bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Child Labour on Children’s Academic Activities in Krachi East District
Authors: Issaka Jacob , Adams Francis Hull , Gyimah Ethel , Kissi Barbara Amoako
Published: June 2021

Child labour is one of the contemporary issues that has attracted the attention of many researchers. Most school children all over the world are engaged in child labour. This research investigates the effects of child labour on children academic activities in the Krachi East District in Ghana. The research adopted the mixed method. The purposive and snow ball sampling technique were used to select one hundred and sixty (160) victims of child labour. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The questionnaire was edited by experts in child labour and this helped to achieve validity. Data were analysed using tables and figures. It was realized that 68.7% of the children were engaged in agricultural activities and the major reasons for their plight include large household size, parental illiteracy and poverty.  Child labour leads to low academic performance. The study recommends that government should support children from poor homes.
Impact of Twice Weekly Hematinics on Hematological Parameters in Pregnancy
Authors: Musa G. D. , Daru P. H. , Damulak O. D. , Lucius I. , Anzaku S. A.
Published: June 2021

Background: Anemia is prevalent in our setting for myriads of reasons hence iron supplementation has become a routine in the antenatal clinics; other regimens are practiced in other climes.

Aims: This study aimed at comparing the efficiency of the twice-weekly as against the daily iron supplementation on hematologic indices in healthy pregnant women.

Study design: This was a longitudinal prospective study

Place and duration of study: this study was carried out at antenatal clinic at the Jos university teaching hospital Jos plateau state of Nigeria over a period of 14 weeks.

Methodology: A total of 120 pregnant women were assigned by simple random sampling to receive either daily or twice weekly iron supplementation. Their blood samples were assessed by determining hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume and serum ferritin as baseline at booking visit from 16-24 weeks of gestation and follow up at 4, 8 and 14 weeks. All data

generated was analyzed using EPI info computer software version 3.5.2. The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: The twice weekly supplementation showed similar effects with the daily regimen with regards to the trends in Hb and serum ferritin. More women (77.1%) on twice weekly regimen had Hb>10g/dl at the 14 week visit compared with daily regime and this was statistically significant P=0.031.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that both regimens have about the same effect on hematological parameters during pregnancy. Therefore, in non-anemic pregnant women twice weekly iron supplementation may be used.
Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Polymers
Authors: Li Dejin , Wang Shi
Published: June 2021

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) polymers are composed of elastomers dispersed as a grafted particulate phase in a thermoplastic matrix of styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer. The presence of SAN grafted onto the elastomeric component, usually polybutadiene or a butadiene copolymer, compatabilizes the rubber with the SAN component. The property advantages provided by this graft terpolymer include excellent toughness, good dimensional stability, good processability, and chemical resistance. The system is structurally complex. This allows considerable versatility in the tailoring of properties to meet specific product requirements. Consequently, research and development in ABS systems is active. Numerous grades of ABS are available, including new alloys and specialty grades for high heat, flaming‐retardant, or static dissipative product requirements. Good chemical resistance combined with the relatively low water absorptivity (<1%) results in high resistance to staining agents. Antioxidants substantially improve oxidative stability. Applications involving extended outdoor exposure require the use of stabilizing additives, pigments, and protective coatings. In manufacturing, grafting is achieved by the free‐radical copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile monomers. The commercial processes for manufacturing ABS are discussed. ABS can be processed by compression and injection molding, extrusion, calendering, and blow molding. Postprocessing operations include cold forming, painting, and adhesive bonding. ABS is one the two major plastic materials used in 3D printing, an emerging additive‐manufacturing technology that is developing rapidly in the past couple of decades. As a “bridge” polymer between commodity plastics and higher performance engineering thermoplastics, ABS has become the largest selling engineering thermoplastic.
Fermentation and Bioprocess Development
Authors: Zeng An‐Ping
Published: June 2021

Fermentation is the process of microbial and biochemical conversion of organic substances and other raw materials (eg, CO and CO2), with broad applications in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries and for environmental and climate protection. It can be considered as the vehicle to transfer innovations in fundamental biology into bio‐based products and thus plays a key role in bioeconomy. This article first gives an overview of the fermentation industry and its important products in industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnologies, ranging from primary and secondary metabolites to cells (biomass), enzymes, and biologics. Microbial principles and characteristics of fermentation processes are then illustrated and compared with chemical synthesis. The driving forces, scientific discoveries, and technological innovations leading to the development of different fermentation processes and products are reviewed from a historical perspective, and future trends are highlighted. The development of components and techniques of fermentations with different cell types and key issues of their industrial applications are finally described from practical viewpoints with process examples, including strains and host cells, medium design and feeding strategies, fermenter and related equipment, sterilization, process control, product isolation, scale‐up, utilities, and regulatory aspects.
Feeds and Feed Additives, Pet Foods
Authors: Aldrich Charles G. , Donadelli Renan A.
Published: June 2021

The role of dogs and cats in the society has changed much over the past 50 years. They have migrated from the barn to the backyard and now into the house. As a result, our relationship has changed how we care and feed them. With that we have expanded our knowledge regarding their nutritional needs and idiosyncrasies as well as introduced a wide array of new foods and formats. Commercial pet food began in 1850, became more mainstream in the 1950s following human food processing technologies, and product offerings have expanded greatly since 2000. Most of the ingredients used to make these foods are the same or coproducts from the human food market, though an expanding array of nontraditional, alternative, and exotic ingredients are being considered. The three primary processes to produce pet foods include extrusion, canning, and baking, with several innovative technologies borrowed from the human foods industry to create products that mimic the pet owner's diet. Since most pets live in the home today and share family spaces, food safety has become a major concern for the pet food industry. The use of preservatives and pathogen controls have become more important. Where the future of pet food will lead us is a fascinating area to be discovered.
Sugar
Authors: Godshall Mary A. , Eggleston Gillian , Thompson Jack , Kochergin Vadim
Published: June 2021

Sucrose is a nonreducing disaccharide produced by crystallization from syrups derived from processing sugarcane and sugar beets. The most important properties of sucrose are sweetness and water solubility. Sucrose is destroyed by strong oxidizing agents and pH extremes. Optical rotation, enzymatic analysis, and instrumental methods are used for sucrose quantitation during manufacture and in trade. Sucrose is the leading food additive and contributes sweetness, mouthfeel, texture, body, humectancy, and appearance to foods. Sugar also enhances the taste of foods and minimizes undesirable flavors.
Secretogranin II impairs tumor growth and angiogenesis by promoting degradation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α in colorectal cancer
Authors: Fang Chao , Dai Lei , Wang Cun , Fan Chuanwen , Yu Yongyang , Yang Lie , Deng Hongxin , Zhou Zongguang
Published: June 2021

Distant metastasis is a major cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) but the management of advanced and metastatic CRC still remains problematic due to the distinct molecular alterations during tumor progression. Tumor angiogenesis is a key step in tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. However, the signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis are poorly understood. The results of the present study showed that secretogranin II (SCG2) was significantly downregulated in malignant CRC tissues, and higher expression of SCG2 was correlated with longer disease‐free survival and overall survival of CRC patients. The results of an animal study showed that ectopic expression of SCG2 significantly inhibited CRC tumor growth by disrupting angiogenesis. Furthermore, the inhibition of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by SCG2 and rescue of VEGF effectively blocked SCG2‐induced inhibition of angiogenesis. Investigations into the underlying mechanism suggested that SCG2 promoted degradation of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α by interacting with the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor in CRC cells. Blocking of degradation of HIF‐1α effectively attenuated the SCG2‐mediated decrease in expression of VEGF in CRC cells. Collectively, these results demonstrated that treatment with SCG2 effectively inhibited CRC tumor growth by disrupting the activities of HIF‐1α/VEGF, thereby clarifying the anti‐tumor and anti‐angiogenesis roles of SCG2 in CRC, while providing a novel therapeutic target and a potential prognostic marker of disease progression.
Genetic Control of Aerogel and Nanofoam Properties, Applied to Ni–MnOx Cathode Design
Authors: Cha Tae‐Gon , Tsedev Uyanga , Ransil Alan , Embree Amanda , Gordon D. Benjamin , Belcher Angela M. , Voigt Christopher A.
Published: June 2021

Aerogels are ultralight porous materials whose matrix structure can be formed by interlinking 880 nm long M13 phage particles. In theory, changing the phage properties would alter the aerogel matrix, but attempting this using the current production system leads to heterogeneous lengths. A phagemid system that yields a narrow length distribution that can be tuned in 0.3 nm increments from 50 to 2500 nm is designed and, independently, the persistence length varies from 14 to 68 nm by mutating the coat protein. A robotic workflow that automates each step from DNA construction to aerogel synthesis is used to build 1200 aerogels. This is applied to compare Ni–MnOx cathodes built using different matrixes, revealing a pareto‐optimal relationship between performance metrics. This work demonstrates the application of genetic engineering to create “tuning knobs” to sweep through material parameter space; in this case, toward creating a physically strong and high‐capacity battery.
Device Architecture Engineering: Progress toward Next Generation Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Webb Thomas , Sweeney Stephen J. , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2021

Over the past decade, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have quickly established themselves as a promising technology boasting both high efficiency and low processing costs. The rapid development and success of PSCs is a product of substantial research effort addressing compositional engineering, thin film fabrication, surface passivation, and interfacial treatments. Recently, engineering of device architecture has entered a renaissance with the emergence of several new bulk and graded heterojunction structures. These structures promote a lateral approach to the development of single‐junction PSCs affording new opportunities in light management, defect passivation, carrier extraction, and long‐term stability. Following a short overview of the historic evolution of PSC architectures, a detailed discussion of the promising progress of the recently reported perovskite bulk heterojunction and graded heterojunction approaches are offered. To enable better understanding of these novel architectures, a range of approaches to characterizing the architectures are presented. Finally, an outlook and perspective are provided offering insights into the future development of PSC architecture engineering.
Realizing the Synergy of Interface Engineering and Chemical Substitution for Ni3N Enables its Bifunctionality Toward Hydrazine Oxidation Assisted Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Jihua , Li Yapeng , Qian Qizhu , Li Ziyun , Zhang Genqiang
Published: June 2021

Hydrazine oxidation assisted water electrolysis offers a unique rationale for energy‐saving hydrogen production, yet the lack of effective non‐noble‐metal bifunctional catalysts is still a grand challenge at the current stage. Here, the Mo doped Ni3N and Ni heterostructure porous nanosheets grow on Ni foam (denoted as MoNi3N/Ni/NF) are successfully constructed, featuring simultaneous interface engineering and chemical substitution, which endow the outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic performances toward both hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), demanding a working potential of −0.3 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 for HzOR and −45 mV for that of HER. Impressively, the overall hydrazine splitting (OHzS) system requires an ultralow cell voltage of 55 mV to deliver 10 mA cm−2 with remarkable long‐term durability. Moreover, as a proof‐of‐concept, economical H2 production systems utilizing OHzS unit powered by a waste AAA battery, a commercial solar cell, and a homemade direct hydrazine fuel cell (DHzFC) are investigated to inspire future practical applications. The density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the synergy of Mo substitution and abundant Ni3N/Ni interface owns a more thermoneutral value for H* absorption ability toward HER and optimized dehydrogenation process for HzOR.
Mechanomorphogenic Films Formed via Interfacial Assembly of Fluorinated Amino Acids
Authors: Sloand Janna N. , Culp Tyler E. , Wonderling Nichole M. , Gomez Enrique D. , Medina Scott H.
Published: June 2021

Nature has evolved several elegant strategies to organize inert building blocks into adaptive supramolecular structures. Favored among these is interfacial self‐assembly, where the unique environment of liquid–liquid junctions provides structural, kinetic, thermodynamic, and chemical properties that are distinct from the bulk solution. Here, antithetical fluorous–water interfaces are exploited to guide the assembly of non‐canonical fluorinated amino acids into crystalline mechanomorphogenic films. That is, the nanoscale order imparted by this strategy yields self‐healing materials that can alter their macro‐morphology depending on exogenous mechanical stimuli. Additionally, like natural biomolecules, organofluorine amino acid films respond to changes in environmental ionic strength, pH, and temperature to adopt varied secondary and tertiary states. Complementary biophysical and biochemical studies are used to develop a model of amino acid packing to rationalize this bioresponsive behavior. Finally, these films show selective permeability, capturing fluorous compounds while allowing the free diffusion of water. These unique capabilities are leveraged in an exemplary application of the technology to extract perfluoroalkyl substances from contaminated water samples rapidly. Continued exploration of these materials will advance the understanding of how interface‐templated and fluorine‐driven assembly phenomenon a can be co‐utilized to design adaptive molecular networks and living matter.
Breaking the Rate‐Integrity Dilemma in Large‐Area Bubbling Transfer of Graphene by Strain Engineering
Authors: Ma Lai‐Peng , Dong Shichao , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Ren Wencai
Published: June 2021

Efficient electrochemical bubbling delamination is highly promising for realizing the scalable transfer of high‐quality chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene film. However, it remains a challenge to significantly improve the low delamination rate of large‐area graphene without causing structural damage. Here, a strain‐engineering strategy is reported to break this rate‐integrity dilemma by introducing appreciable compressive strain into graphene to dramatically accelerate the delamination of CVD graphene from Cu foil in a non‐destructive manner. An astonishing 25‐fold improvement in the delamination rate is achieved by hot bubbling graphene coated with a post‐cured UV‐epoxy adhesive. Meanwhile, the inherent structural integrity of delaminated graphene films is well preserved. The strategy is superior to the prevalent methods by simultaneously realizing the unprecedented high‐rate delamination and intact transfer. It is further demonstrated that it allows the highly efficient roll‐to‐roll bubbling transfer of meter‐scale high‐quality graphene films.
Tin‐Based Chiral Perovskites with Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Zhao Liangliang , Han Xiao , Zheng Yongshen , Yu Mei-Hui , Xu Jialiang
Published: June 2021

Metal halide perovskites have attracted extensive attention as the most favorable candidate for nonlinear optical (NLO) effects, due to their superior infrared transparency, flexible structures, and high laser‐induced damage thresholds. Among the perovskite branches, the lead‐based perovskites dominate in virtue of their fascinating optoelectronic properties. However, the ambient instability and toxicity of lead impede their practical applications. Herein, a new class of air‐stable and lead‐free zero‐dimension chiral perovskites manifesting efficient second‐order NLO response is reported. Interestingly, the tin‐based perovskites demonstrate double‐step reversible phase transitions with an acentric space group P21 at room temperature, whereas their racemic counterparts undergo a distinct one‐step phase transition crystallizing in centric space group P21/c. These findings reveal an executable approach to designing multifunctional lead‐free perovskite‐type switchable materials with second harmonic generation (SHG) properties.
Deep fertilization with controlled‐release fertilizer for higher cereal yield and N utilization in paddies: The optimal fertilization depth
Authors: Hou Pengfu , Yuan Wensheng , Li Ganghua , Petropoulos Evangelos , Xue Lixiang , Feng Yanfang , Xue Lihong , Yang Linzhang , Ding Yanfeng
Published: June 2021

Belowground fertilization is a prevalent strategy for considerable grain yield and N utilization. However, the optimal fertilization depth remains uncertain in paddies, especially for slow/controlled release fertilizers. This study aimed to clarify the effect of deep “controlled‐release blended fertilizer” (CRBF) fertilization on rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield and N utilization. Two N‐fertilizer types were selected (a) urea and (b) CRBF, both combined at three fertilization depths (a) 0 cm, (b) 5 cm, and (c) 10 cm. The results showed that the grain yield was significantly affected by fertilizer type and fertilization depth. The yield achieved from CRBF was 7.8% higher than that from the urea application. Deep fertilization could also increase the rice yield with the optimum achieved from the 5‐cm depth fertilization (yield increased by 15.1% compared to that from the manual surface fertilization). Overall, the 5‐cm depth CRBF fertilization achieved the highest yield among all treatments with 12.21 and 11.84 t ha–1 for 2018 and 2019, respectively. The larger sink was the main reason for this performance. Additionally, the higher photosynthetic efficient population after earing was another principal driver to the higher yield from CRBF. Due to the higher N uptake, CRBF application increased both N partial factor productivity (PFP) and recovery efficiency (RE) (P < .05); fertilization depth also had a striking effect on PFP and RE (P < .05 or .01). The 5‐cm depth fertilization of CRBF achieved the highest N utilization for both years. The results suggest that 5‐cm depth fertilization combined with controlled‐release fertilizer is a suitable strategy for higher rice yield and N utilization.
Expansion of the clinical phenotype of GALE deficiency
Authors: Markovitz Rebecca , Owen Nichole , Satter Lisa Forbes , Kirk Susan , Mahoney Donald H. , Bertuch Alison A. , Scaglia Fernando
Published: June 2021

Congenital disorders of glycosylation are a group of rare monogenic inborn errors of metabolism caused by defective glycoprotein and glycolipid glycan synthesis and attachment. Here, we present a patient with galactose epimerase deficiency, also known as GALE deficiency, accompanied by pancytopenia and immune dysregulation. She was first identified by an abnormal newborn screen for galactosemia with subsequent genetic evaluation due to pancytopenia and immune dysregulation. The evaluation ultimately revealed that her known diagnosis of GALE deficiency was the cause of her hematologic and immune abnormalities. These findings further expand the clinical spectrum of disease of congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Reliability of lumbar multifidus and iliocostalis lumborum thickness and echogenicity measurements using ultrasound imaging
Authors: Farragher Joshua , Pranata Adrian , El‐Ansary Doa , Parry Selina , Williams Gavin , Royse Colin , Royse Alistair , O'Donohue Molly , Bryant Adam
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To establish the test–retest and inter‐rater reliability of lumbar multifidus (LM) and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscle thickness and echogenicity as derived using ultrasound imaging.

Methods

Ultrasound images of the LM and IL were collected from 11 healthy participants on two occasions, 1 week apart, by two independent assessors. Measures of LM and IL thickness and echogenicity were subject to test–retest and inter‐rater reliability, which was assessed by calculation of an F statistic, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement, 95% confidence intervals and Bland–Altman plots. This study was given approval by The University of Melbourne Behavioural and Social Sciences Human Ethics Sub‐Committee (ref: 1749845).

Results

Assessors A and B showed good to excellent test–retest reliability for LM thickness (ICC3,3 A: 0.89 and B: 0.98), LM echogenicity (ICC3,3 A: 0.93 and B: 0.95) and IL echogenicity (ICC3,3 A: 0.87 and B: 0.83). Test–retest reliability for IL thickness was poor for Assessor A but excellent for Assessor B. Both assessors demonstrated excellent inter‐rater reliability for LM thickness and echogenicity (ICC2,3: 0.79 and 0.94), but poor reliability for IL thickness and echogenicity (ICC2,3: 0.00 and 0.39).

Conclusions

Inter‐rater and test–retest reliability was excellent for LM but was less reliable for measures of the IL muscle.
Highly Active PdO/Mn3O4/CeO2 Nanocomposites Supported on One Dimensional Halloysite Nanotubes for Photoassisted Thermal Catalytic Methane Combustion
Authors: Feng Xilan , Liu Dapeng , Yan Baolin , Shao Mingzhe , Hao Zhimin , Yuan Guobao , Yu Haohan , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2021

In this work, we have successfully triggered the aqueous auto‐redox reactions between reductive Ce(OH)3 and oxidative MnO4−/Pd2+ ions to form PdO/Mn3O4/CeO2 (PMC) nanocomposites. PMC could spontaneously self‐assemble into compact encapsulation on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to form the final one dimensional HNTs supported PMCs (HPMC). It is identified that there exists strong synergistic effects among the components of PdO, Mn3O4, and CeO2, and hence HPMC could show excellent performance on photoassisted thermal catalytic CH4 combustion that its light‐off temperature was sharply reduced to be 180 °C under visible light irradiation. Based on detailed studies, it is found that the catalytic reaction process well follows the classic MVK mechanism, and adsorption/activation of O2 into active oxygen species (O*) should be the rate‐determining step for CH4 conversion.
On event‐triggered robust observer‐based control problem of one‐sided Lipschitz time‐delay systems
Authors: Dinh Cong Huong
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we address the event‐triggered robust observer‐based control problem of a class of one‐sided Lipschitz systems subject to time delays and disturbances. We design an event‐triggered robust observer‐based controller to guarantee that the closed‐loop systems of the one‐sided Lipschitz systems are asymptotical stable with a disturbance attenuation level. Two examples are given to illustrate our obtained results.
Gaia search for stellar companions of TESS Objects of Interest II
Authors: Mugrauer Markus , Michel Kai‐Uwe
Published: June 2021

We present the latest results of our ongoing multiplicity study of (Community) TESS Objects of Interest, using astro‐ and photometric data from the ESA‐Gaia mission, to detect stellar companions of these stars and to characterize their properties. In total, 107 binary, 5 hierarchical triple star systems, as well as one quadruple system were detected among 585 targets surveyed, which are all located at distances closer than about 500 pc around the Sun. As proven with their accurate Gaia EDR3 astrometry, the companions and the targets are located at the same distance and share a common proper motion, as it is expected for components of gravitationally bound stellar systems. The companions exhibit masses in the range between about 0.09 M⊙ and 4.5 M⊙ and are most frequently found in the mass range between 0.15 and 0.6 M⊙. The companions are separated from the targets by about 120 up to 9,500 au and their frequency is the highest and constant within about 500 au while it continually decreases for larger separations. Beside mainly early to mid M dwarfs, also five white dwarf companions were identified in this survey, whose true nature was revealed by their photometric properties.
Properties of the quark‐gluon plasma created in heavy‐ion collisions
Authors: Moreau Pierre , Soloveva Olga , Grishmanovskii Ilia , Voronyuk Vadim , Oliva Lucia , Song Taesoo , Kireyeu Viktar , Coci Gabriele , Bratkovskaya Elena
Published: June 2021

We review the properties of the strongly interacting quark‐gluon plasma (QGP) at finite temperature and baryon chemical potential as created in heavy‐ion collisions at ultrarelativistic energies. The description of the strongly interacting (non‐perturbative) QGP in equilibrium is based on the effective propagators and couplings from the Dynamical QuasiParticle Model (DQPM) that is matched to reproduce the equation‐of‐state of the partonic system above the deconfinement temperature from lattice QCD. Based on a microscopic transport description of heavy‐ion collisions, we discuss which observables are sensitive to the QGP creation and its properties.
Long‐term disease control and survival observed after stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for oligometastatic breast cancer
Authors: Wijetunga N. Ari , dos Anjos Carlos H. , Zhi W. Iris , Robson Mark , Tsai C. Jillian , Yamada Yoshiya , Dover Laura , Gillespie Erin F. , Xu Amy J. , Yang Jonathan T.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

We examined the characteristics of breast cancer patients with oligometastases (OM) treated with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) to identify factors associated with local progression, distant metastasis progression, time to subsequent therapy, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a single‐institution database of patients treated with radiotherapy between 2008 and 2018 and identified 79 patients who received SABR to OM. Twenty‐seven patients had genetic testing of metastatic tumors using an institutional targeted sequencing platform. Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox regression, and competing risk models were used to compare clinical and genetic correlates with outcomes.

Results

Median follow‐up was 50 months (IQR: 29–66) with 67% of patients alive at the last follow‐up. Of the 65% of patients who progressed, 82% progressed outside of the radiation field, 18% experienced local failure, and 80% had oligoprogression. Median OS was 86 months (IQR: 29–66), and PFS was 33 months (IQR: 10–38). Less than 5 years from diagnosis to SABR and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) were associated with worse OS. Advanced T stage, any prior chemotherapy, and TNBC were associated with worse PFS. Alterations in CEBPB, RB1, TBX3, PTEN, and CDK4 were associated with worse survival outcomes.

Conclusion

Long‐term systemic disease control and survival can be achieved with SABR for oligometastatic breast cancer. Hormone receptor‐positive patients with a long disease interval from initial diagnosis and limited systemic progression history may be ideal for SABR to all sites of disease.
A Study to Assess the Dosimetric Impact of the Anatomical Changes Occurring in the Parotid Glands and Tumour Volume during Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy using Simultaneous Integrated Boost (IMRT‐SIB) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancers
Authors: Ghosh Arunima , Gupta Seema , Johny Danial , Vidyadhar Bhosale Vivek , Pal Singh Negi Mahendra
Published: June 2021

Background

Anatomical variations in head and neck cancer during IMRT leads to volume shrinkage, results in dosimetric variations in tumour and normal tissue including parotid glands, with a risk of radiation toxicities.

Methods

30 patients with a stage II–IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were treated with definitive IMRT‐SIB and concomitant chemotherapy. Volumetric and dosimetric variations were evaluated during the period of IMRT by recalculating and obtaining dose‐volume histograms of re‐contoured target volumes and parotid glands on repeat CT scans taken multiple times during treatment (CT1, CT2, CT3 and CT4).

Results

Result showed significant (p < 0.001) mean decrease in both primary and nodal tumors volume with time whereas increase (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) in respective V100 (%) and D2% (Gy). The mean parotid gland dose increased (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) with time, whereas parotid gland volume and distance between plan isocenter and centre of mass of parotid glands decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001) with time. Patient's mean weight and neck circumference both decrease (p < 0.001) with time whereas ECOG score increase (p < 0.001) with time. The mucosal toxicity increased significantly (p < 0.001) with time. The change in both weight and neck circumference showed significant (p < 0.001) and direct (positive correlation) association with change in parotid gland volume.

Conclusion

If the PTV and normal anatomy are changing with time, adaptive IMRT would be beneficial radiation dose delivery where possible.
The effect of attribute alignability on brand evaluation in a competitive context: The moderating role of regulatory mode
Authors: Lee Byung‐Kwan , Suh Taewon , Noh Hwan‐Ho
Published: June 2021

Based on structural alignment and regulatory mode theories, this research examined how different regulatory modes (assessment and locomotion) affect attitude and purchase intention for a target brand when it is presented in nonalignable/alignable comparison contexts. According to the structural alignment theory, alignable attributes are comparable aspects across product alternatives (e.g., Popcorn A has calories equal to 20 peanuts while Popcorn B has calories equal to 10 peanuts) while nonalignable attributes are aspects that do not correspond to aspects in other options (e.g., Popcorn A has fiber while Popcorn B tastes a bit sweet). Study 1 employed locomotion mode and attribute alignability (alignable vs. nonalignable) as between‐subjects variables. Study 2 employed a single‐factor (regulatory mode: assessment vs. locomotion) design. Data were collected from Amazon's Mechanical Turk participant pool. Findings indicated that the match between regulatory mode and structural alignment of brand attributes affects consumer evaluation and behavioral intention. In Study 1, high locomotors evaluated the target product more favorably and tended to purchase the target brand more in a nonalignable comparison context but not in an alignable one. In Study 2, assessors preferred an alignable‐better brand more than locomotors did, whereas locomotors tended to prefer a nonalignable‐better brand more than assessors did. Implications are discussed related to the effects of regulatory mode and attribute alignability on consumer preference and brand strategies.
Nano WO3‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Process for Mild Oxidative Depolymerization of Lignin and its Model Compounds
Authors: Liang Jing , Wang Meng‐Xiao , Zhao Yun‐Peng , Yan Wei‐Wei , Si Xing‐Gang , Yu Guo , Cao Jing‐Pei , Wei Xian‐Yong
Published: June 2021

Despite challenges related to the robust and irregular structure of lignin, the valorization of this aromatic biopolymer has aroused great interest. However, the current methods exhibit problems such as harsh reaction conditions, complicated operation, and difficult recovery of catalyst. Herein we present a one‐pot process for the mild oxidative depolymerization of lignin and lignin model compounds catalyzed by nano WO3, along with tert‐butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) as the oxidant and NaOH as the additive, which exhibits advantages of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Under the optimized condition, it yielded 80.4 wt % of liquid oil from organosolv lignin with 7.6 wt % of vanillic acid as the main monomer product, accounting for 91.6 wt % monomeric selectivity. Mechanism studies on the model substrate suggest that the reaction proceeds via an oxidation of Cα−OH to C=O followed by C−O bond cleavage to afford phenol and ketone products which may undergo further oxidation to produce aromatic carboxylic acids. We have developed an operationally simple procedure for mild fragmentation of lignin and lignin model compounds with excellent yields, which provides the potential to expand the existing lignin usage from energy source to value‐added commodity chemicals.
Water‐Soluble Gold(III)–Metformin Complex Alters Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Hyun Kim Jong , Ofori Samuel , Mertens R. Tyler , Parkin Sean , Awuah Samuel G.
Published: June 2021

Chemical control of mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics can unravel fundamental biological mechanisms and therapeutics for several diseases including, diabetes and cancer. We synthesized stable, water‐soluble gold(III) complexes (Auraformin) supported by biguanide metformin or phenylmetformin for efficacious inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. The new compounds were characterized following the reaction of [C N]‐cyclometalated gold(III) compounds with respective biguanides. Auraformin is solution stable in a physiologically relevant environment. We show that auraformin decreases mitochondrial respiration efficiently in comparison to the clinically used metformin by 100‐fold. The compound displays significant mitochondrial uptake and induces antiproliferative activity in the micromolar range. Our results shed light on the development of new scaffolds as improved inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration.
Individual prediction of nonadherence to oral mercaptopurine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Results from COG AALL03N1
Authors: Hoppmann Anna L. , Chen Yanjun , Landier Wendy , Hageman Lindsey , Evans William E. , Wong F. Lennie , Relling Mary V. , Bhatia Smita
Published: June 2021

Background

Poor mercaptopurine (6MP) adherence (mean adherence rate < 90%) increases the relapse risk among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 6MP adherence remains difficult to measure in real time. Easily measured patient‐level factors could identify patients at risk for poor adherence.

Methods

The authors measured 6MP adherence via electronic monitoring for 6 months per patient. Using data from month 3, they created a risk prediction model for 6MP nonadherence in 407 children with ALL (mean age, 7.7 ± 4.4 years); they used receiver operating characteristic analyses in the training set (n = 250) and replicated this in the test set (n = 157).

Results

Age, race/ethnicity, 6MP dose intensity, absolute neutrophil count, 6MP ingestion patterns, and household structure were retained in the prediction model. The model yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71‐0.85) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.63‐0.85) in the training and test sets, respectively. The model performed better for those who were ≥12 years old (AUC, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.59‐0.99) than those <12 years old (AUC, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.81). Using the predicted probability of nonadherence based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, the authors developed a binary risk classifier to classify patients with a high or low probability of nonadherence. The sensitivity and specificity of the binary risk classifier were 71% and 76%, respectively. Adjusted for clinical prognosticators, the risk of relapse was 2.2‐fold higher (95% CI, 0.94‐5.1; P = .07) among patients with a high probability of nonadherence in comparison with those with a low probability, as identified by the risk prediction model.

Conclusions

The risk prediction model identified patients with a high probability of nonadherence and could be used in real time to personalize recommendations and interventions in the clinic.

Lay Summary

The vast majority of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, are cured.

The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia includes taking an oral chemotherapy medicine (mercaptopurine) for approximately 2 years. Children who miss doses of this medicine (specifically children who take the medicine less than 90% of the time that it is prescribed) are more likely to suffer leukemia relapse.

The authors of this article have measured mercaptopurine adherence with electronic bottle caps to determine characteristics of patients that predict nonadherence, and they have created a prediction tool that could allow physicians to identify and intervene with patients at high risk of nonadherence.
Pharmacokinetics of a Fixed‐Dose Combination of Amlodipine/Losartan and Chlorthalidone Compared to Concurrent Administration of the Separate Components
Authors: Jeon Inseung , Moon Seol Ju , Park Sang‐In , Choi Yewon , Jung Jina , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Chung Jae‐Yong
Published: June 2021

Hypertension is more effectively treated with coadministration of 2 or more antihypertensive drugs than with high‐dose monotherapy. Therefore, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and thiazides are coadministered to treat hypertension. The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of HCP1401, a fixed‐dose combination of amlodipine 5 mg, losartan 100 mg, and chlorthalidone 25 mg, with the separate components (loose combination) of amlodipine/losartan 5/100 mg and chlorthalidone 25 mg. A randomized, open‐label, single‐dose, 2‐way crossover study was conducted. Blood samples for amlodipine and chlorthalidone were collected for up to 144 hours after dosing, whereas those for losartan were collected up to 48 hours after dosing. The PK parameters of these drugs were calculated using a noncompartmental method. Sixty subjects completed the study. The geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals of maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration–time curve to the last measurable point for amlodipine, losartan, and chlorthalidone were within the conventional bioequivalence range of 0.80 to 1.25. There were no clinically significant changes in safety assessments, and the treatments were well tolerated. The PK characteristics and tolerability profiles of a single oral FDC of amlodipine, losartan, and chlorthalidone were equivalent to those of individual tablets in a loose combination.
Looking for the Elusive Imine Tautomer of Creatinine: Different States of Aggregation Studied by Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy
Authors: Léon Iker , Tasinato Nicola , Spada Lorenzo , Alonso Elena R. , Mata Santiago , Balbi Alice , Puzzarini Cristina , Alonso Jose L. , Barone Vincenzo
Published: June 2021

New spectroscopic experiments and state‐of‐the‐art quantum‐chemical computations of creatinine in different aggregation states unequivocally unveiled a significant tuning of tautomeric equilibrium by the environment: from the exclusive presence of the amine tautomer in the solid state and aqueous solution to a mixture of amine and imine tautomers in the gas phase. Quantum‐chemical calculations predict the amine species as the most stable tautomer by about 30 kJ mol−1 in condensed phases. On the contrary, moving to the isolated forms, both Z and E imine isomers become more stable by about 7 kJ mol−1. Since the imine isomers and one amine tautomer are separated by significant energy barriers, all of them should be present in the gas phase. This prediction has indeed been confirmed by high‐resolution rotational spectroscopy, which provides the first experimental characterization of the elusive imine tautomer. The interpretation of the complicated hyperfine structure of the rotational spectrum, originated by three 14N nuclei, makes it possible to use the spectral signatures as a sort of fingerprint for each individual tautomer in the complex sample.
Optoelectronic Evaluation, Chemical Potential Identification, Chemiparametric Oscillation Mapping, and Dielectric Efficiency Investigation of Organic NLO Crystal: 2‐Aminofluorene Using Computational Calculations
Authors: Thirumurugan Ramalingam , Ramalingam Singaravelu , Periandy Sengany , Aarthi Ramadoss
Published: June 2021

In this work, the semi‐organic, 2‐aminofluorene single‐crystal is grown by slow evaporation method. The crystal is optimized and determination of optical axis and the crystal sample is characterized. The volume of the crystal is 568.22 Å3and density −1.311 mg cm−3. The XRD parameters estimate crystal lattice as orthorhombic. The birefringence effect is measured with inter‐atomic attractive dispersion forces. The rearrangement of molecular frame of fluorine on par with amino substitution is estimated. The electro‐optic effect is established by parametric oscillations of accumulation of chemical potential to enable the mechanism of nonlinear optical (NLO) effect. The dielectric loss with respect to the temperature/electrical frequency and the active optical property is measured. The amino group causes optical scattering of nodal regions for radiation absorption process to fascinate optical endurance. The chemical energy processing to acquire the chemical potential to operate light frequency amplification is thoroughly studied from the observation of chemical shift over the molecular frame. The oscillated parametric energy on nonbonding molecular orbital (NBMO) is initiated by the NH2group on the ring carbon–carbon (CC) and it is exchanged among nodal zones of core and comprised of the above segments of the ring.
Review of reduced‐switch multilevel inverters for electric vehicle applications
Authors: Aishwarya Venkittaraman , Gnana Sheela Kesari
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the detailed review and comparative analysis of latest reduced switch multilevel inverter topologies for electric vehicle applications. The recent trends in reduced‐switch multilevel inverters are discussed. Detailed review of the reduced‐switch multilevel inverter topologies, their merits and demerits, and the comparative analysis based on component count, total harmonic distortion, and efficiency are conducted. This paper gives a detailed review of recent trends in reduced‐switch multilevel inverter topologies for electric vehicle applications. Switching pattern of the topologies is provided for better understanding of the inverter operation. Comparative analysis of the reduced‐switch inverter topologies based on the component count, total harmonic distortion of output voltage, and efficiency is also presented in this paper. Based on the comparative analysis, it is observed that the interleaved nine‐level flying capacitor multilevel inverter topology achieved the lowest output voltage distortion of 1.6%, which is within the acceptable limits of IEEE 519‐2014 standard. It is observed that the three‐level active neutral point clamped multilevel inverter topology achieved the highest working efficiency of 99.4%. This paper discusses the most recent trends in reduced‐switch multilevel inverters. A comprehensive review of the recent publications and a crisp comparative analysis of the different inverter configurations based on component count, harmonic distortion of output voltage, and efficiency are presented in this paper.
In situ adaptation and ecological release facilitate the occupied niche expansion of a non‐native Madagascan day gecko in Florida
Authors: Fieldsend Thomas W. , Dubos Nicolas , Krysko Kenneth L. , Raxworthy Christopher J. , Malone Sparkle L.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To investigate whether the frequently advocated climate‐matching species distribution modeling approach could predict the well‐characterized colonization of Florida by the Madagascar giant day gecko Phelsuma grandis.

Location

Madagascar and Florida, USA.

Methods

To determine the climatic conditions associated with the native range of P. grandis, we used native‐range presence‐only records and Bioclim climatic data to build a Maxent species distribution model and projected the climatic thresholds of the native range onto Florida. We then built an analogous model using Florida presence‐only data and projected it onto Madagascar. We constructed a third model using native‐range presences for both P. grandis and the closely related parapatric species P. kochi.

Results

Despite performing well within the native range, our Madagascar Bioclim model failed to identify suitable climatic habitat currently occupied by P. grandis in Florida. The model constructed using Florida presences also failed to reflect the distribution in Madagascar by overpredicting distribution, especially in western areas occupied by P. kochi. The model built using the combined P. kochi/P. grandis dataset modestly improved the prediction of the range of P. grandis in Florida, thereby implying competitive exclusion of P. grandis by P. kochi from habitat within the former's fundamental niche. These findings thus suggest ecological release of P. grandis in Florida. However, because ecological release cannot fully explain the divergent occupied niches of P. grandis in Madagascar versus Florida, our findings also demonstrate some degree of in situ adaptation in Florida.

Main conclusions

Our models suggest that the discrepancy between the predicted and observed range of P. grandis in Florida is attributable to either in situ adaptation by P. grandis within Florida, or a combination of such in situ adaptation and competition with P. kochi in Madagascar. Our study demonstrates that climate‐matching species distribution models can severely underpredict the establishment risk posed by non‐native herpetofauna.
Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by a Nickel Complex Bearing a PBP Ligand
Authors: Antonio Fernández José , Manuel García Juan , Ríos Pablo , Rodríguez Amor
Published: June 2021

The efficient catalytic hydrosilylation of ketones and aldehydes has been investigated using a nickel pincer hydride complex supported by a diphosphino‐boryl ligand (PBP). It was found that the presence of the boryl group within the skeleton of the ligand has a beneficial effect on the catalytic activities observed for ketones compared to related pincer systems. The analysis of the reaction mechanism allows for the synthesis and characterization of a nickel alkoxide derivative by insertion of the carbonyl moiety into the Ni−H bond. Combined experimental and theoretical analysis (DFT) support a reaction mechanism that involves the initial formation of an alkoxide complex followed by reaction with the silane to release the corresponding silyl ether and regenerate the catalyst.