bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Connections between Organic Perovskite/n+ Silicon/Catalyst that Allow Integration of Solar Cell and Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution from Water
Authors: Gu Hengfei , Zhang Fei , Hwang Shinjae , Laursen Anders B. , Liu Xin , Park So Yeon , Yang Mengjin , Bramante Rosemary C. , Hijazi Hussein , Kasaei Leila , Feldman Leonard C. , Yeh Yao‐Wen , Batson Philip E. , Larson Bryon W. , Li Mengjun , Li Yifei , Wyatt Keenan , Young James L. , Teeluck Krishani , Zhu Kai , Garfunkel Eric , Dismukes G. Charles
Published: March 2023

The rapidly increasing solar conversion efficiency (PCE) of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (HOIP) thin‐film semiconductors has triggered interest in their use for direct solar‐driven water splitting to produce hydrogen. However, application of these low‐cost, electronic‐structure‐tunable HOIP tandem photoabsorbers has been hindered by the instability of the photovoltaic‐catalyst‐electrolyte (PV+E) interfaces. Here, photolytic water splitting is demonstrated using an integrated configuration consisting of an HOIP/n+silicon single junction photoabsorber and a platinum (Pt) thin film catalyst. An extended electrochemical (EC) lifetime in alkaline media is achieved using titanium nitride on both sides of the Si support to eliminate formation of insulating silicon oxide, and as an effective diffusion barrier to allow high‐temperature annealing of the catalyst/TiO2‐protected‐n+silicon interface necessary to retard electrolytic corrosion. Halide composition is examined in the (FA1‐xCsx)PbI3 system with a bandgap suitable for tandem operation. A fill factor of 72.5% is achieved using a Spiro‐OMeTAD‐hole‐transport‐layer (HTL)‐based HOIP/n+Si solar cell, and a high photocurrent density of −15.9 mA cm−2 (at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) is attained for the HOIP/n+Si/Pt photocathode in 1 m NaOH under simulated 1‐sun illumination. While this thin‐film design creates stable interfaces, the intrinsic photo‐ and electro‐degradation of the HOIP photoabsorber remains the main obstacle for future HOIP/Si tandem PEC devices.
Intrinsic Role of Volatile Solid Additive in High‐Efficiency PM6:Y6 Series Nonfullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Bin , Zhang Xuliang , Li Siying , Zhang Qilin , Yuan Lin , Ko Doo‐Hyun , Ma Wanli , Yuan Jianyu
Published: March 2023

Organic nonfullerene solar cells (ONSCs) have made unprecedented progress; however, morphology optimization of ONSCs is proven to be particularly challenging relative to classical fullerene‐based devices. Here, a novel volatile solid additive (VSA), 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzophenone (2‐HM), is reported for achieving high‐efficiency ONSCs. 2‐HM functions as a universal morphology‐directing agent for several well‐known PM6:Y6 series nonfullerene blends, viz. PM6:Y6, PM6:BTP‐eC9, PM6:L8‐BO, leading to a best efficiency of 18.85% at the forefront of reported binary ONSCs. VSAs have recently emerged, while the intrinsic kinetics is still unclear. Herein, a set of in situ and ex situ characterizations is employed to first illustrate the molecule‐aggregate‐domain transition dynamic process assisted by the VSA. More specifically, the role of 2‐HM in individual donor PM6 and acceptor Y6 systems is unlocked, and the function of 2‐HM in altering the PM6:Y6 bulk heterojunction blends is further revealed for enhanced photovoltaic performance. It is believed that the achievement brings not only a deep insight into emerging volatile solid additive, but also a new hope to further improve the molecular ordering, film microstructure, and relevant performance of ONSCs.
Ionogel Fiber‐Based Flexible Sensor for Friction Sensing
Authors: Lv Bo , Zhao Gengrui , Wang Honggang , Wang Qianjie , Yang Baoping , Ma Wei , Li Zhenyu , Li Jiajun
Published: March 2023

The ability of flexible sensors to detect and recognize the perception of different mechanical stimuli is a prerequisite for meeting the challenges of flexible sensing in many applications. Although monitoring of frictional force and state is important and necessary, there is currently a shortage of highly sensitive sensors that can be used for frictional state sensing. This study demonstrates a high‐performance flexible sensor combining pyramidal micropatterns with ionogel nanofibers, which is capable of detecting both normal and tangential forces. The normal force is detected with a sensitivity of 1.145 kPa−1, a response time of less than 30 ms, and a hysteresis of 3.8%. More importantly, the sensor enables sensitive recognition of sliding speed, normal force load, tangential force, and oil lubrication environments with different viscosities in a reciprocating friction condition. It also enables sensitive recognition of the entire relative sliding process from zero slip to stick‐slip. The excellent frictional force and state recognition performances and long durability of 600 cycles at high‐frequency reciprocating friction indicate that the ionogel fiber‐based flexible sensor has a great potential application in friction sensing.
Earth‐Abundant Iron Diboride (FeB2) Nanoparticles as Highly Active Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Hui , Wen Peng , Li Qi , Dun Chaochao , Xing Junheng , Lu Chang , Adhikari Shiba , Jiang Lin , Carroll David L. , Geyer Scott M.
Published: March 2023

Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 7, 1700513

The above article, published online on May 11, 2017, in Wiley Online Library, has been retracted by agreement between the corresponding author, the journal Editor in Chief Till von Graberg, and Wiley‐VCH GmbH. The retraction has been agreed on following concerns raised by a third party and a subsequent investigation at Wake Forest University. Data integrity issues were found in figures 6e and 7d. As a result, the editors consider the conclusions of this article invalid.
Fisheries in a border area of the Moxos Lowlands (Bolivia) after invasion of Arapaima gigas
Authors: Rico Lopez Gabriela , Coca Méndez Claudia , Carolsfeld Joachim , Almeida Oriana , Van Damme Paul Andre
Published: March 2023

Fish in the upper Madeira River basin (Bolivian Amazon) are an important source of livelihoods and protein for both rural and urban human populations. We characterised fisheries in the area of the port city of Riberalta, which possesses some of the most important fisheries landing sites bordering the Moxos lowlands, and evaluated the contribution of an invasive species (Arapaima gigas) to the landings. We compared the regional economic contribution of urban‐based and rural indigenous fisheries. Both fisheries contribute significantly to local food security and livelihoods and take advantage in a different but complementary way of the abundance of the invasive species, avoiding conflicts by partitioning the fish catch and supplying different urban markets. Both fisher groups are involved in a debt peonage system making them dependent on middlemen. A. gigas represented 57.6% of the overall economic value of fish in the region. The socioeconomic impact of the invasive species might increase considerably if it would invade and colonise the available habitats in the nuclear area of the Moxos lowlands.
Effect of gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate seed treatments on the emergence and seedling vigor of Amaranth and Cleome gynandra
Authors: Tapfumaneyi Linda , Dube Praxedis , Mavengahama Sydney , Ngezimana Wonder
Published: March 2023

Seed dormancy is the major challenge in the cultivation of Amaranth and Cleome gynandra. Amaranth and C. gynandra are affected by chemical, physical, and physiological dormancy. The current study was conducted at the Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) farm in 2021 and 2022. The effects of gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate seed treatments on the emergence and seedling vigour of Amaranth and C. gynandra were evaluated. Seeds of Amaranth and C. gynandra were pre‐soaked in gibberellic acid (control 0, 100, 200, 300,400, and 500 ppm) and potassium nitrate (control 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%) solutions for 24 h to have a factorial layout within a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Seeds of Amaranth and C. gynandra treated with gibberellic acid showed a significant difference while potassium nitrate showed no significant difference. The highest emergence percentage and vigor index were recorded in seeds treated with 500 ppm gibberellic acid. The maximum emergence percentages of Amaranth (62.1%) and C. gynandra (60.7%) were obtained in 2022 and 2021. The least emergence percentages of Amaranth (46.4%) and C. gynandra (45.3%) were obtained in control in 2021. The highest vigor index of Amaranth (603) was obtained in 2022, while the highest vigor index of C. gynandra (562) was obtained in 2021. The lowest vigor indices of Amaranth and C. gynandra were 341 and 270, which were recorded in 2021 and 2022. The results showed that gibberellic acid has the potential to reduce seed dormancy.
On The Approach to Nanoscale Robots: Understanding the Relationship between Nanomotor's Architecture and Active Motion
Authors: Zhao Tiancong , Li Xiaomin
Published: March 2023

Nanomotors with active motion have recently attracted wide attention. Researchers have developed a series of nanomotors with different architectures and propulsion mechanisms and have also explored the application prospects of nanomotors in many fields. Yet, the present nanomotors with simple component and motion behaviors are still far from the ultimate goal of nanoscale robots with controlled sophisticated motions. With this goal in mind, researchers are no longer satisfied with just making nanoparticles move actively, but looking forward to achieving precise control of the motion behavior of nanomotors. With the advance in nanofabrication techniques, tuning the nanomotors’ motion by modulating the structure of nanoparticles has become a widely welcomed approach. This article reviews the self‐propelling mechanisms and the various synthesis methods of nanomotors. It is also systematically summarized how the composition, surface properties, size, and morphology of nanoparticles affect their motion behavior. Some outstanding works are highlighted, the shortcomings, challenges, and opportunities in the field are also discussed. It is believed that a thorough review of the architecture–motion relationships of nanomotors is beneficial for the development of the field toward nanoscale robots.
Two‐dimensional Pure Isotropic Proton Solid State NMR
Authors: Moutzouri Pinelopi , Cordova Manuel , Simões de Almeida Bruno , Torodii Daria , Emsley Lyndon
Published: March 2023

One key bottleneck of solid‐state NMR spectroscopy is that 1H NMR spectra of organic solids are often very broad due to the presence of a strong network of dipolar couplings. We have recently suggested a new approach to tackle this problem. More specifically, we parametrically mapped errors leading to residual dipolar broadening into a second dimension and removed them in a correlation experiment. In this way pure isotropic proton (PIP) spectra were obtained that contain only isotropic shifts and provide the highest 1H NMR resolution available today in rigid solids. Here, using a deep‐learning method, we extend the PIP approach to a second dimension, and for samples of L‐tyrosine hydrochloride and ampicillin we obtain high resolution 1H‐1H double‐quantum/single‐quantum dipolar correlation and spin‐diffusion spectra with significantly higher resolution than the corresponding spectra at 100 kHz MAS, allowing the identification of previously overlapped isotropic correlation peaks.
Hypsochromically‐shifted Emission of Metal‐organic Frameworks Generated through Post‐synthetic Ligand Reduction
Authors: Smith Kyle T. , Hunter Kye , Chiu Nan‐Chieh , Zhuang Hao , Jumrusprasert Peemapat , Stickle William F. , Reimer Jeffrey A. , Zuehlsdorff Tim J. , Stylianou Kyriakos C.
Published: March 2023

Luminescent materials with tunable emission are becoming increasingly desirable as we move towards needing efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for displays. Key to developing better displays is the advancement of strategies for rationally designing emissive materials that are tunable and efficient. We report a series of emissive metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) generated using BUT‐10 (BUT: Beijing University of Technology) that emits green light with λmax at 525 nm. Post‐synthetic reduction of the ketone on the fluorenone ligand in BUT‐10 generates new materials, BUT‐10‐M and BUT‐10‐R. The emission for BUT‐10‐R is hypsochromically‐shifted by 113 nm. Multivariate BUT‐10‐M structures demonstrate emission with two maxima corresponding to the emission of both fluorenol and fluorenone moieties present in their structures. Our study represents a novel post‐synthetic ligand reduction strategy for producing emissive MOFs with tunable emission ranging from green, white‐blue to deep blue.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Cyclopropanes from Carbon Pronucleophiles and Alkenes
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Wang Diana J. , Targos Karina , Garcia Uriel A. , Harris Alison F. , Guzei Ilia A. , Wickens Zachary K.
Published: March 2023

Cyclopropanes are desirable structural motifs with valuable applications in drug discovery and beyond. Established alkene cyclopropanation methods give rise to cyclopropanes with a limited array of substituents, are difficult to scale, or both. Herein, we disclose a new cyclopropane synthesis through the formal coupling of abundant carbon pronucleophiles and unactivated alkenes. This strategy exploits dicationic adducts derived from electrolysis of thianthrene in the presence of alkene substrates. We find that these dielectrophiles undergo cyclopropanation with methylene pronucleophiles via alkenyl thianthrenium intermediates. This protocol is scalable, proceeds with high diastereoselectivity, and tolerates diverse functional groups on both the alkene and pronucleophile coupling partners. To validate the utility of this new procedure, we prepared an array of substituted analogs of an established cyclopropane that is en route to multiple pharmaceuticals.
Study on the crystallisation formation mechanism and breakage of tunnel drainage system in dolomite area
Authors: Chen Chaoying , Rao Junying , Tao Yonghu , Nie Chongxin , Xiong Peng , Xue Yanghao , Peng Xing
Published: March 2023

Dolomite is a soluble salt rock, and in dolomite locations, tunnel drainage systems are frequently clogged by crystallisation, resulting in tunnel leaks. This research starts with a field survey to investigate the environmental conditions that influence crystal formation and sample collection. Afterward, the crystals underwent examination using EDS, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD, which enabled the analysis of crystals' elemental composition, matter composition and microstructure. Finally, a measure for crystal removal using ultrasound is proposed. The feasibility of ultrasonic crystal removal was verified by the indoor model experiment. The results show that the crystals contain mainly metallic elements such as Ca, Mg and Al. The main component of the crystals is CaCO3. The crystals also contain small amounts of Mg (OH)2, Al (OH)2 and CaAl2(SO4)3(OH)2‐26H2O. As the ultrasonic frequency increases, the de‐crystallisation effect becomes more pronounced. At ultrasonic frequencies greater than 50 kHz, the growth in crystal break‐up efficiency tends to level off. Therefore, the ultrasonic frequency based on this parameter will be used to remove the crystals.
Approximation of circle number π by spread‐plating Escherichia coli
Authors: Schiffel Florian , Noll Stephan
Published: March 2023

Ideally, microbial spread plating results in randomly distributed colonies on the agar surface. This can be seen as a Monte Carlo simulation and enables probabilistic approximation of circle number π. We perform π approximation in a microbiology undergraduate course to awaken the students' ambition for a good spread plating technique.
The associations among childhood trauma, loneliness, mental health symptoms, and indicators of social exclusion in adulthood: A UK Biobank study
Authors: Allen Sarah F. , Gilbody Simon , Atkin Karl , van der Feltz‐Cornelis Christina M.
Published: March 2023

Aims

Childhood trauma has been associated with adult psychosocial outcomes linked to social exclusion. However, the strength of these associations in the general population is unknown. The emergence of the UK Biobank, with rich phenotypic characterization of the adult population, affords the exploration of the childhood determinants of adult psychopathology with greater statistical power. The current study aims to explore (1) the associations between childhood trauma and social exclusion in adulthood and (2) the role that self‐reported loneliness and symptoms of distress play in the associations.

Methods

This study was an analysis of 87,545 participants (mean [± SD] age = 55.68 [7.78], 55.0% female, 97.4% White) enrolled in the UK Biobank. Childhood trauma was determined by the five‐item Childhood Trauma Screener. Current loneliness and symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale‐7) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9) were also entered in analyses. Outcomes were “limited social participation,” “area deprivation,” “individual deprivation,” and “social exclusion” from a previously determined dimensional measure of social exclusion in the UK Biobank.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regression models indicated small associations between childhood trauma and social exclusion outcomes, explaining between 1.5% and 5.0% of the variance. Associations weakened but remained significant when loneliness, anxiety, and depression were entered in the models; however, anxiety symptoms demonstrated a negative association with “individual deprivation” and “social exclusion” in the final models. Depression was most strongly associated with “individual deprivation,” “area deprivation,” and “social exclusion” followed by childhood trauma. Loneliness was most strongly associated with “limited social participation.”

Conclusions

Experiences of childhood trauma can increase the propensity for adulthood social exclusion. Loneliness and symptoms of depression attenuate but do not eliminate these associations. Anxiety symptoms have a potentially protective effect on the development of “individual deprivation.” Findings add to the growing body of literature advocating for trauma‐informed approaches in a variety of settings to help ameliorate the effects of childhood trauma on adult psychosocial outcomes. Further research, however, is required.
Classifying Australian citizens' responses to COVID‐19 preventative behaviour directives: A latent class approach
Authors: Oldmeadow Julian A. , Elphinstone Bradley , Sivasubramaniam Diane , Wheeler Melissa A. , Wilson Sam , Buzwell Simone , Beaudry Jennifer , Williams James S. , Critchley Christine
Published: March 2023

The primary defence against COVID‐19 has been the implementation of public health measures that rely on voluntary compliance with behavioural directives. Compliance is often conceptualised as a single dimension, but there may be distinct patterns of compliance with COVID‐19 preventative behaviours. This study examined behavioural profiles in response to preventative behaviour directives during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia. A representative sample of Australian residents (n = 978) responded to a survey measuring self‐reported compliance with a range of preventative measures, trust in various institutions and a range of psychological and demographic variables. The latent class analysis identified five distinct behavioural profiles characterised by different degrees of compliance with different health behaviours. In addition to those who complied with most measures and those who complied with none, there were profiles that complied with most measures except specific ones, including limiting interactions with others and visitations. These profiles were associated with a number of demographic and psychological characteristics, including trust. Implications for public health interventions are discussed.
New Fluoroquinolone‐1,2,4‐triazoles as Potent Antibacterial Agents: Design, Synthesis, Docking Studies and in Silico ADME Profiles
Authors: Rao Gollapalli Venkateswara , Babu Bollikolla Hari , Rao Allaka Tejeswara , Ranga Rao Vaddi Pandu , Basireddy Sravanthi , Ganivada Mutyalanaidu , Reddy Pindi Santhosh
Published: March 2023

Our current work is aimed at synthesizing novel substituted 1,2,4‐triazolyl‐fluoroquinolone analogs and study of their biological activity to find active promising molecules. The structural elucidation of the products was demonstrated by a variety of spectroscopic methods such as IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, mass and elemental analysis. The newly synthesized 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit the growth of seven different microbes including S. epidermidis, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Five FQ derivatives 5d, 5e, 5h, 5j, and 5b have demonstrated good antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae with MICs ranging from 2.5–22.0 μg/mL, while 5c, 5g reported comparable activity against P. aeruginosa with respect to the standard drugs moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin. The possible mechanism of antibacterial activity of fluoroquinolones was investigated via molecular docking by using DNA gyrase of S. pneumoniae (3RAE). The pefloxacin derivatives also tended a good antibacterial ability based on the results of the molecular docking, ligand 5h with good binding affinity (−9.92 Kcal/mol) and binding site interactions via ValA:86, SerA:79, TyrA:82, MetA:116, AspA:78, AlaA:63, ArgA:117, ProA:112, ProA:113, AlaA:115, AlaA:114. These scaffolds were further evaluated for their ADMET and physicochemical properties by using SwissADME, ADMETlab2.0 web server as a good oral bioavailability.
Waste Cooking Oil Conversion to Biodiesel Using Solid Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Aderibigbe Fatai Alade , Saka Harvis Bamidele , Mustapha Sherif Ishola , Amosa Mutiu Kolade , Shiru Suleiman , Tijani Idowu Abdulfatai , Babatunde Esther Oluwabunmi , Bello Bisola Taibat
Published: March 2023

The draining of fossil fuels and their toxic influence on the environment has prompted the need for alternative fuels known as biofuels. Of the various types of biofuel, biodiesel has attracted wide interest in the world today since it promotes carbon neutrality. The transesterification and interesterification process remains the most widely used process route for biodiesel production. In this review, the performance efficiency of solid base, solid acid, and bifunctional solid acid‐base catalysts for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil is considered. In particular, the benefit of exploring the biomass‐derived acid‐base heterogeneous bifunctional catalysts, current status, and future prospects for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil are elucidated.
Cut, score, press, shock, or ablate?
Authors: Seto Arnold H.
Published: March 2023

Key Points

Cutting balloon angioplasty can modify fibrous or mildly calcified plaques before stent implantation.

The present randomized study shows that high‐pressure cutting balloon angioplasty provides for a larger minimal stent area than standard noncompliant balloons, at the cost of a small risk of perforation.

At a time when multiple plaque modification technologies are available, the simplicity and lower cost of cutting balloon angioplasty may ensure a continued role in percutaneous coronary intervention.
Long‐term durability of self‐expanding and balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valve prostheses: UK TAVI registry
Authors: Ali Noman , Hildick‐Smith David , Parker Jessica , Malkin Christopher J. , Cunnington Michael S. , Gurung Shuslim , Mailey Jonathan , MacCarthy Philip A. , Bharucha Apurva , Brecker Stephen J. , Hoole Stephen P. , Dorman Stephen , Doshi Sagar N. , Wiper Andrew , Buch Mamta H. , Banning Adrian P. , Spence Mark S. , Blackman Daniel J.
Published: March 2023

Background

With expansion of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) into younger patients, valve durability is critically important.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate long‐term valve function and incidence of severe structural valve deterioration (SVD) among patients ≥ 10‐years post‐TAVI and with echocardiographic follow‐up at least 5‐years postprocedure.

Methods

Data on patients who underwent TAVI from 2007 to 2011 were obtained from the UK TAVI registry. Patients with paired echocardiograms postprocedure and ≥5‐years post‐TAVI were included. Severe SVD was determined according to European task force guidelines.

Results

221 patients (79.4 ± 7.3 years; 53% male) were included with median echocardiographic follow‐up 7.0 years (range 5−13 years). Follow‐up exceeded 10 years in 43 patients (19.5%). Valve types were the supra‐annular self‐expanding CoreValve (SEV; n = 143, 67%), balloon‐expandable SAPIEN/XT (BEV; n = 67, 31%), Portico (n = 4, 5%) and unknown (n = 7, 3%). There was no difference between postprocedure and follow‐up peak gradient in the overall cohort (19.3 vs. 18.4 mmHg; p = NS) or in those with ≥10‐years follow‐up (21.1 vs. 21.1 mmHg; p = NS). Severe SVD occurred in 13 patients (5.9%; median 7.8‐years post‐TAVI). Three cases (23.1%) were due to regurgitation and 10 (76.9%) to stenosis. Valve‐related reintervention/death occurred in 5 patients (2.3%). Severe SVD was more frequent with BEV than SEV (11.9% vs. 3.5%; p = 0.02), driven by a difference in patients treated with small valves (BEV 28.6% vs. SEV 3.0%; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Hemodynamic function of transcatheter heart valves remains stable up to more than 10 years post‐TAVI. Severe SVD occurred in 5.9%, and valve‐related death/reintervention in 2.3%. Severe SVD was more common with BEV than SEV.
Cerebral infarction as initial manifestation of meningovascular neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent patient – A case report with long term follow‐up
Authors: Batinić Davor , Antulov Ronald , Klupka‐Sarić Inge , Ivanković Anita , Jurina Renata , Karlović Vidaković Marijana , Talić Drlje Ivana , Arapović Jurica
Published: March 2023

To present a 29‐year‐old immunocompetent patient with neurosyphilitic changes characterized by multiple acute ischemic brain strokes along with significant narrowing of several large intracranial arteries. Ceftriaxone treatment for 14 days followed by benzathine benzylpenicillin weekly for additional 3 weeks, showed improvement in meningovascular changes.
A case of reversible hypoparathyroidism in a patient with Riedel's thyroiditis treated with glucocorticoids
Authors: Salhi Salma , Oueslati Ibtissem , Ayari Sabrina , Kamoun Elyes , Yazidi Meriem , Chihaoui Melika
Published: March 2023

A 48‐year‐old woman with a history of primary hypothyroidism, presented with compressive symptoms secondary to a rapid enlargement of a preexisting goiter. She had no clinical signs of hypocalcemia. Biological tests revealed hypoparathyroidism. Cervicothoracic computed tomography scan showed a heterogeneous compressive goiter. The patient was treated with levothyroxine, calcium, and alfacalcidol. A total thyroidectomy was not performed because of the hard adhesion to neighboring structures. Histopathological examination of the thyroid biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of Riedel's thyroiditis (RT). The patient was treated with glucocorticoids. The outcome was marked by the resolution of compressive symptoms and the decrease of the thyroid gland volume. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels reached normal ranges after the discontinuation of vitaminocalcic supplementation. Hypoparathyroidism may be clinically asymptomatic in a patient with RT as in our case. Early administration of glucocorticoids may be effective in reducing the fibrosclerotic process and lead to the recovery of parathyroid dysfunction.
High‐flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for respiratory management after postoperative re‐intubation/re‐extubation in patients with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13: Two case reports
Authors: Hirano Hirofumi , Taniguchi Yoshie , Kato Masato
Published: March 2023

We present two cases of general anesthesia in children with 18, 13 trisomy. One patient had difficulty with intubation and had to be reintubated postoperatively, another developed postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome. The use of postoperative high‐flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy to avoid reintubation is considered a feasible strategy.
Nanosecond Memristor Based on Oxygen Vacancy Engineering in SrTiO3 Single Crystal
Authors: Du Qin , Wang Wenli , Wu Jingen , Hu Zhongqiang , Wang Zhiguang , Liu Ming
Published: March 2023

Memristors are of great significance for the construction of memory devices and neuromorphological computing, which need a fast response time for ultrahigh data storage, ultrafast information processing, and efficient neuromorphic computing. Currently, memristors based on perovskite oxide materials generally have a long response time. In this paper, the electroforming‐free memristive behavior based on Ar+ irradiating induced oxygen vacancy modulation in SrTiO3 (STO) has been investigated. The Ag/STO/(Ta/Pt) device shows a stable bipolar resistive switching (RS) characteristic and can realize ultrafast multi‐resistance switching behavior. More importantly, its conductance can be continuously controlled with short pulse on the nanosecond scale to simulate potentiation and depression of synapse, promising potential application in ultra‐fast biological synapse and high‐efficiency training of neural networks. More importantly, the defect engineering strategy used in this work provides more freedom for the design and optimization of versatile memristor devices.
Clinical Assessment of the Drug Interaction Potential of the Psychotropic Natural Product Kratom
Authors: Tanna Rakshit S. , Nguyen James T. , Hadi Deena L. , Layton Matthew E. , White John R. , Cech Nadja B. , Oberlies Nicholas H. , Rettie Allan E. , Thummel Kenneth E. , Paine Mary F.
Published: March 2023

Oral formulations prepared from the leaves of the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) plant are increasingly used for their opioid‐like effects to self‐manage opioid withdrawal and pain. Calls to US poison centers involving kratom exposures increased >50‐fold from 2011–2017, one‐third of which reported concomitant use of kratom with drugs of abuse. Many of these drugs are eliminated primarily via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and CYP2D6, raising concerns for potential adverse pharmacokinetic kratom‐drug interactions. The impact of a single low dose of kratom tea (2 g) on the pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A probe midazolam (2.5 mg) and CYP2D6 probe dextromethorphan (30 mg) were assessed in 12 healthy adult participants after oral administration. Kratom showed no effect on dextromethorphan area under the plasma concentration time‐curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax; geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) 0.99 (0.83–1.19) and 0.96 (0.78–1.19), respectively) but a modest increase in midazolam AUC and Cmax (1.39 (1.23–1.57) and 1.50 (1.32–1.70), respectively). Lack of change in midazolam half‐life (1.07 (0.98–1.17)) suggested that kratom primarily inhibited intestinal CYP3A. This inference was further supported by a physiologically based pharmacokinetic drug interaction model using the abundant alkaloid mitragynine, a relatively potent CYP3A time‐dependent inhibitor in vitro (KI, ~4 μM; kinact, ~0.07 min−1). This work is the first to clinically evaluate the pharmacokinetic drug interaction potential of kratom. Co‐consuming kratom with certain drugs extensively metabolized by CYP3A may precipitate serious interactions. These data fill critical knowledge gaps about the safe use of this increasingly popular natural product, thereby addressing ongoing public health concerns.
Quantification of Glycosaminoglycans in Urine by Isotope‐Dilution Liquid Chromatography‐Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Young Sarah P. , Millington David S.
Published: March 2023

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are complex lysosomal storage disorders that result in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in urine, blood, and tissues. Lysosomal enzymes responsible for GAG degradation are defective in MPSs. GAGs including chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), heparan sulfate (HS), and keratan sulfate (KS) are disease‐specific biomarkers for MPSs. This article describes a stable isotope dilution‐tandem mass spectrometric method for quantifying CS, DS, and HS in urine samples. The GAGs are methanolyzed to uronic or iduronic acid‐N‐acetylhexosamine or iduronic acid‐N‐sulfo‐glucosamine dimers and mixed with internal standards derived from deuteriomethanolysis of GAG standards. Specific dimers derived from HS, DS, and CS are separated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using selected reaction monitoring for each targeted GAG product and its corresponding internal standard. This UPLC‐MS/MS GAG assay is useful for identifying patients with MPS types I, II, III, VI, and VII. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Urinary GAG analysis by ESI‐MS/MS

Support Protocol 1: Prepare calibration samples

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of stable isotope‐labeled internal standards

Support Protocol 3: Preparation of quality controls for GAG analysis in urine

Support Protocol 4: Optimization of the methanolysis time

Support Protocol 5: Measurement of the concentration of methanolic HCl
Elucidation of the relationship between masticatory muscle activity and masticatory movement. Report 1. Mechanism of occlusal force generation
Authors: Niwa Katsumi , Takahashi Nobuo
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to elucidate how masticatory muscles are involved in the generation of occlusal force.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted by fabricating an experimental apparatus for a unilateral occlusion model with the masticatory muscles imparted. The experimental apparatus was fabricated by enlarging the lateral photograph of a dried adult skull specimen 3.5 times larger than that of a standard adult and drawing the outlines of the maxilla and mandible, canines and molars of the upper and lower jaws, and temporomandibular joint on a wooden board. The masticatory muscles used in the experiment were the masseter muscle, the temporalis muscle (anterior and posterior muscle bundles), and the lateral pterygoid muscle. For the measurement of the contractile force of the masticatory muscle, we used the spring scale. For the food, we used cut plastic cylinders.

Results

The results of the experiment revealed the following: First, the occlusal force was generated under the condition that the contraction forces of all the masticatory muscles were balanced. Second, when the occlusal force was applied to food, the occlusal planes of the upper and lower jaws were parallel. Third, the occlusal force occurred perpendicular to the occlusal plane. Fourth, the occlusal force was generated with a force greater than the contraction force of the individual masticatory muscles. And finally, even if occlusal force was applied to the food, the occlusal force did not load the temporomandibular joint.

Conclusion

Occlusal force is not generated by the action of a single masticatory muscle but under the balanced contractile force of all masticatory muscles. The occlusal force then emerges with a force greater than the contraction force of all the masticatory muscles, and its direction occurs perpendicular to the occlusal plane.
Responses of soil phosphorus cycling and bioavailability to plant invasion in river–lake ecotones
Authors: Yan Zhiwei , Lv Tian , Liu Yuan , Xing Bin , Chao Chuanxin , Li Yang , Wu Ling , Wang Ligong , Liu Chunhua , Yu Dan
Published: March 2023

The invasion of exotic plants in the river–lake ecotone has seriously affected the nutrient cycling processes in wetland soil. The South American species Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. is rapidly invading the river–lake ecotone in subtropical China, and has become the dominant species in the river–lake ecotone. However, there have been few studies on the effects of A. philoxeroides invasion on soil phosphorus (P) cycling and bioavailability in this ecotone. Here, we measured the bioavailable P fractions, physicochemical properties and nutrient content in the surface soils of the native plant (Zizania latifolia (Griseb.) Turcz and Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) communities and the adjacent invasive A. philoxeroides communities in three river–lake ecotones with different nutrient substrates in the subtropical Dongting Lake basin over a 3‐year period to reveal the effects of A. philoxeroides invasion on the morphology and concentrations of soil bioavailable P. The principal coordinate analysis results showed that the A. philoxeroides invasion significantly altered the bioavailable P concentrations in the soil of native plant communities in the different river–lake ecotones, and this effect was not disturbed by the heterogeneity of the soil matrix. However, the effects of invasion into different native plant communities on the fractions of soil bioavailable P were different. Compared with native Z. latifolia and N. nucifera communities, A. philoxeroides invasion increased the concentration of inorganic P by 39.5% and 3.7%, respectively, and the concentration of organic P decreased by 32.7% and 31.9%, respectively. In addition, the invasion promoted P cycling and accumulation in the river–lake ecotone, which resulted in average decreases in the soil N:P and C:P ratios of 7.9% and 12.5%, respectively. These results highlight the impact of exotic plant invasions on nutrient cycling in wetland ecosystems in the river–lake ecotone, and this process may be detrimental to the late recovery of native plants.
Complex sublinear burrows in the deep sea may be constructed by amphipods
Authors: Brandt Angelika , Chen Chong , Tandberg Anne Helene S. , Miguez‐Salas Olmo , Sigwart Julia D.
Published: March 2023

Trails, burrows, and other “life traces” in sediment provide important evidence for understanding ecology—both of the maker and of other users—and behavioral information often lacking in inaccessible ecosystems, such as the deep sea or those that are already extinct. Here, we report novel sublinear rows of openings in the abyssal plains of the North Pacific, and the first plausible hypothesis for a maker of these constructions. Enigmatic serial burrows have now been recorded in the Pacific and Atlantic deep sea. Based on image and specimen evidence, we propose that these Bering Sea excavations represent amphipod burrows, while the maker of the previously known Mid‐Atlantic Ridge constructions remains undetermined. We propose that maerid amphipods could create the Pacific burrows by eating–digging horizontally below the surface along a nutrient‐rich layer in the sediment, making the serial openings above them as they go, for conveniently removing excavated sediment as the excavation progresses. These striking structures contribute to local biodiversity, and their maker could be considered a deep‐sea ecosystem engineer.
Environmental stress promotes the persistence of facultative bacterial symbionts in amoebae
Authors: Wang Zihe , Huang Wei , Mai Yingwen , Tian Yuehui , Wu Bo , Wang Cheng , Yan Qingyun , He Zhili , Shu Longfei
Published: March 2023

Amoebae are one major group of protists that are widely found in natural and engineered environments. They are a significant threat to human health not only because many of them are pathogenic but also due to their unique role as an environmental shelter for pathogens. However, one unsolved issue in the amoeba–bacteria relationship is why so many bacteria live within amoeba hosts while they can also live independently in the environments. By using a facultative amoeba– Paraburkholderia bacteria system, this study shows that facultative bacteria have higher survival rates within amoebae under various environmental stressors. In addition, bacteria survive longer within the amoeba spore than in free living. This study demonstrates that environmental stress can promote the persistence of facultative bacterial symbionts in amoebae. Furthermore, environmental stress may potentially select and produce more amoeba‐resisting bacteria, which may increase the biosafety risk related to amoebae and their intracellular bacteria.
Small increases in stream drying can dramatically reduce ecosystem connectivity
Authors: Malish Megan C. , Gao Shang , Kopp Darin , Hong Yang , Allen Daniel C. , Neeson Thomas
Published: March 2023

Habitat fragmentation drives biodiversity loss in rivers around the world. Although the effects of anthropogenic barriers on river connectivity are well known, there has been little research on the ways in which stream drying may alter connections among habitats and resources. Given that stream drying is increasing in many regions, there is a pressing need to understand the effects of drying on habitat fragmentation. Here, we quantify spatiotemporal drying patterns under current and future climate scenarios in the Upper Blue River Basin, Oklahoma. We used a hydrologic model to simulate daily streamflow for nine climate scenarios. For each scenario, we calculated metrics of streamflow temporal continuity (dry days, dry periods, and dry period duration) and spatial connectivity (wetted length, number of dry stream fragments, length of dry stream fragments, and dendritic connectivity index) from simulated daily streamflow. We found that stream drying is likely to increase in all future climate scenarios and that increases in stream drying reduce connectivity. However, the effects of stream drying on connectivity were highly nonlinear. Specifically, we observed a threshold around which a small increase in stream drying led to a rapid drop in connectivity. We also found that the greatest increases in stream drying were not associated with the highest emission scenarios, underscoring the complex linkages among climate, water availability, and connectivity. Given that connectivity is essential to ecosystem structure and function, we discuss water management strategies informed by impacts of stream drying.
European Society of Cardiology quality indicators for the care and outcomes of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Developed in collaboration with the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Aktaa Suleman , Gale Chris P. , Brida Margarita , Giannakoulas George , Kovacs Gabor , Adir Yochai , Benza Raymond L. , Böhm Michael , Coats Andrew , D'Alto Michele , Escribano‐Subias Pilar , Ferrari Pisana , Galiè Nazzareno , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Gin‐Sing Wendy , Hoeper Marius M. , Humbert Marc , Lang Irene M. , Maron Bradley A. , Meszaros Gergely , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Price Laura C. , Pepke‐Zaba Joanna , Rådegran Göran , Reis Abilio , Sitbon Olivier , Torbicki Adam , Ulrich Silvia , Rosenkranz Stephan , Delcroix Marion
Published: March 2023

Aims

To develop a suite of quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the care and outcomes for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods and results

We followed the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) methodology for the development of QIs. This included (i) the identification of key domains of care for the management of PAH, (ii) the proposal of candidate QIs following systematic review of the literature, and (iii) the selection of a set of QIs using a modified Delphi method. The process was undertaken in parallel with the writing of the 2022 ESC/European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and involved the Task Force chairs, experts in PAH, Heart Failure Association (HFA) members and patient representatives. We identified five domains of care for patients with PAH: structural framework, diagnosis and risk stratification, initial treatment, follow‐up, and outcomes. In total, 23 main and one secondary QIs for PAH were selected.

Conclusion

This document presents the ESC QIs for PAH, describes their development process and offers scientific rationale for their selection. The indicators may be used to quantify and improve adherence to guideline‐recommended clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
Healthy preterm newborns: Altered innate immunity and impaired monocyte function
Authors: De Biasi Sara , Neroni Anita , Nasi Milena , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Borella Rebecca , Gibellini Lara , Lucaccioni Laura , Bertucci Emma , Lugli Licia , Miselli Francesca , Bedetti Luca , Neri Isabella , Ferrari Fabrizio , Facchinetti Fabio , Berardi Alberto , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: March 2023

Birth prior to 37 completed weeks of gestation is referred to as preterm (PT). Premature newborns are at increased risk of developing infections as neonatal immunity is a developing structure. Monocytes, which are key players after birth, activate inflammasomes. Investigations into the identification of innate immune profiles in premature compared to full‐term infants are limited. Our research includes the investigation of monocytes and NK cells, gene expression, and plasma cytokine levels to investigate any potential differences among a cohort of 68 healthy PT and full‐term infants. According to high‐dimensional flow cytometry, PT infants have higher proportions of CD56+/−CD16+NK cells and immature monocytes, and lower proportions of classical monocytes. Gene expression revealed lower proportions of inflammasome activation after in vitro monocyte stimulation and the quantification of plasma cytokine levels expressed higher concentrations of alarmin S100A8. Our findings suggest that PT newborns have altered innate immunity and monocyte functional impairment, and pro‐inflammatory plasmatic profile. This may explain PT infants’ increased susceptibility to infectious disease and should pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and clinical interventions.
Heterogeneous Cu1.92S@Cu3P/Ni2P Nanospheres on Nickel Foam for Effective Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction**
Authors: Du Yeshuang , Hou Zhengfang , Yu Xin , Luo Li , Wang Zhe , Deng Yuqing , Li Wenjing , Cheng Xiaohong , Wu Qi
Published: March 2023

The design and exploration of highly efficient and economical electrocatalysts for large‐scale hydrogen generation from electrochemical water splitting is of great importance towards hydrogen economy. Herein, we have synthesized heterogeneous Cu1.92S@Cu3P/Ni2P nanospheres on nickel foam, which exhibits excellent OER activity in alkaline solution. When used as an anode, the overpotential of Cu1.92S@Cu3P/Ni2P at the current density of 10 mA cm−2is only 211 mV, with a good stability (24 h). The heterogeneous Cu1.92S@Cu3P/Ni2P nanospheres has synergistic modulation of electronic structure, abundant active sites and fast electron transfer rate, which contributes to its high OER activity.
Opinion dynamics with intermittent‐influence leaders on the signed social network
Authors: Shen Ziwen , He Guang , Wu Xiaotai , Zhu Yixin , Shen Mingxuan
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the leader‐follower architecture is constructed by combining intermittent‐influence leaders with a signed social network. Unlike a typical network with leaders where leaders are supposed to continuously influence followers, in this article, the leaders intermittently influence followers. Furthermore, the number of influences is limited. We focus on how the intermittent‐influence leaders impact the evolution of followers' opinions. The relationship between followers' opinions and the number of leader broadcasts is analyzed in detail. Then, the number of broadcasts is regarded as the cost, and the changing trend of the revenue per broadcast is obtained. The results show that as the number of broadcasts increases, the revenue per broadcast decreases gradually. Finally, the concept of assimilation is introduced to weigh the costs and benefits, and the minimum number of broadcasts required for the leader to assimilate the followers is derived. Two examples are given to demonstrate the validity of the main conclusions.