bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propane Dehydrogenation to Propylene and Propylene Adsorption on Ni and Ni‐Sn Catalysts
Authors: Robbins Jason P. , Ezeonu Lotanna , Tang Ziyu , Yang Xiaofang , Koel Bruce E. , Podkolzin Simon G.
Published: January 2022

Temperature programmed reaction (TPR) measurements with propane over silica‐supported Ni, Ni−Sn and Sn catalysts show that the reaction products change significantly from mostly methane, hydrogen and surface carbon over Ni to propylene and hydrogen over Ni−Sn. Propylene formation over Ni−Sn starts at a moderate temperature of 630 K. Since the activity of Sn by itself is low, Sn serves as a promoter for Ni. The promoter effects are attributed to a lower adsorption energy of molecularly adsorbed propylene and suppression of propylidyne formation on Ni−Sn based on temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) measurements as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations for propylene adsorption on Ni(110) and c(2×2)‐Sn/Ni(110) single‐crystal surfaces. On Ni, propylene forms a π‐bonded structure with ν(C=C) at 1500 cm−1, which desorbs at 170 K, and a di‐σ‐bonded structure with ν(C=C) at 1416 cm−1, which desorbs at 245 K. The di‐σ‐bonded structure is asymmetric, with the methylene C atom being in the middle of the Ni−Ni bridge site, and the methylidyne C atom being above one of these Ni atoms. Therefore, this structure can also be characterized as a hybrid between di‐σ‐ and π‐bonded structures. Only a fraction of propylene desorbs from Ni because propylene can convert into propylidyne, which decomposes further. In contrast, propylene forms only a π‐bonded structure on Ni−Sn with ν(C=C) at 1506 cm−1, which desorbs at 125 K. The low stability of this structure enables propylene to desorb fully, resulting in high reaction selectivity in propane dehydrogenation to propylene over the Ni−Sn catalyst.
Potassium transformation and release during biomass combustion
Authors: Deng Lei , Jiang Jiahao , Tie Yuan , Ma Shihao , Fan Gaofeng , Zhu Tao , Che Defu
Published: January 2022

To study the transformation and release of fuel K, the combustion of corn stalk and wheat straw were performed in a reactor with a fixed bed between 400–1000°C. Measurements of weight and elemental composition, chemical fractionation analysis, and low‐temperature ashing coupled with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were conducted on biomass and residual samples. The effects of biomass species, temperature and duration time of combustion, oxygen concentration, and pretreatment of water washing were evaluated. The results show that compared with wheat straw, corn stalk has a lower K release, which is much more sensitive to the combustion temperature than to the oxygen concentration. The inorganic potassium occurs as KClO3 and KClO4 in wheat straw and KCl and KClO4 in corn stalk. K2SO4 appears through sulphation of KCl as combustion happens at 800°C or above. When the combustion temperature reached 900°C for corn stalk and 1000°C for wheat straw, some KCl changed into K2Si2O5, which contains insoluble K. K2Ca(SO4)2 appears as corn stalk and wheat straw are burnt at 1000 and 900°C, respectively. Along with the proceeding of wheat straw combustion, more ion‐exchangeable and water‐soluble K transform to the insoluble K with the increasing temperature. The pretreatment of water washing removes nearly all the water‐soluble K from the corn stalk and significantly decreases the K release from 3.26–0.27 mg g−1 in quantity and from 26.74%–14.84% in ratio at 1000°C, respectively.
Semantic annotation for computational pathology: multidisciplinary experience and best practice recommendations
Authors: Wahab Noorul , Miligy Islam M , Dodd Katherine , Sahota Harvir , Toss Michael , Lu Wenqi , Jahanifar Mostafa , Bilal Mohsin , Graham Simon , Park Young , Hadjigeorghiou Giorgos , Bhalerao Abhir , Lashen Ayat G , Ibrahim Asmaa Y , Katayama Ayaka , Ebili Henry O , Parkin Matthew , Sorell Tom , Raza Shan E Ahmed , Hero Emily , Eldaly Hesham , Tsang Yee Wah , Gopalakrishnan Kishore , Snead David , Rakha Emad , Rajpoot Nasir , Minhas Fayyaz
Published: January 2022

Recent advances in whole‐slide imaging (WSI) technology have led to the development of a myriad of computer vision and artificial intelligence‐based diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive algorithms. Computational Pathology (CPath) offers an integrated solution to utilise information embedded in pathology WSIs beyond what can be obtained through visual assessment. For automated analysis of WSIs and validation of machine learning (ML) models, annotations at the slide, tissue, and cellular levels are required. The annotation of important visual constructs in pathology images is an important component of CPath projects. Improper annotations can result in algorithms that are hard to interpret and can potentially produce inaccurate and inconsistent results. Despite the crucial role of annotations in CPath projects, there are no well‐defined guidelines or best practices on how annotations should be carried out. In this paper, we address this shortcoming by presenting the experience and best practices acquired during the execution of a large‐scale annotation exercise involving a multidisciplinary team of pathologists, ML experts, and researchers as part of the Pathology image data Lake for Analytics, Knowledge and Education (PathLAKE) consortium. We present a real‐world case study along with examples of different types of annotations, diagnostic algorithm, annotation data dictionary, and annotation constructs. The analyses reported in this work highlight best practice recommendations that can be used as annotation guidelines over the lifecycle of a CPath project.
Image2SMILES: Transformer‐Based Molecular Optical Recognition Engine**
Authors: Khokhlov Ivan , Krasnov Lev , Fedorov Maxim V. , Sosnin Sergey
Published: January 2022

The rise of deep learning in various scientific and technology areas promotes the development of AI‐based tools for information retrieval. Optical recognition of organic structures is a key part of the automated extraction of chemical information. However, this is a challenging task because there is a large variety of representation styles. In this research, we present a Transformer‐based artificial neural network to convert images of organic structures to molecular structures. To train the model, we created a comprehensive data generator that stochastically simulates various drawing styles, functional groups, functional group placeholders (R‐groups), and visual contamination. We demonstrate that the Transformer‐based architecture can gather chemical insights from our generator with almost absolute confidence. That means that, with Transformer, one can fully concentrate on data simulation to build a good recognition model. A web demo of our optical recognition engine is available online at Syntelly platform, and the code for dataset generation is available on GitHub.
Cooperative Effect of Noncovalent Interactions on Tetrel Bonding in Halogenated Silanes
Authors: Khera Mayank , Goel Neetu
Published: January 2022

Tetrel bond, a weak noncovalent interaction between the σ‐hole of a Group IV element (silicon in our case) and the cloud of an electronegative element (oxygen in our case) is the focus of this work. The percentage strengthening of tetrel bond has been investigated by optimizing 16 binary complexes of halogenated silane and water of general formula SiXnH4−n−H2O and 16 ternary complexes, of general formula NaX−SiXnH4−n−H2O, where X=F, Cl, Br and I and n=1, 2, 3 and 4 at various levels of theory defined within the formalism of density functional theory (DFT). With the addition of NaX, tetrel bond between Si and O in SiXnH4−n−H2O gets strengthened up to 49 %, owing to cooperativity effect exerted by hydrogen bonding between X and H in the ternary complex NaX−SiXnH4−n−H2O. In the series of complexes studied here, overall stabilization due to cooperativity lies between 10 kJ/mol to 170 kJ/mol. This large extent of reinforcement due to cooperativity has never been showcased before. The exceptional stabilization and reinforcement owe its genesis to the transformation of the ternary complex into a cluster orchestrated by the H‐bonding in most of the cases and covalent bonding in few of the cases.
Genetic Approaches to Weed Control
Authors: Sever Megan
Published: January 2022

Weeds have evolved quicker than our ways to eradicate them with 264 species of weeds worldwide developing resistance to herbicides. Genetic weed control is one option being looked at by researchers. There are a number of hurdles to overcome before this approach could be used, including ethical, regulatory, and ecological challenges, but it is an area of research that may be worth pursuing. Earn 1 CEU in Integrated Pest Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/3lDTorO. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Amide Bonds Meet Flow Chemistry: A Journey into Methodologies and Sustainable Evolution
Authors: Alfano Antonella Ilenia , Lange Heiko , Brindisi Margherita
Published: January 2022

Formation of amide bonds is of immanent importance in organic and synthetic medicinal chemistry. Its presence in “traditional” small‐molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, in linear or cyclic oligo‐ and polypeptidic actives, including pseudopeptides, has led to the development of dedicated synthetic approaches for the formation of amide bonds starting from, if necessary, suitably protected amino acids. While the use of solid supported reagents is common in traditional peptide synthesis, similar approaches targeting amide bond formation in continuous‐flow mode took off more significantly, after a first publication in 2006, only a couple of years ago. Most efforts rely upon the transition of traditional approaches in flow mode, or the combination of solid‐phase peptide synthesis principles with flow chemistry, and advantages are mainly seen in improving space‐time yields. This Review summarizes and compares the various approaches in terms of basic amide formation, peptide synthesis, and pseudopeptide generation, describing the technological approaches and the advantages that were generated by the specific flow approaches. A final discussion highlights potential future needs and perspectives in terms of greener and more sustainable syntheses.
Design and investigation of a triple boost multilevel inverter with self‐balanced switched capacitors and reduced voltage stress
Authors: Sarwer Zeeshan , Anwar Md Nishat , Sarwar Adil
Published: January 2022

Multilevel inverters (MLI) play a key role in various medium voltage and high power industrial applications. This paper proposes a triple boost multilevel inverter (TBMLI) comprising switched capacitors. The special features of the proposed circuit are three times boosted output voltage, reduced voltage stress on switches, and the presence of a single dc source. Moreover, the self‐balancing in the capacitors voltage which eliminates the need of auxiliary control circuitry and reduced number of overall components also add to the salient qualities of proposed MLI. The simulation has been done using MATLAB/Simulink, whereas the loss analysis, describing the distribution of the various power loss, has been completed with the help of PLECS software. The proposed topology has a maximum efficiency of 98.3%, whereas the THD in output voltage is 13.65%. The proposed MLI is experimentally investigated to see its performance. A comparison has been conducted to assess the proposed MLI on various parameters.
Comparison of the tumor microenvironments of squamous cell carcinoma at different anatomical locations within the upper aerodigestive tract in relation to response to ICI therapy
Authors: van Duijvenvoorde Maurice , Derks Sarah , Bahce Idris , Leemans C René , van de Ven Rieneke , Fransen Marieke F
Published: January 2022

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has improved treatment outcomes in many cancer types and has focused attention on cancer immunity and the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Studies into efficacy of immunotherapy and TME are generally restricted to tumors in one anatomical location, while the histological type may have substantial influence on the contexture of the TME, perhaps more so than anatomical location, and subsequently to the response to immunotherapy. This review aims to focus on the TME in ICI‐treated tumors of the same histological type, namely carcinogen‐induced squamous cell carcinoma developing within the aerodigestive tract, at three locations, i.e. head and neck (HNSCC), esophagus (ESCC) and lung (LUSC).
Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal lesions: Can it be an “Underwater” revolution?
Authors: Takeuchi Yoji , Shichijo Satoki , Uedo Noriya , Ishihara Ryu
Published: January 2022

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is a newly developed technique for the removal of colorectal, duodenal, esophageal, gastric, ampullary, and small intestinal lesions. We performed a PubMed literature search for articles reporting UEMR outcomes for colorectal polyps. Four randomized controlled trials, nine non‐randomized prospective trials, 16 retrospective studies, and 27 case reports were selected for assessment of the efficacy and safety of UEMR. We summarized the therapeutic outcomes of UEMR in each category according to the lesion characteristics [small size (<10 mm), intermediate size (10–19 mm), large size (≥20 mm), recurrent lesion, and rectal neuroendocrine tumor], and calculated the incidence of adverse events among the included articles. As the treatment outcomes for small polyps appeared similar between UEMR and conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR), UEMR can be a standard procedure for small colorectal polyps suspicious for high‐grade dysplasia to avoid incomplete removal of occult invasive cancer by cold snare polypectomy. As UEMR showed satisfactory outcomes for intermediate‐size lesions and recurrent lesions after endoscopic resection, UEMR can be a standard procedure for these lesions. Regarding large lesions and rectal neuroendocrine tumors, comparisons of UEMR with current standard methods for them were lacking, and further investigations are warranted. Adverse events appeared comparable or less frequent for UEMR compared with CEMR but still existed. Therefore, careful implementation of this new technique in clinical practice is important for its widespread use.
Visibility evaluation of colorectal lesion using texture and color enhancement imaging with video
Authors: Tamai Naoto , Horiuchi Hideka , Matsui Hiroaki , Furuhashi Hiroto , Kamba Shunsuke , Dobashi Akira , Sumiyama Kazuki
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the visibility of colorectal lesions using a novel image processing algorithm, texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI), that allows the acquisition of brighter images with enhanced color and surface structure.

Methods

During August–September 2019, patients referred for endoscopic treatment were prospectively recruited. Electronic data acquired while observing colorectal lesions using white light imaging (WLI) were obtained and recorded: WLI, TXI mode1 (with color enhancement), and TXI mode2 (without color enhancement) videos were constructed. The lesions were also recorded using narrow‐band imaging (NBI) from the same perspective as WLI. Four video clips (WLI, TXI mode1, TXI mode2, and NBI) were made per lesion. Thereafter, video files for evaluations were prepared by randomly arranging all video clips. Finally, visualization scores were evaluated by four endoscopists, and the WLI, TXI mode1, TXI mode2, and NBI results were compared.

Results

Overall, 22 patients with 68 lesions were recruited; the video file for evaluation subsequently comprised 272 randomly arranged video clips. Mean visualization scores using WLI, TXI mode1, TXI mode2, and NBI were 70.0 (±20.1), 80.5 (±18.6), 75.6 (±18.1), and 69.0 (±20.6), respectively. Mean visualization scores for flat lesions using WLI, TXI mode1, TXI mode2, and NBI were 64.1 (±21.2), 76.5 (±20.18), 71.8 (±19.4), and 64.2 (±22.0), respectively. Visualization scores using TXI mode1 were significantly better than those using WLI, TXI mode2, or NBI.

Conclusions

TXI enables improved visualization of colorectal lesions, even flat lesions, than WLI and NBI. TXI may allow better detection of colorectal lesions, although further prospective studies are required.
Effects of intraspecific competition and body mass on diet specialization in a mammalian scavenger
Authors: Lewis Anna C. , Hughes Channing , Rogers Tracey L.
Published: January 2022

Animals that rely extensively on scavenging rather than hunting must exploit resources that are inherently patchy, dangerous, or subject to competition. Though it may be expected that scavengers should therefore form opportunistic feeding habits in order to survive, a broad species diet may mask specialization occurring at an individual level. To test this, we used stable isotope analysis to analyze the degree of specialization in the diet of the Tasmanian devil, one of few mammalian species to develop adaptations for scavenging. We found that the majority of individuals were dietary specialists, indicating that they fed within a narrow trophic niche despite their varied diet as a species. Even in competitive populations, only small individuals could be classified as true trophic generalists; larger animals in those populations were trophic specialists. In populations with reduced levels of competition, all individuals were capable of being trophic specialists. Heavier individuals showed a greater degree of trophic specialization, suggesting either that mass is an important driver of diet choice or that trophic specialization is an efficient foraging strategy allowing greater mass gain. Devils may be unique among scavenging mammals in the extent to which they can specialize their diets, having been released from the competitive pressure of larger carnivores.
Parasites in kelp‐forest food webs increase food‐chain length, complexity, and specialization, but reduce connectance
Authors: Morton Dana N. , Lafferty Kevin D.
Published: January 2022

We explored whether parasites are important in kelp forests by examining their effects on a high‐quality, high‐resolution kelp‐forest food web. After controlling for generic effects of network size, parasites affected kelp‐forest food web structure in some ways consistent with other systems. Parasites increased the trophic span of the web, increasing top predator vulnerability and the longest chain length. Unique links associated with parasites, such as concomitant predation (consumption of parasites along with their hosts by predators) increased the frequency of network motifs involving mutual consumption and decreased niche contiguity of free‐living species. However, parasites also affected kelp‐forest food web structure in ways not seen in other systems. Kelp‐forest parasites are richer and more specialized than other systems. As a result, parasites reduced diet generality and decreased connectance in the kelp forest. Although mutual consumption motifs increased in frequency, this motif type was still a small fraction of all possible motifs, so their increase in frequency was not enough to compensate for the decrease in connectance caused by adding many specialist parasite species.
On the origin of feces: Fungal diversity, distribution, and conservation implications from feces of small mammals
Authors: Bradshaw Alexander J. , Autumn Kendra C. , Rickart Eric A. , Dentinger Bryn T. M.
Published: January 2022

Fungi are highly diverse, but only a small fraction of the total estimated species have been characterized. Often, the extent of diversity and distribution of fungal communities is difficult or near impossible to assess due to the fact that many fungi are cryptic and persist predominantly hidden within substrates such as soil or plant material. This is particularly true for hypogeous sporocarps, such as truffles and false truffles, which are extremely difficult to survey in a systematic manner. However, hypogeous fungi have evolved traits that make them highly attractive to animals, such as small mammals, which ingest and disperse fungal spores through defecation. Here, samples of feces from 138 small mammal museum vouchers collected in the western United States were assessed for total fungal diversity using a dual‐index metabarcoding approach. Our findings exhibit many identifications within the mushroom‐forming fungi (Agaricomycetidae), with 65 of the 138 samples containing sequences belonging to several species of the false truffle‐forming genus Rhizopogon. Metadata for each collection, such as geospatial coordinates, can be used as a proxy for the presence or absence of Rhizopogon species identified in their feces. Utilizing these proxy data from only a few years of sampling, these records quadrupled the rate of observations of Rhizopogon made over the past 100 years, including some species that have only been recorded once previously. This substantial increase in datapoints has implications for how fungal distributions are interpreted, with direct impact on standard assessment tools for fungal conservation.
First‐in‐human experience of preload regulation with percutaneous transluminal caval flow regulation in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients
Authors: Herrera José E. , Herrera José A. , Finizola Bartolomé , García Eleazar , Velasco Luis E. , Torres William R. , D'empaire Gabriel , Octavio José A. , Marqués Juan A. , Levine Robert A. , Palacios Igor F.
Published: January 2022

Aims

This study aims to investigate the acute haemodynamic effects of percutaneous transluminal flow regulation (PTCR®) with an inferior vena cava regulator balloon in heart failure patients. Preload reduction in heart failure has been achieved with high potency diuretics. However, no study has been conducted in humans to assess the effect of inferior vena cava intermittent occlusion for preload reduction.

Methods and results

Six patients were included in the study: four men (55 ± 6 years old) and two women (63 ± 4 years old). Baseline evaluations included Doppler echocardiogram, coronary angiogram, and right heart catheterization. Caval balloon was kept inflated for 30 min, and right catheterization and control echocardiogram were performed while the balloon was still inflated. The balloon was then deflated and removed. Right haemodynamic variables were evaluated before balloon insertion and with the inflated balloon. The mean right atrial pressure decreased by 42.59% (P = 0.005); systolic right ventricular pressure decreased by 30.19% (P < 0.003); mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased by 25.33% (P < 0.043); mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased by 31.37% (P > 0.016); and cardiac output increased by 9.92% (P < 0.175).

Conclusions

The haemodynamic and echocardiographic changes obtained in our study using PTCR® suggest that this innovative approach can play a beneficial role in the heart failure treatment.
A Convenient Synthesis of Fluoroalkylated Benzimidazole‐ or Indole‐fused Benzoxazines
Authors: Hu Yijie , Wang Xiaoli , Ren Nan , Li Na , Li Jianyang , Chen Jie , Zhang Hui , Deng Hongmei , Cao Weiguo , Lin Jin‐Hong
Published: January 2022

Fluoroalkyl group is of particular interest in pharmaceutical chemistry. Since benzimidazole‐ or indole‐fused benzoxazines are important motifs in numerous biologically active molecules, the incorporation of a fluoroalkyl group into these molecules may provide more opportunities for drug developments. Herein we describe the first synthesis of fluoroalkylated benzimidazole‐ or indole‐fused benzoxazines by using fluoroalkylated propiolates as building blocks. The reactions proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to give the desired products in moderate to high yields. Notably, benzimidazole‐fused products were obtained by a convenient one‐pot two‐step process.
Synthesis of 2‐Substituted Indoles by Pd‐Catalyzed Reductive Cyclization of 1‐Halo‐2‐nitrobenzene with Alkynes
Authors: Lokolkar Manjunath S. , Mane Pravin A. , Dey Sandip , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: January 2022

An effective process for synthesizing 2‐substituted indoles in a one‐pot tandem reaction of 1‐halo‐2‐nitrobenzene and terminal alkynes through addition/reductive cyclization is presented. This protocol involves a Sonogashira‐type coupling reaction followed by reductive cyclization employing dppf (1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) ligated Pd dithiolate complex as a catalyst and Zn as an inexpensive reductant. This efficient and tandem process tolerates broad functional groups with moderate to good yields. The gram‐scale synthesis of 2‐substituted indole has also been demonstrated. This protocol provides an alternative route for the synthesis of 2‐substituted indoles.
Understand microcredentials and how to implement them
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2022

AVENTURA, Fla. — There are a lot of reasons you might want your institution to consider offering microcredentials. They can help your institution attract learners, broaden its reach, and promote its brand and reputation, said Kristi Wold‐McCormick, Assistant Vice Provost and University Registrar at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Research shows impact of COVID‐19 on students with disabilities, other groups
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2022

“This Report bears witness to the many ways that COVID‐19, with all of its tragic impacts on individuals, families, and communities, appears to be deepening divides in educational opportunity across our nation's classrooms and campuses,” states the opening message from Acting Assistant Secretary of Education Suzanne B. Goldberg in Education in a Pandemic: The Disparate Impacts of COVID‐19 on America's Students.
Prediction of effective vibration condition under air void reduction using mortar rheological constant
Authors: Kisaku Tomoaki , Yoshida Yuki , Muto Kaho , Kurosawa Takashi , Ito Yuji , Fujiyama Chikako
Published: January 2022

Air voids remaining on the concrete surface are detrimental to the durability. Surface voids also affect the esthetics of concrete structures. In this study, the method of reducing the surface voids caused by entrapped air of fresh concrete was verified using 122 cases of vibration box tests with different materials, mix proportions, vibration frequencies, and amplitudes. The surface void area ratio (SVAR) decreased when the acceleration of the vibration box was increased regardless of the type of concrete. The relationship between SVAR and acceleration can be expressed through a power function. However, a segregation was observed in medium‐fluidity concrete when the acceleration exceeded 4.0 Gal (hereinafter referred to as G). In addition, the SVAR correlated with the mortar rheological constant was measured using a steel ball pull‐up test. An equation using mortar rheological constants, which can be estimated using a concrete slump, was proposed to predict the SVAR‐acceleration relationship.
Reversible aqueous Zn battery anode enabled by a stable complexation adsorbent interface
Authors: Ou Yangtao , Cai Zhao , Wang Jindi , Zhan Renming , Liu Shiyu , Lu Ziheng , Sun Yongming
Published: January 2022

Rechargeable aqueous Zn batteries (RAZBs) are highly promising for grid‐scale energy storage systems. Nevertheless, strong water molecule adsorption on Zn electrode provokes undesired corrosion reactions and electrode polarization/dendrite growth, restricting the reversibility of Zn anode and the commercialization of RAZBs. Herein, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), a typical compounding ingredient, was applied in aqueous ZnSO4 electrolyte to replace the adsorbed water molecules on Zn surface and enabled a stable complexation adsorbent interface. The chemically adsorbed EDTA layer reduced the direct contact between H2O molecules and metallic Zn, and reduced the corrosion rate to more than a half. Moreover, such adsorbent interface featuring abundant oxygen/nitrogen‐based functional groups regulated Zn deposition kinetics and promoted the uniform Zn plating. As consequence, the stable complexation adsorbent interface enabled highly‐reversible Zn stripping/plating behavior for 5000 h under a harsh dynamic measurement that combining eletrochemical cycling at 1 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2 for 72 h and resting for 24 h. The effectiveness of such complexation adsorbent interface was also verified in MnO2||Zn full cells. The complexation interface chemistry demonstrated in this study opened up new avenues for the design of low‐cost and highly reversible Zn metal electrodes towards next‐generation RAZBs.

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A self‐salt‐cleaning architecture in cold vapor generation system for hypersaline brines
Authors: Kunjaram Uma Pratheebha Umaiya , Song Haomin , Liu Youhai , Booker Brandon K. , Cooke Timothy J. , Gan Qiaoqiang
Published: January 2022

Desalination of seawater with zero‐liquid discharge is a major challenge. Here we developed a three‐dimensional “umbrella” architecture to evaporate hypersaline brines of up to 20 wt% using solar‐driven interfacial evaporation. By controlling the water pathway and the thickness of the evaporator films to manipulate the salt capacitance of the system, a stable evaporation rate of >2.6 kg m−2 h−1 was achieved over 4‐day operation in the laboratory environment with minimized salt accumulation on evaporation surfaces. By placing the system in an outdoor environment with natural wind, the peak evaporation rate was improved to 9.05 kg m−2 h−1. After a 4‐day outdoor test, the total evaporated water by the umbrella system was 3.7× more than the natural evaporation from a bulk water surface under identical environmental conditions. The predesigned water flow also controlled the local salt accumulation, resulting in easier salt removing and collection, which is highly desired for accelerated salt mining applications.

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Increasing ionic conductivity in polymer electrodes using oxanorbornene
Authors: An So Young , McAllister Bryony T. , Grignon Eloi , Evariste Sloane , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: January 2022

Pendant polymer‐based organic electrodes consisting of redox‐active quinones are promising for the next generation of rechargeable batteries owing to their fast redox kinetics and the structural diversity of their design. Many commercially available norbornene monomers have been popular choices for preparing pendant polymer electrodes, since these monomers enable numerous synthetic routes for attaching redox‐active pendant groups. However, these electrodes often suffer from sluggish lithium‐ion mobility at both the electrode–electrolyte interface and within the bulk of the electrode because of their poor ionic conductivity. This can lead to low cycling stability and rate capability. In this study, we design and compare the performance of redox‐active poly(norbornene) and poly(oxanorbornene) pendant polymer electrodes. The additional oxygen in the repeat unit of poly(oxanorbornene) facilitates conduction of Li‐ions, resulting in improved performance relative to their poly(norbornene) counterparts. Specifically, higher reversible capacities are achieved at high current densities and initial capacity is better retained during prolonged cycling tests. Unlike previous strategies to increase the ionic conductivity of polymer electrodes, our design involves minimal synthetic steps and only contributes to a small increase in additional redox‐inactive mass, offering a versatile platform for high‐performance organic electrode materials.

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Anticipating financial distress of high‐tech startups in the European Union: A machine learning approach for imbalanced samples
Authors: Liu Yang , Zeng Qingguo , Li Bobo , Ma Lili , Ordieres‐Meré Joaquín
Published: January 2022

The financial status of high‐tech startups directly reflects a country's economic vitality. Hence, the financial distress of high‐tech startups will hinder a country's economic growth. In this study, we extract financial data of seven countries from the VICO 2.0 dataset; the sample includes high‐tech startups (labeled as acquired, nonacquired, failure, and nonfailure) between 2005 and 2014. We utilize seven algorithms in machine learning to identify critical variables that predict financial distress of high‐tech startups in the European Union (EU), thereby preventing high‐tech startup failure or acquisition. Specifically, our experimental results also thoroughly verify the seven countries' economic situation after the 2008 economic crisis. Overall, this work can provide sufficient financial risk warnings for creditors, investors, and managers and support businesses from each countries' commercial sectors.
Effects of polyphenol‐rich traditional herbal teas on obesity and oxidative stress in rats fed a high‐fat–sugar diet
Authors: Iftikhar Neelam , Hussain Abdullah Ijaz , Chatha Shahzad Ali Shahid , Sultana Nazia , Rathore Hassaan Anwer
Published: January 2022

Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis and Zingiber officinalis teas are traditionally used for the therapies of various diseases, including obesity. The present research work was planned to appraise the potential of polyphenol‐rich extracts of selected herbal plants in obesity and related biochemical parameters of high‐fat–sugar diet‐induced obese rats. Three herbal teas were prepared from Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis flowers and Zingiber officinalis rhizomes and their mixture (3:1, respectively). Total phenolic contents (TPC) of Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis and Zingiber officinalis extracts were found to be 5.82 and 1.45 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as GAE, while total flavonoid contents (TFC) were 9.17 and 1.95 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as CE, respectively. Two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg BW) of each tea were administered and body weight, BMI, kidney, liver, and atherogenic indices, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, BT, AST, ALT, AP, SC, MDA, SOD, GSH, and TAC of rats groups were measured. Data showed that higher doses of Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis significantly reduced the rat's BMI (0.50 g/cm2) in comparison with the high‐fat–sugar diet group (0.79 g/cm2). All treatment groups, especially H‐500 group, showed a significant decrease in the elevated kidney and liver weights and atherogenic index in comparison with HFSDC groups. Higher doses of Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis significantly decreased the levels of AST, ALT, AP, and SC in comparison with the HFSDC group. A significant decrease in the levels of serum TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL was observed in all the treatment groups in comparison with the HFSDC group. Furthermore, all the teas, especially higher doses of Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis, prevented the alterations in MDA, SOD, and GSH levels of experimental groups, thus showing the potential against oxidative stress. It can be concluded from these results that Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis teas exhibited strong protective effects against obesity and oxidative stress, especially at higher doses.
Value of open data: A geoscience perspective
Authors: Wildman Geraldine , Lewis Edward
Published: January 2022

We are living in a data‐centric society, with governments and businesses increasingly looking at what they can do to gain insight and improve the flow of data. Encouraging the release of data as ‘open data’ is one measure that would remove barriers to access, increase use and facilitate downstream data innovation. Using examples from firstly the non‐geoscience and then geoscience sectors, this paper outlines three factors that can lead to a successful open data programme. These are (1) having a clear strategy with a well‐articulated vision; (2) ensuring that data are not only free but also technically accessible and delivered under an open licence; and (3) continued investment in the programme to ensure its long‐term success. However, not all data can or should be open, and organizations and governments must be careful that their interventions do not have unintended consequences that might reduce incentives to collect, maintain and share data. A primary concern is the financial sustainability of a dataset, but this also extends to other risks that would prevent the data being widely shared such as the inclusion of personal data or third‐party intellectual property. In these cases, use of a data‐sharing risk assessment framework, and the application of the FAIR principles of findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable can be used to increase data sharing and maximize the benefits that can be realized from geoscience data.
Origin of bimodal rear‐arc volcanism, Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt eastern sector: Geochemical and isotopic evidence from the Quaternary Xihuingo‐La Paila Volcanic Field
Authors: Martínez‐Serrano Raymundo G. , Valadez‐Cabrera Sac‐Nicté , Roberge Julie , Cristiani‐Solís Carlos G.
Published: January 2022

The Quaternary Xihuingo‐La Paila Volcanic Field comprises basalts and basaltic andesites (0.8–0.5 Ma) that built many scoria cones, shield volcanoes, and contemporaneous (~0.4 Ma) dacitic dome structures, emplaced in the rear‐arc area of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt eastern sector. Most basalts and basaltic andesites exhibit LILE/HFS ratios related to subduction processes. Nevertheless, some basaltic cones are alkaline in composition, with trace‐element patterns that indicate an enriched mantle source, but Ba and Pb positive anomalies are also present. Although dacitic rocks also display typical trace‐element patterns for subduction settings, a simple magmatic liquid line of descent cannot relate the basalts to dacites. The Sr and Nd isotopic values (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70399 to 0.70522 and εNd = +0.25 to +4.80) for felsic and mafic rocks suggest a small interaction of magmas with continental crust components, and the Pb isotopic ratios (206Pb/204Pb = 18.68–18.78; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.58–15.63 and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.44–38.62) show that all volcanic products form a mixing line between a mantle‐like component and a radiogenic component like the Palaeozoic Acatlán complex. A slab rollback process probably produced the magmatic migration of the volcanic front to the Middle American trench during the Late Miocene–Quaternary, which favoured the ascent of the asthenosphere to the mantle wedge. Melting of this heterogeneous mantle then produced mafic magmas that intruded the lower continental crust, and dacitic products could be formed by the partial melting of these mafic intrusions emplaced by frequent injections at the base of the continental crust.
Investigating the reasons for missing an outpatient appointment in Royal Hospital, Sultanate of Oman: Perspectives of patients and medical staff in a survey
Authors: Alawadhi Ahmed , Palin Victoria , van Staa Tjeerd
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Missed appointments are a major health issue in the healthcare systems globally. They directly impact on the use of hospital resources, patient's health, and can lead to patient's dissatisfaction. This study was conducted to assess the reasons for missing a hospital appointment.

Methods

A survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of patients who missed their outpatient appointment in Royal hospital, Sultanate of Oman, from March to April 2021 in six clinics. Patients were interviewed via telephone to answer a structured survey. In addition, a self‐administered survey was distributed to medical staff to explore their perspectives.

Results

Two hundred eighty patients and 52 medical staff participated in the study. Frequent patient‐reported reasons for missed appointment were transportation difficulties (11.4%), no longer needing (7.5%), or forgetting the appointment (6.8%); staff‐reported reasons were transportation (23.8%), no SMS received (16.9%), and forgetting the appointment (15.4%). Frequencies of reasons varied substantially between clinics. Family obligations were the main theme in obstetrics (odds ratio [OR] 9.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.66‐33.78) and in diabetes clinic (OR 10.55; 95% CI 2.68‐38.58), where transportation issue was the main theme in Oncology clinic (OR 4.83; 95% CI 1.11‐21.02). The recommendations for improvement were mainly around improving the reminder system, the use of telephone reminders, and developing a flexible appointment scheduling system.

Conclusion

Knowing the reasons for missed appointment from patients and health professionals can help to develop effective interventions. The heterogeneity between clinics in reasons for missed appointment indicates for interventions tailored to clinic and frequent reasons.
Prevalence and determinants of self‐reported anxiety and stress among women with abortion‐related complications admitted to health facilities in Eastern and Southern Africa: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Pershad Jyoti , Mugerwa Kidza Yvonne , Filippi Veronique , Mehrtash Hedieh , Adu‐Bonsaffoh Kwame , Bello Folasade Adenike , Compaoré Rachidatou , Gadama Luis , Govule Philip , Qureshi Zahida , Tunçalp Ӧzge , Calvert Clara
Published: January 2022

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of women who were admitted to health facilities with abortion‐related complications who reported feeling anxious/stressed during their stay, and to identify sociodemographic, facility, and abortion‐related characteristics associated with self‐reported experience of anxiety/stress.

Methods

We used data from four countries in Eastern and Southern Africa (Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Uganda) collected from 2017–2018 as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) Multi‐Country Survey on Abortion‐related morbidity (MCS‐A). Information was extracted from women's medical records and their participation in audio computer‐assisted self‐interviews (ACASI). Based on a question in the ACASI, “Did you encounter any anxiety or stress during your hospital stay?”, the percentage of women who self‐reported feeling anxious/stressed during their facility stay was calculated. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify the determinants of anxiety/stress following a hierarchical approach whereby potential determinants were grouped from most distal to most proximal and analyzed accordingly.

Results

There were 1254 women with abortion‐related complications included in the analysis, of which 56.5% self‐reported that they felt anxious/stressed during their facility stay. We found evidence that lower socioeconomic status, lower levels of education, no previous childbirth, no previous abortion, higher gestational age at abortion, and use of unsafe methods of abortion were independent determinants of self‐reporting anxiety/stress.

Conclusions

Action should be taken to reduce experience of anxiety/stress among women attending facilities for postabortion complications, including reducing the number of women experiencing abortion‐related complications by improving access to safe abortion. This issue warrants further study using more comprehensive and validated tools to understand the levels and drivers of anxiety/stress self‐reported by women attending facilities with abortion‐related complications.
Dynamic association of flavin cofactors to regulate flavoprotein function
Authors: Schnerwitzki Danny , Vabulas R. Martin
Published: January 2022

Flavoproteins are key players in numerous redox pathways in cells. Flavin cofactors FMN and FAD confer the required chemical reactivity to flavoenzymes. In most cases, the interaction between the proteins and the flavins is noncovalent, yet stronger in comparison to other redox‐active cofactors, such as NADH and NADPH. The association is considered static, but this view has started to change with the recent discovery of the dynamic association of flavins and flavoenzymes. Six cases from different organisms and various metabolic pathways are discussed here. The available mechanistic details span the range from rudimentary, as in the case of the ER‐resident oxidoreductase Ero1, to comprehensive, as for the bacterial respiratory complex I. The same holds true in regard to the assumed functional role of the dynamic association presented here. More work is needed to clarify the structural and functional determinants of the known examples. Identification of new cases will help to appreciate the generality of the new principle of intracellular flavoenzyme regulation.
Physical exercise at the crossroad between muscle wasting and the immune system: implications for lung cancer cachexia
Authors: Cortiula Francesco , Hendriks Lizza E.L. , van de Worp Wouter R.P.H. , Schols Annemie M.W.J. , Vaes Rianne D.W. , Langen Ramon C.J. , De Ruysscher Dirk
Published: January 2022

Cachexia is a syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss and wasting of skeletal muscle mass. It is associated with worse overall survival and quality of life. The cancer‐induced systemic inflammation and the consequent host derived catabolic stimuli, trigger cachexia by inhibiting muscle protein synthesis and enhancing muscle catabolism. The muscle itself may further promote chronic inflammation, introducing a vicious catabolic circle. Nutritional support alone plays a limited role in the treatment of cancer cachexia and should be combined with other interventions. Physical exercise lowers systemic inflammation and promotes muscle anabolism. It also attenuates the age‐related physical decline in elderly and it might counteract the muscle wasting induced by the cancer cachexia syndrome. This review describes how cancer‐induced systemic inflammation promotes muscle wasting and whether physical exercise may represent a suitable treatment for cancer‐induced cachexia, particularly in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. We summarized pre‐clinical and clinical studies investigating whether physical exercise would improve muscle performance and whether this improvement would translate in a clinically meaningful benefit for patients with cancer, in terms of survival and quality of life. Moreover, this review describes the results of studies investigating the interplay between physical exercise and the immune system, including the role of the intestinal microbiota.
The development of end stage renal disease in two patients with PMM2‐CDG
Authors: Tiwary Henna , Hecht Leah E. , Brucker William J. , Berry Gerard T. , Rodig Nancy M.
Published: January 2022

We report two patients with PMM2‐CDG who developed end stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal abnormalities of clinical significance have only been reported in about 6% of patients with PMM2‐CDG and have rarely been reported as the cause of death. Given the recurrent episodes of acute kidney injury associated with hospital admissions and the accelerated development of ESRD thereafter in our two patients, we recommend proactively involving Nephrology early in the care of these patients.
Neutral loss scan in complement with high‐resolution MS/MS: Combination of detection methods for flavonoid and limonoid glycosides analysis
Authors: Goh Rui Min Vivian , Ee Kim Huey , Pua Aileen , Huang Yunle , Liu Shao Quan , Lassabliere Benjamin , Yu Bin
Published: January 2022

In this study, neutral loss scan and high‐resolution MS/MS were used in combination to detect and tentatively identify various flavonoid and limonoid glycosides in navel orange albedo, juice, peel and pulp. These compound classes are of research interest due to their flavour and bioactive properties, and although flavonoid glycosides have been previously studied in other food matrices, to the best of our knowledge, neutral loss scans have not been used for the elucidation of limonoid glycosides. Neutral loss masses of 120, 162 and 308 Da were selected for the detection of hexose, rutinose and neohesperidose‐substituted flavonoids, whereas 197 Da was explored for limonoid glycosides due to their tendency to form ammonium adducts. Fragmentation patterns obtained from targeted MS/MS were then used to differentiate rutinose and neohesperidose substituents as well as flavonoid subclasses of flavones, flavanones and flavonols. Additionally, high‐resolution MS/MS was also used for the identification of aglycones by accurate mass (to four decimal places), allowing for the differentiation of aglycones with similar unit masses but different chemical formulas. In total, 19 flavonoid glycosides and six limonoid glycosides were detected. This workflow allows for a rapid screening of flavonoid and limonoid glycosides in citrus, which can be further extended to other food products such as tea.