite La0.8Fe0.9Co0.1O3−δ where both CoFe alloy and Co metal are simultaneously exsolved from the parent perovskite, forming an alloy and metal co‐decorated perovskite oxide. Mossbauer spectra show that cation exchange of Fe atoms in CoFe alloy and Co cations in the perovskite is the key to the co‐existence of Co metal and CoFe alloy. The obtained composite exhibits an enhanced catalytic activity as Li‐O2 battery cathode catalysts with a specific discharge capacity of 6549.7 mAh g−1 and a cycling performance of 215 cycles without noticeable degradation. Calculations show that the combination of decorated CoFe alloy and Co metal synergistically modulated the discharge reaction pathway that improves the performance of Li‐O2 battery.
Direct Photoexcitation of Ethynylbenziodoxolones: An Alternative to Photocatalysis for Alkynylation Reactions**
Authors: Amos Stephanie G. E. , Cavalli Diana , Le Vaillant Franck , Waser Jerome
Published: August 2021

Ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs) are commonly used as radical traps in photocatalytic alkynylations. Herein, we report that aryl‐substituted EBX reagents can be directly activated by visible light irradiation. They act as both oxidants and radical traps, alleviating the need for a photocatalyst in several reported EBX‐mediated processes, including decarboxylative and deboronative alkynylations, the oxyalkynylation of enamides and the C−H alkynylation of THF. Furthermore, the method could be applied to the synthesis of alkynylated quaternary centers from tertiary alcohols via stable oxalate salts and from tertiary amines via aryl imines. A photocatalytic process using 4CzIPN as an organic dye was also developed for the deoxyalkynylation of oxalates.
Segmented Polyurethanes and Thermoplastic Elastomers from Elemental Sulfur with Enhanced Thermomechanical Properties and Flame Retardancy
Authors: Kang Kyung‐Seok , Phan Anthony , Olikagu Chisom , Lee Taeheon , Loy Douglas A. , Kwon Minho , Paik Hyun‐jong , Hong Seung Jae , Bang Joona , Parker Wallace O. , Sciarra Monia , de Angelis Alberto R. , Pyun Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

The production of elemental sulfur from petroleum refining has created a technological opportunity to increase the valorization of elemental sulfur by the creation of high‐performance sulfur based plastics with improved thermomechanical properties, elasticity and flame retardancy. We report on a synthetic polymerization methodology to prepare the first example of sulfur based segmented multi‐block polyurethanes (SPUs) and thermoplastic elastomers that incorporate an appreciable amount of sulfur into the final target material. This approach applied both the inverse vulcanization of S8 with olefinic alcohols and dynamic covalent polymerizations with dienes to prepare sulfur polyols and terpolyols that were used in polymerizations with aromatic diisocyanates and short chain diols. Using these methods, a new class of high molecular weight, soluble block copolymer polyurethanes were prepared as confirmed by Size Exclusion Chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and microscopic imaging. These sulfur‐based polyurethanes were readily solution processed into large area free standing films where both the tensile strength and elasticity of these materials were controlled by variation of the sulfur polyol composition. SPUs with both high tensile strength (13–24 MPa) and ductility (348 % strain at break) were prepared, along with SPU thermoplastic elastomers (578 % strain at break) which are comparable values to classical thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). The incorporation of sulfur into these polyurethanes enhanced flame retardancy in comparison to classical TPUs, which points to the opportunity to impart new properties to polymeric materials as a consequence of using elemental sulfur.
Application of graphene structure/polyurethane membrane in pervaporative desulfurization
Authors: Peng Ping , Lan Yongqiang , Zhang Qinman , Luo Juxiang
Published: August 2021

Pervaporation (PV) desulphurization based on membrane technology has a great perspective for sulfur removal from transportation fuels. Herein, a unique two‐dimensional structure material–graphene egg yolk‐shell nanostructure (GYSNs) with high‐specific surface area and high dispersibility was prepared. In addition, the resultant GYSNs was incorporated into polyurethane (PU) matrix to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The MMMs were adopted to permselectively pervaporate thiophene with a thiophene/n‐octane solution as the model gasoline system and presented an elevated overall desulfurization performance as compared to the pristine PU membrane. Effects of GYSNs loading and operational variables including feed sulfur concentration, feed temperature, and operating time on the desulfurization performance were discussed. It was found that the MMMs with 0.8 wt% GYSNs loading had a permeation flux of 1411 g·m−2·h−1 and an enrichment factor of 4.32 at 303 K for PV desulfurization of a 1312 ppm thiophene/n‐octane mixture. Noteworthy was that the as‐fabricated MMMs displayed long‐term operation stability. This is a positive step forward for practical applications of MMMs in gasoline desulfurization.
Study of theself‐healingproperties of agedasphalt‐binderregenerated using residualsoybean‐oil
Authors: Zhang Xiaorui , Zhou Xinxing , Zhang Fan , Ji Wei , Otto Frédéric
Published: August 2021

To improve the self‐healing properties and reduce the reaction energy barrier during the self‐healing process of aged asphalt‐binders, this study utilized residual oil extracted from soybean to regenerate the aged asphalt‐binder and enhance its rheological properties including the self‐recovery potential. The self‐healing properties from the reaction energy barrier and chemical structure were characterized using molecular dynamic simulations. In addition, the rheological properties were measured and quantified using the dynamic shear rheometer test device. From the study results, the least reaction energy (30.16 kcal·mol−1) barrier registered during the self‐healing process of the regenerated asphalt‐binder occurred at 5.8 wt% residual Soybean‐oil, and was thus, deemed as the optimum oil content. The results further indicated that the residual soybean‐oil had a significant influence on the spatial configuration of the molecules in the aged asphalt‐binder, particularly on the saturates and aromatics components. Overall, the study findings indicated that residual Soybean‐oil can potentially reduce the reaction energy barrier of aged asphalt‐binders and enhance the self‐healing properties including fatigue life.
Highly Dispersed CoNi Alloy Embedded in N‐doped Graphitic Carbon for Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Biomass‐derived Furfural
Authors: Wu Jun , Yan Xinyue , Wang Wenrui , Jin Ming , Xie Yuhang , Wang Chengbing
Published: August 2021

The development of efficient, stable, and cost‐effective heterogeneous catalysts for catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of biomass‐derived furfural (FAL) is highly desired. Herein, series of N‐doped graphitic carbon embedded CoNi bimetallic alloy nanoparticles were fabricated and used for the CTH of FAL to value‐added furfuryl alcohol (FOL) with renewable isopropanol as hydrogen donor. Intrinsic catalytic activity examination indicated the catalytic performance of NixCoy@NGC (x:y=1 : 3, 1 : 1, 3 : 1) nanocatalysts were sensitive to their chemical compositions. The optimal Ni1Co1@NGC nanocatalyst with Ni/Co mole ratio of 1 : 1 afforded a largest FOL yield of 89.3% with nearly full conversion of FAL. The synergistic effect enabled by bimetallic alloys and the abundant N‐based Lewis base sites and surface Co−N active species were revealed based on systematic structural characterization, responsible for the excellent catalytic efficiency of bimetallic Ni1Co1@NGC nanocatalyst for CTH of FAL.
Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers via Transition Metal Catalysed C−H Bond Activation
Authors: Chua Ming Hui , Png Zhuang Mao , Zhu Qiang , Xu Jianwei
Published: August 2021

Transition metal catalysed C−H bond activation chemistry has emerged as an exciting and promising approach in organic synthesis. This allows us to synthesize a wider range of functional molecules and conjugated polymers in a more convenient and more atom economical way. The formation of C−C bonds in the construction of pi‐conjugated systems, particularly for conjugated polymers, has benefited much from the advances in C−H bond activation chemistry. Compared to conventional transition‐metal catalysed cross‐coupling polymerization such as Suzuki and Stille cross‐coupling, pre‐functionalization of aromatic monomers, such as halogenation, borylation and stannylation, is no longer required for direct arylation polymerization (DArP), which involve C−H/C−X cross‐coupling, and oxidative direct arylation polymerization (Ox‐DArP), which involves C−H/C−H cross‐coupling protocols driven by the activation of monomers’ C(sp2)−H bonds. Furthermore, poly(annulation) via C−H bond activation chemistry leads to the formation of unique pi‐conjugated moieties as part of the polymeric backbone. This review thus summarises advances to date in the synthesis of conjugated polymers utilizing transition metal catalysed C−H bond activation chemistry. A variety of conjugated polymers via DArP including poly(thiophene), thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione)‐containing, fluorenyl‐containing, benzothiadiazole‐containing and diketopyrrolopyrrole‐containing copolymers, were summarized. Conjugated polymers obtained through Ox‐DArP were outlined and compared. Furthermore, poly(annulation) using transition metal catalysed C−H bond activation chemistry was also reviewed. In the last part of this review, difficulties and perspective to make use of transition metal catalysed C−H activation polymerization to prepare conjugated polymers were discussed and commented.
Moment‐based analysis of pinning synchronization in complex networks
Authors: Xiang Linying , Yu Yanying , Zhu Jiawei
Published: August 2021

In this paper, pinning synchronization of complex networks is investigated from a moment‐based analysis approach. The analytical expressions for the first three expected moments of the coupling and control matrix for an ER random graph, a Chung‐Lu random network, and an NW small‐world network are derived, respectively. The shape of the eigenvalue distribution of the coupling and control matrix can be estimated based on the obtained expected moments and thus used to predict pinning synchronization in the network. It is shown that the expected moments are associated with the local structural properties of the network and the control mechanism. This allows us to bound the smallest and largest eigenvalues of the spectral distribution without computing the Laplacian eigenvalues of a large‐scale network. Numerical simulations of the above three representative networks composing of chaotic systems, respectively, are shown for illustration and verification.
Front‐line treatment patterns in multiple myeloma: An analysis of U.S.‐based electronic health records from 2011 to 2019
Authors: Kumar Shaji , Williamson Mellissa , Ogbu Uzor , Surinach Andy , Arndorfer Stella , Hong Wan‐Jen
Published: August 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) treatment options have evolved rapidly, but how new agents are incorporated into treatment decisions in current practice is not well understood. This study examined prescribing trends of physicians treating newly diagnosed MM and treatment outcomes in the United States. Electronic health record data from 6271 adult patients diagnosed with MM and receiving initial treatment between 1 January 2011 and 31 January 2020 were derived from the Flatiron Health electronic‐health record de‐identified database. The number/types of agents included in therapy regimens, time to next treatment (TTNT), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Subgroups were analyzed by the International Staging System (ISS) disease stage at diagnosis, stem cell transplant eligibility and timing, and practice type. Exploratory prognostic models evaluated the association between baseline covariates and time‐to‐event outcomes. The proportion of patients receiving triplet therapies increased from 2011 (36%) to 2019 (72%) as those receiving initial monotherapy or doublet therapy decreased. Overall, the most prevalent triplet regimen consisted of an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), a proteasome inhibitor, and a steroid. From 2017 to 2019, median TTNT from front‐line to second‐line was longer in patients with ISS stage I versus stages II/III, and in those receiving IMiD‐containing doublet or triplet therapies versus other combinations. Overall median OS was 56 months and increased from 2011 to 2014, after which median OS was not yet reached. Age, ISS stage, and high‐risk status were prognostic for both OS and TTNT, while sex, practice type, and ECOG status were prognostic for OS only.