bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Trap Engineering Enables Superior High‐Temperature Capacitive Energy Storage Performance in All‐Organic Composite at 200 °C
Authors: Zhou Yao , Zhu Yujie , Xu Wenhan , Wang Qing
Published: February 2023

Dielectric capacitors are essential components of advanced high‐power electrical and electronic systems for electrical energy storage. The drastic reductions in the energy density and the charge‐discharge efficiency of dielectric polymers at elevated temperatures, owing to sharply increased electrical conduction, remain a major challenge. While substantial progress has been made in enhancing the high‐temperature capacitive performance of dielectric polymers, the improvement has been rather limited when the temperature exceeds 150 °C. Here, a universal approach to the control of the energy level of charge traps in all‐organic polymer composites by substituent engineering of organic semiconductors, leading to significantly suppressed high‐field high‐temperature conduction loss and improved capacitive performance is reported. At 200 °C, the polymer/organic semiconductor composite delivers ultrahigh energy densities of 3.4 and 5.0 J cm−3 with an efficiency >90% at 10 and 100 Hz, respectively, outperforming the current dielectric polymers and composites. The underlying mechanism of the improved performance is revealed experimentally and confirmed computationally. Moreover, excellent cyclability and the ability to be fabricated into large‐area high‐quality films with uniform performance, along with an ultralow filler loading, further demonstrate the potential of molecularly engineered organic semiconductors for dielectric polymer composites operating under extreme conditions.
Evaluation of foliar‐applied post‐emergence corn–soybean herbicides on giant ragweed and waterhemp control in Wisconsin
Authors: Werle Rodrigo , Mobli Ahmadreza , DeWerff Ryan P. , Arneson Nicholas J.
Published: February 2023

Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) and waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus [Moq.] J.D.Sauer) are highly competitive and the most troublesome weeds in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max Merr.) cropping systems in Wisconsin. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of multiple foliar‐applied POST‐emergence herbicides on giant ragweed at Janesville, WI (2020 and 2021), and on groups 2‐ and 9‐resistant waterhemp at Brooklyn, WI (2019 and 2020), respectively. Several herbicides from site of action groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14, and 27 were evaluated. Herbicide treatments were applied when giant ragweed and waterhemp reached ~10 cm in height. Herbicide efficacy (0‐100% visual control) was evaluated 14 days after treatment (DAT). Group 2 herbicides provided poor (<45%) control of giant ragweed and waterhemp 14 DAT. Several herbicides encompassing different sites of action provided >90% giant ragweed control. Certain herbicides from groups 4, 10, 14, and 27 provided the best control (74‐87%) of waterhemp, but no herbicide evaluated in this study provided = 90% waterhemp control. Weed management programs containing multiple effective herbicide sites of action PRE‐ and POST‐emergence accompanied by non‐chemical strategies are recommended to extend the spectrum of chemical control and reduce the risk of selection of further herbicide‐resistant biotypes for both giant ragweed and waterhemp in Wisconsin and beyond.
Locally Concentrated Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Xu , Mariani Alessandro , Adenusi Henry , Passerini Stefano
Published: February 2023

Non‐flammable ionic liquid electrolytes (ILEs) are well‐known candidates for safer and long‐lifespan lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, the high viscosity and insufficient Li+ transport limit their practical application. Recently, non‐solvating and low‐viscosity co‐solvents diluting ILEs without affecting the local Li+ solvation structure are employed to solve these problems. The diluted electrolytes, i.e., locally concentrated ionic liquid electrolytes (LCILEs), exhibiting lower viscosity, faster Li+ transport, and enhanced compatibility toward lithium metal anodes, are feasible options for the next‐generation high‐energy‐density LMBs. Herein, the progress of the recently developed LCILEs are summarised, including their physicochemical properties, solution structures, and applications in LMBs with a variety of high‐energy cathode materials. Lastly, a perspective on the future research directions of LCILEs to further understanding and achieve improved cell performances is outlined.
Supramolecular Capsule Catalysis Enables the Exploration of Terpenoid Chemical Space Untapped by Nature
Authors: Némethová Ivana , Schmid Dario , Tiefenbacher Konrad
Published: February 2023

Terpenes represent the largest and the most diverse class of natural compounds. This is remarkable as the whole variety is accessed from just a handful of highly conserved linear precursors. Modification of the cyclization precursors would enable a dramatic expansion of the accessible chemical space. However, natural enzymes do not enable us to tap into this potential, as they do not tolerate larger deviations from the prototypical substrate structure. Herein we report that supramolecular capsule catalysis enables facile access to diverse and novel terpenoid skeletons that formally can be traced back to C3‐phenyl, benzyl, and homoprenyl derivatives of farnesol. Novel skeletons related to the presilphiperfolane core structure, as well as novel neoclovene derivatives were accessed efficiently in only four synthetic steps. Importantly, the products obtained carry functional groups that may be readily derivatized further.
Broadening the product portfolio with cellulose and lignin nanoparticles in an elephant grass biorefinery
Authors: Scopel Eupidio , Camargos Camilla H. M. , Pinto Lidiane O. , Trevisan Henrique , Ferreira Elisa S. , Rezende Camila A.
Published: February 2023

Cellulose and lignin nanoparticles are high‐value‐added products obtained from lignocellulosic biomasses through several steps of cellulose purification and lignin extraction. These steps drastically reduce the potential feedstock revenue when carried out as stand‐alone methodologies. To increase biomass yields, we describe here a strategy to design a biorefinery focused on producing cellulose and lignin nanoparticles as main products, but also aim to recover and benefit from other biomass components using only water‐based processes. Sequential pressurized liquid extractions and diluted acid and alkaline treatments were carried out to fractionate elephant grass biomass, yielding (for every 100 g of biomass): 30 g of cellulose pulp (converted to 9 g of cellulose nanocrystals and 9 g of cellulose nanofibers); 10 g of lignin (used to produce 8.5 g of stable colloidal lignin nanoparticles by probe‐sonication in water); 7.5 g of extractives (e.g. sterols and phenolics) and 23 g of xylose (converted to 4.1 g of furfural). Alternatively, to allow for the flexible use of the cellulose fraction in the proposed biorefinery, 22 g of glucose could be produced by enzymatic hydrolysis. The results demonstrate that water‐based processes are suitable for a holistic use of biomass, providing a comprehensive set of high‐value‐added co‐products that are renewable and cost‐effective chemical, cosmetic, food, polymer and pharmaceutical solutions.
Sterile filtration of a multi‐serotype glycoconjugate vaccine drug product
Authors: Du Zhuoshi , Gill Kanwaldeep , Toprani Vishal , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: February 2023

Glycoconjugate vaccines consisting of multiple serotypes of the bacterial capsular polysaccharide can provide strong protection against infection by significant pathogens. Previous studies of the sterile filtration behavior of these glycoconjugates have been limited to experiments with individual serotypes even though the formulated vaccines contain several different serotypes to provide broad immunization. The objective of this study was to explore the fouling behavior of a glycoconjugate vaccine drug product consisting of four different polysaccharide serotypes. Sterile filtration data were obtained with 0.22 µm Durapore® membranes at both constant flux and constant pressure for both the individual serotypes and the drug product containing multiple serotypes. Fouled membranes were examined by confocal microscopy, demonstrating that all four serotypes deposit in a narrow band near the filter inlet. The different ionic composition of the formulation buffer (compared to the buffers used with the drug substance) had a large effect on the fouling behavior. In addition, the fouling resistance associated with the drug product was greater than the sum of the resistances of the individual serotypes. These results provide important insights into the sterile filtration behavior of these multivalent glycoconjugate vaccines.
Comprehensive Overview: The Effect of Using Different Solvents for Barley Extraction with Its Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Eid Omneya , Elkady Wafaa M. , Ezzat Shahira , El Sayed Abeer , Abd elsattar Essam
Published: February 2023

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the world's oldest cereal crops. There is considerable interest in barley's potential usage in human diets. Barley is rich in bioactive metabolites such as high content of β‐glucan, fiber, and vitamin E. It is also well‐known as a rich source of phytochemical derivatives, namely, phenolic acids, flavonols, chalcones, flavones, proanthocyanidins, and flavanones. Phenolic compounds are recognized as excellent dietary materials with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. This review was written to give an overview of the main components that are separated from barley using different solvents. Even though there were numerous biological activities for barely, the antioxidant, as well as the anti‐inflammatory, are the main focus of this review.
ent‐Pimarane Diterpenes from the Aerial Parts of Siegesbeckia pubescens
Authors: Liu Na , Luo Ting‐ting , Wu Cong , Sun Yu‐lin , Wang Peng , Zhang Hua , Ge Di
Published: February 2023

Five new ent‐pimarane diterpenes (1–5) and five known analogs (6–10) were isolated from the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia pubescens. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods especially 1D and 2D NMR and quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism calculations. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human BT549, A549 and H157 cancer cell lines. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 showed mild cytotoxicity against lung cancer cell lines H157 with IC50 values of 16.35±2.59 and 18.86±4.83 μM, respectively.
Effects of infrared radiation heating temperature and time on starch gelatinization and technological, thermal, and pasting properties of parboiled rice
Authors: Neutzling Henrique Passos , Timm Newiton da Silva , Cañizares Lázaro da Costa Corrêa , Schwab Marina Peter , Ferreira Cristiano Dietrich , Ramos Adriano Hirsch , de Oliveira Maurício
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

The improvement of the physical, chemical, and sensorial parameters of parboiled rice is constantly sought by the industry. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effects of infrared radiation heating temperature (80°C, 100°C, 120°C, and 140°C) and time (2, 6, 10, and 14 min) on starch gelatinization and technological, thermal, and pasting properties of parboiled rice.

Findings

The degree of gelatinization of rice starch subjected to infrared radiation heating ranged from 5.73% to 39.13% and the relative crystallinity from 49.70% to 42.30% in the treatments at 80°C for 6 min and 140°C for 14 min, respectively. The increase in head rice yield is related to an increase in the degree of gelatinization and a reduction in the relative crystallinity of the starch, making the grains more resistant to breakage. There was a tendency to reduce the cooking time at temperatures of 80°C and 140°C, regardless of the heating time. As for hardness, the opposite behavior was observed, with a tendency to increase at temperatures of 80°C and 140°C, regardless of the heating time.

Conclusions

Infrared radiation heating can be used to produce parboiled rice. It is recommended to use temperatures between 100°C and 120°C for 6–10 min.

Significance and Novelty

The method validated in this study presented to the rice processing industry a new way to produce parboiled rice. The study showed that it is possible to use infrared radiation heating to gelatinize rice starch. The use of infrared radiation in rice processes is widely used in the industry as a source of heating, whether in drying or parboiling, with previous studies showing a reduction of up to 4.6 times in energy consumption compared to conventional sources of heating.
C−H Bond Activation Relay (CHAR) of Proline Ester Derivatives Promoted by In Situ Triarylamine Radical Cation: Selective Synthesis of 4‐Bromopyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Ding Han , Zhang Shuwei , Sun Zheng , Ma Qiyuan , Li Yuemei , Yuan Yu , Jia Xiaodong
Published: February 2023

Using the in situ generated triarylamine radical cation as an initiator, the sp3 C−H bond of proline esters was smoothly oxidized and brominated through C−H activation relay (CHAR), giving a series of 4‐bromopyrroles in good yields with high regioselectivity. The mechanistic study revealed that the oxidation of the active C−H bond initiated the followed 1,5‐HAT and bromination, which provides a new method to realize the functionalization of the remote C−H bond.
Facile Synthesis of Helicene‐Containing Arenes for Optical Limiting Devices**
Authors: Yu Xiaohui , Li Yunfei , Wang Wei , Yuan Ziwei , Xie Zheng , Zhou Shuyun , Xiao Jinchong
Published: February 2023

A helicene‐containing arene and its linear analogue have been successfully synthesized and characterized, where the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that the former can arrange in an offset packing style with a π‐π overlap. The introduction of pentagon‐rings into the parent skeletons in the resulting compounds can boost the stability, and such helicene‐containing molecule possesses higher solubility in organic solvent than the linear analogue. The structural difference has significantly influenced the optical limiting performance. The former in solution and in doped gel glass presents higher optical limiting response towards 532 nm laser than the latter. This study can enrich the functionalization of helicene, which can possess a positive effect in terms of nonlinear optical property.
Hexaphenyltriphenylene‐Based Multicomponent Metallacages: Host–Guest Complexation for White‐Light Emission
Authors: Liu Haifei , Guo Chenxing , Zhang Zeyuan , Mu Chaoqun , Feng Qian , Zhang Mingming
Published: February 2023

A hexaphenyltriphenylene‐based hexatopic pyridyl ligand is designed and used to prepare three hexagonal prismatic metallacages via metal‐coordination‐driven self‐assembly. Owing to the planar conjugated structures of the hexaphenyltriphenylene skeleton, such metallacages show good host–guest complexation with a series of emissive dyes, which have been further used to tune their emission in solution. Interestingly, based on their complementary emission colors, white light emission is achieved in a mixture of the host metallacages and the guests.
Selectivity in Cationic Cyclizations Involving Alkynes: A Computational Study on the Biomimetic Synthesis of Steroids
Authors: de Cózar Abel , Arrieta Ana , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: February 2023

Computational studies on the electrophilic cyclization between alkynes and transient carbocations or Lewis‐acid‐activated epoxides show that the regiochemistry of the reaction depends on the terminal or internal position of the triple bond. Reactants possessing terminal alkynyl groups lead to six‐membered rings, whereas internal alkynes yield five‐membered rings through 6‐endo‐dig and 5‐exo‐dig electrophilic cyclizations, respectively. The regiochemistry of the reaction is not determined by two‐electron interactions, but by the minimization of Pauli repulsion. This scenario is preserved in related biomimetic reactions leading to steroid scaffolds. In this latter case, the stereochemistry of the cyclization reaction is oriented towards the formation of equatorial C−C bonds connecting the new six‐six‐ and six‐five‐membered fused rings.
Ketyl Radicals Generated from Magnesium(I) Compounds: Useful Reagents for C−C Bond Forming Reactions
Authors: Rosengarten Christopher A. , Yuvaraj K. , Lim Li Feng , Cox Nicholas , Jones Cameron
Published: February 2023

The aryl ketones, 9‐fluorenone (fluor), 9‐xanthenone (xanth) and 9,10‐anthraquinone (anth), were reacted with β‐diketiminato dimagnesium(I) compounds, [{(ArNacnac)Mg}2] (ArNacnac=[HC(MeCNAr)2]−, Ar=mesityl (Mes) or 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dip)). This gave stable magnesium ketyl complexes which are monomeric, [(ArNacnac)(DMAP)Mg(fluor⋅)] (Ar=Mes or Dip, DMAP=4‐dimethylaminopyridine) and [(MesNacnac)Mg(xanth⋅)(xanth)]; dimeric, [{(MesNacnac)Mg(μ‐fluor⋅)}2], or tetrameric, [{(DipNacnac)Mg(μ‐anth⋅)}4]. In contrast, di‐2‐pyridylketone (OCPy2) is doubly reduced with [{(XylNacnac)Mg}2] (Xyl=xylyl) to give a diamagnetic alkoxy/amido complex, [{(XylNacnac)Mg}2(μ‐OCPy2)]. These complexes have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography, and in three cases, EPR spectroscopy. Regioselective C−C hetero‐coupling reactions between magnesium ketyls and phenanthroline (phen) have yielded the alkoxy compounds, [(MesNacnac)Mg(OCR2‐2‐phen)] (OCR2=xanth, OCPh2 or OC(Ph)(2‐Me−Ph)). In addition, homo‐ C−C couplings of the enones, chalcone (chalc) and dibenziylideneactetone (DBA), using magnesium(I) reducing agents, have afforded dimagnesium enolates, [{(ArNacnac)(THF)Mg}2(μ‐chalc2)] (Ar=Mes or Xyl) and [{(DipNacnac)(THF)Mg}2(μ‐DBA2)]. A pinacol coupling reaction between [{(DipNacnac)Mg}2] and 2‐adamantanone (OAd) yielded [{(DipNacnac)(OAd)Mg}2(μ‐OAd2)], presumably via a ketyl intermediate. This study further highlights the utility magnesium(I) compounds have as selective reducing agents in organic transformations.
Challenges and Progress in Contact Development for PbTe‐based Thermoelectrics
Authors: Sauerschnig Philipp , Jood Priyanka , Ohta Michihiro
Published: February 2023

Over the decades, tremendous efforts have been put into developing lead telluride (PbTe)‐based thermoelectric materials, dramatically improving the thermoelectric figure of meritzT. However, application of PbTe‐based thermoelectrics has been limited to radioisotope generators supplying electrical power for space probes and in remote terrestrial locations. One of the key factors for translating the progress in material performance into social implementation of thermoelectrics is the realization of stable electrical and thermal contacts between PbTe‐based materials and electrodes in modules. To realize stable operation of thermoelectric modules, unwanted chemical reactions, atomic diffusion, and crack formation near the contacts need to be prevented. Here, we summarize the challenges and recent progress of bonding between PbTe and contact layer. This review discusses and highlights the contact resistance as well as chemical and mechanical stability in PbTe/contact layer bonding.
Cellular senescence‐related long noncoding ribonucleic acids: Predicting prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Hao , Yao Hao , Wei Yaqing , Chen Ming , Sun Jinjin
Published: February 2023

Background

Due to their inherent role in cell function, long non‐coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) mediate changes in the microenvironment, and thereby participate in the development of cellular senescence.

Aims

This study aimed to identify cellular senescence‐related lncRNAs that could predict the prognosis of liver cancer.

Methods and Results

Gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from the UCSC Xena platform, ICGC, and TCGA databases. Cox regression and LASSO regression were used to establish a cellular senescence‐related lncRNA model. ROC curves and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were then constructed to predict patient prognosis. Cox regression analysis and clinical characteristics were used to evaluate the capability of the model. Tumor mutational burden and tumor‐infiltrating immune cell analyses were subsequently performed in the risk subgroups and the samples in the entire cohort were reclustered. Finally, potential small molecule immune‐targeted drugs were identified based on the model. The cellular senescence‐related prognostic model that was constructed based on AGAP11 and FAM182B. Along with the results of Cox regression and Lasso regression, the risk score was found to be an independent factor for predicting overall survival in cohorts. In the subgroup analysis, the prognosis of the low‐risk group in each cohort was significantly higher than that of the high‐risk group; the area under temporal ROC curves and clinical ROC curves were all greater than 0.65, respectively. C‐index shows that the risk scores are greater than 0.6, showing the stability of the model. The high‐risk group demonstrated lower tumor microenvironment and higher tumor mutational burden scores, further verifying the reliability of the model grouping results. Analysis of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells indicated that CD8+ and γδ T cells were more abundant among patients in the low‐risk group; cluster reorganization indicated that the two groups had different prognoses and proportions of immune cells. The p value of potential drugs predicted based on the expression of model lncRNAs were all less than .05, demonstrating the potential of model lncRNAs as therapeutic targets to some extent.

Conclusion

A prognostic model based on cellular senescence‐associated lncRNAs was established and this may be used as a potential biomarker for the prognosis assessment of liver cancer patients.
Dose reduction of docetaxel avoids the usage of pegfilgrastim in docetaxel plus ramucirumab therapy for recurrent nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Hamai Kosuke , Miyaka Shinya , Tada Shinpei , Fujita Suguru , Hirakawa Tetsu , Matsumura Mirai , Ueno Sayaka , Tanimoto Takuya , Ishikawa Nobuhisa
Published: February 2023

Background

Pegfilgrastim is recommended in docetaxel plus ramucirumab (DTX + RAM) therapy for recurrent nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because of the associated frequency of febrile neutropenia (FN). However, the FN occurs less frequently when the dose of DTX is reduced because of other adverse events, such as appetite loss and oral mucositis.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐two patients with recurrent NSCLC who received DTX + RAM therapy at the Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital. The cut‐off value which is the most unlikely to cause FN without the combined use of pegfilgrastim was set using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. This was created according to the dose of DTX and the presence or absence of the onset of FN. We compared the incidence of FN when a DTX dose above and below the cut‐off value was used. The ROC curve showed that 48 mg/m2 was the best cut‐off value that predicted whether FN was likely to occur when pegfilgrastim was not used concurrently. The incidence of FN was 26.1% for DTX ≥48 mg/m2 and 5.1% for DTX <48 mg/m2.

Conclusions

Pegfilgrastim can be discontinued when the dose of DTX is reduced to <48 mg/m2 due to nonhematological toxicities.
High‐Concentration Electrosynthesis of Formic Acid/Formate from CO2: Reactor and Electrode Design Strategies
Authors: Kuang Yizhu , Rabiee Hesamoddin , Ge Lei , Rufford Thomas E. , Yuan Zhiguo , Bell John , Wang Hao
Published: February 2023

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), driven by renewable energy, provides a potential carbon‐neutral avenue to convert CO2 into valuable fuels and feedstocks. Conversion of CO2 into formic acid/formate is considered one of the economical and feasible methods, owing to their high energy densities, and ease of distribution and storage. The separation of formic acid/formate from the reaction mixtures accounts for the majority of the overall CO2RR process cost, while the increment of product concentration can lead to the reduction of separation cost, remarkably. In this paper, we give an overview of recent strategies for highly concentrated formic acid/formate products in CO2RR. CO2RR is a complex process with several different products, as it has different intermediates and reaction pathways. Therefore, this review focuses on recent study strategies that can enhance targeted formic acid/formate yield, such as the all‐solid‐state reactor design to deliver a high concentration of products during the reduction of CO2 in the electrolyzer. Firstly, some novel electrolyzers are introduced as an engineering strategy to improve the concentration of the formic acid/formate and reduce the cost of downstream separations. Also, the design of planar and gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with the potential to deliver high‐concentration formic acid/formate in CO2RR is summarized. Finally, the existing technological challenges are highlighted, and further research recommendations to achieve high‐concentration products in CO2RR. This review can provide some inspiration for future research to further improve the product concentration and economic benefits of CO2RR.
Left ventricular hypertrophy as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Ito Nobuyasu , Zen Kan , Takahara Motoyoshi , Tani Ryotaro , Nakamura Shunsuke , Fujimoto Tomotaka , Takamatsu Kazuaki , Yashige Masaki , Kadoya Yoshito , Yamano Michiyo , Yamano Tetsuhiro , Nakamura Takeshi , Yaku Hitoshi , Matoba Satoaki
Published: February 2023

Aims

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between cardiovascular prognosis and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to investigate the relationship between cardiac sympathetic nerve (CSN) function and these factors using 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy.

Methods and results

In this single‐centre, retrospective observational study, 349 patients who underwent TAVR at our institution between July 2017 and May 2020 were divided into two groups: those with severe LVH pre‐operatively [severe LVH (+) group] and those without LVH pre‐operatively [severe LVH (−) group]. The rates of freedom from cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization) were compared. The relationship between changes in left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and changes in delay heart–mediastinum ratio (H/M) from before TAVR to 6 months after TAVR was also investigated. The event‐free rate was significantly lower in the severe LVH (+) group (87.1% vs. 96.0%, log‐rank P = 0.021). The severe LVH (+) group exhibited a significantly lower delay H/M value, scored by 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy, than the severe LVH (−) group (2.33 [1.92–2.67] vs. 2.67 [2.17–3.68], respectively, P < 0.001). Moreover, the event‐free rate of post‐operative cardiovascular events was lower among patients with a delay H/M value < 2.50 than that among other patients (87.7% vs. 97.2%, log‐rank P = 0.012). LVMi was significantly higher (115 [99–130] vs. 90 [78–111] g/m2, P < 0.001) and delay H/M value was significantly lower (2.53 [1.98–2.83] vs. 2.71 [2.25–3.19], P = 0.025) in the severe LVH (+) group than in the severe LVH (−) group at 6 months after TAVR. Patients with improved LVH at 6 months after TAVR also had increased delay H/M (from 2.51 [2.01–2.81] to 2.67 [2.26–3.02], P < 0.001), whereas those without improved LVH had no significant change in delay H/M (from 2.64 [2.23–3.06] to 2.53 [1.97–3.00], P = 0.829).

Conclusions

Severe LVH before TAVR is a prognostic factor for poor post‐operative cardiovascular outcomes. LVH associated with aortic stenosis and CSN function are correlated, suggesting their involvement in LVH prognosis.
Optimal Design of Minichannel Cold Plate for the Thermal Management of Cylindrical Battery Modules
Authors: Ling Lei , Li Li , Xie Yajun , Wang Tianbo , Zheng Keqing , Shan Shuai , Zhang Lanchun , Bei Shaoyi , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2023

The application of the minichannel cold plate in a cylindrical battery module encounters the problem of poor heat transfer capability as it cannot match well with the curved surfaces of the cylindrical batteries. Herein, design optimization of a minichannel cold plate is performed to enhance its heat dissipation performance in the cylindrical battery module. In‐depth analyses are made on the thermal behavior of a cylindrical battery module with minichannel cold plates. Influences of different cold plate design parameters, including the size and position of the heat transfer interface between the batteries and the cold plates, the cold plate material, and the cold plate thickness, are examined and compared under various coolant velocities. The results highlight the significance of cold plate design in achieving a high‐performance cooling system for the cylindrical battery module. Based on the results, some general rules are set for the design of minichannel cold plates in the cylindrical battery module, which can provide useful guidance for the future development of minichannel cold plates.
The modulation effects of plant‐derived bioactive ingredients on chronic kidney disease: Focus on the gut–kidney axis
Authors: Jian Shiyan , Yang Kang , Zhang Lingna , Zhang Limeng , Xin Zhongquan , Wen Chaoyu , He Shansong , Deng Jinping , Deng Baichuan
Published: February 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results mainly from diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis, which can develop into end‐stage renal disease and CKD‐related complications, thereby causing high morbidity and mortality. This progression is correlated with pathogenic alterations in the gut microbiota that generate uremic toxins, mainly including indoxyl sulfate, p‐cresol sulfate, and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide. The uremic toxins directly or indirectly induce CKD through oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and subsequently renal fibrosis. However, ongoing developments in CKD therapy still lack nutritional guidelines and new pharmacotherapies with significant effects. In this review, we discuss the modulatory effects of plant‐derived bioactive ingredients, such as dietary fiber (oligosaccharides and polysaccharides), polyphenols (e.g., curcumin, anthocyanins, catechins, and resveratrol), and peptides, on gut microbiota and CKD particularly from the view of the gut–kidney axis. We believe that a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of CKD is necessary to develop new targeted therapy strategies that will benefit the prevention and treatment of CKD.
Ultrasound‐derived mechanical stimulation of cell‐laden collagen hydrogels for bone repair
Authors: Assanah Fayekah , Grassie Kevin , Anderson Hanna , Xin Xiaonan , Rowe David , Khan Yusuf
Published: February 2023

Cell therapy is emerging as an effective treatment strategy for many diseases. Here we describe a novel approach to bone tissue repair that combines hydrogel‐based cell therapy with low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), an FDA approved treatment for fracture repair. Bone marrow‐derived stromal cells (BMSCs) have been encapsulated in type I collagen hydrogels and mechanically stimulated using LIPUS‐derived acoustic radiation force (ARF). We observed the expression and upward trend of load‐sensitive, osteoblast‐specific markers and determined that the extent of cell response is dependent on an optimal combination of both hydrogel stiffness and ARF intensity. Specifically, cells encapsulated in hydrogels of optimal stiffness respond at the onset of ultrasound by upregulating early bone‐sensitive markers such as calcium, cyclooxygenase‐2, and prostaglandin E2, and later by supporting mineralized tissue formation after 21 days of culture. In vivo evaluation of a critical size calvarial defect in NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice indicated that the implantation of BMSC‐laden hydrogels of optimal stiffness improved healing of calvarial defects after daily administration of ARF over 4 weeks. Collectively, these findings validate the efficacy of our system of localized cell delivery for treating bone defects where undifferentiated BMSCs are induced to the osteoblastic lineage. Further, in vivo healing may be enhanced via non‐invasive transdermal mechanical stimulation of implanted cells using ARF.
An evaluation of methods for studying the effects of conditioned reinforcement on human choice
Authors: Morris Samuel L. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Dallery Jesse
Published: February 2023

Shahan et al. (2006) found that the relative rate of pigeons' pecking on two observing responses (i.e., responses that only produced an S+ or stimulus correlated with primary reinforcement) was well described by the relative rate of S+ delivery. Researchers have not evaluated the effects of S+ delivery rate in a concurrent observing response procedure with human subjects, so the necessary procedural modifications for studying the effects of conditioned reinforcement on human choice remain unclear. The purpose of the current study was to conduct an additive component analysis of modifications to the procedures of Shahan et al. (2006). We evaluated the additive effects of introducing response cost, a changeover response, and ordinal discriminative stimuli on correspondence with the results of Shahan et al. and the quality of fits of the generalized matching equation. When our procedures were most similar to those of Shahan et al., we observed low rates of observing and indifference between the two observing responses. For the group of subjects with whom all three additive components were included, we obtained the highest level of sensitivity to relative rate of S+ delivery, but the slope and R2 of our fits of the generalized matching equation were still much lower than those obtained by Shahan et al. Potential reasons for these discrepancies, methods of resolving them, and implications for future research are discussed.
Usefulness of dried blood spot samples for monitoring hepatitis C treatment outcome and reinfection among people who inject drugs in a test‐and‐treat program
Authors: Not Anna , Saludes Verónica , Gálvez Mont , Miralpeix Anna , Bordoy Antoni E. , González Noemí , González‐Gómez Sara , Muntané Laura , Reyes‐Urueña Juliana , Majó Xavier , Colom Joan , Forns Xavier , Lens Sabela , Martró Elisa
Published: February 2023

Dried blood spots (DBS) are a reliable tool to diagnose viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated the clinical performance of a DBS‐based molecular assay for the assessment of cure and reinfection after on‐site treatment at a harm reduction center (HRC). Genotyping from DBS samples was also assessed to discriminate reinfection from treatment failure. People who inject drugs (PWID) from an ongoing test‐and‐treat pilot at the largest HRC in Barcelona were included in the study. HCV‐RNA detection from DBS collected after treatment (with follow‐up at 12, 36, and 60 weeks) was compared with a molecular point‐of‐care test using finger‐stick blood (GeneXpert). Baseline and follow‐up DBS samples were genotyped by NS5B sequencing or commercial real‐time PCR. Among treated patients, 193 follow‐up DBS samples were tested. The DBS‐based assay showed 100% specificity (129/129), and sensitivity ranged from 84.4% to 96.1% according to different viral load cut‐offs (from detectable to 3000 IU/mL). Sensitivity as test of cure (follow‐up 12) ranged from 85.1% to 97.4%. Among the 64 patients with recurrent viremia, 10.9% had low viral loads (≤1000 IU/mL); HCV genotyping allowed us to classify 73.5% of viremic cases either as reinfection or as treatment failure. DBS samples are useful to assess cure and differentiate reinfection from relapse after HCV antiviral treatment in the real world, facilitating decentralization of treatment and posttreatment follow‐up in PWID. However, a fraction of patients presented with low viral loads, limiting viremia detection and genotyping in DBS and, therefore, repeat testing is recommended.
Repressing IRS1/2 by NT157 inhibits the malignant behaviors of ovarian cancer through inactivating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and inducing autophagy
Authors: Li Cai‐Xia , Men Chuan‐Di , Yang Wei‐Hong , Chen Rong , Zhu Ji‐Hui , Cheng Zhong‐Ping
Published: February 2023

Insulin receptor substrate 1 and 2 (IRS1/2) have been found involved in many cancers development and their inhibitors exert significant tumor‐suppressive effects. Here, we tried to explore the function of NT157, an IGF1R‐IRS1/2 inhibitor, in ovarian cancer. We treated ovarian cancer cells with varying doses of NT157. The MTT assay was employed to evaluate cell proliferation and colony formation assay was used for detecting colony‐forming ability. TUNEL assay was adopted to test cell apoptosis. Cell invasion was checked by the Transwell assay. The expression of apoptosis‐related proteins, autophagy markers, IRS1/2, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was compared by Western blot, immunofluorescence, or qRT‐PCR. As indicated by the data, NT157 abated the viability, proliferation, and induced autophagy of ovarian cancer cells. Overexpressing IRS1/2 attenuated the tumor‐suppressive effect of NT157 and heightened the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway enhanced the tumor‐suppressive effect of NT157 and facilitated NT157‐mediated autophagy. However, the autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA partly reversed NT‐157‐mediated antitumor effects. In conclusion, this study disclosed that NT157 suppressed the malignant phenotypes of ovarian cancer cells by inducing autophagy and hampering the expression of IRS1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Recent advances in legume protein‐based colloidal systems
Authors: Tarahi Mohammad , Ahmed Jasim
Published: February 2023

Developing nature‐derived surface‐active ingredients with favorable interfacial and functional properties has recently received increasing attention in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Legume proteins are used extensively in food colloidal systems because of their small particle size, high water absorption capability, excellent functional properties (e.g., emulsification, foamability, and gelation), and film formation. There are some limitations in legume proteins, such as high water vapor permeability and fragility, as well as low stability and solubility. Various conventional and innovative processing technologies (e.g., high‐pressure homogenization, ultrasonication, and cold plasma processing) have been successfully employed in order to modify the functional and interfacial properties of legume proteins. In this review, the formation and stability of legume protein‐based colloidal systems and their applications are discussed.
Effects of communication style on relational outcomes in interactions between customers and embodied conversational agents
Authors: van Pinxteren Michelle M. E. , Pluymaekers Mark , Lemmink Jos , Krispin Anna
Published: February 2023

Conversational agents are increasingly used to substitute or augment human service employees. Due to their ability to use human‐like communicative behaviors, these agents are theorized to establish social connections with customers. However, the existing literature is ambiguous on how conversational agents should verbally communicate with customers and whether they should be adaptive to customers' verbal behavior. The current study aims to address these gaps, by focusing on the effects of the conversational agent's communication style on the perceived social connection. Two experiments were conducted in which a virtual agent in a hedonic service (Experiment 1) or a utilitarian service (Experiment 2) was manipulated to adapt either a static task‐ or a social‐oriented communication style or mimic the communication style used by the customer in the previous turn. Guided by marketing and human–computer interaction literature, measures for engagement and rapport were used to reveal customers' perceived social connection. Results show that for the hedonic service, rapport was significantly affected by the presence of social cues in the agent's communication style (whether statically or mimicked), while engagement was significantly affected by mimicry. For the utilitarian service, only social cues significantly affected rapport. These findings enrich the Computers As Social Actors paradigm and provide clear guidelines for practitioners.
Characterization of the degradation products of lignocellulosic biomass by using tandem mass spectrometry experiments, model compounds, and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Guthrie Jacob D. , Rowell Caroline E. R. , Anyaeche Ruth O. , Alzarieni Kawthar Z. , Kenttämaa Hilkka I.
Published: February 2023

Biomass‐derived degraded lignin and cellulose serve as possible alternatives to fossil fuels for energy and chemical resources. Fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass generates bio‐oil that needs further refinement. However, as pyrolysis causes massive degradation to lignin and cellulose, this process produces very complex mixtures. The same applies to degradation methods other than fast pyrolysis. The ability to identify the degradation products of lignocellulosic biomass is of great importance to be able to optimize methodologies for the conversion of these mixtures to transportation fuels and valuable chemicals. Studies utilizing tandem mass spectrometry have provided invaluable, molecular‐level information regarding the identities of compounds in degraded biomass. This review focuses on the molecular‐level characterization of fast pyrolysis and other degradation products of lignin and cellulose via tandem mass spectrometry based on collision‐activated dissociation (CAD). Many studies discussed here used model compounds to better understand both the ionization chemistry of the degradation products of lignin and cellulose and their ions' CAD reactions in mass spectrometers to develop methods for the structural characterization of the degradation products of lignocellulosic biomass. Further, model compound studies were also carried out to delineate the mechanisms of the fast pyrolysis reactions of lignocellulosic biomass. The above knowledge was used to assign likely structures to many degradation products of lignocellulosic biomass.
Irreversibility analysis of thermo‐solutal Marangoni convection in Maxwell power‐law‐fluid flow
Authors: Kumari Abha , Tripathi Rajat
Published: February 2023

This article theoretically investigates the entropy generation in unsteady two‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic flow of Maxwell power‐law‐fluid past a stretching surface in consideration of thermal and solutal Marangoni convection. The heat and mass transport phenomenon of Maxwell power‐law‐fluid has been expressed using Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion (CCDD) model. Governing equations are modeled by using Navier–Stokes equations under suitable consideration. The developed mathematical model of the problem is in the form of nonlinear and coupled partial differential equations. Using similarity transforms, governing equations are converted into non‐linear coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) whose numerical solutions have been obtained using Bvp4c routine in MATLAB. Through numerous graphs, a thorough analysis of entropy generation and Bejan number is conducted. It has been observed that the fluid velocity gets accelerated for higher values of thermal and solutal Marangoni parameters in the boundary layer.
Precision and Bias of Three Bigmouth Buffalo Aging Structures
Authors: Prull Marcus , Simonson Martin A. , Weber Michael J.
Published: February 2023

The Bigmouth Buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus is a long-lived catostomid with ecological and commercial harvest value. Management of Bigmouth Buffalo relies on accurate age data for population dynamic assessments (recruitment, growth, and mortality), but between-reader precision of nonlethal aging structures compared to otoliths has not been assessed. We analyzed age bias and between-reader precision of ages estimated from pectoral and dorsal fin rays relative to lapillus otoliths for Bigmouth Buffalo (n = 115) captured from shallow natural lakes in Iowa. Maximum agreed age was 21 years for otoliths, 15 years for pectoral fin rays, and 14 years for dorsal fin rays. Ages estimated from pectoral fin rays were the most precise (CV = 12.6%; average percent error [APE] = 8.9%), followed by dorsal fin rays (CV = 16.1%; APE = 11.4%) and otoliths (CV = 21.5%; APE = 16.5%). Pectoral fin rays also had higher exact agreement between readers (37%) and higher agreement within 1 year (77%) compared to dorsal fin rays (35% exact; 69% within 1 year) and lapillus otoliths (17% exact; 61% within 1 year). Both dorsal fin rays and pectoral fin rays underestimated age relative to otoliths, which resulted in younger population age structures and larger mean length-at-age estimates. Our results suggest that biologists can use dorsal and pectoral fin rays as viable nonlethal structures for younger fish (up to 10 years for dorsal fin rays; up to 13 years for pectoral fin rays), whereas otoliths can be difficult to age but are necessary to accurately determine age for older individuals.
Multicenter clinical experience with non‐invasive cell‐free DNA screening for monosomy X and related X‐chromosome variants
Authors: Bedei Ivonne , Gehrke Tascha , Gloning Karl‐Philipp , Meyer‐Wittkopf Matthias , Willner Daria , Krapp Martin , Scharf Alexander , Degenhardt Jan , Heling Kai‐Sven , Kozlowski Peter , Trautmann Kathrin , Jahns Kai M. , Geipel Annegret , Baumüller Jan‐Erik , Wilhelm Lucas , Gottschalk Ingo , Schröer Andreas , Graf Alexander , Wolter Aline , Schenk Johanna , Weber Axel , Van den Veyver Ignatia B. , Axt‐Fliedner Roland
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed to investigate how the presence of fetal anomalies and different X chromosome variants influences Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) screening results for monosomy X.

Methods

From a multicenter retrospective survey on 673 pregnancies with prenatally suspected or confirmed Turner syndrome, we analyzed the subgroup for which prenatal cfDNA screening and karyotype results were available. A cfDNA screening result was defined as true positive (TP) when confirmatory testing showed 45,X or an X‐chromosome variant.

Results

We had cfDNA results, karyotype, and phenotype data for 55 pregnancies. cfDNA results were high risk for monosomy X in 48/55, of which 23 were TP and 25 were false positive (FP). 32/48 high‐risk cfDNA cases did not show fetal anomalies. Of these, 7 were TP. All were X‐chromosome variants. All 16 fetuses with high‐risk cfDNA result and ultrasound anomalies were TP. Of fetuses with abnormalities, those with 45,X more often had fetal hydrops/cystic hygroma, whereas those with “variant” karyotypes had different anomalies.

Conclusion

Both, 45,X or X‐chromosome variants can be detected after a high‐risk cfDNA result for monosomy X. When there are fetal anomalies, the result is more likely a TP. In the absence of fetal anomalies, it is most often an FP or X‐chromosome variant.