bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanomedicine in Treatment of Typhoid Fever: A Review
Authors: Pund Swati , Kharat Nitin , Khalil Shaikh Sohel Shaikh , Shaikh Shoebuddin Zaheeroddin , Pulate Chetan , Tare Harshal
Published: March 2022

For effective management of typhoid, diagnosis of the disease must be done with speed and accuracy. Laboratory diagnosis of typhoid fever requires isolation and identification of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. In many areas where the disease is endemic, laboratory capability is limited. Recent advances in molecular immunology have led to the identification of sensitive and specific markers. Currently, alternative methods for biological molecular analysis are enzyme immunoassay, surface plasmon resonance and electrochemical immunoassay. With the development of nanotechnology, various nanoparticles and nano-quantum dots have been used as labels to enhance the sensitivity of the electrochemical immunoassay technique.
RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for the Estimation of Chlordiazepoxide in Novel Excipient Containing Formulations
Authors: Kodalkar Dada , Kulkarni Ajit , Shrivastav Birendra
Published: March 2022

An effort has been made to establish a simple and exact reverse-phase HPLC technique for the analysis of Chlordiazepoxide in bulk medication and formulations. A Phenomenex Luna C18 stationary phase (250 4.6 mm, 5) and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous buffer (pH 6.8) and acetonitrile in an isocratic mode were employed in this method's present development. Following the ICH recommendations, many aspects such as linearity range, system applicability and accuracy and precision were examined. The LOD and LOQ were also evaluated. Robustness and solution stability were also examined. Chlordiazepoxide concentrations in a new formulation comprising an excipient were successfully measured using the newly designed and validated technique. When using the approach, the recovery rate was determined to be between 99.00 percent and 101.00 percent. Detection and quantification of Chlordiazepoxide in pharmaceutical formulations were shown to be possible using this method (99.7 percent). Methods for rapid screening of Chlordiazepoxide in bulk pharmaceuticals and formulations were developed using an RP-HPLC technology that is both linear and robust.
Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Depression and Anxiety: A Review
Authors: Alzaidi Husain Y. H. , Aladwani Abdullah A. M. , Aldhuainah Abdullah N. M. H. M. J.
Published: March 2022

Obesity is a complex disease that effect large amount of population, According to WHO overweight and obesity defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that put the patient heath at risk to develop multiple disease [1], The treatment options are lifestyle changes, diet control, medication, non surgical management and surgical management, some of those treatment are linked to clinical depression.

Aim: To look at the prevalence of depression post bariatric surgery.

Methodology: We looked at published researches on internet about the prevalence of depression post bariatric surgery.

Results: There is a significant association between bariatric surgery and prevalence of depression

Conclusion: A full clinical and psychological assessment should be done prior to bariatric surgery to avoid depression.
Detection of NDM and OXA-48 Resistant Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Intensive Care Units’ Patients Clinical Samples in Khartoum State
Authors: Ali El-Makki Ghaida EL-Makki , H. Ali Abdelhakam , Taher Gorish Babbiker Mohammed , Kaddam Lemya Abdelgadier
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen with intrinsic and acquired resistance to many antibiotics, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to detect MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and its resistant genes (blaNDM, blaOXA48) from clinical isolates in Khartoum state.

Methodology: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted during the period fromApril to July 2019. A total of 50 clinical isolates were obtained from samples of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) for the purpose of molecular confirming of A. baumannii and detecting NDM and OXA-48 resistance genes by using conventional PCR.

Results: Of the 50 isolates examined, 47 (94%) were confirmed to be A. baumannii, and 3 (6%) were other species. Moreover, the 47 A. baumannii isolates were furtherly examined for the presences of resistant genes and the result showed that NDM gene was detected in 2 isolates (4.3%) and OXA-48 gene was detected in only one isolate (2.1%).

Conclusion: There is low prevalence of NDM and OXA-48 Resistant Genes among A. baumannii ICUs isolates. However, continuous regional monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and improvement of infection control measures are required in the intensive care units of Khartoum hospitals to prevent further spread.
Why Does Risk Communication Matter? Preventive and Excessive Health Behavior among Uninfected People
Authors: Bangun Tegar Sunaryo Putra Wawas , Ardianto Bayu
Published: March 2022

Given the recent public health emergency, the COVID-19 has become one pandemic whose spread is not easy to control. COVID-19 can spread through various interactions between individuals. One of the government's efforts to prevent its spread is to use a risk communication approach to reduce the number of transmissions. However, the risk communication approach still uses a one-way performance in its implementation and has not been measured. This study identifies the major components of the risk communication approach used. One of our findings is that trust in government is the most vital basis for implementing risk communication that can be readily accepted by the community and can increase preventive behavior and the intention to behave more in self-protection. This research uses hierarchical component models (HCMs) research designs to provide practical and academic contributions.
An Experimental Study of Downfacing Surfaces in Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Babu Joe Joseph , Mehrpouya Mehrshad , Pijper Thomas C. , Willemsen Gydo , Vaneker Tom
Published: March 2022

This article presents an investigative study to evaluate the effect of process parameters on surface roughness and dimensional accuracy of downfacing surfaces. The material used in the study is Corrax steel and is fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) technology. The fabrication process of the downfacing surface is different from the fabrication of the main or core region due to the poor thermal conductivity of loose powder particles beneath each layer. The processing parameters, namely, laser scanning speed, laser power, and layer reference, are investigated using a full factorial design of experiments method to discover their influence on surface roughness and dimensional deviation. Results show that the investigated factors are significantly affecting the quality of downfacing surfaces and controlling them will greatly influence achieving required surface properties.
Effect of the Selective Halogenation of Small Molecule Acceptors on the Blend Morphology and Voltage Loss of High‐Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Geon‐U , Sun Cheng , Lee Dongchan , Choi Gi‐Seok , Park Jin Su , Seo Soodeok , Lee Seungjin , Choi Do‐Yeong , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Cho Shinuk , Kim Yun‐Hi , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: March 2022

Herein, the impacts of the selective halogenation at two different positions of dicyanomethylene‐3‐indanone (IC) end groups and inner side chains of small molecular acceptors (SMAs) on the PD:SMA interfacial interactions, blend morphology, and resulting photovoltaic properties are described. In this study, four different SMAs (A1, A2, A3, and A4) with the same molecular backbone, but with different degrees of halogenation, are synthesized. The IC end groups on the backbones of the A1 and A3, and A2 and A4 SMAs are chlorinated and fluorinated, respectively; in addition, 6‐phenoxyhexyl inner side chains of the A3 and A4 are chlorinated. The SMAs are paired with a chlorinated PBDT‐Cl PD to construct organic solar cells (OSCs). The PBDT‐Cl:A4‐based OSC exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency of 17.2%, outperforming the PBDT‐Cl:A1‐(13.3%), PBDT‐Cl:A2‐(15.6%), and PBDT‐Cl:A3‐based OSC (16.5%). The Cl atoms on the side chains in the A3 and A4 SMAs enhance the molecular/energetic interactions at the PD:SMA interfaces and improve the blend morphology in terms of domain purity and spacing. These effects lead to the improved fill factors and reduced voltage loss of the PBDT‐Cl:A3‐ and PBDT‐Cl:A4‐based OSCs. This study demonstrates the importance of appropriate halogenation of SMAs in optimizing the blend morphology, reducing voltage loss, and improving OSC performance.
Nanostructured, Fluid‐Bicontinuous Gels for Continuous‐Flow Liquid–Liquid Extraction
Authors: Khan Mohd A. , Sprockel Alessio J. , Macmillan Katherine A. , Alting Meyer T. , Kharal Shankar P. , Boakye‐Ansah Stephen , Haase Martin F.
Published: March 2022

Fluid‐bicontinuous gels are unique materials that allow two distinct fluids to interact through a percolating, rigid scaffold. Current restrictions for their use are the large fluid‐channel sizes (>5 µm), limiting the fluid–fluid interaction surface‐area, and the inability to flow liquids through the channels. In this work a scalable synthesis route of nanoparticle stabilized fluid‐bicontinuous gels with channels sizes below 500 nm and specific surface areas of 2 m2 cm−3 is introduced. Moreover, it is demonstrated that liquids can be pumped through the fluid‐bicontinuous gels via electroosmosis. The fast liquid flow in the fluid‐bicontinuous gel facilitates their use for molecular separations in continuous‐flow liquid–liquid extraction. Together with the high surface areas, liquid flow through fluid‐bicontinuous gels enhances their potential as highly permeable porous materials with possible uses as microreaction media, fuel‐cell components, and separation membranes.
Review of Semiconductor Flash Memory Devices for Material and Process Issues
Authors: Kim Seung Soo , Yong Soo Kyeom , Kim Whayoung , Kang Sukin , Park Hyeon Woo , Yoon Kyung Jean , Sheen Dong Sun , Lee Seho , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: March 2022

Vertically integrated NAND (V‐NAND) flash memory is the main data storage in modern handheld electronic devices, widening its share even in the data centers where installation and operation costs are critical. While the conventional scaling rule has been applied down to the design rule of ≈15 nm (year 2013), the current method of increasing device density is stacking up layers. Currently, 176‐layer‐stacked V‐NAND flash memory is available on the market. Nonetheless, increasing the layers invokes several challenges, such as film stress management and deep contact hole etching. Also, there should be an upper bound for the attainable stacking layers (400–500) due to the total allowable chip thickness, which will be reached within 6–7 years. This review summarizes the current status and critical challenges of charge‐trap‐based flash memory devices, with a focus on the material (floating‐gate vs charge‐trap‐layer), array‐level circuit architecture (NOR vs NAND), physical integration structure (2D vs 3D), and cell‐level programming technique (single vs multiple levels). Current efforts to improve fabrication processes and device performances using new materials are also introduced. The review suggests directions for future storage devices based on the ionic mechanism, which may overcome the inherent problems of flash memory devices.
Strain Engineering: A Boosting Strategy for Photocatalysis
Authors: Miao Yingxuan , Zhao Yunxuan , Zhang Shuai , Shi Run , Zhang Tierui
Published: March 2022

Whilst the photocatalytic technique is considered to be one of the most significant routes to address the energy crisis and global environmental challenges, the solar‐to‐chemical conversion efficiency is still far from satisfying practical industrial requirements, which can be traced to the suboptimal bandgap and electronic structure of photocatalysts. Strain engineering is a universal scheme that can finely tailor the bandgap and electronic structure of materials, hence supplying a novel avenue to boost their photocatalytic performance. Accordingly, to explore promising directions for certain breakthroughs in strained photocatalysts, an overview on the recent advances of strain engineering from the basics of strain effect, creations of strained materials, as well as characterizations and simulations of strain level is provided. Besides, the potential applications of strain engineering in photocatalysis are summarized, and a vision for the future controllable‐electronic‐structure photocatalysts by strain engineering is also given. Finally, perspectives on the challenges for future strain‐promoted photocatalysis are discussed, placing emphasis on the creation and decoupling of strain effect, and the modification of theoretical frameworks.
The Dawn of Metamaterial Engineering Predicted via Hyperdimensional Keyword Pool and Memory Learning
Authors: Cha Young‐Ok , Hao Yang
Published: March 2022

Metamaterials research has been ongoing for more than 20 years and it has gained much public and scientific interest. There have been many experts forecasting on the road ahead for metamaterials, notably, in lieu of “knowledge tree” in 2010. Ten years on, it is proposed to re‐examine these claims by using automated computer tools, such as natural language processing (NLP), to extract research information for processing and analyzing from unstructured texts in publications. In this study, a fully auto‐generated database of 43 678 abstracts related to metamaterials published between 2000 and 2021 using Scopus Search API (Application Programming Interface) is built. Applying word embedding, each keyword is studied in a hyperdimensional vector space and clusters so that their relationships can be visualized for assessing the popularity and trends of research themes. A neural network model developed based on the encoder–decoder long short‐term memory (LSTM) architecture is finally trained to predict future directions and theme evolutions in the next four years for selected topics. This study not only provides vital information in terms of impact of metamaterials research but also lays down a solid foundation for the development of future metamaterial research roadmap in the form of Gartner hype cycle.
Realization of Mechanically Maneuverable Circuit Ports in Organic Hybrid Photonic Chip for 360° Steering of Bandwidth‐Engineered Signals
Authors: Ravi Jada , Vinod Kumar Avulu , Annadhasan Mari , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: March 2022

Photon‐based data communication technologies provide safe, efficient, and speedy data transfer. The conventional silicon‐based photonic circuits possess several inherent shortcomings. One of them is the mechanical rigidity of circuits. Realizing a flexible organic photonic integrated circuit (FOPIC) or organic photonic chip with functional complexity requires innovative materials and a hybrid materials platform. Mechanically flexible organic acicular crystals with fewer imperfections, high refractive index, and high quantum yield are promising materials for FOPIC fabrication. Here, the fabrication of a hybrid FOPIC using (E)‐1‐(4‐(N,N‐dimethyl)phenyl)iminomethyl‐2‐hydroxyl‐naphthalene (DPIN) and (E)‐1‐(4‐(chloro)phenyl) iminomethyl‐2‐hydroxyl‐naphthalene (CPIN) crystals for precise steering of output light at different angles is presented. The crystals of DPIN and CPIN are mechanically compliant and optically dissimilar. Mechanical micromanipulation of DPIN and CPIN flexible crystals provides a four‐port FOPIC that comprises waveguide integrated ring resonator. Mechanical maneuverability of the circuit ports enables selective routing of six bandwidth‐engineered signals at desirable angles (0–360°) in 2D. The circuit applies active/passive light‐guiding principles, reabsorbance, and energy‐transfer mechanisms for its operation. The presented proof‐of‐principle reconfigurable photonic circuit concept is advantageous in programmable circuits, navigable detectors, and intelligent sensors.
Synthesis of Non‐Terminal Alkenyl Ethers, Alkenyl Sulfides, and N‐Vinylazoles from Arylaldehydes or Diarylketones, DMSO and O, S, N‐Nucleophiles
Authors: Nie Zhiwen , Lv Huifang , Yang Tonglin , Su Miaodong , Luo Weiping , Liu Qiang , Guo Cancheng
Published: March 2022

A transition‐metal‐free protocol for the synthesis of non‐terminal alkenyl ethers, alkenyl sulfides, and N‐vinylazoles from arylaldehydes or diarylketones, DMSO and O, S, N‐nucleophiles has been reported. In this protocol, 24 examples of non‐terminal alkenyl ethers and 28 examples of non‐terminal alkenyl sulfides in 72–95% yields have been synthesized within 5 min. Moreover, 27 examples of non‐terminal N‐vinylazoles with 57–88% yields have also been synthesized within 2 hours. The preliminary mechanism investigations revealed that arylaldehydes or diarylketones offered a carbon atom, DMSO provided a methine and O, S, N‐nucleophiles contributed one X atom for constructing C=C−X structure.

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Amphiphilic Polymer Co‐Network: A Versatile Matrix for Tailoring the Photonic Energy Transfer in Wearable Energy Harvesting Devices
Authors: Huang Chieh‐Szu , Yakunin Sergii , Avaro Jonathan , Kang Xinyue , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Liebi Marianne , Sun Xuemei , Rossi René M. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Boesel Luciano F.
Published: March 2022

In recent years, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and related topics have received marked attention both as a subject of scientific investigation and due to its many potential applications. However, the state‐of‐the‐art matrix materials for the FRET need to be improved in terms of universal loading for all types of luminescent moieties and the matrix integrability with real‐life devices, but without sacrificing the FRET efficiency, i.e., maintaining the proximity of the embedded donors and acceptors. Amphiphilic polymer co‐networks (APCNs) are investigated as versatile matrix materials for hosting luminescent materials and realizing highly efficient FRET between hydrophobic inorganic donors (CsPbBr3 nanocrystals) and hydrophilic organic acceptors (Rhodamine B). APCNs are advantageous owing to the unique properties of their hydrophilic and hydrophobic biphasic nature and the uniformly distributed nano‐domains. The energy transfer rate can be tailored in a straightforward way by manipulating the nano‐domain sizes and volumetric distribution, so steering donor–acceptor pair loading and distances. Consequently, APCNs are used as luminescent solar concentrators for fiber solar cells, demonstrating the ability to enhance existing solar‐energy harvesting electronics via photonic energy transfer steering. APCN is demonstrated as a powerful matrix for future photonic applications in the field of energy harvesting and energy generation.
Pyrene‐Based Dopant‐Free Hole‐Transport Polymers with Fluorine‐Induced Favorable Molecular Stacking Enable Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yao Zhaoyang , Zhang Fuguo , He Lanlan , Bi Xingqi , Guo Yaxiao , Guo Yu , Wang Linqin , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2022

A new class of polymeric hole‐transport materials (HTMs) are explored by inserting a two‐dimensionally conjugated fluoro‐substituted pyrene into thiophene and selenophene polymeric chains. The broad conjugated plane of pyrene and “Lewis soft” selenium atoms not only enhance the π–π stacking of HTM molecules greatly but also render a strong interaction with the perovskite surface, leading to an efficient charge transport/transfer in both the HTM layer and the perovskite/HTM interface. Note that fluorine substitution adjacent to pyrene boosts the stacking of HTMs towards a more favorable face‐on orientation, further facilitating the efficient charge transport. As a result, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) employing PE10 as dopant‐free HTM afford an excellent efficiency of 22.3 % and the dramatically enhanced device longevity, qualifying it among the best PSCs based on dopant‐free HTMs.
Fatty acid ethyl esters production from distillers corn oil by enzymatic catalysis
Authors: Aguieiras Erika C. G. , de Abreu Kévin Enrick A. , Oliveira Renata A. , Almeida João M. A. R. , Freire Denise M. G.
Published: March 2022

Distillers corn oil (DCO), a by‐product from the corn ethanol production, is an alternative source of glycerides to produce biodiesel. In the present work, this feedstock was enzymatically converted into fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE). DCO presented relative density of 0.912 g/cm3, peroxide index of 3.05 ± 0.3 (meq/1000 g of sample) and acidity of 13.1 ± 1.96 (wt.%), with prevalence of the oleic (18:1) and linoleic (18:2) acids (sum equal to 76.9%). Three strategies were evaluated to improve the FAEE content: ethanol stepwise addition (ethanol:oil molar ratio of 4:1 (1/2 of ethanol at 0 and 1.5 h) and 3:1 (1/3 of ethanol at 0 h and 2/3 at 1.5 h or 1/3 of ethanol at 0, 1 and 2 h)); consecutive reactions (with Novozym 40086 [Rhizomucor miehei lipase] as biocatalyst); and mixture of enzymes (Novozym 40086 (6 wt.%) + Novozym 435 (Candida antarctica B lipase) (2 wt.%). The concept of combi‐lipases was evaluated for the first time using this raw material, resulting in a high ester content (>96%). The higher ester yields attained with DCO, compared to refined corn oil (33%) can be related to the better solubilization of ethanol and/or glycerol by‐product in the medium with DCO. The combi‐lipase system kept high than 80% of this initial activity after three repeated batches of reaction. The use of DCO enables the integration of corn ethanol and biodiesel production within the same general facility, which has logistic, environmental and, economic relevance.
Fabrication of graphene reinforced silicone‐based 3D printed tactile sensor: An approach towards an applicable piezo‐sensor
Authors: Zhang Xiaojie , Sinha Tridib Kumar , Kim Jin Kuk , Oh Jeong Seok , Lee Jinho
Published: March 2022

Highly sensitive, wearable, and durable tactile sensors are vital for developing smart robots, human–machine interfaces, and health monitoring systems. Although current techniques for developing tactile sensors achieve high performance, they suffer from fabrication complexity, complex working principle, short lifetime, low stretchability, and, in some cases, low sensitivity. Herein, we present a facile, cost‐effective, and scalable method for creating a 3D printed composite film of a tactile sensor made of natural rubber (NR) coated photosensitive elastomer resin (PR)/graphene nanoplatelet composite film. The addition of graphene nanoplatelet (GnP) not only improves the mechanical properties, stretchability, and flexibility of the PR/GnP composite film but also becomes responsible to produce the piezoresponse even under slight mechanical deformation in the flexible film. Furthermore, the proposed NR coating nullifies the possibility of producing interfering triboelectricity during its application as a highly sensitive pressure sensor. It also provides a low‐cost protective layer for the active material as well as the flexibility of the overall device.
Study on the compounding of a new type of trimer epoxy resin curing agent
Authors: Zhang Xiongfei , Zhao Tianhui , Cao Ting , Liu Peiyu , Ma Chuang , Li Pengyun , Huang Dang
Published: March 2022

In this paper, bisphenol A (BPA), epichlorohydrin (ECH), and isocyanate trimer (TDI‐T) are used as raw materials to synthesize a high toughness/trimer epoxy resin by graft copolymerization. It was cured at room temperature with low molecular weight polyamide 650 (PA650)/isophorone diamine (IPDA) and low molecular weight polyamide 650/triethylene tetramine (TETA) composite curing system respectively. The cured products of the two compound systems were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and mechanical property testing. The results show that with the increase of TETA and IPDA curing agents, the heat released during the curing process of the two systems also greatly increases, and the temperature rises from the initial 33.9–69.7°C and 52.8°C. The curing time is shortened from a few days to a few hours, and the controllability of the curing time is effectively realized. When the ratio of triethylene tetramine to low molecular weight polyamide 650 is 2.86:100, the compressive strength is the best, reaching 112.7 MPa, 12% higher than pure polyamide as curing agent, and the specimen can be completely restored to its original shape in a few minutes. When the ratio of TETA to PA650 is 2.86:100, the elongation at break reaches 21.4%.
Making newsworthy news: The integral role of creativity and verification in the human information behavior that drives news story creation
Authors: Gutierrez Lopez Marisela , Makri Stephann , MacFarlane Andrew , Porlezza Colin , Cooper Glenda , Missaoui Sondess
Published: March 2022

Creativity and verification are intrinsic to high‐quality journalism, but their role is often poorly visible in news story creation. Journalists face relentless commercial pressures that threaten to compromise story quality, in a digital era where their ethical obligation not to mislead the public has never been more important. It is therefore crucial to investigate how journalists can be supported to produce stories that are original, impactful, and factually accurate, under tight deadlines. We present findings from 14 semistructured interviews, where we asked journalists to discuss the creation of a recent news story to understand the process and associated human information behavior (HIB). Six overarching behaviors were identified: discovering, collecting, organizing, interrogating, contextualizing, and publishing. Creativity and verification were embedded throughout news story creation and integral to journalists' HIB, highlighting their ubiquity. They often manifested at a micro level; in small‐scale but vital activities that drove and facilitated story creation. Their ubiquitous role highlights the importance of creativity and verification support being woven into functionality that facilitates information acquisition and use in digital information tools for journalists.
Impact of chromate and dichromate on lysozyme stability: A spectroscopic and molecular docking investigation
Authors: Subadini Suchismita , Panigrahy Ram Sankar , Gupta Nishesh Kumar , Bera Krishnendu , Sahoo Harekrushna
Published: March 2022

A comparative study of interaction between chicken egg white lysozyme (Lyz) with two hexavalent chromate ions; chromate and dichromate; which are prevalently known for their toxicity, was investigated using different spectroscopic techniques along with a molecular docking study. Both steady‐state and time‐resolved studies revealed that the addition of chromate/dichromate is responsible for strong quenching of intrinsic fluorescence in Lyz and the quenching is caused by both static and dynamic quenching mechanisms. Different binding and thermodynamic parameters were also calculated at different temperatures from the intrinsic fluorescence of Lyz. The conformational change in Lyz and thermodynamic parameters obtained during the course of interaction with chromate/dichromate were well‐supported by the molecular docking results.
Acute interstitial nephritis observed with three different triggering agents
Authors: Nobakht Niloofar , Hanna Ramy M. , Kamgar Mohammad , Sinclair John , Simon Lewis , Emami Sina , Sisk Anthony , Rastogi Anjay
Published: March 2022

A 70‐year‐old female patient developed acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) after treatment with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), proton pump inhibitors (PPI), and Bromhexine. Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient was treated with oral prednisone. Careful attention to timing of acute kidney injury (AKI) is crucial to diagnosing AIN.
Metachronous, non‐pineal, trilateral retinoblastoma in a patient with a seemingly reduced‐expressivity RB1 germline deletion
Authors: Eiset Saga Elise , Funding Mikkel , Racher Hilary , Heegaard Steffen , Gallie Brenda , Urbak Steen Fiil , Gregersen Pernille A.
Published: March 2022

The clinical course of trilateral retinoblastoma can be unpredictable, and expressivity of germline RB1 variants may vary during development. We describe an unexpected fatal case of trilateral retinoblastoma with an intracranial tumor in an unusual location and discuss genetic copy number analyses as a useful diagnostic tool with therapeutic potential.
Refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient: A clinical case report
Authors: Crawford Lake R. , Neparidze Natalia
Published: March 2022

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a hematologic disorder with an incidence of 1–3 per 105 individuals/year. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop AIHA in 3% of adult cases and 14% of pediatric cases. We report a case of AIHA refractory to multiple lines of treatment in a patient with SLE, who eventually responded to a proteasome inhibitor‐based combination. A patient with systemic lupus erythematous was diagnosed with symptomatic autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The patient was refractory to multiple lines of treatment including prednisone, intravenous immune globulin, methylprednisolone, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and splenectomy. She eventually had a beneficial response to a proteasome inhibitor‐based combination with bortezomib plus mycophenolate mofetil. The treatment of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia can be challenging. Patients with AIHA refractory to primary or secondary treatments must resort to receiving novel therapeutic modalities including combinations targeting plasma cell, T‐ and B‐cell proliferation.
Case of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in a very young patient without structural heart disease
Authors: Sawasaki Kohei , Hosoya Natsuko , Muto Masahiro
Published: March 2022

The patient was an 18‐year‐old man who suffered frequent supraventricular premature complexes (SVPCs) and atrial fibrillation. Catheter ablation was performed, and the left pulmonary vein had been isolated, although firing from within the left inferior pulmonary vein remained. After that, the patient did not exhibit SVPCs and atrial fibrillation.
NiCo‐Layered Double Hydroxide to Composite with Sulfur as Cathodes for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Jing , Qiu Weilong , Liu Xin , Zhang Yongguang , Zhao Yan
Published: March 2022

Lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries have become a research focus for high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries owing to the considerable theoretical energy density. However, the polysulfide shuttle and sluggish kinetics in lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) chemistry lead to low sulfur utilization, large polarization and rapid capacity decay, posing a fatal threat to the commercialization of Li−S batteries. Herein, we etched zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) with Ni2+ to manufacture NiCo‐LDH, which is used as a sulfur host material for lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Benefited from the closely packed nano‐clusters and the hollow structure, the NiCo‐LDH could not only inhibit the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) diffusion but also accelerate the redox reactions. Owing to these properties, the corresponding Li−S batteries exhibit a superior capacity (1540 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C) and high rate performance (485 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C). This work shows a promising way for layered double hydroxide as cathodes for Li−S batteries.
Bimetal Metal‐Organic Frameworks Derived Hierarchical Porous Cobalt@Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Tubes as An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xu Yuting , Mou Jirong , Liu Ting , Li Mei , Pan Wenhao , Zhong Lei , Huang Jianlin , Liu Meilin
Published: March 2022

The design and preparation of inexpensive, stable, and superior catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are significant but challenging towards sustainable energy conversion technologies. Herein, a tubular template‐assisted strategy for fabrication of cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) embedded in one‐dimensional (1D) N‐doped porous tubular carbon composites (Co@N−CTs) is developed via in‐situ growth of bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZnCo−ZIFs) on hollow polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes surface. The PPy can not only act as a hollow tubular template, but also efficiently inhibit aggregation of Co NPs. Thanks to the 1D tubular interconnected networks and abundant micro‐/nano‐ porous tube wall structure, the as‐prepared Co@N−CTs catalyst achieves outstanding ORR performance with an onset potential (E0) of 0.982 V and a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.864 V. Meanwhile, the Co@N−CTs catalyst also demonstrates superior durability with slightly decay of 3 % of initial current over 40000 s, as well as tolerance to the methanol. Furthermore, the Co@N−CTs cathode exhibits a large specific capacity (784 mAh g−1) and satisfying power density (116 mW cm−2) in a Zn‐air battery.
Detoxification of Leachate by Coagulation Treatment Prior to Fermentation and Possible Reuse in Irrigation
Authors: Cherni Yasmin , Elleuch Lobna , Kasmi Mariam , Sghaier‐Hammami Besma , Chourabi Kalthoum , Chatti Abdelwaheb , Trabelsi Ismail , Kallel Amjad
Published: March 2022

Landfill leachate (LFL) is a very complex effluent that poses considerable threats to humans and to the environment. Selecting the appropriate process for leachate treatment still poses potential concern and challenge for the operation in municipal landfills. The current study aims to assess stabilized leachate degradation through coagulation by using different chemicals (Al2(SO4)3, FeCl3, FeSO4). Thereafter, a complementary process using two Candida strains (Candida kefyr and Candida glabrata) is investigated as a biological treatment of treated LFL. Furthermore, the phytotoxicity of treated LFL is examined by seed germination/root elongation tests using barley and tomato seeds. Upon experimentation and research, the results reveal that the optimum removal efficiency for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium (NH4+‐N) is 73.3% and 53.5%, respectively, when using the combined process. The removal efficiency of toxic metal elements (Fe, Pb, and Zn) is improved significantly (up to 80%). In addition, physiological and biochemical analyses confirm that the combined process allows a significant toxicity reduction. The obtained outcome is encouraging and supports the possible use of the treated LFL as a fertilizer for plant growth.
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) nesting on elevated structures in urban Indiana, USA
Authors: Shearer David J. , Carter Timothy C. , O'Neal Benjamin J.
Published: March 2022

The Canada goose (Branta canadensis) population has radically changed over the past 60 years—from once being extirpated in the state of Indiana to the current level of approximately 113,000. High urban densities have resulted in persistent human–wildlife conflicts and novel interactions between geese and their physical environment. Canada geese typically choose nest sites that are on the ground or slightly elevated sites such as muskrat lodge, but we report observations of Canada geese nesting on rooftops 2.6–12.2 m above ground level in central Indiana. These observations suggest that alternative, unpredicted nesting sites are being chosen over more traditional sites, in a likely attempt to reduce risks of disturbance and predation. This atypical nest‐site selection may pose new management challenges, but further research is needed.
Trophic niche partitioning between two prey and their incidental predators revealed various threats for an endangered species
Authors: Rioux Ève , Pelletier Fanie , St‐Laurent Martin‐Hugues
Published: March 2022

Documenting trophic niche partitioning and resource use within a community is critical to evaluate underlying mechanisms of coexistence, competition, or predation. Detailed knowledge about foraging is essential as it may influence the vital rates, which, in turn, can affect trophic relationships between species, and population dynamics. The aims of this study were to evaluate resource and trophic niche partitioning in summer/autumn between the endangered Atlantic‐Gaspésie caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population, moose (Alces americanus) and their incidental predators, the black bear (Ursus americanus) and coyote (Canis latrans), and to quantify the extent to which these predators consumed caribou. Bayesian isotopic analysis showed a small overlap in trophic niche for the two sympatric ungulates suggesting a low potential for resource competition. Our results also revealed that caribou occupied a larger isotopic niche area than moose, suggesting a greater diversity of resources used by caribou. Not surprisingly, coyotes consumed mainly deer (Odocoileus virginianus), moose, snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), and occasionally caribou, while bears consumed mainly vegetation and, to a lesser extent, moose and caribou. As coyotes and bears also feed on plant species, we documented trophic niche overlap between caribou and their predators, as searching for similar resources can force them to use the same habitats and thus increase the encounter rate and, ultimately, mortality risk for caribou. Although the decline in the Gaspésie caribou population is mostly driven by habitat‐mediated predation, we found evidence that the low level of resource competition with moose, added to the shared resources with incidental predators, mainly bears, may contribute to jeopardize the recovery of this endangered caribou population. Highlighting the trophic interaction between species is needed to establish efficient conservation and management strategies to insure the persistence of endangered populations. The comparison of trophic niches of species sharing the same habitat or resources is fundamental to evaluate the mechanisms of coexistence or competition and eventually predict the consequences of ecosystem changes in the community.
Agricultural buffer zone thresholds to safeguard functional bee diversity: Insights from a community modeling approach
Authors: Reeg Jette , Strigl Lea , Jeltsch Florian
Published: March 2022

Wild bee species are important pollinators in agricultural landscapes. However, population decline was reported over the last decades and is still ongoing. While agricultural intensification is a major driver of the rapid loss of pollinating species, transition zones between arable fields and forest or grassland patches, i.e., agricultural buffer zones, are frequently mentioned as suitable mitigation measures to support wild bee populations and other pollinator species. Despite the reported general positive effect, it remains unclear which amount of buffer zones is needed to ensure a sustainable and permanent impact for enhancing bee diversity and abundance. To address this question at a pollinator community level, we implemented a process‐based, spatially explicit simulation model of functional bee diversity dynamics in an agricultural landscape. More specifically, we introduced a variable amount of agricultural buffer zones (ABZs) at the transition of arable to grassland, or arable to forest patches to analyze the impact on bee functional diversity and functional richness. We focused our study on solitary bees in a typical agricultural area in the Northeast of Germany. Our results showed positive effects with at least 25% of virtually implemented agricultural buffer zones. However, higher amounts of ABZs of at least 75% should be considered to ensure a sufficient increase in Shannon diversity and decrease in quasi‐extinction risks. These high amounts of ABZs represent effective conservation measures to safeguard the stability of pollination services provided by solitary bee species. As the model structure can be easily adapted to other mobile species in agricultural landscapes, our community approach offers the chance to compare the effectiveness of conservation measures also for other pollinator communities in future.
Exploratory analysis of multi‐trait coadaptations in light of population history
Authors: Nakamichi Reiichiro , Kitada Shuichi , Kishino Hirohisa
Published: March 2022

During the process of range expansion, populations encounter a variety of environments. They respond to the local environments by modifying their mutually interacting traits. Common approaches of landscape analysis include first focusing on the genes that undergo diversifying selection or directional selection in response to environmental variation. To understand the whole history of populations, it is ideal to capture the history of their range expansion with reference to the series of surrounding environments and to infer the multitrait coadaptation. To this end, we propose a complementary approach; it is an exploratory analysis using up‐to‐date methods that integrate population genetic features and features of selection on multiple traits. First, we conduct correspondence analysis of site frequency spectra, traits, and environments with auxiliary information of population‐specific fixation index (FST). This visualizes the structure and the ages of populations and helps infer the history of range expansion, encountered environmental changes, and selection on multiple traits. Next, we further investigate the inferred history using an admixture graph that describes the population split and admixture. Finally, principal component analysis of the selection on edge‐by‐trait (SET) matrix identifies multitrait coadaptation and the associated edges of the admixture graph. We introduce a newly defined factor loadings of environmental variables in order to identify the environmental factors that caused the coadaptation. A numerical simulation of one‐dimensional stepping‐stone population expansion showed that the exploratory analysis reconstructed the pattern of the environmental selection that was missed by analysis of individual traits. Analysis of a public dataset of natural populations of black cottonwood in northwestern America identified the first principal component (PC) coadaptation of photosynthesis‐ vs growth‐related traits responding to the geographical clines of temperature and day length. The second PC coadaptation of volume‐related traits suggested that soil condition was a limiting factor for aboveground environmental selection.
Tandem [3+1+1+1] Heterocyclization of α‐Acyl Ketene Dithioacetals with Ammonia and Methanol: Rapid Assembly of Polysubstituted Pyrimidines
Authors: Wang Youkun , Yan Linlin , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Xiang Fengrui , Li Xiaojun , Li Shengnan , Song Xiaoning
Published: March 2022

A straightforward copper‐catalyzed aerobic cyclocondensation reaction of α‐acyl ketene dithioacetals with ammonium acetate and methanol was developed for synthesizing highly functionalized pyrimidines. This domino conversion relied on the dual activities of CuCl2, namely Lewis acid and dehydrogenation, which began with single C−S ammonolysis directed by an in situ generated imine, followed by cyclocondensation with aldehyde produced from alcohol and concomitant oxidative dehydrogenation under an oxygen atmosphere. Notably, readily accessible and flexible substrates, common chemical feedstock nitrogen and C1 sources, good functional group tolerance and procedural simplicity exhibit the efficiency and potential application of the new method.
Effects of diesel–Calophylluminophyllum biodiesel–propyl alcohol blends on performance, emissions, and combustion of diesel engine
Authors: Nagpure Anant G. , Chavan Supriya B. , Rathod Walmik S.
Published: March 2022

The present experimental work aims to study the effects of higher alcohol with diesel–Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel on diesel engine characteristics. The higher alcohol used for the investigation was propyl alcohol. Three samples were prepared with a diesel–biodiesel blend (B20) at 6%, 12%, and 18% concentration by volume of propyl alcohol (B20P6, B20P12, and B20P18). Tests were carried out on a single‐cylinder, four‐stroke diesel engine with varying loads and compression ratio. At higher compression ratios, the modified blends of propyl alcohol reported better efficiencies compared to diesel. Blend B20P12 has a 1.6% higher average brake thermal efficiency than diesel. For all blends, the brake specific fuel consumptions (BSFCs) were found to be increased in comparison to diesel. The blends B20P6 and B20P12 reported 12.8% and 13.8% higher average BSFCs than those of diesel. The blends B20P6 and B20P12 reported 15.7% and 29.5% less carbon monoxide emissions than diesel, respectively. A decrease of up to 4.6% in hydrocarbon emissions was also reported with propyl alcohol blends. Along with a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, propyl alcohol blends also reported lower peak cylinder pressure and a lower heat release rate compared to diesel. At a higher compression ratio, increased engine knock was observed with a higher amount of propyl alcohol. The experimental evaluation concluded that a 12% concentration by volume of propyl alcohol is the optimum value of the additive in the diesel–C. inophyllum biodiesel blend.
Characterization of products obtained of waste polyethylene terephthalate by pyrolysis
Authors: Olam Mikail , Karaca Hüseyin
Published: March 2022

In this study, waste polyethylene terephthalate (wPET) was converted to liquid fuel by the pyrolysis method. It was also investigated both effects of microwave pre‐treatment and catalyst (sodium borohydride) on total conversion and oil + gas yield. The reaction temperature of 375–425°C and the reaction time of 30 min are sufficient for the pyrolysis of waste plastic samples in a batch reactor. In the pyrolysis of wPETs, the highest oil + gas yield of 45% was obtained under the conditions of reaction temperature of 425°C and reaction time of 30 min. The highest total conversion was 62% of microwave pre‐treated wPETs under catalytic conditions. It can be argued that microwave pre‐treatment and NaBH4 influence the oil + gas yield in pyrolysis experiments. According to the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis results of the oil products, they consist of aromatic, mono and multi‐ring aromatic compounds and polyaromatic compounds. Higher heating values of the solid products obtained in pyrolysis are approximately 4000–6000 cal/g. According to X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) of the solid products, they consist largely of crystalline terephthalic acid (C8H6O4).
CO2capture by aqueous mixture of 1,8‐diaminooctane promoted MDEA and MEA: CO2loading, kinetic study, and regenerability
Authors: Gholidoost Milad , Farsi Mohammad , Setoodeh Payam
Published: March 2022

The main aim of the current research is to determine the kinetics, CO2loading, absorption rate, and regenerability of 1,8‐diaminooctane (DAO) promoted MEA and MDEA solvents in a lab‐scale experimental setup. The DAO is a linear diamine molecule with a long distance between amine groups and low vapor pressure. In the first step, the CO2loading and rate of solutions are measured in a well‐mixed isothermal batch reactor at the CO2pressure range 0.2–1.2 bar, the temperature range of 303–313 K, and promoter volume fraction of 0%–10%. It appears the equilibrium loading of MEA is less sensitive to an increase in dissolved CO2concentration compared to the promoted samples due to the stability of MEA carbamate. Afterward, to investigate the regenerability of the prepared solutions, the effective loading of samples is determined through the designed regeneration test. The results show that the addition of a small quantity of 1,8‐diaminooctane reveals a considerable enhancement in the rate and CO2loading of the base solutions. The maximum loading of 0.95 mol CO2per mol amine is obtained by 1,8‐diaminooctane promoted MDEA (10%) at equilibrium temperature 313.15 K, and pressure 1.01 bar.