bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality at 180‐days is affected by serum haptoglobin levels in septic patients with high magnitude serum high mobility group box‐1 levels
Authors: Mizuno Takayoshi , Eguchi Yutaka , Tsujita Yasuyuki , Imashuku Yasuhiko , Tabata Takahisa , Kitagawa Hirotoshi
Published: February 2022

Aim

High mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) is a lethal mediator of sepsis that binds to haptoglobin (Hp) and is associated with its prognosis. We investigated the effect of the combination of HMGB1 and Hp on sepsis prognosis.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective study registered 78 patients with sepsis according to Sepsis‐3 criteria on day 1 of diagnosis from July 2016 to November 2018. We divided the patients into four groups according to the serum concentration of 6.2 ng/mL HMGB1 and the median value of Hp. The 180‐day mortality rates and cytokine concentrations of the low and high HMGB1 groups were compared.

Results

There was no difference in the 180‐day mortality rate between the low Hp group and the high Hp group in the low HMGB1 group (P = 0.691). In the high HMGB1 group, a statistically significant difference was found between the low Hp group and the high Hp group (P = 0.002). In the high HMGB1 group, high Hp was associated with a better prognosis in univariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.131; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.027–0.629; P = 0.011), and multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.086; 95% CI, 0.013–0.582; P = 0.009). In addition, in the high HMGB1 group, interleukin‐8 levels were significantly higher in the low Hp group than in the high Hp group (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Patients with sepsis‐induced high serum HMGB1 levels and low serum Hp levels could have a poor long‐term prognosis.
Covalent Organic Framework (COF) Derived Ni‐N‐C Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: Unraveling Fundamental Kinetic and Structural Parameters of the Active Sites
Authors: Li Changxia , Ju Wen , Vijay Sudarshan , Timoshenko Janis , Mou Kaiwen , Cullen David A. , Yang Jin , Wang Xingli , Pachfule Pradip , Brückner Sven , Jeon Hyo Sang , Haase Felix T. , Tsang Sze‐Chun , Rettenmaier Clara , Chan Karen , Cuenya Beatriz Roldan , Thomas Arne , Strasser Peter
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a potential approach to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals using electricity as feedstock. Abundant and affordable catalyst materials are needed to upscale this process in a sustainable manner. Nickel‐nitrogen‐doped carbon (Ni‐N‐C) is an efficient catalyst for CO2 reduction to CO, and the single‐site Ni−Nx motif is believed to be the active site. However, critical metrics for its catalytic activity, such as active site density and intrinsic turnover frequency, so far lack systematic discussion. In this work, we prepared a set of covalent organic framework (COF)‐derived Ni‐N‐C catalysts, for which the Ni−Nx content could be adjusted by the pyrolysis temperature. The combination of high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure evidenced the presence of Ni single‐sites, and quantitative X‐ray photoemission addressed the relation between active site density and turnover frequency.
A TMEDA–Iron Adduct Reaction Manifold in Iron‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−C(sp3) Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Bakas Nikki J. , Sears Jeffrey D. , Brennessel William W. , Neidig Michael L.
Published: February 2022

Herein, we expand the current molecular‐level understanding of one of the most important and effective additives in iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). Focusing on relevant phenyl and ethyl Grignard reagents and slow nucleophile addition protocols commonly used in effective catalytic systems, TMEDA‐iron(II)‐aryl intermediates are identified via in situ spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and detailed reaction studies to be a part of an iron(II)/(III)/(I) reaction cycle where radical recombination with FePhBr(TMEDA) (2Ph) results in selective product formation in high yield. These results differ from prior studies with mesityl Grignard reagent, where poor product selectivity and low catalytic performance can be attributed to homoleptic iron–ate species. Overall, this study represents a critical advance in how amine additives such as TMEDA can modulate selectivity and reactivity of organoiron species in cross‐coupling.
Frustrated Lewis Pair in Zeolite Cages for Alkane Activations
Authors: Chen Wei , Han Jingfeng , Wei Yingxu , Zheng Anmin
Published: February 2022

The frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) concept in homogeneous catalysis was extended to heterogeneous catalysis via the supramolecular system of FLP between deprotonated zeolite framework oxygens and confined carbocations in methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) reactions. In this FLP, the polymethylbenzenium (PMB+) functioned as the Lewis acid to accept an electron pair, and the deprotonated framework oxygen site acted as the Lewis base to donate an electron pair. This FLP theoretically demonstrated the ability to undergo H2heterolysis and alkanes dehydrogenation, and this was further confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC‐MS) catalytic experiments inside FLP‐containing chabazite zeolites. All these findings not only bring new recognition to the carbocation chemistry in zeolite cages but also put forward a new reaction pathway as one part of MTO reactions.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Tail‐to‐Tail Reductive Dimerization of Terminal Alkynes to 2,3‐Dibranched Butadienes
Authors: Guo Hongyu , Zhang Sheng , Li Yang , Yu Xiaoqiang , Feng Xiujuan , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Bao Ming
Published: February 2022

The palladium‐catalyzed tail‐to‐tail reductive dimerization of terminal alkynes is described for the first time. Aromatic terminal alkynes bearing diverse and sensitive functional groups as well as aliphatic terminal alkynes are efficiently transformed to 2,3‐dibranched butadienes. The key to achieve a selective tail‐to‐tail reductive dimerization reaction is to control appropriately the acidity of the reaction solution, which is accomplished by a combined use of pivalic acid and para‐toluenesulfonic acid. The tail‐to‐tail reductive dimerization reaction is proposed to proceed via a cationic alkenyl palladium intermediate under acidic conditions.
Highly Efficient Asymmetric Multiple Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter with EQE of 32.8 % and Extremely Low Efficiency Roll‐Off
Authors: Liu Futong , Cheng Zhuang , Jiang Yixuan , Gao Lei , Liu Hanxuan , Liu Hui , Feng Zijun , Lu Ping , Yang Wensheng
Published: February 2022

Multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters show great potentials for high color purity organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the simultaneous realization of high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and high reverse intersystem crossing rate (kRISC) is still a formidable challenge. Herein, a novel asymmetric MR‐TADF emitter (2Cz‐PTZ‐BN) is designed that fully inherits the high PLQY and largekRISCvalues of the properly selected parent molecules. The resonating extended π‐skeleton with peripheral protection can achieve a high PLQY of 96 % and a fastkRISCof above 1.0×105 s−1, and boost the performance of corresponding pure green devices with an outstanding external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 32.8 % without utilizing any sensitizing hosts. Remarkably, the device sufficiently maintains a high EQE exceeding 23 % at a high luminance of 1000 cd m−2, representing the highest value for reported green MR‐TADF materials at the same luminescence.
Highly Enhanced Aromatics Selectivity by Coupling of Chloromethane and Carbon Monoxide over H‐ZSM‐5
Authors: Fang Xudong , Liu Hongchao , Chen Zhiyang , Liu Zhaopeng , Ding Xiangnong , Ni Youming , Zhu Wenliang , Liu Zhongmin
Published: February 2022

The transformation of methane into high value‐added chemicals such as aromatics provides a more desired approach towards sustainable chemistry but remains a critical challenge due to the low selectivity of aromatics and poor stability. Herein, we first report a coupling reaction of CH3Cl and CO (CCTA) based on methane conversion, which achieves extremely high aromatics selectivity (82.2 %) with the selectivity of BTX up to ca. 60 % over HZSM‐5. The promoting effects have been demonstrated on other zeolites especially 10‐membered rings (10 MR) zeolites. Multiple characterizations show that 2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐cyclopentene‐1‐one (DMCPO) is generated from acetyl groups and olefins. Furthermore, isotopic labeling analysis confirms that CO is inserted into the DMCPO and aromatics rings. A new aromatization mechanism is proposed, including the formation of the above intermediates, which conspicuously weakens the hydrogen transfer reaction, leading to a considerable increase of aromatics selectivity and a dramatic drop in alkanes.
Leveraging Electron‐Deficient Iminium Intermediates in a General Synthesis of Valuable Amines
Authors: Hsu Che‐Sheng , Gonçalves Carlos R. , Tona Veronica , Pons Amandine , Kaiser Marcel , Maulide Nuno
Published: February 2022

The development of reactions converting alkenes and alkynes into valuable building blocks remains one of the main goals of synthetic chemistry. Herein, we present the leveraging of highly electron‐deficient iminium ions, rare and fleeting intermediates, into a general amine synthesis. This enables the preparation of amines bearing e.g. valuable α‐trifluoromethyl moieties under mild conditions. This broad concept is highlighted by the late‐stage amination of quinine into a biologically interesting new analogue.
CO2‐Induced Exposure of the Intrinsic Magnetic Surface of BaTiO3 to Give Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetism
Authors: Gao Bo , Xu Song , Xu Qun
Published: February 2022

Preparation of low‐dimensional ferromagnetic nanomaterials and investigation of their magnetic origin is critical to the exploration of novel materials with various applications such as data storage. Herein, non‐van der Waals (non‐vdW) BaTiO3 was successfully stripped to a low‐dimensional structure by treating the materials with supercritical CO2 (SC CO2). Under different CO2 pressures, SC CO2 selectively cleaves the covalent bonds of the bulk BaTiO3, leading to the exposure of various surfaces. After SC CO2 treatments, the BaTiO3 exhibits room‐temperature ferromagnetism, which is significantly stronger than conventional treatments. According to the experimental and theoretical investigations, the enhanced ferromagnetic property is attributed to the exposure of the intrinsic surfaces of BaTiO3.
Flexible Soft‐Solid Metal–Organic Framework Composite Membranes for H2/CO2 Separation
Authors: Shu Lun , Peng Yuan , Yao Rui , Song Hongling , Zhu Chenyu , Yang Weishen
Published: February 2022

The development of a facile strategy to construct defect‐free and flexible metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based membranes with high selectivity and good scalability holds great appeal. Here we report the fabrication of soft‐solid MOF composite membranes on polyvinylidene fluoride substrates. A representative membrane comprised of quasi‐vertically grown lamellar Zn2(Bim)4 (Bim=benzimidazolate) and lateral ultrathin polyamide film adhering to the MOF side facets. The straight interlayer galleries within unwrapped Zn2(Bim)4 acted as predominant pathways, while the polyamide served the function of defect elimination, synergistically inducing an unprecedented H2/CO2 selectivity of 1084 which set a new record for MOF‐based membranes. Separation performance was held constant after membrane rolling up into a tube with a diameter of 3 mm or folding and unfolding at 90° for 50 times. ZIF‐67 and ZIF‐8 composite membranes based on this strategy also realized extremely high H2/CO2 separation accuracies. These results, which demonstrate the intrinsic molecular sieving capability of MOFs, will promote the development of MOF‐based membranes in practical separation applications.
Halogen Bonding: A New Platform for Achieving Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Persistent Phosphorescence
Authors: Dai Wenbo , Niu Xiaowei , Wu Xinghui , Ren Yue , Zhang Yongfeng , Li Gengchen , Su Han , Lei Yunxiang , Xiao Jiawen , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Cai Zhengxu , Dong Yuping
Published: February 2022

Monotonous luminescence has always been a major factor limiting the application of organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials. Enhancing and regulating the intermolecular interactions between the host and guest is an effective strategy to achieve excellent phosphorescence performance. In this study, intermolecular halogen bonding (CN⋅⋅⋅Br) was introduced into the host–guest RTP system. The interaction promoted intersystem crossing and stabilized the triplet excitons, thus helping to achieve strong phosphorescence emission. In addition, the weak intermolecular interaction of halogen bonding is sensitive to external stimuli such as heat, mechanical force, and X‐rays. Therefore, the triplet excitons were easily quenched and colorimetric multi‐stimuli responsive behaviors were realized, which greatly enriched the luminescence functionality of the RTP materials. This method provides a new platform for the future design of responsive RTP materials based on weak intermolecular interactions between the host and guest molecules.
The synthesis and characterization of a magnetic histidine Schiff base palladium complex and its efficiency investigation in the nitroarene pollutants reduction and dyes degradation
Authors: Rafiee Fatemeh , Shirzadi Faezeh
Published: January 2022

At first, we prepared the chloropropyl‐modified Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles and functionalized it with imidazole‐2carbaldehyde to provide an aldehyde functional group for the Schiff base formation with histidine amino acid. The nitrogen atoms of imidazole cycles, –C=N bonds, and –COOH groups of histidine could act as proper coordination positions for palladium complex formation. The obtained magnetic histidine Schiff base palladium complex (Fe3O4@SiO2@Im‐His@Pd) was characterized by fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) analysis. The prepared nanocomposite has shown good efficiency in the reduction of nitroarenes and dyes degradation under mild conditions at room temperature in short reaction times.
Near‐Field Exposure in FM Frequencies: New Methodology and Estimation Formulas
Authors: Fetouri Bader Mustafa , Azzi Soumaya , Ouberehil Allal , Briend Philippe , De Doncker Philippe , Wiart Joe
Published: January 2022

Workers inside transmission pylons with FM antenna arrays are likely to be exposed to near‐field radiation exceeding reference levels for occupational exposure. In this study, the near‐field behavior of 64 FM pylons was studied using a new methodology. Near‐field characterization was done using field metrics without taking into account field sources' size or distance from field source. The specific absorption rate (SAR) was assessed in five hundred different near‐field cases using a human phantom. Estimation formulas for both local and whole‐body SAR are provided and validated numerically. Local and whole‐body SAR are linked to electric field strength. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Design strategies of ZnO heterojunction arrays towards effective photovoltaic applications
Authors: Qiao Fen , Sun Kaiyue , Chu Huaqiang , Wang Junfeng , Xie Yi , Chen Liping , Yan Tingting
Published: January 2022

ZnO nanorods (NRs) heterojunction arrays have been widely used in photovoltaic cells owing to the outstanding photoelectrical chracteristics, high stability and low cost. The NRs arrays structure can integrate multiple functional components, so that it can exhibit more excellent physical and chemical properties that even independent components do not possess. The design of heterojunction nanostructures can effectively solve the problems of light absorption and carrier transport. First, the synthesis methods of ZnO NRs and their heterojunction arrays were systematically introduced, including traditional chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrodeposition, hydrothermal method, and so on, the different structures and properties of ZnO NRs heterojunctions were analyzed. Then, the selected materials could be further processed and assembled into NRs array heterojunction with integrated functions were discussed. The strategies of maximizing energy conversion performance (structure optimization, heterojunction, surface plasmon resonance, and doping) were emphatically summarized. In addition, the research progress of ZnO NRs and their heterojunctions in photoelectric energy conversion system were summarized, and the application potential of combining nanostructure design with solar cells was summarized. Finally, the challenges and future development prospects of ZnO NRs and their heterojunction arrays in photovoltaic conversion were pointed out.
How carbon coating or continuous carbon pitch matrix influence the silicon electrode/electrolyte interfaces and the performance in Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Roland Aude , Fullenwarth Julien , Ledeuil Jean‐Bernard , Martinez Hervé , Louvain Nicolas , Monconduit Laure
Published: January 2022

The Si surface coating by carbon is an appealing strategy to improve both the electronic conductivity and to stabilize the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In the present study, the electrochemical performance comparison of three nanocrystalline silicon‐based electrodes confirms the advantage brought by the carbon presence either as coating or in a composite, to improve their performance in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). To rationalize this behavior, a full study of the electrode/electrolyte interface was achieved through the analysis of the cumulated relative irreversible capacity and the impedance and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies measurements. The study highlighted that the carbon coating leads to more efficient and less resistive SEI than that formed on silicon or on the native oxide surface. The pitch carbon matrix offers the same advantages and avoids moreover the isolation of particles. The control of the Si/electrolyte interface has a crucial role in the performance of Si‐based electrodes as negative electrodes for LIB.
Investigation of the effect of group counselling based on schema therapy on academic expectation stress in high school students
Authors: Koçak Lokman , Çelik Eyüp
Published: January 2022

This research is a preliminary evaluation study to determine whether group counselling based on schema therapy has an effect on academic expectation stress in high school students. In this study, a 2 × 3 split‐plot design was used. The Academic Expectation Stress Inventory was applied for data collection purposes. The effect of group counselling based on schema therapy on academic expectation stress was tested using a two‐factor ANOVA for mixed measurements. As a result of the analysis, the intervention*time effect was found to be significant with regard to academic expectation stress. The findings obtained in the study reveal that group counselling based on schema therapy creates a significant decrease in adolescents' academic expectation stress level, and this decline continues, as shown in the follow‐up test. As a result, it can be said that the group counselling programme based on schema therapy, which was developed as a preliminary evaluation study, has the potential to reduce the academic expectation stress level of high school students.
Self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with extremely horizontal aortas
Authors: Zhou Dao , Chen Jun , Fan Jiaqi , Yidilisi Abuduwufuer , Dai Hanyi , Xu Yeming , Zhu Gangjie , Guo Yuchao , Wang Jian'an , Liu Xianbao
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with aortic stenosis and extremely horizontal aortas (aortic angulation ≥70°).

Background

As TAVR using a self‐expanding prosthesis is an off‐label treatment for patients with extremely horizontal aortas, these patients are often excluded from randomized controlled trials involving self‐expanding TAVR.

Methods

This study enrolled 27 consecutive patients with extremely horizontal aortas who underwent self‐expanding TAVR for severe aortic stenosis.

Results

The patients' average age was 76.4 years, with a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 4.53%. The device success and 30‐day mortality rates were 66.7% and 7.4%, respectively. The sinotubular junction (STJ) was significantly smaller in the device success group (p = 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found that the area under the curve was 0.907 (95% confidence interval: 0.790–1.000, p = 0.001), validating the association between STJ diameter and device success. An optimal cutoff of 33.6 mm was determined using the Youden index, with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 77.8%, respectively. The device success rate was significantly higher (93.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.003) in patients with STJ diameters ≤33.6 mm (n = 15). In the subgroup analyses, severe valve calcification (n = 9) was associated with a higher incidence of moderate or severe paravalvular leakage (44.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.008), while a higher rate of second valve implantation (60.0% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.030) was found in patients with less than moderate valve calcification (n = 5).

Conclusion

Self‐expanding TAVR could be suitable for patients with extremely horizontal aortas after careful preoperative evaluation.
Complication during robotic‐PCI: Iatrogenic guiding catheter dissection
Authors: Khokhar Arif A. , Zelias Aleksander , Zlahoda‐Huzior Adriana , Dudek Dariusz
Published: January 2022

Robotic‐assisted percutaneous interventions (R‐PCI) is a revolutionary technology designed to improve operator safety and procedural precision. The second‐generation CorPath GRX (Corindus) R‐PCI platform allows operators to manipulate the guiding catheter using robotic joystick controls. We report a case where robotic guide catheter manipulation caused a dramatic left main stem dissection. We highlight important concepts learned following this complication.
Social deprivation index and ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Torabi Asad J. , Mshelbwala Fakilahyel S. , Hugenberg Daniel , Kovacs Richard J. , Kreutz Rolf P.
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to assess neighborhood‐based differences in outcomes of diabetics versus non‐diabetics undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Disparities in healthcare access impact long‐term outcomes in safety net populations. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and may disproportionately impact patients with CAD from underserved populations. We created a geocoded retrospective cohort of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at an urban safety net hospital in this single‐center cohort analysis. We evaluated long‐term ischemic events in diabetics versus nondiabetics through review of electronic medical records. Social deprivation index (SDI) was calculated based on US‐census tract level and stratified according to quintiles. Among 1002 patients, 46% (n = 463) were diabetic and among those 48% (n = 222) were in the highest quintile of SDI. Baseline and angiographic characteristics were similar among diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. Among diabetic patients, those in the highest SDI quintile had significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction as compared to those in the remaining quintiles (log rank: p = 0.029) (adjusted hazard's ratio: 1.72 [95% CI: 1.01–2.92], p = 0.04). There was no association of the SDI with outcomes in nondiabetic patients (log rank: p = 0.39). In an underserved population, patients with diabetes and high SDI demonstrate higher rates of adverse ischemic events and cardiovascular death during long‐term follow up after PCI. Further research examining the impact of disparities in healthcare access on outcomes after PCI in patients with diabetes is warranted.
Paving the Way for Reliable Alzheimer's Disease Blood Diagnosis by Quadruple Electrochemical Immunosensing
Authors: Valverde Alejandro , Gordón Pidal José M. , Montero‐Calle Ana , Arévalo Beatriz , Serafín Verónica , Calero Miguel , Moreno‐Guzmán María , López Miguel Ángel , Escarpa Alberto , Yáñez‐Sedeño Paloma , Barderas Rodrigo , Campuzano Susana , Pingarrón José M.
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder, demands new cost‐effective and easy‐to‐use strategies for its reliable detection, mainly in the preclinical stages. Here, we report the first immunoplatform for the electrochemical multidetermination of four candidate protein biomarkers in blood, neurofilament light chain (NfL), Tau, phosphorylated Tau (p‐Tau) and TAR DNA‐Binding Protein 43 (TDP‐43). It involves implementation of sandwich‐type immunoassays and enzymatic labelling with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on the surface of magnetic microbeads (MBs). Amperometric detection is performed after depositing the magnetic immunoconjugates on disposable quadruple transduction platforms by monitoring the enzymatic reduction of H2O2 mediated by hydroquinone (HQ). The immunoplatform achieved LOD values smaller than the content of target biomarkers in plasma of healthy subjects, with RSD values<5 %, and lower cost and shorter assay time (60–90 min) than other available methodologies and was applied to the analysis of plasma from healthy controls and AD patients.
Developing Flexible Quinacridone‐Derivatives‐Based Photothermal Evaporaters for Solar Steam and Thermoelectric Power Generation
Authors: Shen Meihua , Zhao Xinpeng , Han Lu , Jin Nanxi , Liu Song , Jia Tao , Chen Zhijun , Zhao Xiuhua
Published: February 2022

Solar‐driven interfacial vaporization by localizing solar‐thermal energy conversion to the air−water interface has attracted tremendous attention. In the process of converting solar energy into heat energy, photothermal materials play an essential role. Herein, a flexible solar‐thermal material di‐cyan substituted 5,12‐dibutylquinacridone (DCN−4CQA)@Paper was developed by coating photothermal quinacridone derivatives on the cellulose paper. The DCN−4CQA@Paper combines desired chemical and physical properties, broadband light‐absorbing, and shape‐conforming abilities that render efficient photothermic vaporization. Notably, synergetic coupling of solar‐steam and solar‐electricity technologies by integrating DCN−4CQA@Paper and the thermoelectric devices is realized without trade‐offs, highlighting the practical consideration toward more impactful solar heat exploitation. Such solar distillation and low‐grade heat‐to‐electricity generation functions can provide potential opportunities for fresh water and electricity supply in off‐grid or remote areas.
Computational study of a novel catheter for liver radioembolization
Authors: Ortega Julio , Antón Raúl , Ramos Juan Carlos , Rivas Alejandro , S. Larraona Gorka , Sangro Bruno , Bilbao José Ignacio , Aramburu Jorge
Published: January 2022

Radioembolization (RE) is a medical treatment for primary and secondary liver cancer that involves the transcatheter intraarterial delivery of micron‐sized and radiation‐emitting microspheres, with the goal of improving microsphere deposition in the tumoral bed while sparing healthy tissue. An increasing number of in vitro and in silico studies on RE in the literature suggest that the particle injection velocity, spatial location of the catheter tip and catheter type are important parameters in particle distribution. The present in silico study assesses the performance of a novel catheter design that promotes particle dispersion near the injection point, with the goal of generating a particle distribution that mimics the flow split to facilitate tumour targeting. The design is based on two factors: the direction and the velocity at which particles are released from the catheter. A series of simulations was performed with the catheter inserted at an idealised hepatic artery tree with physiologically realistic boundary conditions. Two longitudinal microcatheter positions in the first generation of the tree were studied by analysing the performance of the catheter in terms of the outlet‐to‐outlet particle distribution and split flow matching. The results show that the catheter with the best performance is one with side holes on the catheter wall and a closed frontal tip. This catheter promotes a flow‐split‐matching particle distribution, which improves as the injection crossflow increases.
Crime activities prediction system in video surveillance by an optimized deep learning framework
Authors: Kumar Kadari Kishore , Venkateswara Reddy Husnabad
Published: February 2022

The video surveillance technology is used to find crime events in public places and capture live public events. Hence, detecting the criminalist before the crime actions is the most needed event to catch the criminalist. However, the presence of noise content in the trained video has raised the difficulties in crime specification by maximizing the complexity range of the data. To overcome this issue, this research has designed a novel lion‐based deep belief neural paradigm (LbDBNP) to identify criminals by their activities and handling tools. Initially, three types of datasets were trained to the system then the training flaws were eliminated in the preprocessing layer. Hereafter, the cleaned data is imported to the classification module to detect the crime events present in the video. Subsequently, the designed model is implemented using the Python framework in Windows 10 platform. To evaluate the efficiency of the designed model, the attack is launched in the proposed model after those metrics are calculated. In addition, the robustness of the designed system is verified by three datasets, such as UCSDped1, UCSDped2, and avenue crime. Also, the key parameters of the designed model have been evaluated and compared with other existing schemes to verify the proposed model's robustness by achieving the finest outcomes.
Approaches to minimize the effects of P‐glycoprotein in drug transport: A review
Authors: Husain Athar , Makadia Vishal , Valicherla Guru R. , Riyazuddin Mohammed , Gayen Jiaur R.
Published: February 2022

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is a transporter protein that is come under the ATP binding cassette family of proteins. It is situated on the surface of the intestine epithelium, where P‐gp substrate binds to the transporter and is pumped into the intestine lumen by the ATP‐driven energy‐dependent process. In this review, we summarize the role of the P‐gp efflux transporter situated on the intestine, the clinical importance of P‐gp related drug interactions, and approaches to minimize the effect of P‐gp in drug transport. This review also focuses on the impact of P‐gp on the bioavailability of the orally administered drug. Many drug's oral bioavailabilities can improve by concomitant use of P‐gp inhibitors. Multidrug resistance are reduced by using some naturally occurring compounds obtained from plants and several synthetic P‐gp inhibitors. Formulation strategies, one of the most important approaches to mimic the P‐gp transporter's action, finally enhancing the oral bioavailability of the drug by inhibiting its P‐gp efflux. Vitamin E TPGS, Gelucire 44/14 and other pharmaceutical/formulation excipients inhibit the P‐gp efflux. A prodrug approach might be a useful strategy to overcome drug resistance. Prodrug helps to enhance the solubility or alter the pharmacokinetic properties but does not diminish the pharmacological action.
Landscape‐scale conservation mitigates the biodiversity loss of grassland birds
Authors: Pavlacky David C. , Green Adam W. , George Thomas Luke , Iovanna Rich , Bartuszevige Anne M. , Correll Maureen D. , Panjabi Arvind O. , Ryder Thomas Brandt
Published: January 2022

The decline of biodiversity from anthropogenic landscape modification is among the most pressing conservation problems worldwide. In North America, long‐term population declines have elevated the recovery of the grassland avifauna to among the highest conservationpriorities. Because the vast majority of grasslands of the Great Plains are privately owned, the recovery of these ecosystems and bird populations within them depend on landscape‐scale conservation strategies that integrate social, economic, and biodiversity objectives. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program for private agricultural producers administered by the United States Department of Agriculture that provides financial incentives to take cropland out of production and restore perennial grassland. We investigated spatial patterns of grassland availability and restoration to inform landscape‐scale conservation for a comprehensive community of grassland birds in the Great Plains. The research objectives were to (1) determine how apparent habitat loss has affected spatial patterns of grassland bird biodiversity, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of CRP for offsetting the biodiversity declines of grassland birds, and (3) develop spatially explicit predictions to estimate the biodiversity benefit of adding CRP to landscapes impacted by habitat loss. We used the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions program to evaluate hypotheses for the effects of habitat loss and restoration on both the occupancy and species richness of grassland specialists within a continuum‐modeling framework. We found the odds of community occupancy declined by 37% for every 1 SD decrease in grassland availability [loge(km2)] and increased by 20% for every 1 SD increase in CRP land cover [loge(km2)]. There was 17% turnover in species composition between intact grasslands and CRP landscapes, suggesting that grasslands restored by CRP retained considerable, but incomplete, representation of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Spatially explicit predictions indicated that absolute conservation outcomes were greatest at high latitudes in regions with high biodiversity, whereas the relative outcomes were greater at low latitudes in highly modified landscapes. By evaluating community‐wide responses to landscape modification and CRP restoration at bioregional scales, our study fills key information gaps for developing collaborative strategies, and for balancing conservation of avian biodiversity and social well‐being in the agricultural production landscapes of the Great Plains.
Increasing fire frequency and severity will increase habitat loss for a boreal forest indicator species
Authors: Palm Eric C. , Suitor Michael J. , Joly Kyle , Herriges Jim D. , Kelly Allicia P. , Hervieux Dave , Russell Kelsey L. M. , Bentzen Torsten W. , Larter Nicholas C. , Hebblewhite Mark
Published: January 2022

Climate change will lead to more frequent and more severe fires in some areas of boreal forests, affecting the distribution and availability of late‐successional forest communities. These forest communities help to protect globally significant carbon reserves beneath permafrost layers and provide habitat for many animal species, including forest‐dwelling caribou. Many caribou populations are declining, yet the mechanisms by which changing fire regimes could affect caribou declines are poorly understood. We analyzed resource selection of 686 GPS‐collared female caribou from three ecotypes and 15 populations in a ~600,000 km2 region of northwest Canada and eastern Alaska. These populations span a wide gradient of fire frequency but experience low levels of human‐caused habitat disturbance. We used a mixed‐effects modeling framework to characterize caribou resource selection in response to burns at different seasons and spatiotemporal scales, and to test for functional responses in resource selection to burn availability. We also tested mechanisms driving observed selection patterns using burn severity and lichen cover data. Caribou avoided burns more strongly during winter relative to summer and at larger spatiotemporal scales relative to smaller scales. During the winter, caribou consistently avoided burns at both spatiotemporal scales as burn availability increased, indicating little evidence of a functional response. However, they decreased their avoidance of burns during summer as burn availability increased. Burn availability explained more variation in caribou selection for burns than ecotype. Within burns, caribou strongly avoided severely burned areas in winter, and this avoidance lasted nearly 30 years after a fire. Caribou within burns also selected higher cover of terrestrial lichen (an important caribou food source). We found a negative relationship between burn severity and lichen cover, confirming that caribou avoidance of burns was consistent with lower lichen abundance. Consistent winter avoidance of burns and severely burned areas suggests that caribou will experience increasing winter habitat loss as fire frequency and severity increase. Our results highlight the potential for climate‐induced alteration of natural disturbance regimes to affect boreal biodiversity through habitat loss. We suggest that management strategies prioritizing protection of core winter range habitat with lower burn probabilities would provide important climate‐change refugia for caribou.
Troubled spots: Human impacts constrain the density of an apex predator inside protected areas
Authors: Rogan Matthew S. , Distiller Greg , Balme Guy A. , Pitman Ross T. , Mann Gareth K. H. , Dubay Shannon M. , Whittington‐Jones Gareth M. , Thomas Lisa H. , Broadfield Joleen , Knutson Thandiwe , O'Riain M. Justin
Published: January 2022

Effective conservation requires understanding the processes that determine population outcomes. Too often, we assume that protected areas conserve wild populations despite evidence that they frequently fail to do so. Without large‐scale studies, however, we cannot determine what relationships are the product of localized conditions versus general patterns that inform conservation more broadly. Leopards’ (Panthera pardus) basic ecology is well studied but little research has investigated anthropogenic effects on leopard density at broad scales. We investigated the drivers of leopard density among 27 diverse protected areas in northeastern South Africa to understand what conditions facilitate abundant populations. We formulated 10 working hypotheses that considered the relative influence of bottom‐up biological factors and top‐down anthropogenic factors on leopard density. Using camera‐trap survey data, we fit a multi‐session spatial capture–recapture model with inhomogenous density for each hypothesis and evaluated support using an information theoretic approach. The four supported hypotheses indicated that leopard density is primarily limited by human impacts, but that habitat suitability and management conditions also matter. The proportion of camera stations that recorded domestic animals, a proxy for the extent of human impacts and protected area effectiveness, was the only predictor variable present in all four supported models. Protected areas are the cornerstone of large felid conservation, but only when the human–wildlife interface is well managed and protected areas shelter wildlife populations from anthropogenic impacts. To ensure the long‐term abundance of large carnivore populations, reserve managers should recognize the ineffectiveness of “paper parks” and promote contiguous networks of protected areas that offer leopards and other large mammal populations greater space and reduced human impacts.
Stereotyped B‐cell responses are linked to IgG constant region polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lindeman Ida , Polak Justyna , Qiao Shuo‐Wang , Holmøy Trygve , Høglund Rune A. , Vartdal Frode , Berg‐Hansen Pål , Sollid Ludvig M. , Lossius Andreas
Published: January 2022

Clonally related B cells infiltrate the brain, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients, but the mechanisms driving the B‐cell response and shaping the immunoglobulin repertoires remain unclear. Here, we used single‐cell full‐length RNA‐seq and BCR reconstruction to simultaneously assess the phenotypes, isotypes, constant region polymorphisms, and the paired heavy‐ and light‐chain repertoires in intrathecal B cells. We detected extensive clonal connections between the memory B cell and antibody‐secreting cell (ASC) compartments and observed clonally related cells of different isotypes including IgM/IgG1, IgG1/IgA1, IgG1/IgG2, and IgM/IgA1. There was a strong dominance of the G1m1 allotype constant region polymorphisms in ASCs, but not in memory B cells. Tightly linked to the G1m1 allotype, we found a preferential pairing of the immunoglobulin heavy‐chain variable (IGHV)4 gene family with the κ variable (IGKV)1 gene family. The IGHV4‐39 gene was most used and showed the highest frequency of pairing with IGKV1‐5 and IGKV1(D)‐33. These results link IgG constant region polymorphisms to stereotyped B‐cell responses in MS and indicate that the intrathecal B‐cell response in these patients could be directed against structurally similar epitopes.
Application of partial wire mesh and particle image velocimetry for rectangular phase change material containers as efficient thermal energy storage systems
Authors: Nabilou Hamoun , Gharali Kobra , Ebadi Soroush , Maleki Dastjerdi Sajad
Published: February 2022

An experimental setup is built to improve the charging process of a bio‐based phase change material inside a rectangular latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system. In addition to experimenting with different porosities of full‐coverage wire mesh, a novel method of partial wire mesh placement at a proper location is used for improving conduction and maintaining natural convection, proven by the particle image velocimetry (PIV) method. Although acquiring PIV images from coconut oil is challenging because of the laser reflection, the image capturing and processing have been completed successfully. Temperatures inside the enclosure were measured using four K‐type thermocouples, and the melt fraction was calculated using captured images. The full‐size mesh results in a more uniform temperature distribution, and its charging time for porosities of 88% and 82% is decreased by 41% and 52%, respectively. The results of partial wire mesh placements indicate that a top‐only approach leads to a time reduction of only 7%. However, the bottom‐only approach yields a time reduction of 34% and the value of 3.8 for the charging time reduction over the porosity reduction parameter, which is the highest among all experiments. Additionally, this placement eliminates sudden temperature spikes, which improves the performance of the LHTES system and results in an economical and practical configuration. Moreover, the PIV test shows sustained convective velocities at the top half of the enclosure with a partial mesh at the bottom, demonstrating improved natural convection compared to that of a full‐size mesh implementation which weakens convection. Therefore, contrary to full‐size meshes used in previous works, a bottom‐only mesh placement can enhance conduction and convection simultaneously, which can be utilized in practical applications.
Protective effect of feruloylated oligosaccharides on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis in rats
Authors: Gong Lingxiao , Hu Linlin , Wang Hongna , Chen Rui , Wang Jing
Published: January 2022

Feruloylated oligosaccharides (FOs), comprising ferulic acid and arabinoxylans, have already been proved to possess beneficial properties that are closely related to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aims at investigating the protective effect of FOs on chronic UC rats and its regulatory mechanisms. The study demonstrated that FOs alleviated the chronic UC through a combination of pharmacological mechanisms, including antioxidant, inhibiting the inflammatory response, improving the gut barrier and modulating the overall structure of gut microbiota. FOs showed immunomodulatory effect by downregulating the relative expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in colon tissue. In addition, the FOs exhibited antioxidant activity by increasing SOD activity but reducing MDA content, iNOS activity and NO content. In terms of intestinal barrier, FOs inhibited gut barrier damages by enhancing tight junction protein expression (claudin‐3, occluding, and ZO‐1) and recovering the ultrastructure of intestinal barrier. Moreover, FOs also could partially restore the intestinal biodiversity in the DSS‐induced UC rats and increased the species richness of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Roseburia. These findings provide novel insights into the FOs‐mediated alleviation of chronic UC and will facilitate the preventive strategies for chronic UC.
Soft‐tissue sarcoma with MN1‐BEND2 fusion: A case report and comparison with astroblastoma
Authors: Yoshida Akihiko , Satomi Kaishi , Kobayashi Eisuke , Ryo Eijitsu , Matsushita Yuko , Narita Yoshitaka , Ichimura Koichi , Kawai Akira , Mori Taisuke
Published: January 2022

MN1‐BEND2 is considered as a defining gene fusion of astroblastoma. Herein, we report the first case of soft‐tissue sarcoma with this fusion. The tumor developed in the abdominal wall of an 87‐year‐old woman, and consisted of a striking storiform growth of low‐grade spindle cells admixed with a dense proliferation of oval cells with a higher nuclear atypia and mitotic activity. The sarcoma was immunohistochemically positive for actin but negative for S100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and Olig2. Targeted RNA sequencing identified an in‐frame MN1 (exon 1)‐BEND2 (exon 11) fusion transcript, which was validated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and MN1 break‐apart fluorescence in situ hybridization. DNA methylation profiling revealed that the tumor did not match any sarcoma classes based on the DKFZ classifier. Using T‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis, the sarcoma was plotted close to the provisional class “Sarcoma (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor‐like),” despite no phenotypic resemblance. Copy number analysis using methylation data demonstrated losses at 2q, 8p, 9p, 11p, 14q, 19q, and 22q. When compared with a cerebral astroblastoma sample with MN1 (exon 1)‐BEND2 (exon 9) fusion, the sarcoma showed no resemblance in histology, immunophenotype, or DNA methylation profile, although they shared copy number loss at 14q, 19q, and 22q. The present report demonstrated that MN1‐BEND2 is another example of a pleiotropic fusion gene that is shared among different tumor types.
Understanding the impacts of predecessor rain events on flood hazard in a changing climate
Authors: Khatun Amina , Ganguli Poulomi , Bisht Deepak Singh , Chatterjee Chandranath , Sahoo Bhabagrahi
Published: January 2022

This study, for the first time, investigates the physical association between Predecessor Rain Events (PREs) and peak runoff generation in seven catchments over the Upper Mahanadi River basin (UMRB), India. A statistical–dynamical framework is developed to assess the compounding impact of PREs (as preconditioned events) versus riverine floods during both retrospective and projected climate. Based on models' fidelity to capture historical climatology, we select four out of nine Global Climate Models (GCMs) during historical (1980–2005), and the three projected time windows, that is, near future (2010–2039), mid‐century (2040–2069), and the far future (2070–2099) planning horizons with RCP8.5 emission scenario. We assess changes in compound flood hazards in historical versus projected periods using a newly proposed Bivariate Hazard Ratio (BHR) index, which represents the ratio between bivariate return periods during the projected versus the historical time windows. Assessing bivariate return periods (characterized by ‘AND’ operator) of rainfall‐driven compound floods shows decreased flood hazard in the mid‐century and far‐future planning horizons. Accounting ranges of uncertainty from climate model simulations and the propagation of uncertainty across the numerical model chain, overall we show considering PRE as the covariate, floods in larger catchments show an increase in compound flood hazard in the projected period.