bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Flame‐Retardant Methods for Polymeric Materials
Authors: Liu Bo‐Wen , Zhao Hai‐Bo , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: November 2021

Most organic polymeric materials have high flammability, for which the large amounts of smoke, toxic gases, heat, and melt drips produced during their burning cause immeasurable damages to human life and property every year. Despite some desirable results having been achieved by conventional flame‐retardant methods, their application is encountering more and more difficulties with the ever‐increasing high flame‐retardant requirements such as high flame‐retardant efficiency, great persistence, low release of heat, smoke, and toxic gases, and more importantly not deteriorating or even enhancing the overall properties of polymers. Under such condition, some advanced flame‐retardant methods have been developed in the past years based on “all‐in‐one” intumescence, nanotechnology, in situ reinforcement, intrinsic char formation, plasma treatment, biomimetic coatings, etc., which have provided potential solutions to the dilemma of conventional flame‐retardant methods. This review briefly outlines the development, application, and problems of conventional flame‐retardant methods, including bulk‐additive, bulk‐copolymerization, and surface treatment, and focuses on the raise, development, and potential application of advanced flame‐retardant methods. The future development of flame‐retardant methods is further discussed.
In Situ BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) Assisted Electroless Plating Method with Superior Adhesion Property
Authors: Kim Geon Hwee , Hwang Hui Yun , An Taechang
Published: November 2021

The authors report a technique that can deposit metal micro/nano structures irrespective of the type of polymer substrate to obtain electrical conductivity of substrate with in situ solution process. Existing electronic products are made on Si‐based substrates, but as newly developed markets such as wearable devices are created, there is a need to manufacture electronic devices on organic‐based substrates. In order to meet the needs of this market, studies of fabricating a conducting layer on an organic based substrate are reported, techniques using interfacial layer materials that require a complex synthesis process. Here, BSA (bovine serum albumin) assisted metal deposition technique with simple, and excellent adhesion property of conducting layer, is reported. The chemical principle that BSA activates the catalyst ion of electroless plating is investigated, and the principle of increasing adhesion by cross‐linking the catalyst nanoparticles formed in this way is also investigated. In addition, electrical/mechanical characteristics are compared with previous studies, and it is proved that it is a durable and robust technology applicable to flexible electronics.
Metallic Plate Buckling As a Low Adhesion Mechanism for Durable and Scalable Icephobic Surface Design
Authors: Alasvand Zarasvand Kamran , Pope Cory , Mohseni Majid , Orchard David , Clark Catherine , Golovin Kevin
Published: November 2021

Ice accretion is significantly detrimental to a range of different industries worldwide. Current methods for reducing ice adhesion include the use of lubricants, hydrophobic coatings, or soft elastomers, all of which exhibit limited durability. As an alternative, here sparsely confined metallic sheets are suspended and the surface buckling instability is tailored, resulting in ice adhesion strengths on par with these prior strategies but without the use of any coatings. These Buckling Elastomer‐like Anti‐icing Metallic Surfaces, or BEAMS, exhibit ultra‐low ice adhesion (<1 kPa) and the mechanical resilience of metals. Results from an icing wind tunnel confirmed the efficacy of BEAMS toward impact ice accreted in realistic conditions via the high‐speed impingement of ≈20 µm droplets at −20 °C. The BEAMS sheet confinement, boundary conditions, and physical dimensions of both the ice and the metallic plates can be altered to minimize ice adhesion via the mechanics of plate buckling. Additionally, BEAMS that detach ice without directly contacting it are designed, the scalability of BEAMS is demonstrated, and their durability is verified using rain erosion, sandblasting, thermal extremes, and repeated icing/de‐icing, both in an icing wind tunnel and on a benchtop system.
Ambient Condition, Three‐Layer Slot‐Die Coated Organic Photovoltaics with PCE of 10%
Authors: Tintori Francesco , Welch Gregory C.
Published: November 2021

Organic photovoltaics have emerged as a low‐cost and sustainable technology suitable for integration into everyday life. Record power conversion efficiencies (PCE) are rising, having surpassed 18% for single‐junction devices. However, most work is still carried out using laboratory‐scale techniques and conditions which are not representative of what can be achieved in an industrial setting. Herein, the use of a high‐performance bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) system (i.e., PM6:Y6C12) in fabricating devices with commercially available materials, with all organic layers slot‐die coated (hole transport layer, electron transport layer, and photoactive layer), without thermally treating the active layer, using non‐halogenated solvents, and in ambient condition is demonstrated. A conventional architecture is used, where the hole transport layer (PEDOT:PSS), the electron transport layer (PFNBr), and the photoactive layer (PM6:Y6C12), are all slot‐die coated in air from water, methanol, and o‐xylene, respectively. Photovoltaic devices have an average efficiency of 10.1%, which is among the highest reported for devices with three slot‐die coated layers obtained in ambient conditions from halogen‐free solvents.
Accessibility in Liquid Media: Cyclodehydration of Hexane‐2,5‐Diol for the Evaluation of Layered Catalysts
Authors: Zaarour Moussa , Fayad Ghinwa , Boullay Philippe , Clet Guillaume
Published: November 2021

In order to establish layered materials as heterogeneous catalysts in the liquid phase, acidic layered materials are evaluated here through the conversion of hexane‐2,5‐diol used as a model reaction. Such polyoxygenate reactant is representative of some of the biomass components and the interactions of the reagent or furan product with the interlayers surface is a key to the understanding of these lamellar materials features. Layered HNbMoO6 catalyst is particularly active and stable for the studied reaction compared to several zeolites and its high activity is obtained without any pre‐activation step prior to reaction. The influence of temperature and water content in the reaction mixture are also studied for this catalyst. The importance of intercalation in the reaction process is specifically evaluated using Raman spectroscopy and powder X‐ray diffraction. On this layered catalyst, the reaction proceeds after intercalation of diol within the interlayer space followed by subsequent cyclodehydration giving rise to 2,5‐dimethyltetrahydrofuran with high selectivity. Comparison with related layered materials such as HNbWO6 or H2W2O7 highlights a distinct behavior both in reactivity and intercalation and emphasizes the role of the accessibility to the active sites.
The Role of Subsurface Valence Band Localization in the Passivation of Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Tian , Ng Jun De Andrew , Ong Evon Woan Yuann , Khoo Khoong Hong , Tan Zhi‐Kuang
Published: November 2021

Traditional colloidal quantum dots rely on larger‐bandgap semiconductor shells for the localization of excitons in their emissive core. Unshelled quantum dots are typically weakly luminescent due to severe quenching by deep electronic traps. Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals deviate from this convention and require only common monofunctional aliphatic ligands on their surfaces to attain near‐unity luminescence quantum yields. Here, a combination of density functional theory calculations and experimental studies is employed to elucidate the mechanistic role of the ligands. The attachment of a surface ligand leads to a distortion of the surface, which results in the localization of the valence band deeper into the subsurface layers. This creates an energetic profile that is similar to a conventional core–shell quantum dot and renders the valence electrons unavailable for interaction with adventitious chemical species. It is further shown that a phosphonate moiety offers significantly stronger binding and leads to the long‐term preservation of this beneficial subsurface localized band structure. As experimental proof, a red‐emitting mixed‐halide perovskite nanocrystal, which is usually susceptible to degradation and spectral shifts, exhibits remarkable stability under a phosphonate ligand shell. These findings and mechanistic insights may guide the future engineering of robust perovskite nanocrystals for color displays and light‐emitting applications.
Water‐Light Induced Self‐Blacking System Constituted by Quinoa Cellulose and Graphene Oxide for High Performance of Salt‐Rejecting Solar Desalination
Authors: Yang Jie , Suo Xidong , Chen Xiaorong , Cai Shubo , Ji Xinlong , Qiao Hongtao
Published: November 2021

Salt deposits are a key challenge of solar driven desalination technology due to the fact that the evaporation rate of the system sharply deteriorates when salt accumulates. In this paper, a self‐blacking aerogel (SBA) is first demonstrated with excellent deposited salt self‐cleaning performance, and the self‐cleaning mechanism is illustrated by the theory of chemical potential. The color of the SBA can be changed from light brown to black under the inducement of water and light, and its light absorption ability clearly increases from 34.5% to 77.0% in the whole spectral range (200–2500 nm). SBA is fabricated by quinoa bran cellulose (QBC) and graphene oxide (GO) with an evaporation rate of 3.6 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun. Importantly, for natural solar irradiation, the average evaporation rate reaches up to 12.6 and 12 kg m−2 day−1 in the period of 15 days of outdoor experiments for pure water and stimulated seawater respectively, which can meet the drinking water demand for 5–6 people. This work provides a convenient strategy to improve the salt deposit problem with high evaporation rate, and low cost for practical desalination, with water purification applications.
Recent Progress of Sub‐Nanometric Materials in Photothermal Energy Conversion
Authors: Lu Qichen , Wang Xun
Published: November 2021

Sub‐nanometric materials (SNMs) are an attractive scope in recent years due to their atomic‐level size and unique properties. Among various performances of SNMs, photothermal energy conversion is one of the most important ones because it can efficiently utilize the light energy. Herein, the SNMs with photothermal energy conversion behaviors and their applications are reviewed. First, a hydrothermal/solvothermal method for the synthesis of SNMs is systematically discussed, including the LaMer pathway and the cluster–nuclei coassembly pathway. Based on this synthetic strategy, many kinds of SNMs with different morphologies are successfully prepared, such as nanorings, nanowires, nanosheets, and nanobelts. These SNMs exhibit excellent photothermal performance under the laser or solar irradiation according to their different light absorption ranges. These enhanced absorption performances of SNMs are induced by the mechanism of plasmonic localized heating or nonradiative relaxation. Finally, the applications of the photothermal SNMs are illustrated. The SNMs with photothermal behaviors can be widely applied in the fields of solar vapor generation, biomedicine, and light‐responsive composites construction. It is hoped that this review can provide new viewpoints and profound understanding to the SNMs in photothermal energy conversion.
CsI Enhanced Buried Interface for Efficient and UV‐Robust Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Hang , Miao Yanfeng , Wei Ning , Chen Haoran , Qin Zhixiao , Liu Xiaomin , Wang Xingtao , Qi Yabing , Zhang Taiyang , Zhao Yixin
Published: November 2021

The buried interface between the perovskite and the electron transport layer (ETL) plays a vital role for the further improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, it is challenging to efficiently optimize this interface as it is buried in the bottom of the perovskite film. Herein, a buried interface strengthening strategy for constructing efficient and stable PSCs by using CsI‐SnO2 complex as an ETL is reported. The CsI modification facilitates the growth of the perovskite film and effectively passivates the interfacial defects. Meanwhile, the gradient distribution of Cs+ contributes to a more suitable band alignment with the perovskite, and the incorporation of Cs+ into the perovskite at the bottom interface enhances the resistance against UV illumination. Eventually, a significantly improved PCE up to 23.3% and a much‐enhanced UV stability of FAPbI3‐based PSCs are achieved. This work highlights the importance of cesium‐enhanced interfaces and provides an effective approach for the simultaneous realization of highly efficient and UV‐stable perovskite solar cells.
Constructed Ge Quantum Dots and Sn Precipitate SiGeSn Hybrid Film with High Thermoelectric Performance at Low Temperature Region
Authors: Peng Ying , Miao Lei , Liu Chengyan , Song Haili , Kurosawa Masashi , Nakatsuka Osamu , Back Song Yi , Rhyee Jong Soo , Murata Masayuki , Tanemura Sakae , Baba Takahiro , Baba Tetsuya , Ishizaki Takahiro , Mori Takao
Published: November 2021

SiGe‐based thermoelectric (TE) materials are well‐known for high‐temperature utilization, but rarely relevant in the low temperature region. Here a Ge quantum dots (QDs) and Sn precipitation SiGeSn hybrid film are constructed via ultrafast high temperature annealing (UHA) of a treated P‐ion implantation SiGeSn film on Si/SiO2substrate. Combining the modulation doping effect dominated by Sn precipitates and the energy filtering effect caused by Ge QDs, the optimized SiGe films achieve a giant power factor as high as 91 µW cm−1K−2@300 K, room temperature, while maintaining low thermal conductivity. This strategy on film construction provides a novel insight for TE materials with striking performance.
Usefulness of Bacterial Culture of Drainage Fluid for Predicting Surgical Site Infection After Crohn’s Disease Surgery
Authors: Ichihara Momoko , Ogino Takayuki , Fujii Makoto , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Takahashi Hidekazu , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Mizushima Tsunekazu
Published: November 2021

Aim

Early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) allows for appropriate management after Crohn's disease (CD) surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of bacterial culture of postoperative drainage fluid after CD surgery.

Methods

This study included 110 patients with CD who underwent surgery with bowel resection between January 2010 and March 2020 at Osaka University Hospital. Patients with only perianal surgery or incomplete records were excluded. Risk factors for SSI were evaluated in the context of clinical findings, including bacterial culture of postoperative drainage fluid, and bacterial species related to SSI were also examined.

Results

Of 110 patients, 18 (16.4%) developed SSI. Organ/space SSI developed in six, and a positive bacterial culture of drainage fluid (D‐Posi) was found in five (83.3%). Of 104 patients without organ/space SSI, 31 (29.8%) were D‐Posi (P = .027). Similarly, 68.8% with incisional SSI were D‐Posi, whereas 26.6% without incisional SSI were D‐Posi (P = .0021). Multivariate analysis revealed that D‐Posi was an independent risk factor in both organ/space and incisional SSI. Bacterial examination showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis were significantly detected in patients with SSI.

Conclusion

This study suggests the usefulness of postoperative drainage fluid bacterial culture for early diagnosis of SSI after CD surgery.
A Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX)‐Anchored Rhenium(I) Photosensitizer Evokes Pyroptosis for Enhanced Anti‐Tumor Immunity
Authors: Su Xuxian , Wang Wen‐Jin , Cao Qian , Zhang Hang , Liu Bin , Ling Yuyi , Zhou Xiaotong , Mao Zong‐Wan
Published: November 2021

An ideal cancer treatment should not only destroy primary tumors but also improve the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment to achieve a satisfactory anti‐tumor immune effect. We designed a carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX)‐anchored rhenium(I) photosensitizer, named CA‐Re, that not only performs type‐I and type‐II photodynamic therapy (PDT) with high efficiency under hypoxia (nanomolar‐level phototoxicity), but also evokes gasdermin D (GSDMD) mediated pyroptotic cell death to effectively stimulate tumor immunogenicity. CA‐Re could disrupt and self‐report the loss of membrane integrity simultaneously. This promoted the maturation and antigen‐presenting ability of dendritic cells (DCs), and fully activated T cells dependent adaptive immune response in vivo, eventually eliminating distant tumors at the same time as destroying primary tumors. To the best of our knowledge, CA‐Re is the first metal complex‐based pyroptosis inducer.
Enrichment of carotene from palm oil by organic solvent nanofiltration
Authors: Ghazali Nazlee Faisal , Md Hanim Khairilanuar , Pahlawi Qadly Ameen , Lim Ki Min
Published: November 2021

Palm oil is one of the richest sources of natural plant carotene with typical concentration of about 0.5–0.7 g/L. Unfortunately, during physical refining of palm oil, most of the carotenes were destroyed by high temperatures and this represents a loss of potential source of natural carotene. Various techniques have been developed to extract and recover carotenes from palm oil, however these processes often require high energy usage, and usually renders the oil useless for further consumption. Recently, organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) has become an important method for molecular separation particularly for the separation of low molecular weight bioactive compounds. This work presents the application of OSN membranes for the separation of carotene from a crude palm oil/solvent system. Several commercial OSN membranes (DuraMem and PuraMem series) fabricated from polyimide were evaluated for their separation abilities. PuraMem 280 showed the best selectivity performance, with the concentration of carotene in permeate oil increased from 0.60 to 0.79 g/L when hexane was used as the solvent. Runs by using DuraMem 150, DuraMem 300 and DuraMem 500 showed low or no selectivity between carotene and triglyceride in all solvents. It was found that the rejection of carotene depends strongly on the type of solvents. A coupled solution diffusion and film theory was also utilized to model carotene transport through OSN membrane. It was demonstrated that OSN can serve as an alternative for the direct carotene recovery from palm oil and can be potentially applied for other minor compounds recovery from vegetable oils.
Performance evaluation of alternative refrigerants for R134a in automotive air conditioning system
Authors: Zhang Nuochen , Dai Yuande
Published: November 2021

Aiming to explore environmentally friendly working fluids replace R134a for automotive air conditioning applications, seven potential pure refrigerants were analyzed first in terms of safety, environmental characteristics, and cycle performances. It was found that the pure refrigerants have some defects when applied individually. However, using the principle of complementary advantages, the mixtures employed in automotive air conditioning can make up for the shortcomings existing in the pure refrigerants. On this basis, the thermophysical models of vapor‐liquid equilibrium, enthalpy, entropy, and critical properties of binary mixtures were established. Also, the properties and cycle performances of 14 blends were investigated, and the results indicated that the predicted models of vapor‐liquid equilibrium have high accuracy, where the average absolute relative deviations of pressures and the average absolute deviations of vapor‐phase mole fractions were less than 2% and 0.005, respectively. M1 (R13I1/R152a [30/70]) and M11 (R13I1/R290 [40.3/59.7]) showed superiorities in cycle performances and environmental and safety characteristics. Moreover, the operating pressures of which were close to that of R134a, and they were expected to become the substitutes for R134a in automotive air conditioners.
The effect of adding carbon black to natural rubber/butadiene rubber blends on curing, morphological, and mechanical characteristics
Authors: Vayyaprontavida Kaliyathan Abitha , Rane Ajay Vasudeo , Huskic Miroslav , Kanny Krishnan , Kunaver Matjaz , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: November 2021

A two‐roll mill was used to make rubber‐rubber blends (RRBs) of natural rubber (70phr) and butadiene rubber (BR) (30phr) with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50phr of carbon black (CB). All of the blend composition's cure, morphological, and mechanical characteristics were tested and described in the paper. In contrast to neat RRB, time values dropped, and maximum torque increased for CB filled RRBs, according to the rheo‐curve. In contrast to neat RRB, the mechanical properties of CB filled RRBs improved. The “partitioning of CB” within the BR phase in CB filled RRBs is associated to an increase in mechanical properties. The particle size distribution curve for CB filled RRBs obtained using a transmission electron microscope agrees well with their mechanical properties. Readers would benefit from a correlation between “partitioning of CB” driven by “quantitative features” and “mechanical properties” of CB filled RRBs.
The importance of the nasopharynx and anterior skull base in excerebration techniques from KV40, a New Kingdom Egyptian site
Authors: Seiler Roger , Eppenberger Patrick , Bickel Susanne , Rühli Frank
Published: November 2021

In ancient Egypt, a unique technique for removing the brain was invented as part of the mummification practice and refined over the centuries. This usually involved piercing the anterior skull base through a nasal passage to remove the brain remnants through that perforation. From 2010 to 2018, an interdisciplinary team of the Universities of Basel and Zurich investigated tomb no. 40 (KV40) in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt. Archaeological findings indicate a first burial phase during the mid‐18th Dynasty (ca. 1400–1350 BCE) and a second in the 22nd to 25th Dynasty (approx. 900–700 BCE). Repeated looting since ancient times severely damaged and commingled the human remains of the two burial phases. The detailed examination of the skulls showed evidence of different transnasal craniotomy practices. This study aims to provide a systematic presentation of the evidence for different excerebration techniques found in the mummy heads, skulls, and skull fragments from KV40, reflecting the long period of occupancy of this tomb by individuals of different social classes.
What are we optimizing for in autism screening? Examination of algorithmic changes in the M‐CHAT
Authors: Schjølberg Synnve , Shic Frederick , Volkmar Fred R. , Nordahl‐Hansen Anders , Stenberg Nina , Torske Tonje , Larsen Kenneth , Riley Katherine , Sukhodolsky Denis G. , Leckman James F. , Chawarska Katarzyna , Øien Roald A.
Published: November 2021

The present study objectives were to examine the performance of the new M‐CHAT‐R algorithm to the original M‐CHAT algorithm. The main purpose was to examine if the algorithmic changes increase identification of children later diagnosed with ASD, and to examine if there is a trade‐off when changing algorithms. We included 54,463 screened cases from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Children were screened using the 23 items of the M‐CHAT at 18 months. Further, the performance of the M‐CHAT‐R algorithm was compared to the M‐CHAT algorithm on the 23‐items. In total, 337 individuals were later diagnosed with ASD. Using M‐CHAT‐R algorithm decreased the number of correctly identified ASD children by 12 compared to M‐CHAT, with no children with ASD screening negative on the M‐CHAT criteria subsequently screening positive utilizing the M‐CHAT‐R algorithm. A nonparametric McNemar's test determined a statistically significant difference in identifying ASD utilizing the M‐CHAT‐R algorithm. The present study examined the application of 20‐item MCHAT‐R scoring criterion to the 23‐item MCHAT. We found that this resulted in decreased sensitivity and increased specificity for identifying children with ASD, which is a trade‐off that needs further investigation in terms of cost‐effectiveness. However, further research is needed to optimize screening for ASD in the early developmental period to increase identification of false negatives.
Impact of amino acids on enhancing trimethyl chitosan as a nontoxic antiproliferative active biopolymer
Authors: Basta Altaf H. , Lotfy Vivian F. , El‐Manawaty May A. , Mahmoud Khaled
Published: November 2021

This work evaluates the toxicity of trimethyl chitosan (TMC), which prevents its use as an antiproliferative active compound. We report our trial to enhance its safe application by chelating with various amino acids (phenylalanine, glycine and lysine). The safety evaluation was achieved by studying the behavior of TMC–amino acid chelates against two normal human cell lines (BJ1 and RPE1), in comparison with a negative control and doxrobicin (positive control) standard samples. The results obtained show that phenylalanine and lysine play an effective role in enhancing the safety of TMC against normal cell lines, together with providing high thermal stability. Phenylalanine is superior in synthesized anticancer agents. It had IC50 values against colon HCT116 and breast cancer MCF‐7cancer cell lines of 68.7 and 51.4 μg mL–1 This compound is more acceptable than the previous reported rutin flavonoid as an anticancer agent against HCT116 cell lines. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Important skills for elementary school children: Implementing the preschool life skills program in Iceland
Authors: Hálfdanardóttir Bára Fanney , Ingvarsson Einar T. , Sveinbjörnsdóttir Berglind
Published: November 2021

Transition from preschool to elementary school can be difficult, especially for children that have not acquired important life skills. The preschool life skills (PLS) program was developed as a class‐wide program to teach typically developing preschool children important social and communication skills. PLS is an effective method for teaching children social skills as well as reducing problem behavior. However, there is a need to further evaluate the feasibility and generality of the program across different cultural contexts. The aim of this study was to evaluate an abbreviated version of the PLS program in a typical Icelandic preschool, with a preschool teacher as the primary implementer. PLS increased the likelihood of the occurrence of instruction following, functional communication, and decreased problem behavior for most children.
Extent of tumor fibrosis/hyalinization and infarction following neoadjuvant radiation therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with soft‐tissue sarcoma
Authors: Rao Sneha R. , Lazarides Alexander L. , Leckey Bruce L. , Lane Whitney O. , Visgauss Julia D. , Somarelli Jason A. , Kirsch David G. , Larrier Nicole A. , Brigman Brian E. , Blazer Dan G. , Cardona Diana M. , Eward William C.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Current standard of care for most intermediate and high‐grade soft‐tissue sarcomas (STS) includes limb‐preserving surgical resection with either neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NRT) or adjuvant radiation therapy. To date, there have been a few studies that attempt to correlate histopathologic response to NRT with oncologic outcomes in patients with STS.

Methods

Using our institutional database, we identified 58 patients who received NRT followed by surgical resection for primary intermediate or high‐grade STS and 34 patients who received surgical resection without NRT but did receive adjuvant radiation therapy or did not receive any radiation therapy. We analyzed four histologic parameters of response to therapy: residual viable tumor, fibrosis/hyalinization, necrosis, and infarction (each ratiometrically determined). Data were stratified into two binary groups. Unadjusted, 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival, and relapsed‐free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Analysis of pathologic characteristics showed that patients treated with NRT demonstrate significantly higher tumor infarction, higher tumor fibrosis/hyalinization, and a lower percent viable tumor compared with patients not treated with NRT (p < 0.0001). Based on Kaplan–Meier curve analysis and multivariate cox proportional hazard model for OS and RFS, patients treated with NRT and showing >12.5% tumor fibrosis/hyalinization have significantly higher overall survival and recurrence‐free survival at 5 and 10 years.

Discussion and Conclusion

We have identified three histopathologic characteristics—fibrosis, hyalinization, and infarction—that may serve as predictive biomarkers of response to NRT for STS patients. Future prospective studies will be needed to confirm this association.
Noninvasive preoperative differential diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: A retrospective cohort study of 240 patients
Authors: Xiao Jianchun , Zhou Ruilin , Zhang Boyao , Li Binglu
Published: November 2021

Background

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is an extremely rare entity. Due to XGC’s clinical and radiological resemblance to gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), intraoperative frozen section during cholecystectomy is often performed to exclude the diagnosis of GBC. Our study is aiming to find a noninvasive indicator of XGC. To our knowledge, this is the largest XGC cohort ever studied.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected clinical characteristics, serological tests, and imaging features of 150 GBC patients and 90 XGC patients. The diagnosis of these 150 GBC patients and 90 XGC patients was based on intraoperative frozen section histopathology.T‐test was utilized to compare differences between XGC and GBC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted and the area under the curve (AUC) was managed to evaluate the validity.

Results

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in blood tests was significantly elevated in GBC patients than in XGC patients (p = 0.007). The presence of submucosal hypo‐attenuated nodules (80% in XGC, 16% in GBC,p < 0.001), low density border (60% in XGC, 21% in GBC,p = 0.001), and nodular thickening in the bottom of the gallbladder with calcification (70% in XGC, 37% in GBC,p = 0.004) is significantly associated with XGC patients, whereas massive hilar infiltration (0% in XGC, 21% in GBC,p < 0.001), multiple lymph nodes in the hilar area (10% in XGC, 72% in GBC,p = 0.001), and gallbladder mucosal line continuity (50% in XGC, 95% in GBC,p = 0.002) are highly associated with GBC patients. The ROC curve was performed and the gallbladder mucosal line continuity (AUC = 0.708) and the AUC of low density border around the occupation (AUC = 0.654) showed a good prediction of XGC.

Conclusions

Gallbladder mucosal line continuity and low density border around the occupation presented good indication value for the diagnosis of XGC. Our study proposed a noninvasive differential diagnosis method for XGC and GBC.
Effectiveness of two clinical peer supervision models on practising practicum students
Authors: Aldahadha Basim , Karaki Wejdan
Published: November 2021

Two forms of clinical peer supervision were provided to a sample of 30 practicum students (PS) from Jordan. The sample was divided into two treatment groups and one control group. Results revealed significant effects in the experimental groups compared with the control group, with increases in the means of counselling skills and professional self‐efficacy on the post‐test. Moreover, results revealed no differences in the means of self‐esteem between the three groups or in the two experimental groups on any of the scales. Participants' qualitative session evaluations also supported the helpfulness of clinical peer‐tutoring supervision for school practicum students.
seco‐Prezizanne Sesquiterpenes and Prenylated C6‐C3 Compounds from the Fruits of Illicium lanceolatum A. C. Smith
Authors: Nie Wei , Ding Lin‐Fen , Tie‐Lei  , Zhou Hao‐Feng , Bao Yi , Song Liu‐Dong , Pan Zheng‐Hong , Wu Xing‐De , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: November 2021

Two new seco‐prezizaane‐type sesquiterpenes, 2β‐hydroxy‐6‐deoxyneoanisatin (1) and 3,4‐anhydro‐2‐oxo‐1α‐hydroxy‐6‐deoxyneoanisatin (2), and two new prenylated C6‐C3 compounds, illilanceofunones A (3) and B (4), were obtained from the fruits of Illicium lanceolatum, along with four known prenylated C6‐C3 compounds (5–8). Their structures were proposed through HR‐ESI‐MS, 1H, 13C, and 2D NMR data interpretation. Moreover, the absolute configuration of 1 and 2 were further assigned by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, respectively. Illihenryipyranol A (6) exhibited neuroprotective activity against MPP+‐induced PC12 cell damage in a dose‐dependent manner.
Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue with cervical lymph nodes involvement: Report of an extremely rare tumor and focus about differential diagnosis with polymorphous adenocarcinoma
Authors: De Luca Pietro , Tassone Domenico , de Campora Luca , Simone Matteo , Marra Pasquale , Colacurcio Vito , Costarelli Leopoldo , Scarpa Alfonso , Viti Claudio , Camaioni Angelo
Published: November 2021

Cribriform adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor that arise in tongue and minor salivary glands. Previously, only 56 case have been described. In this paper, we report a case of a 83‐year‐old man and we focus about the differential diagnosis with polymorphous adenocarcinoma.
Human papillomavirus infection with anogenital warts in a patient with chronic psoriasis: A case report
Authors: Hsieh Wu‐Feng , Pu Ta‐Wei , Kang Jung‐Cheng , Chen Chao‐Yang , Hu Je‐Ming , Lin Kuan‐hsun
Published: November 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with characteristic skin manifestations. Several pathogens can cause flare‐ups of psoriasis. The risks of skin infections are increased in patients receiving immunomodulators. A patient with chronic psoriasis presented with human papillomavirus infection and anogenital warts and was treated surgically with acceptable results.
Organization of sympathetic innervation of interscapular brown adipose tissue in the mouse
Authors: Huesing Clara , Zhang Rui , Gummadi Sanjeev , Lee Nathan , Qualls‐Creekmore Emily , Yu Sangho , Morrison Christopher D , Burk David , Berthoud Hans Rudolf , Neuhuber Winfried , Münzberg Heike
Published: November 2021

The interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) is under sympathetic control, and recent studies emphasized the importance of efferent sympathetic and afferent sensory or humoral feedback systems to regulate adipose tissue function and overall metabolic health. However, functional studies of the sympathetic nervous system in the mouse are limited, because details of anatomy and fine structure are lacking. Here, we used reporter mice for tyrosine hydroxylase expressing neurons (TH:tomato mice), iDISCO tissue clearance, confocal, lightsheet, and electron microscopy to clarify that (a) iBAT receives sympathetic input via dorsal rami (instead of often cited intercostal nerves); (b) dorsal rami T1–T5 correspond to the postganglionic input from sympathetic chain ganglia (stellate/T1–T5); (c) dorsal rami serve as conduits for sympathetic axons that branch off in finer nerve bundles to enter iBAT; (d) axonal varicosities show strong differential innervation of brown (dense innervation) versus white (sparse innervation) adipocytes, that surround the core iBAT in the mouse and are intermingled in human adipose tissues, (e) axonal varicosities can form neuro‐adipocyte junctions with brown adipocytes. Taken together, we demonstrate that sympathetic iBAT innervation is organized by specific nerves and terminal structures that can be surgically and genetically accessed for neuromodulatory purposes.
Local olfactory interneurons provide the basis for neurochemical regionalization of olfactory glomeruli in crustaceans
Authors: Harzsch Steffen , Dircksen Heinrich , Hansson Bill S.
Published: November 2021

The primary olfactory centers of metazoans as diverse as arthropods and mammals consist of an array of fields of dense synaptic neuropil, the olfactory glomeruli. However, the neurochemical structure of crustacean olfactory glomeruli is largely understudied when compared to the insects. We analyzed the glomerular architecture in selected species of hermit crabs using immunohistochemistry against presynaptic proteins, the neuropeptides orcokinin, RFamide and allatostatin, and the biogenic amine serotonin. Our study reveals an unexpected level of structural complexity, unmatched by what is found in the insect olfactory glomeruli. Peptidergic and aminergic interneurons provide the structural basis for a regionalization of the crustacean glomeruli into longitudinal and concentric compartments. Our data suggest that local olfactory interneurons take a central computational role in modulating the information transfer from olfactory sensory neurons to projection neurons within the glomeruli. Furthermore, we found yet unknown neuronal elements mediating lateral inhibitory interactions across the glomerular array that may play a central role in modulating the transfer of sensory input to the output neurons through presynaptic inhibition. Our study is another step in understanding the function of crustacean olfactory glomeruli as highly complex units of local olfactory processing.
Exhaustive Conformational Search for Sialyl Cation Reveals Possibility of Remote Participation of Acyl Groups
Authors: Panova Maria V. , Medvedev Michael G. , Orlova Anna V. , Kononov Leonid O.
Published: November 2021

Finding convenient ways for the stereoselective α‐sialylation is important due to the high practical significance of α‐sialic acid‐containing glycans and neoglycoconjugates. It was proposed that sialylation stereoselectivity is determined by the structure of the sialyl cation (also known in biochemistry as “sialosyl cation”), a supposed intermediate in this reaction. Here we design a new approach for studying the conformational space of highly flexible sialyl cation and find 1625 unique conformers including those stabilized by covalent remote participation (also known as long‐range participation) of 4‐O‐acetyl (4‐OAc), 5‐N‐trifluoroacetyl (5‐NTFA), as well as 7,8,9‐OAc from both α and β sides. The most energetically stable sialyl cation conformers are featured by 4‐OAc participation, closely followed by 5‐NTFA‐ and 7‐OAc‐stabilized conformers; unstabilized sialyl cation conformers are ∼10 kcal mol−1 less stable than the 4‐OAc‐stabilized ones. Analysis of all the obtained conformers by means of substituents positions, side chain conformations and ring puckering led us to a new “eight‐conformer hypothesis” which describes interconversions among the most important sialyl cation conformers and predicts that stronger remote participation of acyl groups favors β‐anomers. Thus, selective synthesis of the desired α‐sialosides requires minimization of acyl groups participation.
Convenient Synthesis of 3‐Deazapurine Nucleosides (3‐Deazainosine, 3‐Deazaadenosine and 3‐Deazaguanosine) Using Inosine as a Starting Material
Authors: Hinotani Naoto , Saito‐Tarashima Noriko , Minakawa Noriaki
Published: November 2021

A convenient synthetic method for preparing 3‐deazapurine nucleosides (3‐deazainosine, 3‐deazaadenosine, and 3‐deazaguanosine) from inosine via a 5‐ethynyl‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranosylimidazole‐4‐carboxamide (EICAR) derivative, which is a key intermediate, is described. A large‐scale synthesis of an EICAR derivative starting from inosine was achieved in six steps via dinitrophenylation at the N1 position followed by ring opening, iodination of the resulting 5‐amino group, and a palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction. The resulting EICAR derivative was then converted into 3‐deazainosine, 3‐deazaadenosine, and 3‐deazaguanosine. This route enabled us to synthesize 3‐deazapurine nucleosides conveniently in good yields. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of 5‐ethynyl‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranosylimidazole‐4‐carboxamide (EICAR) derivative 6

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of 3‐deazapurine nucleosides 8, 11, and 14
A General Hydrothermal Growth and Photocatalytic Performance of Barium Tin Hydroxide/Tin Dioxide Nanorods
Authors: Tao Feihu , Li Feiyang , Huang Jianfeng , Xue Zeyang , Yu Chunhu , Cai Zhengyu , Pei Lizhai
Published: November 2021

Barium tin hydroxide/tin dioxide nanorods are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and optical performance of the nanorods are characterized via X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and solid ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum. The nanorods are mainly composed of monoclinic BaSn(OH)6and orthorhombic SnO2phases with the length and diameter of about 5 µm and 50–150 nm, respectively. The formation process of the nanorods is investigated based on the morphology and structure evolution of the products from different hydrothermal conditions. Solid UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum shows that the nanorods belong to typical semiconductor with the band gap of 3.74 eV. The barium tin hydroxide/tin dioxide nanorods are used for the photocatalytic degradation of gentian violet under UV light irradiation. The degradation efficiency reaches 93.2% with the irradiation time of 8 h adding 10 mg nanorods in 10 mL 10 mg mL−1gentian violet solution. The reactive species trapping results show that hydroxyl radicals, holes and superoxide radicals are main reactive species for gentian violet degradation. The barium tin hydroxide/tin dioxide nanorods are stable for the photocatalytic reaction of the gentian violet.
Drought in intermittent river and ephemeral stream networks
Authors: Sarremejane Romain , Messager Mathis Loïc , Datry Thibault
Published: November 2021

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), those watercourses that periodically cease to flow or dry, are the world's most widespread type of river ecosystem. Our understanding of the natural hydrology and ecology of IRES has greatly improved, but their responses to extreme events such as drought remain a research frontier. In this review, we present the state of the art, knowledge gaps and research directions on droughts in IRES from an ecohydrological perspective. We clarify the definition of droughts in IRES, giving recommendations to promote transferability in how ecohydrological studies characterize droughts in non‐perennial stream networks. Based on a systematic search of the literature, we also identify common patterns and sources of variation in the ecological responses of IRES to droughts and provide a roadmap for further research to enable improved understanding and management of IRES during those extreme hydrological events. Confusion in the terminology and the lack of tools to assess the hydrological responses of IRES to drought may have hindered the development of drought research in IRES. We found that 44% of studies confused the term drought with seasonal drying and that those that measure droughts in a transferable way are a minority. Studies on ecological responses to drought in IRES networks are still rare and limited to a few climatic zones and organisms and mainly explored in perennial sections. Our review highlights the need for additional research on this topic to inform IRES management and conservation.
Improved Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenol to Cyclohexane on NiFe Alloy Catalysts Derived from Phyllosilicates
Authors: Han Qiao , Wang Hui , Rehman Mooeez Ur , Shang Xin , Chen Haijun , Ji Na , Tong Xinli , Shi Hui , Zhao Yujun
Published: November 2021

A phyllosilicate‐derived NiFe/SiO2 catalyst (NiFe/SiO2−AE) was successfully prepared by the ammonia evaporation method and applied in the hydrodeoxygenation of phenol to cyclohexane. Another two catalysts were also prepared for a comparison by impregnation (NiFe/SiO2−IM) and deposition‐precipitation (NiFe/SiO2−DP) methods, respectively. It was found that Ni−Fe alloy, the active sites for the hydrogenolysis of C−O bond, can be obtained by the reduction of NiFe2O4 (IM) or phyllosilicate (DP and AE) by H2. The AE strategy can generate more phyllosilicate structure, which improves the dispersion of both Ni−Fe alloy and metallic Ni sites and allows the formation of more interface between these two kinds of sites as well. Therefore, the NiFe/SiO2−AE exhibits a significantly high catalytic performance in the HDO of phenol to cyclohexane. Moreover, the turnover frequency of Ni−Fe alloy sites over NiFe/SiO2−AE catalysts is much higher than those of other two catalysts. It is suggested that the enhanced synergy between the two kinds of active sites in the adsorption of C−O groups and hydrogen molecules ensures the superior intrinsic activity in HDO process.
Synthesis, Structures and Properties of Bis(naphthocyclobuta)pyrenes
Authors: Gao Man , Chen Han , Miao Qian
Published: November 2021

This study explored new polycyclic conjugated scaffolds combining pyrene and cyclobutadienoid rings. Regioisomeric bis(naphthocyclobuta)pyrenes were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. It was found that the regioisomeric polycyclic conjugated scaffolds exhibit different local aromaticity and photophysical properties as a result of the different fusion patterns of pyrene and cyclobutadienoid. Tuning the π‐stacking of bisnaphtho[2′,3′:3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐e:1′,2′‐l]pyrene by changing the length of the alkyl substituents led to a p‐type organic semiconductor for solution‐processed thin film transistors.
Isotachophoresis for rapid transformation of Escherichia coli
Authors: Alves Monica N. , Nai Yi Heng , Powell Shane M. , Macka Mirek , Breadmore Michael C.
Published: November 2021

A frequent limitation of electroporation (EP) and chemical transformation (CT) are the need of tedious and time‐consuming procedures for inducing transformation competence, the substantial number of cells required, and the low transformation yields typically achieved. Here, we show a new and rapid electrokinetic method for transformation of small number of noncompetent Escherichia coli TOP10 cells (2–3 × 105) at room temperature. Escherichia coli TOP10 cells and plasmid DNA are sequentially injected into a 50 μm ID capillary and focused into 11.5 nL by isotachophoresis (ITP) induced by application of high DC voltage (–16 kV). Through ITP, a large excess of plasmid DNA is brought in contact with the cell surface, with the contact time adjusted by application of a counter‐pressure (1.3 psi) opposing the ITP movement. The transformation rate was more than 1000‐fold higher compared to EP and CT at survival rates greater than 60%.
Rheology‐modulated alterations in electro‐magneto‐hydrodynamic flows in a narrow cylindrical capillary: Contrasting trends in high and low surface charge limits
Authors: Saha Kalyan , Murthy P. V. S. N. , Chakraborty Suman
Published: November 2021

We investigate electrokinetic transport of power‐law fluids in a narrow cylindrical capillary in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The governing equations including the full Poisson‐Boltzmann equation and the Cauchy momentum equation with power‐law constitutive behavior are solved numerically, without being restrictive to low surface potential limits. The influence of the power‐law index, wall zeta potential, relative strength of electromagnetic force over viscous force (as represented by the Hartmann number), and the lateral electric field strength on the variation of the volumetric flow rate is analyzed. Our results reveal a significant augmentation in the net‐throughput beyond the traditionally explored low surface‐charge limits, especially for shear‐thinning fluids, defying the established notions. These fundamental theoretical premises may act as essential precursors towards developing deeper insights on fluidic transport bio‐nanopores under electro‐magneto‐ hydrodynamic influences.