bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous CTC separation through a DEP‐based contraction–expansion inertial microfluidic channel
Authors: Islam Md Sadiqul , Chen Xiaolin
Published: March 2023

The efficient isolation of viable and intact circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood is critical for the genetic analysis of cancer cells, prediction of cancer progression, development of drugs, and evaluation of therapeutic treatments. While conventional cell separation devices utilize the size difference between CTCs and other blood cells, they fail to separate CTCs from white blood cells (WBCs) due to significant size overlap. To overcome this issue, we present a novel approach that combines curved contraction–expansion (CE) channels with dielectrophoresis (DEP) and inertial microfluidics to isolate CTCs from WBCs regardless of size overlap. This label‐free and continuous separation method utilizes dielectric properties and size variation of cells for the separation of CTCs from WBCs. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid microfluidic channel can effectively isolate A549 CTCs from WBCs regardless of their size with a throughput of 300 μL/min, achieving a high separation distance of 233.4 μm at an applied voltage of 50 Vp–p. The proposed method allows for the modification of cell migration characteristics by controlling the number of CE sections of the channel, applied voltage, applied frequency, and flow rate. With its unique features of a single‐stage separation, simple design, and tunability, the proposed method provides a promising alternative to the existing label‐free cell separation techniques and may have a wide range of applications in biomedicine.
Children's Human Rights to ‘Participation’ and ‘Protection’: Rethinking the relationship using Barnahus as a case example
Authors: Mitchell Mary , Lundy Laura , Hill Louise
Published: March 2023

The relationship between children's human rights to protection and to what is commonly referred to as ‘participation’ has received significant attention, with many scholars critiquing the purported tension between the two approaches and demonstrating how child participation should be a core feature of child protection. Less attention has been paid to the converse and, we argue, essential precursor of participatory protection practice – the significance of the child's right to be protected from harm as a means to ensuring successful child participation. Drawing on the example of the multidisciplinary Barnahus model, this article explores the multifaceted relationship between participation and protection, suggesting that there needs to be greater acknowledgement of the role of collective child participation in delivering the conditions where individual children who have witnessed or experienced violence feel and are safe to express themselves.
Isolation and Characterization of trans‐p‐Hydroxycinnamoyl Meroterpenoids from Ganoderma sinensis
Authors: Yin Yan‐Jiao , Zhou Hong , Zhang Jiao‐Jiao , Cai Dan , Yuan Yuan‐Nan , Yang Zhong‐Hui , Cheng Yong‐Xian
Published: March 2023

Zizhines V, W, Y, Z, (±)‐zizhines X, and Z1−Z3, and (±)‐ganosinensol L, thirteen new compounds including four pairs of enantiomers and a known compound (−)‐ganosinensol L, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma sinensis. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic, computational methods, and CD (circular dichroism spectroscopy) comparisons. Zizhines V−Z and Z1−Z3 are meroterpenoids consisting of the phenolic and the terpenoidal parts. All the compounds except zizhine Z3 bear a common trans‐p‐hydroxycinnamoyl group. Biological evaluation shows that (−)‐zizhine Z1 inhibits cell migration in the MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. The present study discloses the chemical profiling of G. sinensis and paves the way for its development as functional products to benefit chronic disorders.
Chemical Composition and Bioactivities of Quercus canariensis Flour Acorns Extracts Growing in Tunisia
Authors: Fkiri Sondes , Essghaier Badiaa , Stiti Boutheina , Achour Hammadi , Ben Slimane Lasâad , Ben Salem Ridha , Nasr Zouhair , Ksouri Riadh , Rigane Ghayth , Khaldi Abdelhamid
Published: March 2023

The current study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of Quercus canariensis flour acorns extracts as well as its biological activities in regards to the growing area using spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. The phenolic profile was composed of 19 compounds identified through HPLC‐DAD analysis. Coumarin was the most abundant compound quantified in BniMtir, Nefza and ElGhorra and gallic (12.58–20.52 %), syringic (4.70–7.64 %) and trans‐ferulic (2.28–2.94 %) acids were the abundant phenolic acids while kaempferol was the major flavonoid compounds quantified only in Quercus canariensis growing in BniMtir. On the other hand, Ain Snoussi acorn extract was characterized by its high content in luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside (58.46 %). The in‐vitro antioxidant activities of the studied extracts were investigated and the results showed that Nefza ethanolic extract's has the highest activities. A bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus was observed only by Elghorra population. On the other hand, Ain Snoussi acorn extract was efficient to inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria, mentioned the highest activity against Escherichia coli. These results is the first study highlighted that zeen oak acorns are an excellent source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial compounds related to their lysozyme activity which could be exploited in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.
Extending the Record of Terpenes from Soft Coral Sarcophyton mililatensis
Authors: Yang Min , Ge Zeng‐Yue , Chen Zi‐Hui , Yao Li‐Gong , Liang Lin‐Fu , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: March 2023

In the present study, a new polyoxygenated cembranoid named sarcomililatol H (1) as well as six known terpenes 2–7 with different skeletons were isolated from South China Sea soft coral Sarcophyton mililatensis. Based on the comprehensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, the structure of the new compound 1 was established. This new cembranoid was characterized by the presence of the rarely encountered tetrahydropyran ring with the ether linkage across C‐2 and C‐12. By applying the time‐dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT ECD) approach, the absolute configuration of sarcomililatol H (1) was determined. All of the isolates were subjected to the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐tumor bioassays. However, none of them was active in these evaluations. Additionally, the preliminary virtual screening of inhibitory against SARS‐CoV‐2 by molecular docking showed that diterpene 1 could be regarded as a SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro) inhibitor (binding energy: −7.63 kcal/mol). The discovery of these terpenes has expanded the chemical diversity and complexity of terpenes from the species S. mililatensis.
Evaluation of the protective role of resveratrol against sepsis caused by LPS via TLR4/NF‐κB/TNF‐α signaling pathways: Experimental study
Authors: Okan Aslı , Doğanyiğit Züleyha , Yilmaz Seher , Uçar Sümeyye , Arikan Söylemez Evrim Suna , Attar Rukset
Published: March 2023

The development and progression of sepsis are multifactorial and influence the immunological, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems of the body. Our knowledge of the key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis has expanded exponentially, yet this still needs to be translated into effective targeted therapeutic regimes. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether resveratrol has positive effects in the experimental sepsis rat model. Twenty‐eight male Spraque–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7) as follows: control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (30 mg/kg dose), resveratrol, and LPS and resveratrol. After the experiment, liver and kidney tissues were collected for histopathological evaluation, blood serums were collected to measure malondialdehyde levels with enyzme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) immunoreactivity density was evaluated immunohistochemically. In addition, messenger RNA expression levels for TLR4, TNF‐α, NF‐κB, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin 6 were measured. In addition, the damage observed in liver and kidney tissue was determined by AgNOR (argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions) staining. LPS application caused severe tissue damage, oxidative stress, and increased the expressions of proinflammatory proteins and genes we evaluated, while resveratrol application eliminated these negativities. Resveratrol has been proven to suppress the TLR4/NF‐κB/TNF‐α pathway, a possible therapeutic signaling pathway that is important in initiating the inflammatory response in an animal model of sepsis.
Effect of variation in starch B‐granule content in durum wheat on technological properties and in vitro starch digestion of spaghetti
Authors: Sissons Mike , Egan Narelle
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

While there are a few studies examining the impact of isolated starch A and B granule preparations on cereal end product quality, there is limited information about the effect of genotypic variation in B granule content in starch on pasta technological properties and pasta in vitro starch digestion. Crosses were made between a durum variety Yallaroi and a low and high B‐granule dicoccoides accession and the resulting population evaluated in field trials for starch B‐granule content (S‐BG) and selections made for more detailed analysis.

Findings

Genotypes were grouped based on semolina B granule contents of 24.5%−26.7%, 31.7%−37.1%, and 43.9%−45.1% for analysis purposes. Preliminary field data indicated three “43.9−45.1%” B‐granule genotypes had lower grain and test weight and one of these, 156,224*2, a very high semolina Buhler mill yield. Pasta made from the genotypes produced acceptable pasta but there was no association between S‐BG and pasta properties. To overcome protein composition differences between genotypes, starch was isolated and reconstituted flours and pasta prepared. Starch from the same “43.9−45.1%” group all showed RVA profiles with lower final viscosities and setback and displayed higher gelatinization onset and peak temperatures than the “24.5−26.7%” group. Pasta made from reconstituted flours showed similar pasta quality and in vitro starch digestion properties.

Conclusions

The data suggests no relationship between percentage of B‐granules and both pasta quality and starch digestion for the range and populations studied (S‐BG, 22%−44%).

Significance and Novelty

This information provides new insights into the role varying S‐BG content in pasta cooking properties, texture and nutritional characteristics and could provide some direction to breeders to consider breeding for very low or very high B‐granule content.
A rare case of drug sensitive adult‐onset temporal lobe epilepsy due to a focal cortical dysplasia revealed by ictal coughing: First report in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Chokote Eric‐Samuel , Ngarka Leonard , Takoeta Emmanuel Oben , Kengni Hermann Nestor Tsague , Nfor Leonard N. , Mengnjo Michel K. , Mendo Edwige Laure , Djeutcheu Fabrice , Yepnjio Faustin N. , Tatah Godwin Y. , Mbassi Hubert Désiré Awa , Njamnshi Alfred K.
Published: March 2023

This case suggests that clinicians should consider seizures as a differential diagnosis of paroxystic cough with loss of consciousness. Focal cortical dysplasia should equally be screened for with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans even in adults with epilepsy in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Case report: Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) during pregnancy
Authors: Mejía Ricardo J. , Sáez Josefina , Quitral Ricardo A. , Monrroy Hugo A. , Belmar Cristian G. , Sharp Allan C.
Published: March 2023

Esophageal achalasia is the most frequent primary motor disorder of the esophagus, resulting in a peristalsis and failed relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Various treatments have been described. Endoscopic alternatives include botulinum toxin injection and pneumatic balloon dilation, but both tend to fail with time and usually repeated interventions are required. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has been considered the gold standard. The diagnosis of achalasia during pregnancy is extremely rare and optimal management remains unclear. Our aim was to report a successful per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) performed during pregnancy. A 40‐year‐old pregnant woman presented with esophageal achalasia during her first trimester. Her disease was diagnosed with high resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). Initially an expectant conduct was attempted, but dysphagia progressed during the first 6 weeks of follow‐up and an important weight loss was noticed. She underwent POEM at 15 weeks of gestation. After the procedure, she reported relief of both dysphagia and regurgitation, and her nutritional status improved. She delivered a healthy boy at term. During follow‐up, she remains without dysphagia, her upper GI endoscopy shows no esophagitis and her HREM reports a normal integrated relaxation pressure. In achalasia, as in other clinical conditions, therapeutic decisions during pregnancy should always consider both the welfare of the mother and the fetus. POEM is a purely endoscopic treatment and has been recognized as a safe procedure to treat achalasia, with postoperative clinical success comparable to LHM and potential benefits over it.
Morphology Changes of Cu2O Catalysts During Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia**
Authors: Anastasiadou Dimitra , van Beek Yvette , Chen Wei , Wissink Tim , Parastaev Alexander , Hensen Emiel J. M , Costa Figueiredo Marta
Published: March 2023

This manuscript reports the electrosynthesis of ammonia from nitrate catalysed Cu derived from Cu2O materials. Cu2O (111) and (100) preferential grain orientations were prepared through electrodeposition. Cu derived from Cu2O (111) is more active and selective for ammonia formation than Cu2O (100) derived Cu. The highest faradaic efficiency (FE) was achieved for both catalysts at −0.3 V vs RHE, with Cu derived from Cu2O (111) reaching up to 80 %. Additional measurements with quasi‐in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy revealed that Cu0 is the active phase during the reaction. The stability of the catalysts was examined by ex situ methods such as SEM, XRD and ICP elemental analysis. The catalysts underwent severe morphological changes as a function of the applied potential and the reaction time, most likely due to the dissolution and redeposition of Cu. After 3 hours of reaction, the entire surface of the catalysts was reconstructed into nanoneedles. The FE after 3 hours remained higher for the Cu derived from Cu2O (111), suggesting that the activity is dependent on the initial structure and the different rates of dissolution and re‐deposition.
Introducing Structural Diversity: Fe2(MoO4)3 Immobilized in Chitosan Films as an Efficient Catalyst for the Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfones
Authors: Libero Laura O. , Ribeiro Lara K. , Granone Luis I. , Churio Maria S. , Souza Josiane C. , Mastelaro Valmor R. , Andrés Juan , Longo Elson , Mascaro Lucia H. , Assis Marcelo
Published: March 2023

This work reports how the immobilization of Fe2(MoO4)3 in chitosan films affects the oxidation reaction of sulfide derivatives to sulfates in the dark, resulting in good yields and excellent selectivity. As demonstrated, a variety of substituted sulfides were tolerated even in the presence of oxidative‐sensitive functional groups, leading to a regioselective application of the catalyst under mild reaction conditions and guaranteeing its reuse for at least 6 cycles without losing its catalytic performance. Specifically, films containing 1 mg of Fe2(MoO4)3 per ml of chitosan showed a yield and selectivity of 99 %. The key success of the selective oxidation was associated with the presence of the hydroxyl radical, ⋅OH, and the Fe3+/Fe2+ Fenton‐like process. As a proof of concept, the selective oxidation of sulfides to the corresponding sulfones was performed to demonstrate the synergistic effect between Fe2(MoO4)3 and chitosan. This work offers a design strategy for efficient catalysts that may extend to other semiconductors and oxidation processes.
Self‐esteem and career adaptability: Moderating roles of parental and peer support
Authors: Kvasková Lucia , Hlado Petr , Juhaňák Libor , Macek Petr
Published: March 2023

The present study aimed to examine the long‐term associations between self‐esteem and career adaptability and to investigate the moderating roles of parental and peer support in these associations. The two‐wave longitudinal study used a sample of 3126 graduates from vocational upper secondary education during their career transition. Questionnaires were administered at two time points: 2 months before graduation (T1) and 10 months after graduation (T2). The results of linear regression and moderation analysis showed that (1) self‐esteem had a longitudinal positive effect on career adaptability, (2) perceived parental and peer support did not have significant effects on career adaptability, and (3) peer support served as a moderator in the relationship between self‐esteem and career adaptability. The findings emphasize the psychosocial nature of career adaptability and highlight the role of perceived peer support in the career adaptability of vocational education graduates during their career transition.
Optimization of Chromium(III) Sorption by Activated Sludge Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Benhammadi Samia , Aguedal Hakim , Ouazani Fouzia , Iddou Abdelkader , Sethi Sheetal , Goel Gaurav
Published: March 2023

The removal process of Cr(III) in aqueous solution using activated sludge as adsorbent was optimized. Response surface methodology was employed to assess the removal efficiency considering the cumulative effect of pH and contact time. The quantitative relationship between Cr(III) uptake and variable parameters was used to optimize the control level of each parameter by a full factorial design method. The analysis of variance demonstrates that the model was statistically highly significant, which shows also that the removal of Cr(III) was affected by the studied factors. The model was statistically tested and verified by experimentation. The response surface methodology gives not only valuable information on interactions between the evaluated parameters but also allows identifying the optimum values of the studied factors.
Quick prioritization of Cochrane reviews on benign conditions of the prostate
Authors: Franco Juan V. A. , Jung Jae H. , Dahm Philipp
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Benign conditions of the prostate include benign prostatic enlargement and prostatitis, which constitute an important cause of morbidity in men.

Objective

We aimed to generate a list of priority topics of interest to our external stakeholders within our editorial scope.

Methods

Following Cochrane's guidance, we developed a tiered approach for consulting internal and external stakeholders, including members from Urological societies. First, we analyzed our portfolio, including different impact measurements, to assess the need for updates. Then, following criteria related to the feasibility, novelty and relevance of prospective topics for evidence synthesis, we narrowed the list to a suite of titles for updates or new reviews.

Results

Twelve editors provided initial feedback as to what the priorities were for updating existing reviews and for new reviews in our portfolio. The editors identified gaps in our portfolio, mainly covering new treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Then we consulted external stakeholders obtaining 30 responses from 14 countries. These stakeholders provided additional information about the relative importance of existing topics and suggested new ones. We identified that many of the latter were already covered in our portfolio, highlighting gaps in their dissemination. Finally, we narrowed down four priority topics that the editorial group will take forward and two additional topics that might need other considerations before being commissioned.

Conclusions

Following Cochrane's guidance on priority setting, we identified topics relevant to our editors and external stakeholders by analysing our portfolio and two rounds of surveys. Moreover, we identified opportunities for disseminating existing reviews. Further evaluation is needed of the following up commissioning process for priority reviews.
Design of Fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) for the Selective detection of Metal‐Containing Ions
Authors: López‐Beltrán Alejandro , Iriarte‐Mesa Claudia , Murru Clarissa , Chao‐Mujica Frank J. , Corcho‐Valdés Angel Luis , Morales‐Álvarez Lisandra , Desdín‐García Luis Felipe , Deschamps Johnny , Antuch Manuel
Published: March 2023

The pollution caused by heavy metals (HMs) may occur through both natural processes and anthropogenic activities and is found in complex media. The purpose of this review is to summarize the state‐of‐art of fluorescent CDs and the sensing applications in a systematic manner. This review intends to provide clues on the origin on the observed selectivity in chemiluminiscence sensors, which was until now a stated but unaddressed question, and still remains open for debate. Indeed, it is tempting to think that CDs possessing functional groups with soft bases at the surface are able to detect soft metal acids, while the opposite is to be suspected for hard acid‐base pairs. However, the literature shows several examples where this trend does not hold. We found that such observation is explained by the involvement of dynamic quenching, which does not involve the formation of a non‐fluorescent complex, as in the case of static quenching. We have provided an interpretation of published data that was not provided by the original authors and offer guidelines to enable the design of CDs to target ions in solution.
Ruthenium Complexes of Polyfluorocarbon Substituted Terpyridine and Mesoionic Carbene Ligands: An Interplay in CO2 Reduction
Authors: Stein Felix , Nößler Maite , Hazari Arijit Singha , Böser Lisa , Walter Robert , Liu Hang , Klemm Elias , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: March 2023

In recent years terpyridines (tpy) and mesoionic carbenes (MIC) have been widely used in metal complexes. With the right combination with a metal center, both of these ligands are individually known to generate excellent catalysts for CO2 reduction. In this study, we combine the potentials of PFC (PFC=polyfluorocarbon) substituted tpy and MIC ligands within the same platform to obtain a new class of complexes, which we investigated with respect to their structural, electrochemical and UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemical properties. We further show that the resulting metal complexes are potent electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction in which CO is exclusively formed with a faradaic efficiency of 92 %. A preliminary mechanistic study, including the isolation and characterization of a key intermediate is also reported.
Engineering the BASHY Dye Platform toward Architectures with Responsive Fluorescence
Authors: Felicidade João , Santos Fabio M. F. , Arteaga Jesús F. , Remón Patricia , Campos‐González René , Nguyen Ha‐Chi , Nájera Francisco , Boscá Francisco , Ng David Y. W. , Gois Pedro M. P. , Pischel Uwe
Published: March 2023

A set of nine boronic‐acid‐derived salicylidenehydrazone (BASHY) complexes has been synthesized in good to very good chemical yields in a versatile three‐component reaction. In an extension to previous reports on this dye platform, the focus was put on the electronic modification of the “vertical” positions of the salicylidenehydrazone backbone. This enabled the observation of fluorescence quenching by photoinduced electron transfer (PeT), which can be reverted by the addition of acid in organic solvent (OFF‐ON fluorescence switching). The resulting emission is observed in the green‐to‐orange spectral region (maxima at 520–590 nm). In contrast, under physiological pH conditions in water, the PeT process is inherently decativated, thereby enabling the observation of fluorescence in the red‐to‐NIR region (maxima at 650–680 nm) with appreciable quantum yields and lifetimes. The latter characteristic supported the application of the dyes in fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of live A549 cells.
Chemical Synthesis of Alpha‐Synuclein Proteins via Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis and Native Chemical Ligation
Authors: Gatzemeier Luisa Maria , Meyer Franc , Diederichsen Ulf , Outeiro Tiago Fleming
Published: March 2023

Alpha‐Synuclein (α‐Synuclein) is a 140 amino acid protein implicated in neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies, where it accumulates in proteinaceous inclusions in the brain. The normal physiological function of α‐Synuclein remains obscure, as it exists in several non‐neuronal cells in which its function has not been studied. Given the tremendous interest in studying α‐Synuclein, and the existing limitations in the production of modified forms of the protein, we developed a method for the chemical synthesis of α‐Synuclein by combining peptide fragment synthesis via automated microwave‐assisted solid‐phase peptide synthesis and ligation strategies. Our synthetic pathway enables the synthesis of protein variants of interest, carrying either mutations or posttranslational modifications, for further investigations of the effects on the structure and aggregation behavior of the protein. Ultimately, our study forms the foundation for future syntheses and studies of other custom‐made α‐Synuclein variants with a single or several modifications, as necessary.
Composites of HKUST‐1@Nanocellulose for Gas‐Separation and Dye‐Sorption Applications
Authors: Muhamed Shamna , Sunny Blesson , Kunjattu Shebeeb H. , Alagarsamy Thirumurugan
Published: March 2023

In this study, composites of HKUST‐1 MOF with nanocellulose, HKUST‐1@NCs, have been prepared and explored for CO2/N2 gas‐separation and dye‐sorption based applications. Our biopolymer‐MOF composites are prepared via a copper ion pre‐seeding method, in which, the HKUST‐1 crystallites are grown in situ on the Cu‐seeded and carboxylate anchored NC fibers for a better interfacial integration between the MOF and the polymer matrices. Static gas sorption studies show the capability of one of our HKUST‐1@NC composites to reach ∼300 % enhancement in the CO2/N2 sorption selectivity compared to the corresponding MOF alone ‐ blank reference sample prepared at similar conditions. The same composite, C100, in the bulk powder form, shows a remarkable IAST sorption selectivity of 298 (CO2/N2) at 298 K and 1 bar for the CO2/N2 (15/85, v/v) gas mixture. The relative position of the C100, in the bound plot visualizations of the CO2/N2 separation trade‐off factors indicate a significant potential. The HKUST‐1@NC composites have also been processed along with a polymeric cellulose acetate (CA) matrix as HKUST‐1@NC@CA films to study them as free‐standing mixed‐matrix membranes. The CO2/N2 sorption selectivity, at 298 K and 1 bar is 600 for one such membrane, C‐120@CA, as bulk sample studied by the static gas sorption. The composite, C120, exhibits a good uptake with an enhancement of 11 % for alizarin and 70 % for Congo red in comparison to the uptakes of the corresponding blank reference HKUST‐1 sample, B120.
Tailoring the Reactor Properties in the Small‐Scale Sorption‐Enhanced Methanol Synthesis
Authors: Moioli Emanuele , Schildhauer Tilman
Published: March 2023

The performance of a fixed‐bed and entrained flow reactor for the sorption‐enhanced methanol synthesis from CO2 is assessed by modelling. Both reactors achieve good performance but show possible drawbacks. The fixed bed reactor requires several units working in parallel, while the entrained flow reactor needs a large volume due to the high superficial particle velocity. We propose a new reactor type, which combines a circulating sorbent with a fluidized bed methanol catalyst in bubbling regime. This solution achieves high CO2 conversion with high space velocity in a continuous manner.
Effect of silphenylenesiloxane units on the thermal stability of poly[methyl(trifluoropropyl)siloxane]
Authors: You Yang , Wei Dafu , Xu Xiang , Guan Yong , Chen Jianding , Xiao Huining
Published: March 2023

A series of poly[methyl(trifluoropropyl)siloxane‐co‐silphenylenesiloxane] (PMTFPS‐co‐SPS) was synthesized by condensation polymerization of methyltrifluoro‐propylsiloxanediol and 1,4‐bis(dimethylsilyl)benzene. Their chemical structures were investigated using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA). The effect of silphenylenesiloxane (SPS) units on the thermal stability of poly[methyl(trifluoropropyl)siloxane] (PMTFPS) was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), isothermal degradation tests, quantum chemical calculation, and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py‐GCMS). The results showed that the thermal stability of PMTFPS improved with the introduction of SPS units into the backbone. The temperature for 5% mass loss in PMTFPS increased by 63°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. Additionally, the mechanism by which the SPS units improve the thermal stability of PMTFPS was also investigated.
Synthesis, Structure, and Optical‐response Magnetic Property of a Heteroarene‐azo Functionalized Mn19 Cluster
Authors: Deng Yongkai , Wu Yingying , Li Zhaoyang , Jagličić Zvonko , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Tung Chenho , Sun Di
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Metal clusters with photoswitching ligands can undergo magnetic changes under light radiation, which makes them potential optical‐response magnetic‐switching materials. Herein, a photoswitchable Mn‐oxo cluster [MnII15MnIII4(L)18(OH)12(N3)6] (ClO4)2 (C6H5CN)8, (Mn19azo, HL=1‐(hydroxymethyl)‐3,5‐dimethyl‐4‐(phenyldiazenyl)‐pyrazole) has been designed and synthesized to realize the photoswitching behavior. Mn19azo shows quick trans‐to‐cis transformation upon 365 nm light irradiation in CH2Cl2 solution and solid state as confirmed by UV‐Vis spectra. After the powder sample was irradiated for 80 min, the Curie constant of Mn19azo increases by about 7%. The change of magnetic properties can be considered as the result of the change of intermolecular interactions.
Penalized complexity priors for the skewness parameter of power links
Authors: Ordoñez José A. , Prates Marcos O. , Bazán Jorge L. , Lachos Victor H.
Published: March 2023

The choice of a prior distribution is a key aspect of the Bayesian method. However, in many cases, such as the family of power links, this is not trivial. In this article, we introduce a penalized complexity prior (PC prior) of the skewness parameter for this family, which is useful for dealing with imbalanced data. We derive a general expression for this density and show its usefulness for some particular cases such as the power logit and the power probit links. A simulation study and a real data application are used to assess the efficiency of the introduced densities in comparison with the Gaussian and uniform priors. Results show improvement in point and credible interval estimation for the considered models when using the PC prior in comparison to other well‐known standard priors.
Brain atrophy and white matter hyperintensities are independently associated with plasma neurofilament light chain in an Asian cohort of cognitively impaired patients with concomitant cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Chong Joyce R. , Hilal Saima , Ashton Nicholas J. , Karikari Thomas K. , Reilhac Anthonin , Vrooman Henri , Schöll Michael , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Chen Christopher P. , Lai Mitchell K. P.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a potential biomarker for neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD), ischemic stroke, and non‐dementia cohorts with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). However, studies of AD in populations with high prevalence of concomitant CSVD to evaluate associations of brain atrophy, CSVD, and amyloid beta (Aβ) burden on plasma NfL are lacking.

Methods

Associations were tested between plasma NfL and brain Aβ, medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) as well as neuroimaging features of CSVD, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, and cerebral microbleeds.

Results

We found that participants with either MTA (defined as MTA score ≥2; neurodegeneration [N]+WMH−) or WMH (cut‐off for log‐transformed WMH volume at 50th percentile; N−WMH+) manifested increased plasma NfL levels. Participants with both pathologies (N+WMH+) showed the highest NfL compared to N+WMH−, N−WMH+, and N−WMH− individuals.

Discussion

Plasma NfL has potential utility in stratifying individual and combined contributions of AD pathology and CSVD to cognitive impairment.
Dexmedetomidine is safe and effective for reducing intraprocedural pain in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Iwagami Hiroyoshi , Akamatsu Takuji , Matsuyama Kazuki , Hanawa Yusuke , Tonomura Kohei , Chikugo Eiki , Ogino Shinya , Morimura Hiroki , Shimoyama Masayuki , Terashita Tomoko , Nakano Shogo , Wakita Midori , Edagawa Takeya , Konishi Takafumi , Matsumoto Hisakazu , Nakatani Yasuki , Urai Shunji , Seta Takeshi , Uenoyama Yoshito , Yamashita Yukitaka
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is effective for the resection of colorectal intramucosal lesions. This study was performed to examine the safety and effectiveness of using dexmedetomidine (DEX) in the anesthesia regimen of patients with colorectal lesions undergoing ESD.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 287 consecutive patients who underwent ESD for colorectal lesions in our institution from January 2015 to December 2021. Outcomes including the frequency of intraprocedural pain and adverse events were compared between the DEX and no DEX groups. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for each clinical factor of intraprocedural pain. Intraprocedural pain was defined as patient‐reported abdominal pain or body movement during the procedure.

Results

The incidence of intraprocedural pain was significantly lower in the DEX than in the no DEX group (7% vs. 17%, p = 0.02). The incidence of hypotension was also significantly higher in the DEX group (7% vs. 0%, p = 0.01), but no cerebrovascular or cardiac ischemic events occurred. In the univariate analyses, the diameter of the resected specimen, procedure time, no use of DEX, and total midazolam dose was associated with intraprocedural pain. The midazolam dose and DEX administration were significantly negatively correlated and the diameter of resected specimen and procedure time were significantly positively correlated. Multivariate logistic regression showed that no use of DEX was independently associated with intraprocedural pain (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Adding DEX to the anesthesia regimen in patients undergoing colorectal ESD appears to be safe and effective for reducing intraprocedural pain.
First national assessment of wildlife mortality in Ecuador: An effort from citizens and academia to collect roadkill data at country scale
Authors: Medrano‐Vizcaíno Pablo , Brito‐Zapata David , Rueda‐Vera Adriana , Jarrín‐V Pablo , García‐Carrasco José‐María , Medina Diana , Aguilar Juan , Acosta‐Buenaño Néstor , González‐Suárez Manuela
Published: March 2023

Ecuador has both high richness and high endemism, which are increasingly threatened by anthropic pressures, including roads. Research evaluating the effects of roads remains scarce, making it difficult to develop mitigation plans. Here, we present the first national assessment of wildlife mortality on roads that allow us to (1) estimate roadkill rates per species, (2) identify affected species and areas, and (3) reveal knowledge gaps. We bring together data from systematic surveys and citizen science efforts to present a dataset with 5010 wildlife roadkill records from 392 species, and we also provide 333 standardized corrected roadkill rates calculated on 242 species. Systematic surveys were reported by ten studies from five Ecuadorian provinces, revealing 242 species with corrected roadkill rates ranging from 0.03 to 171.72 ind./km/year. The highest rates were for the yellow warbler Setophaga petechia in Galapagos (171.72 ind./km/year), the cane toad Rhinella marina in Manabi (110.70 ind./km/year), and the Galapagos lava lizard Microlophus albemarlensis (47.17 ind./km/year). Citizen science and other nonsystematic monitoring provided 1705 roadkill records representing all 24 provinces in Ecuador and 262 identified species. The common opossum Didelphis marsupialis, the Andean white‐eared opossum Didelphis pernigra, and the yellow warbler Setophaga petechia were more commonly reported (250, 104, and 81 individuals, respectively). Across all sources, we found 15 species listed as “Threatened” and six as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN. We recommend stronger research efforts in areas where the mortality of endemic or threatened species could be critical for populations, such as in Galapagos. This first country‐wide assessment of wildlife mortality on Ecuadorian roads represents contributions from academia, members of the public, and government, underlining the value of wider engagement and collaboration. We hope these findings and the compiled dataset will guide sensible driving and sustainable planning of infrastructure in Ecuador and, ultimately, contribute to reduce wildlife mortality on roads.
A case report of an Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) attacking an incubating adult and depredating the eggs of the Japanese tit (Parus minor)
Authors: Yin Dake , Li Xudong , Lorrilliere Romain , Han Zheng , Zhang Keqin , Yu Jiangping , E Mingju , Wang Haitao
Published: March 2023

In May 2021, we opportunistically observed one Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) attacking an adult incubating Japanese tit (Parus minor) and depredating nine tit eggs at a nest box where a woodpecker had greatly enlarged the entrance. After the predation event, the Japanese tits abandoned the nest. We recommend that when using artificial nest boxes to protect hole‐nesting birds, the appropriate entrance size should be proportional to the body size of the target species. This observation gives us a better understanding of the potential predators of secondary hole‐nesting birds.
Practicality of physical recycling method for waste polymer composites exampled via high density polyethylene/automobile shredder residue composites
Authors: Bai Yuanzhang , Song Kaixuan , Hou Yucheng , Chen Ning , Li Yijun
Published: March 2023

With the booming of automobiles industry, the recycling of automobile shredder residue (ASR) with complicated constitutes gradually become an urgent issues owing to its difficulty for traditional recycling. Herein, solid‐state shear milling (S3M) technology which can control the domain size of the various polymers in blend was applied to overcome the mismatch of viscosity and poor compatibility of ASR and thus modify the processability to match practical manufacturing. Resultantly, the melt processing of ASR was achieved and a high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/ASR composite was also prepared with more optimal mechanical properties (tensile strength: 53.2 MPa, impact strength: 36.9 kJ/m2), compared with commercially available recycled PE. This work not only provided a feasible application route for the recycling of ASR material, but also demonstrated the optional methodology for recycling polymer waste with complicated component via physical recycling way.
Convoluted filtering for process cycle modeling
Authors: Romanov Vyacheslav
Published: March 2023

Principles of materials science and engineering, physics, mathematics, and information science are used to extract knowledge and insights from the process‐structure–property‐performance relationships hidden in materials data. The process‐structure modeling can be accelerated without loss of interpretability, with artificial intelligence tools that mimic the salient features of the process and process‐structure relations. In this work, a novel convoluted model‐filtering technique was exploited to build and successfully train the Convoluted Filter (CoFi) artifacts for Fe‐based alloy heat treatment cycles. The artifacts were pre‐trained to filter out deep models that change the surrogate microstructure state after the heat treatment at ambient conditions. Direct representation of the thermal cycle features within knowledge Graph facilitated development of meaningful data models for microstructure evolution, which reduce overfitting to limited datasets.
Investigation on stable TiN plasmonic nanofluids for applications in direct absorption solar collectors
Authors: Wang Lu , Han Xinyue , Huang Ju , Zhao Xiaobo , Khosa Azhar Abbas
Published: March 2023

TiN nanoparticles based plasmonic nanofluids exhibit promising results in performance improvement of direct absorption solar collectors, but the main issue for practical application is their poor stability. In this work, ethylene glycol (EG) based TiN nanofluids with polyacrylic acid (PAA) stabilizing ligand were prepared. The optical properties of the TiN‐PAA/EG nanofluids with concentration ranging from 10 to 100 mg/L were characterized. The solar weighted absorption fraction of 99.55% is achieved at the optical depth of 1 cm when the concentration of the TiN‐PAA/EG nanofluids is 100 mg/L. In addition, the experimental results of the long‐term stability indicated that the TiN‐PAA/EG nanofluid retained excellent dispersion stability after ambient storage of 250 days. Then, the stability of TiN‐PAA/EG nanofluids upon prolonged heating cycle and accelerated ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was investigated. The results showed that TiN‐PAA/EG nanofluid with concentration of 75 mg/L presents superior thermal stability after prolonged heating cycles at 120°C and excellent photostability after 30 days of UV irradiation. Finally, the photo‐thermal conversion performance for TiN‐PAA/EG nanofluids was studied. The stagnation temperature of the 100 mg/L TiN‐PAA/EG nanofluids after light irradiation of 2 h reaches up to 80.12°C. The specific absorption rate of the prepared TiN‐PAA nanofluids is demonstrated higher than that of reported TiN nanofluids.
Experimental comparison of evacuated tube solar air heater based on energy and exergy analyses with environmental and economic (4‐E) study
Authors: Agrawal Anshu , Kumar Amit , Parekh A. D.
Published: March 2023

For the purpose of low‐medium air heating applications like timber seasoning, HVAC, agricultural & food drying, space heating and desalination, there is requirement of hot air. Solar air heaters are the promising systems to satisfy these requirements in a very inexpensive manner. Due to higher efficiency at higher operating temperature and lower cost, evacuated tube collectors (ETCs) are preferred for solar air heating. In this manuscript, the comparative parametric study of two similar sets of evacuated tube solar air heater (ETSAH) is performed. The comparison is based on energy & exergy analyses, and also presents the environmental and economic study (4E analyses). Each set is fabricated using mild steel (M.S.) along with 50 evacuated tubes with total collector area of 8.46 m2. The experimental investigations are made at diverse flow rates, with and without using conventional reflectors. Without incorporating any additional heat storage unit, the system provides average hot air temperature of 76.13°C when average solar intensity was 502.68 W/m2 during 11 h of operation from 09:00 to 20:00 h. ETC's absorber glass and the M.S. material was observed to have significant energy storage and discharge. The single set of ETSAH has mitigation of 89.20 tons with 2.05 years of energy payback period, which is significantly low as compared to its 20 years of lifespan. For the optimum system performance the cost of generated hot air is 0.00048 $/kg, which is considerably low.
Green synthesis of ammonia from steam and air using solid oxide electrolysis cells composed of ruthenium‐modified perovskite catalyst
Authors: Li Rong , Li Tianzhen , Liu Xiaomeng , Xie Chen , Zhen Qiang , Bashir Sajid , Liu Jingbo Louise
Published: March 2023

The green electrochemical synthesis of ammonia (NH3) through solid electrolysis has been intensively investigated. This research reported an improvement of NH3 production rate using in situ exsolution of ruthenium (Ru) atoms into lanthanum strontium chromium ferrite perovskite (LaxSr1−xCryFe1−yO3−δ) catalyst. The in situ Ru exsolution was achieved by reducing the optimized stoichiometric La0.33Sr0.67Cr0.33Fe0.52Ru0.15O3−δ (LSCrFRu) powders obtained in 10‐vol% H2/Ar at 800°C for 1.0 h. These Ru nanoparticles (NPs) were embedded on the surface of the LSCrFRu matrix, evenly distributed with a size varying from 4.4 ± 0.5 nm. With the exsolution of Ru atoms, greater oxygen vacancies were formed in ex‐LSCrFRu and gadolinium‐doped ceria (GDC) composite than those in LSCrF‐GDC electrocatalyst, beneficial to N2 gas adsorption and triple bond cleavage. These Ru‐modified LSCrFRu‐GDC catalysts showed a synthesis rate of 4.73 × 10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 at 550°C under 1.6 V, doubling the rate using LSCrF‐GDC catalyst. The improved ammonia synthesis kinetic is mainly attributed to embedded Ru NPs and the increased oxygen vacancies formed during the in situ exsolution process. More active sites and higher activity for H2O and N2 adsorption and activation collectively advanced facile transportation of O2− that further promotes the cleavage of covalent bonds in H2O, providing more H+ for the hydrogenation in the nitrogen reduction reaction. This research will open a new paradigm for the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia with mitigating the drawbacks of traditional NH3 production.
Assessing the quality of octopus: From sea to table
Authors: Zamuz Sol , Bohrer Benjamin M. , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Rebezov Maksim , Kumar Manoj , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: March 2023

Octopuses (scientific order Octopoda under the scientific class Cephalopoda) are a group of aquatic species with economic importance as a food product in many countries around the world. Octopus products are consumed in many different geographic locations around the world, including East Asia, the Mediterranean region, the Caribbean region, and South American coastal regions. To‐date, a comprehensive scientific review of octopus with direction toward procurement, food processing, and food quality has not been published. The purpose of this review was to provide a practical overview of the nomenclature, procurement (i.e., catching), processing, quality, and shelf‐life of octopus. The objective was accomplished by strategically searching for scientific literature on the topic of octopus and octopus‐derived food products. Octopus‐derived food products have a high protein content (70%–85% on a dry matter basis), significant levels of important major and trace minerals, and significant levels of essential vitamins. In addition, octopus‐derived food products are highly sought after in some areas of the world. However, recognized standards for procurement of octopus and preparation of octopus‐derived food products vary around the world and are frankly inconsistent and under reported. The octopus industry would greatly benefit from greater levels of practical information becoming available, especially as the industry experiences growth and heightened levels of demand.