bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrete Molecular Copper(II) Complex for Efficient Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Above Room‐Temperature
Authors: Haldar Rajashi , Kumar Ajay , Mallick Binit , Ganguly Swaroop , Mandal Dipankar , Shanmugam Maheswaran
Published: December 2022

Developing robust, wearable, and biocompatible energy harvesting devices with bulk oxides (ceramics and perovskites) is extremely hard to achieve due to their zero mechanical flexibility, heavy metal toxicity, and tunability of properties. Alternatively, discrete inorganic complexes can be an excellent choice to overcome the above‐stated issues, thanks to appropriate molecular engineering. Herein, we report an above‐room‐temperature ferroelectric discrete molecular complex [Cu(L‐phe)(bpy)(H2O)]PF6⋅H2O (1) which is suitable for piezoelectric energy harvesting due to its large values of piezoelectric co‐efficient (d33=10 pm V−1) and spontaneous polarization (Ps=1.3 μC cm−2). Among the devices prepared with the composite films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and various weight % composition of 1, the 10 Wt % composite shows the highest output voltage of 8 V, a power density of 0.85 μW cm−2, and output current of 5 μA, which is highest for any discrete inorganic complex reported to date.
Characterization and Application of Supramolecular Junctions
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Ge Wenhui , Guo Shuhan , Bai Jie , Hong Wenjing
Published: December 2022

The convergence of supramolecular chemistry and single‐molecule electronics offers a new perspective on supramolecular electronics, and provides a new avenue toward understanding and application of intermolecular charge transport at the molecular level. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances in the characterization technique for the investigation of intermolecular charge transport, and summarize the experimental investigation of several non‐covalent interactions, including π‐π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, host‐guest interactions and σ‐σ interactions at the single‐molecule level. We will also provide a perspective on supramolecular electronics and discuss the potential applications and future challenges.
Recent advances in soy protein extraction technology
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Tian Ran , Xu Zejian , Jiang Lianzhou , Sui Xiaonan
Published: December 2022

Protein extraction from soybeans is a vital part of the soy industry. Traditionally, the extraction of soy protein has been done by alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation. With the advancement of technology, more extraction techniques have been developed, and are superior to this traditional method. In this review, the composition and classification of soy protein are summarized. Next, the current emerging technologies for soy protein extraction are highlighted. Three extraction technologies, namely reverse micellar, enzyme‐assisted and membrane ultrafiltration, are reviewed in detail. Finally, the research prospects and trends of soy protein extraction technology are also summarized.
Development of a novel epoxy resin based on epoxidized chia oil as matrix and maleinized chia oil as bio‐renewable crosslinker
Authors: Dominguez‐Candela Ivan , Perez‐Nakai Aina , Torres‐Roca Elena , Lora‐Garcia Jaime , Fombuena Vicent
Published: December 2022

In this work novel thermosetting resins with high bio‐based content have been developed derived from chia seed oil (CO). Epoxidized chia seed oil (ECO) was used as bio‐based epoxy matrix with different mixtures of crosslinker agents, that is, methyl nadic anhydride (MNA) as petroleum‐derived and maleinized chia seed oil (MCO) as bio‐based crosslinker. The chemically modified oils from CO, that is, ECO and MCO, and MNA were analyzed by titration and FT‐IR. Additional 1H NMR analysis was performed to characterize MCO structure. Two different behaviors were observed using the mixtures of crosslinkers. On one hand, MNA increases the rigidity with bio‐based content of 54.2%. On the other hand, the addition of MCO provides higher ductility with bio‐based content up to 98%. The same trend was observed by DMTA analysis. The novel cured resins were successfully crosslinked as demonstrated by the mechanical properties, FT‐IR analyses, and gel content. Based on the results, it is concluded that MCO presents higher reactivity than MNA, decreasing curing time with possible energy saving at industrial level. In general, the results showed that adding the appropriate amount of MCO, green thermosetting resins with the desired thermal and mechanical properties can be manufactured with high bio‐based content.
The combination of Astragalus membranaceus and ligustrazine mitigates cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury via regulating NR2B‐ERK/CREB signaling
Authors: Tang Xialing , Xie Shanshan , Wang Huajun , Li Yingbin , Lai Zhiyu , Sun Shuangxi , Pan Ruanhuan , Huang Yan , Cai Jun
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose

Cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major factor underlying the high mortality and morbidity rates in stroke patients. Our previous study found that the combination of Astragalus membranaceus extract and ligustrazine (Ast+Lig) treatment could protect brain tissues against inflammation in rats with thrombolytic cerebral ischemia. Activation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDAR) is implicated in brain damage induced by cerebral I/R injury.

Methods

We used in vivo and in vitro models of cerebral I/R injury for middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in mice and oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation in primary rat cerebral cortical neurons to evaluate the protective effects of Ast+Lig on cerebral I/R injury, and whether the protective mechanism was related to the regulation of NMDAR‐ERK/CREB signaling.

Results

Treatment with Ast+Lig, or MK‐801 (an inhibitor of NMDAR) significantly ameliorated neurological deficits, decreased infarct volumes, suppressed neuronal damage and Ca2+ influx, and maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential in vivo and in vitro following cerebral I/R injury based on 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescent staining. Furthermore, treatment with Ast+Lig evidently prevented the upregulation of NR2B, but not NR2A, in vivo and in vitro following cerebral I/R injury based on western blotting and reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR analyses. Moreover, treatment with Ast+Lig significantly increased the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB, as well as increasing their mRNA expression levels in vivo and in vitro following cerebral I/R injury.

Conclusions

The overall results thus suggest that the Ast+Lig combination conferred neuroprotective properties against cerebral I/R injury via regulation of the NR2B‐ERK/CREB signaling pathway.
Synthesis of Two Novel Optically Active #‐Shaped Cyclic Tetramers Based on Planar Chiral [2.2]Paracyclophanes
Authors: Morisaki Aoi , Inoue Ryo , Morisaki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2022

This study reports the synthesis of optically active cyclic tetramers comprising four stacked π‐electron systems from two enantiomerically pure [2.2]paracyclophane compounds (bis‐(para)‐pseudo‐ortho‐ and bis‐(para)‐pseudo‐meta‐tetrasubstituted [2.2]paracyclophane compounds). Depending on the combination of the absolute configurations of the planar chiral pseudo‐ortho‐ and pseudo‐meta‐[2.2]paracyclophane units, the cyclic tetramers formed either parallel‐#‐ or weave‐#‐structures. The optical and chiroptical properties of both structures were investigated experimentally and theoretically. In particular, the weave‐#‐shaped cyclic tetramer exhibited good chiroptical properties and emitted circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with a high anisotropy factor (|glum| value of the order of 10−3) and a CPL brightness (BCPL) higher than 100.
Asymmetrical Platinum and Rhodium Dinuclear Complex Strongly Bound to Filled d Complexes by Unbridged Pt−Metal Bonds: Toward Heterometallic‐Extended Metal Atom Chains
Authors: Uemura Kazuhiro , Ikeda Yuya , Takamori Atsushi , Takeyama Tomoyuki , Iwatsuki Satoshi
Published: December 2022

Heterometallic extended metal atom chains (EMACs) aligned with three types of metal were rationally synthesized by forming unbridged metal−metal bonds based on the interactions between highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals at the d
orbital. These chains form pentanuclear structures aligned as Rh−Pt−M−Pt−Rh with relatively large formation constants of 5.0×1013 M−2 for M=Pt and 6.3×1011 M−2 for M=Pd, while retaining their backbones in solution. In the case of M=Cu, the original Cu(+2) atoms were reduced to Cu(+1) during the synthetic process. Cu(+1) has an unprecedented trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry. The reported synthesis based on asymmetrical dinuclear complexes provides a guideline for the synthesis of hetero‐EMACs to allow several analogs through judicious combinations realized by tuning the number of metal nuclei and metal species.
Nanopores/Nanochannels Based on Electrical and Optical Dual Signal Response for Application in Biological Detection†
Authors: Lu Guangwen , Lin Niya , Chen Zhaojun , Jiang Wenlian , Hu Jing‐Jing , Xia Fan , Lou Xiaoding
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Cancers and chronic diseases have always been global health problems. The occurrence and development of such diseases are closely related to the abnormalities of proteins, nucleic acids, ions or small molecules in the body. Nowadays, nanopores/nanochannels have emerged as a powerful platform for detecting these biomolecules based on the electrical signal variation caused by biomolecules passing. However, detection relied on the electrical signal easily suffered from the clogging defects, low throughput, and strong background signals. Fortunately, the emergence of designing nanopores/nanochannels based on electrical and optical dual signal response has brought innovative impetus to biological detection, which can also identify the chemical compositions and conformations of the biomolecules. In this review, we summarize the reasonable preparation of nanopores/nanochannels with electrical and optical dual signal response and their application in biological detection. According to different biomolecules, we divide the targets into four types, including nucleic acids, small molecules, ions and proteins. In each section, the design of representative examples and the principle of dual signal generation are introduced and discussed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of nanopores/nanochannels based on electrical and optical dual signal response are also discussed.
Accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytopathology to differentiate malignant and benign thyroid nodules with ≥4 cm diameter: A retrospective study
Authors: Rastegar Houra , Torshizian Ashkan , Yaghoubi Mohammad Ali , Khoshhal Nastaran , Asadi Mehdi , Morovatdar Negar , Mohebbi Masoud
Published: December 2022

Background

Thyroid nodules (TN) are commonly present in the general population and are usually pathologically benign. An initial diagnosis with fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytopathology could help clinical decision‐making with fewer complications. As the previous studies suggest surgical procedures for >4 cm TNs, we aimed to investigate the accuracy of preoperative FNA cytology to predict malignancy risk in these nodules in a sample of the Iranian population.

Methods

Patients with ≥4 cm TNs who had preoperative FNA cytology, underwent nodulectomy and had a histopathological report were included. Each patient's preoperative demographic, ultrasonographic, and cytology data were gathered. After surgery, resected samples were assessed pathologically and diagnosed as benign or malignant. Finally, data were analyzed to evaluate the presurgical accuracy of the FNA cytology.

Results

We identified 41 (51.25%) patients with malignant legions among our study population (N = 80). The pathology reports were indeterminate in 3 patients with follicular neoplasm. Bethesda scores were substantially higher in patients with malignancy. The sensitivity, specificity, and false‐negative rate of FNA cytology reports using the Bethesda system were 73.7%, 74.2%, and 26.3%, respectively. There was no association between malignancy and TNs' size, neither their volume nor their highest diameter.

Conclusion

FNA cytology is not as sensitive and specific in nodules>4 cm as in smaller ones. However, it can still be used alongside other diagnostic procedures in malignancy screening. Clinicians should make more complex decisions considering various influential factors to avoid missing malignant lesions and reduce diverse probable complications of highly invasive diagnostic surgery. Further prospective research on >4 cm TNs and their multiple features' association with malignancy is required for more precise judgment.
Highly Conjugated Bis(benzo[b]phosphole)‐P‐oxides: Synthesis and Electrochemical, Optical, and Computational Studies
Authors: D'Imperio Nicolas , Pelliccioli Valentina , Grecchi Sara , Bossi Alberto , Vasile Francesca , Cauteruccio Silvia , Arkhypchuk Anna I. , Kumar Gupta Arvind , Orthaber Andreas , Ott Sascha , Licandro Emanuela
Published: December 2022

The first examples of a π‐conjugated benzo[b]phosphole P‐oxide in which two phosphole P‐oxide units are connected by a carbon‐carbon double bond are described. The molecules are synthesized as E isomers with respect to the carbon‐carbon double bond and exist as stable cis and trans isomers (chiral and meso one respectively) relatively to the two stereogenic P atoms. The optical and electrochemical properties of both isomers have been investigated by experiment and computations.
Family dysfunction is associated with chronic pain in a community‐dwelling Japanese population: The Hisayama study
Authors: Saito Takafumi , Shibata Mao , Hirabayashi Naoki , Honda Takanori , Morisaki Yukiko , Anno Kozo , Sudo Nobuyuki , Hosoi Masako , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: December 2022

Background

Poor family functioning has been reported to be associated with the severity of chronic pain in outpatients, but the association has not been fully addressed in general populations. The present study aimed to examine the association between family dysfunction levels and the presence of chronic pain in a community‐dwelling Japanese population.

Methods

A total of 2598 participants aged ≥40 years were classified as having healthy, borderline or unhealthy family functioning. Chronic pain was defined as subjective pain for three months or longer, and further classified by pain intensity, the number of chronic pain sites, pain duration and the extent of pain spread. A logistic regression model was used to compute the odds ratios (ORs) for chronic pain outcomes.

Results

The prevalence of chronic pain was 49%. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted prevalence of total and severe chronic pain were increased significantly with increasing family dysfunction levels (all p for trend <0.01). After adjusting for sociodemographic, physical, social and family structure factors, the ORs (95% confidence intervals [CI]) for having chronic pain among borderline and unhealthy groups were 1.20 (1.01–1.44) and 1.43 (1.15–1.79), respectively, as compared with a healthy family function group. The association was stronger among people who were employed and those who were living with their children. In addition, the ORs for severe chronic pain increased significantly with increasing levels of family dysfunction.

Conclusions

The family dysfunction level was positively associated with the presence as well as the severity of chronic pain in a community‐dwelling population.

Significance

A biopsychosocial burden due to family relationships could worsen the clinical presentation of pain. Social support or family therapy for dysfunctional families would be a potential initiative for the prevention or management of chronic pain.
New electrode material GCE/AgNPs‐D3 as an electrochemical sensor used for the detection of thallium ions
Authors: Modrzejewska‐Sikorska Anna , Konował Emilia , Karbowska Bożena , Szatkowska Dominika
Published: December 2022

Optimal working parameters for the innovative electrode GCE/AgNPs‐D3 were determined and the selectivity was assessed. The stripping anodic peak current of thallium characterized in linearity over range from 4.9 ⋅ 10−8 to 4.9 ⋅ 10−7 mol ⋅ dm−3, with LOD = 7.16 ppb (3.5 ⋅ 10−8 mol ⋅ dm−3). Furthermore, the new electrode showed more than sevenfold improvement in the thallium current signal compared to the unmodified electrode GCE. High selectivity was achieved using EDTA disodium salt as a complexing agent for other metals.
Superior Air‐Stable Li4P0.9Sb0.1S4I Solid Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Xue Xiaolin , Liu Gaozhan , Zhao Xiaolei , Xie Wenrui , He Hao , Yao Xiayin
Published: December 2022

Sulfide solid electrolytes have received particular attention due to their outstanding ionic conductivity and good mechanical ductility. Nevertheless, their chemical instability toward humid air is a significant challenge that impedes the commercialization of all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, air‐stable Li4P0.9Sb0.1S4I solid electrolyte is synthesized by doping LiI and partially replacing P with Sb in Li3PS4 electrolyte. The Li4P0.9Sb0.1S4I solid electrolyte shows superior chemical stability under 30% relative humidity air, which is attributed to the generated LiI·H2O protective barrier between electrolyte and H2O molecule. In addition, benefitting from the formation of a Li4PS4I phase with Sb substitution, the Li4P0.9Sb0.1S4I electrolyte possesses high ion conductivity of 1.6 mS cm−1. Moreover, the Li/Li4P0.9Sb0.1S4I/Li battery can stably cycle for 1500 h at 0.1 mA cm−2, showing enhanced stability against lithium. As a result, the LiCoO2/Li4P0.9Sb0.1S4I/Li battery delivers an initial discharge capacity of 109.2 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 83.6% after 500 cycles at 1C. These results demonstrate a promising Li4P0.9Sb0.1S4I solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, favorable stability against moisture and lithium for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries.
Preparation of biomorphic porous La0.8Ce0.2Fe0.3Co0.7O3 perovskite‐type catalysts for automobile exhaust purification
Authors: Xiurong Guo , Yinghui Wang , Haonan Zhang , Du Danfeng , Zhanfeng Qi
Published: December 2022

Biomorphic porous La0.8Ce0.2Fe0.3Co0.7O3 perovskite‐type catalysts are synthesized through a facile bio‐templating method taking wood fiber as template for achieving the four‐way purification of PM, NOx, CO, and HC emitted by automobile exhausts. The catalyst samples were characterized by X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The results showed that catalyst sample calcined at 700°C obtained high purity, high surface area (4.01 m2/g), wide pore size distribution and retained the initial wood fiber structure, which was suitable for purifying automobile exhausts. In addition, the performances for four‐way purification under the simulated exhaust were analyzed by simulation test bench. The highest purification efficiency of PM, NOx, HC, and CO can reach 92%, 92%, 98%, and 76%, separately. Moreover, four‐way purification mechanism was deduced according to the theoretical research of Mars‐van krevelen on the redox reaction mechanism and experimental result.
A novel foam of geopolymer based on ZSM‐5 zeolite fabricated using templating emulsion/chemical foaming method and its application in batch and continuous dye removal systems
Authors: Monjezi Mahboobeh , Javanbakht Vahid
Published: December 2022

Geopolymers as sustainable and environmentally friendly “green materials,” can be synthesized by utilizing waste material and by‐products. A porous geopolymer foam adsorbent based on ZSM‐5 zeolite was prepared using templating emulsion/chemical foaming method in different conditions and used for removal of low‐concentration dye in batch and continuous systems. The parameters affecting the dye adsorption including temperature, concentration, pH, kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics of the process were investigated. The results of the geopolymer foam synthesis showed that thermal pretreatment of the zeolite has a positive effect on the strength and adsorption capacity. Moreover, the increase in sodium silicate more than the stoichiometric reduces the strength and adsorption capacity. The findings obtained from the batch adsorption process showed that the adsorption kinetics of the pseudo‐second‐order model and the adsorption isotherm of the Temkin model is adjusted with the experimental data. Thermodynamic results indicated that the process of dye adsorption with geopolymer foam is exothermic. The results from continuous experiments indicated more compatibility of the adsorption process with the models of Thomas and Bohart–Adams. The maximum adsorption capacity of methylene blue in batch and continuous processes was 9.82 and 8.17 mg/g. The adsorbent reduction was performed successfully by chemical and thermal processes.
Optimization of distribution patterns of link beams in a double‐column tall pier bent subjected to earthquake excitations
Authors: Chen Xu , Spencer Billie F. , LI Jianzhong , Guan Zhongguo , Pang Yutao
Published: December 2022

Seismic performance of double‐column tall pier bents has to date scarcely been investigated. The deployment of link beams between columns, including numbers and locations, is generally designed according to the experience of engineers, without any sophisticated procedure. This paper proposes a response surface‐based optimization procedure that searches for optimal configurations of link beams of double‐column tall pier bents, considering multiple performance objectives. The response surface model is well‐developed by considering training samples from uniform design methods, boundary conditions, and iteration procedures. With a typical double‐column tall pier bent in southwest China as an example, the correctness of the proposed procedure is validated by comparing seismic responses with those from conventional optimization methods. Furthermore, this response surface‐based procedure possesses a substantially higher time efficiency than is the case with conventional methods, due to less nonlinear time history analyses as required. The Pareto optimal front is employed to trade off competing objectives in this example and to provide potential optimal design options for engineers.
Impacts of climate change on hulless barley security in plateau region: A case study of Lhasa River basin in Tibet, China
Authors: Zhang Yin , Hu Qingwu , Tao Jianbin
Published: December 2022

Accurate understanding of the impacts of climate change on hulless barley and river in the Lhasa River Basin is of great significance to food security and water resources management in the plateau region. It is important to explore the relationship between hulless barley and river under the background of climate change for the comprehensive and coordinated development of agriculture and water conservancy. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform, the Random Forest algorithm was used to obtain the spatio‐temporal variation of hulless barley and river in the Lhasa River Basin from 2010 to 2020. The overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient of classification results were 89.54% and 85.96%, respectively. The average area and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of hulless barley from 2010 to 2020 were 178.46 km2 and 0.69, respectively. The increase of accumulated precipitation, number of precipitation days, average dew point temperature (ADPT) and average wind speed (AWS) promoted the growth of hulless barley, with NDVI significant increasing rate of 0.0173 (R2 = 0.764, p < 0.001). The combined effects of human activities (construction of water conservancy facilities and mining activities), ADPT and AWS resulted in a significant decrease (decreasing rate: 10.8682 km2/year, p < 0.01) in river area during 2010–2020. There was a significant negative correlation (R2 = 0.722, p < 0.01) between hulless barley NDVI and river area driven by climate factors. The changes in hulless barley gravity center and river gravity center were consistent, and both shifted in the northeast direction. These results provide a scientific understanding of the impacts of plateau climate change on agriculture and water resource. The land cover maps of the Lhasa River Basin with long time series and high spatial resolution were drawn. Our study verified the relevance between hulless barley gravity center and river gravity center as well as the internal relationship between hulless barley growth and river area. Furthermore, we explored the interrelation relationships among hulless barley, the Lhasa River area and climate factors.
Sevoflurane participates in the protection of rat renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury by down‐regulating the expression of TRPM7
Authors: Xu Xudong , Deng Rongrong , Zou Lu , Pan Xiaoyan , Sheng Zhifeng , Xu Da , Gan Tingting
Published: December 2022

Introduction

To investigate the protective effect of sevoflurane preconditioning on renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (renalischemiareperfusionmodel, RIRI) and its related mechanism.

Methods

Eighty healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (Sham group), model group (RIRI group), sevoflurane pretreatment group (Sev group) and TRPM7 inhibitor combined with sevoflurane pretreatment group (T + Sev group), 20 animals in each group. Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of renal tissue, and the levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen in each group were detected. Deoxyribonucleic acid terminal transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect renal cell apoptosis, and Western blottingwas used to detect the expression of apoptotic proteins cleaved‐caspase‐3, bax, Bcl‐2, and TRPM7 in renal tissue; Detection of oxidative stress‐related index levels in renal tissue and levels of inflammatory factors in renal tissue and serum.

Results

Compared with the Sham group, the renal tissue pathological damage was aggravated, the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were increased, and the apoptosis was increased in the RIR group and the Sev group. Death, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and inflammatory factors were increased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were decreased (all p < .05); The scores, apoptosis rate, MDA level, and relative expression of inflammatory factor levels were decreased, and SOD levels were increased (all p < .05). Compared with the Sev group, the renal tissue pathological damage in the T + Sev group was aggravated, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen levels increased, apoptosis increased, apoptosis‐related proteins cleaved‐caspase‐3, bax, Bcl‐2 showed increased apoptosis, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, inflammatory factor levels increased, ultrahigh The levels of oxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased (all p < .05).

Conclusions

Therefore, we believe that sevoflurane is involved in the protection of rat renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury by downregulating the expression of TRPM7.
Exploring the role of oil shocks on the financial stability of Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed H. , Downing Gareth , Lau Chi Keung Marco , Sheng Xin
Published: December 2022

This study explores the relationship and connectedness between oil returns and financial stresses in six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using daily data from September 21, 2006 to May 31, 2019. The Bayesian Graph‐based Structural Vector Autoregression (BGSVAR) model is utilised to estimate and analyse the direction of causality. In addition, the spillover approach is utilised to examine connectedness and risk transmission patterns between oil returns and financial stresses in the GCC economies in both time and frequency domains. The empirical analysis of the BGSVAR model shows that oil returns and financial stresses have both a contemporary and temporal relationship, whilst findings from the spillovers analysis show that oil returns tend to act as a net transmitter of spillovers to GCC financial markets in both medium and long‐run horizons but a net receiver of spillovers in the short‐run.
Approach‐avoidance behavioural patterns towards an affective voice
Authors: Ikeda Shinnosuke
Published: December 2022

Facial expressions are evolutionarily acquired social signals that are processed rapidly by the receiver when deciding to either approach or avoid the person sending the signal. The predominance of the approach or avoidance responses has been examined for various facial expressions. Similar to facial expressions, the approach‐avoidance response to affective voice may have been acquired evolutionarily. However, studies examining approach‐avoidance to an affective voice are limited. This study used the approach‐avoidance task framework developed for facial expressions to determine the dominant behavioural responses to affective voices that indicate either happiness or anger. The results show that the approach response was dominant for the happy voice, while the avoidance response was dominant for the angry voice. This tendency was observed even without the presence of any facial stimuli. These results suggest that an affective voice may be an evolutionarily acquired approach‐avoidance‐inducing social signal, similar to facial expressions.
Magnetic porous carbon nanocomposites derived from cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw.) for the removal of toxic dyes: optimization of synthesis conditions using response surface methodology
Authors: Nguyen Duyen Thi Cam , Jalil A. A. , Huynh Nguyen Chi , Phan Linh Quang , Vo Dai‐Viet N. , Tran Thuan Van
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Water purification of industrial effluents containing toxic organic dyes by low‐cost biomass‐based adsorbents is not only in accordance with environmental remediation policies, but also reduces total treatment costs. The conversion of Opuntia stricta Haw. biowaste, one of the most harmful invasive plants, into absorbents can lessen the ecological problems caused by this plant species as well as create more value‐added products for water decontamination. We report on the fabrication conditions of O. stricta zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4)‐loaded activated carbon (ZnFe2O4@AC) for the elimination of two types of dyes including Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) and acid yellow17 (AY), with process optimization based on response surface methodology combined with Box–Behnken design. The optimized ZnFe2O4@AC was structurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction.

RESULTS

The optimal ZnFe2O4@AC was attained at a 1.5 ZnFe2O4:OBC ratio, 5 h carbonization time and 519 °C pyrolysis temperature. In removing RhB, MO and AY by optimized ZnFe2O4@AC, remarkable adsorption capacities (53.34–82.8 mg g−1) were achieved via confirmation tests with very low errors (<2%) and high desirability (>95%). Moreover, kinetic results suggested that the Elovich model was the best description for RhB and AY dye adsorption, whereas MO adsorption by ZnFe2O4@AC followed the pseudo‐second‐order model. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir equation were determined in the order: AY (82.73 mg g−1) < RhB (125.13 mg g−1) < MO (180.51 mg g−1).

CONCLUSION

ZnFe2O4@AC derived from O. stricta could be recommended as a high‐efficiency bioadsorbent for the elimination of cationic, anionic and neutral dyes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Very late local recurrences of hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy: Report of two cases
Authors: Locke Gordon E. , Alrabiah Khalid , Kim Tae Kyoung , Knox Jennifer , Jang Raymond , Dawson Laura A.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming an accepted local therapy in patients who are not candidates for surgical intervention, ablation or transarterial chemo‐embolization. In patients with HCC with macrovascular invasion, SBRT is sometimes the treatment of choice, especially when systemic therapies are contraindicated, not available or if the HCC is refractory to systemic therapy.

Methods

We present two cases of HCC with tumour macrovascular invasion treated with SBRT. Both tumours appeared to have a complete response to SBRT over the subsequent 5 years.

Results

Very late, in‐field local recurrences of HCC were diagnosed 73 and 78 months following SBRT. One patient underwent re‐irradiation, was started on Levatinib and remains alive at 12 months following his recurrence. The other patient experienced rapid hepatic and extra‐hepatic HCC progression shortly after the local recurrence occurred, and they expired 6 months later.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that patients treated with SBRT for HCC, with or without vascular invasion, may have prolonged tumour control and overall survival beyond 5 years. As more HCC patients are living longer compared to historical cohorts, it has become apparent that very late local recurrences of HCC may occur highlighting the need for long‐term surveillance.
Perspectives for novel therapeutic concepts in hepatocellular carcinoma targeting the stromal and innate immune microenvironment
Authors: Rennert Charlotte , Lang‐Meli Julia , Gromak Mikhail , Hofmann Maike , Thimme Robert , Roehlen Natascha
Published: December 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health burden with increasing incidence and mortality worldwide. Arising almost exclusively on the background of chronic liver disease, the tumour microenvironment plays a tremendous role in the occurrence and progression of HCC. With the emergence of checkpoint inhibitor‐based combination therapies as first‐line therapy in advanced HCC, the tumour microenvironment has drawn increasing attention as a target for novel therapeutic approaches. In fact, checkpoint‐inhibitor‐based immunotherapies currently dominate clinical studies on HCC therapy. Importantly, whilst checkpoint‐inhibitor‐based immune‐oncology primarily targets T‐cells, the tumour microenvironment consists of a wide variety of different cell populations that show complex interactions with each other and the malignant tumour cells. Stromal cells and representatives of the innate immune system, such as macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells hereby orchestrate the initial immune response and thus appear as attractive targets for broad therapeutic effects, less susceptible to immune escape. In this review, we aim to discuss the current knowledge on the role of innate immune cells and stromal cell populations in HCC initiation and progression as well as related novel therapeutic concepts.
Patients' satisfaction with nursing care quality and associated factors: A cross‐section study
Authors: Alharbi Hanan Fahad , Alzahrani Naif S. , Almarwani Abdulaziz Mofdy , Asiri Saeed A. , Alhowaymel Fahad M.
Published: December 2022

Aim

This research aimed to evaluate patients' satisfaction with the nursing care quality during their hospitalization.

Design

Quantitative cross‐sectional descriptive design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 238 patients were recruited from hospitals in two provinces in Saudi Arabia. Patient satisfaction was measured by the Arabic version of the Patients' Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ‐Ar).

Results

Significant differences were found between Saudi provinces regarding the overall quality of nursing care (M = 4.65, p < 0.001). The study revealed mean significant variations between patient satisfaction with nursing care and sociodemographic factors, including age (p = 0.002), education level (p = 0.047), marital status (p = 0.017), employment status (p = 0.038), urban vs. suburban residence (p = 0.006), length of hospitalization (p = 0.001), and accompaniment by a family member (p = 0.014). Improving patients' experience during their hospitalization requires regular examination of the quality of nursing care services.

Patient Contribution

This research enhances our understanding of patients satisfaction toward the quality of nursing care received during hospitalization.
Development and validation of an electronic health records‐based opioid use disorder algorithm by expert clinical adjudication among patients with prescribed opioids
Authors: Ranapurwala Shabbar I. , Alam Ishrat Z. , Pence Brian W. , Carey Timothy S. , Christensen Sean , Clark Marshall , Chelminski Paul R. , Wu Li‐Tzy , Greenblatt Lawrence H. , Korte Jeffrey E. , Wolfson Mark , Douglas Heather E. , Bowlby Lynn A. , Capata Michael , Marshall Stephen W.
Published: December 2022

Background

In the US, over 200 lives are lost from opioid overdoses each day. Accurate and prompt diagnosis of opioid use disorders (OUD) may help prevent overdose deaths. However, international classification of disease (ICD) codes for OUD are known to underestimate prevalence, and their specificity and sensitivity are unknown. We developed and validated algorithms to identify OUD in electronic health records (EHR) and examined the validity of OUD ICD codes.

Methods

Through four iterations, we developed EHR‐based OUD identification algorithms among patients who were prescribed opioids from 2014 to 2017. The algorithms and OUD ICD codes were validated against 169 independent “gold standard” EHR chart reviews conducted by an expert adjudication panel across four healthcare systems. After using 2014–2020 EHR for validating iteration 1, the experts were advised to use 2014–2017 EHR thereafter.

Results

Of the 169 EHR charts, 81 (48%) were reviewed by more than one expert and exhibited 85% expert agreement. The experts identified 54 OUD cases. The experts endorsed all 11 OUD criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐5, including craving (72%), tolerance (65%), withdrawal (56%), and recurrent use in physically hazardous conditions (50%). The OUD ICD codes had 10% sensitivity and 99% specificity, underscoring large underestimation. In comparison our algorithm identified OUD with 23% sensitivity and 98% specificity.

Conclusions and relevance

This is the first study to estimate the validity of OUD ICD codes and develop validated EHR‐based OUD identification algorithms. This work will inform future research on early intervention and prevention of OUD.
Structural and Energy Storage Properties of Hydrothermally Synthesized Y2MnCoO6 Double Perovskite
Authors: Devi Manju , Nagpal Deeksha , Vasishth Ajay , Kumar Ashavani , Kumar Ashok
Published: December 2022

Herein, structural, morphological, and energy‐storage properties of Y2MnCoO6 double perovskite synthesized by hydrothermal process are reported. The electrochemical investigation of Y2MnCoO6 is a novel aspect of the work, and this composition is being synthesized for the first time employing the hydrothermal technique. The powder X‐ray diffraction analysis shows formation of cubic crystal phase with Ia(206) symmetry and lattice parameters as a = b = c = 10.60 Å. It is indicated in the microstructure study that the morphology of the sample material is almost homogenous in the form of microspheres. The microsphere shape allows superior charge movement at the nanoscale, enabling more area available for electrochemical reactions to take place. The high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals the grain size in the range of 50–100 nm. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the occurrence of Y3+, Mn3+, and Co2+/3+, ions on the surface of Y2MnCoO6. The energy‐storage behavior of nanostructured Y2MnCoO6 electrodes studied via cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry displays the redox nature of the Y2MnCoO6. The calculated value of specific capacitance is found to be ≈148.0 Fg−1 at current density of 0.5 Ag−1; with ≈85% specific capacitance retention, after 10 000 cycles.
Low‐Temperature Electrical Transport Properties of Molecular Beam Epitaxy‐Grown Mg‐Doped GaN Subjected to a High‐Temperature Annealing Process
Authors: Konczewicz Leszek , Juillaguet Sandrine , Zajac Marcin , Litwin-Staszewska Elzbieta , Al Khalfioui Mohamed , Leroux Mathieu , Damilano Benjamin , Brault Julien , Contreras Sylvie
Published: December 2022

In the case of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), the Mg acceptors are electrically active in the as‐grown material and a priori no additional annealing procedure is necessary. However, there are still some peculiarities in the electrical properties of ammonia‐process grown GaN:Mg and some annealing effect can be observed. Additionally, the character of weak temperature dependence in the vicinity of room temperature suggests that to describe the conduction process an additional conduction channel not related to the free carriers in the valence band must be taken into account. For these reasons, this article presents the results of low‐temperature resistivity and Hall Effect studies of Mg‐doped, ammonia‐process‐grown GaN. The studied samples are grown on low‐temperature buffers of GaN deposited on a sapphire substrate. High‐temperature annealing process (≈800 K) is carried out for all of them. The temperature dependences of the electrical transport properties before and after the annealing procedure are especially investigated at temperatures ranging from 10 up to 300 K. It is found that the low temperatures transport properties are sensitive to the annealing procedure and to describe the observed effects the hopping phenomena must be taken into account.
Theoretical insights into the synthesis mechanism of two amino‐substituted derivatives of FOX‐7
Authors: Shang Fangjian , Wang Ting , Ma Yinhua , Lv Meiheng
Published: December 2022

FOX‐7 is a typical high‐energy and low‐sensitivity material. Due to the unique “push‐pull” nitroenamine structure, abundant derivatives with good performance can be synthesized. DFT method is used to study the synthesis mechanism for two FOX‐7 amino‐substituted derivatives. The synthesis mechanism of amino‐substituted derivative MTNzA is cyclization followed by isomerization, which is different from the pathway of isomerization followed by cyclization proposed by previous authors. Carbohydrazide is tend reacted with two FOX‐7 to produce BADCh, rather than ring formation with one FOX‐7.
Hybrid adaptive extended state observer for event‐triggered networked nonlinear systems subject to deception attacks and external disturbances
Authors: Yu Yang , Yuan Yuan
Published: December 2022

In this article, the estimation problem is investigated for a class of continuous‐time networked nonlinear systems under both deception attacks and external disturbances. A novel adaptive extended state observer is adopted to estimate the states and disturbance under random deception attacks. The dynamic event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) is adopted so as to save the communication resource. Meanwhile, the inter‐sample output predictor is proposed to estimate the state between two consecutive triggering instants. The main purpose of the addressed problem is to design the adaptive gain parameters of the novel extended state observer such that the estimation error dynamics is mean‐square exponentially bounded stable. Sufficient conditions are first established to ensure the existence of the desired adaptive extended state observer. In addition, it is proven that the Zeno behavior can be avoided when the dynamic ETM is utilized. Finally, a simulation example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Logic‐based switching finite‐time stabilization with applications in mechatronic systems
Authors: Zheng Shiqi , Wang Shihao , Chen Xiang , Xie Yuanlong , Shi Peng , Jiang Zhouxiang
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the finite time stabilization problem for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown control directions and unstructured uncertainties. The unstructured uncertainties indicate that not only the parameters but also the structure of the system nonlinearities are uncertain. A new adaptive control method is proposed for the considered system. Logic‐based switching rule is utilized to tune the controller parameters online to stabilize the system in finite time. Different from the existing adaptive controllers for structured/parametric uncertainties, a new switching barrier Lyapunov method and supervisory functions are introduced to overcome the obstacles caused by unstructured uncertainties and unknown control directions. Both simulations and experiments are conducted on mechatronic systems to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Cox models with time‐varying covariates and partly‐interval censoring–A maximum penalised likelihood approach
Authors: Webb Annabel , Ma Jun
Published: December 2022

Time‐varying covariates can be important predictors when model based predictions are considered. A Cox model that includes time‐varying covariates is usually referred to as an extended Cox model. When only right censoring is presented in the observed survival times, the conventional partial likelihood method is still applicable to estimate the regression coefficients of an extended Cox model. However, if there are interval‐censored survival times, then the partial likelihood method is not directly available unless an imputation, such as the middle point imputation, is used to replaced the left‐ and interval‐censored data. However, such imputation methods are well known for causing biases. This paper considers fitting of the extended Cox models using the maximum penalised likelihood method allowing observed survival times to be partly interval censored, where a penalty function is used to regularise the baseline hazard estimate. We present simulation studies to demonstrate the performance of our proposed method, and illustrate our method with applications to two real datasets from medical research.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus Detection Via a Polymeric Nanochannel‐Based Electrochemical Biosensor
Authors: Shiohara Amane , Wojnilowicz Marcin , Lyu Quanxia , Pei Yi , Easton Christopher D. , Chen Yu , White Jacinta F , McAuley Alexander , Prieto‐Simon Beatriz , Thissen Helmut , Voelcker Nicolas H
Published: December 2022

The development of simple, cost‐effective, rapid, and quantitative diagnostic tools remains critical to monitor infectious COVID‐19 disease. Although numerous diagnostic platforms, including rapid antigen tests, are developed and used, they suffer from limited accuracy, especially when tested with asymptomatic patients. Here, a unique approach to fabricate a nanochannel‐based electrochemical biosensor that can detect the entire virion instead of virus fragments, is demonstrated. The sensing platform has uniform nanoscale channels created by the convective assembly of polystyrene (PS) beads on gold electrodes. The PS beads are then functionalized with bioreceptors while the gold surface is endowed with anti‐fouling properties. When added to the biosensor, SARS‐CoV‐2 virus particles block the nanochannels by specific binding to the bioreceptors. The nanochannel blockage hinders the diffusion of a redox probe; and thus, allows quantification of the viral load by measuring the changes in the oxidation current before and after virus incubation. The biosensor shows a low limit of detection of ≈1.0 viral particle mL−1 with a wide detection range up to 108 particles mL−1 in cell culture media. Moreover, the biosensor is able to differentiate saliva samples with SARS‐CoV‐2 from those without, demonstrating the potential of this technology for translation into a point‐of‐care biosensor product.