bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excavation across the Dere Street Roman Road at Dun Law, Scottish Borders
Authors: O'Connell Chris , White Ross , Cressey Michael , Ellis Clare , Huntley Jacqueline , McCulloch Robert
Published: March 2022

Dere Street Roman Road was strategically important to the Roman army. It was built in the late 1st century ad to enable the advance of the Roman Army, commanded by Agricola, into the hostile territories of what is now Scotland. This eastern arterial road linked the Roman legionary forts of Eburacum (York) and Inchtuthil near Perth, and continued to be used through the medieval period, its longevity of use standing as a testament to Roman engineering and road construction. In 2007 an archaeological excavation made an exciting discovery which sheds new light on construction techniques employed by Agricola’s legionnaires and demonstrates their adaptive ability to use whatever local resources were at hand to engineer a solution for crossing difficult terrain. As an archaeological response to a proposal to extend the existing Dun Law Windfarm, excavations were conducted by CFA Archaeology Ltd across what was believed to be the course of Dere Street running across Dun Law, a prominent, but wet and boggy, hillside in the Scottish Borders (NGR: NT 4643 5663). The excavations discovered a surviving section of the road, which at that point traversed a palaeochannel by means of a latticework of logs and a mat of branchwood.
Hold that pose: capturing cervical dystonia's head deviation severity from video
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Cisneros Elizabeth , Lee Ha Yeon , Vu Jeanne P. , Chen Qiyu , Benadof Casey N. , Whitehill Jacob , Rouzbehani Ryin , Sy Dominique T. , Huang Jeannie S. , Sejnowski Terrence J. , Jankovic Joseph , Factor Stewart , Goetz Christopher G. , Barbano Richard L. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Jinnah Hyder A. , Berman Brian D. , Richardson Sarah Pirio , Stebbins Glenn T. , Comella Cynthia L. , Peterson David A.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Deviated head posture is a defining characteristic of cervical dystonia (CD). Head posture severity is typically quantified with clinical rating scales such as the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS). Because clinical rating scales are inherently subjective, they are susceptible to variability that reduces their sensitivity as outcome measures. The variability could be circumvented with methods to measure CD head posture objectively. However, previously used objective methods require specialized equipment and have been limited to studies with a small number of cases. The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel software system—the Computational Motor Objective Rater (CMOR)—to quantify multi‐axis directionality and severity of head posture in CD using only conventional video camera recordings.

Methods

CMOR is based on computer vision and machine learning technology that captures 3D head angle from video. We used CMOR to quantify the axial patterns and severity of predominant head posture in a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of 185 patients with isolated CD recruited from 10 sites in the Dystonia Coalition.

Results

The predominant head posture involved more than one axis in 80.5% of patients and all three axes in 44.4%. CMOR's metrics for head posture severity correlated with severity ratings from movement disorders neurologists using both the TWSTRS‐2 and an adapted version of the Global Dystonia Rating Scale (rho = 0.59–0.68, all p <0.001).

Conclusions

CMOR's convergent validity with clinical rating scales and reliance upon only conventional video recordings supports its future potential for large scale multisite clinical trials.
NIAAA finds 25% increase in alcohol‐related deaths during COVID‐19
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2022

Researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have found that alcohol‐related deaths increased markedly during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Reconfigurable Magnetic Slime Robot: Deformation, Adaptability, and Multifunction
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Tian Chenyao , Mao Liyang , Meng Xianghe , Shen Xingjian , Hao Bo , Wang Xin , Xie Hui , Zhang Li
Published: March 2022

Magnetic miniature soft‐bodied robots allow non‐invasive access to restricted spaces and provide ideal solutions for minimally invasive surgery, micromanipulation, and targeted drug delivery. However, the existing elastomer‐based (silicone) and fluid‐based (ferrofluid or liquid metal) magnetically actuated miniature soft robots have limitations. Owing to its limited deformability, the elastomer‐based small‐scale soft robot cannot navigate through a highly restricted environment. In contrast, although fluid‐based soft robots are more capable of deformation, they are also limited by the unstable shape of the fluid itself, and are therefore poorly adapted to the environment. In this study, non‐Newtonian fluid‐based magnetically actuated slime robots with both the adaptability of elastomer‐based robots and reconfigurable significant deformation capabilities of fluid‐based robots are demonstrated. The robots can negotiate through narrow channels with a diameter of 1.5 mm and maneuver on multiple substrates in complex environments. The proposed slime robot implements various functions, including grasping solid objects, swallowing and transporting harmful things, human motion monitoring, and circuit switching and repair. This study proposes the design of novel soft‐bodied robots and enhances their future applications in biomedical, electronic, and other fields.
Single‐Ion‐Functionalized Nanocellulose Membranes Enable Lean‐Electrolyte and Deeply Cycled Aqueous Zinc‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Ge Xuesong , Zhang Weihua , Song Fuchen , Xie Bin , Li Jiedong , Wang Jinzhi , Wang Xiaojun , Zhao Jingwen , Cui Guanglei
Published: March 2022

Aqueous cells with zinc‐metal anodes featuring safety and low cost, are beneficial for diversifying energy‐storage technologies, while their energy density and cyclability have been long limited by side‐reactions and dendrite issues, especially at the practical device level. Though sustained efforts are underway to renovate electrodes and electrolytes, the roles of other indispensable components, such as separators, in the cell operation have been not fully unexplored thus far. Here, it is demonstrated that both the reversibility and utilization of aqueous zinc anodes can be improved by using a single‐ion Zn2+‐conducting nanocellulose membrane as the separator. Even without any treatments to the electrodes and thereof interfaces, this functional membrane marked by synergetic optimization on key required properties regarding mechanical strength, preferred Zn2+ conduction and hydrophilicity, mitigates H2 evolution, corrosion, and dendrite growth on zinc anodes, thus enabling >80% depth‐of‐discharge stable cycling under practically feasible lean electrolyte (electrolyte‐to‐capacity ratio = 1.0 g Ah−1) and high areal capacity (8.0 mAh cm−2) conditions. These findings translate to an excellent capacity retention of exceeding 95% after 150 cycles for full cells with practically high‐loading cathodes (17 mg cm−2). This work provides a simple yet practical avenue to high‐energy, long‐cycling aqueous zinc‐metal batteries.
Modularizable Liquid‐Crystal‐Based Open Surfaces Enable Programmable Chemical Transport and Feeding using Liquid Droplets
Authors: Xu Yang , Chang Yun , Yao Yuxing , Zhang Meng , Dupont Robert L. , Rather Adil M. , Bao Xiaoping , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: March 2022

Droplet‐based miniature reactors have attracted interest in both fundamental studies, for the unique reaction kinetics they enable, and applications in bio‐diagnosis and material synthesis. However, the precise and automatic feeding of chemicals, important for the delicate reactions in these miniaturized chemical reactors, either requires complex, high‐cost microfluidic devices or lacks the capability to maintain a pinning‐free droplet movement. Here, the design and synthesis of a new class of liquid crystal (LC)‐based open surfaces, which enable a controlled chemical release via a programmable LC phase transition without sacrificing the free transport of the droplets, are reported. It is demonstrated that their intrinsic slipperiness and self‐healing properties enable a modularizable assembly of LC surfaces that can be loaded with different chemicals to achieve a wide range of chemical reactions carried out within the droplets, including sequential and parallel chemical reactions, crystal growth, and polymer synthesis. Finally, an LC‐based chemical feeding device is developed that can automatically control the release of chemicals to direct the simultaneous differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into endothelial progenitor cells and cardiomyocytes. Overall, these LC surfaces exhibit desirable levels of automation, responsiveness, and controllability for use in miniature droplet carriers and reactors.
Crosstalk‐Free, High‐Resolution Pressure Sensor Arrays Enabled by High‐Throughput Laser Manufacturing
Authors: Li Yihao , Long Junyu , Chen Yun , Huang Yan , Zhao Ni
Published: March 2022

Simultaneously achieving high spatial resolution and low crosstalk interference has been a fundamental challenge for flexible pressure sensor arrays. Here the authors present a high‐resolution flexible pressure sensor array fabricated through a two‐step laser manufacturing process, where individual sensing pixels and their interconnects are sequentially defined by laser‐induced graphenization and ablation to minimize crosstalk interferences. The geometry of the interconnects is optimized through theoretical modeling and experimental validation. Characterization results show that the new device design induces a remarkable reduction of the crosstalk coefficient, from −8.21 to −43.63 dB, of the 0.7 mm‐resolution sensor arrays, and the crosstalk suppression is particularly beneficial for application scenarios involving pressure sensing on soft surfaces (e.g., human skin and organs). Applications of the sensor array in tactile pattern recognition and minimally‐invasive cancer surgery are demonstrated.
Layered Nano‐Mosaic of Niobium Disulfide Heterostructures by Direct Sulfidation of Niobium Carbide MXenes for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Husmann Samantha , Torkamanzadeh Mohammad , Liang Kun , Majed Ahmad , Dun Chaochao , Urban Jeffrey J , Naguib Michael , Presser Volker
Published: March 2022

MXene‐transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) heterostructures are synthesized through a one‐step heat treatment of Nb2C and Nb4C3. These MXenes are used without delamination or any pre‐treatment. Heat treatments accomplish the sacrificial transformation of these MXenes into TMD (NbS2) at 700 and 900 °C under H2S. This work investigates, for the first time, the role of starting MXene phase in the derivative morphology. It is shown that while treatment of Nb2C at 700 °C leads to the formation of pillar‐like structures on the parent MXene, Nb4C3 produces nano‐mosaic layered NbS2. At 900 °C, both MXene phases, of the same transition metal, fully convert into nano‐mosaic layered NbS2 preserving the parent MXene's layered morphology. When tested as electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction, Nb4C3‐derived hybrids show better performance than Nb2C derivatives. The Nb4C3‐derived heterostructure exhibits a low overpotential of 198 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 122 mV dec−1, with good cycling stability in an acidic electrolyte.
Resonant Control and Enhancement of Upconversion Luminescence of NaYF4:Yb,Er Nanoparticles on Metal Gratings
Authors: Luo Wen , Xu Feng , Li Aihua , Sun Zhijun
Published: March 2022

Large plasmonic enhancements of upconversion luminescence (UCL) of lanthanide‐doped materials are achieved usually by plasmon resonances at excitation wavelengths. Here, moderately high‐Q plasmon resonance modes at emission wavelengths are used to control and enhance the UCLs of NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles on metal gratings. It is experimentally shown that, as Bloch‐type plasmon resonance modes locate at/near the green‐ (≈540 nm) or red‐emission (≈654 nm) wavelengths, the UCL is strongly enhanced (e.g., up to ≈117 times for the green and ≈272 times for the red), as well as large modifications of the green‐to‐red intensity ratios. The enhancement factors are comparable to or even much larger than those for plasmon resonances at excitation wavelengths reported in literatures. Importantly, it is disclosed that localized plasmon resonance modes in grooves of the metallic gratings, usually invisible in far‐field characterization, can be excited by the emission dipoles (Er3+) in vicinity (i.e., in the near‐field) to play an important role on UCL emissions. It is also inferred that the plasmon resonance modes at the emission wavelengths improve not only the Purcell factor for UCL emissions but also the energy transfer (Yb3+→Er3+) rates in excitation.
Life‐saving case of cardiopulmonary arrest by secondary aortoenteric fistula formed in the anastomotic site between the inferior mesenteric artery and aortic graft
Authors: Yagi Masayuki , Aiboshi Junichi , Kojima Mitsuaki , Yoshikawa Shunsuke , Morishita Koji , Kaji Masahito , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: March 2022

Background

Secondary aortoenteric fistula is a fatal cause of gastrointestinal bleeding after aortic reconstructive surgery with a prosthesis. In most cases, the proximal suture line is involved. We herein report a rare case in which the fistula formed between the suture line of inferior mesenteric artery reimplantation and the jejunum.

Case Presentation

An 82‐year‐old man was transferred to our hospital due to hematemesis with severe hypovolemic shock. Although he fell into cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate resuscitation achieved return of spontaneous circulation. As his surgical history of aortic reconstruction and computed tomography findings suggested potential secondary aortoenteric fistula, emergency surgery was carried out. The anastomosis between the inferior mesenteric artery and aortic graft was communicating with the jejunum. Partial jejunal resection was undertaken, and the aortic graft was replaced.

Conclusion

The anastomosis between the inferior mesenteric artery and aortic graft in the previous aortic replacement can become the site of secondary aortoenteric fistula.
One‐dimensional metal–organic framework‐reinforced gel polymer electrolyte enables a stable Li metal battery
Authors: Shi Rongjia , Liao Kaiming , Wang Cuie
Published: March 2022

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are intrinsically advantageous over rigid inorganic ones due to their easy processability and scalability. However, in terms of poor mechanical strength, GPEs can hardly satisfy the requirement of practical Li metal batteries. Herein, a novel one‐dimensional Cu‐metal–organic framework (MOF)‐filler‐reinforced GPE with the merits of high mechanical strength and high ionic conductivity is developed. When such GPE is used in Li symmetrical cells, small and stable Li‐plating/stripping overpotentials (~50 mV) can be maintained over 350 h at .3 mA/cm2. Benefitting from the above MOF‐filler‐reinforced GPE, a full cell with the Li metal anode and LiFePO4 cathode presents a stable cycling performance with a low capacity decay rate of .004% per cycle over 800 cycles at 1 C.
Polyoxazoline‐modified graphene oxides with improved water and epoxy resin dispersibility and stability towards composite applications
Authors: Sahin Zeynep Munteha , Kohlan Taha Behroozi , Atespare Asu Ece , Yildiz Mehmet , Unal Serkan , Dizman Bekir
Published: March 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) is modified with poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEOZ) and poly[(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline‐co‐(ethylenimine)] (PEOZ‐PEI) to enhance its dispersibility in water and epoxy resin. PEOZ with a terminal primary amine and POZ‐PEI with multiple backbone secondary amines are synthesized with scalable methods and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). GO modifications are performed at room temperature and 90°C with/without N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and modified‐GOs are analyzed by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX). It is observed that the polymer incorporation varies based on the reaction condition, polymer type, and functional group type and position. The dispersion quality and stability of modified GOs are studied in water by particle size analyzer and visually and in epoxy resin by rheometer. PEOZ‐modified GOs show better dispersibility and stability than PEOZ‐PEI‐modified GOs in both media since PEOZ is monofunctional, preventing the agglomerate formation and improving polymer exposure to the dispersion media by its longer length and higher water‐solubility, whereas PEOZ‐PEI has lower water solubility, multiple amines for interactions leading to agglomeration and limited polymer exposure to the dispersion media. The tailorable polymer grafting and the increased dispersibility of modified GOs in both media are promising indicators of their possible applications in composites.
Gelation of a π‐Decorated Glutamate as a Homochiral Selective Self‐assembly to Obtain Macroscopic Chiral Symmetry Breaking
Authors: Tashiro Kentaro , Takei Toshiaki , Fracaroli Alejandro M. , Ohtsu Hiroyoshi , Kawano Masaki , Hashizume Daisuke
Published: March 2022

An N‐Fmoc and C‐tBu‐protected glutamate (1) bearing a phenanthrene moiety at the side residue crystalizes and gels to afford hetero‐ and homochiral assemblies, respectively, depending on its optical purity or solvent. When a non‐stoichiometric mixture of enantiomers of 1 in acetonitrile was treated with the conditions that leave a mixture of gel and supernatant, it exhibited the self‐disproportionation of enantiomers with an enrichment of the major enantiomer in the gel. Under similar conditions, a racemic mixture of 1 also provided a gel/supernatant mixture, where the gel was enriched in either of L or D‐form of 1 stochastically as the result of macroscopic chiral symmetry breaking in its gelation process.
GFP‐tagging of extracellular vesicles for rapid process development
Authors: Carrillo Sanchez Braulio , Hinchliffe Matthew , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: March 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as nano‐scale molecular messengers owing to their capacity to shuttle functional macromolecular cargo between cells. This intrinsic ability to deliver bioactive cargo has sparked great interest in the use of EVs as novel therapeutic delivery vehicles; investments totaling over $2 billion in 2020 alone were reported for therapeutic EVs.

One of the bottlenecks facing the production of EVs is the lack of rapid and high throughput analytics to aid process development. Here CHO cells have been designed and engineered to express GFP‐tagged EVs via fusion to CD81. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of parent cell characterization to ensure lack of non‐fused GFP for the effective use of this quantitative approach. The fluorescent nature of resulting vesicles allowed for rapid quantification of concentration and yield across the EV purification process. In this manner, the degree of product loss was deduced by mass balance analysis of ultrafiltration processing, reconciled up to 97% of initial feed mass. The use of GFP‐tagging allowed for straightforward monitoring of vesicle elution from chromatography separations and detection via western blotting. Collectively, this work illustrates the utility of GFP‐tagged EVs as a quantitative and accessible tool for accelerated process development.
Board gender diversity and environmental emissions
Authors: Kyaw Khine , Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Jiraporn Pornsit
Published: March 2022

The recent climate emergency declaration by many nations around the world signifies the severity of the impact of climate change. As an entity which consumes a large quantity of resources ranging from material to human, corporations have a responsibility to seriously tackle climate change. As a company's board of directors is typically responsible for developing business strategies, including environmental strategies, this paper explores whether gender diversity on corporate boards affect firms' emission performance. Consistent with diversity theory, we find that board gender diversity is positively associated with firms' emission reduction performance. The likelihood that a firm with a gender diverse board reduces environmental emission is 9% higher than its industry peers. To ensure that our results are robust to endogeneity, we conduct additional analyses including propensity score matching (PSM), entropy balancing, and instrumental‐variable analysis.
Imparting knowledge to a unique generation of budding clinical anatomists
Authors: Clifton William
Published: March 2022

The newest influx of young learners of anatomy in medical education belong to Generation Z (GenZ), a unique generation of individuals that are vastly different from the Millennial and GenZ trainees before them. It has been shown that the first wave of GenZ members entering the workforce possess considerable talent for innovation and dedication to their work. However, recent evidence suggests that GenZ learners are also potently susceptible to environmental influences and place heavy emphasis on personal relationships developed with their instructors. This characteristic presents a challenge to current instructors of clinical anatomy participating in intergenerational teaching, especially with respect to instructing the intangible aspects of a successful academic career. This article highlights the pressing educational challenges faced by anatomy instructors and provides a concise method to reach GenZ trainees in a way that will help prepare them for the personal and professional milestones needed to achieve a successful academic and clinical career.
Good functional recovery after bilateral elbow dislocation associated with bilateral distal radius and ulna fractures
Authors: Bobovec Dino , Rajačić Daniel , Žigman Tomislav , Dobrić Ivan
Published: March 2022

Bilateral elbow dislocation associated with bilateral distal forearm fractures is extremely rare, therefore its optimal treatment, complications, and outcomes remain unclear. We present an illustrative case with a 2‐year follow up of a patient who sustained a complex injury of the upper extremity and underwent combined surgical and conservative treatment.
Rare‐Earth Metal Yttrium‐Modified Composite Metal Oxide Catalysts for High Selectivity Synthesis of Biomass‐Derived Lactic Acid from Cellulose
Authors: Dong Wendi , Ou Man , Qu Dongxue , Shi Xingshan , Guo Ming , Liu Guojun , Wang Shaoshuai , Wang Fenfen , Chen Yuhui
Published: March 2022

Lactic acid is a versatile and potential building block for generating biodegradable plastics and polylactic acid, as well as in chemical and pharmaceuticals industry. Nevertheless, the achievement of lactic acid production in large quantities remains an enormous challenge. Herein, a series of yttrium‐modified composite metal oxide catalysts were synthesized for production of lactic acid starting from renewable biomass cellulose. Interestingly, Y2O3/Al2O3 showed outstanding chemoselectivity towards lactic acid due to its predominant Lewis acid sites (Y3+) and weak Brønsted acid sites (hydroxyl group) together with appropriate total surface acidity. The structure‐activity relationship was systematically investigated by a combination of XRD, BET, NH3‐TPD, PyIR, SEM, FTIR, and XPS characterization techniques. A nearly complete conversion of cellulose and as high as 72.8 % yield of lactic acid could be achieved under the optimum conditions. Importantly, the resultant catalysts were reusable without appreciable loss in catalytic activity after five consecutive cycles. This study provides an efficient, cost‐efficient and facile strategy for fabricating promising heterogeneous catalysts for conversion of biomass resources to highly valuable chemicals.
Copy number variations identified in thyroid FNA specimens are associated with Hürthle cell cytomorphology
Authors: Abi‐Raad Rita , Prasad Manju L. , Adeniran Adebowale J. , Cai Guoping
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of thyroid Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCNs) remains challenging. This study explored a possible association of copy number variations (CNVs) with Hürthle cell lesions of the thyroid.

METHODS

Thyroid FNA cases that were diagnosed as follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) or follicular neoplasm (FN)/HCN for which the ThyroSeq version 3 genomic classifier test was performed were retrieved.

RESULTS

A total of 324 thyroid FNA cases (228 FLUS cases, 46 HCN cases, and 50 FN cases) were included in the study. FLUS cases were further classified as Hürthle cell type (follicular lesion of undetermined significance–Hürthle cell type [FLUS‐HCT]; 20 cases) or non‐Hürthle cell type (follicular lesion of undetermined significance–non‐Hürthle cell type [FLUS‐NHCT]; 208 cases). HCN and FLUS‐HCT cases showed a higher prevalence of CNVs (23 of 66 [35%]) in comparison with those classified as FN or FLUS‐NHCT (14 of 258 [5%]; P < .001). A total of 105 patients had histopathologic follow‐up. Cases with CNVs were more likely to be neoplastic (18 of 26 [69%]) and associated with Hürthle cell changes (14 of 26 [54%]) in comparison with cases without any molecular alterations (neoplastic, 8 of 24 [33%]; Hürthle cell changes, 2 of 24 [8%]; P < .05). In HCN/FLUS‐HCT cases with CNVs (n = 14), Hürthle cell changes (13 of 14 [93%]) and neoplasms (9 of 14 [64%]) were more likely to be seen on surgical follow‐up in comparison with the 17 cases without CNVs (Hürthle cell changes, 6 of 17 [35%]; neoplastic, 3 of 17 [18%]; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

CNVs identified in thyroid FNA cases are associated with Hürthle cell morphology and are suggestive of a neoplasm with Hürthle cell features in thyroid FNAs classified as FLUS‐HCT/HCN. This finding may be helpful in triaging patients who would benefit from surgical management.;
Investigation of Lithium Polyacrylate Binders for Aqueous Processing of Ni‐Rich Lithium Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Reissig Friederike , Puls Sebastian , Placke Tobias , Winter Martin , Schmuch Richard , Gomez‐Martin Aurora
Published: March 2022

Ni‐rich layered oxide cathodes are promising candidates to satisfy the increasing energy demand of lithium‐ion batteries for automotive applications. Aqueous processing of such materials, although desirable to reduce costs and improve sustainability, remains challenging due to the Li+/H+exchange upon contact with water, resulting in a pH increase and corrosion of the aluminum current collector. Herein, an example was given for tuning the properties of aqueous LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2electrode pastes using a lithium polyacrylate‐based binder to find the “sweet spot” for processing parameters and electrochemical performance. Polyacrylic acid was partially neutralized to balance high initial capacity, good cycling stability, and the prevention of aluminum corrosion. Optimized LiOH/polyacrylic acid ratios in water were identified, showing comparable cycling performance to electrodes processed with polyvinylidene difluoride requiring toxicN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone as solvent. This work gives an exemplary study for tuning aqueous electrode pastes properties aiming towards a more environmentally friendly processing of Ni‐rich cathodes.
Genotyping‐by‐sequencing analysis of Orobanche crenata populations in Algeria reveals genetic differentiation
Authors: Bendaoud Farah , Kim Gunjune , Larose Hailey , Westwood James H. , Zermane Nadjia , Haak David C.
Published: March 2022

Crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) is a serious long‐standing parasitic weed problem in Algeria, mainly affecting legumes but also vegetable crops. Unresolved questions for parasitic weeds revolve around the extent to which these plants undergo local adaptation, especially with respect to host specialization, which would be expected to be a strong selective factor for obligate parasitic plants. In the present study, the genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach was used to analyze genetic diversity and population structure of 10 Northern Algerian O. crenata populations with different geographical origins and host species (faba bean, pea, chickpea, carrot, and tomato). In total, 8004 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (5% missingness) were obtained and used across the study. Genetic diversity and relationships of 95 individuals from 10 populations were studied using model‐based ancestry analysis, principal components analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components, and phylogeny approaches. The genetic differentiation (FST) between pairs of populations was lower between adjacent populations and higher between geographically separated ones, but no support was found for isolation by distance. Further analyses identified four genetic clusters and revealed evidence of structuring among populations and, although confounded with location, among hosts. In the clearest example, O. crenata growing on pea had a SNP profile that was distinct from other host/location combinations. These results illustrate the importance and potential of GBS to reveal the dynamics of parasitic weed dispersal and population structure.
ZIF‐Mediated Anchoring of Co species on N‐doped Carbon Nanorods as an Efficient Cathode Catalyst for Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Yu Qiang , Lv Jianshuai , Li Jiantao , Yu Ruohan , Wu Jinsong , Xi Shibo , Li Xinyuan , Xu Nuo , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2022

Developing efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst is essential for the practical application of Zn‐air batteries (ZABs). In this contribution, we develop a novel zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐mediated strategy to anchor Co species on N‐doped carbon nanorods for efficient ORR. Featuring ultrahigh N‐doping (10.29 at.%), monodisperse Co nanocrystal decoration, and well‐dispersed Co‐Nx functionalization, the obtained Co‐decorated N‐doped carbon nanorods (Co@NCNR) exhibit a decent ORR performance comparable to commercial Pt/C in alkaline media. Aqueous ZABs have been assembled using Co@NCNR as the cathode catalyst. The assembled ZABs manifest high initial open‐circuit voltage as well as high energy density. In addition, the Co@NCNR also demonstrates ideal ORR performance in quasi‐solid‐state ZABs.
Dead volume–free flow splitting in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Böhm Daniel , Koall Martin , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: March 2022

In recent years, several dual detection concepts (DDCs) for CE were developed, which consisted of at least one nondestructive detector. For these DDCs, a linear detector arrangement could be used, which is not possible when both detectors are destructive. To overcome this problem, we developed a concept for the splitting of the CE stream utilizing commercially available flow splitters (FSs) that allow the parallel positioning of two destructive detectors. In this proof‐of‐concept study, T‐ and Y‐shaped FSs were characterized regarding their suitability for DDCs. To keep it simple, a UV detector (UV) and a C4D were used for the characterization. The model system consisted of an acetonitrile‐based background electrolyte and the two model substances, (ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium iodide and caffeine. CE hyphenated to a UV detector (CE‐UV) measurements revealed that the split ratio was about 50% for both FSs. CE‐C4D was used to evaluate the peak shape in front of and behind the FSs. These measurements showed that there was no significant peak broadening introduced by the FSs. Additionally, there were no changes in the LODs in front of and behind the FSs. Furthermore, the flexibility of the new FS approach allowed the usage of capillaries with different ids (25–75 µm) for injection and detection.
Taxonomic notes on southern Indian Portulaca (Portulacaceae)
Authors: Singh Rajeev Kumar , Arigela Ravi Kiran
Published: March 2022

The Indian species Portulaca suffruticosa has been confused with other taxa by many previous authors, due to lack of field collections and a paucity of specimens in Indian herbaria. Following a morphological taxonomic study supported by new field collections, P. suffruticosa is confirmed as an accepted species endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka, and as distinct from P. pilosa and P. tuberosa. The more recently described species P. lakshminarasimhaniana and P. laljii are considered to be conspecific with P. suffruticosa, and P. badamica conspecific with P. tuberosa; their names are accordingly synonymised. Lectotypifications of the names P. suffruticosa Wight, P. tuberosa Roxb. and P. wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn. were found to be necessary to avoid future misapplication of names and full descriptions of these three species are provided. A key to all Indian species of Portulaca is provided.
Beyond broadband: Towards a spectral decomposition of electroencephalography microstates
Authors: Férat Victor , Seeber Martin , Michel Christoph M. , Ros Tomas
Published: March 2022

Originally applied to alpha oscillations in the 1970s, microstate (MS) analysis has since been used to decompose mainly broadband electroencephalogram (EEG) signals (e.g., 1–40 Hz). We hypothesised that MS decomposition within separate, narrow frequency bands could provide more fine‐grained information for capturing the spatio‐temporal complexity of multichannel EEG. In this study, using a large open‐access dataset (n = 203), we first filtered EEG recordings into four classical frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha and beta) and thereafter compared their individual MS segmentations using mutual information as well as traditional MS measures (e.g., mean duration and time coverage). Firstly, we confirmed that MS topographies were spatially equivalent across all frequencies, matching the canonical broadband maps (A, B, C, D and C′). Interestingly, however, we observed strong informational independence of MS temporal sequences between spectral bands, together with significant divergence in traditional MS measures. For example, relative to broadband, alpha/beta band dynamics displayed greater time coverage of maps A and B, while map D was more prevalent in delta/theta bands. Moreover, using a frequency‐specific MS taxonomy (e.g., ϴA and αC), we were able to predict the eyes‐open versus eyes‐closed behavioural state significantly better using alpha‐band MS features compared with broadband ones (80 vs. 73% accuracy). Overall, our findings demonstrate the value and validity of spectrally specific MS analyses, which may prove useful for identifying new neural mechanisms in fundamental research and/or for biomarker discovery in clinical populations.
Performance evaluation of general public hospitals in territories of the Former Yugoslavia: An ecological study using the Pabon Lasso model
Authors: Medarević Aleksandar
Published: March 2022

Background

Measuring hospital performance is an area of great importance due to limited resources. Additionally, hospital activities are vital during emergencies providing care under pressure of external factors.

Aim

This study aimed at analysing performances of general public hospitals from territories of the Former Yugoslavia.

Method

This ecological study includes 99 hospitals from 6 territories based on annual reports of institutions in charge of territorial health data. The Pabon Lasso method was used, considering hospitals in the third quadrant of the plot as top‐performing in the territory. A particular focus was on performance changes during the pandemic caused by SARS‐COV‐2 coronavirus.

Results and conclusion

There is considerable heterogeneity in the length of stay, bed occupancy and turnover rate between territories. The proportion of top‐performing hospitals varied between 20% and 43%, providing between 16% and 69% of inpatients episodes within the territory. However, countries did not differ in how their hospitals were distributed across the four quadrants of the Pabon Lasso plot. Comparison of Croatian and Kosovar data from 2019 to 2020 suggested a significant decrease in turnover and occupancy rates, but most hospitals retained their plot quartiles from the previous year. This supports the finding that there were no significant changes in hospital performance based on the Pabon Lasso method. The analysis showed significant room for performance improvement and highlighted the ability of the Croatian and Kosovar hospitals and their health systems to maintain efficiency during emergencies.
Emulsification of waste cooking oil biodiesel blend with hydrogen peroxide to assess tailpipe emissions and performance of a compression ignition engine
Authors: Mohan Sooraj , Dinesha P.
Published: March 2022

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an excellent oxidant carrier that finds its use in combustion and fuel applications. In the present study, H2O2 (30% assay) is used as an emulsifier in waste cooking oil biodiesel blend (B20) and the emissions and performance in a compression ignition engine are assessed. Along with the neat B20, three blends of B20 with 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% H2O2 concentrations are used. Increasing the concentration of H2O2 beyond 1.5% resulted in vapor lock in the fuel pump leading to a loss in injection pressure. An increase in the exhaust gas temperature was recorded with the increase in H2O2 concentration due to improved fuel properties, like, cetane number, thermal conductivity, and microexplosions of fuel droplets. However, NOx emissions decreased mainly due to the presence of the hydroperoxyl group from H2O2. Analysis of variance was also carried out to assess the statistical significance of H2O2 on the responses and is seen that the maximum impact of H2O2 was positively influencing brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC), hydrocarbon (HC), and NOx. Compared with the B20 blend, H2O2 emulsified fuel with a concentration of 1.5% showed a substantial reduction of 53.7%, 28.6%, 14.2%, and 16.2% in the average emissions of CO, HC, smoke, and NOx, respectively. Similarly, 7.9% and 7.1% improvement in the BTE and BSFC is obtained. However, more studies are required to ascertain the NOx reduction mechanism and address issues of fuel vaporization at higher concentrations of H2O2.
Assessing the environmental impacts of organic and conventional mixed vegetable production based on the life cycle assessment approach
Authors: Temizyurek-Arslan Merve , Karacetin Evrim
Published: March 2022

This study aims to assess the environmental impacts and the energy efficiency of organic and conventional vegetable production in Palas Basin, Kayseri, Turkey. Three organic and three conventional farmers representing the vegetable production in the region participated in face-to-face questionnaires. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was implemented to assess the global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential (AP), and energy use, which were selected as environmental impact potentials. Additionally, the environmental risk assessment was conducted to understand the impact of pesticide use in the region. Six farmers were investigated individually, and it was found that all of the farmers had a common cultivation calendar, but there were differences in the application. Particularly, mineral fertilizer use and irrigation were excessive in some agricultural practices. Although the use of N- and P-based mineral fertilizers was one of the main differences between organic and conventional farming, irrigation was a common practice. Irrigation, the most influential practice, elevated not only water consumption but also EP, AP, and GWP as a result of electricity consumption by electrical pumps. Electricity consumption from irrigation contributed to the GWP most, and this value was in the range of 45%–95%. Mineral fertilizer use covered up to 40% of the EP, 31% of the GWP, and 37% of the AP for conventional farmers. Three different scenarios were developed to reduce the environmental impacts of the use of excessive mineral fertilizer and irrigation. The developed scenarios recommended the reductions by 38%, 44%, 25%, and 60% in GWP, EP, AP, and total energy inputs, respectively. This study demonstrates that LCA is beneficial in determining the environmental impact of hotspots in vegetable production and allows the development of different solutions to mitigate environmental impacts for agricultural sustainability. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1733–1746. © 2022 SETAC

KEY POINTS

The main difference between organic and conventional farming was determined as inorganic mineral fertilizers that mostly affected eutrophication potential and the indirect energy. Among all agricultural inputs, electricity was detected as an environmental impact hotspot contributing to the global warming potential from 45% to 95% and the direct energy up to 83.21% regardless of organic or conventional farming. It can be concluded that the prohibition of synthetic inputs for organic farming reduces environmental impacts and contributes to higher energy efficiency. The LCA approach used in the study could be used to determine the environmental impacts of mixed vegetable production and develop the different scenarios for reducing these environmental impacts by energy savings and less greenhouse gas emissions for environmental sustainability.
Predictive accuracy of admission cardiotocography as a screening tool for perinatal asphyxia in high‐risk parturients in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Hanifah D. , Galadanci Hadiza S. , Farouk Zubaida L.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the predictive accuracy of admission cardiotocography (CTG) as a screening test for perinatal asphyxia in high‐risk parturients.

Methods

A prospective study was done on a group of 180 high‐risk parturients in the labor ward of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were subjected to a 30‐min admission cardiotocography. Results were categorized based on the RCOG criteria. Those with normal results were allowed to progress in labor, while those with abnormal results had their delivery expedited. Umbilical artery blood gas analysis was done at delivery. Measured variables were expressed in descriptive statistics. Tests of association for categorical variables were done using the non–parametric chi‐square test (P‐value of ≤0.05). The Binary logistic regression model was used to control potential confounders.

Results

After excluding five cord blood samples, 175 samples were analyzed. The CTG was reassuring in 149 (85.1%), non‐reassuring in 15 (8.6%), and abnormal in 11 (6.3%) women. Fetal distress developed in 5 (3.4%) and 7 (46.7%) of reassuring and non‐reassuring groups, respectively. The test had 91% sensitivity, specificity was 68.8%, and the predictive accuracy was 88.6% for asphyxia using base deficit.

Conclusion

The admission that cardiotocography is useful in detecting fetuses at risk of perinatal asphyxia in high‐risk deliveries.
Prior vertical uterine incision: Effect on subsequent pregnancy characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Sangara Rauvynne N. , Youssefzadeh Ariane C. , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , McCarthy Lauren E. , Matsuzaki Shinya , Matsushima Kazuhide , Kunze Mirjam , Klar Maximilian , Ouzounian Joseph G. , Matsuo Koji
Published: March 2022

Objective

To examine characteristics and outcomes of cesarean delivery (CD) in women with a history of vertical hysterotomy.

Method

This is a comparative study that retrospectively queried the National Inpatient Sample from October 2016 to December 2018. Pregnancy characteristics and surgical outcomes of CD among 18 575 women with prior vertical uterine incision were compared to 1 072 949 women with prior low‐transverse incision, assessed by multivariable generalized estimating equation model and propensity score weighting.

Results

In a multivariable analysis, women who had prior vertical uterine incision were more likely to have placenta percreta (odds ratio [OR] 3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.87–6.20), pre‐labor uterine rupture (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.52–4.80), in‐labor uterine rupture (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.55–3.51), and extreme preterm delivery <28 weeks (OR 17.8, 95% CI 15.2–20.7) in the current pregnancy, compared to those who had prior low‐transverse uterine incision. In a weighted model, prior vertical hysterotomy was associated with increased surgical morbidity in current CD compared to prior low‐transverse hysterotomy (10.6% vs. 4.8%, OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.81–2.26), including hemorrhage (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.74–2.27) and hysterectomy (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.97–4.53).

Conclusion

Prior vertical uterine incision at CD was associated with increased risk of placenta percreta, uterine rupture, particularly before labor, and adverse outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy.
Clinical value of serum miR‐320‐3p expression in predicting the prognosis of sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Ji Jian , Luo Hong , Shi Jufen
Published: March 2022

Background

For investigating the expression of miR‐320‐3p in children with sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and its prognostic value.

Methods

A total of 142 patients were grouped into a survival group (n = 95) and death group (n = 47), which was based on their 28‐day survival. Serum degrees of miR‐320‐3p, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipid carrier protein (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) were detected. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health scoring system Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) marks were recorded. Target gene forecast and functional enrichment discussion of miR‐320‐3p were performed, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network diagram was plotted by applying bioinformatics methods. Multivariate logistic regression, ROC curve and Pearson correlation analysis were applied.

Results

The death group showed greatly higher serum levels of miR‐320‐3p, KIM‐1 and APACHE Ⅱ scores than the survival group (p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that levels of miR‐320‐3p, NGAL, KIM‐1 and APACHE Ⅱ scores were independent risk elements for death in sepsis children with AKI (p < 0.01). According to ROC curve analysis, the region under the curve (0.963, 95% CI: 0.908–0.996) of miR‐320‐3p, NGAL, KIM‐1 levels and APACHE Ⅱ scores combined to forecast the death of kids suffering from sepsis and AKI were the biggest. According to correlation analysis, the expression degree of serum miR‐320‐3p in the death group was positively correlated with NGAL, KIM‐1 and APACHE Ⅱ scores (all p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The expression level of serum miR‐320‐3p in children with sepsis‐induced AKI was significantly increased, and the combination of NGAL, KIM‐1 and APACHE Ⅱ scores has good value for prognosis prediction in children.
A prognostic model integrating PET‐derived metrics and image texture analyses with clinical risk factors from GOYA
Authors: Kostakoglu Lale , Dalmasso Federico , Berchialla Paola , Pierce Larry A. , Vitolo Umberto , Martelli Maurizio , Sehn Laurie H. , Trněný Marek , Nielsen Tina G. , Bolen Christopher R. , Sahin Deniz , Lee Calvin , El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Mattiello Federico , Kinahan Paul E. , Chauvie Stephane
Published: March 2022

Image texture analysis (radiomics) uses radiographic images to quantify characteristics that may identify tumour heterogeneity and associated patient outcomes. Using fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT)‐derived data, including quantitative metrics, image texture analysis and other clinical risk factors, we aimed to develop a prognostic model that predicts survival in patients with previously untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) from GOYA (NCT01287741). Image texture features and clinical risk factors were combined into a random forest model and compared with the international prognostic index (IPI) for DLBCL based on progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) predictions. Baseline FDG‐PET scans were available for 1263 patients, 832 patients of these were cell‐of‐origin (COO)‐evaluable. Patients were stratified by IPI or radiomics features plus clinical risk factors into low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups. The random forest model with COO subgroups identified a clearer high‐risk population (45% 2‐year PFS [95% confidence interval (CI) 40%–52%]; 65% 2‐year OS [95% CI 59%–71%]) than the IPI (58% 2‐year PFS [95% CI 50%–67%]; 69% 2‐year OS [95% CI 62%–77%]). This study confirms that standard clinical risk factors can be combined with PET‐derived image texture features to provide an improved prognostic model predicting survival in untreated DLBCL.