bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Pore Reduction in Hybrid Joints of Conventionally and Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg Using Electron Beam Welding
Authors: Michler Martin , Hollmann Paul , Zenker Rolf , Buchwalder Anja
Published: March 2021

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is particularly well suited for the production of geometrically complex functional metal components. However, the size of the components that can be produced is limited technologically by the volume of the construction chamber, and economically by the low build‐up rates. With the provision of a reliable welding technology, size limitations can potentially be overcome to a degree by joining two additively manufactured (AM) components or by hybrid construction of components. Therefore, this study investigates the production of hybrid joints from additively and conventionally manufactured AlSi10Mg material by electron beam welding (EBW). It is known that EBW of LPBF‐processed aluminum alloys in the keyhole welding mode results in the distinctive formation of pores in the weld seams. To avoid this, two different joining strategies are pursued, namely, beam offset and multispot welding methods. It is thus determined that an adequate weld seam quality can only be achieved by means of a three‐spot welding process with adapted EB parameters. Accordingly, the investigations prove the applicability of the EB keyhole welding mode in EBW for the production of low‐porosity LPBF mixed joints.
Dimensional Accuracy Control and Compressive Property of Microcellular Polyetherimide Honeycomb Foams Manufactured by an In Situ Foaming Fused Deposition Modeling Technology
Authors: Zhai Wentao , Hu Bin , Li Mengya , Jiang Junjie , Zhou Mengnan
Published: March 2021

The microcellular honeycomb foams can be manufactured via fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. However, the process often involves complicated pre/post‐treatment. Herein, a novel in situ foaming FDM technology is developed to efficiently fabricate the microcellular polyetherimide (PEI) honeycomb foams with various lattice structures. The extremely low gas diffusivity endows the CO2‐saturated PEI filament with a long‐time printing ability and well printing performance, which is characterized by a long printable time up to 7 days and the formation of microcellular structure within the deposited foam strands. The printed PEI foam parts possess high dimensional accuracy with a relative accuracy (δR) of 1.3–6.4% at the external regions and low internal accuracy with δR of 27.5–48.8%, resulting from the increased nozzle expansion and reduced melt viscosity. An accuracy correction based on the nozzle expansion is effective to improve the dimensional accuracy of the foam parts. The high accuracy control of macro/microstructure and the advantages of green processing and long‐time printing make the in situ foaming FDM technology show great application prospects in the fabrication of hierarchical cellular materials.
Hierarchical‐Porous Copper Foams by a Combination of Sponge Replication and Freezing Techniques
Authors: Sutygina Alina , Betke Ulf , Scheffler Michael
Published: March 2021

Open‐porous copper foams with additional strut porosity are manufactured by two different manufacturing routes. The first is based on the Schwarzwalder sponge replication technique. The second method is a combination of Schwartzwalder sponge replication and freezing technique in which an additional strut porosity is generated inside the struts of the sponge‐replicated foams by freezing at −20 °C for 24 h and subsequent sublimation. Thermal processing of both types of foams is conducted at 500 and 900 °C for 6 h in a hydrogen‐containing atmosphere to reduce copper oxides and to facilitate the sintering process of the copper powder particles. Despite significant shrinkage of both foam series after thermal processing, hollow struts and lamellar pores keep their shape and do not collapse. The influences of the additional lamellar pores and thermal processing temperature on the cellular structure, porosity, specific surface area, yield strength, absorbed energy, and thermal conductivity are studied. The additional strut porosity generated by the freezing step significantly increases the specific surface area of the copper foams by a factor of 2 in comparison to the sponge replicated foams.
Fast‐Charging and Ultrahigh‐Capacity Zinc Metal Anode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Penghui , Zhou Xiangyang , Wei Anran , Meng Qi , Ye Han , Liu Weiping , Tang Jingjing , Yang Juan
Published: March 2021

Although some strategies have been triggered to address the intrinsic drawbacks of zinc (Zn) anodes in aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs), the larger issue of Zn anodes unable to cycle at a high current density with large areal capacity is neglected. Herein, the zinc phosphorus solid solution alloy (ZnP) coated on Zn foil (Zn@ZnP) prepared via a high‐efficiency electrodeposition method as a novel strategy is proposed. The phosphorus (P) atoms in the coating layer are beneficial to fast ion transfer and reducing the electrochemical activation energy during Zn stripping/plating processes. Besides, a lower energy barrier of Zn2+transferring into the coating can be attained due to the additional P. The results show that the as‐prepared Zn@ZnP anode in the symmetric cell can be cycled at a current density of 15 mA cm−2with an areal capacity of 48 mAh cm−2(depth of discharge, DOD ≈ 82%) and even at an ultrahigh current density of 20 mA cm−2and DOD ≈ 51%. Importantly, a discharge capacity of 154.4 mAh g−1in the Zn/MnO2full cell can be attained after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1. The remarkable effect achieved by the developed strategy confirms its prospect in the large‐scale application of ZIBs for high‐power devices.
Plasmon‐Assisted Nanopoling of Poly(Vinyl Difluoride) Films
Authors: Chen Fangqi , Wang Yunxia , Wang Shuangshuang , Zhai Baoxing , Lu Xiaolin , Sun Bo , Ding Tao
Published: March 2021

Plasmonic nanoheating can be utilized to induce nanophase transformation, which has important implications for nano‐optoelectronics, nano‐piezoelectronics, and high‐density data storage. Herein, optical poling of poly(vinyl difluoride) (PVDF) is shown with the assistance of surface plasmons. The ultrathin PVDF films are sandwiched between gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and a gold film. By irradiating the Au NPs with continuous‐wave laser, nanoannealing of the PVDF films is realized, which locally transforms the PVDF from α phase to β phase as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. This nanophase transformation is reproducible and scalable by scanning laser across the Au NP films deposited on the PVDF. In such a way, arbitrary patterns of β phases can be generated, which can potentially be applied for integrated piezoelectronic devices, high‐density data storage, and anti‐counterfeiting.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Chloro Sulfoximidations of Terminal Aryl Alkynes Enabled by Copper Catalysis and Visible Light
Authors: Shi Peng , Tu Yongliang , Zhang Duo , Wang Chenyang , Truong Khai‐Nghi , Rissanen Kari , Bolm Carsten
Published: March 2021

By visible‐light photoredox catalysis with copper complexes, sulfoximidoyl chlorides add to terminal aryl alkynes to give the corresponding (E)‐β‐chlorovinyl sulfoximines with exclusive regio‐ and stereoselectivities in high yields. Two representative products have been characterized by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. Radicals appear to be decisive intermediates. As demonstrated by two subsequent reactions, the products can be derivatized.

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Multi‐Mode Water‐Tube‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator Designed for Low‐Frequency Energy Harvesting with Ultrahigh Volumetric Charge Density
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Zuankai , Zi Yunlong
Published: March 2021

Vast renewable energies are contained in mechanical motions in nature such as ocean waves. However, it is challenging to effectively harness these energy sources due to their low frequency and irregularity. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a promising technology for renewable energy conversion, but conventional TENGs suffer from challenges including single‐mode operation, low contact intimacy, and material abrasion. Here, by encapsulating deionized DI water into a fluorinated ethylene‐propylene tube, a versatile and high‐performance water‐tube‐based TENG (WT‐TENG) is developed. Benefiting from the high flexibility of the water, the WT‐TENG can work at various operation modes and generate power from multiple mechanical energy sources. With the intimate water/solid contact, the WT‐TENG achieves an ultrahigh volumetric output charge density of 9 mC m−3 at a frequency of 0.25 Hz, beyond all previous reports. Moreover, multiple finger‐sized WT‐TENG units can be easily integrated as one device and realize multiplied outputs. A wearable body motion energy harvester and a water wave energy harvester are demonstrated as examples of the WT‐TENG applications. The proposed WT‐TENG can be regarded as a new brick for the TENG mansion, and numerous applications could be built up based on the WT‐TENG units.
Protein‐Based Separation Membranes: State of the Art and Future Trends
Authors: Yang Facui , Yang Peng
Published: March 2021

As an important part of organisms, proteins are of various types, and their functions and properties are different according to their structures. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop new uses of various proteins and their derivatives, increase the reuse value of protein‐based biomass materials, and build a resource‐saving and environment‐friendly society. Protein‐based separation membranes can be used as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum‐based separation membrane materials. The separation membrane must have several beneficial properties, such as short transfer path lengths, low transfer resistances, high permeance, and selectivity. In recent years, various forms of protein‐based membranes with nanometer‐scale thickness and unique membrane structures are introduced to enable ultrafast and efficient separation. The rapid development of protein‐based membranes has provided new avenues toward high flux separation membranes construction. In spite of their advantages and potential, there are major issues regarding the protein‐based membrane that are not systematically addressed in the literature. Herein, the representative potential applications of protein‐based materials in membrane material science are concluded, providing emerging technologies and scrutinizing research and development challenges for membrane materials in this field. Finally, some important issues and perspectives for fundamental study and applications are briefly discussed.
An adult Chinese patient with developmental delay with short stature, dysmorphic features, and sparse hair (Loucks‐Innes syndrome)
Authors: Cheng Shirley S. W. , Luk Ho‐Ming , Lo Ivan F. M.
Published: March 2021

Variants of the diphthamide biosynthesis I (DPH1, OMIM*603527) are associated with developmental delay, short stature, and sparse hair syndrome (DEDSSH/DPH1 syndrome) (OMIM# 616901). Another name is Loucks‐Innes syndrome. DPH1 syndrome is an ultrarare and severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Less than 20 patients were reported from different ethnicities. Here, we described the first Chinese adult with genetically confirmed DPH1 syndrome. We summarized previously reported patients in the literature and found that developmental delay, unusual skull shape, sparse hair, and facial dysmorphism were consistently present in all DPH1 syndrome patients. Dysplastic toenails and dental abnormalities are age‐dependent characteristics of DPH1 syndrome. Our patient was the first reported patient with documented growth hormone deficiency. Dental and endocrine checkup should be considered in the routine follow‐up of DPH1 syndrome patients.
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis from Exome Sequencing Data Improves Diagnostic Yield in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Poole Olivia V. , Pizzamiglio Chiara , Murphy David , Falabella Micol , Macken William L. , Bugiardini Enrico , Woodward Cathy E. , Labrum Robyn , Efthymiou Stephanie , Salpietro Vincenzo , Chelban Viorica , Kaiyrzhanov Rauan , Maroofian Reza ,   the SYNaPS Study Group, Amato Anthony A. , Gregory Allison , Hayflick Susan J. ,   Queen Square Genomics, Jonvik Hallgeir , Wood Nicholas , Houlden Henry , Vandrovcova Jana , Hanna Michael G. , Pittman Alan , Pitceathly Robert D.S.
Published: March 2021

A rapidly expanding catalog of neurogenetic disorders has encouraged a diagnostic shift towards early clinical whole exome sequencing (WES). Adult primary mitochondrial diseases (PMDs) frequently exhibit neurological manifestations that overlap with other nervous system disorders. However, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not routinely analyzed in standard clinical WES bioinformatic pipelines. We reanalyzed 11,424 exomes, enriched with neurological diseases, for pathogenic mtDNA variants. Twenty‐four different mtDNA mutations were detected in 64 exomes, 11 of which were considered disease causing based on the associated clinical phenotypes. These findings highlight the diagnostic uplifts gained by analyzing mtDNA from WES data in neurological diseases. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1240–1247
DNA Origami‐Based Nanoprinting for the Assembly of Plasmonic Nanostructures with Single‐Molecule Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Niu Renjie , Song Chunyuan , Gao Fei , Fang Weina , Jiang Xinyu , Ren Shaokang , Zhu Dan , Su Shao , Chao Jie , Chen Shufen , Fan Chunhai , Wang Lianhui
Published: March 2021

Metallic nanocube ensembles exhibit tunable localized surface plasmon resonance to induce the light manipulation at the subwavelength scale. Nevertheless, precisely control anisotropic metallic nanocube ensembles with relative spatial directionality remains a challenge. Here, we report a DNA origami based nanoprinting (DOBNP) strategy to transfer the essential DNA strands with predefined sequences and positions to the surface of the gold nanocubes (AuNCs). These DNA strands ensured the specific linkages between AuNCs and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that generating the stereo‐controlled AuNC‐AuNP nanostructures (AANs) with controlled geometry and composition. By anchoring the single dye molecule in hot spot regions, the dramatic enhanced electromagnetic field aroused stronger surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal amplification. Our approach opens the opportunity for the fabrication of stereo‐controlled metal nanostructures for designing highly sensitive photonic devices.
Bright Long‐Lived Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Chiral Chromium(III) Complexes
Authors: Jiménez Juan‐Ramón , Poncet Maxime , Míguez‐Lago Sandra , Grass Stéphane , Lacour Jérôme , Besnard Céline , Cuerva Juan M. , Campaña Araceli G. , Piguet Claude
Published: March 2021

A series of highly emissive inert and chiral CrIII complexes displaying dual circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) within the NIR region have been prepared and characterized. The helical [Cr(dqpR)2]3+ (dqp=2,6‐di(quinolin‐8‐yl)pyridine; R=OCH3, Br or C≡CH) complexes were synthesized as racemic mixtures and resolved into their respective PP and MM enantiomers by chiral stationary phase HPLC. The corresponding enantiomers show large glum≈0.2 and high quantum yield of up to 17 %, which afford important CPL brightness of up to 170 m−1 cm−1, a key point for applications as chiral luminescent probes. Moreover, the long‐lived CP‐NIR emission provided by these chromophores (ms range) in aqueous solution opens the way toward the quantification of chiral targets in biological systems with time‐gated detection. Thus, such chiral chromophores based on earth abundant and inert 3d metals open new perspectives in the field of CPL and represent an alternative to precious 4d, 5d and to labile 4f metal‐based complexes.
Fe3O4@MCM‐41@ZrCl2: A novel magnetic mesoporous nanocomposite catalyst including zirconium nanoparticles for the synthesis of 1‐(benzothiazolylamino)phenylmethyl‐2‐naphthols
Authors: Pourhasan Kisomi Reyhaneh , Shirini Farhad , Golshekan Mostafa
Published: March 2021

The present article reports the synthesis of a new magnetic mesoporous nanocomposite with core–shell structure, formulated as Fe3O4@MCM‐41@ZrCl2. The prepared reagent was successfully characterized using different types of methods. The combination of unique properties of MCM‐41 as an inimitable mesoporous compound, satisfying magnetic nature of the Fe3O4magnetic nanoparticles and substantial catalytical applications of zirconium, caused the favorable efficiency of the intended nanocomposite in the synthesis of 1‐(benzothiazolylamino)phenylmethyl‐2‐naphthols via a multicomponent condensation reaction of 2‐aminobenzothiazole, 2‐naphthol, and aromatic aldehydes in absence of solvent in good to high yields (70–90%). Green conditions of the reactions, easy separation, practicability, product purity, reusability of the catalyst, affordability, and environmentally profits are the considerable advantages of this protocol.
Enhanced wear resistance of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers by modified‐graphite oxide
Authors: Wang Hongqiu , Quan Jiayou , Yu Junrong , Zhu Jing , Wang Yan , Hu Zuming
Published: March 2021

A simple and feasible method to enhance the wear resistance of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers was reported. The graphite oxide (GO) prepared using improved Hummer's method was surface modified with hexadecylamine to improve its compatibility with UHMWPE. Combined with well‐dispersion of modified‐GO (m‐GO) in dichloromethane and the fact that the viscosity of UHMWPE suspension can be decreased by dichloromethane, the well dispersed m‐GO/dichloromethane was added into UHMWPE suspension to improve m‐GO dispersion in UHMWPE fibers. Finally, UHMWPE fibers with different m‐GO concentration were prepared using gel spinning technology. The effect of m‐GO concentration on the structure and properties of modified UHMWPE fibers were investigated. The results indicated that the melting temperature and crystallinity of m‐GO modified UHMWPE fibers increased with increasing of m‐GO concentration, while the fiber's crystal sizes and orientation increased, thus the tensile strength of m‐GO modified UHMWPE fibers remained almost undamaged. The introduction of m‐GO is beneficial to the formation of smooth transfer film on fiber's surface, which enhanced the self‐lubrication of UHMWPE fibers. Compared with pure UHMWPE fiber, the UHMWPE fiber containing 1.5 wt% m‐GO had enhanced wear resistance by 55.4% and still maintained high tensile strength of 29.98 cN dtex−1.
Effects of hetero‐armed star‐shaped PCL‐PLA polymers with POSS core on thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of PLA
Authors: Doganci Merve Dandan , Caner Derya , Doganci Erdinc , Ozkoc Guralp
Published: March 2021

In this study, AB type‐heteroarm star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐poly(lactic acid) (PCL‐PLA) polymers with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) core ((PCL)4‐POSS‐(PLA)4, coded as SPLA) were synthesized successfully by using ring opening polymerization and click chemistry techniques together. The synthesized polymers were compounded with commercial PLA at different blending ratios (PLA/SPLA = 100/0, 95/5, 90/10, and 80/20% wt). The effects of heteroarm SPLA polymers having different arm lengths (n = 10, 20, 30, and 50) on morphological, mechanical, and thermal behaviors of PLA were investigated. It is determined that SPLA polymers with four PLA and four PCL arms on its structure enhanced mechanical properties of PLA. The tensile modulus decreased, and lowest modulus values were observed with blends prepared at 80/20 ratio. Elongation at break values increased in all blends, maximum increment was observed with 1,4‐phenylene diisocyanate (PDI) containing SPLA20 blends prepared at 90/10 ratio. This result showed that SPLA20 had optimum chain length for chain extension reactions of between PLA chains. Besides, a trade compatibilizer PDI was utilized to enhance the intercompatibility of binary polymer blends.
Application of organosilane coatings for improved anti‐adhesive properties enabling facilitated demolding in polymer processing
Authors: Bandl Christine , Krempl Nina , Berger‐Weber Gerald , Kern Wolfgang , Friesenbichler Walter
Published: March 2021

Easy and residue‐free demolding is an everlasting topic in the plastics processing industry. Typically, facile ejection of the produced parts from the mold is provided by separation agents (silicon sprays, surface coatings). In this work, a perfluoroalkyl‐based organosilane coating is applied to exchangeable substrates of an injection mold. Besides the simple application, the coating can also be restored easily in a procedure based on flame treatment. Coating and recoating are proven by contact angle measurements with water, while the anti‐adhesive effect and the related relief during demolding are evaluated using a special measuring device in an instrumented two‐plate injection mold. The results reveal that the organosilane layer reduces the demolding forces and the resulting static friction coefficient by 50%. Furthermore, multiple recoating significantly improves the durability of the anti‐adhesive coating. Based on these findings, the easily applicable and renewable organosilane coating represents a suitable alternative to conventional release coatings.
Butterfly‐like Shape Liquid Crystals Based Fused‐Thiophene as Unidimensional Ambipolar Organic Semiconductors with High Mobility
Authors: Ma Tao , Zhong Yu‐Jie , Wang Hai‐Feng , Zhao Ke‐Qing , Wang Bi‐Qin , Hu Ping , Monobe Hirosato , Donnio Bertrand
Published: March 2021

Mesomorphous butterfly‐like shape molecules based on benzodithiophene, benzodithiophene‐4,8‐dione and cyclopentadithiophen‐4‐one core moieties were efficiently synthesized by the Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling and Scholl oxidative cyclo‐dehydrogenation reactions’ tandem. Most of the butterfly molecules spontaneously self‐organize into columnar hexagonal mesophase. The electron‐deficient systems possess strong solvent‐gelling ability but are not luminescent, whereas the electron‐rich terms do not form gels but strongly emit light between 400 and 600 nm. The charge carrier mobility was also measured by time‐of‐flight transient photocurrent technique in the mesophases for some of the compounds. They display hole‐transport performances with positive charge mobility in the 10−3 cm−2 V−1 s−1 range, consistent with the high degree of ordering and stability of the columnar superstructures. In particular, the mesogen with a benzodithiophen‐4,8‐dione core shows ambipolar charge carrier transport with both high electron (μe=6.6×10−3 cm−2 V−1 s−1) and hole (μh=4.5×10−3 cm−2 V−1 s−1) mobility values.
Investigating automatic emotion processing in boys with autism via eye tracking and facial mimicry recordings
Authors: Van der Donck Stephanie , Vettori Sofie , Dzhelyova Milena , Mahdi Soha Sadat , Claes Peter , Steyaert Jean , Boets Bart
Published: March 2021

Difficulties in automatic emotion processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might remain concealed in behavioral studies due to compensatory strategies. To gain more insight in the mechanisms underlying facial emotion recognition, we recorded eye tracking and facial mimicry data of 20 school‐aged boys with ASD and 20 matched typically developing controls while performing an explicit emotion recognition task. Proportional looking times to specific face regions (eyes, nose, and mouth) and face exploration dynamics were analyzed. In addition, facial mimicry was assessed. Boys with ASD and controls were equally capable to recognize expressions and did not differ in proportional looking times, and number and duration of fixations. Yet, specific facial expressions elicited particular gaze patterns, especially within the control group. Both groups showed similar face scanning dynamics, although boys with ASD demonstrated smaller saccadic amplitudes. Regarding the facial mimicry, we found no emotion specific facial responses and no group differences in the responses to the displayed facial expressions. Our results indicate that boys with and without ASD employ similar eye gaze strategies to recognize facial expressions. Smaller saccadic amplitudes in boys with ASD might indicate a less exploratory face processing strategy. Yet, this slightly more persistent visual scanning behavior in boys with ASD does not imply less efficient emotion information processing, given the similar behavioral performance. Results on the facial mimicry data indicate similar facial responses to emotional faces in boys with and without ASD.

Lay Summary

We investigated (i) whether boys with and without autism apply different face exploration strategies when recognizing facial expressions and (ii) whether they mimic the displayed facial expression to a similar extent. We found that boys with and without ASD recognize facial expressions equally well, and that both groups show similar facial reactions to the displayed facial emotions. Yet, boys with ASD visually explored the faces slightly less than the boys without ASD.
Assessing the validity of administrative health data for the identification of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder in Ontario
Authors: Brooks Jennifer D. , Arneja Jasleen , Fu Longdi , Saxena Farah E. , Tu Karen , Pinzaru Virgiliu Bogdan , Anagnostou Evdokia , Nylen Kirk , Saunders Natasha R. , Lu Hong , McLaughlin John , Bronskill Susan E.
Published: March 2021

Population‐level identification of children and youth with ASD is essential for surveillance and planning for required services. The objective of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm for the identification of children and youth with ASD using administrative health data. In this retrospective validation study, we linked an electronic medical record (EMR)‐based reference standard, consisting 10,000 individuals aged 1–24 years, including 112 confirmed ASD cases to Ontario administrative health data, for the testing of multiple case‐finding algorithms. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each algorithm. The optimal algorithm was validated in three external cohorts representing family practice, education, and specialized clinical settings. The optimal algorithm included an ASD diagnostic code for a single hospital discharge or emergency department visit or outpatient surgery, or three ASD physician billing codes in 3 years. This algorithm's sensitivity was 50.0% (95%CI 40.7–88.7%), specificity 99.6% (99.4–99.7), PPV 56.6% (46.8–66.3), and NPV 99.4% (99.3–99.6). The results of this study illustrate limitations and need for cautious interpretation when using administrative health data alone for the identification of children and youth with ASD.

Lay Summary

We tested algorithms (set of rules) to identify young people with ASD using routinely collected administrative health data. Even the best algorithm misses more than half of those in Ontario with ASD. To understand this better, we tested how well the algorithm worked in different settings (family practice, education, and specialized clinics). The identification of individuals with ASD at a population level is essential for planning for support services and the allocation of resources. Autism Res 2021, 14: 1037–1045. © 2021 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Recent Progress in Electrolyte Development and Design Strategies for Next‐Generation Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Verma Rakesh , Didwal Pravin N. , Hwang Jang‐Yeon , Park Chan‐Jin
Published: March 2021

Rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have attained tremendous success and are extensively used in a wide range of fields. However, due to the scarcity and uneven geographical distribution of Li resources, its price is steadily increasing, which may limit its sustainable application in the near future. Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are promising alternatives to LIBs owing to the earth abundance, low cost, and eco‐friendliness of potassium, and high energy density of PIBs. Although the field of PIBs has seen significant progress in the recent years, some challenges remain that limit their application, such as the severe side reactions between the electrolyte and electrodes, which result in an unstable solid electrolyte interphase, and thus, a low coulombic efficiency. Hence, designing suitable electrolytes is necessary for the development of PIBs. This review summarises the current developments in PIB electrolytes and comprehensively discusses electrolyte design strategies for four major classes of electrolytes, namely non‐aqueous, aqueous, ionic liquid, and solid‐state electrolytes. In addition, the effects of the properties of each class of electrolyte are discussed in detail. Furthermore, ionic liquid electrolytes, an emerging class of electrolytes, are discussed in detail with respect to PIBs. Finally, several critical issues, challenges, and prospects of PIB electrolytes are discussed, and an outlook for the future research direction of PIBs is presented.
Evaluating cell viability heterogeneity based on information fusion of multiple adhesion strengths
Authors: Wei Mingji , Zhang Rongbiao , Zhang Fei , Zhang Yecheng
Published: March 2021

Cell viability evaluation is significantly meaningful for cellular assays. Some cells with weak viability are easily killed in the detection of anticancer drugs, while others with strong viability survive and proliferate, ultimately leading to the treatment failure or the inaccuracy of biological assays. Accurately evaluating cell viability heterogeneity still remains difficult. This article proposed a multiphysical property information fusion method for evaluating cell viability heterogeneity based on polynomial regression in a single‐channel integrated microfluidic chip. In this method, adhesion strengths τN, that are defined as the magnitude of shear stress needed to detach (100 − N) % of cell population, were extracted as the independent variables of polynomial regression model by calculating the nonlinear fitting of the impedance–response curves for shear stress (cell detachment assay). Besides, by calculating the nonlinear fitting of the drug dose–response curves for cancer cells (IC50 assay), the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was extracted as the dependent variables of polynomial regression model. The results show that the mean relative error of our fusion method averagely reduces by 6.04% and 62.79% compared with the multiple linear regression method and the cell counting method. Moreover, a simplified theoretical model used to describe the quantitative relationship between cell viability and its adhesion strengths was built to provide a theoretical basis for our fusion method.
Study on the neuroprotective effects of Genistein on Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Duan Xiaoying , Li Yanshuang , Xu Fei , Ding Hong
Published: March 2021

Along with the aging of the world population, the incidence rate of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been increasing. At present, AD has become one of the most serious problems faced by modern medicine. Studies have shown that estrogen has a positive effect on AD, but estrogen has the side effect of leading to tumors. Recent in vivo studies have shown that genistein, one of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), can improve brain function through the blood–brain barrier (BBB), antagonize the toxicity of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ), that is, to inhibit neurotoxicity due to aggregation of beta amyloid protein, and have neuroprotective effects. In addition, the use of Gen can avoid the risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer caused by estrogen therapy while exerting an estrogen‐like effect, which has some potential for the delay and treatment of AD.
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma complicated by right atrial thrombus
Authors: Jeelani Hafiz Muhammad Abrar , Sheikh Muhammad Mubbashir , Riaz Adeel , Jain Nikita , Tahir Nayha , Ehsan Hamid , Vemireddy Lalitha
Published: March 2021

Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the heart is a rare event. Herein we present a case of renal cell carcinoma presenting with progressive fatigue, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Imaging studies revealed complex renal mass with extension to right atrium and histopathology confirmed the metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Biorefining of Pinus pinaster Stump Wood for Ethanol Production and Lignin Recovery
Authors: V. T. Mendes Cátia , Moreira Rui , Portugal António , Graça V. S. Carvalho Maria
Published: March 2021

Stump wood is a forest residue having significant valorization potential. The aims of this work were to exploit pine stumps as a carbohydrate and lignin feedstock, and to convert the carbohydrate fraction to bioethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Pinus pinaster stump wood (PPSW) was delignified by the alkaline organosolv (AOS) process. Soda (SA) cooking was used as benchmark process. Higher pulp yields were obtained in AOS treatments, whilst SA pulp showed the highest cellulose content. In the SSF of PPSW pulps, high ethanol concentrations were obtained with high productivity and yield. AOS lignins were purer and had lower molar mass and dispersity index, which are important parameters in high‐value co‐product applications.
Efficient Production of Specialized Polymers with Highly Flexible Small‐Scale Plants
Authors: Bruns Bastian , Becker Tristan , Riese Julia , Lier Stefan , Werners Brigitte
Published: March 2021

Shortened product life cycles and increased demand for specialized products lead to more challenges in efficiently satisfying customer needs. Customer demands are increasingly uncertain in terms of type, location, and volume. As a result, more flexible chemical production plants are required. Modular small‐scale plants can be installed in transportation containers and, therefore, offer the flexibility of easy relocation, enabling production close to the customer or supplier. In a mathematical optimization model, the economic benefit of small‐scale plants in the specialty chemicals market of polymer production is analyzed. Different scenarios created from the real data of a chemical company show that the use of small‐scale plants may lead to a significant reduction in total costs that is mainly due to the transportation costs of raw materials and products.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of delgocitinib in adult patients with atopic dermatitis in Japan
Authors: Takenaka Motoi , Matsumoto Mai , Murota Hiroyuki , Inoue Sachie , Shibahara Hidetoshi , Yoshida Kazufumi , Takigawa Sotaro , Ishimoto Atsushi
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of delgocitinib relative to moisturization therapy in adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

Methods

The analysis was performed by using the simulation model with the patient‐level data from a phase 3 study and its longterm extension study (QBA4‐1 Study). The analysis was conducted from the Japanese public healthcare payer's perspective and included only direct medical costs. Health outcomes were evaluated by quality‐adjusted life years. The time horizon of the analysis was one year and no discount rate was applied. In this analysis model, health states were divided into four according to the Investigator's Global Assessment score. The cost‐effectiveness was determined by the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio using the willingness‐to‐pay threshold of 5 million JPY/quality‐adjusted life years. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the uncertainty of each parameter used for the analysis.

Results

Total cost and quality‐adjusted life years gained were 358,810 JPY and 0.867 quality‐adjusted life years for delgocitinib, and 85,890 JPY and 0.798 quality‐adjusted life years for moisturization therapy, respectively. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of delgocitinib relative to moisturization therapy was estimated to be 3.92 million JPY/quality‐adjusted life years. The probability of incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of delgocitinib vs moisturization therapy being below 5 million JPY/quality adjusted life years was 79.1%.

Conclusions

Delgocitinib was rated as a cost‐effective treatment relative to moisturization therapy in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Data comparing the drug for reducing inflammation is required.
Contemporary economic burden in a real‐world heart failure population with Commercial and Medicare supplemental plans
Authors: Lam Carolyn S. P. , Wood Robert , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Bueno Hector , Chin Alex , Luporini Saraiva Gabriela , Sörstadius Elisabeth , Tritton Theo , Thomas Joseph , Qin Lei
Published: March 2021

Background

Limited real‐world data exist on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved EF (HFpEF), including urgent HF visits, which are assumed to be less burdensome than HF hospitalizations (hHFs)

Hypothesis

This study aimed to quantify the economic burden of HFrEF and HFpEF, via a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, using IBM® linked claims/electronic health records (Commercial and Medicare Supplemental data only).

Methods

Adult patients, indexed on HF diagnosis (ICD‐10‐CM: I50.x) from July 2012 through June 2018, with 6‐month minimum baseline period and varying follow‐up, were classified as HFrEF (I50.2x) or HFpEF (I50.3x) according to last‐observed EF‐specific diagnosis. HCRU/costs were assessed during follow‐up.

Results

About 109 721 HF patients (22% HFrEF, 31% HFpEF, 47% unclassified EF; median 18 months' follow‐up) were identified. There were 3.2 all‐cause outpatient visits per patient‐month (HFrEF, 3.3; HFpEF, 3.6); 69% of patients required inpatient stays (HFrEF, 80%; HFpEF, 78%). Overall, 11% of patients experienced hHFs (HFrEF, 23%; HFpEF, 16%), 9% experienced urgent HF visits (HFrEF, 15%; HFpEF, 12%); 26% were hospitalized less than 30 days after first urgent HF visit versus 11% after first hHF. Mean monthly total direct healthcare cost per patient was $9290 (HFrEF, $11 053; HFpEF, $7482).

Conclusions

HF‐related HCRU is substantial among contemporary real‐world HF patients in US Commercial or Medicare supplemental health plans. Patients managed in urgent HF settings were over twice as likely to be hospitalized within 30 days versus those initially hospitalized, suggesting urgent HF visits are important clinical events and quality improvement targets.
A human receptor occupancy assay to measure anti‐PD‐1 binding in patients with prior anti‐PD‐1
Authors: Junker Fabian , Gulati Pratiksha , Wessels Uwe , Seeber Stefan , Stubenrauch Kay‐Gunnar , Codarri‐Deak Laura , Markert Christoph , Klein Christian , Camillo Teixeira Priscila , Kao Henry
Published: March 2021

Receptor occupancy (RO) assessment by flow cytometry is an important pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker in the clinical development of large molecules such as monoclonal therapeutic antibodies (mAbs). The total‐drug‐bound RO assay format directly assesses mAb binding to cell surface targets using anti‐drug detection antibodies. Here, we generated a flow cytometry detection antibody specifically binding to mAbs of the IgG1 P329GLALA backbone. Using this reagent, we developed a total‐drug‐bound RO assay format for RG7769, a bi‐specific P329GLALA containing mAb targeting PD‐1 and TIM3 on T cells. In its fit‐for‐purpose validated version, this RO assay has been used in the Phase‐I dose escalation study of RG7769, informing on peripheral T cell RO and RG7769 antibody binding capacity (ABC). We assessed RG7769 RO in checkpoint‐inhibitor (CPI) naïve patients and anti‐PD‐1 CPI experienced patients using our novel assay. Here, we show that in both groups, complete T cell RO can be achieved (~100%). However, we found that the maximum number of T cell binding sites for RG7769 pre‐dosing was roughly twofold lower in patients recently having undergone anti‐PD‐1 treatment. We show that this is due to steric hindrance exerted by competing mAbs masking the available drug binding sites. Our findings highlight the importance of quantitative mAb assessment in addition to relative RO especially in the context of patients who have previously received anti‐PD‐1 treatment.
Nutrient limitation may induce microbial mining for resources from persistent soil organic matter
Authors: Hicks Lettice C. , Lajtha Kate , Rousk Johannes
Published: March 2021

Fungi and bacteria are the two principal microbial groups in soil, responsible for the breakdown of organic matter (OM). The relative contribution of fungi and bacteria to decomposition is thought to impact biogeochemical cycling at the ecosystem scale, whereby bacterially dominated decomposition supports the fast turnover of easily available substrates, whereas fungal‐dominated decomposition leads to the slower turnover of more complex OM. However, empirical support for this is lacking. We used soils from a detritus input and removal treatment experiment in an old‐growth coniferous forest, where above‐ and belowground litter inputs have been manipulated for 20 yr. These manipulations have generated variation in OM quality, as defined by energetic content and proxied as respiration per g soil organic matter (SOM) and the δ13C signature in respired CO2and microbial PLFAs. Respiration per g SOM reflects the availability and lability of C substrate to microorganisms, and the δ13C signature indicates whether the C used by microorganisms is plant derived and higher quality (more δ13C depleted) or more microbially processed and lower quality (more δ13C enriched). Surprisingly, higher quality C did not disproportionately benefit bacterial decomposers. Both fungal and bacterial growth increased with C quality, with no systematic change in the fungal‐to‐bacterial growth ratio, reflecting the relative contribution of fungi and bacteria to decomposition. There was also no difference in the quality of C targeted by bacterial and fungal decomposers either for catabolism or anabolism. Interestingly, respired CO2was more δ13C enriched than soil C, suggesting preferential use of more microbially processed C, despite its lower quality. Gross N mineralization and consumption were also unaffected by differences in the ratio of fungal‐to‐bacterial growth. However, the ratio of C to gross N mineralization was lower than the average C/N of SOM, meaning that microorganisms specifically targeted N‐rich components of OM, indicative of selective microbial N‐mining. Consistent with the δ13C data, this reinforces evidence for the use of more microbially processed OM with a lower C/N ratio, rather than plant‐derived OM. These results challenge the widely held assumption that microorganisms favor high‐quality C sources and suggest that there is a trade‐off in OM use that may be related to the growth‐limiting factor for microorganisms in the ecosystem.
Synthesis, Structure and Luminescent Properties of Rare‐Earth‐Metal Oxyacridinates
Authors: Balashova Tatyana V. , Polyakova Svetlana K. , Arsenyev Maxim V. , Ilichev Vasily A. , Kukinov Andrey A. , Marugin Alexey V. , Rumyantcev Roman V. , Fukin Georgy K. , Yablonskiy Artem N. , Bochkarev Mikhail N.
Published: March 2021

Complexes of Sc, La, Sm, Gd, Tb and Yb with 1,3‐di‐tert‐butyl‐7‐methylacridin‐4‐olate (AcrMe) and 1,3‐di‐tert‐butyl‐7‐bromoacridin‐4‐olate (AcrBr) ligands were obtained by reactions of respective acridinols with cyclopentadienides or tris(trimethylsilyl)amides of rare earth metals or by metathesis of metal chlorides with Na(AcrR). The Sc and La complexes with AcrMe ligands revealed photo‐ and electroluminescence of moderate intensity while the Sm, Gd, and Tb complexes, as well as all complexes with AkrBr ligands, turned out to be luminescent inactive. The La(AkrBr)3 and Yb(AcrBr)3 complexes showed photovoltaic properties. The best results of energy conversion were achieved on three‐layer model devices containing a lanthanum complex as a photoactive material.
CoS2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Two‐Dimensional Sheet‐Shaped N‐Doped Carbon for Sodium Storage
Authors: Zhang Chunyang , Tan Pengfei , Cheng Zhijie , Song Jinbo , Zhao Yuyuan , Chen Lei , Cai Xingwei , Zhang Junhao , Yuan Aihua
Published: March 2021

Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) have attracted more and more attention due to the plentiful resources of sodium, excellent ion storage capacity and superior cycle life. However, the implementation of NIBs has been limited by the shortage of electrode materials with outstanding comprehensive properties. Among the discovered anode materials, transition metal sulfides (TMSs) have been widely considered as one of the most competitive and promising ones due to their high theoretical specific capacity. Herein, CoS2 nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets (CoS2/NC) were designed and synthesized by using Co‐based Metal‐organic frame‐work (Co−MOF) as precursor of metal sulfurs, followed by a simple combined carbonization‐sulfurization process. The CoS2/NC compo‐sites were evaluated as binder‐free anode materials for NIBs, delivering a high reversible gravimetric capability of 332 mA h g−1 after 60 cycles as well as great rate capability of 326.6 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1. The improvement of electrochemical behavior is attributed to the synergistic interaction between CoS2 nanoparticles with high electro‐chemical activity and the sheet‐shaped N‐doped carbon with high conductivity. This work provides a greatly attractive strategy for energy conversion and storage.
Regioselective Double Oxidative Addition of Bis‐NHC Precursors
Authors: Böhme Matthias D. , Wilm Lukas F. B. , Hepp Alexander , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: March 2021

The 4,4’‐dimethylenebiphenyl linked symmetric bis‐(2‐chlorobenzimidazole) 1 and the unsymmetric 2‐chlorobenzimidazolium/2‐chlorobenzimidazole 2(BF4) have been reacted with one equivalent [Pd(PPh3)4] in oxidative addition reactions. For the symmetric bis‐NHC precursor 1, double metallation of both 2‐chlorobenzimidazole sites to give the dinuclear bis‐pNHC complex [3](BF4)2 was observed. The unsymmetric compound 2(BF4) was only metallated at the 2‐chlorobenz‐imidazolium site with formation of the mononuclear NHC complex [4](BF4). The remaining 2‐chlorobenzimidazole moiety was subsequently metallated in a second oxidative addition reaction with [M(PPh3)4] (M=Pd, Pt) to give the homobimetallic NHC/pNHC complex [5](BF4)2 (M=Pd) and the heterobimetallic complex [6](BF4)2 demonstrating the unique site‐selective metallation of the bis‐NHC precursor 2(BF4) by two consecutive oxidative additions.