bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Perceived University-Community Consulting Services for Sustainable Development: Insights from the Open University of Tanzania
Authors: Mrema Karoli John
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the assessing the perceived university-community consulting services for sustainable development: Insights from the Open University of Tanzania. The study aimed to explore the consulting services provided by the Open University of Tanzania; assess the impacts in community development; identify challenges in university-community engagement. A study was informed by interpretive paradigm. A qualitative approach was employed using an exploratory case study design, conducted at the Open University of Tanzania. The study involved 37 respondents who shared their perceptions through interviews and online group discussion forum. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, through online group discussions and document reviews, and analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that the consulting services that are provided by the university are strategy consulting, e-commerce consulting, governance consulting, marketing consulting, management consulting, information technology consulting, human resources consulting, leadership consulting, environmental consulting, innovation consulting, public relations consulting and business process consulting. In terms of impact, it was disclosed that consulting services positively influenced the community, contributing to development across various sectors. The challenges identified included difficulties in quantifying the value of consulting services, limited staff engagement with the community, and bureaucratic hurdles. The study concluded that it is high time for universities in collaboration with private sectors to reflect on the consulting services they offer to the community in order to meet the needs of diverse population. Finally, the study recommends that the university prioritize the quantification of consulting services and enhancing staff training on community engagement services.
Pulses as a Key Component in Conservation Agriculture: Impacts on Soil Health and Sustainability
Authors: A.P Arya , P.I Poornima Yadav , Raj Sheeja K. , P. Shalini Pillai
Published: November 2024

Intensive agriculture poses several challenges such as soil degradation, reduced soil organic matter, and increased soil nutrient imbalances including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, iron, and manganese deficiencies and nutrient toxicities (Tiwari KN, 2002). It also contributes to degradation of groundwater quality, declining groundwater levels (Humphreys E et al, 2010), and issues like sodicity and salinization (Tiwari VM et al, 2009), resulting in reduced crop productivity. Many of these limitations can be addressed by adopting conservation agriculture, which supports sustainable productivity while safeguarding natural resources (Sharma AR et al, 2012). Pulses are particularly beneficial in conservation agriculture as they align well with its principles: diversified crop rotations, minimum soil disturbance and continuous soil cover. They serve as a resource-conserving technology that mitigates the adverse impacts of modern agricultural practices.
Impact of Polyploidy on Crop Improvement and Plant Breeding Strategies: A Review
Authors: Thriveni Vangapandu , Paul Mouli , Voruganti Chakri , Kumar Vadada Vinay , Kumar Jammugani Vinod , Reddy B Sai Krishna , Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2024

Polyploidy, the condition of possessing multiple sets of chromosomes, is a widespread phenomenon in plants that has had a profound impact on crop evolution and improvement. This review explores the role of polyploidy in plant breeding strategies, emphasizing its contributions to enhancing agronomic traits, overcoming genetic barriers, and expanding genetic diversity. Polyploid crops, such as wheat, cotton, and Brassica species, exhibit superior yield, increased biomass, and enhanced stress tolerance compared to their diploid counterparts. Polyploidy can arise naturally or be induced artificially, providing breeders with opportunities to create novel crop varieties through synthetic polyploidization. The complexity of polyploid genomes poses significant challenges, including fertility issues, meiotic instability, and difficulties in genome management. Advances in genomic and biotechnological tools, such as genomic selection and CRISPR-based genome editing, are beginning to address these obstacles, allowing for precise manipulation of polyploid genomes and improved breeding outcomes. Additionally, polyploidy plays a crucial role in overcoming reproductive barriers in interspecific hybrids, facilitating the transfer of desirable traits between species that would otherwise be genetically incompatible. The potential of polyploidy for developing climate-resilient crops is particularly noteworthy, as polyploid plants often exhibit greater tolerance to drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. This makes polyploid breeding a promising approach for addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring food security. Future research should focus on understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying polyploid genome stability and trait expression, as well as integrating advanced computational tools to predict and manipulate polyploid gene function. Emerging areas such as synthetic biology and multi-omics integration will further enhance our ability to engineer polyploid crops with complex trait architectures. Polyploidy remains a powerful and versatile tool for plant breeders, offering immense potential for crop improvement, genetic innovation, and the development of resilient agricultural systems. As the understanding and technological capabilities in polyploid breeding continue to advance, polyploid crops will play a central role in sustainable agricultural development and global food production.
Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Greenhouse Pest Management: Integrating Advanced Diagnostics and Preventive Strategies for Optimal Crop Health
Authors: Nalla Anil Varma , Kumar K
Published: November 2024

Sustainable greenhouse pest management is critical for achieving good crop yields while reducing environmental impact. This paper investigates novel ways that incorporate improved diagnostic tools and preventive tactics into the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in greenhouse ecosystem. Understanding pest life cycles and utilizing cutting-edge tools such as DNA barcoding and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) might help greenhouse managers achieve precise pest diagnosis and early responses. Preventive measures, such as tight cleanliness protocols, quarantine techniques, and the use of physical barriers, are critical in lowering pest incidence. Furthermore, biological controls, cultural methods such as crop rotation and intercropping, and the selective use of insecticides and biopesticides collectively help to ensure long-term pest management. This complete approach not only reduces insect damage but also creates a healthier, more resilient agricultural ecology. Furthermore, traditional diagnostic and preventive measures were also discussed in the article. The and recommendations are validated by recent studies and data, demonstrating the success of these integrated tactics in modern greenhouse operations.
Efficacy of Biopesticides against Sucking Pests Infesting Moth Bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal]
Authors: Muchhadiya D. V. , Bavaliya D.G. , Thakor B.B.
Published: November 2024

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, NAU, Bharuch (Gujarat) to study the efficacy of biopesticides against sucking pests of moth bean during kharif -2023. Results revealed that among the different biopesticides tested against sucking pests of moth bean, Beauveria bassiana(1 x 108 cfu g-1), neem oil 0.5% and NSKE 5%  was found most effective whereas, treatments of  Lecanicillium lecanii (1x 108 cfu g-1) ,  Metarhizium anisopliae (1 x 108 cfu g-1) and azadirachtin 0.15 EC found moderately effective against jassid, Empoasca motti (Pruthi.) and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) populations. Treatments of neem oil 0.5% and azadirachtin 0.15 EC was found most effective whereas, Beauveria bassiana(1 x 108 cfu g-1) and NSKE 5% found moderately effective against thrips, Caliothrips indicus (Bagnall).
Biochemical Analysis of Fruiting Bodies of Cordyceps Militaris Grown on Brown Rice
Authors: Chauhan Dolli , Sharma Sujata Pandit
Published: November 2024

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus known for its diverse biofunctional properties. This subject has been extensively analyzed over the past decade. The diverse pharmacological potential of C. militaris has garnered significant global interest recently.  This research aims to determine the proximate composition of in vitro cultivated C. militaris fruit bodies. The analysis of proximate composition included measurements of crude protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, total carbohydrate, and moisture content. The research focused on quantifying the overall nutritional value of the fruit bodies and evaluating biological efficiency, in addition to key bioactive compounds including cordycepin, ergosterol, and Vitamin D2. The results demonstrated that the carbohydrate content constituted 47.67% of dry weight, the protein content was 30.41%, and the fiber content accounted for 15%. The fruit bodies contained 39.82 mg/kg of cordycepin and 61.73 mg/100g of ergosterol, whereas vitamin D2 was absent in the cordyceps mushroom sample. The findings demonstrate that in-vitro-cultivated C. militaris fruit bodies exhibit considerable nutritional and therapeutic potential.
Inter-Set Rest Periods and Performance Optimization in Near-Maximum Training Zones for Trained Women: Implications for Performance in Leg Extension and Leg Press Exercises
Authors: Senna Gilmar Weber , Valentim-Silva João Rafael , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin , Espinola Michelle Soraia Dionísio , Scudese Estevão , Oliveira Cristiano Queiroz De , Willardson Jeffrey , Silva Fabio Nascimento Da , Miranda Humberto
Published: November 2024

Aims: To investigate the acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) inter-set rest intervals on the repetition performance and perceived exertion in multi- and single-joint exercises with near-maximal loads in women.
Study Design: A quasi-experimental controlled trial.
Place and Duration of Study: The recruiting was performed in Petropolis city, and the conduction occurred between December of 2023 and February of 2024.
Methodology: Fifteen trained women performed eight sessions (2 exercises, 4 inter-set rest periods); each consisting of 5 sets with a 3-RM load for each exercise. The exercises tested were leg extension (LE) for the single-joint exercise and the leg press (LP) for the multi-joint exercise with 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-minute conditions.
Results: The total number of repetitions in LP was significantly higher for the 3- (14.63±0.67 reps; p= 0.0002) and 5-minute conditions (14.90±0.32 reps; p= 0.0001) vs. the 1-minute condition (12.90±0.83 reps); and, similarly, the 3- (p= 0.0014) and 5-minute conditions (p= 0.0002) vs the 2-minute condition (13.54±1.13 reps), however, to 1- and 2-minute rest conditions no significant differences were found. For the LE, a significantly higher total number of repetitions was completed for 3- (14.91±0.30 reps; p= 0.0004) and 5-minute conditions (14.90±0.31 reps; p= 0.0005) vs. the 1-minute condition (13.18±1.72 reps).
Conclusions: Both exercises showed decreasing repetition performance with all rest protocols over the last three sets. Regardless of exercise type, 1- and 2-minute rests led to higher perceived exertion. To enhance repetition consistency in women, prioritize longer rests (3 and 5 minutes) for multi-joint exercises like LP, and 2 minutes for single-joint exercises like LE which provides valuable insights into the maximum training load capacity for trained women, offering a foundation for future practical recommendations.
Assessment of Oil Paints for Corrosion Protection of Reinforcing Steel Bars in Concrete
Authors: Akortia Vincent K. , Kankam Charles K. , Biney Evans , Dzikunu Perseverance , Afrifa Russel O. , Banahene Jack O.
Published: November 2024

Corrosion becomes a threat to reinforced concrete structural integrity during the service life of the structural member. This situation has become a global concern because of the economic and safety implications. Hence, many corrosion inhibition techniques including coating with materials (organic and inorganic) were used to prevent its devastating effects. The present study used three oil paint brands (mat, red-oxide and gloss Leyland oil paints in Ghana) to variedly coat reinforcing steel bars to ascertain their corrosion protection capacity in concrete. There were zero, one, two and three paint coats of average film thickness, 72 µm, 129 µm and 220 µm respectively explored. An Electrochemical process involved simulated concrete pore solution made of 10% sodium chloride (NaCl) in distilled water with three electrode systems to represent a corrosion medium was used to determine corrosion protection capacity of the paints. The results indicate over 90% corrosion resistance of the paints used. Comparing the corrosion rates of the coated and uncoated reinforcing steel bars, while it would take a one coat steel bar 342.5 years and 237 years respectively for spraying and manual brushing modes to reduce in diameter by 0.616mm, it would take only one year for an uncoated steel bar to reduce by this same 0.616mm. The protection capacity proved better with increasing coats on all corrosion variables for the selected paints used. The implication is that the selected oil paint brands are capable of protecting reinforcing steel bars in concrete against corrosion and therefore recommended for application to reduce maintenance cost. Statistically, no significant difference existed between coating mode, number of coatings, paint type and steel type on the corrosion variables for the coated steel bars. However, a further study about the durability of the coating in the concrete during its service time is recommended.
Mercury Speciation in Foods
Authors: Wang Zhongwen
Published: September 2018

Mercury (Hg) is an extremely rare element in earth's crust and also the only metallic element that is liquid at room temperature and pressure. Mercury in the environment originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources. A number of exposure cases around the world, which have led to adverse health effects in humans, have been reported as a result of incidents related to mercury. Mercury and its species, especially methylmercury (CH3Hg+/MeHg), are a concern for certain foods. Contamination of fish, seafood products, and other food sources, such as rice, by MeHg/Hg continues to be a challenging issue. Although numerous articles regarding mercury in the environment have been published, there are limited articles regarding mercury speciation in food. This article discusses the topics of mercury speciation in foods, such as fish and rice, with the focus on advances in the analytical methods for mercury speciation.
Single‐Cell Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bergman Hilde‐Marléne , Duncan Kyle D. , Lanekoff Ingela
Published: September 2018

Over the past few decades, the chemical characterization of single cells has improved immensely. In particular, mass spectrometry (MS) has pioneered direct analysis of metabolites, lipids, and peptides from single cells. This progress has been enabled by new and improved strategies for ionization and sampling, where a multitude of techniques for single‐cell MS has contributed unique insights to many different disciplines. Here, an overview of the main three techniques secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), and ambient ionization for direct single‐cell MS analysis are presented, including some example studies detailing the use of single‐cell MS.
Instrumentation and Applications of Cascade Laser Spectroscopy
Authors: Tütüncü Erhan , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: September 2018

Owing to recent technological advances in mid‐infrared (MIR) laser sources, cascade laser spectroscopy (CLS) has evolved to a promising modern technique for high selective and sensitive quantification of trace gases in many sensing scenarios. High output power, narrow linewidths, single‐mode operation, low power consumption besides compactness are just some of the outstanding features of cascade lasers. Since their discovery, quantum cascade lasers (QCL) and interband cascade lasers (ICL) have made rapid progress and has established themselves as the most important MIR laser sources. In this article, we provide a brief overview of state‐of‐the‐art spectroscopic techniques in cascade laser spectroscopy associated with their fundamental principles, including direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS), wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), and optical cavity enhanced spectroscopy (OCES). A number of selected spectroscopy applications of QCL‐ and ICL‐based optical systems for industrial process control, medical applications, and standoff detection for security are reviewed.
A Novel AuNP‐Based Glucose Oxidase Mimic with Enhanced Activity and Selectivity Constructed by Molecular Imprinting and O2‐Containing Nanoemulsion Embedding
Authors: Fan Lin , Lou Doudou , Wu Haoan , Zhang Xizhi , Zhu Yefei , Gu Ning , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2018

In spite of the competitive advantages, inorganic nanoparticle mimic enzymes exhibit inherent disadvantages of limited catalytic efficiency and lacking selectivity. Here, a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐based mimic enzyme with significantly enhanced glucose selectivity and catalytic activity is constructed and demonstrated for the first time. Aminophenylboronic acid is employed to increase the affinity to glucose, as well as build molecular imprinted polymer shells to realize the selectivity for template molecules of glucose. Besides that, heptadecafluoro‐n‐octyl bromide nanoemulsion with the function of providing oxygen is introduced to gain a further improvement in catalytic activity, which successfully enhances the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) up to about 270‐fold. Based on the demonstrated catalytic properties, AuNP‐based glucose oxidase mimics are successfully applied in practical glucose detection of drinks and blood glucose.
NiO–ZnO Nanoheterojunction Networks for Room‐Temperature Volatile Organic Compounds Sensing
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Bo Renheng , Shrestha Aabhash , Xin Bobo , Nasiri Noushin , Zhou Jin , Di Bernardo Iolanda , Dodd Aaron , Saunders Martin , Lipton‐Duffin Josh , White Thomas , Tsuzuki Takuya , Tricoli Antonio
Published: September 2018

Engineering of highly performing nanomaterials, capable of rapid detection of trace concentrations of gas molecules at room temperature, is key to the development of the next generation of miniaturized chemical sensors. Here, a highly performing nanoheterojunctions layout is presented for the rapid room‐temperature chemical sensing of volatile organic compounds down to ten particles per billion concentrations. The layout consists of a 3D network of nickel oxide–zinc oxide (NiO–ZnO) p–n semiconductors with grain size of ≈20 nm nanometers and a porosity of ≈98%. Notably, it is observed that the formation of the p–n heterojunctions by decoration of a ZnO nanoparticle networks with NiO increases the sensor response by more than four times while improving the lower limit of detection. Under solar light irradiation, the optimal NiO–ZnO nanoheterojunction networks demonstrate a strong and selective room‐temperature response to two important volatile organic compounds utilized for breath analysis, namely acetone and ethanol. Furthermore, these NiO–ZnO nanoheterojunctions show an inverse response to acetone from that observed for all others reducing gas molecules (i.e., ethanol, propane, and ethylbenzene). It is believed that these novel insights of the optoelectrochemical properties of ultraporous nanoheterojunction networks provide guidelines for the future design of low‐power solid‐state chemical sensors.
Inverse‐Electron‐Demand [4+2]‐Cycloaddition of 1,3,5‐triazinanes: Facile Approaches to Tetrahydroquinazolines
Authors: Zheng Yongsheng , Tu Liang , Li Na , Huang Rong , Feng Tao , Sun Huan , Li Zhenghui , Liu Jikai
Published: September 2018

An unprecedented inverse‐electron‐demand [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of in situ generated aza‐o‐quinone methides with 1,3,5‐triazinanes has been developed under mild conditions, providing an efficient and mild approach to synthesize tetrahydroquinazolines in high yields (up to 99%) with excellent functional group tolerance. This protocol represents the first example of inverse‐electron‐demand [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of 1,3,5‐triazinanes.

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Leaf adaptations and species boundaries in North AmericanCercis: implications for the evolution of dry floras
Authors: Fritsch Peter W. , Nowell Camille F. , Leatherman Lila S.T. , Gong Wei , Cruz Boni C. , Burge Dylan O. , Delgado‐Salinas Alfonso
Published: September 2018

Premise of the Study

The North AmericanCercisclade spans dry to mesic climates and exhibits complex morphological variation. We tested various proposed species classifications of this group and whether aspects of leaf morphology, particularly the “drip‐tip” in some regional populations, are adaptive and/or linked with phylogeny.

Methods

We made measurements on over 1100 herbarium specimens from throughout North America and analyzed the data with univariate and multivariate approaches. We analyzed phylogeneticallyDNAsequence data from nuclearITSand three plastid regions from 40 samples, and estimated divergence times with a relaxed‐clock Bayesian analysis. We used climate and geographic position data to predict the variation observed in leaf size and shape by using stepwise multiple linear regressions.

Key Results

Morphometric analyses yielded a pattern of continuous and often clinal character variation across North America, without correlated gaps in character states. Conversely, phylogenetic and divergence time analyses yielded distinct clades from California, the interior west, and eastern North America separated by between ~12 and 16 million years. Multiple regressions yielded highly significant correlations between leaf apex shape and precipitation of the warmest quarter.

Conclusions

Despite a pattern of continuous morphological character variation, the long period of geographic and presumably genetic isolation warrants the delimitation of three species. Predictive modeling supports the adaptive value of acuminate apices or “drip‐tips” in mesic habitats. This suggests thatCercisleaves change more rapidly than inferred from parsimony reconstruction, which has implications for the evolution of the dry floras of North America and Eurasia.
The Effects of Multiple Dimensions of Risk and Protective Factors on Depressive Symptoms Among Nonresident African American Fathers
Authors: Tsuchiya Kazumi , Qian Yiqing , Thomas Alvin , Hill De Loney E. , Caldwell Cleopatra Howard
Published: September 2018

Compared to other groups, African American men experience proportionately greater adverse social and economic circumstances, which have been linked to poor mental health. A growing body of literature has begun to examine depressive symptoms among African American men; however, limited literature has examined the concurrent contributions of risk and protective factors among nonresident African American fathers. This study examined the relative contribution of perceived financial strain, perceived neighborhood characteristics, and interpersonal stress on depressive symptoms among 347 nonresident African American fathers. Social support was examined as a protective factor for depressive symptoms. Results from hierarchical regression analyses indicated interpersonal stress was associated with depressive symptoms even after controlling for perceived financial strain, perceived neighborhood characteristics, and specific sociodemographic factors. Additionally, among fathers with high interpersonal stress, having more social support buffered the negative effect of interpersonal stress on depressive symptoms. Findings suggest experiencing strain from multiple dimensions can increase the risk of depressive symptoms among nonresident African American fathers. We also found that interpersonal stress was especially harmful for mental health. Family service providers and mental health professionals should incorporate stress management techniques to reduce stressful interpersonal relationships as a way to lower depressive symptoms among nonresident African American fathers.
Otolaryngological features in a cohort of patients affected with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A monocentric survey
Authors: Grasso Fiorentino , Cirillo Emilia , Quaremba Giuseppe , Graziano Vincenzo , Gallo Vera , Cruoglio Letizia , Botta Carmine , Pignata Claudio , Motta Sergio
Published: September 2018

Otorhinolaryngologic manifestations are common in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), but poorly described. This study aimed to better define the ear‐nose‐throat (ENT) phenotype of 22q11.2DS patients, in the attempt to best detect subjects requiring subspecialist intervention. We enrolled 25 patients affected with 22q11.2DS. Anatomic and functional ENT findings were investigated using clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data. Immunophenotype and frequency of infections were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. ENT anomalies were found in 88% of patients, and in 20% congenital palate defects required surgery. Adenoid or palatine tonsil hypertrophy was noted in 80% and 48%. Forty‐eight percent of subjects had rhinolalia/phonia, severe in half of these. We also found nasal regurgitation or laryngeal penetration/aspiration in 20% and 16%, respectively. Instrumental exams revealed a mild conductive hearing loss in 32% (bilateral in most cases), tympanometric anomalies in 28%, and swallowing abnormalities in 16%. Statistical univariate analysis showed a direct association between rhinolalia/phonia and episodes of laryngeal aspiration (p = .016) and between tympanometric anomalies and increased adenoid volume (p = .044). No association between episodes of food aspiration and palatal anomalies was found. Moreover, no statistically significant association was observed between the number of airway infections and the ENT findings. This study contributes to better define the ENT phenotype in patients with 22q11.2DS, helpful to prevent potential complications. Furthermore, the identification of a subcategory of patients may allow the early adoption of specific speech therapy programs to improve the clinical outcome of 22q11.2DS patients.
Construction of Porous Mo3P/Mo Nanobelts as Catalysts for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Li Feng , Han Gao‐Feng , Noh Hyuk‐Jun , Lu Yalin , Xu Jiao , Bu Yunfei , Fu Zhengping , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: September 2018

A novel synthesis strategy is demonstrated to prepare Mo3P/Mo nanobelts with porous structure for the first time. The growth and formation mechanism of the porous Mo3P/Mo nanobelt structure was disclosed by varying the contents of H2/PH3 and the reaction temperature. During the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis, the optimized porous Mo3P/Mo nanobelts exhibited a small overpotential of 78 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 43 mV dec−1, as well as long‐term stability in alkaline media, surpassing Pt wire. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the H2O dissociation on the surface of Mo3P is favorable during the HER.
Breakdown of Curly Arrow Rules in Anthraquinone
Authors: Alqahtani Jehan , Sadeghi Hatef , Sangtarash Sara , Lambert Colin J.
Published: September 2018

Understanding and controlling quantum interference (QI) in single molecules is fundamental to the development of QI‐based single‐molecule electronics. Simple rules such as counting rules, curly arrow rules (CARs), circuit rules, and more recently magic ratio rules have been developed to predict QI patterns in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. CARs are widely used to predict destructive QI. Here we examine the validity of CARs in fully conjugated anthracene and dihydroxyanthracene, cross‐conjugated anthraquinone, and broken conjugated dihydroanthracene attached to either graphene or gold electrodes through π‐π stacking or thiol and Au−C anchors. For the first time, we demonstrate that CARs break down in molecular junctions formed by cross‐conjugated anthraquinone. In contrast with the destructive QI predicted by CARs for a meta‐connected anthraquinone core, we demonstrate that QI is constructive. This behavior is independent of the choice of electrode material or anchor groups. This is significant, because by changing the redox state of meta‐connected dihydroxyanthracene to form meta‐connected anthraquinone, the conductance of the junction increases by a couple of orders of magnitude due to the crossover from constructive to destructive QI. This opens new avenues for realization of QI‐based single‐molecule switches.
Helium Tagging of Protonated Methane in Messenger Spectroscopy: Does It Interfere with the Fluxionality of CH5+?
Authors: Uhl Felix , Marx Dominik
Published: September 2018

Messenger infrared predissociation spectroscopy is an powerful technique to investigate elusive molecules. Despite accumulating evidence that 4He‐tagging has a minor effect on structure due to its weak interactions, its impact on intramolecular large‐amplitude motion is much less clear. Using one of the most floppy molecules known, protonated methane, we investigate to what extent helium tags perturb its salient fluxionality, underlying full hydrogen scrambling. Bosonic path integral quantum simulations show that the impact of attaching up to four 4He messengers to CH5+ is negligible compared to the non‐tagged bare species. This non‐invasive nature is unrelated to the bosonic character of 4He. Yet, hydrogen scrambling has a pronounced effect on the microsolvation shell pattern of CH5+⋅Hen that emerges as a result of tagging. These findings should provide impetus to explore the power of He‐tagging, particularly in the realm of weakly bound intermolecular complexes.
Facile synthesis of fluorinated poly(arylene ether nitrile) and its dielectric properties
Authors: Wei Junji , Meng Xiaojuan , Chen Xinyue , Bai Yafei , Song Jiale , Yan Ni , Zhu Lei , Shen Aiqin
Published: September 2018

A new class of specialty polymer, fluorinated poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PAEN‐F), was synthesized via the aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction. Due to its rigid structure, PAEN‐F exhibited enhanced heat resistance and thermal stability. Consequently, the glass‐transition temperature and initial degradation temperature of PAEN‐F reached as high as 179°C and 554°C, respectively. PAEN‐F also showed excellent solubility in low‐boiling solvents owing to fluorine groups and the nonplanar structure in the repeat unit. Due to its strong 6F dipoles, PAEN‐F exhibited a high dielectric constant (ɛr) of 3.6, a high electrical breakdown strength of 346 MV/m, and a reasonably low dissipation factor (tan δ) of 0.014 at 25°C and 100 Hz. Therefore, this dipolar glass polymer is promising for high‐temperature and low‐loss electric energy storage applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46837.
Soluplus solutions as thermothickening materials for topical drug delivery
Authors: Salah I. , Shamat M. Abou , Cook M. T.
Published: September 2018

Soluplus is a pharmaceutical excipient used primarily in the manufacture of solid dispersions. The polymer also exhibits interesting rheology in aqueous solution, increasing in viscosity as the solution is warmed. This material could have application topical drug delivery to sites including the skin, vagina, rectum or nasal mucosa, where the increase in viscosity allows for improved retention. However, there exists very little information surrounding this “thermothickening” phenomenon and the effect of solution composition on temperature‐dependent rheology. In this study, the effect of soluplus concentration, salt inclusion, ethanol addition, and pH on temperature‐dependent rheology was measured. The rheology of the solutions was unaffected by pH over the range tolerated by the skin (pH 4–7), but the inclusion of ethanol rapidly negated the thermothickening effect. “Salting out” of the solutions resulted in a depression of gelation temperatures, and an increase in both storage and loss moduli of the solutions. 30% (w/v) soluplus in 1 M NaCl or KCl was identified as a potential thermothickening agent for topical drug delivery. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46915.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole tailoring charge transport characteristics of naphthalene diimide based polymers: From unipolar n‐typed to ambipolar polymers
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Cai , Fang Ren‐Ren , Yu Yuan‐Yuan , Gao Jian‐Hua , Wan Jun‐Hua
Published: September 2018

Random copolymerization approach is confirmed to be an effective way to tailor the electronic structure and crystallinity of donor–acceptor copolymers. Diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs) as the second acceptor units with variable ratios were incorporated into naphthalene diimide (NDI)‐based polymers to obtained three low‐band‐gap random copolymers (P1–3). The low incorporation (10 and 30%) of DPP units did not substantially raise HOMO levels; thus, both P1 and P2 still exhibited unipolar n‐channel characteristics. When the incorporation of DPP increased to 50%, the major carries in organic field effect transistor (OFET) in P3 were switched from n‐channel to balanced ambipolar without sacrificing the electron mobility. However, P4, an alternating polymer of NDI and DPP with defined structure, exhibited unipolar n‐type transport characteristics because of the suppressed HOMO level. Polymer crystallinity and general macromolecular order have been studied carefully and discussed as it pertains to OFET performance. The present work thus highlights the structure–property relationship and the electronic tunability required in NDI‐based polymers to produce ambipolar transistors. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46926.
Thermal conductivity improvement in electrically insulating silicone rubber composites by the construction of hybrid three‐dimensional filler networks with boron nitride and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Xue Yang , Li Xiaofei , Wang Haosheng , Zhang Donghai , Chen Yunfa
Published: September 2018

In this study, we constructed hybrid three‐dimensional (3D) filler networks by simply incorporating a relatively low content of one‐dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs; 0.0005–0.25 vol %) and a certain content of two‐dimensional boron nitride (BN; 30 phr) in a silicone rubber (SIR) matrix. As indicated by transmission electron microscopy observation, flexible CNTs can serve as bridges to connect BN platelets in different layers to form hybrid 3D thermally conductive networks; this results in an increase in thermally conductive pathways, and the isolation between CNTs can prevent the formation of electrically conductive networks. Compared to the SIR–BN composite with the same BN content, the SIR–BN–CNT composites exhibited improved thermal conductivity, slightly increased volume resistivity, and comparable breakdown strength without a largely decreased flexibility. When 0.25 vol % CNTs were incorporated, the SIR–BN–CNT composite exhibited 75 and 25% higher thermal conductivities relative to the neat SIR and SIR–BN composite with 30 phr BN, respectively, and a thermal conductivity that was even comparable to SIR–BN composite with 40 phr BN. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 46929.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Domino Hydroformylation/Double‐Cyclization Reaction of Arylacetylenecarboxamides: Diastereoselectivity Studies and Application in the Synthesis of 1‐Azabicyclo[x.y.0]alkanes
Authors: Tsai Jui‐Chi , Lin Yi‐Huei , Chen Guei‐Tang , Gao Yu‐Kai , Tseng Yu‐Che , Kao Chien‐Lun , Chiou Wen‐Hua
Published: September 2018

A domino method for the rapid syntheses of 1‐azabicyclo[x.y.0]alkane scaffolds, such as indolizidines, quinolizidines, decahydropyridoazepines, and their derivatives, has been developed. This strategy involved a rhodium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of allyl‐, 3‐butenyl‐, or homoallyl amides, followed by two spontaneous ring closures under mild conditions. The reaction scope and diastereoselectivity were fully explored by changing the substitution pattern on the amide and by altering the length of the carbon chain. This method was applied to the syntheses of natural alkaloids tashiromine and epilupinine. The clear differences between the reactivities of two isomeric amide substrates, 3‐butenamide 1 j and homoallyl amide 1 i, could be attributed to better HOMO–LUMO overlap in the transition states that were derived from butenamides during cyclization. This explanation was supported by DFT calculations.
Bayesian network for risk‐informed inspection planning in ships
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Joong , Hamann Rainer , Sotiralis Panagiotis , Ventikos Nikolaos P. , Straub Daniel
Published: September 2018

We present the development of a Bayesian Network (BN) model for risk assessment of ships to facilitate risk‐informed inspection planning. The BN consists of four sub‐modules: cause, vulnerability, consequence and inspection. These modules are set up in a generic manner by consideration of readily available information (the indicators), such as ship type, ship size, operational conditions. On this basis, we define representative models of the ship and its components, which are parameterized by the indicators and quantities that can be related to the indicators. The generic approach enables a fast and holistic risk assessment of a larger number of ships even if only limited information is available. The BN approach facilitates the straightforward inclusion of new information, e.g. from inspection and monitoring. It has the additional advantage of allowing easier communication of the model to non‐experts. Through numerical applications, we demonstrate how the calculated risks can be used to prioritize inspections and how new information can be incorporated to update risk estimates.
Calibrating safety factors for Carbon Concrete
Authors: Weselek Jörg , Häußler‐Combe Ulrich
Published: September 2018

Safety factors are a decisive topic within the framework of a semi‐probabilistic safety concept as is common practice in civil engineering. Long‐time experience is not available for new, innovative reinforcing materials like carbon concrete. Therefore the current paper outlines an approach involving level‐II reliability methods for a comparison of its results with those of a deterministic calculation approach using partial safety factors. The aim is an economical calibration of the material specific factor for carbon concrete. Afterwards an evaluation of the result's quality is performed by the adoption of more precise level‐III reliability methods on specific scenarios. A major subject is the pre‐set value of the FORM sensitivity factor αR in the valid calibration procedure according to [1].
BMI trajectories and risk of overall and grade‐specific prostate cancer: An observational cohort study among men seen for prostatic conditions
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Xinguang , Gerke Travis A. , Bird Victoria Y. , Ghayee Hans K. , Prosperi Mattia
Published: September 2018

Background

Dynamic longitudinal patterns in body mass index (BMI) have been suggested to better predict health outcomes than static measures. Effects of BMI trajectories on prostate cancer (PCa) risk have not been thoroughly explored.

Methods

Cohort data were derived from electronic medical records of patients who were admitted to a tertiary‐care hospital in the Southeastern USA during 1994‐2016. Patients with a history of urologic clinic visit because of any prostatic condition and with repeatedly measured BMI (n = 4857) were included. BMI trajectories prior to PCa diagnosis were assessed using the developmental trajectory analysis method. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall and grade‐specific PCa.

Results

The median age (interquartile range, IQR) of the participants at baseline was 63 (54, 72) years. Over a median follow‐up (IQR) of 8.0 (2.0, 13.0) years, 714 (14.7%, 714/4857) were diagnosed with PCa. Men with growing BMI trajectory progressing from normal weight to overweight/obese had a 76% increased PCa risk (aHR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.48), and men being obese and experiencing progressive weight gain had 3.72‐fold increased PCa risk (aHR = 3.72; 95% CI: 1.60, 8.66), compared to men with persistently normal BMI. The associations were more pronounced for PCa with Gleason score ≥7. No significant association of decreasing BMI trajectory progressing from obese to normal BMI was found with PCa risk.

Conclusions

Progressively body weight gain during middle‐to‐late adulthood was associated with increased PCa risk for both normal weight and overweight men. Further studies are warranted to confirm this finding.
Acute myocardial infarction secondary to blunt chest trauma in motorcycle accident: A rare combination where percutaneous coronary intervention and intravascular imaging optimization are needed
Authors: Boi Alberto , Sanna Francesco , Rossi Angelica , Loi Bruno
Published: September 2018

Blunt chest trauma is a common occurrence in vehicle accident. Cardiac injuries following nonpenetrating thoracic trauma have been reported. ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to coronary artery involvement is a rare but extremely serious condition for the high risk of undetected diagnosis. Blunt thoracic trauma may obscure typical chest pain associated with cardiac ischemia especially in patients with high tolerance of pain or secondary administration of analgesic drugs. We report two consecutive cases of young adults admitted to our emergency department after motorcycle accident and concomitant anterior STEMI due to occlusion of left anterior descending artery. In both cases primary percutaneous coronary intervention with a second generation drug eluting stent implantation was successfully performed. Imaging with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography showed the mechanisms of coronary occlusion, allowing an optimal stent implantation and avoiding procedural complications in this complex setting.
Electrochemical Degradation of Piroxicam on a Boron‐Doped Diamond Anode: Investigation of Operating Parameters and Ultrasound Synergy
Authors: Kouskouki Aikaterini , Chatzisymeon Efthalia , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Frontistis Zacharias
Published: September 2018

The electrochemical oxidation of piroxicam (PIR), a representative nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, was studied using boron‐doped diamond (BDD) as anode. BDD exhibited superior efficiency in comparison with platinum electrodes in terms of PIR degradation. Removal of PIR follows pseudo‐first‐order kinetics and the apparent kinetic constants decreased from 0.138 to 0.0369 min−1 as the initial PIR concentration increased from 245 to 975 μg L−1. Altering of the pH had little effect on electrolysis of PIR with slightly better removal at pH 9. The presence of 10 g L−1 of tert‐butanol inhibited PIR removal, indicating that its oxidation is caused by electro‐generated hydroxyl radicals. Addition of 200 mg L−1 sodium chloride increased the apparent kinetic constant more than ten times from 0.139 to 1.44 min−1. Similar behavior was observed in the case of bicarbonates and nitrates, possibly due to the generation of selective carbonate radicals and active oxygen species like nitric or nitrous oxides. Experiments were also conducted in various aqueous matrices and it was observed that the presence of humic acid delayed the degradation of PIR, while process efficiency was enhanced in bottled and surface water as well as in wastewater, due to the presence of inorganic ions. Coupling BDD electrolysis with ultrasound (at 14 W L−1, 20 kHz) increased the reaction rate of PIR destruction and the observed synergy was calculated at S=44.6 %.
Pseudo‐tetrahedral Rhodium and Iridium Complexes: Catalytic Synthesis of E‐Enynes
Authors: Geer Ana M. , Julián Alejandro , López José A. , Ciriano Miguel A. , Tejel Cristina
Published: September 2018

The reactions of the rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes [M(PhBP3)(C2H4)(NCMe)] (PhBP3=PhB(CH2PPh2)3−) with alkynes have resulted in the synthesis of a new family of pseudo‐tetrahedral complexes, [M(PhBP3)(RC≡CR′)] (M=Rh, Ir), which contain the alkyne as a four‐electron donor. The reactions of these unusual compounds with two‐electron donors (L=PMe3, CNtBu) produced a change in the “donicity” of the alkyne from a 4e− to a 2e− donor to give five‐coordinate complexes. These were the final products with the iridium complexes, whereas further reactions took place with the rhodium complexes. In particular, C(sp)−H bond activation of the alkyne occurred leading to hydrido alkynyl complexes. This process is essential for the further reactivity of the alkynes, and if the alkyne itself was used as reagent, E‐enyne complexes were obtained. As a consequence of this chemistry, we show that the complex [Rh(PhBP3)(C2H4)(NCMe)] is a very efficient pre‐catalyst for the regioselective di‐ and trimerization of terminal alkynes to E‐enynes and benzene derivatives, respectively. Interestingly, acetonitrile significantly enhanced the catalytic activity by facilitating the C(sp)−H bond activation step. A hydrometalation mechanism to account for these experimental observations is proposed.
Moving beyond static survivorship care plans: A systems engineering approach to population health management for cancer survivors
Authors: Tevaarwerk Amye J. , Klemp Jennifer R. , van Londen Gijsberta J. , Hesse Bradford W. , Sesto Mary E.
Published: September 2018

The American cancer survivor population is ever‐growing, with necessary follow‐up primarily accomplished in a high‐touch fashion—adding to unsustainability and fragmentation of care. Given the complexities of the health care system processes needed to support survivorship, engineering approaches may best address performance deficits and facilitate the provision of patient‐centered care. Such collaboration between health care and engineering is recommended for redesigning health care delivery systems. By using Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS), a systems engineering model widely used to improve health care quality and delivery, the authors examine the work system to identify the barriers and facilitators to necessary care in the presence of a survivorship care plan and visit. Recommendations for future improvement include ensuring that care‐planning processes are dynamic, clearly assigned, resilient, and integrated with electronic health record systems.