bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme Polarization Anisotropy in Resonant Third‐Harmonic Generation from Aligned Carbon Nanotube Films
Authors: Zhu Song , Li Wenkai , Yu Shengjie , Komatsu Natsumi , Baydin Andrey , Wang Fakun , Sun Fangyuan , Wang Chongwu , Chen Wenduo , Tan Chuan Seng , Liang Houkun , Yomogida Yohei , Yanagi Kazuhiro , Kono Junichiro , Wang Qi Jie
Published: June 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess extremely anisotropic electronic, thermal, and optical properties owing to their 1D character. While their linear optical properties have been extensively studied, nonlinear optical processes, such as harmonic generation for frequency conversion, remain largely unexplored in CNTs, particularly in macroscopic CNT assemblies. In this work, macroscopic films of aligned and type‐separated (semiconducting and metallic) CNTs are synthesized and polarization‐dependent third‐harmonic generation (THG) from the films with fundamental wavelengths ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 µm is studied. Both films exhibited strongly wavelength‐dependent, intense THG signals, enhanced through exciton resonances, and third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibilities of 2.50 × 10−19 m2 V−2 (semiconducting CNTs) and 1.23 × 10−19 m2 V−2 (metallic CNTs), respectively are found, for 1.8 µm excitation. Further, through systematic polarization‐dependent THG measurements, the values of all elements of the susceptibility tensor are determined, verifying the macroscopically 1D nature of the films. Finally, polarized THG imaging is performed to demonstrate the nonlinear anisotropy in the large‐size CNT film with good alignment. These findings promise applications of aligned CNT films in mid‐infrared frequency conversion, nonlinear optical switching, polarized pulsed lasers, polarized long‐wave detection, and high‐performance anisotropic nonlinear photonic devices.
High‐Capacity and Long‐Life Manganese Vanadium Oxide Composite as a Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Narsimulu D. , Krishna B. N. Vamsi , Shanthappa R. , Bandi Hari , Yu Jae Su
Published: June 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are widely attractive by virtue of its high safety and low cost. However, their development for widespread applications is limited due to unstable cathode materials. Herein, a manganese vanadium oxide (Mn2V2O7/V2O3) (MnVO) composite is fabricated and can be utilized as a superior intercalated cathode for AZIBs. The extraction of Zn2+ from the MnVO composite causes the phase transition during the initial charge cycle to form electrochemically reversible MnV10O26·10H2O. The phase transformation modifies morphology and the as‐formed MnV10O26·10H2O phase acts as a Zn2+ host for the subsequent cycles, leading to excellent electrochemical performances. As a result, the electrode delivers a superior reversible capacity of 204 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 over 1000 cycles and is also sustainable over a long‐life span of 3000 cycles even at 10 A g−1. Additionally, the Zn/MnVO battery exhibits a high energy density of 256.31 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 410 W kg−1. The exceptional reversible capacity even at different current densities over a long‐life span makes them a promising candidate for fabricating the safe and reliable AZIBs. Also, the Zn2+ storage mechanism in MnVO composite cathode for rechargeable AZIBs is demonstrated.
Investigation of Tungsten‐Based Seleno‐Chevrel Compounds with Different Compositions for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Dag Tugce Sevinc , Surucu Gokhan , Gencer Aysenur , Surucu Ozge , Ozel Faruk , Ciftci Yasemin
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the photocatalytic water splitting performance for Chevrel phases with the chemical formula MxMo6Ch8, where M is a metal and Ch is a chalcogen, with x being 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. Density Functional Theory (DFT) is used to study the Chevrel phases, which includes earth‐abundant elements for this specific study as an essential consideration for photocatalytic water splitting. The electronic properties are calculated for the NiW6Se8 and Ni2W6Se8 compounds with thermodynamical, mechanical, and dynamic stabilities. For photocatalytic water splitting, the band gaps below 1.23 eV are excluded, and the conduction and valence band levels are determined to examine the reduction and oxidation potentials for efficient photocatalytic water‐splitting materials. An examination of the selected band gaps, along with the conduction and valence band levels, reveals that NiW6Se8 is suitable for both reduction and oxidation reactions; whereas, Ni2W6Se8 is a convenient material only for the reduction reaction. This is the first attempt, as far as the literature reveals, to study Chevrel phases in detail and to identify a suitable compound for photocatalytic water splitting.
Insights into the High Activity of Ruthenium Phosphide for the Production of Hydrogen in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Galyamin Dmitry , Torrero Jorge , Elliott Joshua David , Rodríguez-García Isabel , Sánchez Daniel García , Salam Mohamed Abdel , Gago Aldo Saul , Mokhtar Mohamed , Gómez de la Fuente José Luis , Bueno Samba Violeta , Gianolio Diego , Ferrer Pilar , Grinter David Charles , Held Georg , Retuerto María , Rojas Sergio
Published: June 2023

The demand of green hydrogen, that is, the hydrogen produced from water electrolysis, is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. State‐of‐the‐art proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) uses high loadings of platinum group metals, such as Pt in the electrode where hydrogen is produced. Alternative electrodes based on phosphides, sulfides, nitrides, and other low‐cost alternatives are under investigation. Herein, a simple process for the preparation of RuP electrodes with high activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic electrolyte is described. A straightforward one‐pot synthesis that yields RuP nanoparticles with fine‐tuned composition and stoichiometry is presented, as determined by multiple characterization techniques, including lab‐ and synchrotron‐based experiments and theoretical modeling. The RuP nanoparticles exhibit a high activity of 10 mA cm−2 at 36 mV overpotential and a Tafel slope of 30 mV dec−1, which is comparable to Pt/C. Moreover, a RuP catalyst‐coated membrane (CCM) with a low Ru loading of 0.6 mgRu cm−2 is produced and tested in a PEMWE cell configuration, yielding 1.7 A cm−2 at 2 V.
Rye planting date impacts biomass production more than seeding rate and nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Balkcom Kipling S. , Read Quentin D. , Gamble Audrey V.
Published: June 2023

Management is critical to maximize cover crop benefits, while minimizing costs. However, cover crop performance and cost can vary without consistent management strategies. Therefore, we investigated how four planting dates (late October, early November, late November, and early December), two seeding rates (67 and 101 kg ha−1), and four N rates (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg N ha−1) affected rye (Secale cereale L., ‘Wrens Abruzzi’) biomass production, N uptake, C:N ratio, $ per 100 kg biomass, cash crop yields, and soil organic C (SOC) in a peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)/cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) rotation over six growing seasons (2015–2020) in Headland, Alabama, USA. Biomass production averaged 170% greater for late October planted rye compared to early December across all N rates. Nitrogen increased biomass production, but total biomass amounts decreased with later planting dates. Nitrogen uptake increased as N rate increased for each planting date. The C:N ratio was more sensitive to planting dates than N rates and decreased as planting was delayed. The $ per 100 kg of biomass was similar across all N rates for early planting dates (late October and early November). No yield effect was observed for peanut or cotton, but SOC increased in the 0–5 cm depth when 101 kg N ha−1 was applied to the rye cover crop. Results highlight the importance of planting date compared to seeding and N rates to enhance cover crop performance and return on investment (ROI) for growers in the southeastern United States.
Parameter estimation and estimability analysis in pharmaceutical models with uncertain inputs
Authors: Moshiritabrizi Iman , Abdi Kaveh , McMullen Jonathan P. , Wyvratt Brian M. , McAuley Kimberley B.
Published: June 2023

A methodology is proposed to aid parameter estimation in fundamental models of pharmaceutical processes. This methodology addresses situations with insufficient data to reliably estimate all parameters, when the estimation is complicated by uncertain independent variables. The proposed method uses an augmented sensitivity matrix to rank the combined set of parameters and uncertain inputs from most estimable to least estimable. An updated mean‐squared‐error criterion is then used to determine the appropriate parameters and inputs that should be estimated, based on the ranked list. A model for one step in a batch pharmaceutical production process with an uncertain initial reactant concentration is used to illustrate the method, revealing that the initial reactant concentration in each batch should be estimated along with three out of six model parameters. Non‐estimable parameters are fixed at their initial values to prevent overfitting. The method will aid error‐in‐variables parameter estimation in many situations involving limited data.
Developments in understanding early onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Griffin Percy , Apostolova Liana , Dickerson Bradford C. , Rabinovici Gil , Salloway Stephen , Brandt Katie , Masdeu Joseph , Hammers Dustin , Raghuram Srilatha , Hall Stephen , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: June 2023

On September 25 and 26, 2021, the Alzheimer's Association hosted the first meeting focused on people with early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD)—sometimes referred to as younger onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Though a diagnosis of AD can be devastating at any age, those with a younger onset—defined as symptoms developing prior to 65 years of age—face unique challenges. EOAD occurs when people are in the prime of their lives, often with multiple responsibilities including careers, community activities, and raising children and caring for older family members. These challenges warrant special consideration and study, yet people with EOAD are often excluded from AD research because of their atypical age of onset. To help fill this gap, we designed and launched the Longitudinal Early‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) to enroll and follow 500 people with EOAD from > 15 sites in the United States, which the National Institute on Aging funded in 2018. The September 2021 meeting was designed to inform people with EOAD and their family members and caregivers about the latest research on the biology of EOAD, treatments in the pipeline, practical considerations about legal and financial arrangements for families, and the support networks available to them. More than 217 registrants attended.
Kompartimentäre Polyampholyt‐Mikrogele mittels entropisch bedingter Ausflockung und Koazervation von Nanogelen in Emulsionströpfchen
Authors: Mathews Hannah F. , Pieper Maria I. , Jung Se‐Hyeong , Pich Andrij
Published: June 2023

Die Verteilung von Ladungen innerhalb pH‐responsiver Wirkstoffträger beeinflusst nachweislich die Effizienz der Freisetzung, ist aber schwer zu kontrollieren und zu verifizieren. Wir stellen nun polyampholytische Nanogel‐in‐Mikrogel Kolloide (NiM−C) vor und zeigen, dass die Anordnung der Nanogele (NG) abhängig von den Synthesebedingungen ist. Dazu wurden pH‐responsive Polyelektrolyt‐NG durch Fällungspolymerisation synthetisiert und mit Fluoreszenzfarbstoffen markiert. Die NG wurden dann durch inverse Emulsionspolymerisation mittels tropfenbasierter Mikrofluidik in Mikrogel‐Netzwerke (MG) integriert. Mit konfokaler Laser‐Scanning‐Mikroskopie (CLSM) wurde nachgewiesen, dass, je nach NG‐Konzentration, pH‐Wert und Ionenstärke, NiM−C mit unterschiedlichen NG‐Anordnungen, wie Janus‐artiger Phasentrennung, statistischer Verteilung und Kern‐Schale‐Architektur, erhalten werden. Unser Ansatz ist ein Meilenstein auf dem Weg zum simultanen Transport entgegengesetzt geladener Moleküle.
Enantioselective Palladium‐Catalyzed Directed Migratory Allylation of Remote Dienes
Authors: Chen Xian‐Xiao , Luo Hao , Chen Ye‐Wei , Liu Yang , He Zhi‐Tao
Published: June 2023

Chain walking has been an efficient route to realize the functionalization of inert C(sp3)−H bonds, but this strategy is limited to mono‐olefin migration and functionalization. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of tandem directed simultaneous migrations of remote olefins and stereoselective allylation for the first time. The adoption of palladium hydride catalysis and secondary amine morpholine as solvent is critical for achieving high substrate compatibility and stereochemical control with this method. The protocol is also applicable to the functionalization of three vicinal C(sp3)−H bonds and thus construct three continuous stereocenters along a propylidene moiety via a short synthetic process. Preliminary mechanistic experiments corroborated the design of simultaneous walking of remote dienes.
2D MOF‐assisted Pyrolysis‐displacement‐alloying Synthesis of High‐entropy Alloy Nanoparticles Library for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Oxidation
Authors: Qiu Ziming , Li Yong , Gao Yidan , Meng Zhenyang , Sun Yangyang , Bai Yang , Suen Nian‐Tzu , Chen Hsiao‐Chien , Pi Yecan , Pang Huan
Published: June 2023

Multimetallic alloy nanoparticles (NPs) have received considerable attention in various applications due to their compositional variability and exceptional properties. However, the complexity of both the general synthesis and structure–activity relationships remain the long‐standing challenges in this field. Herein, we report a versatile 2D MOF‐assisted pyrolysis‐displacement‐alloying route to successfully synthesize a series of binary, ternary and even high‐entropy NPs that are uniformly dispersed on porous nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets (PNC NSs). As a proof of utility, the obtained Co0.2Ru0.7Pt0.1/PNC NSs exhibits apparent hydrogen oxidation activity and durability with a record‐high mass specific kinetic current of 1.84 A mg−1 at the overpotential of 50 mV, which is approximately 11.5 times higher than that of the Pt benchmark. Both experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the addition of Pt engenders a phase transition in CoRu alloys from hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) to face‐centered cubic (fcc) structure. The elevated reactivity of the resulted ternary alloy can be attributed to the optimized adsorption of hydrogen intermediate and the decreased reaction barrier for water formation. This study opens a new avenue for the development of highly efficient alloy NPs with various compositions and functions.
Facile synthesis of cassava starch‐based bioplastics modified by citric acid‐epoxidized soybean oil oligomers
Authors: Yang Jianlei , Xu Shicai , Ching Yern Chee , Wang Rui , Al‐Hada Naif Mohammed , Li Chunhui , Lv Dongjun , Zhang Zilong
Published: June 2023

The present work aimed to explore the effect of citric acid (CA) on the structures and properties of cassava starch/epoxidized soybean oils‐based bioplastics. First, citric acid‐epoxidized soybean oil oligomers (CESO) were fabricated by the reaction of epoxidized soybean oils (ESO) and CA with different molar ratios (nCA:nepoxy = 3 ~ 12). CESO were successfully synthesized as evidenced by the FTIR and GPC data. Second, the synthesized CESO were applied to fabricate the bioplastics with starch by solution casting. The prepared bioplastics were evaluated by structural, thermal, mechanical, optical, and water resistance properties. The FTIR spectra reflected that CESO showed an esterification reaction with starch. The FESEM images revealed that CESO exhibited better dispersity in the samples than ESO. The samples containing CESO got plasticized with a remarkable increase of elongation at break (3.41–6.14 times) and a decrease of the tensile strength (1.35–2.07 times) compared to that with ESO. CESO promoted significantly higher light transmittance of the bioplastics than ESO due to their better dispersibility in the bioplastics. The hydrophobicity of the bioplastics increased upon the addition of CESO. These results made the fabricated bioplastics potential substitutes for petroleum‐based plastics for industrial applications.
Surface modification of a PVDF membrane by co‐grafting hydroxyl and zwitterionic polymers to enhance wettability and antifouling property
Authors: Lee Jin Yeon , Cho Young Hoon , Nam Seung‐Eun , Kim In‐Chul , Park Ho Bum , Park You‐In , Bae Sun Ho , Yoo Youngmin
Published: June 2023

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes have been widely applied in the separation of various organic matters owing to their excellent properties. However, they possess low wettability and undergo fouling because of the hydrophobic nature of PVDF. In this study, poly (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) were co‐introduced to modify the highly hydrophobic PVDF membrane surface via UV photo‐irradiation. Facile UV photo‐grafting was performed by irradiating the pristine PVDF membrane immersed in a PHEMA/PSBMA mixture solution with UV light for 5 min. The performance of the as‐prepared PHEMA/PSBMA‐grafted membrane was compared with that of membranes modified with solely PHEMA or PSBMA. The hydroxyl and zwitterionic groups of the grafted membranes enhanced wettability and increased flux. A tightly bound water layer was formed because of the enhanced wettability, significantly suppressing protein adsorption. The initial flux of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution through the PHEMA/PSBMA‐grafted membrane was 2861 LMH, which was 3.1 times higher than that obtained by the pristine PVDF membrane. Furthermore, the flux decline of the modified membrane caused by BSA fouling was 49% lower than that of the pristine PVDF membrane. Finally, the PHEMA/PSBMA‐grafted PVDF membrane showed antifouling properties after three BSA filtration cycles.
Ultrasensitive miRNA Detection by AuNP‐based 3D DNA Walker and Catalytic Hairpin Assembly (CHA) Cascade Amplification for Early Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Li Junyou , Li Hung‐Wing
Published: June 2023

By combining exquisitely designed hairpins with the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) to form tripedal DNA walkers driven by enzyme, we constructed a 3D DNA walker with accordingly complementary hairpins attached on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and sensitive fluorescence sensing system for the sensitive detection of target miRNA‐21 (miR‐21). The presence of miR‐21 triggers the CHA among three hairpins (HP1, HP2, and HP3), which lead to the formation of the tripedal DNA walkers. For the walking trajectories, FAM‐labeled hairpins (HP4) were attached to the surface of AuNPs, the fluorescence of which was initially quenched due to its close proximity to AuNPs. After the binding/cleaving/moving process of tripedal DNA walkers with HP4 driven by Exonuclease III (Exo III), a number of single‐stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) will be released with FAM fluorescence recovered. Benefiting from the DNA walker and CHA cascade amplification, the proposed sensing strategy showed remarkable improvement in sensitivity with the LOD of 42 aM. Owing to the precise design of the system, this method exhibited excellent specificity to distinguish miR‐21 from its single‐, double‐mismatched sequences and non‐complementary sequences, showing great versatility and potential for the biological analysis and early disease diagnosis.
Pixel source follower glow in HxRG detector
Authors: Pichon Thibault , Boucher Luc
Published: June 2023

The Atmospheric Remote‐Sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large‐survey (ARIEL) space mission is dedicated to the study of the exoplanets' atmosphere. To do so, the payload module is made of two instruments. The ARIEL InfraRed Spectrometer instruments is one them, it will perform spectroscopic measurements from the near‐infrared domain to the long‐wave infrared domain. The instrument relies on the use of two H1RG detectors. During early phases of instrument development dark current measurements have been done on an 8 m cutoff detector operated in window mode. These measurements revealed an unexpected level of dark current. This observation triggered a joint series of tests at the European Space Agency technical center and at the Astrophysics Department of the Atomic Energy Commission. As demonstrated in this paper, the excess of dark current originates from the collection, by the photosenstive layer, of light emitted by the source follower transistor of the pixel unit cell. This effect is referred as glow. Based on experimental results, this glow is studied as a function of the detector operating conditions (temperature, biases, timing diagram). These results also show that for the range of operating temperatures considered, the dark current performance of the detector is limited by the glow.
Does response to vagus nerve stimulation for drug‐resistant epilepsy differ in patients with and without Lennox–Gastaut syndrome?
Authors: Dibué Maxine , Greco Teresa , Spoor Jochem K. H. , Senft Christian , Kamp Marcel A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Literature on outcomes of patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) receiving adjunctive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) lacks information on seizure types and the time course of therapeutic effects. We have therefore performed what is to our knowledge the largest and most in‐depth analysis of the effectiveness of VNS in LGS patients paying special attention to the impact of VNS Therapy on individual seizure types.

Methods

The VNS Therapy Outcomes Registry includes over 7000 patients. A propensity score matching method was employed to match patients with LGS to non‐LGS patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). Overall seizure frequencies were assessed prior to implantation and at 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐month follow‐ups to derive the main study outcomes: response rates and time to first response.

Results

A total of 564 LGS patients with sufficient data were identified in the registry and matched 2:1 to 1128 non‐LGS patients. Responder rates at 24 months were 57.5% in the LGS group and 61.5% in the non‐LGS group. Median seizure frequency reduction at 24 months was 64.3% versus 66.7% in the LGS versus non‐LGS group, respectively. In both groups, VNS was most effective at reducing focal aware seizures, “other” seizures, generalized‐onset non‐motor seizures, and drop attacks with relative reduction rates for these seizure types at 24 months exceeding 90% in both groups. Time‐to‐first response did not differ between the groups; however, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients who regressed from bilateral tonic–clonic (BTC) seizure response in the LGS group versus the non‐LGS group at 24 months: 22.4% versus 6.7%; p = .015.

Conclusions

Although limited by its retrospective design, the study shows that the effectiveness of VNS is comparable in DRE patients with and without LGS; however, LGS patients may be more prone to fluctuating control of BTCs.
A multicenter prospective study of TACE combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Li Xiaomi , Ding Xiaoyan , Liu Mei , Wang Jingyan , Sun Wei , Teng Ying , Xu Yawen , Wu Hongxiao , Li Wendong , Zhou Lin , Chen Jinglong
Published: June 2023

Background and aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) predicts a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using lenvatinib and camrelizumab combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to treat HCC with PVTT.

Methods

This was a single‐arm, open‐label, multicenter, and prospective study. Eligible patients with advanced HCC accompanied by PVTT were enrolled to receive TACE combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS), while the secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

Between April 2020 and April 2022, 69 patients were successfully enrolled. With a median follow‐up time of 17.3 months, the median age of the patient cohort was 57 years (range: 49–64 years). According to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, the ORR was 26.1% (18 partial responses [PRs]) and the DCR was 78.3% (18 PRs, 36 stable diseases [SDs]). The median PFS (mPFS) and median OS (mOS) were 9.3 and 18.2 months, respectively. And tumor number >3 was identified as an adverse risk factor for both PFS and OS. The most common adverse events across all grades included fatigue (50.7%), hypertension (46.4%), and diarrhea (43.5%). Twenty‐four patients (34.8%) experienced Grade 3 toxicity that was relieved by dose adjustment and symptomatic treatment. No treatment‐related deaths occurred.

Conclusions

TACE combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab is a well‐tolerated modality treatment with promising efficacy for advanced HCC with PVTT.
Redox in Cancer Metabolism: Manipulation of Cancer Metabolism Through Exploitation of Redox Environments
Authors: McBeth Craig
Published: June 2023

The use of bioelectronics is a quickly evolving and developing field offering novel application to solve problems across numerous biological disciplines. Cancer research has focussed on various biomarkers as a means for detection and for potential therapeutic treatments. Several therapies and medications focus on influencing redox state within the cellular environment, with some of these therapies utilising cyclic redox components, allowing for repeated oxidation/reduction at target sites. This offers great potential for electrical (DC and AC) and electrochemical control over the intracellular redox environment. Herein explores the redox circuits in cancer and its metabolism, the influence of mediated oxidative stress in redox altered environments, therapeutics that target specific redox pathways and their redox active proteins, and the implementation of electrochemical interrogation to control the cellular redox environment to manipulate cancer metabolism.
Design and Synthesis of Spirochroman‐2‐on‐4,1'‐indan‐7'‐ol and Its Application for Synthesizing Chiral Monophosphinite Ligands†
Authors: Zhang Yang‐Ming , Guo Shu‐Min , Wang Qing‐Xian , Zheng Xiao‐Jie , Xie Jian‐Hua , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The design and synthesis of spirochroman‐2‐on‐4,1'‐indan‐7'‐ol (SCIOL) and its application for synthesizing chiral monophosphinite ligands are reported. The synthesis features a tandem double Friedel‐Crafts reaction/lactonization to construct the spiro framework and the desired racemic SCIOL was obtained via 6 steps with a total yield of 44.5%. Using an inclusion resolution with N‐benzylcinchonidinium chloride, the optical SCIOL could be obtained in good yields on a gram scale. The preliminary studies indicated that the corresponding chiral spiro monophosphinite ligands exhibit high catalytic activity and enantioselectivity (up to 94% ee) in the rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of N‐acetyl dehydroamino esters. These outcomes highlight the significant potential of SCIOL as a useful framework for the development of chiral spiro ligands.
Structure−Activity Relationship and Solubility Studies of N1‐Substituted Quinoxaline‐2,3‐diones as Kainate Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Chałupnik Paulina , Vialko Alina , Pickering Darryl S. , Nielsen Birgitte , Bay Yasmin , Skov Kristensen Anders , Hinkkanen Markus , Szczepańska Katarzyna , Karcz Tadeusz , Latacz Gniewomir , Johansen Tommy N. , Szymańska Ewa
Published: June 2023

Kainate receptors are a class of ionotropic glutamate receptors that respond to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in the central nervous system and play an important role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders and the regulation of synaptic function. In the current study, we investigated the structure‐ activity relationship of the series of quinoxaline‐2,3‐diones substituted at N1, 6, and 7 positions, as ligands of kainate homomeric receptors GluK1‐3 and GluK5. Pharmacological characterization showed that all derivatives obtained exhibited micromolar affinity at GluK3 receptors with Ki values in the range 0.1–4.4 μM range. The antagonistic properties of the selected analogues: N‐(7‐fluoro‐6‐iodo‐2,3‐dioxo‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐1(2H)‐yl)‐3‐sulfamoylbenzamide, N‐(7‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐6‐iodo‐2,3‐dioxo‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐1(2H)‐yl)‐3‐sulfamoylbenzamide and N‐(7‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐2,3‐dioxo‐6‐(phenylethynyl)‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐1(2H)‐yl)‐3‐sulfamoylbenzamide at GluK3 receptors, were confirmed by an intracellular calcium imaging assay. To correlate in vitro affinity data with structural features of the synthesized compounds and to understand the impact of the substituent in N1 position on ability to form additional protein‐ligand interactions, molecular modeling and docking studies were carried out. Experimental solubility studies using UV spectroscopy detection have shown that 7‐imidazolyl‐6‐iodo analogues with a sulfamoylbenzamide moiety at the N1 position are the best soluble compounds in the series, with molar solubility in TRISS buffer at pH 9 more than 3‐fold higher compared to NBQX, a known AMPA/kainate antagonist.
An efficient fuzzy‐based task offloading in edge‐fog‐cloud architecture
Authors: Yadav Pratibha , Vidyarthi Deo Prakash
Published: June 2023

In a hierarchical edge‐fog‐cloud architecture, edge devices possess limited resources and energy. To contain with, it can offload some tasks generated by the Internet of Things (IoT) to the fog and cloud. Several factors influence this task‐offloading decision, including hardware features, network conditions, and application characteristics. Most of the research studies, in task offloading systems, have confined to changing parameter values, whereas very few have considered fuzzy‐based dynamic approaches for resource allocation. This work proposes a fuzzy‐based task offloading technique (FBOT) for scheduling the tasks (both compute and data‐intensive) to the appropriate nodes of the fog‐cloud system. The proposed method incorporates a vague logic‐based fuzzy task scheduler for scheduling various tasks at the fog layer. This helps to reduce the waiting time for the compute‐intensive tasks and minimizes the starvation problem of data‐intensive tasks. In addition, the proposed technique decreases the task completion time and selects the best computing nodes for each tasks. To validate the performance of the proposed technique, extensive simulation studies have been carried out on various parameters. Compared with the baseline algorithms, the results show that the proposed method offers an average improvement of 30% in terms of the total time of the task.
Examining an integrated sociocultural and objectification model of thinness‐ and muscularity‐oriented disordered eating in Chinese older men and women
Authors: Barnhart Wesley R. , Cui Tianxiang , Zhang Hengyue , Cui Shuqi , Zhao Yiqing , Lu Yining , He Jinbo
Published: June 2023

Objective

We tested an integrated model of three prominent theories of disordered eating (tripartite influence theory, objectification theory, and social comparison theory) in a sample of older Chinese men and women.

Method

Chinese older men (n = 270) and women (n = 160) completed questionnaires assessing the tripartite influence, objectification, and social comparison theories and thinness‐ and muscularity‐oriented disordered eating. Two structural equation models were tested in Chinese older men and women.

Results

The integrated model showed good model fit and described meaningful variance in thinness‐ and muscularity‐oriented disordered eating in Chinese older men and women. Higher appearance pressures were uniquely related to higher muscularity‐oriented disordered eating in men. Across both gender groups, higher thinness internalization was uniquely related to higher thinness‐ and muscularity‐oriented disordered eating, and in women only, higher muscularity internalization was uniquely related to lower thinness‐oriented disordered eating. In men, higher upward and downward body image comparisons were uniquely related to higher and lower, respectively, muscularity‐oriented disordered eating. In women, higher upward body image comparisons were only uniquely related to higher muscularity‐oriented disordered eating while higher downward body image comparisons were uniquely related to both outcomes. Higher body shame was uniquely related to higher thinness‐oriented disordered eating across both groups and in men alone, higher body shame was also uniquely related to higher muscularity‐oriented disordered eating.

Discussion

Findings, which tested the integration of tripartite influence, objectification, and social comparison theories, inform the prevention and treatment of disordered eating in Chinese older populations.

Public Significance

The present study is the first to describe theories of disordered eating (tripartite influence, objectification, and social comparison) in Chinese older adults. Findings suggested good model fit and the integrated models described meaningful variance in thinness‐ and muscularity‐oriented disordered eating in Chinese older women and men. Findings extend existing theories of disordered eating and, pending further study, may inform theory‐driven prevention and treatment approaches in Chinese older adults.
Serum TGF‐β as a predictive biomarker for severe disease and fatality of COVID‐19
Authors: Frischbutter Stefan , Durek Pawel , Witkowski Mario , Angermair Stefan , Treskatsch Sascha , Maurer Marcus , Radbruch Andreas , Mashreghi Mir‐Farzin
Published: June 2023

For targeted intervention in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), there is a high medical need for biomarkers that predict disease progression and severity in the first days after symptom onset. This study assessed the utility of early transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) serum levels in COVID‐19 patients to predict disease severity, fatality, and response to dexamethasone therapy. Patients with severe COVID‐19 had significantly higher TGF‐β levels (416 pg/mL) as compared to patients with mild (165 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) or moderate COVID‐19 (241 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristics area under the curve values were 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–0.99, cut‐off: 255 pg/mL) for mild versus severe COVID‐19, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.65–1.0, cut‐off: 202 pg/mL) for moderate versus severe COVID‐19. Patients who died of severe COVID‐19 had significantly higher TGF‐β levels (453 pg/mL) as compared to convalescent patients (344 pg/mL), and TGF‐β levels predicted fatality (area under the curve: 0.75, 95% CI 0.53–0.96). TGF‐β was significantly reduced in severely ill patients treated with dexamethasone (301 pg/mL) as compared to untreated patients (416 pg/mL; p < 0.05). Early TGF‐β serum levels in COVID‐19 patients predict, with high accuracy, disease severity, and fatality. In addition, TGF‐β serves as a specific biomarker to assess response to dexamethasone treatment.
Gold polycarbonate microchannels for electrochemical applications
Authors: Ogończyk D. , Jankowski P.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we present gold‐plating polycarbonate (PC) microchannels. The fabrication of the gold microfluidic channels is achieved by tuning the sequence of reagent insertion into milled and closed submillimeter PC system channels. The resulting gold surface can be utilized in many applications where the benefits of microfluidics, (bio)chemistry of surfaces, and electrochemistry can be combined.

Here, we combine the advantages of electrochemistry with microfluidics by mixing the gold sensor with microfluidics. This approach differs from the classic one – the sensor will undergo modifications (e. g., shape and size) depending on the specific scientific problem and will be designed individually; hence its characteristics will be changed. Our goal in this work is to indicate new possibilities for combining two methodologies – electrochemistry and microfluidics. In our work, we emphasize that it confirms the validity of our chosen concept (proof‐of‐concept).

In this work, we present one such application, the use of a gold microfluidic channel as a working electrode (WE). We describe the microchip‘s construction and electrochemical characterization, including the gold flow‐through WE, the Ag/AgCl wire pseudo‐reference, and the Pt auxiliary electrode. The measured current is the result of the flow through a rectangular duct of the gold microchannel electrode embedded in the four walls of the chip.
Prediction of Lithium‐Ion Battery Remaining Useful Life via Empirical Mode Decomposition‐ Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average and Regularized Particle Filter Algorithm
Authors: Li Zuxin , Cai Zhiduan , Zheng Jinhui , Shen Shengyu , Dong Wusong , Liu Dingding
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on improving the prediction accuracy of lithium‐ion battery's remaining useful life (RUL) by combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and regularized particle filter (RPF). First, to obtain detailed information about the battery capacity degradation, the monitored capacity data are decoupled by EMD. Second, the long‐term predicted model is constructed by ARIMA for the decoupled components. Finally, the long‐term prediction results are utilized as the measurement equation of the RPF prediction framework. In the proposed novel hybrid framework combining EMD‐ARIMA and RPF, the capacity prediction values are corrected and updated during the iteration of the regularized particle filter. With the estimated capacity data of every cycle, it can be detected whether the batteries reach their service life threshold. To validate the performance of the aforementioned method, the comparative experiments which are based on the NASA Prognostic Center of Excellence battery data sets are performed. According to the analysis results, higher prediction accuracy has been obtained with the proposed method in the lithium‐ion battery RUL, compared with the other three methods.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of Ternary Metallic Phosphates for High‐Energy and Anti‐Self‐Discharge Supercapacitors through Binder Optimization
Authors: Hassan Haseebul , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Afzal Amir Muhammad , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Al-Ammar Essam A. , Ansari Mohd Zahid
Published: June 2023

Supercapacitors have proven themselves as a subject of interest over the years for energy storage. As a result, it is not surprising that significant effort has been put into supercapacitor research. However, a device with all desirable properties still needs to be developed, requiring special attention. A simple synthesis of porous magnesium niobium silver phosphate (Mg3Nb1−xAgx(PO4)3) nanocomposites is presented using a novel mixed solvent solution and a hydrothermal method. The MgNbAgPO4 anode with an interconnected porous structure not only offers a large number of active sites for divalent ion trapping but also improves charge transfer kinetics. As a result, the Mg3Nb1−xAgx(PO4)3 anode has a high specific capacity of 958 C g−1 using a binder‐free electrode and better rate capability. The full‐cell design is also built with Mg3Nb1−xAgx(PO4)3 and activated carbon (AC). The hierarchical pore structure and appropriate functional groups Mg3Nb1−xAgx(PO4)3 anode deliver a maximum energy density of 57 Wh kg−1, a high power density of 1200 kW kg−1, and anti‐self‐discharge solid behavior. The analysis of the charge storage mechanism suggests that Mg3Nb1−xAgx(PO4)3//AC supercapattery involves adsorption/desorption and Faradic reactions to store charge. This study opens the path for high‐performance Mg3Nb1−xAgx(PO4)3 electrode and gives a better knowledge of charge storage.
Nickel oxyhydroxide/zinc hydroxide/rGO as a promising candidate for hybrid energy storage and clean energy generation
Authors: Baral Apurba , Bose Navonil , Show Bibhutibhushan , Bandyopadhyay Nil Ratan , Mukherjee Nillohit
Published: June 2023

Metal hydroxides are the upcoming materials in the field of energy storage applications. In this work, a mixed metal hydroxide‐based carbon composite, that is, nickel oxyhydroxide/zinc hydroxide/rGO, was successfully synthesized through single step hydrothermal process. The synthesized material was thoroughly characterized using x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Detailed electrochemical analysis was performed through cyclic voltammetry, constant current charge‐discharge analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The material exhibited impressive values of specific capacitance (541 F/g), energy density (75 Wh/kg) and power density (2592 W/kg). The electrodes were found to be sufficiently robust and reliable. A symmetric storage device was also fabricated using the synthesized composite followed by thorough electrochemical analyses of the same. A flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator was fabricated by impregnating the polymer PVDF with the synthesized composite that yielded an open circuit voltage of ~50 V and power density of 3117 W/m3. This opens up the possibilities of using the developed material in real life applications.
Deep learning on mixed frequency data
Authors: Xu Qifa , Wang Zezhou , Jiang Cuixia , Liu Yezheng
Published: June 2023

In deep learning, it is common to encounter data observed at different frequencies. Mixed data sampling (MIDAS) is an efficient technique for handling mixed frequency data, where a high frequency predictor is converted into a set of low frequency variables using the frequency alignment approach and parametric function constraints. This efficiently prevents the proliferation of parameters, ensuring the consistency of data frequency. We introduce the MIDAS technique into the deep learning architecture and develop a novel deep learning‐MIDAS (DL‐MIDAS) model, which enables to conduct deep learning on raw mixed frequency data directly. Its efficacy is then illustrated through extensive Monte Carlo simulations and a real‐world application. The simulation experiments show that the DL‐MIDAS model is able to explore nonlinear patterns in mixed frequency data and achieves more stable and accurate prediction results than several competing models, such as the artificial neural network for mixed frequency data (ANN‐MIDAS), long short‐term memory (LSTM), and MIDAS regressions. Additionally, the real‐world application of predicting the inflation rate of China also confirms the strength of DL‐MIDAS. The model can exploit high frequency information contained in financial market to produce timely and accurate prediction results on the inflation rate.
Thermotropic Colloidal Liquid‐Crystalline Hydroxyapatite Nanorod Hybrids Containing a Forklike Mesogen
Authors: Uchida Junya , Kiguchi Ryuta , Kato Riki , Kato Takashi
Published: June 2023

We here report the development of new thermotropic colloidal liquid‐crystalline (LC) organic/inorganic hybrids consisting of a hydroxyapatite (HAp)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) nanorod and a dendritic forklike mesogen. Complexation of the HAp/PAA nanorod covered with negatively charged PAA and a cationic forklike mesogen through electrostatic interactions and cation metathesis results in the surface modification of the HAp/PAA nanorod with the forklike mesogen. While the HAp/PAA nanorod forms a lyotropic colloidal LC phase in the aqueous dispersion, the HAp/PAA nanorod modified with the forklike mesogen exhibits thermotropic colloidal LC phases in the solvent‐free states. The biomineral‐based organic/inorganic colloidal liquid crystals exhibiting thermotropic LC properties have potential for the development of new stimuli‐responsive sustainable materials.
Gastrointestinal barrier integrity and mucosal inflammation as risk factors of blood stream infections in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: De Pietri Silvia , Weischendorff Sarah , Rathe Mathias , Frandsen Thomas Leth , Hasle Henrik , Nersting Jacob , Nielsen Claus H. , Moser Claus , Müller Klaus
Published: June 2023

Chemotherapy‐induced mucositis increases the risk of blood stream infections (BSI) due to translocation of bacteria across the intestinal epithelium. Our study investigated if quantitative measures of intestinal mucositis severity, including plasma citrulline (a marker of functional enterocytes) and CCL20 (an intestinal immune homeostatic chemokine), could identify patients at risk of BSI. A total of 106 children with ALL undergoing induction treatment (NOPHO ALL 2008) were included and information regarding BSI episodes was collected from the patients' medical records. Twenty‐seven patients (25%) developed BSI during induction. Patients with BSI had a larger decrease in citrulline after chemotherapy than patients without BSI, and nearly all BSI episodes (25/27) occurred in the group of patients exhibiting a drop in citrulline (OR = 6.4 [95% CI: 1.4‐29.3], P = .008). Patients who developed BSI had higher plasma CCL20 levels on days 8, 15 and 22 than patients without BSI (all P < .05), and elevated CCL20 levels on day 8 increased the risk of subsequent BSI (OR = 1.57 [1.11‐2.22] per doubling of CCL20 level, P = .01) in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. These findings suggest that children with ALL who develop BSI during chemotherapy are characterised by more severe intestinal mucositis, as measured by plasma citrulline and CCL20. These markers may be useful in early risk stratification to guide treatment decisions.
Composite pheochromocytoma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Tachibana Akira , Iida Kota , Itami Yoshitaka , Hashimura Masaya , Hosokawa Yukinari , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Composite pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor, occurring in only 3% of pheochromocytomas. We report a case of composite pheochromocytoma with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Case presentation

A 42‐year‐old man was referred to our department for further evaluation of an incidentally detected right adrenal tumor. He was a patient at another hospital for neurofibromatosis type 1. The serum and urinary catecholamine levels exceeded the normal range. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a 2.8 cm diameter right adrenal tumor, and 123I‐metaiodobenzyguanidine scintigraphy showed radioisotope uptake. He was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and underwent a right laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor consisted of a pheochromocytoma and ganglioneuroma. The final diagnosis was composite pheochromocytoma‐ganglioneuroma. Five years after surgery, no recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

Preoperative diagnosis of composite pheochromocytoma‐ganglioneuroma is difficult; therefore, histopathological examination is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Pheochromocytoma management requires lifelong follow‐up.
Structure design and hydraulic performance analysis of drip emitters based on vortex energy dissipation
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Ning‐ning , Wang Zhen‐hua , Tan Ming‐dong , Xu Xin , Xing Shao‐bo
Published: June 2023

The centre of the vortex within the drip irrigation emitter easily forms a low‐speed or zero‐velocity zone, which easily causes sediment deposition and blocks the narrow channel of the emitter. To solve this problem, a funnel‐shaped drip irrigation emitter was designed and optimized. Numerical simulations and field tests were conducted to compare and analyse the flow index, energy dissipation coefficient and relative energy dissipation ratio of the emitter. The results showed: (1) When the incident angle (θ) of the diversion channel increased from 0 to 37.4°, the energy dissipation increased from 20% to 64%. The main way of energy dissipation in the emitter changed from impingement of water to viscous drag in the vortex. (2) Under normal pressure, the energy dissipation coefficient of the vortex energy dissipation scheme (F5) was 60% higher than that of the impingement energy dissipation scheme (F1). The flow index of F5 was lower than that of F1 in both the high‐pressure and low‐pressure regions, which was in the range of 0.433–0.466. (3) Due to the spiral flow, there was a vortex with a large axial velocity inside the conical cavity, which can effectively avoid sediment deposition in the vortex centre.