bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photothermal‐Amplified Single Atom Nanozyme for Biofouling Control in Seawater
Authors: Wang Wei , Luo Qiang , Li Jinyang , Li Linqian , Li Yunhong , Huo Xiaobing , Du Xiwen , Li Zhongsheng , Wang Ning
Published: June 2022

Biofouling is a common and expensive problem in medical, food, and maritime industries. Artificial nanozymes as functional mimics of haloperoxidases that boost the formation of cytotoxic hypohalous acids from halides and H2O2 are showing increasing potential as a novel class of ecofriendly antibiofouling materials to combat biofilm formation. A photothermal nanozyme (Mo SA‐N/C) with Mo single atoms as active sites that exhibits haloperoxidase‐mimicking capacity is herein developed. Density functional theory calculations indicate that hydroxyl radical from H2O2 dissociation is the key intermediate for hypobromous acid formation. Upon photoirradiation, Mo SA‐N/C generates heat and accelerates the reaction kinetics substantially. Finally, it is demonstrated that Mo SA‐N/C exerts superior broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity and can be applied as an effective coating additive for inhibiting biofouling in real marine conditions. Taken together, this study opens an avenue for developing biocompatible and photo‐response artificial enzymes for our fight against marine biofouling.
Maneuvering Applications of Covalent Organic Frameworks via Framework‐Morphology Modulation
Authors: Karak Suvendu , Dey Kaushik , Banerjee Rahul
Published: June 2022

Translating the performance of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) from laboratory to macroscopic reality demands specific morphologies. Thus, the advancement in morphological modulation has recently gained some momentum. A clear understanding of nano‐ to macroscopic architecture is critical to determine, optimize, and improve performances of this atomically precise porous material. Along with their chemical compositions and molecular frameworks, the prospect of morphology in various applications should be discussed and highlighted. A thorough insight into morphology versus application will help produce better‐engineered COFs for practical implications. 2D and 3D frameworks can be transformed into various solids such as nanospheres, thin films, membranes, monoliths, foams, etc., for numerous applications in adsorption, separation photocatalysis, the carbon dioxide reduction, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. However, the research on COF chemistry mainly focuses on correlating structure to property, structure to morphology, and structure to applications. Here, critical insights on various morphological evolution and associated applications are provided. In each case, the underlying role of morphology is unveiled. Toward the end, a correlation between morphology and application is provided for the future development of COFs.
Cold‐Starting All‐Solid‐State Batteries from Room Temperature by Thermally Modulated Current Collector in Sub‐Minute
Authors: Ye Yusheng , Huang Wenxiao , Xu Rong , Xiao Xin , Zhang Wenbo , Chen Hao , Wan Jiayu , Liu Fang , Lee Hiang Kwee , Xu Jinwei , Zhang Zewen , Peng Yucan , Wang Hansen , Gao Xin , Wu Yecun , Zhou Guangmin , Cui Yi
Published: June 2022

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) show great potential as high‐energy and high‐power energy‐storage devices but their attainable energy/power density at room temperature is severely reduced because of the sluggish kinetics of lithium‐ion transport. Here a thermally modulated current collector (TMCC) is reported, which can rapidly cold‐start ASSBs from room temperature to operating temperatures (70–90 °C) in less than 1 min, and simultaneously enhance the transient peak power density by 15‐fold compared to one without heating. This TMCC is prepared by integrating a uniform, ultrathin (≈200 nm) nickel layer as a thermal modulator within an ultralight polymer‐based current collector. By isolating the thermal modulator from the ion/electron pathway of ASSBs, it can provide fast, stable heat control yet does not interfere with regular battery operation. Moreover, this ultrathin (13.2 µm) TMCC effectively shortens the heat‐transfer pathway, minimizes heat losses, and mitigates the formation of local hot spots. The simulated heating energy consumption can be as low as ≈3.94% of the total battery energy. This TMCC design with good tunability opens new frontiers toward smart energy‐storage devices in the future from the current collector perspective.
Phosphorus and Selenium Co‐Doped WO3 Nanoparticles for Interface Modification and Photovoltaic Properties Enhancement of Monolayer Planar Silicon/PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Ni Zitao , Ding Siyu , Zhang Hua , Dai Ruijie , Chen Anran , Wang Rongfei , Zhang Jin , Zhou Yao , Yang Jinpeng , Sun Tao , Hu Guangzhi
Published: June 2022

Organic/silicon hybrid solar cells have attracted extensive attention owing to their low cost and simple manufacturing process. However, theoretical simulations indicate that the efficiency of organic/silicon hybrid solar cells should exceed 20%. This study demonstrates phosphorus and selenium co‐doped WO3 nanoparticles used for heterojunction solar cell (HSC) modification and theoretically elaborates the effects of these doping elements. The doped WO3 nanoparticles are added into poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films to optimize the physical properties and qualities of the organic layer. The admixture of P/Se‐WOx greatly improves the open‐circuit voltage and fill factor of Si/PEDOT:PSS solar cell devices. In the hole transport layer (HTL)‐based device, the P/Se‐WOx hybrid PEDOT:PSS HTL yields a power conversion efficiency up to 13.64%, which is substantially higher than those of previously reported undoped and doped devices. The generated W5+ in optimized WO3 further indicates that the VI B group elements, such as W or Mo with 5+ state ions, positively influence the HSC performance and would greatly benefit the photovoltaic industry.
Asymmetric Sequential Vinylogous Mannich/Annulation/Acylation Process of 2‐Ethylidene 1,3‐Indandiones and Isatin N‐Boc Ketimines: Access to Chiral Spiro‐Oxindole Piperidine Derivatives
Authors: Chen I‐Ting , Guan Ren‐You , Han Jeng‐Liang
Published: June 2022

A catalytic asymmetric vinylogous Mannich/annulation/acylation reaction of 2‐ethylidene 1,3‐indandiones with isatin N‐Boc ketimines has been developed, which furnished a series of chiral spiro‐oxindole piperidine derivatives with polyaromatic scaffolds in 30–67% yield and 93–98% ee. The DFT computational calculation is used to probe and explain the origin of the enantioselectivity and observed formation of O‐acetylated products.

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Connection, connectivity and choice: Learning during COVID‐19 restrictions across mainstream schools and Flexible Learning Programmes in Australia
Authors: Plage Stefanie , Cook Stephanie , Povey Jenny , Rudling Emily , te Riele Kitty , McDaid Lisa , Western Mark
Published: June 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic and associated school closures may have constrained educational participation particularly for students in disadvantaged circumstances. We explore how 30 disadvantaged students in secondary school (14 mainstream/16 Flexible Learning Programme) from Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania experienced home learning during the first wave of COVID‐19, teasing out nuances across two educational models. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews with these students, our analysis revealed three interconnected themes inflecting their learning: connection, connectivity and choice. Connection captures the desire for belonging and practices that facilitated meeting this desire during system‐wide disruptions to school routines and face‐to‐face learning. Connectivity captures the impact of digitally facilitated learning at home on students' ability to engage with curriculum content and with their learning community. Choice captures the availability of viable options to overcome barriers students encountered in their learning and possibilities to flexibly accommodate student preferences and learning needs. Students from Flexible Learning Programmes appeared generally better supported to exercise agency within the scope of their lived experience of home‐based learning. Findings indicate a need for strengthening student‐centred policy and practices aimed at leveraging the affordances of information technology, balancing self‐directed and structured learning and providing holistic support to enable meaningful student choice.
Characterization of a recombinant arginine deiminase from Halothermothrix orenii and its application in citrulline production
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Li Mengli , Miao Ming , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2022

In recent years, arginine deiminase (ADI, EC 3.5.3.6) has attracted much attention as a biocatalyst that produces the functional amino acid l‐citrulline from l‐arginine and also as an anticancer enzyme. Here, we identified and characterized a putative ADI from the thermophilic bacterium Halothermothrix orenii. The H. orenii ADI (H‐ADI) protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) with a specific activity of 91.8 U/mg protein at 55°C and pH 6.5. The enzyme remained at 74% relative activity after incubation at 45°C for 180 min, only 25% at 50°C. The melting temperature was 56°C. H‐ADI is not a metal‐requiring enzyme; Ni2+ slightly improved the catalytic activity. The Km and Vmax for l‐arginine were 55.5 mM and 156.8 μmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Moreover, three residues (Arg183, Arg237, and His273) were key to the formation of l‐citrulline, as analyzed by alanine‐scanning mutagenesis. Finally, the enzymatic synthesis of l‐citrulline was carried out at 50°C with a conversion ratio reaching 99.03%. Together, these findings show that H‐ADI is a promising biocatalyst for the production of l‐citrulline.
Associations of the A118G OPRM1 polymorphism with sociotropy and interpersonal sensitivity
Authors: Suzuki Akihito , Shirata Toshinori , Noto Keisuke , Matsumoto Yoshihiko , Muraosa Haruka , Abe Mio , Goto Kaoru , Otani Koichi
Published: June 2022

Background

The μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) plays an important role in social bonding behaviors, while it is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. It is shown that the A118G polymorphism (rs1799971) of the MOR gene (OPRM1) causes amino‐acid exchange from Asn to Asp, and that this polymorphism is associated with altered mu‐opioid receptor function. Meanwhile, sociotropy/autonomy and interpersonal sensitivity are personality vulnerabilities to depression characterized by distinctive interpersonal styles. The present study tested the hypothesis that the functional A118G OPRM1 polymorphism influences these personality traits.

Methods

The subjects were 402 physically and mentally healthy Japanese volunteers. Sociotropy and autonomy were measured by the Sociotropy‐Autonomy Scale, and interpersonal sensitivity was evaluated by the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure. The A118G polymorphism of the OPRM1 was determined by the PCR method.

Results

In one factor analysis of covariance, there were differences in scores of sociotropy (uncorrected p < .001, corrected p < .003) and interpersonal sensitivity (uncorrected p = .015, corrected p = .045), but not autonomy, among the A/A, A/G, and G/G genotypes. Post hoc LSD tests showed that sociotropy scores were higher in the A/A group than in the A/G (p = .029) and G/G (p < .001) groups, and higher in the A/G group than in the G/G group (p = .004). Interpersonal sensitivity scores were higher in the A/A group than in the A/G (p = .023) and G/G (p = .009) groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the A118G OPRM1 polymorphism is associated with sociotropy and interpersonal sensitivity, interpersonal vulnerabilities to depression.
Examining the effect of feedback type and gender on computing achievements, engagement, flipped learning readiness, and autonomous learning in online flipped classroom
Authors: Polat Elif , Hopcan Sinan , Albayrak Ebru , Yildiz Durak Hatice
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine how the flipped learning readiness, engagement, autonomous learning, and computing achievements of university students in an online flipped classroom differ according to gender and feedback groups (verbal, written, and grade reporting) before and after a computing course. An 8‐week application was conducted with 104 university students enrolled Computing course at a state university, İstanbul, Turkey. Students were randomly assigned to three different feedback groups. An experimental design was used in this study and quantitative data was collected. Students did homework and written/verbal or grade feedback was given to students through Moodle. A flipped learning readiness scale, computing achievement test, online student engagement scale, and autonomous learning scale were given to participants as pretests and posttests. The results showed that computing academic achievement, flipped learning readiness, and engagement variables increased significantly. There were differences in online engagement regarding gender but no difference between feedback types. The research includes suggestions for future studies.
Oncolytic adenovirus H101 ameliorate the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Lili , Zhao Huaxin , Shan Mengying , Chen Hong , Xu Bin , He Yang , Zhao Yu , Liu Zhuqing , Chen Jianhua , Xu Qing
Published: June 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy with anti‐programmed cell death (PD)‐1 antibodies provides therapeutic effect for many patients of various cancers but remains inadequate in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The present study aims to assess the efficacy of oncolytic adenovirus (OncoAd) in enhancing the anti‐PD‐1 treatment of CRC.

Methods

The estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts algorithm was used for estimating the infiltrated immune cells in melanoma and CRC tissues. The efficacy of OncoAd with anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy was performed in a CT26 CRC mouse model in vivo. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood and tumor tissues determined the difference anti‐tumor immune efficacy of OncoAd with anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy.

Results

The Cancer Genome Atlas database indicated that CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells were significantly elevated in melanoma compared to CRC cohorts. Moreover, intratumor injection of oncolytic adenovirus enhanced T cell infiltration and decreased Treg percentages in the CT26 CRC colorectal cancer mouse model. Combinatorial OncoAd with anti‐PD‐1 antibody treatment markedly enhanced the anti‐tumor efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 by significantly decreasing the tumor volume and reducing tumor growth in a CRC mouse model. To the end, OncoAd treatment increased the CD8/Treg ratio, indicating that OncoAd intratumor injection ameliorate the anti‐tumor immune response of anti‐PD‐1 therapy.

Conclusion

The present study elucidates that OncoAd promotes intratumor T cell infiltration and improves anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy, thereby providing a potent combinatorial therapeutic strategy for CRC.
A personalized and emotion based virtual simulation model for pedestrian‐vehicle collision avoidance
Authors: Lin Xiao , Liu Zhen , Liu Tingting , Chai Yanjie
Published: June 2022

Since the differences of individual pedestrians and the diversity of pedestrian‐vehicle avoidance behaviors in real life, it is important to consider the behavioral heterogeneity of pedestrians and vehicles in simulation. Most existing simulation models cannot generate personalized pedestrian‐vehicle avoidance scenarios. Taking personality and emotional factors into account, we proposed a simulation method to realize various pedestrian‐vehicle collision avoidance scenarios by adjusting the parameter of personality trait. In this study, drivers' yielding strategies were classified as careful and aggressive based on their different personality traits. For pedestrians, in addition to personality traits, emotional factors were also introduced to achieve more realistic speed control. The experimental results showed that the proposed method could generate personalized pedestrian‐vehicle collision avoidance scenarios in multiple traffic scenarios.
Study on the Effect of Electrolyte pH during Kolbe Electrolysis of Acetic Acid on Pt Anodes
Authors: Nordkamp Margot Olde , Mei Bastian , Venderbosch Robbie , Mul Guido
Published: June 2022

Kolbe already discovered in 1849 that electrochemical oxidative decarboxylation of carboxylic acids is feasible and leads to formation of alkanes and CO2, via alkyl radical intermediates. We now show for Pt electrodes that Kolbe electrolysis of acetic acid is favored in electrolytes with a pH similar to, or larger than the pKa of acetic acid, suppressing the formation of O2. However extended duration of electrolysis of acetate at basic pH results in loss of Faradaic efficiency to ethane, compensated by the formation of methanol. This change in selectivity is likely caused by the dissolution of CO2 near the electrode‐electrolyte interface, resulting in enlarged concentration of bicarbonate/carbonate. On the positively polarized, and oxidized Pt surface, these anions seem to inhibit homocoupling of methyl radicals to ethane. These results demonstrate that reaction selectivity in acetic acid (acetate) oxidation using oxidized Pt electrodes is determined by the pH and the anionic composition of the electrolyte.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Biomass‐Derived Furoic Acid to Tetrahydrofuroic Acid Derivatives over Pd/CoOx Catalyst in Water
Authors: Priya Bhanu , Kumar Ankit , Dostagir SK Nazmul Hasan Md , Shrotri Abhijit , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: June 2022

Transformation of biomass‐derived furans to value‐added chemicals is considered to be an efficient way to produce raw materials for application in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Herein, we report a facile pathway for the catalytic hydrogenation of 2‐furoic acid and its derivatives to tetrahydrofuroic acids with excellent yields (87%–95 %) in water over the Pd/CoOx catalyst under mild reaction condition. Experimental findings inferred that the observed efficient catalytic activity of Pd/CoOx can be attributed to the cooperative effect of Pd nanoparticles (∼3.5 nm) and the CoOx support. Notably, catalysts with naked Pd nanoparticles or Pd immobilized over supports other than CoOx were less active for the studied catalytic transformation. Further, the studied catalytic transformation can be advantageously utilized for bulk‐scale production of tetrahydro‐2‐furoic acid and tetrahydrofuran‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid from the respective furoic acid precursors. Moreover, the studied Pd/CoOx catalyst exhibited appreciably good long‐term stability for over 60 h during bulk‐scale reaction and can be recycled for five consecutive catalytic runs during the production of tetrahydro‐2‐furoic acid from 2‐furoic acid.
The canonical partial least squares approach to analysing multiway datasets—N‐CPLS
Authors: Liland Kristian Hovde , Indahl Ulf Geir , Skogholt Joakim , Mishra Puneet
Published: June 2022

Multiway datasets arise in various situations, typically from specialised measurement technologies, as a result of measuring data over varying conditions in multiple dimensions or simply as sets of possibly multichannel images. When such measurements are intended for predicting some external properties, the amount of methods available is limited. The multilinear partial least squares (PLS) is among the few available options. In the present work, we generalise the canonical partial least squares framework to handle multiway data. We demonstrate the resulting multiway data analysis method to be capable of building parsimonious models, encompassing continuous and categorical responses—both single and multiple—in a unifying framework. This also enables inclusion of additional responses/information that can contribute to more parsimonious models. Finally, we achieve a considerable advantage in computational speed without sacrificing numerical precision by deflating the responses and orthogonalising scores rather than the more costly deflations of the predictor data.
A Coordination Network Featuring Two Distinct Copper(II) Coordination Environments for Highly Selective Acetylene Adsorption
Authors: Chong Magdalene W. S. , Argent Stephen P. , Moreau Florian , Trenholme William J. F. , Morris Christopher G. , Lewis William , Easun Timothy L. , Schröder Martin
Published: June 2022

Single crystals of 2D coordination network {Cu2L2 ⋅ (DMF)3(H2O)3}n (1‐DMF) were prepared by reaction of commercial reagents 3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (H2L) and Cu(NO3)2 in dimethylformamide (DMF). The single‐crystal structure shows two distinct Cu(II) coordination environments arising from the separate coordination of Cu(II) cations to the carboxylate and salicylaldehydato moieties on the linker, with 1D channels running through the structure. Flexibility is exhibited on solvent exchange with ethanol and tetrahydrofuran, while porosity and the unique overall connectivity of the structure are retained. The activated material exhibits type I gas sorption behaviour and a BET surface area of 950 m2 g−1 (N2, 77 K). Notably, the framework adsorbs negligible quantities of CH4 compared with CO2 and the C2Hn hydrocarbons. It exhibits exceptional selectivity for C2H2/CH4 and C2H2/C2Hn, which has applicability in separation technologies for the isolation of C2H2.
Synthesis of Mannosylerythritol Lipid Analogues and their Self‐Assembling Properties, Recovery Effects on Damaged Skin Cells, and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Kondo Takanori , Yasui Chihiro , Miyajima Ikkei , Banno Taisuke , Asakura Kouichi , Fukuoka Tokuma , Ushimaru Kazunori , Koga Maito , Saika Azusa , Morita Tomotake , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Hayashi Chigusa , Igarashi Masayuki , Takahashi Daisuke , Toshima Kazunobu
Published: June 2022

Synthesis of three types of purpose‐designed mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL)‐D analogues with decanoyl groups, β‐GlcEL‐D, α‐GlcEL‐D, and α‐MEL‐D, was accomplished utilizing our boron‐mediated aglycon delivery (BMAD) methods. Their self‐assembling properties, recovery effects on damaged skin cells, and antibacterial activity were evaluated. It was revealed, for the first time, that α‐GlcEL‐D and α‐MEL‐D only generated giant vesicles, indicating that slight differences in the steric configuration of an erythritol moiety and fatty acyl chains affect the ability to form vesicles. Analogue α‐MEL‐D exhibited significant recovery effects on damaged skin cells. Furthermore, α‐MEL‐D exhibited antibacterial activity as high as that for MEL‐D, indicating that α‐MEL‐D is a promising artificial sugar‐based material candidate for enhancing the barrier function of the stratum corneum, superior to a known cosmetic ingredient, and possesses antibacterial activity.
Novel Porphyrin‐Containing Polymer Based Memristor for Synaptic Plasticity Simulation
Authors: Bian Linyi , Xie Meng , Chong Hao , Zhang Zhewei , Liu Guangyi , Han Qiushuo , Ge Jiaoyang , Liu Zheng , Lei Yang , Zhang Guangwei , Xie Linghai
Published: June 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The porphyrin‐based copolymer PZnTPP‐SFX is designed and synthesized by alternating porphyrin and spiro[fluorene‐9,9'‐xanthene] via Suzuki copolymerization. A simple memristor structure of ITO/ZnTPP‐SFX/AlOx/Al was fabricated by spin‐coating process. The conventional synaptic plasticity is emulated using the single memristor including nonlinear transmission characteristics, spike‐timing dependent plasticity and spike‐rate dependent plasticity. New spike‐voltage dependent plasticity is also found in the memristor which can selectively perform potentiation and depression behaviors at a unipolar voltage. Compared with the device performance of uncoordinated metalloporphyrin polymer, it was found that oxygen vacancies diffuse and migrate into PZnTPP‐SFX layer with the assist of coordination metal. This study suggests that porphyrin‐based polymers have great promise for synaptic simulation of artificial neural network.
Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy for Identification of Atomic‐Scale Configurations of Zeolite‐Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Tang Xuan , Ye Jiajie , Guo Yun , Dai Sheng
Published: June 2022

Zeolite‐supported metal catalysts have important applications in various catalytic reactions, but unveiling their atomic‐scale structures is always a grand challenge. The developed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization techniques, e.g., integrated differential‐phase contrast (iDPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is emerging as a powerful tool for visualizing the electron beam‐sensitive materials at atomic resolution, thus, providing new opportunities for imaging the exact configurations of metal species in the various channels of zeolites. This emerging topic summarizes recent progress utilizing iDPC‐STEM‐related technique for determination of the structures of metal species in zeolites that should offer insights into the structure‐property relationships of zeolite‐supported metal catalysts. A brief perspective about the new TEM technique is also presented, showing prospects in this field that will stimulate further scientific research in zeolite‐supported metal catalysts.
Epidemiology of pediatric sarcoma in Iran
Authors: Azizmohammad Looha Mehdi , Akbari Atieh , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Zarean Elaheh , Mehrvar Narjes , Khodakarim Soheila
Published: June 2022

Background

Pediatric sarcomas are divided into two major groups of soft‐tissue sarcomas (STSs) and malignant bone tumors (MBTs).

Aims

The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and survival rate of STSs and MBTs in the Iranian population based on diagnosis date, gender, age, and histological types.

Methods and Results

Data was retrieved from Iran National Cancer Registry between 2008 and 2015. The dataset was classified according to the third edition of the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. The survival information was merely available for 291 (21% of total data), including 142 (49%) MBTs and 149 (51%) STSs. The age‐standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and five‐year survival rates were calculated.

Conclusion

The present study is the first comprehensive study of pediatric sarcomas in Iran, in which a lower incidence and survival rate of MBTs and STSs compared with high‐income countries were found. However, the survival rates of these malignancies were higher in high‐income countries compared to Iran. This study showed the need to improve the quantity and quality of the population‐based registry in Iran for acquiring progress in the prevention and control of sarcomas.
A longitudinal analysis of early lung function trajectory in survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Zheng Katina , Bassal Mylène , Mitsakakis Nicholas , Cepalo Tanita , Hamid Jemila Seid , Momoli Franco , Reisman Joseph , Nair Vimoj , Radhakrishnan Dhenuka
Published: June 2022

Background

Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma survivors suffer from long‐term effects decades after treatment completion with a prevalence of pulmonary dysfunction of up to 65.2%.

Aims

This study explored the early trajectory of pulmonary function in pediatric cancer patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who received pulmonary toxic therapy.

Methods and Results

In this single‐center, 20‐year retrospective cohort study, we included patients who were <18 years old at diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma between January 1994 and December 2014, and received bleomycin or thoracic radiation. We measured pulmonary function and reported on percent predicted values for forced expiratory volume in 1 s, total lung capacity, and diffusing capacity of the lungs. We used linear mixed models to identify the association of clinical factors with longitudinal changes in lung function at time points before and after treatment completion. Of 80 children who met inclusion criteria, all were treated with bleomycin, and 83.8% received thoracic radiation. More than half (51.2%) of patients had any abnormalities in lung function measures during the study observation period which averaged 24.2 months (±31.1SD). Females, younger age at diagnosis and treatment with radiation were associated with lower lung function measurements at various time points. While the majority of children experienced a recovery of their lung function within 1–2 years after treatment completion, some children with these risk factors did not.

Conclusion

Pulmonary function abnormalities begin early in children treated for Hodgkin lymphoma. While the majority of children demonstrate a slow and continuous improvement in lung function back to baseline over time, we recommend routine asymptomatic screening of pulmonary function in certain childhood cancer survivors, particularly females, those diagnosed young and patients who received radiation therapy.
Neutrophils contribute to elevated BAFF levels to modulate adaptive immunity in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia by CD62P and PSGL1 interaction
Authors: Xu Pengcheng , Shao Xia , Ou Yang , Zhan Yanxia , Ji Lili , Zhuang Xibing , Li Ying , Ma Yanna , Wu Duojiao , Qiao Tiankui , Wang Xiangdong , Chen Hao , Cheng Yunfeng
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterised by impaired platelet production and increased platelet destruction. However, the involvement of neutrophils in ITP is yet to be explored.

Methods

B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) expression and activation markers of neutrophils, as well as activation of platelets in ITP patients and healthy controls were measured. The interaction of CD62P on platelets and BAFF in neutrophils was analysed by correlation analysis and verified by co‐culture. The effects of neutrophils on apoptosis of acquired immune cells were evaluated in co‐culture systems with or without belimumab.

Results

The BAFF expression and activation of neutrophils were increased in active ITP patients. BAFF levels in neutrophils were positively correlated with CD62P+ platelets and neutrophils produced increased BAFF by interfering with CD62P on platelets. Neutrophils inhibited the apoptosis of CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ cells dependent on BAFF levels, and belimumab could interrupt the effects of neutrophils.

Conclusions

Neutrophils were overactivated in ITP patients and participated in the progression of disease by producing excessive BAFF, which could be regulated by CD62P on platelets. Targeting BAFF by belimumab may be a novel potential therapy for ITP.
Recent Advances in Carbon‐Based Current Collectors/Hosts for Alkali Metal Anodes
Authors: Wang Guanyao , Song Chan , Huang Jiaqi , Park Ho Seok
Published: June 2022

The urgent demand for high‐energy‐density storage systems evokes the research upsurge on the alkali metal batteries with high theoretical capacities. However, the utilization of alkali metal anodes, including Li, Na, and K, is significantly hindered by notorious dendrite growth, undesirable corrosion, and unstable solid electrolyte interface. In order to resolve these issues, the carbon materials for the rational design of current collector/host that can regulate the plating/stripping behavior of alkali metal have been exploited. These carbon‐based current collectors/hosts are featured with many pivotal advantages, including mechanical integrity to accommodate the volume change, superior electronic/ionic conductivity, large available surface area, and rich functionalization chemistries to increase the affinity to alkali metal. In this review, the recent progress on various dimensional carbon‐based current collectors/hosts with different chemical components in stabilizing the alkali metal anodes through the regulation of initial deposition and subsequent growth behavior during plating/stripping process is provided. The nanostructured carbon scaffolds with self‐affinity to alkali metals, as well as the carbon frameworks with internal/external affinitive sites to alkali metals, catalogued by various dimensions, are discussed in this review. Therefore, these appealing strategies based on the carbon‐based current collectors/hosts can provide a paradigm for the realization of high‐energy‐density alkali metal batteries.
Finding the vulnerable postoperative population: A two‐step cluster analysis of the PAIN‐OUT registry
Authors: Polanco‐García Mauricio , Granero Roser , Gallart Lluís , García‐Lopez Jaume , Montes Antonio
Published: June 2022

Background

Identifying predictors of poor postoperative outcomes is crucial for planning personalized pain treatments. The aim of this study was to examine pain outcomes using cluster analysis in N = 2678 patients from the PAIN‐OUT registry at first postoperative day.

Methods

Indicator variables of the clustering analysis assessed multiple domains, such as clinical and surgical conditions, analgesic‐anaesthetic variables, desire for more pain treatment and outcome variables of the International Pain Outcome Questionnaire (IPO) summarized as factor scores.

Results

Two‐step cluster identified the three‐cluster solution as the optimal. Two empirical groups (C1 and C2) included patients with good postoperative outcomes discriminated by peripheral nerve block use, while the other cluster (C3) grouped patients with the worst outcomes, where all patients desired more pain treatment. C3 comprised about 20% of the participants, mostly lower limb, abdominal and spine procedures. The best predictors of belonging to C3 included younger age, being male, preoperative opioid use, bone and fracture reduction procedures, institution, number of comorbidities and morphine equivalents in the recovery room.

Conclusions

IPO factor scores can be used to select pain outcomes phenotypes in large clinical databases. Most of the predictors were present before the recovery period so perioperative planning should focus in the preoperative and intraoperative periods.

Significance

Improvement of postoperative pain requires assessment methods that go beyond pain intensity scores. We perform a cluster analysis among PAIN‐OUT patients that revealed a cluster of vulnerable postoperative patients, using a novel composite measure of postoperative outcomes: the factor scores of the International Pain Outcomes Questionnaire. By changing the focus from pain intensity to multidimensional pain outcomes, male gender and number of comorbidities appeared as new risk factors for worse postoperative outcomes. The study also identified procedures that require urgent quality improvements.
Practical strategies for generalized extreme value‐based regression models for extremes
Authors: Castro‐Camilo Daniela , Huser Raphaël , Rue Håvard
Published: June 2022

The generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution is the only possible limiting distribution of properly normalized maxima of a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables. As such, it has been widely applied to approximate the distribution of maxima over blocks. In these applications, GEV properties such as finite lower endpoint when the shape parameter is positive or the loss of moments due to the magnitude of are inherited by the finite‐sample maxima distribution. The extent to which these properties are realistic for the data at hand has been widely ignored. Motivated by these overlooked consequences in a regression setting, we here make three contributions. First, we propose a blended GEV (bGEV) distribution, which smoothly combines the left tail of a Gumbel distribution (GEV with ) with the right tail of a Fréchet distribution (GEV with ). Our resulting distribution has, therefore, unbounded support. Second, we proposed a principled method called property‐preserving penalized complexity (PC) prior to decide on the existence of the GEV distribution first and second moments a priori. Third, we propose a reparametrization of the GEV distribution that provides a more natural interpretation of the (possibly covariate‐dependent) model parameters, which in turn helps define meaningful priors. We implement the bGEV distribution with the new parameterization and the PC prior approach in the R‐INLA package to make it readily available to users. We illustrate our methods with a simulation study that reveals that the GEV and bGEV distributions are comparable when estimating the right tail under large‐sample settings. Moreover, some small‐sample settings show that the bGEV fit slightly outperforms the GEV fit. Finally, we conclude with an application to NO pollution levels in California that illustrates the suitability of the new parameterization and the PC prior approach in the Bayesian framework.
Wide‐temperature range thermoregulating e‐skin design through a hybrid structure of flexible thermoelectric devices and phase change materials heat sink
Authors: Zhang Pengxiang , Deng Biao , Zhu Kang , Zhou Qing , Zhang Shuangmeng , Sun Wenting , Zheng Zijian , Liu Weishu
Published: June 2022

The realization of the thermoregulating function of electronic skin (e‐skin) by simulating the human temperature perception system can greatly improve the intelligence of the e‐skin. Here, we report a thermoregulating e‐skin that fits on the surface of a prosthetic limb based on a hybrid structure consisting of a flexible thermoelectric device and a phase‐change heat sink. The hybrid e‐skin possesses outstanding temperature adaptability similar to that of the human body; it can maintain the surface temperature at 35°C in environmental temperatures ranging from 10 to 45°C. The power expenditure of the e‐skin is essentially the same as the energy required by the human body to regulate temperature and is only 14.22 mW cm−2 in the thermoneutral zone. Thermoregulation based on this e‐skin can greatly improve the temperature distribution of the target surface, providing a promising solution for the biomimetic thermoregulation of robots and the next generation of intelligent prostheses.

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Trends in rice research: 2030 and beyond
Authors: Bin Rahman A. N. M. Rubaiyath , Zhang Jianhua
Published: June 2022

Rice production and research have met unprecedented challenges in recent years. Yield and total production have plateaued for many years in some major producing rice‐producing countries while the demand from populations in poverty is ever increasing. For example, more than 100 million additional people became extremely poor, mostly from Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa in 2020 alone. Rice is not only the calorie source for half of the global population but also the key staple food for the world's poorest and undernourished people living in Asia and Africa. In this review, we have analysed the trends in rice research in the past three decades, particularly on the mega‐projects that attempted to revolutionize rice yield, sustainability and quality of both Asian (Oryza sativa) and African (O. glaberrima) rice, with their impact on rice cultivation. We have also analysed the trends in population growth, rice cultivation, production, price and consumption along with their projections for 2030 and beyond. Furthermore, we have analysed recent trends in variety release using Bangladesh as an example. Finally, we have identified the future challenges and priorities of rice research.
Over seven decades of solar microwave data obtained with Toyokawa and Nobeyama Radio Polarimeters
Authors: Shimojo Masumi , Iwai Kazumasa
Published: June 2022

Monitoring observations of solar microwave fluxes and their polarization began in Japan during the 1950s at Toyokawa and Mitaka. At present (April 2022), monitoring observations continues with the Nobeyama Radio Polarimeters (NoRP) at the Nobeyama campus of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). In this paper, we present a brief history of the solar microwave monitoring observations preceding those now carried out by NoRP. We then review the solar microwave flux and polarization measurements obtained at Toyokawa and Nobeyama, and their metadata. The datasets are publicly provided by the Solar Data Archive System (SDAS) operated by the Astronomy Data Center of the NAOJ, via http (https://solar.nro.nao.ac.jp/norp/) and FTP (ftp://solar‐pub.nao.ac.jp/pub/nsro/norp/) protocols.
ADHD misdiagnosis: Causes and mitigators
Authors: Furzer Jill , Dhuey Elizabeth , Laporte Audrey
Published: June 2022

ADHD diagnoses increase discontinuously by a child's school starting age, with young‐for‐grade students having much higher ADHD diagnostic rates. Whether these higher rates reflect over‐diagnosis or under‐diagnosis remains unknown. To decompose this diagnostic discrepancy, we exploit differences in parent and teacher pre‐diagnostic assessments within a regression discontinuity strategy based on school starting age. We show that being young‐for‐grade or male generates over‐assessment of symptoms specifically from teacher assessment. However, under‐assessments of the oldest students in a grade, especially the oldest females, account for a large part of the observed school starting age assessment gap. We argue that this difference by sex and higher school starting age effects in lower‐income schools may exacerbate known gaps in educational attainment by gender and socioeconomic status. Importantly, we fail to find evidence that teachers who receive special education training make such errors.
Alternative routes to intravenous tranexamic acid for postpartum hemorrhage: A systematic search and narrative review
Authors: Shakur‐Still Haleema , Grassin‐Delyle Stanislas , Muhunthan Kopalasuntharam , Ahmadzia Homa K. , Faraoni David , Arribas Monica , Roberts Ian
Published: June 2022

Objective

To review available data on tranexamic acid (TXA) plasma concentration needed to inhibit fibrinolysis and the time to achieve this concentration when giving TXA by different routes in humans. To identify ongoing trials assessing alternatives to intravenous TXA administration.

Methods

We updated two previous systematic reviews by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, OviSP, and ISI Web of Science from database inception to July 2021. We also searched the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials to July 2021. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevant trials. Two reviewers independently reviewed and agreed the trials to be included.

Results

Plasma TXA concentrations over 10 mg/L provide near maximal inhibition of fibrinolysis, with concentrations over 5 mg/L providing partial inhibition. Oral TXA tablets take about 1 h to reach a plasma concentration of 5 mg/L in postpartum women. Studies in healthy volunteers and shocked trauma patients show that intramuscular TXA achieves a plasma level of over 10 mg/L within 15 min. One trial is ongoing to determine the pharmacokinetics of intramuscular and oral solution TXA in pregnant women.

Conclusion

Intramuscular TXA in healthy volunteers and shocked trauma patients reaches therapeutic concentration rapidly. Oral TXA tablets take too long to reach the minimum therapeutic concentration in postpartum women.
A synthesis of clinical and health system bottlenecks to implementing new WHO postpartum hemorrhage recommendations: Secondary data analysis of the Kenya Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths 2014–2017
Authors: Ameh Charles A. , Meka Ramya Jyothi , West Florence , Dickinson Fiona , Allott Helen , Godia Pamela
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in Kenya by secondary analysis of the Kenya Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (CEMD) database and clinical audit of a sample of those deaths, and to identify the perceived challenges to implementing country‐specific PPH guidelines.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study using the Kenyan CEMD database and anonymized maternal death records from 2014–2017. Eight standards from the Kenya National Guidelines for Quality Obstetric and Perinatal Care were selected to perform clinical audit. The process of supporting eight Sub‐Saharan African countries to develop country‐specific PPH guidelines was described and perceived challenges implementing these were identified.

Results

In total, 725 women died from PPH. Most women attended at least one antenatal care visit (67.2%) and most did not receive iron and folate supplementation (35.7%). Only 39.0% of women received prophylactic uterotonics in the third stage of labor. Factors significantly associated with receiving prophylactic uterotonics were place of delivery (χ2 = 43.666, df = 4; P < 0.001), being reviewed by a medical doctor (χ2 = 16.905, df = 1; P < 0.001), and being reviewed by a specialist (χ2 = 49.244, df = 1; P < 0.001). Only three of eight standards had a greater percentage of met cases in comparison to unmet cases. Key concerns about implementation of the new WHO PPH guidance included use of misoprostol by unskilled health personnel, availability of misoprostol and tranexamic acid (TXA) at primary healthcare level, lack of availability of heat‐stable carbetocin (HSC) due to cost, lack of awareness and education about HSC and TXA, and lack of systems to ensure quality oxytocin is available at point of care.

Conclusion

There is a need for improved quality of care for women to minimize the risk of mortality from PPH, by implementing updated clinical guidelines combined with focused health system interventions.
Improving postpartum hemorrhage care: Policy, practice, and research
Authors: Ameh Charles , Althabe Fernando
Published: June 2022

Synopsis

Reducing the risk of death from PPH requires evidence‐based care, innovations, and addressing demand and supply‐side bottlenecks around quality, availability, and use of uterotonics.
Label‐free detection of cardiac troponin‐I with packaged thin‐walled microbubble resonators
Authors: Guo Zhihe , Zhao Xuyang , Zhou Yi , Li Yuxiang , Liu Zhiran , Luo Man , Wu Xiang , Wang You , Zhang Meng , Yang Xi
Published: June 2022

The measurement of cardiac troponin‐I (cTnI) is widely used for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diseases because of its myocardial specificity. Packaged microbubble resonators with thin wall are utilized for label‐free and specific detection of cTnI based on whispering gallery mode (WGM). This packaged structure can provide a good protection for the biosensor, improve the anti‐interference ability of the sensor and reduce the system noise. The theoretical detection limit of the biosensors for cTnI in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) is 0.4 ag mL−1 (0.02 aM). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the biosensors can be used to detect cTnI molecules in simulated serum and the theoretical detection limit is also 0.4 ag mL−1 (0.02 aM). These results are much far below the clinical cut‐off value and show a huge application potential for the detection of cardiac biomarkers of AMI.
Modeling the spectral properties of poly(x‐phenylenediamine) conducting polymers using a combined TD‐DFT and electrostatic embedding approach
Authors: Luise Davide , D'Alterio Massimo Christian , Talarico Giovanni , Ciofini Ilaria , Labat Frédéric
Published: June 2022

The absorption spectra of polymers derived from ortho, meta and para phenylenediamines (o‐PDA, m‐PDA and p‐PDA) have been simulated combining periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations with time‐dependent DFT simulations. These latter have been carried out on finite clusters embedded in a set of point charges devised to exactly reproduce the electrostatic potential of the periodic chains. The results are compared with those obtained for solvated o‐PDA, m‐PDA and p‐PDA oligomers of increasing sizes extracted from the periodic structures. The electronic transitions involved have been investigated by a qualitative analysis based on isodensity maps completed by a quantitative analysis based on the density‐based index (DCT). For poly‐(o)‐ and poly‐(p)‐ phenylenediamines the agreement with the experimental data is achieved already by modeling solvated dimers whereas the inclusion of long‐range electrostatic effects is mandatory for poly‐(m)‐phenylenediamine highlighting the importance of an accurate treatment of the electrostatic environment when a finite cluster approach is considered.