bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Thienyl DPP derivatives Functionalized with Terminal Electron‐Acceptor Groups: Synthesis, Optical Properties and OFET Performance
Authors: Fusco Sandra , Barra Mario , Gontrani Lorenzo , Bonomo Matteo , Chianese Federico , Galliano Simone , Centore Roberto , Cassinese Antonio , Carbone Marilena , Carella Antonio
Published: March 2022

Three novel diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) based small molecules have been synthesized and characterized in terms of their chemical‐physical, electrochemical and electrical properties. All the molecules consist of a central DPP electron acceptor core symmetrically functionalized with donor bi‐thienyl moieties and flanked in the terminal positions by three different auxiliary electron‐acceptor groups. This kind of molecular structure, characterized by an alternation of electron acceptor and donor groups, was purposely designed to provide a significant absorption at the longer wavelengths of the visible spectrum: when analysed as thin films, in fact, the dyes absorb well over 800 nm and exhibit a narrow optical bandgap down to 1.28 eV. A detailed DFT analysis provides useful information on the electronic structure of the dyes and on the features of the main optical transitions. Organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) have been fabricated by depositing the DPP dyes as active layers from solution: the different end‐functionalization of the dyes had an effect on the charge‐transport properties with two of the dyes acting as n‐type semiconductors (electron mobility up to 4.4 ⋅ 10−2 cm2/V ⋅ s) and the third one as a p‐type semiconductor (hole mobility up to 2.3 ⋅ 10−3 cm2/V ⋅ s). Interestingly, well‐balanced ambipolar transistors were achieved by blending the most performant n‐type and p‐type dyes with hole and electron mobility in the order of 10−3 cm2/V ⋅ s
Genetic Optimization of Homogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Laplaza Ruben , Gallarati Simone , Corminboeuf Clemence
Published: March 2022

We present the NaviCatGA package, a versatile genetic algorithm capable of optimizing molecular catalyst structures using well‐suited fitness functions to achieve a set of targeted properties. The flexibility and generality of this tool are validated and demonstrated with two examples: i) Ligand optimization and exploration for Ni‐catalyzed aryl‐ether cleavage manipulating SMILES and using a fitness function derived from molecular volcano plots, ii) multi‐objective (i. e., activity/selectivity) optimization of bipyridineN,N‐dioxide Lewis basic organocatalysts for the asymmetric propargylation of benzaldehyde from 3D molecular fragments. We show that evolutionary optimization, enabled by NaviCatGA, is an efficient way of accelerating catalyst discovery through bypassing combinatorial scaling issues and incorporating compelling chemical constraints.
Synthesis of Alloyed Pd−Pb Nanowire Networks for Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation with High Stability
Authors: Gao Fahui , Fu Bei , Xu Luyao , Yang Likang , Guo Peizhi
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, with the importance of energy problems, alloyed palladium‐based electrocatalysts in low‐dimension have become more and more popular in electrocatalysis. Here Pd−Pb nanowire networks (NNWs) were synthesized hydrothermally with different Pd/Pb molar ratios from 8 : 1 to 3 : 1 and they exhibited excellent electrochemical performance toward ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Pd6Pb1 NNW presented the network structure along with the smallest diameter and exhibited a high catalytic activity, excellent stability and great toxicity resistance toward EOR in alkaline conditions. The catalytic current density of the Pd6Pb1 NNW for EOR under alkaline conditions was 2344 mA mg−1, while 2174, 1936 and 1728 mA mg−1 for Pd8Pb1, Pd4Pb1 and Pd3Pb1 NNWs, respectively. It was worth mentioning that Pd6Pb1 NNW had a low activity loss and ended with 92.9% of its own maximum current density after 300 cycling, much better than that of commercial Pd/C. The positive correlation effects of catalytic temperatures and concentrations of KOH and/or ethanol concentrations for Pd−Pb NNWs were observed and discussed based on the electrochemical measurements.
Digitalization of visual discrimination threshold and acceptable tolerance of color depth by psychophysical experiments
Authors: Yang Hongying , Qi Mengyuan , Yang Zhihui , Xie Wanzi , Zhang Jingjing , Feng Nuoya
Published: March 2022

Color depth is of great importance to both dyes and dyeing. The assessments of properties such as color fastness, relative dye strengths require dyed fabric to be adjusted to a specific depth level. However, the study of discrimination threshold and acceptable tolerance of color depth is limited. In this study, we attempted to investigate them. Acceptability (Pass/Fail) psychophysical visual experiments were performed twice by 16 normal color version observers on approximately 1206 samples for 6 standard depths in 3 hues, yielding approximately 40,000 visual assessment data points. The color depth formula, Yang3, which performed best in linearity to color depth in a previous study, was selected to calculate the color depth values YCD3 of the samples. The calculated and the visual data were bridged statistically. Experimental results show that the average discrimination threshold and acceptable tolerance of color depth are approximately 0.45 and 2.15 in YCD3, respectively. Furthermore, the details of different hues, lighter and deeper, male and female perspectives were analyzed and discussed. The Yang3 formula exhibited uniformity at different standard depths, as expected.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation of TV‐46000: A Long‐Acting Injectable Formulation of Risperidone
Authors: Perlstein Itay , Merenlender Wagner Avia , Gomeni Roberto , Lamson Michael , Harary Eran , Spiegelstein Ofer , Kalmanczhelyi Attila , Tiver Ryan , Loupe Pippa , Levi Micha , Elgart Anna
Published: March 2022

TV‐46000 is a long‐acting subcutaneous antipsychotic that uses a novel copolymer drug delivery technology in combination with a well‐characterized molecule, risperidone, that is in clinical development as a treatment for schizophrenia. A population pharmacokinetic (PPK) modeling and simulation approach was implemented to identify TV‐46000 doses and dosing schedules for clinical development that would provide the best balance between clinical efficacy and safety. The PPK model was created by applying pharmacokinetic data from a phase 1 study of 97 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who received either single or repeated doses of TV‐46000. The PPK model was used to characterize the complex release profile of the total active moiety (TAM; the sum of the risperidone and 9‐OH risperidone concentrations) concentration following subcutaneous injections of TV‐46000. The PK profile was best described by a double Weibull function of the in vivo release rate and by a 2‐compartment disposition and elimination model. Simulations were performed to determine TV‐46000 doses and dosing schedules that maintained a median profile of TAM concentrations similar to published TAM exposure following oral risperidone doses that have been correlated to a 40% to 80% dopamine‐D2 receptor occupancy therapeutic window. The simulations showed that therapeutic dose ranges for TV‐46000 are 50 to 125 mg for once‐monthly and 100 to 250 mg for the once every 2 months regimens. This PPK model provided a basis for prediction of patient‐specific exposure and dopamine‐D2 receptor occupancy estimates to support further clinical development and dose selection for the phase 3 studies.
Performance predictors for graphics processing units applied to dark‐silicon‐aware design space exploration
Authors: Sonohata Rhayssa , Arigoni Danillo Christi A. , Fernandes Eraldo Rezende , Ribeiro dos Santos Ricardo , Dessandre Duenha Liana
Published: March 2022

The limitations on the scalability of computer systems imposed by the dark‐silicon effects are so severe that they support the extensive use of heterogeneity such as the GP‐GPU for general purpose processing. Performance simulators of GP‐GPU heterogeneous systems aim to provide performance accuracy at the cost of execution time. In this work, we handle time‐consuming simulations of design space exploration systems based on GPUs. We have developed performance predictors based on machine learning (ML) algorithms and evaluated them in accuracy and throughput (number of predictions per second). We measure model accuracy through the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the model efficiency through a throughput metric (millions of predictions per second). Our experiments revealed that decision trees predictors are the most promising regarding accuracy and efficiency. We applied the best predictors into the MultiExplorer, a dark silicon‐aware design space exploration tool that allows designers to explore the architecture and microarchitecture of multicore/manycore system design.
Preparation, Photochromism, and Luminescence Principle of BMS: Dy3+, Eu3+ Ceramics
Authors: Wang Xinmiao , Wu Baijun , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2022

A series of barium magnesium silicate (BaMgSiO4) compounds 1–6 are synthesized successfully, which show property of down conversion fluorescent materials. The photochromic properties and fluorescence intensity of these materials depend on the relative content of Eu and Dy. The photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy spectrum of 4 shows that the emission spectrum has a broad band at 396 nm, which is the maximum excitation wavelength. At the wavelength of 396 nm, The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of 3 and 4 show a broad emission peak at 476 and 610 nm, respectively. 3 and 4 show blue‐green fluorescence under UV irradiation, while the luminescent intensity of 3 is slightly higher than 4. The X‐ray photoelectron spectra of 3 show Dy3+ and Eu3+, while the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of 3 and 4 show oxygen vacancies.
Construction of Heterostructured Sn/TiO2/Si Photocathode for Efficient Photoelectrochemical CO2Reduction
Authors: Li Chengjin , Zhou Xiaoxia , Zhang Qingming , Xue Yi , Kuang Zhaoyu , Zhao Han , Mou Chung‐Yuan , Chen Hangrong
Published: March 2022

Using renewable energy to convert CO2into liquid products, as a sustainable way to produce fuels and chemicals, has attracted intense attention. Herein, a novel heterostructured photocathode composed of Si wafer, TiO2layer, and Sn metal particles has been successfully fabricated by combining of a facile hydrothermal and electrodeposition method. The obtained Sn/TiO2/Si photocathode shows enhanced light absorption performance by the surface plasmon resonance effect of Sn metal. Especially, the Sn/TiO2/Si photocathode together with rich oxygen vacancy defects jointly promote photoelectrochemical CO2reduction, harvesting a high faradaic efficiency of HCOOH and a desirable average current density (−4.72 mA cm−2) at −1.0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Significantly, the photocathode Sn/TiO2/Si also shows good stability due to the design of protecting layer TiO2. This study provides a facile strategy of constructing an efficient photocathode to improve the light absorption performance and the electron transfer efficiency, exhibiting great potential in the CO2reduction.
A Review on the Critical Role of H2 Donor in the Selective Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: He Yima , Deng Limin , Lee Yuyou , Li Kaixin , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: March 2022

The selective hydrogenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has been of great interest to many scientists and researchers. However, conventional hydrogenation inevitably requires the use of gaseous hydrogen as a reducing agent, which is detrimental to its storage and transport. In this regard, other economical and environmentally friendly strategies, such as catalytic transfer hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis without external molecular H2, become more and more attractive. This Review provides the status and insight into the current research of hydrogenating HMF to high‐value chemicals, using formic acid, alcohols, polymethylhydrosiloxane, water, and sodium borohydride as hydrogen donors and explains the hydrogenation mechanisms and the related hydrogenation characteristics of different hydrogen donors in the catalytic systems.
Chalcogen‐Pnictogen Complexes of Anionic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with a Weakly Coordinating Borate Moiety
Authors: Ho Luong Phong , Tamm Matthias
Published: March 2022

Chalcogen‐pnictogen dihalide complexes which bear an anionic N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand with a tethered weakly coordinating borate moiety (WCA‐IDipp, WCA=B(C6F5)3, IDipp=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropyphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene) were isolated and fully characterized. The metathesis reaction between the lithium salts [{(WCA‐IDipp)E}Li(toluene)] (E=S, Se) and pnictogen trihalides E′X3 (E=P, As, Sb; X=Cl, Br) afforded the complexes of the general type (WCA‐IDipp)E−E′X2 (E=S, Se; E=P, As, Sb; X=Cl, Br). In contrast, lithium chloride elimination was not observed with BiCl3 under the same reaction conditions and instead, the lithium complexes [{(WCA‐IDipp)E−BiCl3}Li(thf)4] (E=S, Se) were obtained. However, the corresponding bismuth dichloride derivatives (WCA‐IDipp)E−BiCl2 were accessible from the reaction of (WCA‐IDipp)ESiMe3 with BiCl3 upon Me3SiCl elimination.
Internal benefit optimization model of gas‐thermal power virtual power plant under china's carbon neutral target
Authors: Weishang Guo , Yihua Mao , Xuexing Zhang , Huan Yin
Published: March 2022

China's “14th Five‐Year Plan” proposes that “carbon peak” is the basic prerequisite for achieving “carbon neutrality.” To achieve the “carbon neutrality” goal, the key is promoting the use of clean, low‐carbon energy and building a diversified clean energy supply system on the energy supply side. Wind energy, photovoltaics, and other clean energy sources are increasingly relying on electrification (P2G) technology to achieve utilization, and this phenomenon can help China achieve carbon neutrality goals as soon as possible and realize the carbon cycle. This article first aggregates combined heat and power (CHP), wind power, photovoltaics, P2G equipment, and gas storage devices into virtual power plants (VPPs), and the natural gas and electricity trading market are linked. We then take the virtual power plant operating profit maximization as the objective function considering the P2G device operating costs, carbon capture and storage costs. The optimization model is solved by particle swarm algorithm. Finally, the specific operating data of a gas‐thermal power virtual power plant system were selected to verify the feasibility of the proposed optimization model. We got some relevant conclusions. (1) The optimal scheduling of gas‐thermal power virtual power plant considering multiple energy markets can smooth the power load curve and improve the overall system benefit. (2) There is a negative correlation between the income of gas‐thermal power virtual power plant and the confidence level effectively. (3) The optimization model effectively increases the amount of carbon capture, which proves that the gas‐thermal power virtual power plant is effective for achieving China's carbon neutrality goal, it can be developed on a larger scale in future. The above results verify that the optimal operation mode of the gas‐thermal power virtual power plant is effective for achieving carbon neutrality.
Improving the repopulation capacity of elderly human hepatocytes by decoding aging‐associated hepatocyte plasticity
Authors: Nie Yun‐Zhong , Zheng Yun‐Wen , Taniguchi Hideki
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

The loss of liver regenerative capacity is the most dramatic age‐associated alteration. Because of an incomplete mechanistic understanding of the liver aging process, a successful therapeutic strategy to improve liver regeneration in the elderly has not been developed so far. Hepatocyte plasticity is a principal mechanism for producing new hepatocytes and cholangiocytes during regeneration. This study aims to promote the repopulation capacity of elderly hepatocytes by decoding the underlying mechanism about the regulation of aging on human hepatocyte plasticity.

Approach and Results

To understand the age‐related mechanisms, we established a hepatocyte aging model from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells and developed a method for ex vivo characterization of hepatocyte plasticity. We found that hepatocyte plasticity was gradually diminished with aging, and the impaired plasticity was caused by age‐induced histone hypoacetylation. Notably, selective inhibition of histone deacetylases could markedly restore aging‐impaired plasticity. Based on these findings, we successfully improved the plasticity of elderly primary human hepatocytes that enhanced their repopulation capacity in the liver injury model.

Conclusions

This study suggests that age‐induced histone hypoacetylation impairs hepatocyte plasticity, and hepatocyte plasticity might be a therapeutic target for promoting the regenerative capacity of the elderly liver.
Higher canopy interception capacity of forests restored to the climax stage in subtropical China
Authors: Sun Shulan , Xiang Wenhua , Ouyang Shuai , Hu Yanting , Zhao Zhonghui , Xu Xianli , Yue Kai , Chen Liang , Zeng Yelin , Lei Pifeng , Deng Xiangwen , Wang Jiurong , Wang Kelin
Published: March 2022

Canopy interception loss is an important hydrological process that affects rainfall redistribution, nutrient cycling, and soil and water conservation in forest ecosystems. However, the manner in which interception loss is affected in forests that are in restoration stages dominated by different tree species has not been fully understood. In this study, interception loss, throughfall, and stemflow were measured consecutively for 2 years (May 2017 through April 2019) in three secondary forests in subtropical China: a coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest (Pinus massoniana, Lithocarpus glaber, PM) in early restoration stage, a deciduous broadleaved forest (Choerospondias axillaris, CA) in middle restoration stage, and an evergreen broadleaved forest (L. glaber–Cyclobalanopsis glauca, LG) in late restoration stage. For a given amount of rainfall, the relative interception loss in the CA was significantly lower than that in the evergreen forests in summer, spring, or winter. The amount of interception loss during light rain, moderate rain, or heavy storms was also significantly lower in CA as compared to that in evergreen forests, owing to the lesser leaf area and phenology of deciduous tree species as well as a higher leaf area index (LAI) and stand density in PM and LG. Meanwhile, the highest relative interception loss, interception loss amount, canopy storage capacity, canopy cover fraction, and mean evaporation rate was observed in the climax forest (LG), which has a higher LAI and stand density. Further, the revised Gash's analytical model (RGAM) and the sparse Rutter models were successfully applied to simulate interception loss in these forests, with the RGAM performing better as compared to the sparse Rutter model. The results of the field measurements and model simulations depict that the climax community at the late restoration stage can effectively reduce the amount of rainwater reaching the soil surface, thus weakening the effect of flood peaks.
A multilevel self‐attention based segmentation and classification technique using Directional Hexagonal Mixed Pattern algorithm for lung nodule detection in thoracic CT image
Authors: Sahaya Jeniba J. , Milton A.
Published: March 2022

Pulmonic nodules are unusual growing of tissues; originate on one lung or both lungs. They are the round, trifling mass of soft tissues in the lung area. Habitually, pulmonic nodules are indications of lung tumors, but they may be nonthreatening. When identified earlier and treated in time, the patient's life expectancy increases. The anatomy of the lung is highly interconnected in nature, which makes it difficult to diagnose pulmonic nodules by diverse clinical imaging practices. A network model is presented in this paper for accurate classification of pulmonic nodules from computed tomography scans images. The lung images are subjected to semantic segmentation using Attention U‐Net to isolate the pulmonary nodules. The proposed Directional Hexagonal Mixed Pattern is applied to generate a new texture pattern. Then, the nodules are classified by combining the proposed multilevel network model with the self‐attention network. This paper also demonstrates an experimental arrangement called tenfold cross‐validation without a segmentation mask, in which the nodules that had been marked as less than 3 mm by radiologists are discarded. This has obtained an improved result. The experimental results show that with and without segmentation masks the proposed classifier scores an accuracy of 90.48% and 91.83%. In addition, it has efficiently produced the measure of area under curve as 98.08%.
Effectiveness of the rural transitions nurse program for Veterans: A multicenter implementation study
Authors: Gilmartin Heather M. , Warsavage Theodore , Hines Anne , Leonard Chelsea , Kelley Lynette , Wills Ashlea , Gaskin David , Ujano‐De Motta Lexus , Connelly Brigid , Plomondon Mary E. , Yang Fan , Kaboli Peter , Burke Robert E. , Jones Christine D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Veterans are often transferred from rural areas to urban VA Medical Centers for care. The transition from hospital to home is vulnerable to postdischarge adverse events.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the rural Transitions Nurse Program (TNP).

Design, Setting, and Participants

National hybrid‐effectiveness‐implementation study, within site propensity‐matched cohort in 11 urban VA hospitals. 3001 Veterans were enrolled in TNP from April 2017 to September 2019, and 6002 matched controls.

Intervention and Outcomes

The intervention was led by a transitions nurse who assessed discharge readiness, provided postdischarge communication with primary care providers (PCPs), and called the Veteran within 72 h of discharge home to assess needs, and encourage follow‐up appointment attendance. Controls received usual care. The primary outcomes were PCP visits within 14 days of discharge and all‐cause 30‐day readmissions. Secondary outcomes were 30‐day emergency department (ED) visits and 30‐day mortality. Patients were matched by length of stay, prior hospitalizations and PCP visits, urban/rural status, and 32 Elixhauser comorbidities.

Results

The 3001 Veterans enrolled in TNP were more likely to see their PCP within 14 days of discharge than 6002 matched controls (odds ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.05–2.45). TNP enrollment was not associated with reduced 30‐day ED visits or readmissions but was associated with reduced 30‐day mortality (hazard ratio = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.21–0.53). PCP and ED visits did not have a significant mediating effect on outcomes. The observational design, potential selection bias, and unmeasurable confounders limit causal inference.

Conclusions

TNP was associated with increased postdischarge follow‐up and a mortality reduction. Further investigation to understand the reduction in mortality is needed.
Tube feeding in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy: A systematic review
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Antocicco Manuela , Pepe Gilda
Published: March 2022

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are frequently malnourished at the time of diagnosis and before beginning treatment. In addition, chemoradiotherapy causes or exacerbates symptoms such as alteration or loss of taste, mucositis, xerostomia, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, with consequent worsening of malnutrition. If obstructing cancer and/or mucositis interferes with swallowing, enteral nutrition should be delivered by a nasogastric tube (NGT) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). To review studies comparing NGT's and PEG's nutrition outcomes, survival, hospitalizations, radiotherapy interruptions, quality of life, and swallowing function. Two hundred fifty publications were identified via electronic databases. 26 manuscripts that met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. We divided the analysis in two sections: (1) comparison of enteral nutrition through NGT or PEG and (2) comparison of reactive PEG (R‐PEG) and prophylactic PEG (P‐PEG). They have comparable nutrition outcomes, number of radiotherapy interruptions, survival, and quality of life, whereas swallow function seems better with NGT. PEG may be associated with major complications such as exit‐site infection, malfunction, leakage, pain, pulmonary infection, and higher costs. Nevertheless, NGTs dislodged more often; patients find NGTs more inconvenient; NGTs may cause aspiration pneumonia; P‐PEG and R‐PEG have similar nutrition outcomes, number of radiotherapy interruptions, and survival. PEG does not have better nutrition, oncologic, and quality‐of‐life outcomes than NGT. Prophylactic feeding through NGT or PEG, compared with reactive feeding, does not offer significant advantages in nutrition outcomes, radiotherapy interruptions, and survival. However, the number of prospective randomized studies on this topic is limited; consequently, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Further adequate, prospective randomized studies are needed.
Oat, corncockle, and lupine growth affects resin‐extractable soil phosphorus and soil microbial properties differently#
Authors: Christensen Julie T. , Hansen Elly M. , Hallama Moritz , Kandeler Ellen , Rubæk Gitte H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Improved use of legacy phosphorus (P) in agricultural soils is requested to reduce the need for P fertilizers. Adapted use of cover crops (CCs) may be a promising tool to support this.

Aim

We estimated the P allocation to roots and shoots of oat (Avena sativa, cv Posedion), corncockle (Agrostemma githago), and lupine (Lupinus angustifolius, cv Iris) and their effect on soil enzyme activity, microbial community structure, and indices of plant‐available soil P.

Methods

We grew the CCs in pots on soils with low‐ and medium‐P status. After 40 days, we measured P, N, and C uptake in shoots and roots; soil microbial C, N, and P; and pH and inorganic P extracted with water (PH2O) and anion‐exchange resins (Presin). Soil microbial activity and community structure were assessed by determining phosphomono‐ and phosphodiesterase, β‐glucosidase, and N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase activity and by extraction of phospholipid and neutral lipid fatty acids (PLFAs and NFLAs).

Results

Corncockle and lupine took up similar amounts of P, but corncockle had an almost fourfold higher concentration of P. In the low‐P soil, the activity of phosphomonoesterase and soil microbial biomass (total microbial PLFA) were higher after lupine. CCs did not affect PH2O, but after corncockle, Presin was reduced in the medium‐P soil. Oat enhanced the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil.

Conclusions

Our results thus suggest that CC species with different P uptake and P uptake strategies can modify aspects in soil of potential importance for the P supply of the following main crop.
High‐temperature corrosion of mechanically alloyed Cr–AlSi12 composite coatings on Ti–6Al–4V alloy substrate
Authors: Jiang Jian , Feng Xiaomei , Shen Yifu
Published: March 2022

In the present work, the Cr–AlSi12 composite coatings were successfully synthesized on the Ti–6Al–4V alloy substrate by using the mechanical alloying method. The effects of raw Cr particle size, milling duration, and annealing treatment on the preparation of the coatings were investigated. The as‐prepared coatings consisted of the inner coating layer with coarse Cr particles and the outer coating layer with refined and highly homogenized structure. The annealing treatment could promote element diffusion and alloying; it was favorable to the densification and oxidation resistance of the coatings. There is a highly densified alloyed layer in the outer coating. The annealed coating showed excellent friction and wear resistance. After the oxidation process, the annealed coating showed the best high‐temperature oxidation resistance. The oxidized annealed coating exhibited four layers, which included the thin Al2O3 oxide film, the homogenized alloyed layer, the composite layer consisted of Al2O3 and coarse Cr particles surrounded by alloyed layer, and the Al3Ti diffusion layer. This was favorable to the improvement of high‐temperature oxidation resistance. The oxidation process of the annealed coating was elaborated.
Women’s perception of cervical cancer pap smear screening
Authors: Siseho Kristine N. , Omoruyi Beauty Etinosa , Okeleye Benjamin I. , Okudoh Vincent I. , Amukugo Hans J. , Aboua Yapo G.
Published: March 2022

Aim

The study examines limiting factors associated with cervical cancer Pap smear screening among participants of reproductive age attending a healthcare facility in Namibia.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive and exploratory study was conducted.

Methods

The data were collected using a face‐to‐face interview (qualitative) and a structured questionnaire (quantitative). A total of 49 participants (10 qualitative and 39 quantitative) aged 17–45 years participated in the study.

Results

The study revealed that 80% of participants have limited knowledge of cervical cancer, while 49% have never done the test before and 8% were not informed of the screening and risk of the disease. Furthermore, 49% of participants responded that the screening fees are not affordable. Meanwhile, all participants (100%) complained of the long waiting period. Other main barriers for not screening were missed announcements and unsuitable time allocation. Knowledge on cervical cancer and turn‐up for Pap smear screening test was low among participants of reproductive age.
Does industry self‐regulation restrict advertising? Evidence from the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative
Authors: Avery Rosemary , Cawley John , Eisenberg Matthew D. , Mathios Alan , Schulman Craig S.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) in reducing children’s exposure to ads for candy and sweetened beverages.

Methods

Survey data were used to determine the television programs that children watch and the time slots during which they watch television. Advertisement placement data were used to count the number of candy and sweetened beverage (SB) ads appearing on programs and during those time slots. Advertisement placement data and children’s exposure measures were examined for 2003 to 2013.

Results

There was a dramatic decline in children’s exposure to ads for candy and SBs. The declines occurred before CFBAI implementation and occurred for each demographic group. There was no evidence that advertisers moved ads to programs watched by both children and teens/adults, i.e., programs not likely governed by the CFBAI.

Conclusion

There was a striking decline in ad placements and children’s exposure to ads for candy and SBs, much of which occurred when the CFBAI was being negotiated. Voluntary agreements have the potential to be successful, and some gains may occur even as firms and government negotiate the agreement.
Overcoming congressional inertia on obesity requires better literacy in obesity science
Authors: Bajaj Simar S. , Jain Bhav , Kyle Theodore K. , Gallagher Christopher , Stanford Fatima Cody , Srivastava Gitanjali
Published: March 2022

Obesity‐focused health policies, including the landmark Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, have stalled at the federal level over the past decade. Congressional inaction on obesity reflects both misconceptions of obesity as a lifestyle choice and limited awareness for the burden obesity imposes on our health care system. Given these challenges, we argue that health professionals must bolster their efforts to partner with public figures with obesity and to directly educate the public. These strategies may help destigmatize obesity and build awareness of obesity as a disease. Furthermore, we suggest that these strategies may empower patients to flex their unrealized political muscle and demand more from their elected leaders. A bold, multilevel approach that elicits a public demand for change can propel obesity policy into the 21st century.
Structural, electrical, and electromagnetic shielding properties of nanocarbon‐coated glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Gao Xiaodong , Yang Weimin , Tan Jing , Song Lijian , Cheng Lisheng , Tian Xiaolong
Published: March 2022

Glass fiber‐reinforced composites (GFRC), widely applied in the automobile, aerospace, domestic appliance, sport equipment, and other fields, are indispensable in modern society. In this article, conductive nanocarbon‐coated glass fibers (NCGFs) were hybridized with suitable polymers for the fabrication of new composite materials. NCGFs have good dispersion and interfacial interactions within polypropylene matrices. The electrical conductivity of a nanocarbon‐coated glass fibers‐reinforced composite (NCGFRC) was increased 108 times more than that of a pure polymer, which provided the NCGFRC with an electromagnetic shielding efficiency (8.2–12.4 GHz) of 22 dB. At the same time, the thermal conductivity of NCGFRC was also improved. NCGFRC will expand the types of GFRC available and further expand the application of GFRC into other fields.
Carbon fiber/polyetherketoneketone composites. Part I: An ideal and uniform composition via solution‐based processing
Authors: Li Bolan , Zhang Feng , Jiao Mengxiao , Li Yanbo , Wang Xin , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: March 2022

As limited by the low dissolubility, powder‐ and dispersion‐based composition methods are used to prepare carbon fiber (CF)/polyaryletherketone (PAEK) prepregs. Owing to the high content of ketone groups, polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is found to have a high dissolubility in fluorine‐ and/or chlorine‐containing solvents. It is revealed that PEKK can form colloidal solutions with a particle size down to tens of nm, paving the way for a true solution‐based impregnation toward advanced CF/PEKK composites. After a fabrication route of impregnation, preheating, and compression molding, PEKK was found to uniformly and tightly cover all the CFs within a thickness of 1–3 μm in the final composites. Such limited spacing and the fiber surface strongly suppress the crystallization of PEKK. As a result, the composites exhibited a tensile strength of 1.85 GPa, 94.9% that of the ideal one according to the rule of mixture.
The effect of squash domestication on a belowground tritrophic interaction
Authors: Jaccard Charlyne , Marguier Nicolas T. , Arce Carla C. M. , Bruno Pamela , Glauser Gaëtan , Turlings Ted C. J. , Benrey Betty
Published: March 2022

The domestication of plants has commonly resulted in the loss of plant defense metabolites, with important consequences for the plants' interactions with herbivores and their natural enemies. Squash domestication started 10′000 years ago and has led to the loss of cucurbitacins, which are highly toxic triterpenes. The banded cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata), a generalist herbivore, is adapted to feed on plants from the Cucurbitaceae and is known to sequester cucurbitacins, supposedly for its own defense. However, the evidence for this is inconclusive. In this study we tested the impact of squash domestication on the chemical protection of D. balteata larvae against a predatory rove beetle (Dalotia coriaria). We found that cucurbitacins do not defend the larvae against this common soil dwelling predator. In fact, D. balteata larvae were less attacked when they fed on cucurbitacin‐free roots of domesticated varieties compared to high‐cucurbitacin roots of wild plants. This study appears to be the first to look at the consequences of plant domestication on belowground tritrophic interactions. Our results challenge the generalized assumption that sequestered cucurbitacins protect this herbivore against natural enemies, and instead reveals an opposite effect that may be due to a tradeoff between coping with cucurbitacins and avoiding predation.
Classification of airborne multispectral imagery to quantify common vole impacts on an agricultural field
Authors: Plaza Javier , Sánchez Nilda , García‐Ariza Carmen , Pérez‐Sánchez Rodrigo , Charfolé Francisco , Caminero‐Saldaña Constantino
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The common vole (Microtus arvalis) is a very destructive agricultural pest. Particularly in Europe, its monitoring is essential not only for adequate management and outbreak forecasting, but also for accurately determining the vole's impact on affected fields. In this study, several alternatives for estimating the damage to alfalfa fields by voles through unmanned vehicle systems (UASs) and multispectral cameras are presented. Currently, both the farmers and agencies involved in the integrated pest management (IPM) programs of voles do not have sufficiently precise methods for accurate assessments of the real impact to crops.

RESULTS

Overall, the four multispectral classification methods presented showed similar performances. However, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)‐based segmentation exhibited the most accurate and reliable appraisal of the affected areas. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the simplest method, which was based on an automatic classification, provided results similar to those obtained by more complex methods. In addition, a significant direct relationship was found between the number of active burrows and damage to the alfalfa canopy.

CONCLUSION

Unmanned vehicle systems, combined with multispectral imagery classification, are an effective and easily transferable methodology for the assessment and monitoring of common vole damage to agricultural plots. This combination of methods facilitates decision‐making processes for IPM control strategies against this pest. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sulfide‐Inhibiting Growth of Lead Sulfide Rods Array Film from Micron to Nano for NIR Photodetector
Authors: Yan Ruiyang , Yang Chan , Feng Shuanglong , Li Shangkun
Published: March 2022

In general, the growth rate of lead sulfide (PbS) crystals in the solution is fast, and it is difficult to obtain nanosized structure films without the presence of inhibitors. Herein, highly crystalline 1D single‐crystal PbS nanorods array on the graphene substrate is prepared in the solution containing a high‐concentration sulfur ion as the inhibitors by electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (ECALE) method. Meanwhile, the diameter of the PbS array from micrometers to nanometers can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of lead and sulfur. Through polarization studies on graphene substrates, the critical role of Au–thiolate in the vertical growth of PbS nanorod is controlled. Finally, the PbS array–graphene heterostructure photodetector presents an extraordinary photoresponsivity in 1.55 μm at room temperature.
Local Structure of Heusler‐Type Fe2V1−XTaXAl Thermoelectric Materials Studied by X‐Ray Absorption Fine‐Structure Spectroscopy
Authors: Takahashi Kouki , Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Kimura Koji , Ozkendir Osman Murat , Nishino Yoichi , Hayashi Kouichi
Published: March 2022

The local structure around doping Ta atoms in Fe2V1−xTaxAl alloys is investigated using X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (XAFS) and synchrotron radiation X‐ray diffraction (SR‐XRD) measurements to elucidate the origin of the reduction in their thermal conductivity. XAFS and SR‐XRD results show that with the substitution of Ta atoms at the V site, local strain exists around the doped Ta atoms. The reduction in the thermal conductivity due to Ta doping in the Fe2V1−xTaxAl alloys is attributed to the increase in the average atomic mass substituted with the heavy element Ta as well as the existence of the local strain.
An Agro‐Waste Based Eco‐Friendly Synthesis, Electrochemical Behavior and Anti‐oxidant Properties Evaluation of Pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole and Pyrazolyl‐4H‐chromenes Derivatives
Authors: Badiger Krishnappa B. , Giddaerappa  , Hanumanthappa Ramesha , Sannegowda Lokesh Koodlur , Kamanna Kantharaju
Published: March 2022

An efficient and economical one‐pot synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐c] pyrazoles and pyrazolyl‐4H‐chromenes using Water Extract of Mango Peel Ash (WEMPA) as a natural aqueous medium catalysts under microwave irradiation described. The microwave irradiation enhances the rate of the reaction, and decreases by‐product formation. The catalyst is obtained from the agro‐waste feedstock, by simple thermal treatment of dry peel of mango fruit followed by extraction of the resulted ash in water gave catalytic green solvent medium. In continuation of our research work on developing green chemistry protocol for bioactive molecule synthesis, herein, first time described pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole and pyrazolyl‐4H‐chromene derivative synthesis by the reaction of hydrazine hydrate (1), malononitrile (2), ethyl acetoacetate (3), aryl aldehydes (4), and/or salicylaldehyde (5). Some of the selected pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole (6) and pyrazolyl‐4H‐chromene (7) derivatives are tested for their in vitro antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging) by DPPH assay method. The assay result revealed, compounds 6 a, 6 h, 6 i and 7 d showed significant antioxidant activities comparison with refrence ascorbic acid. Some of the selected derivatives are characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR and mass spectrometry analysis, and also tested for their electrochemical behavior studies using a cyclic voltammetry.
A Convenient Esterification of N‐Heteroarene Methanols via C–CN Bond Cleavage of Benzoyl Cyanides as Acylating Sources
Authors: Su Fangyao , Zhao Qianrui , Wang Mengzhuo , Zhao Mingzhang , Ren Yihe , Zhu Binghan , Chen Haoran , Lai Miao , Zhao Mingqin
Published: March 2022

An efficient and straightforward methodology for the esterification of various N‐heteroarene methanols using benzoyl cyanides as acylating sources through a simply mixing conditions has been reported. The acyl groups were in‐situ generated via chemoselective C–CN bond cleavage to give the N‐heteroarenemethyl esters. This process features in readily accessible starting materials and offers an easy operational procedure, and broad substrate scope with excellent selectivity.
Emerging Two‐Dimensional Tellurene and Tellurides for Broadband Photodetectors
Authors: Yan Zihan , Yang Hao , Yang Zhuo , Ji Chengao , Zhang Guangyu , Tu Yusong , Du Guangyu , Cai Songhua , Lin Shenghuang
Published: March 2022

As with all stylish 2D functional materials, tellurene and tellurides possessing excellent physical and chemical properties such as high environmental stability, tunable narrow bandgap, and lower thermal conductivity, have aroused the great interest of the researchers. These properties of such materials also form the basis for relatively newfangled scholarly fields involving advanced topics, especially for broadband photodetectors. Integrating the excellent properties of many 2D materials, tellurene/telluride‐based photodetectors show great flexibility, higher frequency response or faster time response, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, and so on, which make them leading the frontier of photodetector research. To fully understand the excellent properties of tellurene/tellurides and their optoelectronic applications, the recent advances in tellurene/telluride‐based photodetectors are maximally summarized. Benefiting from the solid research in this field, the challenges and opportunities of tellurene/tellurides for future optoelectronic applications are also discussed in this review, which might provide possibilities for the realization of state‐of‐the‐art high‐performance tellurene/telluride‐based devices.
Ultrafast and Sensitive Screening of Pathogens by Functionalized Janus Microbeads‐Enabled Rotational Diffusometry in Combination with Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Das Dhrubajyoti , Hsieh Hui-Chen , Chen Chang-Shi , Chen Wei-Long , Chuang Han-Sheng
Published: March 2022

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely considered the gold standard in molecular diagnostics because of its high accuracy. However, conventional PCR is very time‐consuming (turnaround time 4–6 h), labor‐intensive, and high‐tech instruments dependent. Therefore, developing an ultrafast and sensitive nucleic amplification‐based detection method is still in high demand. Herein, a rapid screening of Escherichia coli using an advanced and sensitive biosensing method known as rotational diffusometry in combination with loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is reported. Given that the solution viscosity is increased with nucleic acid amplification, the viscosity change can be measured by the functionalized Janus microbeads‐enabled rotational diffusometry. The rotational diffusivity derived from capturing images of microbeads is expressed in terms of blinking signals. Under such conditions, this method can achieve a limit of detection of 42.8 fg μL−1 in 10 min for E. coli with sample volume as low as 2 μL. Additionally, detection of E. coli whole cells extracted from artificially contaminated milk, juice, and water is performed by the developed method and validated with real‐time PCR. Through this biosensing technique, a rapid, reliable, and low sample volume screening tool can be established, improving the shortcomings of the current time‐consuming and labor‐intensive methods.
Key Knowledge to Support Phonological Awareness and Phonics Instruction
Authors: Piasta Shayne B. , Hudson Alida K.
Published: March 2022

Phonological awareness and phonics instruction are necessary components of beginning reading instruction and require teachers to have specialized content, pedagogical, and pedagogical content knowledge. This includes knowledge about language structures; reading components, processes, and development; and effective instructional practices. In this article, we describe key knowledge across these areas, as informed by the Science of Reading, to support early childhood and elementary teachers engaging in this instruction.
Stuart Noel Watson
Authors: Murdoch Rod , Beech David
Published: March 2022

He loved to travel and took great pride in his work as a veterinary surgeon, whether that be in far‐flung countries or practising in the UK.
Preparation and characterization of plasticized polyvinyl chloride composite film based on photochromic intelligent cooling
Authors: Su Keshun , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2022

Indoor temperature adjustment to maintain a relatively comfortable living environment has resulted in different cooling strategies. Often, these strategies are energy consuming as well as energy wasting because of the complex and changing environment. Materials development to achieve intelligent adjustment of indoor temperature through efficient and energy‐saving methods is essential. Here, we present a strategy to prepare polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/photochromic powders cooling films. By adding different colors of photochromic powders to PVC substrate and utilizing their properties of changing color and light transmittance according to sunlight intensity to achieve the intelligent cooling effect. The indoor sunlight simulation test indicates that the PVC/red photochromic powders composite film possesses the best cooling performance under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and the maximum cooling range is about 10°C compared with the control sample, meanwhile the maximum cooling effect is only 2–3°C without UV irradiation. The PVC/red photochromic powders composite film also shows the best cooling effect (6°C) in the outdoor solar irradiation test with strong sunlight, and all films did not exhibit an obvious cooling effect under weak sunlight. Meanwhile, PVC/photochromic powders composite films also solve the shortcoming of the single color of traditional cooling films, which can better meet the demand of people for color diversity. In addition, the stable mechanical properties of PVC/photochromic powders composite films also give it great application value. Therefore, PVC/photochromic powders composite films can provide a promising energy‐saving solution for future intelligent adjustment of indoor temperature.