bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Scale Synthesis and Applications of Hafnium–Tantalum Carbides
Authors: Kvashnin Alexander G. , Nikitin Dmitry S. , Shanenkov Ivan I. , Chepkasov Ilya V. , Kvashnina Yulia A. , Nassyrbayev Artur , Sivkov Alexander A. , Bolatova Zhanar , Pak Alexander Ya.
Published: July 2022

Comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies are performed to discover a new way of synthesis of HfTaC coatings. Here, an evolutionary search for stable crystal structures in the ternary HfTaC system with subsequent selective large‐scale experimental synthesis of coatings using a unique plasma dynamic experimental setup is performed. Optimization of the experimental process allows us to perform selective synthesis of coatings made of hafnium–tantalum carbides with predefined stoichiometry, crystal structure, and properties. Along with more than 70 compounds, the HfTaC system belongs to ternary and quaternary carbides of group IV and V transition metals, and this study opens the door to synthesis of a large number of functional coatings composed of other carbides including high‐entropy carbides.
Multiscale Functional Metal Architectures by Antibody‐Guided Metallization of Specific Protein Assemblies in Ex Vivo Multicellular Organisms
Authors: Song Chang Woo , Song Dae‐Hyeon , Kang Dong Gyu , Park Ki Hyun , Park Chan E , Kim Hyunwoo , Hur Yongsuk , Jo Sung Duk , Nam Yoon Sung , Yeom Jihyeon , Han Seung Min , Chang Jae‐Byum
Published: July 2022

Biological systems consist of hierarchical protein structures, each of which has unique 3D geometries optimized for specific functions. In the past decades, the growth of inorganic materials on specific proteins has attracted considerable attention. However, the use of specific proteins as templates has only been demonstrated in relatively simple organisms, such as viruses, limiting the range of structures that can be used as scaffolds. This study proposes a method for synthesizing metallic structures that resemble the 3D assemblies of specific proteins in mammalian cells and animal tissues. Using 1.4 nm nanogold‐conjugated antibodies, specific proteins within cells and ex vivo tissues are labeled, and then the nanogold acts as nucleation sites for growth of metal particles. As proof of concept, various metal particles are grown using microtubules in cells as templates. The metal‐containing cells are applied as catalysts and show catalytic stability in liquid‐phase reactions due to the rigid support provided by the microtubules. Finally, this method is used to produce metal structures that replicate the specific protein assemblies of neurons in the mouse brain or the extracellular matrices in the mouse kidney and heart. This new biotemplating approach can facilitate the conversion of specific protein structures into metallic forms in ex vivo multicellular organisms.
Elucidating the Step‐Wise Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation in Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Operando Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Gogoi Neeha , Melin Tim , Berg Erik J.
Published: July 2022

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is arguably one of the most critical components of the Li‐ion cell. Despite decades of studies of the SEI, its intrinsic complexity and the lack of suitable characterization tools still prevent a real consensus on the governing mechanisms to be reached. Herein, operando Raman spectroscopy supported by complimentary online electrochemical mass spectrometry is employed to study the SEI formation on Au in a model electrolyte based on LiClO4 in ethylene carbonate (EC). Both the electrolyte itself and cell contaminants, such as O2, CO2, and H2O, contribute in stepwise electro‐/chemical processes to the build‐up of the SEI. Effects associated with electrode/electrolyte double‐layer charging, electrode adsorbate polarization (stark effect), and SEI dissolution are discerned. Lithium carbonate and lithium oxide are identified as major products formed already ≈2 V versus Li+/Li. Although Raman spectroscopy provides deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms, complementary techniques are necessary to support spectral interpretations. Classical challenges in the field of surface science, such as contaminations, have to be systematically addressed if the puzzle of the SEI ever will be completed.
Boosting the Temperature Adaptability of Lithium Metal Batteries via a Moisture/Acid‐Purified, Ion‐Diffusion Accelerated Separator
Authors: Zhang Min , Liu Kexin , Gan Yichen , Wang Helin , Liu Fu , Bai Miao , Tang Xiaoyu , Wang Zhiqiao , Li Shaowen , Shao Ahu , Zhou Kefan , Wang Tianyu , Wang Zhuyi , Yuan Shuai , Ma Yue
Published: July 2022

The reliable operation of Li metal batteries suffers from cathode collapse due to high‐voltage cycling, interfacial reactivity of the Li deposits, self‐discharge at the elevated temperatures, as well as the power output deterioration in low‐temperature scenarios. In contrast to the individual electrode optimization, herein, a hetero‐layered separator with an asymmetric functional coating on polyethylene is proposed in response to the aforementioned issues: On the face‐to‐cathode side, the hybrid layer of the molecular sieve and sulfonated melamine formaldehyde can scavenge the hydrofluoric acid and moisture residues from the carbonate electrolyte, maintaining the cathode robustness in both the high‐voltage cycling or high‐temperature storage scenarios; while the pre‐coated Ag2S layer in situ generates the Li10Ag3‐Li2S composite matrix in contact with the Li foil, promoting interfacial ion diffusion and isotropic Li deposition. The as‐constructed LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Li pouch cell (3.2 Ah) with the hetero‐layered separator can achieve a high energy density of 400.6 Wh kg−1 on the cell level, as well as a wider temperature adaptability (0–75 °C). This asymmetric separator strategy enables facile energy‐dense cell prototyping with the commercial electrode/electrolyte.
Tuning the Coordination Structure of CuNC Single Atom Catalysts for Simultaneous Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 and NO3– to Urea
Authors: Leverett Josh , Tran‐Phu Thanh , Yuwono Jodie A. , Kumar Priyank , Kim Changmin , Zhai Qingfeng , Han Chen , Qu Jiangtao , Cairney Julie , Simonov Alexandr N. , Hocking Rosalie K. , Dai Liming , Daiyan Rahman , Amal Rose
Published: July 2022

Closing both the carbon and nitrogen loops is a critical venture to support the establishment of the circular, net‐zero carbon economy. Although single atom catalysts (SACs) have gained interest for the electrochemical reduction reactions of both carbon dioxide (CO2RR) and nitrate (NO3RR), the structure–activity relationship for Cu SAC coordination for these reactions remains unclear and should be explored such that a fundamental understanding is developed. To this end, the role of the Cu coordination structure is investigated in dictating the activity and selectivity for the CO2RR and NO3RR. In agreement with the density functional theory calculations, it is revealed that Cu‐N4 sites exhibit higher intrinsic activity toward the CO2RR, whilst both Cu‐N4 and Cu‐N4−x‐Cx sites are active toward the NO3RR. Leveraging these findings, CO2RR and NO3RR are coupled for the formation of urea on Cu SACs, revealing the importance of *COOH binding as a critical parameter determining the catalytic activity for urea production. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report employing SACs for electrochemical urea synthesis from CO2RR and NO3RR, which achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 28% for urea production with a current density of −27 mA cm–2 at −0.9 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode.
ZIF‐Mg(OH)2 Dual Template Assisted Self‐Confinement of Small PtCo NPs as Promising Oxygen Reduction Reaction in PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Hao Chao , Yan Bowen , Chen Qiuyan , Feng Huiyan , Mao Xiaoqing , Cen Jianmei , Tian Zhi Qun , Tsiakaras Panagiotis , Shen Pei Kang
Published: July 2022

Traditional calcination usually causes sintering of Pt, which diminishes Pt exposure in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrodes. In the present work, a facile self‐confined method for synthesizing highly dispersed PtCo‐alloy on Co, N co‐doped mesoporous carbon (PCN‐MC) is developed via a dual‐template strategy. Owing to the co‐confined effect of Zn in the bimetallic zeolite‐based imidazolate framework (ZIF) and Mg(OH)2 template, ultra‐fine 2.7 nm PtCo‐alloy with 2–3 atomic‐layer Pt‐skin nanoparticles are obtained. By adjusting the Co/Zn feeding‐ratio in the bimetallic ZIF at 8/7, the alloying degree and nanoparticle size are optimized to achieve an outstanding oxygen reduction reaction activity with a high mass activity (MA) of 0.956 A mgPt−1 in 0.1 m HClO4, about 7.5‐fold of that of commercial Pt/C. Furthermore, notable durability is also achieved with 81% retention of the initial MA after 30k cycles conducted between 0.6–1.0 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode). These features are also verified by a H2–Air fuel cell test with an excellent combination of mass activity, power density, and durability. This strategy provides a feasible route for the large‐scale synthesis of highly‐dispersed PtCo‐alloy catalysts.
Expanding the Utility of Inexpensive Pyridine‐N‐oxide Directing Group for the Site‐selective sp2/sp3γ‐C−H and sp2δ‐C−H Functionalization of Carboxamides
Authors: Tomar Radha , Kumar Amit , Dalal Arup , Bhattacharya Debabrata , Singh Prabhakar , Arulananda Babu Srinivasarao
Published: July 2022

We have shown our efforts toward expanding the utility of the relatively inexpensive pyridine‐N‐oxide directing group in the Pd(II)‐catalyzed site‐selective γ‐C(sp2)−H, γ‐C(sp3)−H and δ‐C(sp2)−H functionalization. The functionalization β−C−H bonds using bidentate directing group (DG) pyridine‐N‐oxide which operates through the N,O‐coordination mode has been well documented in the literature. However, there exist rare reports dealing with the functionalization of remote sp2/sp3 γ‐ and δ‐C−H bonds of carboxamides assisted by the bidentate directing groups operating via the N,O‐coordination. In this paper, the scope of pyridine‐N‐oxide DG was examined for accomplishing the site‐selective (mono) γ‐C(sp2)−H arylation in substrates containing competitive C(sp3)−H and C(sp2)−H bonds. The investigation has enabled to assemble a library of pyridine‐N‐oxide‐based biarylacetamides, heteroaryl‐based biaryl carboxamides, tricyclic quinolones, arylheteroarylmethanes, biaryl‐based aliphatic carboxamides and mono (ortho) arylated phenylglycine derivatives. In general, biaryl derivatives and in particular, arylacetamide, arylacetic acid derivatives and pyridine‐N‐oxide (2‐aminopyridyl) motifs are medicinally relevant classes of compounds. This work enabled the assembling of a library of the above‐mentioned types of compounds through the pyridine‐N‐oxide directing group‐aided site‐selective sp2/sp3 γ‐C−H and sp2 δ‐C−H functionalization of carboxamides.
Photocycloaddition as a Tool for Modulation of the Lower Critical Solution Temperature in a Molecular π‐System to Control Transmission of Solar Radiation
Authors: Das Satyajit , Patra Dipak , Shankar Sreejith , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: July 2022

Diels–Alder photocycloaddition, a well‐known textbook reaction, has not been explored in materials chemistry. Herein we describe how this classical photochemistry can be used to modulate the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of a molecular π‐system, which can further be exploited for the controlled transmission of solar radiation for the management of indoor heat and light. An amphiphilic anthracene derivative 9‐PA‐1 exhibited LCST behavior at 27–32 °C with a reversible transition from a transparent to an opaque phase in water (1–5 mM). Irradiation of a toluene solution of 9‐PA‐1 with 365 nm light resulted in a [4+2] photocycloadduct 9‐PA‐2, which exhibited a modulated LCST behavior at 25–27 °C, at a concentration as low as 6 μM. The photocycloaddition of 9‐PA‐1 was significantly retarded in water, making it a stable candidate for the design of sustainable smart windows. We also demonstrated 100 cm2 smart window prototypes (ΔTlum 82 %, ΔTIR 68 %, ΔTsol 73 %) with more than 1000 cycles of stable operation.
Bifunctional metal–organic frameworks afforded by postsynthetic modification for efficient cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxides
Authors: Gao Wei , Wang Cui‐Li , Chen Le , Zhu Cai‐Yong , Li Peng , Li Ji‐Yang , Liu Jie‐Ping , Zhang Xiu‐Mei
Published: July 2022

Bifunctional ionic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) containing Lewis acid sites (unsaturated metal sites) and halide ions (Cl−, Br−, and I−) have attracted increasing attention due to their extra high activity for the cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides. Herein, a novel microporous MOF (1‐Eu), namely, [Eu3(L)2(HCOO)(H2O)5]·14H2O (H4L = 2,6‐di(2,4‐dicarboxyphenyl)‐4‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)pyridine), has been synthesized by using a new bipyridyl‐based tetracarboxylate ligands (H4L). Structural analyses show that 1‐Eu is a 3D framework in which 1D chains with alternating triple and single carboxylate bridges are interlinked by the L ligands and contains microporous channels with uncoordinated pyridyl N atoms, which are easy to be modified by N‐methylation. Therefore, three bifunctional N‐methylation 1‐Eu MOFs, 1‐Eu‐MeX (X = Cl−, Br−, and I−), were successfully prepared from the 1‐Eu MOF by a postsynthetic modification (PSM) method. 1‐Eu‐MeX can efficiently catalyze the cycloaddition reaction without any cocatalyst and solvent. Among them, the 1‐Eu‐MeI catalyst displays the highest catalytic performance. Our work thus represents a rare demonstration of ionic MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts for efficient CO2 fixation with epoxides. More significantly, 1‐Eu‐MeX are the first reported Eu‐based ionic MOFs with the bipyridyl‐based tetracarboxylate ligand.
Mixed Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Efficient Semi‐Solid Electrolytes for Magnesium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hassan Hagar K. , Farkas Attila , Varzi Alberto , Jacob Timo
Published: July 2022

One of the main issues of metal organic framework (MOF)‐based solid electrolytes (SE) is their high guest solvent content reaching up to >50 wt% of the total mass of SE pellets. The presence of large solvent amounts reduces the SE hardness and the electrochemical stability in presence of a magnesium (Mg) anode. Moreover, this often leads to misleading ionic conductivity values. In the present work, a strategy to minimize the guest solvent in MOF‐based SE from 44–55 wt% to 20–30 wt% of the total SE's mass is presented. Moreover, mixed metal organic frameworks of different structures and crystallinity are demonstrated for the first time to enhance the ionic conductivity of Mg2+ ions inside the MOFs’ structures. The presence of both highly crystalline and amorphous MOFs increases the degree of disorder in the mixture and consequently opens up extra pathways for Mg2+ ion diffusion. The ionic conductivity of mixed MOFs [amorphous Mgbp3dc and crystalline α‐Mg3(HCOO)6] showed an enhanced value of 3.8×10−5 S cm−1 at 30 °C compared to 1.1×10−6 S cm−1 for α‐Mg3(HCOO)6. Mixed MOF‐SEs with a transference number (t+) of 0.335 showed a good stability in the presence of Mg electrodes with an enhanced reversibility upon galvanostatic cycling.
Variation of the Fluorescence Decay Time of a Molecule in Front of a Mirror
Authors: Drexhage K. H. , Kuhn H. , Schäfer F. P.
Published: July 2022

The out‐going wave‐front of a radiating oscillator (e. g. a Hertzian dipole) is disturbed by a reflecting surface. The resulting interference phenomenon affects the radiated power, which thus depends on the distance between oscillator and mirror. If this concept is applied to the emission of light by molecules, a dependence of the fluorescence decay time on the distance between excited molecule and mirror is to be expected.

This effect has been investigated for the case of monomolecular layers of an europium dibenzoylmethane complex, which are kept in a definite distance from an evaporated metal surface (gold, silver or aluminum) by cadmiumarachidate layers. Exciting with a flash of 366 nm light the intense red fluorescence (λ = 612 nm) of the europium ion is observed. The fluorescence follows an exponential decay law over at least two decades with a decay time of roughly 1 msec. The expected variation of the decay time with distance from the mirror is verified by the experiment. The decay time is lengthened or shortened in close agreement with the above theory, except for small distances, where energy transfer processes occur.

The mirror affects only the radiating process, while the probabilities for non‐radiating desactivation processes remain unaltered. Thus the quantum yield of fluorescence of the emitting state can be determined, which is an otherwise hardly accessible quantity.
Understanding circular economy transitions: The case of circular textiles
Authors: Reike Denise , Hekkert Marko P. , Negro Simona O.
Published: July 2022

The circular economy has been proposed to transform global textile supply chains which are currently challenged by a complex nexus of sustainability issues related to the dominant fast fashion trend. Research on circular economy in the textile sector often focuses on businesses or consumers as key enablers incircular transitions, yet it treats them as independent entities and thereby neglects the study of interactions that can provide insight at the systems level. The proclaimed “circular textile mission” in the Netherlands setting a national target for 100% circularity by 2050 is used as case study to address this research gap. We explore the circular textile transition processes found in the context of the Dutch mission and compare the development and interactions among various technical and non‐technological solutions produced by engaged actor constellations for assessing key factors driving and blocking the overall mission fulfilment. To these ends, we derive a theoretical framework based on innovation system theory and conceptualize the Dutch circular textile transition as aMission‐oriented Innovation System(MIS). Analyzing the structure and functioning of the Dutch mission‐oriented innovation system, we show that (1) there is a good match between the formal Dutch circular textile mission and system actor perceptions; (2) system actors have formed structures around three dominantsolution trajectoriesin the Dutch system: secondhand, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling; (3) these trajectories expose distinct key virtuous and vicious cycles, which characterize (4) the entire system as formative. Overall, the secondhand trajectory shows most developed structures and most positive dynamics, chemical recycling carries most technological breakthrough potential, whereas mechanical recycling is a mature technology but lacks market demand and supply. We compare the three solution trajectories, discuss the disruptive nature of the Dutch circular textile transition, and suggest installing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a potential intervention for accelerating system transformation. The study concludes with reflections on the case learnings and considerations for further research on mission‐oriented innovation systems.
A systematic approach to reduce intraocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma
Authors: Huang Yi‐Lun , Hsu Yu‐Ling , Yu Ya‐Chu , Huang Hong‐Yan , Tsai Ren‐Hao , Cheng Yao‐Tien , Chou Yi‐Ling , Sun Sheng‐Yan , Wang Li‐An , Lin Jia‐Yi , Chen Chao‐Chung , Hung Jia‐Horung , Ng I‐Son
Published: July 2022

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. We have developed a novel treatment option for glaucoma based on a real‐time IOP‐dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and packed in a therapeutic contact lens to reduce the IOP. First, 1.6 nmole nitric oxide was produced from the genetic chassis, which was optimized for isopropyl β‐d‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction in a T7 expression system. For biosafety concerns to human being, the csgAD genes responsible for curli biofilm formation in Escherichia coli were co‐expressed with NOS in the designated NOSAD strain to strengthen the adherence of cells to the contact lens, thereby preventing the contamination into the eyes. Moreover, NOSAD is a diaminopimelic acid (DAP) auxotrophic strain, which cannot survive without supplementation of DAP and reached the critical consideration of biosafety to the environment. We also demonstrated that the nitric oxide diffusion was 3.6‐times enhanced from penetration into the aqueous humor of porcine eyes. The deformation ratio of the contact lens was correlated to the change of IOP by using a digital image correlation (DIC) system in a porcine eye model. The novel systematic approach provides an alternative treatment for glaucoma patients in the future.
DeepORCA: Realistic crowd simulation for varying scenes
Authors: Li Yaqiang , Mao Tianlu , Meng Ruoyu , Yan Qinyuan , Wang Zhaoqi
Published: July 2022

Crowd simulation is a challenging problem, aiming to generate realistic pedestrians motions in virtual environment. Nowadays, ORCA is a widely used simulation algorithm in practice because of its stable and efficient performance. However, this algorithm cannot regenerate continuity and diversity of pedestrian motions in real data, leading to defects in motion fidelity. Otherwise, trajectory prediction methods based on deep learning have progressed in real pedestrians movement patterns mining. However, they are rarely applied in simulation due to the lack of ability to avoid collision and adapt to manufactured scenarios. Our work proposes a simulation method DeepORCA that integrates ORCA with a CVAE‐based velocity probability generator, which can model motion continuity, variable intentions, and scene semantics. Moreover, DeepORCA converts the velocity optimization into quadratic programming, which accelerates the calculation while maintaining the collision‐avoidance ability of ORCA. In the experiments of real and artificial scenes, our method produces more realistic crowd simulation results than ORCA quantitatively and qualitatively, while keeps the computational efficiency at the same order of magnitude.
Potential proteomic alteration in the brain of Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice: A new pathogenesis insight of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wen An , Chai Wen , Liang Huiting , Tang Chunyan , Gan Weiming , Xu Renshi
Published: July 2022

The pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains unclear. The recent studies have suggested that the protein abnormalities could play some important roles in ALS because several protein mutations were found in individuals with this disease. However, proteins that are currently known to be associated with ALS only explain the pathogenesis of this disease in a minority of cases, thus, further screening is needed to identify other ALS‐related proteins. In this study, we systematically analyzed and compared the brain proteomic alterations between a mouse model of ALS, the Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur model, and wild‐type mice using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) as well as bioinformatics methods. The results revealed some significant up‐ and downregulated proteins at the different developmental stages in the ALS‐like mice as well as the possibly related cellular components, molecular functions, biological processes, and pathways in the development of ALS. Our results identified some possible proteins that participate in the pathogenesis of ALS as well as the cellular components that are damaged by these proteins, we additionally identified the molecular functions, the biological processes, and the pathways of these proteins as well as the molecules that are associated with these pathways. This study represents an important preliminary investigation of the role of proteomic abnormalities in the pathogenesis of ALS, both in human patients and other animal models. We present some novel findings that may serve as a basis for further investigation of abnormal proteins that are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS.
Research progress on carbon materials as negative electrodes in sodium‐ and potassium‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Yang‐yang , Wang Yu‐hua , Wang Yi‐tong , Xu Tian‐jie , Chang Pei
Published: July 2022

Carbon materials, including graphite, hard carbon, soft carbon, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, are widely used as high‐performance negative electrodes for sodium‐ion and potassium‐ion batteries (SIBs and PIBs). Compared with other materials, carbon materials are abundant, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly, and have excellent electrochemical properties, which make them especially suitable for negative electrode materials of SIBs and PIBs. Compared with traditional carbon materials, modifications of the morphology and size of nanomaterials represent effective strategies to improve the quality of electrode materials. Different nanostructures make different contributions toward improving the electrochemical performance of electrode materials, so the synthesis of nanomaterials is promising for controlling the morphology and size of electrode materials. This paper reviews the progress made and challenges in the use of carbon materials as negative electrode materials for SIBs and PIBs in recent years. The differences in Na+ and K+ storage mechanisms among different types of carbon materials are emphasized.
Graywater Treatment with Two Planted Vertical Constructed Wetlands in Series: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hachicha Rihab , Fersi Mariem , Jedidi Naceur , Mechichi Taher , Hassen Abdenaceur , Hachicha Ridha
Published: July 2022

Two pilot scales of planted vertical flow‐built wetlands in series treating greywater were accomplished in the Tunisian Deaf Help Association (TDHA). The two beds were planted with Phragmites australis with continuous daily flow of 640 L and nominal operating retention duration of 1.25 days. The total suspended solids (TSS) removal efficiency in the first bed was 86.2 ± 10%, and both beds received the same treatment performance for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand after five days (BOD5). The removal rates for TSS, COD, and BOD5 were 94 ± 13, 86 ± 5.7, and 93 ± 7%, respectively., the ammonium overall removal rate was 71.4 ± 19.1% in both beds, however, it was around 60 ± 9.11% when based on a single bed. The second bed enhanced phosphorus removal twice with a reduction of 52%. In each bed, Escherichia coli clearance ranged from 1.24 to 2.40 logs, respectively, and the total average bacteria population yielded an average of 1.65 log units, equivalent to an efficiency of 46.67%. These results were complemented by polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, showing an overall of biomass reduction of 47 ± 8% with one bed, and of 89 ± 7% with both beds.
Physicochemically Constructed Unidirectional Aluminum Bismuth Gallium Zinc Oxide Film for Enhanced Nematic Liquid Crystal System Using a Brush‐Coating Method
Authors: Wook Lee Dong , Mi Kim Eun , Seok Heo Gi , Hyun Kim Dong , Young Oh Jin , Liu Yang , Seo Dae‐Shik
Published: July 2022

We propose a convenient brush coating method for liquid crystal (LC) alignment. This method enables film deposition and an alignment layer treatment process simultaneously. Aluminum bismuth gallium zinc oxide (AlBiGaZnO) is used as the alignment layer. After the curing process, a unidirectional AlBiGaZnO film is formed; its surface morphology and chemical composition were verified using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This oriented structure of the surface was produced by shear‐stress which originated from brush movement. That structure induced a surface anisotropic characteristic and resulted in a uniform LC alignment. The uniform and homogeneous LC alignment state on the film was confirmed using polarized optical microscopy and pre‐tilt angle analysis. The brush coated AlBiGaZnO film exhibited excellent thermal budget for advanced LC system. The film exhibited enhanced electro‐optical performance with a low operating voltage. These results demonstrate the potential of LC alignment technology via the brush coating method.
Ethical Considerations during the Informed Consent Process for Acute Ischemic Stroke in International Clinical Trials
Authors: Bellomo Tiffany , Fokas Jennifer , Tsao Noah , Anderson Clare , Becker Christopher , Gioscia‐Ryan Rachel , Meurer William
Published: July 2022

We sought to investigate the experiences of researchers in existing active‐control trials in acute ischemic stroke comparing investigational therapy to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in order to identify the approaches and challenges in obtaining informed consent. Out of 401 articles evaluated, 14 trials met inclusion criteria. Trial representatives were contacted to complete a survey concerning the consent process. None of the 14 trials published materials related to the informed consent process. Trials with 75% to 100% of patients directly consented had shorter door‐to‐treatment (DTT) times than trials that directly consented less than 50% of patients. Trials that had translators available (for recruiting participants who were not native speakers in the local language) and translated consent documents had longer DTT times. The study findings suggest that differences in the standards of informed consent internationally may allow more patients with moderate strokes to provide direct consent without delaying DTT time. Future trials should emphasize transparency to the public and scientific community in the informed consent process.
Perspectives from a Predominantly African American Community about Biobank Research and a Biobank Consent Form
Authors: Sedig Laura K. , De Loney E. Hill , Bailey Sarah B. , Spector‐Bagdady Kayte , Ghita Bianca , Krienke Lydia Koh , Hutchinson Raymond
Published: July 2022

Minority populations have been underrepresented in clinical trials, as well as in research biobanks that are created to conduct research with participants' biospecimens and related medical and research data. Biobank research raises issues about informed consent and privacy and the confidentiality of participants' personal data. Our study involved three focus groups of 10 adults each that were conducted in a medically underserved, predominantly African American community to elucidate questions and concerns regarding an institutional biobank. Transcripts from the discussion were qualitatively analyzed. Three main themes that arose from the focus groups included the importance of trust, the importance of the community in research, and suggestions to improve trust. The concerns identified in this study provide a starting point for future research to help research institutions become more trustworthy to the communities they serve.
Mechanistically Novel Frontal‐Inspired In Situ Photopolymerization: An Efficient Electrode|Electrolyte Interface Engineering Method for High Energy Lithium Metal Polymer Batteries
Authors: Shaji Ishamol , Diddens Diddo , Winter Martin , Nair Jijeesh Ravi
Published: July 2022

The solvent‐free in situ polymerization technique has the potential to tailor‐make conformal interfaces that are essential for developing durable and safe lithium metal polymer batteries (LMPBs). Hence, much attention has been given to the eco‐friendly and rapid ultraviolet (UV)‐induced in situ photopolymerization process to prepare solid‐state polymer electrolytes. In this respect, an innovative method is proposed here to overcome the challenges of UV‐induced photopolymerization (UV‐curing) in the zones where UV‐light cannot penetrate, especially in LMPBs where thick electrodes are used. The proposed frontal‐inspired photopolymerization (FIPP) process is a diverged frontal‐based technique that uses two classes (dual) of initiators to improve the slow reaction kinetics of allyl‐based monomers/oligomers by at least 50% compared with the conventional UV‐curing process. The possible reaction mechanism occurring in FIPP is demonstrated using density functional theory calculations and spectroscopic investigations. Indeed, the initiation mechanism identified for the FIPP relies on a photochemical pathway rather than an exothermic propagating front forms during the UV‐irradiation step as the case with the classical frontal photopolymerization technique. Besides, the FIPP‐based in situ cell fabrication using dual initiators is advantageous over both the sandwich cell assembly and conventional in situ photopolymerization in overcoming the limitations of mass transport and active material utilization in high energy and high power LMPBs that use thick electrodes. Furthermore, the LMPB cells fabricated using the in situ‐FIPP process with high mass loading LiFePO4 electrodes (5.2 mg cm‐2) demonstrate higher rate capability, and a 50% increase in specific capacity against a sandwich cell encouraging the use of this innovative process in large‐scale solid‐state battery production.
Within trial comparison of survival time projections from short‐term follow‐up with long‐term follow‐up findings
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Claggett Brian L. , Docherty Kieran F. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Zannad Faiez , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: July 2022

Aims

Data on long‐term treatment effects are scarce, despite the intent to use new therapies for many years and the need of patients, physicians and payers to have a better understanding of the lifetime benefits of treatments. The restricted mean or median survival time (RMST) calculated using age instead of time, hypothetically enables estimation of long‐term gain in event‐free or overall survival from the short‐term (within‐trial) effects of an intervention, compared with its control. Tha aim of the study is to use trials with long‐term follow‐up available through extension studies to compare the long‐term projections estimated using RMST from within‐trial follow‐up data with the actual long‐term outcomes in the extension studies.

Methods and results

We estimated the median long‐term survival time using age instead of follow‐up time and compared these model‐based projections with the actual long‐term estimates in the (i) SCD‐HeFT trial vs. SCD‐HeFT long‐term outcomes; (ii) SOLVD trial vs. SOLVD 12 year follow‐up; (iii) STICH trial vs. STICHES; and (iv) ACCORD study vs. ACCORDION. In the long‐term follow‐up of SCD‐HeFT, gain in survival with ICD vs. placebo over a median of 11.0 years was +1.4 years of life. The RMST model‐derived survival projection from the within‐trial data (median follow‐up of 3.4 years) gave an estimated survival gain of +1.2 years. In STICHES, over a median follow‐up of 9.8 years, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) vs. medical care led to a survival extension of +1.4 years in favour of CABG. RMST projections using within‐trial data from STICH (median follow‐up of 4.9 years), gave an extended survival of +2.4 years in favour of CABG in younger patients. In the long‐term follow‐up of SOLVD, enalapril vs. placebo led to a survival gain of +0.8 years over a median follow‐up of 12.1 years. The RMST projections from the within‐trial data (median follow‐up of 2.8 years) gave a survival extension of +0.3 years in favour of enalapril. In the long‐term follow‐up ACCORDION study, with a median follow‐up of 8.8 years, intensive vs. a standard anti‐hyperglycaemic treatment did not influence long‐term survival, which was concordant with the RMST projections from the short‐term ACCORD study with median follow‐up of 4.9 years.

Conclusions

Age‐based survival projections using within‐trial data generally provided concordant results with the actual survival measured in long‐term follow‐up extension studies. Our findings suggest that age‐based lifetime projections may be used as means to assess the long‐term treatment effects.
Synthesis of Tri‐ and Tetrasubstituted Alkenyl Boronates from Alkynes
Authors: Altarejos Julia , Valero Antonio , Manzano Rubén , Carreras Javier
Published: July 2022

The synthesis of organoboron compounds have attracted the attention of the synthetic community. In particular, molecules with C(sp2)‐B bonds enable the transformation to new C−C or C‐heteroatom bonds by well‐established methodologies. Alkenyl boronates have the possibility for further conversion of the boron moiety or functionalization of the double bond. This review gives an overview on the recent methodologies for the selective preparation of the challenging highly substituted alkenyl boronates from alkynes.
An examination of the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine in adults, children, and adolescents with Dravet syndrome in a real‐world practice setting: A report from the Fenfluramine European Early Access Program
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Specchio Nicola , Aledo‐Serrano Ángel , Pringsheim Milka , Darra Francesca , Mayer Thomas , Gil‐Nagel Antonio , Polster Tilman , Zuberi Sameer M. , Lothe Amélie , Gammaitoni Arnold , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: July 2022

Objective

To examine the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) in three age groups: <6, 6‐17, and ≥18 years old, treated in a real‐world setting.

Methods

Patients with DS were treated with fenfluramine in the European Union Early Access Program (EAP). Following a 28‐day baseline period to establish the pretreatment monthly convulsive seizure frequency (MCSF), fenfluramine was started at a dose chosen by the treating physician and gradually titrated based on efficacy and tolerability up to a maximum of 0.7 mg/kg/day. Seizure incidence was recorded in a written diary, and adverse events (AEs) were reported at each patient visit. Cardiovascular safety was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography before treatment started and at least every 6 months thereafter.

Results

A total of 149 patients have enrolled in the EAP and 63 were <6 years old, 62 were 6‐17 years old, and 24 were ≥18 years old. After 3 months of treatment 62%, 53%, and 50% of patients demonstrated ≥75% reduction in MCSF in the <6, 6‐17, and ≥18‐year‐old groups, respectively. This pattern of response was sustained through 12 months of treatment with 55%, 46%, and 80% of the <6, 6‐17, and ≥18‐year‐old groups, respectively, experiencing a ≥75% reduction in MCSF. Most common AEs were loss of appetite (21%) and somnolence (16%). No valvular heart disease or pulmonary artery hypertension was observed.

Significance

The magnitude, consistency, and durability of the response to add‐on fenfluramine is consistent across age groups in patients with Dravet syndrome.
Records of the oceanic propagator closure at the southern splay of the Palaeo‐Tethys
Authors: Choong Chee‐Meng , Pubellier Manuel , Sautter Benjamin , Gebretsadik Haylay Tsegab
Published: July 2022

The Palaeo‐Tethys is known to have diverged into several splays throughout East and South‐east Asia. Several researchers have widely studied the importance and geometries of the Palaeo‐Tethys' branches. Plate reconstruction geometries for the southern Palaeo‐Tethys splay suggest that the ocean either connects to the proto‐Pacific or dies out. We review and discuss the Late Palaeozoic to the Early Mesozoic lithologies attributed to the Palaeo‐Tethys, from the Himalayan Syntaxis in the north to the Bangka and Belitung islands in western Indonesia to the south. Relics of oceanic crust and deep‐sea sediments related to the main Palaeo‐Tethys Basin can be traced from the South China (Yunnan)‐Thailand border to Peninsular Malaysia. A sub‐parallel back‐arc suture exists in eastern Thailand in the north and vanishes towards the south at the latitude of the Gulf of Thailand. Towards the south of Peninsular Malaysia, the material that constitutes the suture zone of main Palaeo‐Tethys is found offshore in the Riau Archipelago, Indonesia, and has been extensively eroded. Thus, we rely on gravity signatures to extrapolate the extension of the structures to the Bangka and Belitung islands, which show only minor serpentine and pillow basalts occurrences along a line that curves towards Borneo. The metamorphic rocks associated with the suture zones range from high grade (gneiss) in Thailand to low grade (mica schist and minor amphibolite) in Peninsular Malaysia. The syn‐ and post‐collisional granitic bodies that form large batholiths in Thailand and Malaysia are comparatively smaller in Indonesia, particularly on Belitung Island, suggesting the lack of large underplating of the Sibumasu crust within the region. We interpret the stratigraphic and tectonic observations of the southern Palaeo‐Tethys to support the theory of the southward (present orientation) opening of a propagating oceanic basin from Devonian to Carboniferous, which began to close from the Permian to Triassic period.
Novel mechanism of hypoxic neuronal injury mediated by non‐excitatory amino acids and astroglial swelling
Authors: Álvarez‐Merz Iris , Fomitcheva Ioulia V. , Sword Jeremy , Hernández‐Guijo Jesús M. , Solís José M. , Kirov Sergei A.
Published: July 2022

In ischemic stroke and post‐traumatic brain injury (TBI), blood–brain barrier disruption leads to leaking plasma amino acids (AA) into cerebral parenchyma. Bleeding in hemorrhagic stroke and TBI also release plasma AA. Although excitotoxic AA were extensively studied, little is known about non‐excitatory AA during hypoxic injury. Hypoxia‐induced synaptic depression in hippocampal slices becomes irreversible with non‐excitatory AA, alongside their intracellular accumulation and increased tissue electrical resistance. Four non‐excitatory AA (l‐alanine, glycine,l‐glutamine,l‐serine: AGQS) at plasmatic concentrations were applied to slices from mice expressing EGFP in pyramidal neurons or astrocytes during normoxia or hypoxia. Two‐photon imaging, light transmittance (LT) changes, and electrophysiological field recordings followed by electron microscopy in hippocampal CA1 st. radiatum were used to monitor synaptic function concurrently with cellular swelling and injury. During normoxia, AGQS‐induced increase in LT was due to astroglial but not neuronal swelling. LT raise during hypoxia and AGQS manifested astroglial and neuronal swelling accompanied by a permanent loss of synaptic transmission and irreversible dendritic beading, signifying acute damage. Neuronal injury was not triggered by spreading depolarization which did not occur in our experiments. Hypoxia without AGQS did not cause cell swelling, leaving dendrites intact. Inhibition of NMDA receptors prevented neuronal damage and irreversible loss of synaptic function. Deleterious effects of AGQS during hypoxia were prevented by alanine‐serine‐cysteine transporters (ASCT2) and volume‐regulated anion channels (VRAC) blockers. Our findings suggest that astroglial swelling induced by accumulation of non‐excitatory AA and release of excitotoxins through antiporters and VRAC may exacerbate the hypoxia‐induced neuronal injury.
Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Aconiazide, A Potentially Less Toxic Isoniazid Prodrug
Authors: Peloquin Charles A. , James Gordon T. , Craig Larry D. , Kim Michael , McCarthy Eileen A. , Iklé David , Iseman Michael D.
Published: July 2022

Study Objective. To determine the bioavailability and renal elimination of isoniazid, acetylisoniazid, monoacetylhydrazine, diacetylhydrazine, aconiazide, and 2‐formylphenoxyacetic acid.

Study Design. Randomized, double‐blind, two‐period, crossover phase I study.

Setting. Pharmacokinetics unit at a referral hospital that specializes in the treatment of mycobacterial infections.

Subjects. Twelve healthy volunteers selected from the hospital staff.

Interventions. Subjects received aconiazide tablets 650 mg (containing isoniazid 300 mg) and isoniazid tablets 300 mg. Blood and urine samples were collected over 24 hours after the dose.

Measurements and Main Results. Intact aconiazide and 2‐formylphenoxyacetic acid were not detected in the serum. Compared with isoniazid tablets, aconiazide's relative bioavailability (based on the area under the serum concentration‐time curve) was 50.7%; its relative maximum serum concentration was 13.4%.

Conclusions. Isoniazid is less bioavailable after aconiazide tablets than after isoniazid tablets. The optimum dose of aconiazide remains to be determined.
Human Glyceraldehyde 3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase‐2 Gene Is Expressed Specifically in Spermatogenic Cells
Authors: WELCH JEFFREY E. , BROWN PAULA L. , O'BRIEN DEBORAH A. , MAGYAR PATRICIA L. , BUNCH DONNA O. , MORI CHISATO , EDDY EDWARD M.
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT: Although the process of glycolysis is highly conserved in eukaryotes, several glycolytic enzymes have unique structural or functional features in spermatogenic cells. We previously identified and characterized the mouse complementary DNA (cDNA) and a gene for 1 of these enzymes, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐s (Gapds). This gene is expressed only in spermatids. The enzyme appears to have an essential role in energy production required for fertilization, and it is reported to be susceptible to inhibition by certain environmental chemicals. We have now cloned and sequenced the cDNA for the human homo‐logue of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD2) and determined the structure of the gene. The messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected in testis, but not in 15 other human tissues analyzed by Northern blot technique. The deduced GAPD2 protein contains 408 amino acids and is 68% identical with somatic cell GAPD. GAPD2 has a 72‐amino acid segment at the amino terminal end that is not present in somatic cell GAPD. This segment is prolinerich but contains smaller stretches of polyproline and is 30 amino acids shorter than the comparable segment of mouse GAPDS. The structure of the human GAPD2 gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify exonintron junctions in a genomic clone and in total genomic DNA. The locations of these junctions in the GAPD2 gene corresponded precisely to those of the 11 exonintron junctions in the mouse Gapds gene. Immunohistochemical studies found that GAPD2 is located in the principal piece of the flagellum of human spermatozoa, as are GAPDS in mouse and rat spermatozoa. GAPD2 extracted from human spermatozoa and analyzed by Western blot technique migrated with an apparent molecular weight of ∼56 000, although the calculated molecular weight is 44501. The conserved nature of the mouse, rat, and human enzymes suggests that they serve similar roles in these and other mammalian species.
Is ceasing self‐injury enough? Differences in psychological health between people reporting behavioral cessation of non‐suicidal self‐injury and those who consider themselves to have stopped self‐injuring
Authors: Claréus Benjamin , Hasking Penelope A. , Gray Nicole , Boyes Mark E.
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study examined the overlap between considering oneself to have stopped nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and the actual cessation of the behavior in terms of days self‐injured in the last month and last year, and how these operationalizations are associated with constructs related to NSSI recovery.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey including measures of coping, emotion dysregulation, psychological distress, general self‐efficacy, and self‐efficacy in resisting NSSI was answered by 144 adults aged 17–81 years (Mage [SD] = 21.43 [7.32]).

Results

Having self‐injured for ≥5 days in the last year was overly inclusive of individuals who currently considered themselves as having stopped NSSI (39.02%). Considering oneself to have stopped NSSI was associated with better emotion regulation (Cohen's d = 0.45), and higher general self‐efficacy and higher self‐efficacy to resist NSSI (d = 0.59‒0.64) than behavioral cessation. Not actually engaging in NSSI was only associated with self‐efficacy to resist NSSI in risk contexts, such that fewer days self‐injured in the last year increased confidence (partial η2 = 0.085).

Conclusion

Accounting for whether an individual considers themselves as having stopped NSSI or not may complement estimates of behavioral cessation, and strengthen outcomes associated with NSSI recovery.