bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of serum neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4
Authors: Kessler Christoph , Serna‐Higuita Lina Maria , Wilke Carlo , Rattay Tim W. , Hengel Holger , Reichbauer Jennifer , Stransky Elke , Leyva‐Gutiérrez Alejandra , Mengel David , Synofzik Matthis , Schöls Ludger , Martus Peter , Schüle Rebecca
Published: February 2022

Objective

While the anticipated rise of disease‐modifying therapies calls for reliable trial outcome parameters, fluid biomarkers are lacking in spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4), the most prevalent form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. We therefore investigated serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) as a potential therapy response, diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic biomarker in SPG4.

Methods: We assessed sNfL levels in 93 patients with SPG4 and 60 healthy controls. The longitudinal study of sNfL levels in SPG4 patients covered a baseline, 1‐year follow‐up and 2‐year follow‐up visit.

Results

Levels of sNfL were significantly increased in patients with genetically confirmed SPG4 compared to healthy controls matched in age and sex (p = 0.013, r = 0.2). Our cross‐sectional analysis revealed a greater difference in sNfL levels between patients and controls in younger ages with decreasing fold change of patient sNfL elevation at older ages. Over our observational period of 2 years, sNfL levels remained stable in SPG4 patients. Disease severity and progression did not correlate with sNfL levels.

Interpretation: Our longitudinal data indicate a stable turnover of sNfL in manifest SPG4; therefore, sNfL levels are not suitable to monitor disease progression in SPG4. However, sNfL may be valuable as a therapy response biomarker, since its turnover could be modified by interventions. As the course of sNfL levels appears to be most dynamic around the onset of SPG4, the ability to detect a therapy response appears to be especially promising in younger patients, matching the need to initiate treatment in early disease stages.
Adaptive output feedback control for large‐scale time‐delay systems with output‐dependent uncertain growth rate
Authors: Jia Xianglei , Xu Shengyuan , Shi Xiaocheng , Lu Junwei , Du Baozhu
Published: February 2022

In this work, the problem of adaptive state regulation is addressed via output feedback for a wide class of large‐scale systems with strongly interconnected time‐delay nonlinearities. A design approach of partially decentralized adaptive controller is proposed, which gives a novel pair of reduced‐order observer and controller with nonidentifier‐based double adaptive gains. Compared with the existing results, the growth restrictions imposed on the interconnections are relaxed, where the growth rate includes not only an unknown constant but also the nonpolynomial functions of system output. The double dynamic gains are capable of compensating both the uncertain nonpolynomial growth rate and the unknown time‐varying delay. By constructing novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals and combining dynamic‐scaling technique with 's lemma, it is shown that global adaptive state asymptotical regulation is achieved, that is all the closed‐loop signals are bounded, and the states of system and observer tend to zero as time goes to infinity. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the proposed control scheme is independent of time delay and well universal.
Spatially Heterogeneous Tubular Scaffolds for In Situ Heart Valve Tissue Engineering Using Melt Electrowriting
Authors: Saidy Navid Toosi , Fernández‐Colino Alicia , Heidari Behzad Shiroud , Kent Ross , Vernon Michael , Bas Onur , Mulderrig Shane , Lubig Andreas , Rodríguez‐Cabello José Carlos , Doyle Barry , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , De‐Juan‐Pardo Elena M. , Mela Petra
Published: February 2022

Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) aims to provide living autologous heart valve implants endowed with regenerative capabilities and life‐long durability. However, fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds capable of providing the required functionality in terms of mechanical performance and tunable porosity to enable cellular infiltration remains a major challenge. Here, the additive manufacturing of bioinspired, spatially heterogeneous, tubular scaffolds enclosing the leaflets, inter‐leaflet triangles, and their interface for in situ HVTE using melt electrowriting (MEW) is demonstrated. The innovative platform enables the digital fabrication of scaffolds with ad hoc architecture (e.g., tunable location, specific fiber pattern, and orientation) and customizable geometry via a custom‐made control software. The user‐friendly interface allows for the definition of areas of the scaffold with specific patterns to obtain properties such as tunable J‐shaped stress–stain curve and anisotropy typical of the heart valve leaflet, compliant inter‐leaflet triangles, and reinforced curvilinear boundary between them. Heterogeneous, tubular, heart valve MEW scaffolds are then embedded with a microporous elastin‐like recombinamer (ELR) hydrogel to develop a soft‐network composite favoring cell infiltration and ensuring hemocompatibility. The acute systolic hemodynamic functionality of the MEW/ELR composite satisfies the ISO 5840 requirements, under aortic and pulmonary conditions.
Highly Transparent, Colorless Optical Film with Outstanding Mechanical Strength and Folding Reliability Using Mismatched Charge‐Transfer Complex Intensification
Authors: Ahn Chanjae , Kim Tae Yong , Hong Pyong Hwa , Choi Sungwon , Lee Yea‐Jin , Kwon Hanui , Jeon Hyeryeon , Ko Dong Won , Park In , Han Haksoo , Hong Sung Woo
Published: February 2022

The development of flexible displays and electronics is hindered by the disadvantages of polymeric window films, such as low mechanical strength, poor optical properties, and lack of folding and rolling reliability. To overcome these critical limitations, a novel colorless polyimide window film is prepared in this study using the concept of charge‐transfer complex (CTC) intensification. The resulting window film has a tensile modulus of 8.4 GPa, total transmittance of ≈90%, and yellow index below 3, which is the best recorded balance between mechanical strength and optical properties for a highly flexible optical film. Unlike commercially available optical‐grade engineering plastic films and glass substrates, the prepared window film has both pencil hardness grade over 2H and folding reliability over 200 000 folding/unfolding cycles. These remarkable properties are attributed to the unique supramolecular structure with multiple hydrogen bonding and salt complexation interactions, which exhibits CTC intensification. The CTC intensification mechanism is also proposed in this study.
2D Cairo Pentagonal PdPS: Air‐Stable Anisotropic Ternary Semiconductor with High Optoelectronic Performance
Authors: Duan Ruihuan , He Yanchao , Zhu Chao , Wang Xiaowei , Zhu Chao , Zhao Xiaoxu , Zhang Zhonghan , Zeng Qingsheng , Deng Ya , Xu Manzhang , Liu Zheng
Published: February 2022

Pentagonal 2D materials as a new member in the 2D material family have attracted increasing attention due to the exotic physical properties originating from the unique Cairo pentagonal tiling topology. Herein, the penta‐PdPS atomic layers as a new air‐stable 2D semiconductor with the unique puckered pentagonal low‐symmetry structure are successfully exfoliated from bulk crystals grown via chemical vapor transport (CVT). Notably, 2D penta‐PdPS exhibits outstanding electronic and optoelectronic performance under 650 nm laser: high electron mobility of ≈208 cm2 V−1 s−1, an ultrahigh on/off ratio of ≈108, a high photoresponsivity of 5.2 × 104 A W−1, a high photogain of 1.0 × 105, an ultrahigh detectivity of 1.0 × 1013 Jones, respectively. Significantly, the exceptional puckered pentagonal atomic structure of 2D PdPS makes it strong in‐plane anisotropy in optical, electronic, and optoelectronic properties, demonstrating a sizeable anisotropic ratio of carrier mobility and photocurrent with the value of up to 3.9 and 2.3, respectively. These excellent properties make 2D Cairo Pentagonal PdPS a potential candidate in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, polarized‐nanoelectronics, which will significantly promote the development of 2D materials.
Auxetic Meta‐Display: Stretchable Display without Image Distortion
Authors: Jang Bongkyun , Won Sejeong , Kim Jaegu , Kim Juho , Oh Minsub , Lee Hak‐Joo , Kim Jae‐Hyun
Published: February 2022

Mechanical metamaterials possess unusual mechanical properties that cannot be found in nature. Auxetic metamaterials have negative Poisson's ratios and tend to expand in a direction perpendicular to the axial extension direction. When the Poisson's ratio of a display circuit board is forced to be −1 by adopting an auxetic metamaterial, a display can be stretchable without image distortion, and this display is called a meta‐display in this study. The critical obstacles to implementing a stretchable display are large stretchability, high deformation uniformity, and low image distortion. The meta‐display overcomes these obstacles by incorporating micro‐LEDs and a kirigami‐based auxetic circuit board. An auxetic meta‐display with a stretchability of 24.5%, Poisson's ratio of −1, and no image distortion under uniaxial stretching is demonstrated. Finally, the roll transfer process enabled the scaling‐up of a 3‐inch meta‐display attachable to surfaces with non‐zero Gaussian curvatures. This conformity to the non‐zero Gaussian curvature helps realize biomedical applications such as wearable display, phototherapy, and skincare.
Activating Energy Transfer Tunnels by Tuning Local Electronegativity of Conjugated Polymeric Backbone for High‐Efficiency OLEDs with Low Efficiency Roll‐Off
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Liu Yuchao , Hua Lei , Yan Shouke , Ren Zhongjie
Published: February 2022

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) conjugated polymers are attractive for display and illumination applications owing to their excellent device performance and convenient device fabrication. However, conjugated polymers frequently encounter insufficient energy transfer from hosts to TADF units, lowering device performance. Herein, a strategy for improving light‐emitting performances through adjusting the local electronegativity of the polymeric backbones by inserting electron‐withdrawing atoms and activating energy transmission channels is proposed. Meanwhile, strongly electronegative atoms also affect the charge‐transfer natures (CT) of TADF polymers and minimize the energy difference between the lowest singlet and triplet states, leading to a rapid reverse intersystem crossing process through the vibronic coupling between 1CT and 3CT with extremely close energy levels. The produced TADF polymer, pBP‐PXZ, can achieve an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 23.11%, exhibiting no roll‐off when the luminance is less than 200 cd m−2 whereas only a 3% EQE decrease at 500 cd m−2. The EQE can even maintain above 19% under 1000 cd m−2, which is the highest efficiency among TADF polymer‐based organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) under high luminance. The study provides a new perspective for designing high‐performance OLEDs materials.
All‐Flexible Artificial Reflex Arc Based on Threshold‐Switching Memristor
Authors: Wang Depeng , Zhao Shufang , Li Linlin , Wang Lili , Cui Shaowei , Wang Shuo , Lou Zheng , Shen Guozhen
Published: February 2022

The simulation of human feelings, perceptions, and actions has become an important application field for medical treatment, human–computer interfaces, and intelligent robots. However, the need for various functional units hinders system integration. A threshold‐switching memristor is used as the sympathetic nerve center to simulate an unconditioned reflex. High current nonlinearity (106) is achieved by adopting a nanocontact structure, and high flexibility (bending radius of ≈5 mm) is obtained by combining the structure with a flexible polymer film. Furthermore, integrating a flexible sensor and a flexible artificial muscle made of ionic polymer–metal composite allows to form an all‐flexible complete reflex arc of an unconditioned reflex. The threshold‐switching memristor can provide strain‐dependent control through simple control logic, indicating the great potential of adopting threshold‐switching memristors for primary neuromorphological control and flexible intelligent medical treatment.
Neurotransmitter‐Induced Excitatory and Inhibitory Functions in Artificial Synapses
Authors: Kim Dongshin , Lee Jang‐Sik
Published: February 2022

Neurotransmitters control signal transmission in the nervous system. The signals of neuron cells can be excited or inhibited based on the types of neurotransmitters that are released from pre‐synaptic neurons. The balance of the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic responses has important implications for the versatility, plasticity, and parallel computing characteristics of the nervous system. Emulating the excitatory–inhibitory balancing characteristics is one way to establish the versatility and plasticity characteristics of the brain. In this study, the authors develop artificial synapses to emulate the excitatory and inhibitory functions of biological synapses using electrochemical reactions between the channel and neurotransmitter solutions. The devices show excitatory and inhibitory characteristics depending on types of neurotransmitter solutions. The interaction between these two types of synaptic responses is employed for emulating the excitatory–inhibitory balance characteristics. The devices emulate the multifunctional characteristics of biological synapses, resulting in their potential for use in bio‐realistic neuromorphic devices.
High‐Performance Microsized Si Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Insights into the Polymer Configuration Conversion Mechanism
Authors: Wang Qiyu , Zhu Meng , Chen Guorong , Dudko Natalia , Li Yan , Liu Hongjiang , Shi Liyi , Wu Gang , Zhang Dengsong
Published: February 2022

Microsized silicon particles are desirable Si anodes because of their low price and abundant sources. However, it is challenging to achieve stable electrochemical performances using a traditional microsized silicon anode due to the poor electrical conductivity, serious volume expansion, and unstable solid electrolyte interface. Herein, a composite microsized Si anode is designed and synthesized by constructing a unique polymer, poly(hexaazatrinaphthalene) (PHATN), at a Si/C surface (PCSi). The Li+ transport mechanism of the PCSi is elucidated by using in situ characterization and theoretical simulation. During the lithiation of the PCSi anode, CN groups with high electron density in the PHATN first coordinate Li+ to form CNLi bonds on both sides of the PHATN molecule plane. Consequently, the original benzene rings in the PHATN become active centers to accept lithium and form stable Li‐rich PHATN coatings. PHATN molecules expand due to the change of molecular configuration during the consecutive lithiation process, which provides controllable space for the volume expansion of the Si particles. The PCSi composite anode exhibits a specific capacity of 1129.6 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1, and exhibits compelling rate performance, maintaining 417.9 mAh g−1 at 16.5 A g−1.
Phase‐Reconfiguration‐Induced NiS/NiFe2O4 Composite for Performance‐Enhanced Zinc−Air Batteries
Authors: Shao Zhiyu , Zhu Qian , Sun Yu , Zhang Yuan , Jiang Yilan , Deng Shiqing , Zhang Wei , Huang Keke , Feng Shouhua
Published: February 2022

Constructing composite structures is an essential approach for obtaining multiple functionalities in a single entity. Available synthesis methods of the composites need to be urgently exploited; especially in situ construction. Here, a NiS/NiFe2O4 composite through a local metal−S coordination at the interface is reported, which is derived from phase reconstruction in the highly defective matrix. X‐ray absorption fine structure confirms that long‐range order is broken via the local metal−S coordination and, by using electron energy loss spectroscopy, the introduction of NiS/NiFe2O4 interfaces during the irradiation of plasma energy is identified. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that in situ phase reconfiguration is crucial for synergistically reducing energetic barriers and accelerating reaction kinetics toward catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). As a result; it leads to an overpotential of 230 mV @10 mA cm−2 for the OER and a half‐wave potential of 0.81 V for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); as well as an excellent zinc−air battery (ZAB) performance with a power density of 148.5 mW cm−2. This work provides a new compositing strategy in terms of fast phase reconstruction of bifunctional catalysts.
Highly Conducting and Stretchable Double‐Network Hydrogel for Soft Bioelectronics
Authors: Li Gang , Huang Kaixi , Deng Jue , Guo Mengxue , Cai Minkun , Zhang Yuan , Guo Chuan Fei
Published: February 2022

Conducting polymer hydrogels are promising materials in soft bioelectronics because of their tissue‐like mechanical properties and the capability of electrical interaction with tissues. However, it is challenging to balance electrical conductivity and mechanical stretchability: pure conducting polymer hydrogels are highly conductive, but they are brittle; while incorporating the conducting network with a soft network to form a double network can improve the stretchability, its electrical conductivity significantly decreases. Here, the problem is addressed by concentrating a poorly crosslinked precursor hydrogel with a high content ratio of the conducting polymer to achieve a densified double‐network hydrogel (5.5 wt% conducting polymer), exhibiting both high electrical conductivity (≈10 S cm–1) and a large fracture strain (≈150%), in addition to high biocompatibility, tissue‐like softness, low swelling ratio, and desired electrochemical properties for bioelectronics. A surface grafting method is further used to form an adhesive layer on the conducting hydrogel, enabling robust and rapid bonding on the tissues. Furthermore, the proposed hydrogel is applied to show high‐quality physiological signal recording and reliable, low‐voltage electrical stimulation based on an in vivo rat model. This method provides an ideal strategy for rapid and reliable tissue‐device integration with high‐quality electrical communications.
3D‐Printed SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA Genosensing Microfluidic System
Authors: Crevillen Agustín G. , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Vaghasiya Jayraj V. , Pumera Martin
Published: February 2022

Additive manufacturing technology, referred as 3D printing technology, is a growing research field with broad applications from nanosensors fabrication to 3D printing of buildings. Nowadays, the world is dealing with a pandemic and requires the use of simple sensing systems. Here, the strengths of fast screening by a lab‐on‐a‐chip device through electrochemical detection using 3D printing technology for SARS‐CoV‐2 sensing are combined. This system comprises a PDMS microfluidic channel integrated with an electrochemical cell fully 3D‐printed by a 3D printing pen (3D‐PP). The 3D‐PP genosensor is modified with an ssDNA probe that targeted the N gene sequence of SARS‐CoV‐2. The sensing mechanism relies on the electro‐oxidation of adenines present in ssDNA when in contact with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA. The hybridization between ssDNA and target RNA takes a place and ssDNA is desorbed from the genosensor surface, causing a decrease of the sensor signal. The developed SARS‐CoV‐2/3D‐PP genosensor shows high sensitivity and fast response.
Dictating Phenotype, Function, and Fate of Human T Cells with Co‐Stimulatory Antibodies Presented by Filamentous Immune Cell Mimics
Authors: Schluck Marjolein , Eggermont Loek J. , Weiden Jorieke , Popelier Carlijn , Weiss Lea , Pilzecker Bas , Kolder Sigrid , Heinemans Anne , Rodriguez Mogeda Carla , Verdoes Martijn , Figdor Carl G. , Hammink Roel
Published: February 2022

T cells require a co‐stimulatory signal in addition to T‐cell receptor (TCR) stimulation to achieve full activation. While most studies focus on the co‐stimulatory receptor CD28, little is known about the role of the other co‐stimulatory receptors in T‐cell signaling. A deeper understanding of how co‐stimulatory receptor signaling cooperates with TCR signaling could improve the ability to control T‐cell function and benefit the design of T‐cell based immunotherapies. Artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) enable tight control over the signals given to T cells. In this study, filamentous polyisocyanopeptide (PIC) polymers (immunofilaments) are used as nanosized aAPCs to study the role of the engagement of six distinct co‐stimulatory molecules on human T‐cell phenotype, function, and fate in the context of TCR signaling. The immunofilaments highlight important roles for CD28 and CD2 signaling in T‐cell priming, proliferation, cytokine production, and multifunctionality. Taken together, this work provides insight into the role of combined TCR and co‐stimulation on T‐cell phenotype, function, and fate using immunofilaments. Notably, the findings on the roles of co‐stimulatory molecule function can be used for the rational design of future cancer immunotherapies.
Outside‐In Nanostructure Fabricated on LiCoO2 Surface for High‐Voltage Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Mao Shulan , Shen Zeyu , Zhang Weidong , Wu Qian , Wang Zhuoya , Lu Yingying
Published: February 2022

The energy density of batteries with lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) can be maximized by increasing the cut‐off voltage to approach the theoretical capacity limit. However, it is not realized in the practical applications due to the restricted cycle life caused by vulnerable cathode surface in deep delithiation state, where severe side reactions, oxygen/cobalt loss and structure degradation often happen. Here, an outside‐in oriented nanostructure on LiCoO2 crystals is fabricated. The outer electrochemically stable LiF and Li2CoTi3O8 particles perform as physical barrier to prevent damage of both cathodes and electrolytes, while the inner F doping promote Li ions diffusivity and stabilize the lattice oxygen. With the spinel‐like transition layer between them, a solid and complete lithium‐ion transport channel generation along the lithium concentration gradient. Under the protection from this structure, the LiCoO2 withstand the high voltage of 4.6 V and the LCO/graphite pouch full cell with high loading density exhibits 81.52% energy density retention after 135 cycles at 4.5 V.
Fusobacterium nucleatum Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell to Acquire Stem Cell‐Like Features by Manipulating Lipid Droplet‐Mediated Numb Degradation
Authors: Liu Haiyang , Du Junfeng , Chao Shanshan , Li Shuoguo , Cai Huiyun , Zhang Hongjie , Chen Gang , Liu Pingsheng , Bu Pengcheng
Published: February 2022

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a critical microbe that contributes to colorectal cancer progression and chemoresistance. However, whether and how F. nucleatum regulates colorectal cancer stem‐like cells (CCSCs) remains unknown. Here, the authors show that F. nucleatum promotes CCSC self‐renewal, and non‐CCSCs to acquire CCSC features by manipulating cellular lipid accumulation. F. nucleatum infection decreases lipid accumulation in CCSCs by enhancing fatty acid oxidation, thus promoting CCSC self‐renewal. In contrast, F. nucleatum increases lipid accumulation in non‐CCSCs by promoting fatty acid formation. Lipids are deposited as lipid droplets, which recruits Numb, a key cell fate regulator, through the AP2A/ACSL3 complex, and MDM2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, though VCP and UBXD8. On lipid droplets, Numb is degraded by MDM2, activating Notch signaling, thus promoting gain of stem‐like cell features. Their findings demonstrate that F. nucleatum directly manipulates colorectal cancer cell fate and reveal the mechanism of lipid droplet‐mediated Numb degradation for activating Notch signaling.
Two cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults after improvement in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Nonaka Tatsuki , Bunya Naofumi , Nakayama Ryuichi , Hagiwara Junya , Uemura Shuji , Harada Keisuke , Narimatsu Eichi
Published: February 2022

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS‐A) is a postacute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) syndrome occurring weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Although this hyperinflammatory syndrome causes significant morbidity, mortality is low. Reports of MIS‐A following acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have rarely been reported. We describe two cases of MIS‐A that developed after recovery from critical acute COVID‐19.

Case Presentation

We present two cases of MIS‐A. In both cases, approximately 4 weeks after the onset of COVID‐19, the patients developed gastrointestinal disorders, complicated by other organ damage, and died.

Conclusion

ARDS and MIS‐A can occur in a patient with COVID‐19 at different times of onset. Clinicians should consider MIS‐A when unexplained multisystemic abnormalities are noted after the treatment of ARDS due to COVID‐19.
Immunological Predictors of Dimethyl Fumarate‐Induced Lymphopenia
Authors: Diebold Martin , Galli Edoardo , Kopf Andreas , Sanderson Nicholas , Callegari Ilaria , Ingelfinger Florian , Núñez Nicolás Gonzalo , Benkert Pascal , Kappos Ludwig , Kuhle Jens , Becher Burkhard , Claassen Manfred , Derfuss Tobias
Published: February 2022

Treatment with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) leads to lymphopenia and infectious complications in a subset of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we aimed to reveal immune markers of DMF‐associated lymphopenia. This prospective observational study longitudinally assessed 31 individuals with MS by single‐cell mass cytometry before and after 12 and 48 weeks of DMF therapy. Employing a neural network‐based representation learning approach, we identified a CCR4‐expressing T helper cell population negatively associated with relevant lymphopenia. CCR4‐expressing T helper cells represent a candidate prognostic biomarker for the development of relevant lymphopenia in patients undergoing DMF treatment. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:676–681
An Isolable Vinylidene ortho‐Quinone Methide: Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity
Authors: Liu Hong , Li Kai , Huang Shengli , Yan Hailong
Published: February 2022

Commonly, an elusive intermediate is generated from a precursor and then trapped and consumed in a reaction. Vinylidene ortho‐quinone methides (VQMs) have been demonstrated as transient axially chiral intermediates in asymmetric catalysis due to their orthogonal π‐bonds forming an allene motif. The current understanding of VQMs is primarily based on time‐resolved absorption, trapping experiments and computational studies. Herein, we report the first isolation and comprehensive characterization of a VQM, including crystallographic analysis. The disturbed aromaticity of the VQM led to its high reactivity as an electrophile or a 4π‐component capable of asymmetric dearomatization of an electron‐deficient phenyl group. Notably, the VQM could be isolated in enantiomerically enriched form, and the subsequent transformation was stereospecific, indicating that the generation of the VQM was involved in the enantiodetermining step. This study paves the way for the direct application of VQMs as starting materials.
A “Self‐Checking” pH/Viscosity‐Activatable NIR‐II Molecule for Real‐Time Evaluation of Photothermal Therapy Efficacy
Authors: Li Benhao , Liu Hengke , He Yaling , Zhao Mengyao , Ge Chen , Younis Muhammad Rizwan , Huang Peng , Chen Xiaoyuan , Lin Jing
Published: February 2022

We present a second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) self‐checking molecule, LET‐1052, for acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) turn‐on photothermal therapy (PTT), followed by viscosity based therapeutic efficacy evaluation by itself in two independent channels, denoted as “self‐checking” strategy. In acidic TME, LET‐1052 was protonated and turned on NIR‐II absorption for PTT under 1064 nm laser irradiation. Subsequently, PTT‐induced cellular death increases intracellular viscosity, which inhibited the intramolecular rotation of LET‐1052, resulting in the enhancement of NIR‐I fluorescence for real‐time evaluation of PTT efficacy. After PTT of tumor‐bearing mice for different periods of NIR‐II laser irradiation, NIR‐I fluorescence in the tumor region showed positive correlation with tumor growth inhibition rate, demonstrating reliable and prompt prediction of PTT efficacy. The strategy may be expanded for instant evaluation of other therapeutic modalities for personalized medicine.
Synthesis and Characterization of peri‐Heptacene on a Metallic Surface
Authors: Biswas Kalyan , Urgel José I. , Ajayakumar M. R. , Ma Ji , Sánchez‐Grande Ana , Edalatmanesh Shayan , Lauwaet Koen , Mutombo Pingo , Gallego José M. , Miranda Rodolfo , Jelínek Pavel , Feng Xinliang , Écija David
Published: February 2022

The synthesis of long n‐peri‐acenes (n‐PAs) is challenging as a result of their inherent open‐shell radical character, which arises from the presence of parallel zigzag edges beyond a certain n value. They are considered as π‐electron model systems to study magnetism in graphene nanostructures; being potential candidates in the fabrication of optoelectronic and spintronic devices. Here, we report the on‐surface formation of the largest pristine member of the n‐PA family, i.e. peri‐heptacene (n=7, 7‐PA), obtained on an Au(111) substrate under ultra‐high vacuum conditions. Our high‐resolution scanning tunneling microscopy investigations, complemented by theoretical simulations, provide insight into the chemical structure of this previously elusive compound. In addition, scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals the antiferromagnetic open‐shell singlet ground state of 7‐PA, exhibiting singlet–triplet spin‐flip inelastic excitations with an effective exchange coupling (Jeff) of 49 meV.
The influence of montmorillonite on the flame‐retarding properties of intumescent bio‐based PLA composites
Authors: Martins Raíssa Carvalho , Ribeiro Simone Pereira da Silva , Nascimento Regina Sandra Veiga , Nascimento Marco Antonio Chaer , Batistella Marcos , Lopez‐Cuesta José‐Marie
Published: February 2022

Biobased flame‐retardant polylactic acid composites were prepared using ammonium polyphosphate (AP), lignin, and a raw montmorillonite (ANa) as the intumescent formulation. The concentration of AP and of ANa was varied in order to study its influence on the flammability properties of the composites. The samples were submitted to cone calorimeter test, thermogravimetric analysis coupled to Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA‐FTIR), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and UL‐94 vertical burn. The cone calorimeter residues were analysed through scanning electronic microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and FTIR. The results show that the combined addition of the intumescent formulation and the ANa leads to an improvement in the fire behavior of the composites, compared with that of the neat polymer. The best fire‐retardant performance was achieved by using the highest AP concentration (17%) and the lowest ANa concentration (1.2%), reaching a LOI value of 39%.
Characterization of Cocos nucifera L. peduncle fiber reinforced polymer composites for lightweight sustainable applications
Authors: Mansingh Bright Brailson , Binoj Joseph Selvi , Anbazhagan Vadivel Nayanar , Abu Hassan Shukur , Goh Kheng Lim , Siengchin Suchart , Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa , Mustapha Jaafar Mariatti , Liu Yucheng
Published: February 2022

The present work aims to investigate the potentiality of reinforcing coconut tree peduncle fiber an agro‐waste with unsaturated polyester resin, optimizing its mechanical properties and promote as an alternative reinforcement to harmful synthetic fiber polymer composites. It was found that polymer composites with 40 wt% fiber content exhibited maximum mechanical properties and started to decline on further addition of fibers due to lack of sufficient resin to wet the fibers leading to fiber pull‐out and debonding under applied loads. This was also evidenced from the observed micrograph of specimen undergone tensile failure. In addition, the chemical bonding between the fiber and matrix was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared analysis. Also, the thermal stability was ascertained by the degradation temperature obtained through thermo‐gravimetric analysis. Moreover, the water absorption study in fresh and seawater exposed the pseudo‐Fickian behavior and aquatic properties of the developed composite, which was further confirmed by the crystalline size obtained through X‐ray diffraction analysis. The above holistic analysis of the fabricated composite ensures its sustainable use in automotive and marine industries.
Commercial fishery bycatch risk for large juvenile and adult smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) in Florida waters
Authors: Graham Jasmin , Kroetz Andrea M. , Poulakis Gregg R. , Scharer Rachel M. , Carlson John K. , Lowerre‐Barbieri Susan K. , Morley Danielle , Reyier Eric A. , Grubbs R. Dean
Published: February 2022

Incidental catch of marine species can create ecological and economic issues, particularly for endangered species. The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is endemic to the Atlantic Ocean and listed as Endangered in the US Endangered Species Act. One of its major threats is bycatch mortality in commercial fisheries.

Despite the protection afforded by the US Endangered Species Act, smalltooth sawfish are still captured as bycatch in commercial fisheries. Acoustic and satellite tag data collected on 59 sawfish between 2011 and 2019 were analysed to assess commercial fishery bycatch risk for large juveniles and adults off Florida. This study focused on shrimp trawl, south‐east coastal gillnet, and shark bottom longline fisheries, as these were identified in the recovery plan as having the greatest potential threats to recovery.

Bycatch risk associated with the shrimp trawl fishery was significantly higher than the other fisheries, indicating that this fishery currently poses the greatest threat to recovery.

Bycatch risk was concentrated in all seasons in the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to the lower Florida Keys for the shrimp trawl fishery, off Cape Canaveral in the south‐east coastal gillnet fishery, and in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the Florida Keys in the shark bottom longline fishery.

Tagging location and sex were predictors of bycatch risk. Individuals tagged in Charlotte Harbor had the highest shrimp trawl bycatch risk. Females tagged in south Florida tended to reside in the deepest water, which is where shrimp trawl effort is highest. Therefore, females may be at more risk in these deeper waters.

Results from this study indicate a year‐round closure of waters off south‐west Florida to the shrimp trawl fishery between Charlotte Harbor and the western Florida Keys would reduce sawfish bycatch, and thus mortality, which is in line with recovery plan goals.
New tools suggest a middle Jurassic origin for mammalian endothermy
Authors: Newham Elis , Gill Pamela G. , Corfe Ian J.
Published: February 2022

We suggest that mammalian endothermy was established amongst Middle Jurassic crown mammals, through reviewing state‐of‐the‐art fossil and living mammal studies. This is considerably later than the prevailing paradigm, and has important ramifications for the causes, pattern, and pace of physiological evolution amongst synapsids. Most hypotheses argue that selection for either enhanced aerobic activity, or thermoregulation was the primary driver for synapsid physiological evolution, based on a range of fossil characters that have been linked to endothermy. We argue that, rather than either alternative being the primary selective force for the entirety of endothermic evolution, these characters evolved quite independently through time, and across the mammal family tree, principally as a response to shifting environmental pressures and ecological opportunities. Our interpretations can be tested using closely linked proxies for both factors, derived from study of fossils of a range of Jurassic and Cretaceous mammaliaforms and early mammals.
Extraction, isolation, purification, derivatization, bioactivity, structure–activity relationship, and application of polysaccharides from White jellyfungus
Authors: Lin Bobo , Huang Gangliang
Published: February 2022

White jellyfungus is one of the most popular nutritional supplements. The polysaccharide (WJP) is an important active component of White jellyfungus, it not only has a variety of biological activities but also is nontoxic to humans. So, many scholars have carried out different research on WJP. However, the lack of a detailed summary of WJP limits the scale of industrial development of WJP. Herein, the research progress of WJP in extraction, isolation, structure, derivatization, and structure–activity relationship was reviewed. Different extraction methods were compared, the activity and application of WJP were summarized, and the structure–activity relationship of WJP was emphasized to provide effective theoretical support for improving the utilization of WJP and promoting the application of related industries.
Recent progress in computational discovery of Heusler alloys
Authors: Jin Taewon , Jung Yousung
Published: February 2022

Heusler alloy is an intermetallic alloy with a wide range of compositional space. Due to this compositional tunability, novel Heusler alloys have been studied for a variety of applications including permanent magnets, thermoelectric, and catalysis. Recently, computational approaches have been actively used to aid the fast discovery of novel Heusler alloys by identifying stable compositions with desired properties. In this mini‐review, we briefly overview several computational approaches used for Heusler alloys, namely, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, high‐throughput virtual screening (HTVS), and machine learning (ML) to further accelerate these screening processes. Future directions for the computational screening of Heusler alloy in other application fields are discussed.
Global modern slavery and sustainable development goals: Does institutional environment quality matter?
Authors: Moussa Tantawy , Allam Amir , Elmarzouky Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Modern slavery is a persistent human tragedy and a growing organisational risk. The United Nations' sustainable development goals highlight the significance of governments in shaping firms' sustainability agenda and combating modern slavery. However, little is known about the effects of the institutional environment on modern slavery risk. This study, therefore, investigates the crucial policy question of whether the quality of the institutional environment has any effect on modern slavery and whether sustainable human development reinforces this relationship. Using data from 167 countries, we find that institutional environment quality is negatively associated with the prevalence of and vulnerability to modern slavery and positively associated with its modern slavery risk mitigation. Our results suggest that democratically elected governments operating in politically stable societies with higher quality of voice and accountability, higher levels of control of corruption, and stricter rule of law are more accountable and responsive to modern slavery risks. We also find that sustainable human development (HDI) has a moderating effect on the relationship between institutional environment quality and modern slavery, and this effect is mainly noticeable in low HDI countries. These results imply that governance reforms alone might not yield the desired effects for all countries and, hence, have significant implications for policymakers, companies, and societal stakeholders.
From materialism to hedonistic shopping values and compulsive buying: A mediation model examining gender differences
Authors: Tarka Piotr , Harnish Richard J. , Babaev Jasurbek
Published: February 2022

Although prior research has extensively focused on explaining the direct mechanisms of the materialism‐compulsive buying relationship or stressed selected indirect variables such as consumers' social status, money attitudes, well‐being, emotions and identity, little research has examined how materialism impacts compulsive buying via hedonistic shopping values in a former communist economy that has transitioned to a democratic economy. Thus, we examined the materialism‐compulsive buying relationship in term of a mediational model that includes the theoretical construct of hedonistic shopping values. Additionally, the model's postulated relationships are explained from the perspective of gender differences, through the agency of moderated effects. Data for study were obtained from the Polish Household Survey resulting in a nationally representative sample (N = 1245). Results imply that materialism is related to compulsive buying, but the strongest effect occurs indirectly via hedonistic shopping values. Compulsive buyers appear to shop obsessively not only out of their materialistic orientations, but also out of hedonic joy, pleasure, and the 'emotional euphoria' they obtain during shopping. An in‐depth examination between female and male consumers revealed group differences such that the tendency to compulsively buy, which assumed a joint influence of materialism and hedonistic shopping values, is stronger in women than men. Results of this study are discussed in terms of gender and cross‐cultural differences and their theoretical and practical importance to understanding compulsive buying.
Effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on psychological distress and mindfulness in incarcerated populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Areum
Published: February 2022

Background

As incarcerated populations report significantly higher prevalence rates for psychological distress than community populations, it is important to have an evidence‐based perspective on what reduces psychological distress among people in prison or jail.

Aims

To examine effects of mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) on psychological distress, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress and overall psychological distress, and on mindfulness in incarcerated populations.

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involved a comprehensive search within the PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases to identify relevant RCTs. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Depending on I2 statistic values for heterogeneity, either a random effects model or fixed effects model was used. Subgroup analyses for each outcome were conducted to see whether effects differed when compared MBIs to active control groups, provided with other comparable interventions, or passive control groups, provided with no intervention (i.e., treatment as usual [TAU] control groups or waiting list controls).

Results

Thirteen RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta‐analyses showed moderate effects of MBIs on depressive symptoms and overall psychological distress, large effects on stress, and small effects on anxiety and mindfulness. The overall risk of bias across studies was unclear. Fewer studies were conducted to compare effects of MBIs to other interventions than TAU.

Conclusions

Future high‐quality studies comparing MBIs to other active interventions are needed to understand better whether the former are comparable or superior to other evidence‐based treatments in decreasing distress and improving mindfulness in incarcerated populations and/or in which circumstances one may be preferable to the other.
Bilateral thalamic infarction following cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yadav Jayant Kumar , Nepal Gaurav , Thapa Aakar , Jaiswal Sandip , Thapa Shreejana , Chandra Avinash
Published: February 2022

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis is a rare extra‐intestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a hypercoagulable state and, if poorly managed, can predispose to thrombosis, including thrombosis of the cerebral veins.
Rare cause of finger swelling
Authors: Turkmen Suha , Ariboyina Ashok Kumar , Qureshi Alamgir Ahmed , Pulincherry Jayaram Abhilash , Liezel Gatdula M. , Goriparthi Lakshmi
Published: February 2022

Arteriovenous malformation at the finger and without trauma is a rare condition. Surface‐located arteriovenous malformations are susceptible to trauma. Therefore, they can cause severe bleeding and, such bleeding can seriously endanger the blood supply and circulation of the limb.
A review of the contributions of P. Raj Bishnoi to chemical engineering
Authors: Mehrotra Anil K. , Englezos Peter
Published: February 2022

This paper provides a review of Professor Bishnoi's research contributions in the broad discipline of chemical engineering. Prof. Bishnoi has been a dedicated mentor, collaborator, innovator, and outstanding researcher. He has had a most productive and illustrious career, spanning more than four decades in both academia and industry. He is among the top 50 most‐published authors of the The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. He initiated a most successful and renowned research group at the University of Calgary, which was dedicated to the understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics related to the formation and decomposition of gas hydrates as well as the chemical engineering process design and simulation. As a tribute to Prof. Bishnoi's numerous scientific and engineering contributions and innovations, this review highlights his academic and research accomplishments, which included the training of several doctoral degree students, master's degree students, and postdoctoral scholars and research associates. In this paper, we have divided Prof. Bishnoi's research contributions into three broad areas, namely, chemical thermodynamics of hydrocarbon systems, process development and simulation, and thermodynamics and kinetics of the formation and decomposition of gas hydrates.
Using poly(acrylamide‐co‐lauric acid) to remediate oil spills on water
Authors: da Silva Marco A. , Soares João B. P.
Published: February 2022

Many methods have been used to reduce the destructive impact of oil spills on the environment. Herding agents added to the periphery of an oil slick cause it to contract into a thicker oil layer with a more uniform thickness covering a much smaller area, thus making it easier to remove the oil by mechanical means or by in situ burning. In this article, we evaluated how a series of poly(acrylamide‐co‐lauric acid) copolymers performed as chemical herders for oil spills. These polymers were tested with diluted bitumen spilled on fresh and artificial seawater. An increase in oil slick thickness of 363% was observed for the copolymer made with an acrylamide/lauric acid ratio of 70/30 in less than 10 min for a loading of 5 g polymer/100 g diluted bitumen. In addition, the final thickness of about 3.0 mm was higher than the requirement to initiate and maintain in situ burning. These easy‐to‐make and inexpensive poly(acrylamide‐co‐lauric acid) copolymers are attractive compounds for the remediation of oil spills.