bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Aluminium Phosphide on Some Nutrients and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Arachis hypogaea
Authors: Nweze Chibuzo Carole , Sunday Haruna Gambo , Dallah Aminu , Danjuma Tsalla Belove
Published: January 2021

Aims: To comparatively study the effect of aluminium phosphide preservative on some nutrientional and anti-nutritional factors in Arachis hypogaea.

Study Design:  Randomized design

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Nasarawa State University, Keffi between May and August, 2019.

Methodology:  Two portions of A. hypogaea weighing 500g each, were obtained, one portion preserved with Aluminium phosphide tablet while the second portion was without any preservative. The preservation lasted for 30 days after which the A. hypogaea was blended using a mechanical blender before analysis for nutritional and anti-nutritional compositions.

Result: The proximate compositions were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the NAPP than APP except the fiber (03.01±0.06 mg/100 g; 03.80±0.06 mg/100 g) and ash (01.00±0.06 mg/100 g; 02.23±0.06 mg/100 g). Carbohydrates (07.40±0.06 mg/100 g; 03.48±0.06 mg/100 g), protein (19.93±0.06 mg/100 g; 14.94±0.06 mg/100), fat (74.60±0.06 mg/100g; 68.08±2.75 mg/100 g), and moisture content (06.40±0.06 mg/100 g; 3.00±0.06 mg/100 g). Exception of phosphorus (65.00±0.06mg/100g; 63.00±0.06mg/100g), the minerals concentration was significantly(p<0.05) higher in NAPP compared to APP. Iron (76.20±0.06 mg/100 g; 62.00±0.06 mg/100 g), potassium (38.01±0.06mg/100 g; 26.20±0.06mg/100g), manganese (26.02±0.06mg/100g; 15.10±0.06 mg/100 g), magnesium (11.00±0.06mg/100g; 06.00±0.06 mg/100 g), calcium (82.10±0.06 mg/100 g; 72.00±0.06 mg/100 g) and zinc (25.01±0.06 mg/100 g; 14.01±0.06 mg/100 g).The anti-nutritional factors showed significant difference (p<0.05) higher in tannin (9.33±0.69 mg/100 g;   1.90±0.02 mg/100 g), oxalate (32.50±0.60 mg/100 g; 42.50±.60 mg/100 g), phytate (16.72±0.60 mg/100 g; 5.48±0.60 mg/100 g), alkaloid (16.72±0.60 mg/100g; 5.48±0.60 mg/100 g) and saponins (40.74±0.60 mg/100 g; 38.20±0.60 mg/100 g) except cyanide (0.02±0.00 mg/100 g; 0.02±0.00 mg/100 g).

Conclusion: The study showed that aluminium phosphide negatively affected the nutritional profile of A. hypogaea. Thus, the effect of aluminium phosphide should be further investigated in vivo.
Real‐World Six‐ and Twelve‐Month Drug Retention, Remission, and Response Rates of Secukinumab in 2,017 Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis in Thirteen European Countries
Authors: Michelsen Brigitte , Georgiadis Stylianos , Di Giuseppe Daniela , Loft Anne G. , Nissen Michael J. , Iannone Florenzo , Pombo‐Suarez Manuel , Mann Herman , Rotar Ziga , Eklund Kari K. , Kvien Tore K. , Santos Maria J. , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Codreanu Catalin , Yilmaz Sema , Wallman Johan K. , Brahe Cecilie H. , Möller Burkhard , Favalli Ennio G. , Sánchez‐Piedra Carlos , Nekvindova Lucie , Tomsic Matija , Trokovic Nina , Kristianslund Eirik K. , Santos Helena , Löve Thorvardur J. , Ionescu Ruxandra , Pehlivan Yavuz , Jones Gareth T. , van der Horst‐Bruinsma Irene , Ørnbjerg Lykke M. , Østergaard Mikkel , Hetland Merete L.
Published: January 2021

Objective

There is a lack of real‐life studies on interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) inhibition in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We assessed real‐life 6‐ and 12‐month effectiveness (i.e., retention, remission, low disease activity [LDA], and response rates) of the IL‐17 inhibitor secukinumab in PsA patients overall and across 1) number of prior biologic/targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs), 2) years since diagnosis, and 3) European registries.

Methods

Thirteen quality registries in rheumatology participating in the European Spondyloarthritis Research Collaboration Network provided longitudinal, observational data collected as part of routine care for secondary use. Data were pooled and analyzed with Kaplan‐Meier plots, log rank tests, Cox regression, and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 2,017 PsA patients started treatment with secukinumab between 2015 and 2018. Overall secukinumab retention rates were 86% and 76% after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Crude (LUNDEX adjusted) 6‐month remission/LDA (LDA including remission) rates for the 28‐joint Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis, the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level, and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) were 13%/46% (11%/39%), 36%/55% (30%/46%), and 13%/56% (11%/47%), and 12‐month rates were 11%/46% (7%/31%), 39%/56% (26%/38%), and 16%/62% (10%/41%), respectively. Clinical Disease Activity Index remission/LDA rates were similar to the SDAI rates. Six‐month American College of Rheumatology 20%/50%/70% improvement criteria responses were 34%/19%/11% (29%/16%/9%); 12‐month rates were 37%/21%/11% (24%/14%/7%). Secukinumab effectiveness was significantly better for b/tsDMARD‐naive patients, similar across time since diagnosis (<2/2–4/>4 years), and varied significantly across the European registries.

Conclusion

In this large real‐world study on secukinumab treatment in PsA, 6‐ and 12‐month effectiveness was comparable to that in previous observational studies of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Retention, remission, LDA, and response rates were significantly better for b/tsDMARD‐naive patients, were independent of time since diagnosis, and varied significantly across the European countries.
Latest Progress on Photoabsorbent Materials for Multifunctional Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Kini Gururaj P. , Jeon Sung Jae , Moon Doo Kyung
Published: January 2021

Semi‐transparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) have revolutionized the field of photovoltaics (PVs) due to their unique abilities, such as transparency and color tunability, and have transformed normal power‐harvesting OSC devices into multifunctional devices, such as building‐integrated photovoltaics, agrivoltaics, floating photovoltaics, and wearable electronics. Very recently, ST‐OSCs have seen remarkable progress, with a rapid increase in power conversion efficiency from below 7% to 12–14%, with an average visible transparency of 9–25%, especially due to the use of low bandgap semiconductors including polymer donors and non‐fullerene acceptors that exhibit absorption in the near‐infrared region as photoabsorbent materials. From this perspective, the latest developments in ST‐OSCs stemming from the innovations in photovoltaic materials that delivered multifunctional ST‐OSCs with top‐of‐the‐line power conversion efficiencies are discussed to shed light on the structure‐property relationship between molecular design and current challenges in this cutting‐edge research field. Finally, personal perspectives, including research directions for the future use of ST‐OSCs in multifunctional applications, are also proposed.
Extraordinary Magnetic Hardening in Nanowire Assemblies: the Geometry and Proximity Effects
Authors: Mohapatra Jeotikanta , Xing Meiying , Elkins Jacob , Beatty Julian , Liu J. Ping
Published: January 2021

Brown's theorem on coercivity of ferromagnetic materials has predicted that the coercivity level is substantially higher than in practice for all the materials studied in experiments in the past seven decades, which is known as the Brown's paradox. In this paper, a system with a coercivity close to the one predicted by Brown's theorem is investigated. Cobalt nanowires are obtained by chemical synthesis that give rise to coercive forces significantly higher than the magnetocrystalline anisotropy field, verifying the Brown's theorem. It is found that the coercivity is strongly dependent on the nanowire diameter, the alignment of the wires in an assembly, and the packing density of the assembly. An analysis based on the current experimental results and related literature reveals a coercivity ceiling in consideration of geometrical dimensions and the effective magnetic anisotropy. Quantitative information is obtained about the proximity effect on the coercivity and the magnetization which shows the correlation between the energy product and the packing density. Furthermore, it is found that by coating the nanowires with Fe, the energy density can be enhanced. These findings provide a guideline for materials design of future high‐performance permanent magnets that take advantage of shape anisotropy at the nanoscale.
New Frontiers in 3D Structural Sensing Robots
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Kim Tae‐Ho , Kim Woo Soo
Published: January 2021

Advanced robotics is the result of various contributions from complex fields of science and engineering and has tremendous value in human society. Sensing robots are highly desirable in practical settings such as healthcare and manufacturing sectors through sensing activities from human–robot interaction. However, there are still ongoing research and technical challenges in the development of ideal sensing robot systems. The sensing robot should synergically merge sensors and robotics. Geometrical difficulty in the sensor positioning caused by the structural complexity of sensing robots and their corresponding processing have been the main challenges in the production of sensing robots. 3D electronics integrated into 3D objects prepared by the 3D printing process can be the potential solution for designing realistic sensing robot systems. 3D printing provides the advantage to manufacture complex 3D structures in electronics in a single setup, allowing the ease of design flexibility, and customized functions. Therefore, the platform of 3D sensing systems is investigated and their expansion into sensing robots is studied further. The progress toward sensing robots from 3D electronics integrated into 3D objects and the advanced material strategies, used to overcome the challenges, are discussed.
Design, Fabrication, and Mechanism of Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene‐Based Photocatalyst
Authors: Bie Chuanbiao , Yu Huogen , Cheng Bei , Ho Wingkei , Fan Jiajie , Yu Jiaguo
Published: January 2021

Solving energy and environmental problems through solar‐driven photocatalysis is an attractive and challenging topic. Hence, various types of photocatalysts have been developed successively to address the demands of photocatalysis. Graphene‐based materials have elicited considerable attention since the discovery of graphene. As a derivative of graphene, nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) particularly stands out. Nitrogen atoms can break the undifferentiated structure of graphene and open the bandgap while endowing graphene with an uneven electron density distribution. Therefore, NG retains nearly all the advantages of original graphene and is equipped with several novel properties, ensuring infinite possibilities for NG‐based photocatalysis. This review introduces the atomic and band structures of NG, summarizes in situ and ex situ synthesis methods, highlights the mechanism and advantages of NG in photocatalysis, and outlines its applications in different photocatalysis directions (primarily hydrogen production, CO2reduction, pollutant degradation, and as photoactive ingredient). Lastly, the central challenges and possible improvements of NG‐based photocatalysis in the future are presented. This study is expected to learn from the past and achieve progress toward the future for NG‐based photocatalysis.
Lattice Matching Growth of Conductive Hierarchical Porous MOF/LDH Heteronanotube Arrays for Highly Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Wang Ying , Yan Liting , Dastafkan Kamran , Zhao Chuan , Zhao Xuebo , Xue Yingying , Huo Jiamin , Li Shuni , Zhai Quanguo
Published: January 2021

The conjugation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into different multicomponent materials to precisely construct aligned heterostructures is fascinating but elusive owing to the disparate interfacial energy and nucleation kinetics. Herein, a promising lattice‐matching growth strategy is demonstrated for conductive MOF/layered double hydroxide (cMOF/LDH) heteronanotube arrays with highly ordered hierarchical porous structures enabling an ultraefficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER). CoNiFe‐LDH nanowires are used as interior template to engineer an interface by inlaying cMOF and matching two crystal lattice systems, thus conducting a graft growth of cMOF/LDH heterostructures along the LDH nanowire. A class of hierarchical porous cMOF/LDH heteronanotube arrays is produced through continuously regulating the transformation degree. The synergistic effects of the cMOF and LDH components significantly promote the chemical and electronic structures of the heteronanotube arrays and their electroactive surface area. Optimized heteronanotube arrays exhibit extraordinary OER activity with ultralow overpotentials of 216 and 227 mV to deliver current densities of 50 and 100 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 34.1 mV dec−1, ranking it among the best MOF and non‐noble‐metal‐based catalysts for OER. The robust performance under high current density and vigorous gas bubble conditions enable such hierarchical MOF/LDH heteronanotube arrays as promising materials for practical water electrolysis.
Structure Design of Long‐Life Spinel‐Oxide Cathode Materials for Magnesium Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Shimokawa Kohei , Atsumi Taruto , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Imashuku Susumu , Wagatsuma Kazuaki , Nakayama Masanobu , Kanamura Kiyoshi , Ichitsubo Tetsu
Published: January 2021

Development of metal‐anode rechargeable batteries is a challenging issue. Especially, magnesium rechargeable batteries are promising in that Mg metal can be free from dendrite formation upon charging. However, in case of oxide cathode materials, inserted magnesium tends to form MgO‐like rocksalt clusters in a parent phase even with another structure, which causes poor cyclability. Here, a design concept of high‐performance cathode materials is shown, based on: i) selecting an element to destabilize the rocksalt‐type structure and ii) utilizing the defect‐spinel‐type structure both to avoid the spinel‐to‐rocksalt reaction and to secure the migration path of Mg cations. This theoretical and experimental work substantiates that a defect‐spinel‐type ZnMnO3 meets the above criteria and shows excellent cycle performance exceeding 100 cycles upon Mg insertion/extraction with high potential (≈2.5 V vs Mg2+/Mg) and capacity (≈100 mAh g−1). Thus, this work would provide a design guideline of cathode materials for various multivalent rechargeable batteries.
New Cost‐Effective Halide Solid Electrolytes for All‐Solid‐State Batteries: Mechanochemically Prepared Fe3+‐Substituted Li2ZrCl6
Authors: Kwak Hiram , Han Daseul , Lyoo Jeyne , Park Juhyoun , Jung Sung Hoo , Han Yoonjae , Kwon Gihan , Kim Hansu , Hong Seung‐Tae , Nam Kyung‐Wan , Jung Yoon Seok
Published: January 2021

Owing to the combined advantages of sulfide and oxide solid electrolytes (SEs), that is, mechanical sinterability and excellent (electro)chemical stability, recently emerging halide SEs such as Li3YCl6 are considered to be a game changer for the development of all‐solid‐state batteries. However, the use of expensive central metals hinders their practical applicability. Herein, a new halide superionic conductors are reported that are free of rare‐earth metals: hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) Li2ZrCl6 and Fe3+‐substituted Li2ZrCl6, derived via a mechanochemical method. Conventional heat treatment yields cubic close‐packed monoclinic Li2ZrCl6 with a low Li+ conductivity of 5.7 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 30 °C. In contrast, hcp Li2ZrCl6 with a high Li+ conductivity of 4.0 × 10−4 S cm−1 is derived via ball‐milling. More importantly, the aliovalent substitution of Li2ZrCl6 with Fe3+, which is probed by complementary analyses using X‐ray diffraction, pair distribution function, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy measurements, drastically enhances the Li+ conductivity up to ≈1 mS cm−1 for Li2.25Zr0.75Fe0.25Cl6. The superior interfacial stability when using Li2+xZr1−xFexCl6, as compared to that when using conventional Li6PS5Cl, is proved. Furthermore, an excellent electrochemical performance of the all‐solid‐state batteries is achieved via the combination of Li2ZrCl6 and single‐crystalline LiNi0.88Co0.11Al0.01O2.
First‐Cycle Oxidative Generation of Lithium Nucleation Sites Stabilizes Lithium‐Metal Electrodes
Authors: Huang Yu‐Kai , Pan Ruijun , Rehnlund David , Wang Zhaohui , Nyholm Leif
Published: January 2021

Although lithium‐metal electrodes have very high capacities, their use as negative electrodes in batteries is associated with stability and safety problems due to formation of dendrites, mossy as well as dead lithium. These problems generally result from the difficulty to ensure that the deposition and stripping of lithium occur homogeneously on the entire electrode surface. As a result, the lithium‐metal electrode is gradually transformed into a thick, porous, and poorly performing electrode. It is therefore essential to develop approaches that facilitate the attainment of homogeneous (i.e., 2D) lithium nucleation and growth. It is also important to note that if the lithium electrode is oxidized on the first half‐cycle, the formed oxidation pits will control the subsequent lithium deposition step. Herein, it is shown that the performance of lithium‐metal electrodes can be straightforwardly improved by introducing a short (e.g., 1 s long) potentiostatic pulse so that the first oxidation step takes place more homogeneously on the lithium surface. This surface activation step gives rise to a large number of preferential lithium nucleation sites facilitating the subsequent attainment of a uniform lithium deposition step. The experimental results indicate that this straightforward pulse approach can significantly increase the lifetime of lithium‐metal electrodes.
Electrolyte‐Triggered C5‐Selective Trifluoromethylation and Halogenation of 8‐Aminoquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Wang Kai , Hou Jiahao , Lv Yangjing , Wei Tingting , Bai Renren , Xie Yuanyuan
Published: January 2021

An efficient electrolyte‐triggered trifluoromethylation and halogenation at C5 position of 8‐aminoquinoline derivatives was developed, affording the C−H functionalization products in moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, the mild and green reactions had lower energy consumption and shorter times. Most importantly, both transition‐metal catalysts and oxidants were avoided.
Parity‐Induced Localization in Periodically Driven Ring Lattices
Authors: Li Liping , Wang Bo , He Qing , Zhang Xuehua , Ge Xianghong , Mei Shuanglin
Published: January 2021

Tunneling dynamics are investigated theoretically in ring shaped lattice with a site shifted periodically with respect to the others. A surprising finding on parity‐induced localization suggests that localization in the driven ring lattice can be generally divided into two types: odd‐parity‐induced localization and even‐parity‐induced localization, depending on the parity of number of quasi‐energy levels. Moreover, odd‐parity‐induced localization is proved to have its own distinct feature and it is not the crucial requirement to be an exact zero quasi‐energy state of classic dark state form for broad suppression of tunneling. These results deepen one's understanding about localization in a driven system and have great potential in the manipulation of quantum control.
Carbonbeton – Eine neue Verstärkungsmethode für Massivbrücken
Authors: Steinbock Oliver , Bösche Thomas , Schumann Alexander
Published: January 2021

Im Rahmen von Ertüchtigungsmaßnahmen eines Brückenzugs über die über die Nidda wurden im Jahr 2020 erstmals zwei Spannbetonbrücken mit Carbonbeton verstärkt. Bei den im Jahr 1971 errichteten Teilbauwerken wurde sogenannter Sigma‐Oval Spannstahl verbaut, der als spannungsrisskorrosionsgefährdet gilt. Die Straßenbrücken zeigten rechnerisch kein ausreichendes Ankündigungsverhalten im Sinne der Handlungsanweisung Spannungsrisskorrosion, sodass ein plötzliches Versagen den Verkehrsteilnehmer gefährdete. Um dieses Defizit zu beheben, wurde eine Verstärkung notwendig. In Hinblick auf die exponierte Lage im Verkehrsnetz am Westkreuz Frankfurt a. M., stellte sich die Verstärkung mit Carbonbeton als die wirtschaftlichste und minimalinvasivste Verstärkungsmöglichkeit heraus. Nachfolgender Beitrag ist Bestandteil eines dreiteiligen Aufsatzes, der die notwendigen Planungsschritte und erste Erfahrungen aus der Ausführung zusammenträgt. In Teil 1 wurden neben den Grundlagen zur Spannungsrisskorrosion das Konzept und die Planungsschritte erläutert. Der nachfolgende zweite Teil stellt die Besonderheiten des Carbonbetons im Brückenbau dar und vergleicht diesen mit gängigen Verstärkungsmethoden. Teil 3 umfasst detaillierte Angaben zur Verstärkungsmaßnahme und erste Erfahrungen aus der baulichen Umsetzung.
Patient use of a self‐monitoring app during eating disorder treatment: Naturalistic longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lindgreen Pil , Lomborg Kirsten , Clausen Loa
Published: January 2021

Objective

To explore patients’ use of the self‐monitoring app Recovery Record during 26 weeks of naturalistic eating disorder treatment.

Methods

Selected patient characteristics at baseline were explored as predictors of app use using linear regression. Patients were grouped according to diagnosis (anorexia versus bulimia), and mixed‐effects analyses were used to explore differences in app use between diagnoses across four time periods (weeks 1–4; weeks 5–8; weeks 9–12; weeks 13–26).

Results

Eighty‐four patients were included of which 41 had anorexia and 43 had bulimia. The total number of logs varied greatly (mean (SD): 592 (628.50)), and patient app activity almost ceased at week 13. Increasing age and no previous eating disorder treatment predicted increased app activity (p = .007; p = .039, respectively). Patients with anorexia logged over four times more often than patients with bulimia in the last time period (median (CI): 4.27 (1.28;14.31); p = .018). Time predicted declining app use (all p ≤ .007).

Conclusion

Future research on long‐term app engagement should investigate associations between patients’ app use and changes in their eating disorder symptom severity over time.
High‐Resolution DNA Dual‐Rulers Reveal a New Intermediate State in Ribosomal Frameshifting
Authors: Mao Yujia , Lin Ran , Xu Shoujun , Wang Yuhong
Published: January 2021

Ribosomal frameshifting is an important pathway used by many viruses for protein synthesis that involves mRNA translocation of various numbers of nucleotides. Resolving the mRNA positions with subnucleotide precision will provide critical mechanistic information that is difficult to obtain with current techniques. We report a method of high‐resolution DNA rulers with subnucleotide precision and the discovery of new frameshifting intermediate states on mRNA containing a GA7G motif. Two intermediate states were observed with the aid of fusidic acid, one at the “0” reading frame and the other near the “−1” reading frame, in contrast to the “−2” and “−1” frameshifting products found in the absence of the antibiotic. We termed the new near‐“−1” intermediate the Post(−1*) state because it was shifted by approximately half a nucleotide compared to the normal “−1” reading frame at the 5’‐end. This indicates a ribosome conformation that is different from the conventional model of three reading frames. Our work reveals uniquely precise mRNA motions and subtle conformational changes that will complement structural and fluorescence studies.
Twilight‐specific light cues
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Fraccaro Chiara
Published: January 2021

Key Points

The TWILIGHT‐SYNERGY subgroup analysis demonstrated comparable safety and efficacy of the bioabsorbable polymer (BP) everolimus‐eluting stent versus durable polymer DES in high‐risk patients undergoing PCI, as well as advantage of 3 months DAPT followed by ticagrelor monotherapy, as compared with long term DAPT, in term of ischemic and hemorrhagic profile irrespective of DES type.

This study confirms and extends previous evidences about safety profile of BP‐DES and short term DAPT also in high risk patients.

Future studies should focus on further technological improvements and on particular clinical setting where these devices could prove potential superiority.
Between a rock and a hard place: Orbital atherectomy for under‐expanded stents
Authors: Grines Cindy L , Yen Andrew
Published: January 2021

Key Points

Stent under‐expansion (rather than intimal hyperplasia) may be the cause of in‐stent restenosis.

Later expansion of coronary stents that were not fully deployed initially, can be difficult.

Atherectomy is one method of facilitating late stent expansion, but too few patients have been treated to determine the risk benefit ratio.
Cluster and building block structure of amylopectin from waxy maize starch
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Qian Jin , Liu Di , Sun Mengwen , Chen Hui , Kong Xiangli , Qiu Dan
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the fine structure of amylopectin of waxy maize starch, which has been widely used in industry for producing modified starch, such as the esterification with octenyl succinic anhydride.

Findings

Waxy maize starch was hydrolyzed with α‐amylase for 3.5 hr to obtain structural clusters. The clusters were further treated with phosphorylase α and β‐amylase in order to remove all the outer chains. The internal structure of waxy maize starch was determined by high‐performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC–PAD). Results showed that one single cluster contained ~ 10.9 chains, on average, and the density of branching was 15.7. The ϕ,β‐limit dextrin of clusters from waxy maize starch were treated with a concentrated solution of α‐amylase to produce small and tightly branched units, and six different structural groups were defined. The average DP of branched building blocks was 10.9, and the number of chains for building block units was 2.8.

Significance and novelty

The fine structure of waxy maize starch, including the structural characteristic of cluster and building block, will provide some basic structural information for the reason why the functional properties of the starch derivatives achieved by the specific starch is superior to others.
Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow from rectal cancer: A case report
Authors: Yoshida Kenta , Oyama Takao , Takahata Takenori , Kudo Sae , Sato Yuki , Saito Taro , Mikami Takafumi , Itabashi Chieko , Soma Yasushi , Fukuda Shinsaku
Published: January 2021

A 66‐year‐old man presented with worsening dyspnea. A colonoscopy revealed an elevated lesion at the rectosigmoid junction. The biopsy specimen and bone marrow aspiration demonstrated adenocarcinoma, leading to a diagnosis of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow. Because chemotherapy proved effective, he survived until 333 days after admission.
Improving the Electrocatalytic Activities and CO Tolerance of Pt NPs by Incorporating TiO2 Nanocubes onto Carbon Supports
Authors: Antoniassi Rodolfo M. , Quiroz Jhon , Barbosa Eduardo C. M. , Parreira Luanna S. , Isidoro Roberta A. , Spinacé Estevam V. , Silva Julio C. M. , Camargo Pedro. H. C.
Published: January 2021

Designing efficient anode CO‐tolerant electrocatalysts is critical in low‐temperature fuel cell catalysts fueled either by H2/CO or alcohol. We demonstrate that the incorporation of TiO2 nanocubes (TiO2NCs) on Carbon Vulcan supports, followed by the synthesis of Pt NPs at their surface (Pt/TiO2NCs‐C material), led to improvements in performance towards the electrooxidation of carbon monoxide, ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol in acidic media relative to the commercial Pt/C and Pt/TiO2‐C counterparts employing commercial TiO2. The nanocubes enabled changes in the electronic properties of Pt NPs while contributing to the bifunctional mechanism as compared to Pt/C and Pt/TiO2‐C with commercial TiO2. Fuel cell experiments fed with H2/CO steam showed that Pt/TiO2NCs‐C employing nanocubes was resistant to CO‐poisoning, yielding superior performance in operational conditions. The results reported herein have important implications for developing electrocatalysts with superior performances in PEMFCs.
Design and Synthesis of Conductive Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Their Composites for Supercapacitors
Authors: Yue Ting , Xia Chenfeng , Liu Xiaobang , Wang Zhitong , Qi Kai , Xia Bao Yu
Published: January 2021

Supercapacitors possess important prospects in power supply, owing to the characteristics of fast charging/discharging and long cycling life. As emerging materials, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are the cutting‐edge electrode active materials for supercapacitors due to their good conductivity, tunable pore structure, as well as diverse composition. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent progress in MOF electrodes for supercapacitors. We focus on the synthesis of intrinsically conductive MOFs constructed from different organic linkers and adjustable metal ions, and the preparation of conductive MOF composites hybridized with conducting materials (conducting polymers and carbons). Following the discussion of both different types of conductive MOFs and their composites in supercapacitors, the challenges, and opportunities of conductive MOF electrodes for supercapacitors are further prospected at the end of this contribution, which would provide some valuable insights in facilitating the use of MOF materials in energy‐storage applications.
The Quantitative Influence of Coordinated Halogen Atoms on the Catalytic Performance of Bisiminoacenaphthylnickel Complexes in Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Yang Wenhong , Meraz Mostakim , Fidelis Timothy Tizhe , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: January 2021

In experiments, nickel bromine complexes usually show a better catalytic performance in ethylene polymerization compared to their nickel chlorine analogues. Therefore, the present modeling study has been performed to investigate the effect of coordinated halogen atoms on the catalytic performances of two bisiminoacenaphthyl nickel systems, namely, Ni−Br and Ni−Cl. By using the multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA), the catalytic activity can be well predicted by the descriptors of effective net charge (Qeff) and bite angle (β), with correlation coefficient R2 values over 0.91. Meanwhile, the molecular weights of polyethylene are predicted by the descriptors of Qeff and open cone angle (θ). The calculated contributions of each descriptor show that the electronic effect is the predominant factor in Ni−Br system, while the steric effect becomes the dominant factor in Ni−Cl system. The different determined effect is expected to the main reason for the different catalytic performance between two Ni systems.
Metabolic studies of hypoxia‐inducible factor stabilisers IOX2, IOX3 and IOX4 (in vitro) for doping control
Authors: Philip Moses , Mathew Binoy , Karatt Tajudheen K. , Perwad Zubair , Subhahar Michael Benedict , Karakka Kal Abdul Khader
Published: January 2021

The transcriptional activator hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) is a vital arbitrator in the performance of cellular responses lacking oxygen supply in aerobic organisms. Because these compounds are capable of enhancing the organism's capacity for molecular oxygen transport, they possess great potential for abuse as a performance‐enhancing agent in sports. A comprehensive study of the metabolic conversion of the most popular HIF stabilisers such as IOX2, IOX3 and IOX4 using equine liver microsomes (in vitro) is reported. The parents and their metabolites were identified and characterised by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in negative ionisation mode using a QExactive high‐resolution mass spectrometer. Under the current experimental condition, a total of 10 metabolites for IOX2 (three phase I and seven phase II), nine metabolites for IOX3 (four phase I and five phase II) and five metabolites for IOX4 (three phase I and two phase II) were detected. The outcome of the present study is as follows: (1) all the three IOX candidates are prone to oxidation, results in subsequent monohydroxylated, and some dihydroxylated metabolites. (2) Besides oxidation, there is a possibility of hydrolysis and de‐alkylation, which results in corresponding carboxylic acid and amide, respectively. (3) The glucuronide and sulphate conjugate of the parent drugs as well as the monohydroxylated analogues were observed in this study. The characterised in vitro metabolites can potentially serve as target analytes for doping control analysis.
Verifying the validity of creatinine measurement in low‐concentrated urine spot samples—Photospectrometry versus liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Franz Simon , Skopp Gisela , Dame Torsten , Musshoff Frank
Published: January 2021

One of the major challenges of testing drugs of abuse is the detection of highly diluted urine samples. The ingestion of a large amount of fluid can considerably reduce the concentration of substances, possibly resulting in inaccurate drug testing. For detection, determination of urinary creatinine is a widely established procedure. In this study, results from the most popular methods, including photospectrometry (Jaffe) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), have been compared regarding 327 urine abstinence control samples. Because samples with creatinine concentrations close to the cutoff of 20 mg/dL are of particular interest, only samples below 50 mg/dL were considered. Results revealed a close correlation of creatinine concentrations by both analytical methods with an R2 value of 0.9005. A mean concentration difference of 3.30 ± 3.45 mg/dL was observed, indicating a moderate underestimation by the Jaffe reaction. Graphical analyses showed high accordance between both methods with only a few outliers. Due to easy handling and for economic reasons, the spectrometric method is often preferred over LC–MS/MS. For urine samples with creatinine concentrations close to the cutoff, confirmation through a second method should be performed to avoid a possible disadvantage or even severe consequences for the respective individual. It is recommended that each laboratory establishes a reliable verification method.
3D Printing of Next‐generation Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices: from Multiscale to Multimaterial
Authors: Xu Xi , Tan Yong Hao , Ding Jun , Guan Cao
Published: January 2021

The increasing energy requirements to power the modern world has driven active research into more advanced electrochemical energy storage devices (EESD) with both high energy densities and power densities. Wide range of newly discovered materials with promising electrochemical properties has shown great potential for next‐generation devices, but their performance is normally associated with contradicting demands of thin electrodes and high mass loading that can be hardly achieved for practical applications. Design of three‐dimensional (3D) porous electrodes can increase the mass loading while maintaining the effective charge transport even with thick electrodes, which has proven to be efficient to overcome the limitations. 3D structures have also been demonstrated excellent structural stability to withstand strong strains and stresses generated during charge/discharge cycle. 3D printing, which can fabricate various delicate and complex structural designs, thus offering brand‐new opportunities for the rational design and facile construction of next‐generation EESDs. The recent developments in 3D printing of next‐generation EESDs with high performance are reviewed. Advanced/multiscale electrode structures, such as hierarchically porous structure that can be constructed via high‐resolution 3D printing or with post‐treatment, are further emphasized. The ability of current 3D printing techniques to fulfill multimaterial printing to fulfill simple packaging will be covered.
Proton Conductivity in {Mo72Fe30}‐Type Keplerate
Authors: Tandekar Kesar , Singh Chandani , Supriya Sabbani
Published: January 2021

Proton conductivity studies for Keplerate cluster containing compound, [Mo72Fe30O252(CH3COO)12{Mo2O7(H2O)}2{H2Mo2O8(H2O)}(H2O)91] ⋅ 150H2O (1) have been performed. Compound 1 exhibits a conductivity value of 1.85×10−3 S cm−1 under humidified (RH=50 %) and low temperature (<330 K) conditions. The water molecules, present in this system along with deprotonated (iron coordinated) water molecules of compound 1, are responsible for the movement of the protons within its discrete clusters in the relevant crystals, following Grotthuss mechanism.
Impact of climate on landscape form, sediment transfer and the sedimentary record
Authors: Harries Rebekah M. , Gailleton Boris , Kirstein Linda A. , Attal Mikael , Whittaker Alexander C. , Mudd Simon M.
Published: January 2021

The relationship between climate, landscape connectivity and sediment export from mountain ranges is key to understanding the propagation of erosion signals downstream into sedimentary basins. We explore the role of connectivity in modulating the composition of sediment exported from the Frontal Cordillera of the south‐central Argentine Andes by comparing three adjacent and apparently similar semi‐glaciated catchment‐fan systems within the context of an along‐strike precipitation gradient. We first identify that the bedrock exposed in the upper, previously glaciated reaches of the cordillera is under‐represented in the lithological composition of gravels on each of three alluvial fans. There is little evidence for abrasion or preferential weathering of sediment sourced from the upper cordillera, suggesting that the observed bias can only be explained by sediment storage in these glacially widened and flattened valleys of the upper cordillera (as revealed by channel steepness mapping). A detailed analysis of the morphology of sedimentary deposits within the catchments reveals catchment‐wide trends in either main valley incision or aggradation, linked to differences in hillslope–channel connectivity and precipitation. We observe that drier catchments have poor hillslope–channel connectivity and that gravels exported from dry catchments have a lithological composition depleted in clasts sourced from the upper cordillera. Conversely, the catchment with the highest maximum precipitation rate exhibits a high degree of connectivity between its sediment sources and the main river network, leading to the export of a greater proportion of upper cordillera gravel as well as a greater volume of sand.

Finally, given a clear spatial correlation between the resistance of bedrock to erosion, mountain range elevation and its covariant, precipitation, we highlight how connectivity in these semi‐glaciated landscapes can be preconditioned by the spatial distribution of bedrock lithology.

These findings give insight into the extent to which sedimentary archives record source erosion patterns through time.
Desiccation drives the growth of crystalline graphite in the cold mantle wedge: Evidence from the Achankovil Suture Zone, southern India
Authors: Zhang Cun , Santosh M. , Yu Xiaoyan , Rajesh V. J.
Published: January 2021

Carbon is constantly released from subducting slabs back to the atmosphere in the form of gases such as CO2 and CH4. This constitutes a source of greenhouse gases that can regulate atmospheric chemistry over geological timescales. However, the carbon carried by hydrothermal fluids released from slabs may be locked along their ascending paths for variably long periods of time. The processes involved in this chromatographic pathway remain unclear. Here we report the co‐occurrence of graphite and phlogopite in highly metasomatized rocks derived from the mantle wedge of a Late Neoproterozoic subduction zone in the Achankovil Suture Zone in southern India. Petrographic, isotopic, and fluid inclusion evidence suggests these rocks formed in an environment soaked in C‐bearing fluids derived from the subducting slabs. We propose that desiccation of slab‐derived fluids in contact with a dry mantle wedge is the main driver for this phenomenon, while redox change only plays a marginal role. Our work provides a perspective on the diversity of non‐traditional carbon graphitization pathways in the lithosphere. It shows that refractory forms of elemental carbon of abiotic origin may be ubiquitous in the cold mantle wedge.
Sex and Menopause Modify the Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotypes on Fibrosis in NAFLD
Authors: Wegermann Kara , Garrett Melanie E. , Zheng Jiayin , Coviello Andrea , Moylan Cynthia A. , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Chow Shein‐Chung , Guy Cynthia D. , Diehl Anna Mae , Ashley‐Koch Allison , Suzuki Ayako
Published: January 2021

The development of fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is influenced by genetics, sex, and menopausal status, but whether genetic susceptibility to fibrosis is influenced by sex and reproductive status is unclear. Our aim was to identify metabolism‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whose effect on NAFLD fibrosis is significantly modified by sex and menopausal status. We performed a cross‐sectional, proof‐of‐concept study of 616 patients in the Duke NAFLD Clinical Database and Biorepository. The primary outcome was nonalcoholic steatohepatitis–Clinical Research Network (NASH–CRN) fibrosis stage. Menopause status was self‐reported; age 51 years was used as a surrogate for menopause in patients with missing menopause data. The Metabochip was used to obtain 98,359 SNP genotypes in known metabolic pathway genes for each patient. We used additive genetic models to characterize sex and menopause‐specific effects of SNP genotypes on NAFLD fibrosis stage. In the main effects analysis, none of the SNPs were associated with fibrosis at P < 0.05 after correcting for multiple comparisons. Twenty‐five SNPs significantly interacted with sex/menopause to affect fibrosis stage (interaction P < 0.0001). After removal of loci in linkage disequilibrium, 10 independent loci were identified. Six were in the following genes: KCNIP4 (potassium voltage‐gated channel interacting protein 4), PSORS1C1 (psoriasis susceptibility 1 candidate 1), KLHL8 (Kelch‐like family member 8), GLRA1 (glycine receptor alpha 1), NOTCH2 (notch receptor 2), and PRKCH (protein kinase C eta), and four SNPs were intergenic. In stratified models, four SNPs were significant in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, three only in postmenopausal women, two in men and postmenopausal women, and one only in premenopausal women. Conclusion: We identified 10 loci with a significant sex/menopause interaction with respect to fibrosis. None of these SNPs were significant in all sex/menopause groups, suggesting modulation of genetic susceptibility to fibrosis by sex and menopause status. Future studies of genetic predictors of NAFLD progression should account for sex and menopause.
Three years’ experience of quality monitoring program on pre‐analytical errors in china
Authors: Kang Fengfeng , Li Weixing , Xia Xiaohua , Shan Zhiming
Published: January 2021

Background

Various errors in the procedure of specimen collection have been reported as the primary causes of pre‐analytical errors. The aim of this study was to monitor and assess the reasons and frequencies of rejected samples in China.

Methods

A pre‐analytical external quality assessment (EQA) scheme involving six quality indicators (QIs) was conducted from 2017 to 2019. Rejection rate was calculated for each QI. The difference of the rejection rates over the time was checked by Chi‐square test. Furthermore, the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of the results from total laboratories each year were calculated as optimum, desirable, and minimum level of performance specifications.

Results

In total, 423 laboratories submitted data continuously for six EQA rounds. The overall rejection rates were 0.2042%, 0.1709%, 0.1942%, 0.1689%, 0.1593%, and 0.1491%, respectively. The most common error was sample hemolysed (0.0514%–0.0635%), and the least one was sample not received (0.0008%–0.0014%). A significant reduction in percentages was observed for all QIs. For biochemistry and immunology, hemolysis accounted for more than half of the rejection causes, while for hematology, the primary cause shifted from incorrect fill level to sample clotted. The quality specifications had improved over time, except for the optimum level.

Conclusion

The significant reduction in error rates on sample rejection we observed suggested that laboratories should pay more attention to the standardized specimen collection. We also provide a benchmark for QIs performance specification to help laboratories increase awareness about the critical aspects in the need of improvement actions.
Application of Individualized PBPK Modeling of Rate Data to Evaluate the Effect of Hemodialysis on Nonrenal Clearance Pathways
Authors: Franchetti Yoko , Nolin Thomas D.
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to apply individualized, physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of 14CO2 production rates (iPBPK‐R) measured by the erythromycin breath test to characterize the effect of hemodialysis on the function of nonrenal clearance pathways in patients with end‐stage renal disease. Twelve patients previously received 14C‐erythromycin intravenously pre‐ and post‐hemodialysis. Serial breath samples were collected after each dose over 2 hours. Eight PBPK parameters were co‐estimated across periods, whereas activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 clearance was independently estimated for each period. Inhibition coefficients for organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP), P‐glycoprotein, and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 activities were also estimated. Nonrenal clearance parameter estimates were explored regarding sex differences and correlations with uremic toxins and were used in hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Relationships between the function of nonrenal clearance pathways and uremic toxin concentrations were explored. Mean CYP 3A4 clearance increased by 2.2% post‐hemodialysis. Uptake transporter activity was highly intervariable across hemodialysis. Females had 22% and 30% higher median CYP3A4 activity than males pre‐ and post‐hemodialysis, respectively. Exploratory HCA indicated that using both CYP3A4 and OATP activity parameters at pre‐ and post‐hemodialysis best identifies heterogeneous patients. This is the first study to use the iPBPK‐R approach to simultaneously estimate multiple in vivo nonrenal elimination pathways in individual patients with kidney disease and to assess the effect of hemodialysis.