bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlating Surface Crystal Orientation and Gas Kinetics in Perovskite Oxide Electrodes
Authors: Gao Ran , Fernandez Abel , Chakraborty Tanmoy , Luo Aileen , Pesquera David , Das Sujit , Velarde Gabriel , Thoréton Vincent , Kilner John , Ishihara Tatsumi , Nemšák Slavomír , Crumlin Ethan J. , Ertekin Elif , Martin Lane W.
Published: April 2021

Solid–gas interactions at electrode surfaces determine the efficiency of solid‐oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers. Here, the correlation between surface–gas kinetics and the crystal orientation of perovskite electrodes is studied in the model system La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3. The gas‐exchange kinetics are characterized by synthesizing epitaxial half‐cell geometries where three single‐variant surfaces are produced [i.e., La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3/La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.95Mg0.05O3−δ/SrRuO3/SrTiO3 (001), (110), and (111)]. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrical conductivity relaxation measurements reveal a strong surface‐orientation dependency of the gas‐exchange kinetics, wherein (111)‐oriented surfaces exhibit an activity >3‐times higher as compared to (001)‐oriented surfaces. Oxygen partial pressure ()‐dependent electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that while the three surfaces have different gas‐exchange kinetics, the reaction mechanisms and rate‐limiting steps are the same (i.e., charge‐transfer to the diatomic oxygen species). First‐principles calculations suggest that the formation energy of vacancies and adsorption at the various surfaces is different and influenced by the surface polarity. Finally, synchrotron‐based, ambient‐pressure X‐ray spectroscopies reveal distinct electronic changes and surface chemistry among the different surface orientations. Taken together, thin‐film epitaxy provides an efficient approach to control and understand the electrode reactivity ultimately demonstrating that the (111)‐surface exhibits a high density of active surface sites which leads to higher activity.
Recent Progress on Optoplasmonic Whispering‐Gallery‐Mode Microcavities
Authors: Chen Yongpeng , Yin Yin , Ma Libo , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: April 2021

Optoplasmonic whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) microcavities, consisting of plasmonic nanostructures and optical microcavities, provide excellent platforms for exploring fundamental mechanisms as well as facilitating novel optoplasmonic applications. These integrated systems support hybrid modes with both subwavelength mode confinement and high‐quality factor which do not exist in either pure optical WGM microcavities or plasmonic resonators. In this progress report, geometric designs and fabrication strategies of optoplasmonic microcavities, which efficiently bridge the interaction between resonant light and plasmonic resonances, are reviewed in detail. Three types of hybrid modes in the optoplasmonic microcavities, that is, surface‐plasmon‐polariton whispering‐gallery modes, hybrid photon–plasmon whispering‐gallery modes, and heterostructured metal–dielectric whispering‐gallery modes, are considered. These modes are characterized by a largely enhanced evanescent field that is referred to as a plasmon‐type field in hybrid whispering‐gallery modes. Moreover, the coupling effect between localized surface plasmon resonances and whispering‐gallery modes is summarized. The underlying coupling mechanisms and their influence on mode shifts, Q factor, mode splitting, and line shapes of the whispering‐gallery modes are discussed. Applications based on optoplasmonic WGM microcavities including enhanced sensing, nanolasing, and free‐space coupling are highlighted, followed by an outlook of the opportunities and challenges in developing large‐scale on‐chip integrated optoplasmonic systems.
Micromembrane absorber with deep‐permeation nanostructure assembled by flowing synthesis
Authors: Qiu Boya , Fan Senqing , Chen Yu , Chen Jiaojiao , Wang Yilin , Wang Yinan , Liu Jingyun , Xiao Zeyi
Published: April 2021

A micromembrane adsorber with deep‐permeation nanostructure (DPNS) has been successfully fabricated by flowing synthesis. The nanoparticles are in‐situ assembled in membrane pores and immobilized in each membrane pore along the direction of membrane thickness. The nanoparticles with a lower size and thinner size distribution can be achieved owing to the confined space effect of the membrane pores. As a concept‐of‐proof, the nano ZIF‐8 and ZIF‐67 are fabricated in porous membrane pores for methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine B (RhB) adsorption. The adsorption rate is increased significantly owing to the enhanced contact and mass transfer in the confined space. The adsorption capacity for the RhB is also increased, since the size of the nanoparticles assembled in membrane pores is smaller with more active sites exposed. This micromembrane adsorber with DPNS has good reusability and can provide a promising prospect for industrial application.
A novel tau‐based rhesus monkey model of Alzheimer's pathogenesis
Authors: Beckman Danielle , Chakrabarty Paramita , Ott Sean , Dao Amanda , Zhou Eric , Janssen William G. , Donis‐Cox Kristine , Muller Scott , Kordower Jeffrey H. , Morrison John H.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating condition with no effective treatments, with promising findings in rodents failing to translate into successful therapies for patients.

Methods

Targeting the vulnerable entorhinal cortex (ERC), rhesus monkeys received two injections of an adeno‐associated virus expressing a double tau mutation (AAV‐P301L/S320F) in the left hemisphere, and control AAV‐green fluorescent protein in the right ERC. Noninjected aged‐matched monkeys served as additional controls.

Results

Within 3 months we observed evidence of misfolded tau propagation, similar to what is hypothesized to occur in humans. Viral delivery of human 4R‐tau also coaptates monkey 3R‐tau via permissive templating. Tau spreading is accompanied by robust neuroinflammatory response driven by TREM2+ microglia, with biomarkers of inflammation and neuronal loss in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma.

Discussion

These results highlight the initial stages of tau seeding and propagation in a primate model, a more powerful translational approach for the development of new therapies for AD.
Fabrication of Gradient and Patterned Organic Thin Films by Bipolar Electrolytic Micelle Disruption Using Redox‐Active Surfactants
Authors: Zhou Yaqian , Shida Naoki , Tomita Ikuyoshi , Inagi Shinsuke
Published: April 2021

Bipolar electrochemistry could be regarded as a powerful approach for selective surface modification due to the beneficial feature that a wirelessly controllable potential distribution on bipolar electrodes (BPEs). Herein we report a bipolar electrolytic micelle disruption (BEMD) system for the preparation of shaped organic films. A U‐shaped bipolar electrolytic system with a sigmoidal potential gradient on the BPE gave gradient‐thin films including various interesting organic compounds, such as a polymerizable monomer, an organic pigment and aggregation induced emission (AIE) molecules. The gradient feature was characterized by UV–Vis absorption, thickness measurements and surface morphology analysis. Corresponding patterned films were also fabricated using a cylindrical bipolar electrolytic setup that enables site‐selective application of the potential on the BPE. Such a facile BEMD approach will open a long‐term perspective with respect to organic film preparation.
Disinformation, disease, and Donald Trump
Authors: Brenner Ira
Published: April 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been an event which has adversely affected people throughout the world. It has been asserted that in the United States, the extent of the devastation and disruption of life has been exacerbated by the response of the federal government, which was personified by former President Donald J. Trump. He was a leader whose unprecedented number of distortions, misleading statements, and frank lies resulted in a great erosion of trust in a time of great peril. Significantly, this propaganda was apparently believed by almost half of the electorate, as evidenced by the results of the 2020 election, where he lost to Joe Biden in a close race. As a result, there has been an intensification of a traumatically induced regression in the United States, characterized by increased divisiveness, dysfunction, and violence. This paper will psychoanalytically explore the author's contention that there has been a dual pandemic which has damaged the body and the mind—a highly contagious virus and a disinformation campaign gone viral.
Solvent‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Assembly in Monolayer Films of a Ferrocene‐Naphthyridine Hybrid on HOPG
Authors: Malik Himani , Saha Prithwidip , Patra Kamaless , Bera Jitendra K. , Gopakumar Thiruvancheril G.
Published: April 2021

The formation of a monolayer film of bis‐naphthyridyl ferrocene on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) at ambient conditions is demonstrated. The films are prepared by drop casting from different solvents. The microscopic structure of the films is understood using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The analysis reveals two different types of Phases (I and II) in the films and the relative percentage of these phases depends on the nature of the solvents used for the preparation and the thermodynamical condition. Solvents like methanol, acetonitrile and DMF exclusively select Phase‐I, whereas acetone and ethanol show a mix of both phases at room temperature. The different phases are formed by different conformers of the molecule. We also show that the selectivity of one of the phases over the other is related to the difference in the energetics for the formation of these phases.
Human body reconstruction from limited number of points
Authors: Taştan Oğuzhan , Sahillioğlu Yusuf
Published: April 2021

We propose a novel approach for reconstructing plausible three‐dimensional (3D) human body models from small number of 3D points which represent body parts. We leverage a database of 3D models of humans varying from each other by physical attributes such as age, gender, weight, and height. First we divide the bodies in database into seven semantic regions. Then, for each input region consisting of maximum 40 points, we search the database for the best matching body part. For the matching criterion, we use the distance between novel point‐based features of input points and body parts in the database. We then combine the matched parts from different bodies into one body, with the help of Laplacian deformation, which results in a plausible human body. To evaluate our results objectively, we pick points from each part of the ground‐truth human body models, then reconstruct them using our method and compare the resulting bodies with the corresponding ground‐truths. Also, our results are compared with registration‐based results. In addition, we run our algorithm with noisy data to test the robustness of our method and run it with input points whose body parts are manually edited, which produces plausible human bodies that do not even exist in our database. Our experiments verify qualitatively and quantitatively that the proposed approach reconstructs human bodies with different physical attributes from a small number of points using a small database.
Discovery of 4,6‐Disubstituted Pyrimidine Derivatives as Novel Dual VEGFR2/FGFR1 Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Yang , Xue Wen‐Jun , Wang Min , Li Wen , Dong Ru , Li Ming‐Tao , Sun Li‐Ping
Published: April 2021

Abnormalities in the FGFRs signaling pathway and VEGFR2 amplification often occur in a variety of tumors, and they synergistically promote tumor angiogenesis. Studies have shown that the up‐regulation of FGF‐2 is closely related to the resistance of VEGFR2 inhibitors. Activation of the FGFRs signal is a signal of compensatory angiogenesis after VEGFR2 resistance. Dual VEGFR2/FGFR1 inhibitors contribute to overcoming the resistance of VEGFR2 inhibitors and inhibit tumor growth significantly. Based on this, we designed and synthesized a series of 4,6‐disubstituted pyrimidine derivatives as dual VEGFR2/FGFR1 inhibitors by the molecular hybridization strategy. 3‐(2,6‐Dichloro‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐{6‐[(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]pyrimidin‐4‐yl}‐1‐methylurea (8b) had the best inhibitory activities against VEGFR2 and FGFR1 at 10 μM (82.2 % and 101.0 %, respectively), it showed moderate antiproliferative activities against A549 and KG‐1 cell lines as well. Besides, molecular docking was also carried out to study the binding mode of 3‐(2,6‐dichloro‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐{6‐[(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐amino]‐pyrimidin‐4‐yl}‐1‐methylurea (8b) with VEGFR2 and FGFR1. These studies reveal that this series of compounds deserve further optimization.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for All‐Solid‐State Batteries: Theory, Methods and Future Outlook
Authors: Vadhva Pooja , Hu Ji , Johnson Michael J. , Stocker Richard , Braglia Michele , Brett Dan J. L. , Rettie Alexander J. E.
Published: April 2021

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is widely used to probe the physical and chemical processes in lithium (Li)‐ion batteries (LiBs). The key parameters include state‐of‐charge, rate capacity or power fade, degradation and temperature dependence, which are needed to inform battery management systems as well as for quality assurance and monitoring. All‐solid‐state batteries using a solid‐state electrolyte (SE), promise greater energy densities via a Li metal anode as well as enhanced safety, but their development is in its nascent stages and the EIS measurement, cell set‐up and modelling approach can be vastly different for various SE chemistries and cell configurations. This review aims to condense the current knowledge of EIS in the context of state‐of‐the‐art solid‐state electrolytes and batteries, with a view to advancing their scale‐up from the laboratory to commercial deployment. Experimental and modelling best practices are highlighted, as well as emerging impedance methods for conventional LiBs as a guide for opportunities in the solid‐state.
Diindenopyrazines: Electron‐Deficient Arenes
Authors: Brosius Victor , Weigold Svenja , Hippchen Nikolai , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: April 2021

The syntheses, properties and application of the air‐stable electron acceptors, diindenopyrazines 4 a–g are reported demonstrating the introduction of functional aryl groups in the 6‐ and 12‐positions. The targets are accessible on the hundred milligram to gram scale. The structure of the aryl groups in 4 a–g modulates their solubility, redox potentials and optical properties. The introduction of electron‐poor aryl groups to the electron‐poor diindenopyrazine backbone reduces the electron affinity to −4 eV, making the compounds attractive as n‐semiconductors. A simple organic field‐effect transistor of 4 e –without optimization– shows electron transport with a mobility of up to 0.037 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Crystallization Induced Self‐Assembly: A Strategy to Achieve Ultra‐Small Domain Sizes
Authors: Ji Ming‐Sheng , Guo Qing‐Yun , Yan Xiao‐Yun , Liu Yuchu , Wu Yan‐Jun , Yue Kan , Guo Zi‐Hao
Published: April 2021

Achieving self‐assembled nanostructures with ultra‐small feature sizes (e. g., below 5 nm) is an important prerequisite for the development of block copolymer lithography. In this work, the preparation and self‐assembly of a series of giant molecules composed of vinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (VPOSS) tethered with monodispersed oligo(L‐lactide) chains are presented. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results demonstrate that ultra‐small domain sizes (down to 3 nm) of phase separated lamellar morphology are achieved in bulk, driven by the strong tendency and fast kinetics for crystallization of VPOSS moieties. Moreover, upon gamma ray radiation, VPOSS cages in the lamellar structure can be crosslinked via polymerization of the vinyl groups. After pyrolysis at high temperature, ultra‐thin two‐dimensional nano‐silica sheets can be obtained.
Photoredox Catalytic Pentafluorosulfanylative Domino Cyclization of α‐Substituted Alkenes to Oxaheterocycles by Using SF6
Authors: Rombach David , Birenheide Bernhard , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: April 2021

Virtually inert sulfur hexafluoride becomes a precious pentafluorosulfanylation agent, if properly activated by photoredox catalysis, to access α‐fluoro and α‐alkoxy SF5‐compounds. This advanced protocol converts SF6 in the presence of alkynols as bifunctional C−C‐ and C−O‐bond forming reagents directly into pentafluorosulfanylated oxygen‐containing heterocycles in a single step from α‐substituted alkenes. The proposed mechanism is supported by theoretical calculations and gives insights not only in the pentafluorosulfanylation step but also into formation of the carbon‐carbon bond and is in full agreement with Baldwin's cyclization rules. The key step is a radical type 5‐, 6‐ respectively 7‐exo‐dig‐cyclization. The synthesized oxaheterocycles cannot be simply prepared by other synthetic methods, show a high level of structural complexity and significantly expand the scope of pentafluorosulfanylated building blocks valuable for medicinal and material chemistry.
Boron‐ versus Nitrogen‐Centered Nucleophilic Reactivity of (Cyano)hydroboryl Anions: Synthesis of Cyano(hydro)organoboranes and 2‐Aza‐1,4‐diborabutatrienes
Authors: Gärtner Annalena , Marek Matthäus , Arrowsmith Merle , Auerhammer Dominic , Radacki Krzysztof , Prieschl Dominic , Dewhurst Rian D. , Braunschweig Holger
Published: April 2021

Cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene‐stabilized (cyano)hydroboryl anions were synthesized by deprotonation of (cyano)dihydroborane precursors. While they display boron‐centered nucleophilic reactivity towards organohalides, generating fully unsymmetrically substituted cyano(hydro)organoboranes, they show cyano‐nitrogen‐centered nucleophilic reactivity towards haloboranes, resulting in the formation of hitherto unknown linear 2‐aza‐1,4‐diborabutatrienes.
Vanadium Dioxide for Dynamically Tunable Photonics
Authors: Ko Byoungsu , Badloe Trevon , Rho Junsuk
Published: April 2021

As the quest for active photonic devices continues, materials with exotic and exploitable properties have become paramount to enable new advancements. In recent years, phase‐change materials (PCMs) have emerged as an exciting option that open new gateways for both fundamental physics and material science research, while also being applicable to actively tunable photonic devices. One PCM in particular, vanadium dioxide (VO2), has gained a lot of attention due to its interesting reversible insulator‐to‐metal transition that comes along with a drastic change in its optical properties. In this review, starting with a brief description and explanation of the origin of the exciting optical characteristics of VO2, we then present examples of the latest research trends of VO2 in photonic applications. This includes manipulation of the reflection, transmission, and absorption of light to produce color filters and near‐infrared perfect absorbers, as well as applications of telecommunications modulators, and we round up with applications in the energy field, in smart windows and adaptive radiative cooling. We conclude with a discussion about our views on the future perspectives for VO2 platforms in active photonic devices.
Acoustically‐Propelled Rodlike Liquid Metal Colloidal Motors
Authors: Li Zesheng , Zhang Hongyue , Wu Zhiguang , He Qiang
Published: April 2021

We report an acoustically‐propelled rodlike liquid metal eutectic gallium‐indium alloy (EGaIn) colloidal motor capable of actively seeking and internalizing into cancer cells. These rod‐shaped EGaIn colloidal motors with a length of 1 μm and a diameter of 200 nm are prepared by a simple sonication crushing method, which is demonstrated to be a core‐shell structure with a 30 nm GaOOH shell and zero‐valent liquid core. A wide spectrum range of light absorbance is demonstrated by using UV‐vis‐NIR spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy with excitation wavelengths of 488 nm, 543 nm, and 633 nm. Upon exposure to the acoustic field, the rodlike EGaIn colloidal motors can autonomously move at a speed of up to 34.5 μm s−1 without addition of any chemical fuels. The speed of motion is also able to be modulated by adjusting the acoustic voltage. Furthermore, these rodlike EGaIn colloidal motors could actively target and internalize into cancer cells which could be real‐time monitored due to their photoluminance feature. Such rodlike liquid metal colloidal motors have promising applications in biomedical fields.
When Are Treatment Blinding and Treatment Standardization Necessary in Real‐World Clinical Trials?
Authors: Watanabe Jonathan H , Simon Gregory E , Horberg Michael , Platt Richard , Hernandez Adrian , Califf Robert M
Published: April 2021

Concerns regarding both the limited generalizability and the slow pace of traditional randomized trials have led to calls for greater use of real‐world evidence in the evaluation of new treatments or products. Real‐world clinical trials or pragmatic trials often differ from traditional clinical trials in the use of open‐label or nonblinded treatments delivered by real‐world clinicians in community practice settings. Blinding and standardization of treatment may sometimes be necessary for internal validity, but they may also obscure or distort meaningful differences between treatments. When investigators consider whether blinding of clinicians, patients, or assessors is necessary, we suggest they consider several specific questions: Will clinicians, patients, and assessors have expectations or preferences regarding benefits or adverse effects? How might those expectations affect treatment uptake, treatment adherence, or assessment of outcomes? Will expectations differ in the settings where trial results will be applied? How would blinding of treatment reduce biases? How would blinding obscure true differences between treatments? How would procedures necessary for blinding reduce acceptability or increase risk of trial participation? When investigators consider how strictly treatments should be standardized, we suggest they consider several specific questions: How would treatment effectiveness or safety vary according to clinician experience or expertise? What level of experience or expertise is available in potential trial settings and settings where trial results would be applied? Is some level of standardization necessary for valid inference? Considering any special vulnerabilities of the study population, is some level of standardization necessary to assure participant safety?
Microleakage of pit and fissure sealings placed after enamel conditioning with phosphoric acid or with self‐etching primers/adhesives
Authors: Amend Stefanie , Frankenberger Roland , Boutsiouki Christina , Scharrelmann Vanessa , Winter Julia , Krämer Norbert
Published: April 2021

Background

It is still not fully understood what pretreatment is best for achieving maximum tightness for pit and fissure sealings (PFS).

Aim

This study investigated microleakage of PFS placed after etching with phosphoric acid or after the application of self‐etching primers/adhesives (SEPA).

Design

131 third molars were assigned to ten groups. In Hel‐P, Helioseal® was applied after phosphoric acid etching. In the other groups, SEPA were used (Dyr‐AP: Adper™ Prompt™ L‐Pop™, Dyract® Seal; Bea: BeautiSealant Primer and Paste; Hel‐Exp: Experimental primer, Helioseal®; Hel‐Cl: Clearfil™ SE Bond1, Helioseal®). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C (28 days), followed by 3500 thermocycles and staining with 5% methylene blue (M) or 5% silver nitrate (S). After methylene blue staining and sectioning, microleakage was assessed light microscopically. During silver nitrate staining, specimens were dissolved by 32% HCl and remaining PFS were evaluated under a SEM.

Results

Tightness, percentage of penetrated area, and maximum dye penetration were best for Hel‐P and Hel‐Cl (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Phosphoric acid etching of enamel and Clearfil™ SE Bond resulted in the best sealing quality. Methylene blue staining allowed the evaluation of more criteria (fissure shape, voids, sealant penetration depth) compared to silver nitrate.
Different frequency control mechanisms and the exploitation of frequency space in passerines
Authors: Goller Franz , Love Jay , Mindlin Gabriel
Published: April 2021

Birdsong is used in reproductive context and, consequently, has been shaped by strong natural and sexual selection. The acoustic performance includes a multitude of acoustic and temporal characteristics that are thought to honestly reveal the quality of the singing individual.

One major song feature is frequency and its modulation. Sound frequency can be actively controlled, but the control mechanisms differ between different groups. Two described mechanisms are pressure‐driven frequency changes in suboscines and control by syringeal muscles in oscines.

To test to what degree these different control mechanisms enhance or limit the exploitation of frequency space by individual species and families, we compared the use of frequency space by tyrannid suboscines and emberizid/passerellid oscines.

We find that despite the different control mechanisms, the songs of species in both groups can contain broad frequency ranges and rapid and sustained frequency modulation (FM). The maximal values for these parameters are slightly higher in oscines.

Furthermore, the mean frequency range of song syllables is substantially larger in oscines than suboscines. Species within each family group collectively exploit equally broadly the available frequency space.

The narrower individual frequency ranges of suboscines likely indicate morphological specialization for particular frequencies, whereas muscular control of frequency facilitated broader exploitation of frequency space by individual oscine species.
Trophic cascade driven by behavioral fine‐tuning as naïve prey rapidly adjust to a novel predator
Authors: Jolly Chris J. , Smart Adam S. , Moreen John , Webb Jonathan K. , Gillespie Graeme R. , Phillips Ben L.
Published: April 2021

The arrival of novel predators can trigger trophic cascades driven by shifts in prey numbers. Predators also elicit behavioral change in prey populations, via phenotypic plasticity and/or rapid evolution, and such changes may also contribute to trophic cascades. Here, we document rapid demographic and behavioral changes in populations of a prey species (grassland melomys Melomys burtoni, a granivorous rodent) following the introduction of a novel marsupial predator (northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus). Within months of quolls appearing, populations of melomys exhibited reduced survival and population declines relative to control populations. Quoll‐invaded populations were also significantly shyer than nearby, quoll‐free populations of conspecifics. This rapid but generalized response to a novel threat was replaced over the following 2 yr with more threat‐specific antipredator behaviors (i.e., predator‐scent aversion). Predator‐exposed populations, however, remained more neophobic than predator‐free populations throughout the study. These behavioral responses manifested rapidly in changed rates of seed predation by melomys across treatments. Quoll‐invaded melomys populations exhibited lower per‐capita seed take rates, and rapidly developed an avoidance of seeds associated with quoll scent, with discrimination playing out over a spatial scale of tens of meters. Presumably the significant and novel predation pressure induced by quolls drove melomys populations to fine‐tune behavioral responses to be more predator specific through time. These behavioral shifts could reflect individual plasticity (phenotypic flexibility) in behavior or may be adaptive shifts from natural selection imposed by quoll predation. Our study provides a rare insight into the rapid ecological and behavioral shifts enacted by prey to mitigate the impacts of a novel predator and shows that trophic cascades can be strongly influenced by behavioral as well as numerical responses.
Managing older patients with heart failure calls for a holistic approach
Authors: Wiersinga Julia H.I. , Rhodius‐Meester Hanneke F.M. , Kleipool Emma E.F. , Handoko Louis , van Rossum Albert C. , Liem Su‐San , Trappenburg Marijke C. , Peters Mike J.L. , Muller Majon
Published: April 2021

Aims

This study aims to assess the presence of geriatric domain impairments in an older heart failure (HF) outpatient population and to relate these domain impairments with 1 year mortality risk in comparison with a geriatric outpatient population without HF.

Methods and results

Data were used from two different prospective cohort studies: 241 outpatients with HF (mean age 78 ± 9 years, 48% female) and 686 geriatric outpatients (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 55% female). We similarly assessed the following geriatric domains in both cohorts: physical function, nutritional status, polypharmacy, cognitive function, and activities in daily living. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to relate individual domains to 1 year mortality risk in both populations and to compare 1 year mortality risk between both populations. Of the patients with HF, 34% had impairments in ≥3 domains, compared with 38% in geriatric patients. One‐year mortality rates were 13% and 8%, respectively, in the HF and geriatric populations; age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for patients with HF compared with geriatric patients was 1.7 (1.3–2.6). The individual geriatric domains were similarly associated with 1 year mortality risk in both populations. Compared with zero to two impaired domains, age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted mortality risk (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval) for three, four, or five impaired domains ranged from 1.6 (0.6–4.2) to 6.5 (2.1–20.1) in the HF population and from 1.4 (0.7–2.9) to 7.9 (2.9–21.3) in the geriatric population.

Conclusions

In parallel with geriatric patients, patients with HF often have multiple geriatric domain impairments that adversely affect their prognosis. This similarity together with the findings that patients with HF have a higher 1 year mortality risk than a general geriatric population supports the integration of a multi‐domain geriatric assessment in outpatient HF care.
Magnesium and Calcium Complexes of ArBIG‐bian and Their Reactivity towards CO2 (ArBIG‐bian=1,2‐bis[(2,6‐dibenzhydryl‐4‐methylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene)
Authors: Moskalev Mikhail V. , Skatova Alexandra A. , Razborov Danila A. , Bazanov Andrey A. , Bazyakina Natalia L. , Sokolov Vladimir G. , Fedushkin Igor L.
Published: April 2021

Reduction of 1,2‐bis[(2,6‐dibenzhydryl‐4‐methylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene (ArBIG‐bian) with an excess of magnesium in tetrahydrofuran (thf) or with an excess of calcium in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (dme) and crystallization of the crude products from the reaction mixtures affords monomeric complexes [(ArBIG‐bian)Mg(thf)2] (1) or [(ArBIG‐bian)Ca(dme)2] (2), respectively. Hydrolysis of complex 1 affords metal‐free diamine [ArBIG‐bianH2(thf)] (3). Complexes 1 and 2 readily react with CO2 to form the corresponding carbamates [(ArBIG‐bian)(CO2)2Mg(thf)2] (4) and [(ArBIG‐bian)(CO2)2Ca(dme)2] (5). Compounds 1–5 have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. The molecular structures of 1, 2, 3, and 5 have been determined by the single crystal X‐ray analysis.
Electrocatalytical Application of Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Reduced Graphene Oxide in PEM Fuel Cell: Effect of Reducing Agents of Dimethlyformamide or Hydrazine Hydrate on the Properties
Authors: Daş Elif , Öztürk Ayşenur , Bayrakçeken Yurtcan Ayşe
Published: April 2021

Two kinds of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized with the reducing agents of either dimethylformamide (DMF) or hydrazine hydrate (HYD). The decoration of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) over these materials was provided by microwave irradiation (MWI) method. Detailed physical and electrochemical measurements were carried out. Based on the electrochemical results of both catalysts, it is not surprising the achievement of higher electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, higher electron transfer number, lower charge transfer resistance and higher fuel cell performance with the Pt/rGO (DMF) catalyst which surpasses Pt/rGO (HYD) in many ways.
Thermosyphon solar water heating system with Cu/water nanofluid and wire coil configurations: Efficiency, energy, economic, environmental, and heat transfer study
Authors: Sundar L. Syam , Akanaw Tesfahun Tegegne , Singh Manoj K. , Sousa António C. M.
Published: April 2021

The techno‐economical analysis such as collector size, weight, cost, embodied energy, and environmental aspects were performed for Cu/water nanofluid flow in flat plate collector with various kinds of wire coil configurations based on the collector efficiency. Results show, the collector thermal efficiency is augmented for Cu/water nanofluids rather than water in the collector. By using ϕ = 0.3% nanofluid in collector its thermal efficiency is 61.47% but with water it is 56.68%; the collector thermal efficiency is further enhanced to 68.48% at ϕ = 0.3% nanofluid with wire coil configuration of p/d = 1.79. The collector area is reduced to 2.76 m2 for ϕ = 0.3% nanofluid but it is 3 m2 for water in the collector; collector area is further lowered to 2.48 m2 for ϕ = 0.3% nanofluid with wire coil configuration of p/d = 1.79. The Nusselt number raise is 20.46% and further rose to 46.23% for ϕ = 0.3% nanofluid with wire coil configuration of p/d = 1.79 against water. The penalty in friction factor is 1.24‐ and 1.44‐times for ϕ = 0.3% nanofluid with and without wire coil configuration of p/d = 1.79 over the water.
Hesperidin alleviates bupivacaine anesthesia‐induced neurotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y cells by regulating apoptosis and oxidative damage
Authors: Wang Ting , Zheng Lina , Zhang Weiwei
Published: April 2021

Local anesthetic with bupivacaine (BV) administration may cause severe neurotoxicity and neurological complications in developing neurons. Any substances that can mitigate the toxic effects of BV are of great importance in surgical procedures and pain management. The present study attempted to investigate if hesperidin (HN) could inhibit or prevent BV‐induced neurotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y cells. Exposure of BV at 5 mM resulted in a significant decrease of cell viability and a remarkable increase of lactate dehydrogenase release via the induction of apoptosis and production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased Bcl‐2 protein expression, as well as increased expression of cytoplasmic cytochrome c, Bax, and cleaved caspase‐3 protein was also observed in BV‐stimulated SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, BV stimulation impaired the balance of oxidation–reduction and inflammation system, as evidenced by the increased malondialdehyde content, decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and reduced level of reduced glutathione, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. However, these iatrogenic changes were all reversed by the HN (5, 10, and 20 μM) supplement for 48 h in a concentration‐dependent manner. In conclusion, HN can protect SH‐SY5Y cells against BV‐stimulated neurotoxicity via the inhibition of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation response. The present findings suggested that HN may be an effective alternative agent to inhibit or prevent BV‐induced neurotoxicity in human patients.
Recent development and future prospects ofTiO2photocatalysis
Authors: Peiris Sasanka , de Silva Haritha B. , Ranasinghe Kumudu N. , Bandara Sanjaya V. , Perera Ishanie Rangeeka
Published: April 2021

Photocatalysis is a process of clean technology where solar energy is converted into useful chemical reactions. There are confronted challenges and limitations when claiming the most efficient TiO2photocatalytic activity. Scientists tend to break through the barriers of TiO2photocatalysis by implementing different modification strategies for pure TiO2in order to eliminate the encountered limitations and thereby enhance the efficiency for further development of photocatalytic applications. Charge carrier recombination is one of the major limitations in the photocatalytic process. Doping incorporated with metals and nonmetals owns the capacity to subdue the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes by ensuring charge carrier separation. At the same time, this could enhance the capturing of photoenergy by narrowing the band gap of TiO2. Dye sensitization is another branch of possible modification of TiO2photocatalysis that is implemented in solar electricity generation, photocatalytic water splitting, and pollutant degradation. It assists in reduction of transparency in the visible range and obtaining a longer electron lifetime by efficient charge separation. Attention is given to the application of TiO2photocatalysis based on environmental decontamination, biocidal applications, and energy‐based applications. Hence, TiO2photocatalysis plays a crucial role in reaching higher technological development while maintaining a balance with environmental sustainability.
A Review of Sensory Imagery for Consumer Psychology
Authors: Elder Ryan S. , Krishna Aradhna
Published: April 2021

This review of mental imagery research has the core objective of fostering more research on the topic of sensory imagery. The review is organized around a conceptual framework highlighting (a) how mental imagery is formed, (b) the elicitation and elaboration of mental imagery, (c) the multi‐modal nature of sensory imagery, and (d) the consumer behavior consequences of mental imagery. This conceptual framework provides many new lenses through which researchers can view prior findings, and thereby motivates innovative new research ideas. Future research directions are provided in each section of the review, with additional unexplored opportunities presented in a final section.
Contrasting strategies of hypoxic cardiac performance and metabolism in cichlids and armoured catfish
Authors: Driedzic William R. , MacCormack Tyson J. , Lamarre Simon G.
Published: April 2021

The heart of tropical fishes is a particularly useful model system in which to investigate mechanisms of hypoxic tolerance. Here we focus on insights gained from two groups of fishes, cichlids and armoured catfishes. Cichlids respond to hypoxia by entering a sustained hypometabolism with decreased heart performance to match whole animal circulatory needs. Heart rate is decreased along with protein turnover to reduce adenosine triphosphate demand. This occurs despite the inherent capacity for high levels of cardiac power development. Although highly hypoxic tolerant at the whole animal level, the heart of cichlids does not have high constitutive activities of glycolytic enzymes compared to other species. Information is conflicting with respect to changes in glycolytic gene expression and enzyme activity following hypoxic exposure with some studies showing increases and others decreases. In contrast to cichlids, species of armoured catfish, that are routinely exposed to water of low oxygen content, do not display hypoxic bradycardia. Under hypoxia there are early changes in glucose trafficking suggestive of activation of glycolysis before lactate accumulation. Thereafter, heart glycogen is mobilized and lactate accumulates in both heart and blood, in some species to very high levels. Heart performance under hypoxia is enhanced by defense of intracellular pH. A functional sarcoplasmic reticulum and binding of hexokinase to the outer mitochondrial membrane may also play a role in cardioprotection. Maintenance of heart performance under hypoxia may relate to a tradeoff between air breathing via a modified stomach and circulatory demands for digestion.
Effect of ethylenethiourea on metamorphosis and ovary development: A comparative study of three larval frogs
Authors: Phuge Samadhan , Sequeira Andrea , Pandit Radhakrishna
Published: April 2021

Amphibian endocrine systems interact with each other during normal development. Interference with one of the endocrine systems may influence others. We studied the effect of a thyroid inhibitor (ethylenethiourea [ETU]) on metamorphosis and ovary development of three species, Sphaerotheca pashchima, Indosylvirana caesari, and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis with different larval durations. We treated the tadpoles of these species with 50, 100, and 200 mg/L concentrations of ETU and studied their larval duration, size at metamorphosis, and ovary development. The results revealed that ETU affects metamorphosis, depending on the species and concentration. ETU delayed metamorphosis of E. cyanophlyctis tadpoles and did not affect metamorphosis in S. pashchima tadpoles. Lower concentrations of ETU stimulated metamorphosis in I. caesari tadpoles while high concentration delayed metamorphosis. In the tadpoles (E. cyanophlyctis) treated with higher concentrations of ETU, ovary development was advanced with an increased size of the diplotene oocytes. Oocyte size was smaller in the tadpoles (of I. caesari) treated with lower concentrations of ETU. These results demonstrated that the tadpoles of these species show different responses to the thyroid inhibitor, possibly due to the differences in the larval duration and sensitivity. Inhibition or acceleration of metamorphosis did not interfere in the ovary development of E. cyanophlyctis and I. caesari. These results will be useful in understanding the impact of endocrine disruptors on the interaction between thyroid and sex steroid hormones.
Effect of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation on the survival of patients with inoperable malignant biliary strictures: A large cohort study
Authors: Xia Ming‐Xing , Wang Shu‐Ping , Yuan Ji‐Gang , Gao Dao‐Jian , Ye Xin , Wang Tian‐Tian , Wu Jun , Zhou Dong‐Xun , Hu Bing
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims

Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an emerging technique for the palliation of inoperable malignant biliary strictures (MBSs). We aimed to systemically investigate the long‐term outcome of RFA in a large cohort of patients.

Methods

We recruited 883 patients with various MBSs who underwent endoscopic interventions at two large‐volume centers; 124 patients underwent RFA and stenting, whereas 759 underwent stenting alone. To overcome selection bias, we performed 1:4 propensity score matching (PSM). The main outcome was overall survival (OS).

Results

Following PSM, patients in the RFA group showed significantly longer OS (9.5 months; 95% CI: 7.7‐11.3 months) than those in the stenting alone group (6.1 months; 95% CI: 5.6‐6.6 months; P < .001). In stratified analyses, the improved OS was only demonstrated in the subgroup of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (11.3 months 95% CI: 10.2‐12.4 vs 6.9 months 95% CI: 6.0‐7.8; P < .001), but not in the subgroups of gallbladder cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and other metastatic cancers (all P > .05). The survival benefits were noted only in the patients with non‐metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (11.5 vs 7.4 months, P < .001).

Conclusions

The survival benefits of endoscopic RFA appear to be limited to patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma without distant metastasis.
SARS‐CoV‐2 show no infectivity at later stages in a prolonged COVID‐19 patient despite positivity in RNA testing
Authors: Wan Xiu‐Feng , Tang Cynthia Y. , Ritter Detlef , Wang Yang , Li Tao , Segovia Karen , Kosikova Martina , Johnson Marc , Kwon Hyung J. , Xie Hang , Hammer Richard D. , McElroy Jane A. , Hamid Aws , Collins Natalie D. , Hang Jun , Camp Simone
Published: April 2021

Inpatient coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases present enormous costs to patients and health systems in the United States. Many hospitalized patients may continue testing COVID‐19 positive even after the resolution of symptoms. Thus, a pressing concern for clinicians is the safety of discharging these asymptomatic patients if they have any remaining infectivity. This case report explores the viral viability in a patient with persistent COVID‐19 over the course of a 2‐month hospitalization. Positive nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and isolated in the laboratory and analyzed by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reactions (qRT‐PCR), and serology was tested for neutralizing antibodies throughout the hospitalization period. The patient experienced waning symptoms by hospital day 40 and had no viable virus growth by hospital day 41, suggesting no risk of infectivity, despite positive RT‐PCR results which prolonged his hospital stay. Notably, this case showed infectivity for at least 24 days after disease onset, which is longer than the discontinuation of transmission‐based precautions recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Thus, our findings suggest that the timeline for discontinuing transmission‐based precautions may need to be extended for patients with severe and prolonged COVID‐19 disease. Additional large‐scale studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions on the appropriate clinical management for these patients.

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Neoadjuvant therapy for pancreas cancer: Global perspective and optimal care pathways in low to middle‐income countries
Authors: Rajappa Senthil J. , Pinninti Rakesh , Are Chandrakanth
Published: April 2021

Surgery remains the only curative intent treatment modality for localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Even in those who can undergo successful margin negative resection, the ability to deliver adjuvant chemotherapy is suboptimal for various reasons, resulting in poor outcomes. The delivery of “standard of care” intensive modern neoadjuvant therapies can be challenging in low to‐middle‐income countries (LMICs) with limited resource. This article reviews the constraints in delivering neoadjuvant therapies in LMICs and strategies to improve its implementation.
Seminars in surgical oncology—Pancreas cancer adjuvant therapy trials
Authors: Essaji Yasmin , Rocha Flavio G.
Published: April 2021

Adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer has undergone a paradigm shift in the last 30 years. Before the 1990s, surgery was the main treatment with high morbidity and minimal long‐term survival. In the mid‐1980s, GITSG showed a doubling of overall survival from 11 to 20 months with 5‐fluorouracil‐based chemoradiation and now the PRODIGE trial showed the benefit of FOLFIRINOX with the longest overall survival to date approaching 5 years. Further investigation on the agents, duration and sequencing of therapy remains ongoing.