bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive‐Induced Synergies of Defect Passivation and Energetic Modification toward Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xiong Shaobing , Hou Zhangyu , Dong Wei , Li Danqin , Yang Jianming , Bai Ruirong , Wu Yuning , Li Dong , Wu Hongbo , Ma Zaifei , Xu Jianhua , Liu Xianjie , Bao Qinye
Published: June 2021

Defect passivation via additive and energetic modification via interface engineering are two effective strategies for achieving high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, the synergies of pentafluorophenyl acrylate when used as additive, in which it not only passivates surface defect states but also simultaneously modifies the energetics at the perovskite/Spiro‐OMeTAD interface to promote charge transport, are shown. The additive‐induced synergy effect significantly suppresses both defect‐assisted recombination and interface carrier recombination, resulting in a device efficiency of 22.42% and an open‐circuit voltage of 1.193 V with excellent device stability. The two photovoltaic parameters are among the highest values for polycrystalline CsFormamidinium/Methylammonium (FAMA)/FAMA based n‐i‐p structural PSCs using low‐cost silver electrodes reported to date. The findings provide a promising approach by choosing the dual functional additive to enhance efficiency and stability of PSCs.
Optimal design of hierarchically structured ZSM‐5 zeolites for n‐hexane isomerization
Authors: Zhang Qunfeng , Liu Xinlei , Hu Shen , Ye Guanghua , Zhou Xinggui , Yuan Weikang
Published: June 2021

Although great progress has been made in the synthesis of hierarchically structured zeolites (HSZs), the optimal design of HSZs is still very challenging due to the lack of mathematical models. This work proposes a multiscale model that is able to describe mass transfer and reaction at crystal, pellet, and reactor levels, by directly coupling model equations at two neighboring levels. Two types of HSZ particles are considered, and n‐hexane isomerization catalyzed by Pt/ZSM‐5 is taken as a model reaction system. The results show that the diffusion limitations in both micropores and macro‐/meso‐pores can significantly reduce the conversion at reactor level. The trade‐off between diffusion limitations and quantity of catalytic materials determines the optimal structure of HSZ particles. The optimized HSZ particles can be 52.9–1021.4% larger in conversion than their conventional counterparts. This work provides a powerful model and some useful guidance for the design of industrial zeolite catalysts.
Multifunctional amphoteric resin to remove both anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solution
Authors: Coşkun Ramazan , Öncel Kadriye , Akköz Yasin
Published: June 2021

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a new amphoteric resin, which can be used for the removal of both cationic, methylene blue (MB) and anionic dyes, reactive red‐120 (RR‐120). The amphoteric resin was characterized by ATR‐FTIR, SEM–EDX, TGA/DTA, DLS, BET analysis and also its surface pHpzc was determined. The prepared resin has micro porous structure and its particle size was at the nano level. The prepared amphoteric resin showed high removal affinity for MB in both acidic and basic medium, while for RR‐120 high removal affinity in acidic medium. Moreover, it was observed that the amphoteric resin has exhibited almost 100% dye removal up to 600 ppm for MB and up to 300 ppm for RR‐120, respectively. The adsorption behavior of both dyes on the amphoteric resin is in agreement with the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo‐second order kinetic model and also electrostatic interaction is dominant in adsorption. Its capacity was slightly low for the MB than that of the commercial activated carbon, but higher for the RR‐120. Furthermore, it was observed that the amphoteric resin almost did not lose its high removal efficiency in the concentrated matrix environment for both dyes. After five repeated adsorption–desorption cycles, the high removal efficiency of the resin for the MB (almost 100%) unchanged, but for the RR‐120 decreased to 83%.
Gradient curing process in the mixed epoxy system and property analysis of the cured products
Authors: Jia Caixia , Li Jun , Wang Qian , Pu Lei , Li Zhixin , Cui Hang
Published: June 2021

To improve the high‐temperature mechanical properties of room temperature cured epoxy resin, a mixed curing agent was used and the curing process was studied under a temperature ramp. The tests including gelation time, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic thermomechanical analysis, and flexural strength were taken to evaluate the changes in pot life, reaction process, heat resistance, and mechanical properties, respectively. The analysis then focused on the extent of cure. Meanwhile, the effects of non‐reactive diluent on the curing process and product properties were analyzed. Results showed that the resin system containing the mixed curing agent possessed an exquisite characteristic when the temperature rose slowly to 363 or 393 K. The system could be preliminarily solidified in an hour and a half at normal temperature, and then in the heating‐up environment, curing reactions initiated by different types of curing agents took place, caused the curing degree to exhibit certain gradient and increase to greater than 95% quickly. The glass transition temperature and the mechanical stability at high testing temperatures of the cured products were therefore improved. When dibutyl sebacate was added into the system as the diluent, the curing reaction was postponed, the curing degree was slightly increased; however, the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties at high temperatures were apparently decreased.
Weight and weight control behaviors during long‐term endometrial cancer survivorship: Results of the Laparoscopic Approach to Cancer of the Endometrium long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Janda Monika , Forder Peta , Gebski Val , Sandjia Saira , Armfield Nigel , Obemair Andreas
Published: June 2021

Background

Overweight or obesity is common in endometrial cancer (EC). This study aimed to examine sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics associated with being discontent with current weight and use of weight control methods among long‐term EC survivors.

Methods

Women diagnosed with early‐stage EC who participated in the Laparoscopic Approach to Cancer of the Endometrium (LACE) trial (n = 516) were invited to complete a long‐term follow‐up survey at least 4.5 years after treatment. Chi‐square test and multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for time since surgery were used to determine factors associated with being discontent with current weight.

Results

On average 9 years after surgery, 190/259 (73%) of participants were currently discontent with their weight, and 146 (56%) had used one or more weight loss methods during the past 12 months. Women who were discontent with their weight were more likely to be younger than 70 years (p < 0.000), and used one or more weight loss methods ever or during the past 12 months (p < 0.000). Among the weight loss methods used, exercise (40.1%), meal reductions (52.7%), or fat/sugar reductions (48.5%) were much more commonly reported than fasting (2.6%) or designated weight loss programs (2.3%).

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that the majority of long‐term EC survivors in this clinical trial population are discontent with their weight and over half continue to use multiple methods to lose weight each year. These data indicate that health professionals and lifestyle educators need to assess weight issues, and develop a tailored plan to address the specific needs of long‐term survivors to assist them become content with their weight after treatment for EC.
Effective deployment of body‐worn cameras improves trust, transparency on campus
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: June 2021

Of all the technological tools available to law enforcement, few have become as widespread or proven to be as versatile as body‐worn cameras. When used appropriately, camera recordings are an almost indisputable record of events. According to data published by govtech.com, the adoption of BWCs began surging in 2015 thanks to a combination of government grant programs and a renewed focus on transparency in policing, particularly following the events of Ferguson, Missouri, in the preceding year.
Pulmonary sarcoidosis presenting as a solitary nodule mimicking lung cancer
Authors: Taketa Tomoyo , Nakamura Takahito
Published: June 2021

Nodular sarcoidosis is a rare form of sarcoidosis. It is difficult to differentiate from malignancy based on radiological findings. Histological examination is important, and sarcoidosis should be considered as differential diagnosis of solitary lung nodule.
Chemical Stability of Metal‐organic Frameworks for Applications in Drug Delivery
Authors: Bunzen Hana
Published: June 2021

Structural variety, tunable porosity and opportunities for functionalization make metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) promising materials for applications in medicine as drug delivery systems. In this minireview, an overview of chemical stability of MOF nanocarriers at simulated body conditions is presented. Parameters such as a choice of buffer, pH value, nanoparticle size or surface modification are discussed, as well as analytical methods and approaches suitable to determine the material stability. Last but not least, examples of tuning and improving the chemical stability of MOF nanoparticles for solution‐based drug delivery (oral and intravenous) are presented and examples of MOFs as pH‐responsive drug nanocarriers are given.
Functional Group Modification and Bonding Characteristics of Ti3C2 MXene‐Organic Composites from First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Wang Kexuan , Gao Haili , Wang Qinhua , Pan Xiaofeng , Fan Mizi
Published: June 2021

The unique physical structure and abundant surface functional groups of MXene make the grafted organic molecules exhibit specific electrical and optical properties. This work reports the results of first‐principles calculations to investigate the composite systems formed by different organic molecular monomers, namely acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), 1‐aziridineethanol (1‐AD) and glucose, and Ti3C2 MXene saturated with different functional groups, namely −OH, −O and −F. The results show that the interaction between organic molecules and the MXene surface depends on the type of functional groups of the organic molecules, while the strength of the interaction is determined by the type of surface functional groups and the number of hydrogen bonds. The bare Ti3C2 and Ti3C2(OH)2 can readily form strong chemical and hydrogen bonds with AA and AM molecules, leading to strong adsorption energy and a large amount of charge transfer, while the interaction between organic molecules and MXene saturated by −F or −O groups mainly exhibits physical interactions, accompanied by low adsorption energy and a small amount of charge transfer. This research provides theoretical guidance for the synthesis of high‐performance MXene organic composite systems.
Green Process Design for Reductive Hydroformylation of Renewable Olefin Cuts for Drop‐In Diesel Fuels
Authors: Püschel Sebastian , Störtte Sven , Topphoff Johanna , Vorholt Andreas J. , Leitner Walter
Published: June 2021

CO2‐neutral fuels are a way to cleaner and more sustainable mobility. Utilization of bio‐syngas via Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) synthesis represents an interesting route for the production of tailormade biofuels. Recent developments in FT catalyst research led to olefin‐enriched products, enabling the synthesis of alcohol‐enriched fuels by reductive hydroformylation of the C=C bond. Several alcohols have already proven to be suitable fuel additives with favorable combustion behavior. Here, a hydroformylation‐hydrogenation sequence of FT‐olefin‐paraffin mixtures was investigated as a potential route to alcohols. A liquid‐liquid biphasic system with a rhodium/3,3’,3’’‐phosphanetriyltris(benzenesulfonic acid) trisodium salt (TPPTS) catalyst system was chosen for effective catalyst recycling. After optimizing reaction conditions with a model substrate consisting of 1‐octene and n‐heptane the conversion of an actual olefin‐containing C5‐C10 FT product fraction to alcohols in continuously operated processes for 37 h was achieved with a total turnover number of 23679.
Pair of reports indicate global interest in graduate programs is up
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2021

A pair of research reports from the Graduate Management Admissions illustrate that while enrollment across many institutions in higher education is down, attitudes toward earning a graduate degree in certain specific fields are up among prospective students.
Disturbance interval modulates the starting point for vegetation succession
Authors: Gustafsson Lena , Johansson Victor , Leverkus Alexandro B. , Strengbom Joachim , Wikberg Sofie , Granath Gustaf
Published: June 2021

Increased frequency and new types of disturbances caused by global change calls for deepened insights into possible alterations of successional pathways. Despite current interest in disturbance interactions there is a striking lack of studies focusing on the implication of decreasing times between disturbances. We surveyed forest‐floor vegetation (vascular plants and bryophytes) in a Pinus sylvestris–dominated, even‐aged production forest landscape, unique because of the presence of stands under a precisely dated disturbance interval gradient, ranging from 0 to 123 yr between clearcutting and a subsequent megafire. Despite a dominance of early‐successional species in all burned stands 5 yr after fire, progression of succession was linked to time since the preceding clearcutting disturbance. This was most clearly seen in increased frequency with time since clearcutting of the dominant, late‐successional dwarf shrub Vaccinium myrtillus, with surviving rhizomes as an important mechanism for postfire recovery. Our results demonstrate the role of legacy species as significant drivers of succession. We conclude that the starting point for succession is modulated by disturbance interval, so that shortened intervals risk reducing development towards late‐successional stages. We suggest that a decrease in long successional sequences caused by more frequent disturbances may represent a general pattern, relevant also for other forest types and ecosystems.
Eastern Canada Flocks: images and manually annotated bird positions
Authors: Cruz Marcos , González‐Villa Javier , Lefebvre Josée , Gilliland Scott , St‐Pierre Francis , English Matthew , Lepage Christine
Published: June 2021

The Eastern Canada (ECA) Flocks data set consists of manually annotated images from the Common Eider (COEI, Somateria mollissima) Winter Survey and the Greater Snow Geese (GSGO, Anser caerulescens atlanticus) Spring Survey. The images were taken in eastern Canada using fixed‐wing aircraft and manually annotated with ImageJ’s Cell counter plugins. We selected and annotated the ECA Flocks images in order to test the precision of the CountEm flock size estimation method. ECA Flocks includes 179 COEI and 99 GSGO single flock images. We cut each image manually to a rectangle that excluded large parts of the image with no birds. Both versions (original and cut) of each image are available in the data set. We manually annotated 637,555 (124,309 COEI and 514,235 GSGO) bird positions in the cut images from both surveys. Each bird has an associated “Type,” which refers to species and/or sex. Sex identification was only possible for adult common eiders, because females and immature males are brown birds, whereas adult males have mainly white plumage. In the COEI images 64,484 males and 58,029 females, as well as 1,796 birds of other species, were identified. In the GSGO images 504,891 Snow Geese and 9,344 birds of other species were labeled. A .csv file including all annotated bird positions and types is available for each image. The COEI and GSGO photos of the ECA Flocks data set were taken in the years 2006 and 2018 and 2016–2018, respectively. We selected these photos in order to include images with different quality and resolution. COEI and GSGO flock sizes range from 6 to 4,154 and from 43 to 36,241 respectively. There is high variability in light conditions, backgrounds, and number and spatial arrangement of birds across the images. The data set is therefore potentially useful to test the precision of methods for analyzing imagery to estimate the abundance of animals by directly detecting, identifying, and counting individuals. We release these data into the public domain under a Creative Commons Zero license waiver. When you use the data in your publication, cite this data paper. Should ECA Flocks be a major part of the data analyzed in your study, you should consider inviting the ECA Flocks originators as collaborators. If you plan to use the ECA Flocks data set, we request that you contact the ECA Flocks core team to learn whether updates are available, and whether similar analyses are already ongoing.
Energetic, economic, and global warming aspects of fluidized bed drying of the medicinal plant Echium Amoenum Fisch. & C. A. Mey
Authors: Nadi Fatemeh
Published: June 2021

This research aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the drying conditions in a pilot‐scale fluidized bed dryer by considering energetic, economic and global warming aspects. Echium amoenum Fisch. & C. A. Mey. E. amoenum petals were dried at a temperature range of 40–60°C and air velocities of 0.5 to 1 m s−1. According to the results, the air velocity has a positive effect but the drying temperature has a negative impact on the specific energy consumption (SEC), the production cost and the GHG emissions. It was observed that the case of 0.5 m s−1 air velocity and 60°C drying temperature, the production cost, the SEC and the GHG emissions were minimized. However, considering the quality of the dried E. amoenum petals the optimal conditions were obtained at 60°C drying temperature and 0.91 m s−1 air velocity. Under these conditions, GHG emissions, production cost and SEC of dried E. amoenum petals would be 60.56 g CO2 kg−1, $38.87 kg−1 of dried E. amoenum petals and 29.87 MJ kg−1 of evaporated water, respectively.
Leaf venation of Ocotea species (Lauraceae) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Moraes Pedro Luís Rodrigues de , Ribeiro Henrique Lauand , Coan Alessandra Ike , Tomazello Filho Mario
Published: June 2021

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Ocotea from the Brazilian state of Bahia, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 55 species, 21 of them being described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa.
Improved normalization of lesioned brains via cohort‐specific templates
Authors: Pappas Ioannis , Hector Henrik , Haws Kari , Curran Brian , Kayser Andrew S. , D'Esposito Mark
Published: June 2021

In MRI studies, spatial normalization is required to infer results at the group level. In the presence of a brain lesion, such as in stroke patients, the normalization process can be affected by tissue loss, spatial deformations, signal intensity changes, and other stroke sequelae that introduce confounds into the group analysis results. Previously, most neuroimaging studies with lesioned brains have used normalization methods optimized for intact brains, raising potential concerns about the accuracy of the resulting transformations and, in turn, their reported group level results. In this study, we demonstrate the benefits of creating an intermediate, cohort‐specific template in conjunction with diffeomorphism‐based methods to normalize structural MRI images in stroke patients. We show that including this cohort‐specific template improves accuracy compared to standard methods for normalizing lesioned brains. Critically, this method reduces overall differences in normalization accuracy between stroke patients and healthy controls, and may improve the localization and connectivity of BOLD signal in functional neuroimaging data.
A content analysis of the tweets of e‐cigarette proponents in Australia
Authors: Jongenelis Michelle I. , Jongenelis Gregory , Alexander Elise , Kennington Kelly , Phillips Fiona , Pettigrew Simone
Published: June 2021

Issue addressed

Social media sites have become platforms for public discourse on e‐cigarettes, providing proponents with an opportunity to disseminate favourable information about the devices. Research examining the information being presented by Australian proponents of e‐cigarettes is limited. Accordingly, this study explored the Twitter feeds of Australian proponents of e‐cigarettes to determine the nature of the e‐cigarette‐related content being disseminated.

Methods

All publicly available e‐cigarette‐related tweets and retweets (n = 1397) disseminated over a 15‐week period by five Australian e‐cigarette proponents were captured and analysed.

Results

The main topics covered in the 1397 tweets analysed related to (a) criticism of the arguments made by public health agencies/advocates who oppose e‐cigarettes (29%), (b) Australian e‐cigarette policy (19%), (c) the health risks of e‐cigarettes (16%) and (d) the efficacy of e‐cigarettes as smoking cessation aids (13%). Proponents argued that the precautionary principle adopted by public health agencies/advocates lacks an appropriate evidence base and that legalising e‐cigarettes would reduce smoking rates and smoking‐related harm. Proponents minimised the risks associated with e‐cigarette use and only presented evidence indicating that use facilitates smoking cessation.

Conclusions

The assessed tweets have the potential to reduce the public's trust in the information being presented by authoritative public health agencies/advocates. The dissemination of information downplaying the health risks associated with e‐cigarettes may distort perceptions of the devices.

So what?

To assist tobacco control efforts, results highlight the need for (a) ongoing surveillance of the tweets of e‐cigarette proponents and (b) provision of evidence‐based counterarguments on social media.
Participant assent in behavior analytic research: Considerations for participants with autism and developmental disabilities
Authors: Morris Cody , Detrick Jessica J. , Peterson Stephanie M.
Published: June 2021

Obtaining assent from potential research participants is an important component of research for reasons related to ethics compliance, self‐determination, and choice. However, unique issues arise when working with populations who cannot assent through traditional means, such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities (DD). The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss assent practices within behavior‐analytic research to identify strategies that can be used to obtain assent from potential participants with ASD and DDs. We began with a descriptive literature review of behavior‐analytic articles that included the term “assent” to identify what practices behavior analysts have used to obtain assent from participants. In short, very few articles that clearly addressed assent procedures were identified. Thus, we propose a model for gaining assent when working with individuals with ASD and DDs.
Application of biomaterials in periodontal tissue repair and reconstruction in the presence of inflammation under periodontitis through the foreign body response: Recent progress and perspectives
Authors: Chu Chenyu , Zhao Xiwen , Rung Shengan , Xiao Wenlan , Liu Li , Qu Yili , Man Yi
Published: June 2021

Periodontitis would cause dental tissue damage locally. Biomaterials substantially affect the surrounding immune microenvironment through treatment‐oriented local inflammatory remodeling in dental periodontitis. This remodeling process is conducive to wound healing and periodontal tissue regeneration. Recent progress in understanding the foreign body response (FBR) and immune regulation, including cell heterogeneity, and cell‐cell and cell‐material interactions, has provided new insights into the design criteria for biomaterials applied in treatment of periodontitis. This review discusses recent progress and perspectives in the immune regulation effects of biomaterials to augment or reconstruct soft and hard tissue in an inflammatory microenvironment of periodontitis.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 positively associated with bone formation markers and creatine kinase in adults with general physical activity
Authors: Lee Su‐Chen , Hsiao Jen‐Kuei , Yang Yu‐Chun , Haung Jung‐Chih , Tien Li‐Ying , Li Dai‐En , Tsai Shih‐Meng
Published: June 2021

Background

The Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is primarily synthesized by hepatocytes in a growth hormone (GH)‐dependent manner, it is also produced by bone and muscle. The effects of exercise on the associations between IGF‐1 levels and bone turnover markers (BTM) were found in the previous studies. However, the associations between the levels of IGF‐1 and BTM, liver function tests, and skeletal muscle markers in adults with general physical activity were not clear.

Methods

Ninety‐four participants were recruited from healthy survey. Blood samples were collected to analyze the levels of IGF‐1, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), total bilirubin (T‐Bil), direct bilirubin (D‐Bil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine (CRTN), and glucose. Urine samples were collected to analyze the CRTN and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) levels.

Results

The positively significant associations were found between the IGF‐1 levels and the levels of ALP, BALP, and CK, respectively. No significant associations were found between the IGF‐1 levels and the levels of TP, Alb, A/G, T‐Bil, D‐Bil, AST, ALT, LDH, glucose, urinary CRTN, urinary Dpd, and Dpd/CRTN ratios, respectively.

Conclusion

The serum IGF‐1 levels associated with the levels of skeletal muscle and bone formation markers (BFM), not the bone resorption markers under general physical activity in the healthy adults. The physician needs to consider the effects of bone formation and skeletal muscle markers on the IGF‐1 levels in the management of IGF‐1‐related disorders.
A rapid and quantitative synthesis of xanthene derivatives using sulfonated graphitic carbon nitride under ball‐milling
Authors: Qareaghaj Omid Hosseinchi , Ghaffarzadeh Mohammad , Azizi Najmedin
Published: June 2021

A truly green, solventless, and fast protocol for the quantitative preparation of biologically active xanthene derivatives with 10 mol% sulfonated graphitic carbon nitride (Sg─CN) as a heterogeneous acidic catalyst was developed. Excellent yields, low cost, solvent‐free conditions, high catalytic activity, reusability of the catalyst, simple workup, and heterogeneous carbon‐based catalyst make the present method particularly attractive from a green chemistry perspective.
The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the phenolic compounds profile, antioxidant activity and grain yields in wheat cultivars growing under hydric stress
Authors: Nahuelcura Javiera , Ruiz Antonieta , Gomez Francisca , Cornejo Pablo
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Hydric stress affects the production of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) worldwide, making some tools necessary to cope with the decrease in rainfall. A sustainable alternative is the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biofertilisers. Here, we analysed the effects of AMF strains adapted or non‐adapted to hyper‐arid conditions on the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of wheat grains from two cultivars with contrasting tolerance to osmotic stress (Ilustre, moderately tolerant; and Maxi, tolerant) grown with and without hydric stress.

RESULTS

Eight phenolic compounds were detected, apigenin‐C‐pentoside‐C‐hexoside I being the most abundant and showing an increase of 80.5% when inoculated with the fungusFunneliformis mosseae(FM) obtained from Atacama Desert under normal irrigation with respect to non‐mycorrhizal (NM) plants. NM treatments were associated with higher grain yields. FM showed a noticeable effect on most phenolic compounds, with an increase up to 30.2% in apigenin‐C‐pentoside‐C‐hexoside III concentration under hydric stress with respect to normal irrigation, being also responsible for high antioxidant activities such as ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) activities.

CONCLUSION

Inoculation with FM adapted to hydric stress produced improvements in phenolics composition and antioxidant activities in grains from wheat plants growing under hydric stress conditions, improving their food quality and supporting the development of further studies to determine whether the use of adapted AMF could be a realistic tool to improve grain quality in a scenario of increasing hydric stress conditions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Curcumin, the active substance of turmeric: its effects on health and ways to improve its bioavailability
Authors: Abd El‐Hack Mohamed E , El‐Saadony Mohamed T , Swelum Ayman A , Arif Muhammad , Abo Ghanima Mahmoud M , Shukry Mustafa , Noreldin Ahmed , Taha Ayman E , El‐Tarabily Khaled A
Published: June 2021

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a spice utilized widely in India, China, and Southeast Asia as an aromatic stimulant, a food preservative, and coloring material. The commonly used names of turmeric are castor saffron, turmeric, and saffron root. Turmeric is a yellow–orange polyphenolic natural substance derived from C. longa rhizomes. It has been used to treat common inflammatory diseases, tumors, biliary diseases, anorexia, cough, topical wounds, diabetic injuries, liver disorders, rheumatism, and sinusitis. Extensive studies on the biological properties and pharmacological consequences of turmeric extracts have been conducted in recent years. Curcumin, the primary yellow biocomponent of turmeric, has anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antifibrotic, immunomodulatory, and antifungal properties. Defense assessment tests showed that curcumin is tolerated well at high doses, without adverse effects. Thus, curcumin is a highly active biological material with the potential to treat different diseases in modern medicine. This review article focuses on curcumin's biological characteristics. The most popular methods for curcumin encapsulation are also discussed. Several effective techniques and approaches have been proposed for curcuminoid capsulation, including nanocomplexing, gelation, complex coacervation, electrospraying, and solvent‐free pH‐driven encapsulation. This review also highlights curcumin's chemical properties, allowing the readers to expand their perspectives on its use in the development of functional products with health‐promoting properties. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Usability of microfluidized flaxseed as a functional additive in bread
Authors: Saka İrem , Baumgartner Burcu , Özkaya Berrin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Flaxseed is a rich source of protein, omega‐3 fatty acids, lignans, and dietary fiber. However, it also contains phytic acid, which inhibits mineral absorption and has the potential to adversely affect the properties of bread. Microfluidization prevents these negative effects, reduces the amount of phytic acid, and improves functional properties. In this study, the possibility of using full‐fat and defatted flaxseed flours as well as microfluidized flaxseed flours in bread formulation was investigated. For this purpose, crude and microfluidized flaxseed flours were added to the bread in different proportions (0, 25, 50, and 75 g kg−1), and the effects of the partial replacement of wheat flour with flaxseed flours on the functional, quality, and sensory properties of breads were analyzed. The effects of the microfluidization process on the antioxidant properties, phenolic, dietary fiber, and phytic acid content of flaxseed were also observed.

RESULT

Flaxseed flours increased the dietary fiber, phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities of breads. The crumb color became darker with increasing level of flaxseed flours, and their addition also detrimentally affected the sensory properties of breads. It was seen that the microfluidization process has beneficial effects on functional properties of full‐fat and defatted flaxseed flours, as well as on their quality characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that flaxseed flour is a rich source of functional compounds, and it is even possible to further improve these functional properties with microfluidization treatment. Microfluidized flaxseed flour can also be used as a promising alternative functional food to enrich breads. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of Close Margins in Head and Neck Mucosal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hamman Justin , Howe Carol L. , Borgstrom Mark , Baker Audrey , Wang Steven J. , Bearelly Shethal
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of the study is to investigate whether close surgical margins impact oncologic outcomes compared to clear or involved surgical margins. We hypothesize that close surgical margins portend worse outcomes compared with clear margins, but improved outcomes compared with involved margins.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis statement standards, a systematic search was conducted for studies that reported oncologic outcomes following excision of primary mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A meta‐analysis was then performed, comparing local recurrence (LR), locoregional recurrence (LRR), and overall survival (OS) in patients with clear, close, and involved margins.

Results

Twenty‐six studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 8,435 patients. About 96% of our included cases involved the oral cavity, 2% involved the oropharynx, and 2% other. Also, 68% of cases were T1/T2 and 32% were T3/T4. On meta‐analysis, clear margins were associated with lower incidence of 5‐year LR relative risk (RR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.65) and higher 5‐year OS (RR 1.22, 1.11–1.35), when compared with close margins. Involved margins had higher incidence of 5‐year LR (RR 1.75, 1.16–2.64), higher incidence of LRR at last follow‐up (RR 1.66, 1.37–2.00), and no difference in 5‐year OS (RR 0.82, 0.60–1.11), when compared with close margins.

Conclusions

There is a stepwise improvement in oncologic outcomes as surgical margin categorically improves from involved to close to clear. Patients with close margins therefore may benefit from adjuvant therapy. Further research is required to investigate whether these findings are seen in non‐oral cavity cases because they were underrepresented in this analysis. Laryngoscope, 132:307–321, 2022
Factors associated with dietary diversity and physical activity of pregnant women in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study at an antenatal care setting
Authors: Kundu Satyajit , Jharna Dilruba Easmin , Banna Md. Hasan Al , Khan Md Shafiqul Islam
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Both dietary diversity and physical activity during pregnancy are very important since they are known to affect pregnancy and birth outcomes. However, little is documented on dietary diversity and physical activity among pregnant women in Bangladesh. Accordingly, this study was designed to assess the dietary diversity and physical activity level, as well as their associated factors, among pregnant women at an antenatal care setting in Bangladesh.

Methods

An institution‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted with 96 randomly selected pregnant women who sought antenatal care at a hospital in Khulna City, Bangladesh in July 2020. Dietary diversity and physical activity were assessed using the 24‐h dietary recall method of consuming seven food groups, and standardized Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), respectively. Simple and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine the factors associated with dietary diversity and physical activity among pregnant women.

Results

Around 70% of participants had high dietary diversity and 58.3% were physically active. Being job holders, getting counseling on diet, and being from higher income and food‐secured families were identified as potential determinants of the high dietary diversity of participants. Having higher secondary education, being job holders, and being from families with a size of below five were more likely to be physically active compared to others.

Conclusion

In light of these findings, there is a need to support existing policies and devise new policies targeting these variables. Improving awareness on the importance of dietary diversity during pregnancy, incorporating counseling services, ensuring household food security especially during this pandemic situation, and providing women with diet counseling are recommended to increase pregnant women's dietary diversity and physical activity level.
Low Threshold Room Temperature Polariton Lasing from Fluorene‐Based Oligomers
Authors: Wei Mengjie , Ruseckas Arvydas , Mai Van T. N. , Shukla Atul , Allison Ilene , Lo Shih‐Chun , Namdas Ebinazar B. , Turnbull Graham A. , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: June 2021

Organic semiconductors possessing tightly bound Frenkel excitons are known to be attractive candidates for demonstrating polariton lasing at room temperature. As polariton lasing can occur without inversion, it is a potential route to very low threshold coherent light sources. However, so far, the thresholds of organic polariton lasers have generally been much higher than those of organic photon lasers. Here this problem has been addressed by investigating two new organic molecules with a structure combining fluorene and carbazole groups. The materials are readily deposited from solution and exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields, high absorption coefficients, and large radiative decay rates in neat films. Room temperature polariton lasing is realized in both materials with incident thresholds of 13.5 and 9.7 µJ cm−2, corresponding to absorbed thresholds of 3.3 and 2.2 µJ cm−2, respectively. These are the lowest values reported to date for polariton lasing in organic semiconductor materials, and approach typical values for organic photon lasers. The step‐like power dependent blue‐shift of polariton modes indicates an interplay between different depletion channels of the exciton reservoir. This work brings practical room temperature polaritonic devices and future realization of electrically driven polariton lasers a step closer.
LOOK “OUTSIDE THE BUILDING” FOR THE FUTURE OF LEADERSHIP
Authors: Kanter Rosabeth Moss
Published: June 2021

The author discusses what she terms “outside the building” issues, such as climate change, pandemics, and racial/gender justice. These complex issues are “beyond the boundaries of single organizations.” As she writes, “I call this new leadership for the future ’advanced’ leadership, because of its broader scope and, at the same time, more limited formal power, which challenges leaders more than an official mandate does.” She references former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, the late leadership author Warren Bennis, and the academics Robert Putnam (famous for his book Bowling Alone), Sherry Turkle, and others. The author observes that “Innovation and change can’t follow a fixed script. The work is more like improvisational theater, which takes shape in response to observer feedback.” While it may seem that society is hopelessly divided and gridlocked, there are hopeful signs: “When more people flex their leadership muscles and find the courage to take on big problems, they exude the optimism of activism. That positive energy can be contagious and can unite us in new ways. By undertaking the daunting, yet meaningful, task of making a difference in the world, advanced leaders can transform the lives of many people—including the leaders themselves.”
DELIVERED BY WOMEN, LED BY WOMEN: THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP
Authors: Dhatt Roopa , Keeling Ann
Published: June 2021

The authors note the disparity between leadership roles of men and women in global health and its effect on the response to COVID‐19. The work of their organization Women in Global Health is described, including “launching a Gender Equal Health and Care Workforce Initiative in 2021 in partnership with the Government of France and World Health Organization, convening governments and international organizations to leverage commitments for safe and decent work, equal pay and an equal say in leadership for women in health and social care.” They note that women are “80 percent of the world's nurses and 90 percent of the frontline health workers.” Yet the reality is that “women still deliver health systems led by men.” The authors outline their vision for global health leadership; in brief, and in their words: First, we must change the narrative and see women as drivers of global health, not solely as users of health systems…. Second, women in health and social care need a new social contract… Third, COVID‐19 showed that viruses do not respect national borders and we live in an interconnected world… Fourth, beyond gender parity in global health leadership, we need leaders of all genders to be gender transformative leaders.
From Folding to Assembly: Functional Supramolecular Architectures of Peptides Comprised of Non‐Canonical Amino Acids
Authors: Misra Rajkumar , Rudnick‐Glick Safra , Adler‐Abramovich Lihi
Published: June 2021

The engineering of biological molecules is the fundamental concept behind the design of complex materials with desirable functions. Over the last few decades, peptides and proteins have emerged as useful building blocks for well‐defined nanostructures with controlled size and dimensions. Short peptides in particular have received much attention due to their inherent biocompatibility, lower synthetic cost, and ease of tunability. In addition to the diverse self‐assembling properties of short peptides comprising coded amino acids and their emerging applications in nanotechnology, there is now growing interest in the properties of peptides composed of non‐canonical amino acids. Such non‐natural oligomers have been shown in recent years to form well‐defined secondary structures similar to natural proteins, with the ability to self‐assemble to generate a wide variety of nanostructures with excellent biostability. This review describes recent events in the development of supramolecular assemblies of peptides composed completely of non‐coded amino acids and their hybrid analogues. Special attention is paid to understanding the supramolecular assemblies at the atomic level and to considering their potential applications in nanotechnology.
Photolabile Well‐Defined Polystyrene Grafted on Silica Nanoparticle via Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization (NMP)
Authors: Ho Hien The , Phan Trang N. T. , Bonnevide Marine , Malicki Nicolas , Couty Marc , Jestin Jacques , Gigmes Didier
Published: June 2021

Herein, the synthesis of a novel nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) initiator bearing a photolabile ortho‐nitrobenzyl (oNB) group allowing surface‐initiated NMP preparation of well‐defined photoresponsive polystyrene grafted on silica nanoparticles is described. The photocleavable and photoresponsive properties of the prepared materials are demonstrated using small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) characterization.
Higher order stable schemes for stochastic convection–reaction–diffusion equations driven by additive Wiener noise
Authors: Tambue Antoine , Mukam Jean Daniel
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we investigate the numerical approximation of stochastic convection–reaction–diffusion equations using two explicit exponential integrators. The stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) is driven by additive Wiener process. The approximation in space is done via a combination of the standard finite element method and the Galerkin projection method. Using the linear functional of the noise, we construct two accelerated numerical methods, which achieve higher convergence orders. In particular, we achieve convergence rates approximately 1 for trace class noise and
for space‐time white noise. These convergence orders are obtained under less regularity assumptions on the nonlinear drift function than those used in the literature for stochastic reaction–diffusion equations. Numerical experiments to illustrate our theoretical results are provided.
Cost‐utility of omalizumab for the treatment of uncontrolled moderate‐to‐severe persistent pediatric allergic asthma in a middle‐income country
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. , Sossa‐Briceño Monica P. , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Although several randomized clinical trials performed in children 6 years and older with Omalizumab as add‐on therapy have reported improvements in diverse clinical outcomes, the evidence regarding its cost effectiveness is not sufficient, especially in less‐affluent countries, where the clinical and economic burden of the disease is the greatest. The aim of the present study was to perform a cost‐utility analysis of adding omalizumab to standard treatment for treating pediatric patients with uncontrolled severe allergic asthma in Colombia, a middle‐income country (MIC).

Methods

A Markov‐type model was developed to estimate costs and health outcomes of a simulated cohort of pediatric patients with persistent asthma treated over a 5‐year period. The effectiveness data and transition probabilities were obtained from various sources, including systematic reviews with meta‐analysis. Cost data were obtained from official databases provided by the Colombian Ministry of Health. The study was carried out from the perspective of the national healthcare system in Colombia. The main outcome was the variable ‘‘quality‐adjusted life‐years’’ (QALYs).

Results

For the base‐case analysis, the cost‐utility analysis showed that compared with the standard treatment strategy, the omalizumab strategy involved higher costs (US$72,142.3 vs. $20,243.4 average cost per patient) and greater gain in QALYs (0.8718 vs. 0.8222 QALYs on average per patient). The incremental cost‐utility ratio (ICUR) of omalizumab compared with standard treatment was US$82,748.1 per QALY

Conclusions

This study shows that in Colombia, an MIC, compared with standard treatment, omalizumab is not a cost‐effective strategy for treating pediatric patients with uncontrolled severe allergic asthma.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of peptide‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazine bioconjugates as potential bivalent inhibitors of the VirB11 ATPase HP0525
Authors: Sayer James R. , Walldén Karin , Koss Hans , Allan Helen , Daviter Tina , Gane Paul J. , Waksman Gabriel , Tabor Alethea B.
Published: June 2021

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections have been implicated in the development of gastric ulcers and various cancers: however, the success of current therapies is compromised by rising antibiotic resistance. The virulence and pathogenicity of H. pylori is mediated by the type IV secretion system (T4SS), a multiprotein macromolecular nanomachine that transfers toxic bacterial factors and plasmid DNA between bacterial cells, thus contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance. A key component of the T4SS is the VirB11 ATPase HP0525, which is a hexameric protein assembly. We have previously reported the design and synthesis of a series of novel 8‐amino imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazine derivatives as inhibitors of HP0525. In order to improve their selectivity, and potentially develop these compounds as tools for probing the assembly of the HP0525 hexamer, we have explored the design and synthesis of potential bivalent inhibitors. We used the structural details of the subunit–subunit interactions within the HP0525 hexamer to design peptide recognition moieties of the subunit interface. Different methods (cross metathesis, click chemistry, and cysteine‐malemide) for bioconjugation to selected 8‐amino imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazines were explored, as well as peptides spanning larger or smaller regions of the interface. The IC50 values of the resulting linker‐8‐amino imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazine derivatives, and the bivalent inhibitors, were related to docking studies with the HP0525 crystal structure and to molecular dynamics simulations of the peptide recognition moieties.