bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Passive Effect of MXene on Electrocatalysis: A Case of Ti3C2Tx/CoNi−MOF nanosheets for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Du Cheng‐Feng , Song Qingting , Liang Qinghua , Zhao Xiangyuan , Wang Jinjin , Zhi Richeng , Wang Yaxin , Yu Hong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHerein, CoNi bimetallic metal‐organic framework nanosheets (CoNi−MOFNs) in‐situ grown on Ti3C2Tx MXene (CoNi−MOFNs@MX) were explored as a typical nanocomposite to study the impact of MXene on the electrocatalytic activity of MOF for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In contrast to previous reports, we observed a passive effect of Ti3C2Tx MXene on the OER performance of CoNi−MOFNs although the electronic conductivity of the nanocomposites was improved. The combined analysis of electrochemical results and atomic valence state characterization demonstrates that the decreased OER activity is likely ascribed to the unfavorable electron donation from Ti3C2Tx MXene, which suppresses the formation of active species for OER from the oxidation of Co2+ and Ni2+ to higher valence states in the nanocomposite. Consequently, more attention needs to be paid to the rational design of nanocomposites with MXenes for electrocatalytic applications.
Impact of RF Sputtering Power on AZO Thin Films for Flexible Electro‐Optical Applications
Authors: Rana Vijay S. , Rajput Jeevitesh K. , Pathak Trilok K. , Pal Pankaj K. , Purohit Lakshami P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the present work, fixed Al (2.5 wt%) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films are fabricated at different radio frequency (RF) power on indium doped tin oxide‐coated polyethylene terephthalate substrate by sputtering techniques. From the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results it has been observed that all thin films have polycrystalline nature with hexagonal structure. Stress of thin film calculated from XRD measurement is increased from −0.10 × 109 to 0.23 × 109 N m−2 with increase in RF sputtering power. The morphology analyzed by field electron microscopy is observed as irregular sphere for all samples. The estimated values of thickness are 440, 870, 913, and 1086 nm for the films grown at RF sputtering powers 130, 140, 150, and 160 W, respectively. On increasing the RF power from 130 to 160 W, the optical bandgap is decreased from 3.59 to 3.48 eV. The highest conductivity obtained is 2.43 × 102 S m−1 for the sample grown at sputtering power 160 W. The study reveals that there is an impact of sputtering power on the various properties of thin films grown on flexible substrates and these films have wide applications in flexible electro‐optical applications.
Particle Size and Crystal Habit Modification of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Using Cooling Sonocrystallization: A Case Study of Probenecid
Authors: Chang Chun‐Hao , Hsieh Chieh‐Ming , Su Chie‐Shaan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study uses a cooling sonocrystallization process to recrystallize an active pharmaceutical ingredient, probenecid, and to improve the crystal qualities such as crystal habit and particle size characteristics. To screen the appropriate solvent system, solubility data of probenecid in organic solvent are measured, reported, and correlated by van't Hoff equation. According to the measured solubilities and data acquired from literature, sonocrystallization experiments using solvents with acceptable theoretical recovery are performed. Owing to the satisfactory throughput, yield, and crystal qualities, ethanol is finally decided as the appropriate solvent system. The effect of operating parameters in sonocrystallization including the solution concentration, sonication intensity, sonication duration, and cooling rate using ethanol as the solvent is further studied. With applying power ultrasound, probenecid crystals with narrow size distribution, regular crystal habit, and mean size around 15 µm are successfully produced. Finally, crystal form and spectroscopic property of sonocrystallized sample and probenecid as received from the supplier are compared and confirmed consistent from the analytical results of powder X‐ray diffractometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Ligelizumab treatment for severe asthma: learnings from the clinical development programme
Authors: Trischler Jordis , Bottoli Ivan , Janocha Reinhold , Heusser Christoph , Jaumont Xavier , Lowe Phil , Gautier Aurelie , Pethe Abhijit , Woessner Ralph , Zerwes Hans‐Günter , Zielen Stefan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveLigelizumab is a humanised IgG1 anti‐IgE antibody that binds IgE with higher affinity than omalizumab. Ligelizumab had greater efficacy than omalizumab on inhaled and skin allergen provocation responses in mild allergic asthma. This multi‐centre, randomised, double‐blind study was designed to test ligelizumab in severe asthma patients not adequately controlled with high‐dose inhaled corticoids plus long‐acting β2‐agonist.MethodsPatients received 16 weeks ligelizumab (240 mg q2w), omalizumab or placebo subcutaneously, and ACQ‐7 was measured as primary outcome at Week 16. In addition, the study generated dose‐ranging data of ligelizumab and safety data.ResultsA total of 471 patients, age 47.4 ± 13.36 years, were included in the study. Treatment with ligelizumab did not significantly improve asthma control (ACQ‐7) and exacerbation rates compared to omalizumab and placebo. Therefore, primary and secondary objectives of the study were not met. The compound was well tolerated, and the safety profile showed no new safety findings. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated faster clearance and lower serum concentrations of ligelizumab than historical omalizumab data, and exploratory in vitro data showed differential IgE blocking properties relative to FcεRI and FcεRII/CD23 between the two compounds.ConclusionLigelizumab failed to demonstrate superiority over placebo or omalizumab. Although ligelizumab is more potent than omalizumab at inhibiting IgE binding to the high‐affinity FcεRI, there is differential IgE blocking properties relative to FcεRI and FcεRII/CD23 between the two compounds. Therefore, the data suggest that different anti‐IgE antibodies might be selectively efficacious for different IgE‐mediated diseases.
Abuse of nutmeg seeds: Detectable by means of liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry techniques?
Authors: Manier Sascha K. , Wagmann Lea , Weber Armin A. , Meyer Markus R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNumerous case reports of intoxications with nutmeg seeds (Myristica fragrans, Houtt.) can be found in literature often following their abuse, as psychotropic effects were described after ingestions of large doses. The successful detection of the main ingredients of the nutmeg seeds essential oil elemicin, myristicin, and safrole, as well as their metabolites in human urine by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) was already described. The aim of this study was to investigate the detectability of the main ingredients of nutmeg seeds and their metabolites in human blood and urine samples using liquid chromatography coupled to linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC‐LIT‐MSn) and liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS/MS) after nutmeg seed abuse. Sample material of three individuals was retrospectively investigated after a systematic screening approach indicated an intoxication with nutmeg seeds as a likely cause of symptoms. Metabolic patterns in plasma and urine using GC‐MS were comparable with those described in earlier publications. Investigations using hyphenated liquid chromatography techniques lead to the detection of myristicin and safrole, as well as further metabolites not described using GC‐MS and revealed sulfation as an additional Phase II metabolic pathway. These results might help to detect or confirm future intoxications with nutmeg seeds by using LC‐MS techniques.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of water quality and eutrophication in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Li Qiongfang , Zhu Yuting , Chen Qihui , Li Yu , Chen Jing , Gao Yun , Lin Peng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWater quality evaluation in Lake Taihu, China, is vital for the regional water security. Recent studies have focused on understanding the spatio‐temporal dynamics of water conditions using long‐term data series. In this study, water conditions of Lake Taihu during non‐cyanobacterial/cyanobacterial growth periods were assessed based on water quality index (WQI), trophic level index (TLI), chlorophyll a concentration, and algal density; the spatio‐temporal changes in water quality were quantified, and their corresponding driving forces were discussed. The study employed water quality data from 2013 to 2018 and algal density data from 2013 to 2017. The results revealed that the water conditions varied over the years; it was the poorest in 2013, improved slightly in 2014, deteriorated during 2015–2017, and improved again in 2018. Slow algal growth was observed from May to July, which accelerated from August–September. The TLI in Lake Taihu may increase due to significant inflow during wet years, which may increase the eutrophication area and algae density in the following year, necessitating extreme caution. The northwestern part of Lake Taihu exhibited a lower WQI and higher TLI than its southeastern part. In the bays with high TLI, the WQI during the cyanobacterial growth period was lower than the non‐cyanobacterial growth period; the converse was observed in bays with low TLI. The results of this study imply that water conditions of Lake Taihu could be enhanced by reducing the nutrient load in wet seasons and wet years and improving the hydrodynamic conditions through water diversion, especially in Zhushan and Meiliang bays.
Caribbean mangrove forests act as coral refugia by reducing light stress and increasing coral richness
Authors: Stewart Heather A. , Kline David I. , Chapman Lauren J. , Altieri Andrew H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFoundation species structure communities by creating habitat and modifying environmental conditions, and there is increasing interest in how foundation species, such as corals and mangroves, interact with one another as these interactions can have cascading effects on diversity and abundance of associated organisms. Given recent reports of corals living on or between mangrove roots under the canopy, we hypothesized that mangroves can serve as a refuge for corals from stresses such as high solar irradiance and temperatures that are associated with the adjacent shallow reef. Using field surveys and a reciprocal transplant experiment, we tested the effects of light and habitat (e.g., reef or mangrove) on coral community structure (i.e., coral species richness, abundance, and diversity) and condition (i.e., level of bleaching, tissue loss, and mortality). The surveys revealed higher coral richness in mangroves than on the adjacent reef, indicating that mangroves can serve as refugia for numerous coral species. Our experimental manipulation of light in mangrove and reef habitats indicated that light intensity is a key environmental parameter mediating coral bleaching and survival, with mangrove habitats providing a refuge from the light stress experienced on nearby shallow reefs. Moreover, our experiment revealed that reef corals bleached less than mangrove corals following transplantation, regardless of whether they were transplanted into mangrove or reef habitats. We suggest that the lower coral richness of the shallow reef is the result of the extreme environmental conditions that select for a subset of coral species able to tolerate these conditions. The facilitative interactions that allow mangroves to act as coral refugia by reducing environmental stress will likely become increasingly important with global climate change.
Self‐care perception and behaviour in patients with heart failure: A qualitative and quantitative study
Authors: Sedlar Natasa , Lainscak Mitja , Farkas Jerneja 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and objectiveSelf‐care strategies in heart failure (HF) are effective for disease management, yet adherence in many patients is inadequate. Reasons are presumably multifactorial but remain insufficiently investigated; thus, we aimed to analyse self‐care adherence and associated factors in outpatients with HF.Methods and resultsTo measure self‐care levels and explore barriers and facilitators to self‐care adherence in patients with HF, quantitative study using the European Self‐Care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS‐9) (n = 80; NYHA II–III, mean age 72 ± 10 years, 58% male) and qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews (n = 32; NYHA II–III, mean age 73 ± 11, 63% male) were conducted. We detected lowest adherence to regular exercise (39%) and contacts with healthcare provider in case of worsening symptoms (47%), whereas adherence was highest for regular medication taking (94%). Using the EHFScBS‐9 standardized cut‐off score ≤ 70, 51% of patients reported inadequate self‐care. Binary logistic regression analysis showed significant influence of education (OR = 0.314, 95% CI: 0.103–0.959) and perceived control (OR = 1.236, 95% CI: 1.043–1.465) on self‐care adequacy. According to the situation‐specific theory of HF self‐care, most commonly reported factors affecting the process of self‐care were knowledge about HF self‐care behaviours (84%), experience with healthcare professionals (84%), beliefs about their expertise (69%) and habits related to medication taking (72%). Among values, working responsibilities (53%) and maintenance of traditions (31%) appeared as the most prevalent socially based values affecting motivation for self‐care. Situational characteristics related to the person (self‐confidence, 53%; adaptive coping strategies, 88%), problem (burdensome breathing difficulties, 56%; co‐morbidities, 81%) and environment (practical support from family/caregivers, 59%; financial difficulties, 50%) were also commonly reported.ConclusionsVarious factors, including health‐related beliefs, habits and socially based values, need to be taken into account when planning self‐care interventions in patients with HF. A patient tailored approach should be based on adequate patient evaluation, taking into consideration the particular personal and social context.
ONO‐Pincer‐Type Coumarin‐Based Copper(II) Metalates: Effect on Alzheimer's Disease Pathologies in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kalaiarasi Giriraj , Mohankumar Amirthalingam , Dharani Sivadasan , Dallemer Frederic , Sundararaj Palanisamy , Prabhakaran Rathinasabapathi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFour copper(II) complexes 1–4 of 3‐acetylchromene‐2‐one and substituted 3‐acetylchromene‐2‐one derived Schiff bases were synthesized and structurally characterized using analytical and spectral techniques. The molecular structure of complex 1 has been confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, which revealed that ligand 3‐acetylchromene‐2‐one‐4 N‐semicarbazone is coordinated to the metal as ONO pincer type ligand. Two nitrate molecules are coordinated to the copper ion through oxygen atoms, of which one nitrate molecule was found to coordinate via two oxygen atoms, thereby achieving six‐coordination. Preliminary biological studies like DNA and protein binding analyses indicated the binding of the ligands and complexes to CT‐DNA (Calf Thymus DNA) and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin). We investigated the effects of complexes 1–4 against amyloid‐β (Aβ) toxicity using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strains expressing muscle‐ and neuronal‐specific human Aβ1‐42. The results showed that the complexes 2–4 remarkably reduced the Aβ‐induced paralysis phenotype, Aβ plaque deposition, and other Alzheimer's disease‐associated functional deficits in C. elegans by their potent antioxidant and anti‐aggregative properties. Complexes 2–4 delayed Alzheimer's disease pathologies, providing a basis for further investigating these effects on higher models.
Dysprosium Coordination Polymer Incorporating Dianthracene: Thermo‐induced Phase Transition Accompanied with Magnetic and Optical Changes
Authors: Liu Jing‐Cui , Zou Qian , Huang Xin‐Da , Bao Song‐Song , Zheng Li‐Min 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDianthracene ligands obtained through photocycloaddition reaction can undergo de‐dimerization upon heating. Here we report the first examples of lanthanide‐dianthracene coordination polymers with chain structures, namely, [LnL(depma2)]Br ⋅ xH2O [1‐Ln, Ln=Dy (x=5), Gd (x=4); H2L=N1,N3‐bis(salicylideneimino)diethylenetriamine, depma2=photodimerized 9‐diethylphosphonomethylanthracene]. The lanthanide ions possess pseudo‐D5h geometries with five equatorial positions occupied by three N and two O atoms from L2− and two axial positions by the phosphonate oxygen atoms from bridging depma2 ligands. Thermo‐induced structural transformation is observed for both compounds between 120 and 140 °C, which involves de‐dimerization of depma2 and elimination of bromoethane. The structural transformation is accompanied with the switch‐on of photoluminescence and, in the case of 1‐Dy, also changes of magnetic dynamics.
The Aza Diels‐Alder Reaction on Brominated Conjugated Dienes
Authors: Uceda Rafael G. , Roldan‐Molina Esther , Navarro Jorge A. R. , Oltra J. Enrique 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe use of electron‐deficient dienes as substrates in the aza Diels‐Alder reaction (ADA) has been studied scarcely. However, the ADA process offers a wide range of applications in organic synthesis. In this communication, the reaction between different brominated conjugated dienes and 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (PTAD), one of the most vigorous dienophiles, is reported. We have synthesized tricyclic compounds from acyclic substrates in only two steps, considering variables such as ring size and steric hindrance and substantially improved the results obtained with other dienophiles.
Biomonitoring of workers employed in a titanium dioxide production plant: Use of buccal micronucleus cytome assay as noninvasive biomarker to evaluate genotoxic and cytotoxic effects
Authors: Ursini Cinzia Lucia , Di Basilio Marco , Ciervo Aureliano , Fresegna Anna Maria , Maiello Raffaele , Buresti Giuliana , Campopiano Antonella , Angelosanto Federica , Papacchini Maddalena , Iavicoli Sergio , Cavallo Delia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe aimed to evaluate whether TiO2 production process induces genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on the first target organ of inhalable particles by a sensitive and noninvasive biomarker of effect. Final aim was to find a useful and suitable tool to assess and manage the risk of TiO2 occupational exposure. We enrolled 40 workers employed in TiO2 production, 5 office workers, and 18 external controls. Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt assay) was applied because it allows to evaluate micronucleus (MN), nuclear buds (NB), and broken eggs (BE) indicating the presence of chromosomal instability and gene amplification and binucleated cells (BIN), karyolytic cells (KL), and condensed chromatin (CC) indicating cytokinesis defect or arrest, cell death and apoptosis respectively. We characterized the exposure measuring inhalable and respirable particles by personal monitoring. BMCyt‐assay showed in exposed workers compared with external controls a higher value of MN frequency (2.57 vs. 0.05‰, p < .001) and MN positivity, evaluated as percentage of subjects with MN frequency higher than a 1.5‰ cut‐off value (52.5 vs. 0%). We also found in exposed workers higher frequency of BE + NB (2.41 vs. 0.22‰, p = .002), BIN (9.45 vs. 8.44‰, p = .047) and CC (1.80 vs. 0.21, p = .001) than in controls. Moreover, we found a relationship between personal monitoring results and presence of MN and other cellular anomalies. This study demonstrates induction of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on buccal cells of workers involved in TiO2 production, suggesting the suitability of BMCyt assay as tool for risk assessment and management of TiO2 exposure.
Analysis of defects in a twin roll cast Mg‐Y‐Zn magnesium alloy
Authors: Kittner Kristina , Ullmann Madlen , Arndt Falko , Berndorf Susanne , Henseler Thorsten , Prahl Ulrich 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTwin roll casting (TRC) enables the production of magnesium strips in an economic manner. TRC has enormous potential for the production of thin strip material from magnesium alloys. However, a range of defects may arise during casting. Internal and surface defects also influence the final properties of TRC strips. In this work, the magnesium alloy Mg‐6.8Y‐2.5Zn‐0.4Zr (WZ73) containing long‐period stacking ordered (LPSO) structures was twin roll cast with different process parameters, and the defects that arose were investigated. In particular, defects such as surface bleeds, center‐line segregations and deformation segregations in the mid‐thickness of the strip were observed and analyzed with regard to the TRC parameters applied. The latter may have developed due to the solidification of solute‐rich liquid in the center of the strip. X‐ray diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the phase compositions within the casting defects. A (Mg,Zn)3Y phase was found to precipitate in a blocky or lamellar shape within large, plate‐like LPSO phases. Wavy lines resulting from high specific rolling forces can be avoided if specific rolling force does not exceed a value of 8 kN/mm. Casting speed of 1.5 m/min has proven to be favorable to prevent the occurrence of center‐line segregation.
Flame‐retardant thermoplastic polyurethane based on reactive phosphonate polyol
Authors: Cai Changchen , Sun Qian , Zhang Kai , Bai Xiaoyu , Liu Peng , Li Aixiang , LYu Zijian , Li Qiuhong 
Published: March 2021

SummaryPropylene oxide (PO) was used to block polycarboxyethyl phenyl ethylene phosphinate (PCEPEP) synthesized by 2‐carboxyethylphenylphosphinic acid (CEPPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) to obtain a reactive phosphonate polyol. The results of chemical titration analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT‐IR) showed that the end‐capping effect was best when the molar ratio of PO to acidic functional groups in PCEPEP was 6:1. Moreover, the obtained phosphorus‐containing polyol was used as a reactive monomer to be introduced into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to prepare flame retardant TPU. Cone calorimetry results demonstrated that TPU containing 20 wt% phosphorus‐containing polyol showed a reduction of 3.8%, 72.2%, and 39.3% in the peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke release, and an increment of 351.9% in mass retention. The addition of phosphonate polyol enhanced the char‐forming performance of TPU, which effectively prevented the transfer of combustible gas and heat, and displayed a good flame retardant effect.