bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally Induced Anti‐Aggregation Evolution of Thick Bulk‐Heterojunction for vis–NIR Organic Photodetectors
Authors: Liu Qingxia , Wang Yang , Yuan Liu , Xiao Jianhua , Jiang Zhi , Gu Deen , Li Weizhi , Tai Huiling , Jiang Yadong
Published: April 2022

Visible‐to‐near‐infrared organic photodetectors (vis–NIR OPDs) are highly desired due to their potential applications in both scientific research and industry. To develop state‐of‐the‐art diode‐type OPDs, general strategies aiming to reduce the dark current density (Jd) involve reducing the thickness of the bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) active layer, but this simultaneously leads to a sharp drop in photoresponse. Herein, a facile fabrication strategy, i.e., thermally induced anti‐aggregation (TIAA) evolution strategy, is introduced for manipulating the phase separation scale and molecular arrangement orientation of the PBDB‐T:Y6 based active layer. To a typical 500 nm‐thick BHJ, much higher and balanced electron/hole mobilities are achieved through the TIAA manipulation. By effectively equilibrating the Jd (8.7 × 10‐8 A cm‐2) and responsibility (0.5 A W‐1 at 860 nm), the optimized vis–NIR OPD showcases high specific detection of over 1012 Jones (380–940 nm) and capability of faint IR light detection (≈10‐10 W cm‐2 at 850 nm) at −0.5 V bias. Meanwhile, the device displays the ability to monitor pulse signal in real time through photoplethysmography, indicating the potential of TIAA evolution strategy to fabricate high‐performance vis–NIR OPDs for next‐generation wearable health monitoring.
Green CdSe/CdSeS Core/Alloyed‐Crown Nanoplatelets Achieve Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield over a Broad Emission Range
Authors: Hu An , Bai Peng , Zhu Yunke , Song Zeguo , Wang Ruotao , Zheng Jiangchang , Yao Yige , Zhang Qu , Ding Zhengping , Gao Peng , Sui Xinyu , Liu Xinfeng , Gao Yunan
Published: April 2022

Cadmium‐based nanoplatelets as optical display and lasing materials are widely explored and exhibit great advantages, owing to their narrow emission linewidths, anisotropic transition‐dipole distributions, and low lasing thresholds. However, in the green range, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and emission tunability of nanoplatelets are still inferior to that of quantum dots. In this work, a new synthesis protocol is developed, enabling core/crown nanoplatelets to grow continuously from elementary precursors to their final form. A new heterostructure of CdSe/CdSeS core/alloyed‐crown nanoplatelets is produced that realizes 100% PLQY, the continuous tunability of emission peaks in between 502 and 550 nm, and low full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) of less than 15 nm. Achieving these excellent properties in all three aspects at the same time is unprecedented. In addition, the time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra of these nanoplatelets show a mono‐exponential decay characteristic, and the nanoplatelet film can also show 100% PLQY and a mono‐exponential decay characteristic, indicating the suppression of trap states. The high‐quality nanoplatelets achieved in this work provide a solid foundation for developing nanoplatelet‐based light sources, like light‐emitting diodes and lasers, with much higher efficiency, color purity, and lower working thresholds.
Programmable Bidirectional Mechanical Metamaterial with Tunable Stiffness and Frictional Energy Dissipation
Authors: McCrary Aaron , Hashemi Mohammad Saber , Sheidaei Azadeh
Published: April 2022

Energy‐dissipating mechanical metamaterials possess broad applications where absorbing shocks and isolating vibrations within monolithic and sandwich composite structures are required. This study presents the design of a novel bidirectional mechanical metamaterial with tunable stiffness and energy dissipation. By leveraging the phenomenon of Coulomb friction, the metamaterial dissipates energy when a small gap closes and two walls slide across one another under planar loading. The conceptual design of the metamaterial is parameterized, so the material behavior can be tailored to a particular application. A computational framework is built, using finite element analysis and a multi‐objective genetic algorithm to maximize the volumetric energy dissipation such that the unit cell does not undergo plastic deformation. The finite element mesh used in this analysis is first parametrically optimized to minimize simulation time while remaining within a global error threshold. The optimal unit cell is arrayed into a bulk material, formed into a hollow cylinder, and simulated under a compression cycle for different metamaterial densities. A prototype of the hollow cylinder is 3D printed via fused deposition modeling and is tested. Both the simulated and experimental results demonstrate the repeatability of the energy‐dissipating property with a strong correlation.
Efficient Electrooxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Using Co‐Doped Ni3S2 Catalyst: Promising for H2 Production under Industrial‐Level Current Density
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Jie , Qi Yufeng , Li Wenjiang , Wang Cheng
Published: April 2022

Replacing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by electrooxidations of organic compounds has been considered as a promising approach to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of the electrolytic water splitting proces. Developing efficient electrocatalysts with low potentials and high current densities is crucial for the large‐scale productions of H2 and other value‐added chemicals. Herein, non‐noble metal electrocatalysts Co‐doped Ni3S2 self‐supported on a Ni foam (NF) substrate are prepared and used as catalysts for 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation reaction (HMFOR) under alkaline aqueous conditions. For HMFOR, the Co0.4NiS@NF electode achieves an extremely low onset potential of 0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and records a large current density of 497 mA cm–2 at 1.45 V versus RHE for HMFOR. During the HMFOR‐assisted H2 production, the yield rates of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and H2 in a 10 mL electrolyte containing 10 × 10−3 M HMF are 330.4 µmol cm–2 h–1 and 1000 µmol cm–2 h–1, respectively. The Co0.4NiS@NF electrocatalyst displays a good cycling durability toward HMFOR and can be used for the electrooxidation of other biomass‐derived chemicals. The findings present a facile route based on heteroatom doping to fabricate high‐performance catalyses that can facilitate the industrial‐level H2 production by coupling the conventional HER cathodic processes with HMFOR.
Preferences for sustainability and supply chain worker conditions: Evidence during COVID‐19
Authors: Campbell Nica , Copfer Jackie , Villas‐Boas Sofia B.
Published: April 2022

Given coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19), we empirically investigate whether consumers are willing to pay for greater sustainability and safer working conditions in food supply chains. We elicit consumer valuation via two consumer choice survey experiments and revealed preferences using mixed Logit discrete choice models. We find that consumers have a significant positive average valuation towards sustainability, but may require an average compensation to choose products produced under safer working conditions. Policy implications suggest a market‐based potential to nudge consumer segments who desire value congruence in their diet, namely, by revealing information through labeling.
Interfacial Polymetallic Oxides and Hierarchical Porous Core–Shell Fibres for High Energy‐Density Electrochemical Supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Guan , Ma Ziyang , Wu Xingjiang , Zhu Xiaolin , Man Zengming , Lu Wangyang , Xu Jianhong
Published: April 2022

Realizing high energy‐density and actual applications of fibre‐based electrochemical supercapacitors (FESCs) are pivotal but challenging, as the ability to construct advanced fibres for accelerating charges kinetic diffusion and Faradaic storage remain key bottlenecks. Here, we demonstrate high‐performance FESCs based on hetero‐structured polymetallic oxides/porous graphene core–sheath fibres, where the large pseudo‐active polymetallic oxide (PMO) sheath is uniformly loaded on a hierarchical porous graphene fibre (PGF) core. Due to the abundant micro‐/mesoporous pathways, large accessible surface, excellent redox activity and good interface electron conduction, the PMO‐PGF possesses high areal capacitance (2959.78 mF cm−2) and manageable Faradaic reversibility in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. Furthermore, the PMO‐PGF‐based solid‐state FESCs present high energy‐density (187.22 μ Wh cm−2), long‐life cycles (95.8 % capacitive retention after 20 000 cycles), diverse‐powered capabilities and actual energy‐supply applications.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Polymer Adhesives: Straightforward Synthesis and Strong Substrate Interaction
Authors: Chen Senbin , Li Zeke , Wu Yanggui , Mahmood Nasir , Lortie Frédéric , Bernard Julien , Binder Wolfgang H. , Zhu Jintao
Published: April 2022

High‐performance adhesives are of great interest in view of industrial demand. We herein identify a straightforward synthetic strategy towards universal hydrogen‐bonded (H‐bonded) polymeric adhesives, using a side‐chain barbiturate (Ba) and Hamilton wedge (HW) functionalized copolymer. Starting from a rubbery copolymer containing thiolactone derivatives, Ba and HW moieties are tethered as pendant groups via an efficient one‐pot two‐step amine‐thiol‐bromo conjugation. Hetero‐complementary Ba/HW interactions thus yield H‐bonded supramolecular polymeric networks. In addition to an enhanced polymeric network integrity induced by specific Ba/HW association, the presence of individual Ba or HW moieties enables strong binding to a range of substrates, outstanding compared to commercial glues and reported adhesives.
Tetraanionicarachno‐Carboranyl Ligand Imparts Strong Axiality to Terbium(III) Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Jin Peng‐Bo , Yu Ke‐Xin , Luo Qian‐Cheng , Liu Ye‐Ye , Zhai Yuan‐Qi , Zheng Yan‐Zhen
Published: April 2022

A family of fully sandwichedarachno‐lanthanacarborane complexes formulated as {η6‐[μ‐1,2‐[o‐C6H4(CH2)2]‐1,2‐C2B10H10]2Ln}{Li5(THF)10} (Ln=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Y) is successfully synthesized, where the “carbons‐adjacent” carboranyl ligand (arachno‐R2‐C2B10H104−) bears four negative charges and coordinates to the central lanthanide ions using the hexagonal η6C2B4face. Thus, the central lanthanide cations are pseudo‐twelve‐coordinate and have an approximate pseudo‐D6hsymmetry or hexagonal‐prismatic geometry. As the crystal field effect imparted by this geometry is still unknown, we thoroughly investigated the magnetic properties of this series of complexes and found that the crystal field imposed by this ligand causes a relation of Tb>Dy>Ho>Er for the energy gaps between the ground and the first excited states, which is of striking resemblance to the ferrocenophane and phthalocyanine ligands although the latter two ligands give disparate local coordination geometries. Moreover, the effective energy barrier to magnetization reversal of 445(10) K, the observable hysteresis loop up to 4 K and the relaxation time of the yttrium‐diluted sample reaching 193(17) seconds at 2 K under an optimized field for the Tb analogue of this family ofarachno‐lanthanacarborane complexes, render a new benchmark for Tb3+‐based single‐molecule magnets.
Bonding in a Crystalline Tri‐Thorium Cluster: Not σ‐Aromatic But Still Unique
Authors: Szczepanik Dariusz W.
Published: April 2022

Very recently, Boronski et al. reported the first thorium–thorium bond in a crystalline cluster prepared under normal experimental conditions. By using a range of experimental techniques and computational models, the authors found that the isolated actinide cluster contains at its heart two paired electrons delocalized over the tri‐thorium ring. The recorded Raman spectrum allegedly confirmed the existence of a σ‐aromatic three‐center two‐electron bond. In the following we demonstrate that the experimentally observed broad inelastic scattering bands between 60 and 135 cm−1, originally assigned by the authors to thorium‐thorium vibrations, represent the combination of Th−Cl stretching and Th−Cl−Th bending modes, and they establish the existence of an unprecedented multicenter charge‐shift bonding (ThCl2)3 rather than the σ‐aromatic bonding Th3. In the light of the presented findings, the latter remains experimentally unproven and computationally questionable.
Biallelic THOC6 pathogenic variants: Prenatal phenotype and review of the literature
Authors: Ruaud Lyse , Roux Nathalie , Boutaud Lucile , Bessières Bettina , Ageorges Faustine , Achaiaa Amale , Bole Christine , Nitschke Patrick , Masson Cécile , Vekemans Michel , Verloes Alain , Attie‐Bitach Tania
Published: April 2022

Background

The THOC6 protein is a component of the THO complex. It is involved in mRNA transcription, processing and nuclear export. Interestingly molecular biallelic loss‐of‐function variants of the THOC6 gene were identified in the Beaulieu–Boycott–Innes syndrome (BBIS– OMIM # 613680). This condition was described in 17 patients and is characterized by a moderate to severe intellectual disability, facial dysmorphic features and severe birth defects such as heart, skeletal, ano‐genital and renal congenital malformations.

Methods

In the present study, we report on a new family with two affected sibs. The 6‐year‐old female had severe intellectual disability with autistic features, feeding difficulties, growth delay, facial dysmorphic, and congenital malformations (hand, skeletal and cardiac anomalies). The male fetus presented antenatally with a cystic hygroma associated with severe aortic and left ventricular hypoplasia. Autopsy, after termination of pregnancy at 15 weeks of gestation, showed facial dysmorphic, short right thumb and hypospadias.

Results

Exome sequencing detected in both sibs compound heterozygous variants of the THOC6 gene (NM_024339.3, GRCh37): the already reported c.[298T>A;700G>T;824G>A] haplotype and a novel variant c.977T>G, p.(Val326Gly).

Discussion

We made a review of the literature of 17 BBIS reported patients including our two siblings. Severe to moderate ID and congenital malformations were constant. Prenatal and postnatal failure to thrive were frequent. Brain MRI were not specific. Prenatal findings were reported in 40% of cases but we described the first case of cystic hygroma. The present study reports extends the prenatal delineation of the phenotypic features observed in association with the presence of THOC6 variants. In addition, it underscores the intrafamilial phenotypic variability observed in BBIS.
Identity of MMP1 and its effects on tumor progression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Gehou , Li Tieqi , Tan Guolin , Song Yexun , Liu Qian , Wang Kai , Ai Jingang , Zhou Zheng , Li Wei
Published: April 2022

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignant tumor worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. However, the diagnosis and molecular mechanisms of HNSCC remains poor.

Methods

Robust rank aggregation method was performed to excavate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in five datasets (GSE6631, GSE13601, GSE23036, GSE30784, GSE107591) from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database extracted hub genes from the protein‐protein interaction network. The expression of the hub genes was validated using expression profile from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Oncomine database. The module analysis and disease‐free survival analysis of the hub genes were analyzed by Cytoscape and the Kaplan‐Meier curve, respectively. The expression of hub genes was verified in clinical specimens. The functions of MMP1 which is most important in hub genes were explored in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Totally, 235 DEGs were identified in the present study which consists of 103 up‐regulated and 132 down‐regulated genes which were significantly enriched in the molecular function of calcium ion binding followed in the biological process of skin development. The mainly enriched pathways were ECM (extracellular matrix)‐receptor interaction (hsa04512) and protein digestion and absorption (hsa04974). Six hub genes were screened out which showed dramatically increased expression in HNSCC samples compared with normal samples, including COL4A1, MMP1, PLAU, RBP1, SEMA3C, and COL4A2. These hub genes all showed worse disease‐free survival with higher expression and were up‐regulated in HNSCC clinical samples. MMP1 was proved to promote cell growth, migration, and phosphorylation of AKT in vitro and to promote liver metastasis in vivo.

Conclusion

Bioinformatics analysis identified six key genes in HNSCC. Of these, MMP1 is the most likely biomarker. It activates the AKT pathway and promotes tumor progression.
The 16α‐Hydroxylation of Progesterone by Cytochrome P450 107X1 from Streptomyces avermitilis
Authors: Lin Susu , Ma Bingbing , Gao Qilin , Yang Jian , Lai Gang , Lin Runhao , Yang Bingxian , Han Bing‐Nan , Xu Lian‐Hua
Published: April 2022

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs or P450s) are ubiquitous heme‐dependent enzymes that catalyze the monooxygenation of non‐activated C−H bonds to modify the structure of the substrate. In this study, we heterologously expressed CYP107X1 from Streptomyces avermitilis and conducted in vitro substrate screening using the alternative redox partners putidaredoxin and putidaredoxin reductase. CYP107X1 catalyzed the 16α‐hydroxylation of progesterone with regio‐ and stereoselectivity. The spectroscopic analyses showed that CYP107X1 bound progesterone with a relatively high Kd value of 65.3±38.9 μM. The Km and kcat values for progesterone were estimated to be 47.7±12.0 μM and 0.30 min−1, respectively. Furthermore, a crystal structure was obtained of CYP107X1 bound with glycerol from the buffer solution. Interestingly, a conserved threonine was replaced with asparagine in CYP107X1, indicating that it may adopt an unnatural proton transfer process and play a crucial role in its catalytic activity.
Obstructive hydronephrosis with secondary urosepsis
Authors: Hsu Shao‐Lun , Fan Chia‐Kwung , Liu Hsin‐Yi
Published: April 2022

Obstructive uropathy is one of the leading causes of urosepsis. In patients with severe hydronephrosis, underlying sepsis and renal dysfunction should be treated with caution. The immediate drainage of hydronephrosis is crucial for infectious source removal and is hence related to the patient's prognosis.
Complete tumor regression with exclusive Ayurvedic rasayana regimen in high‐grade diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: A case report
Authors: Narayan Bendale Yogesh , Kadam Avinash , Patil Anandrao , Kantilal Birari‐Gawande Poonam
Published: April 2022

We are presenting a case of 51‐year‐old female patient, diagnosed with high‐grade NHL‐DLBCL by PET‐CT scan. Immediately, she was started with Rasayana therapy, a specially designed anti‐cancer treatment regimen by our clinic. We observed significant clinical improvement and regression in tumor size in this patient after treatment.
Retroperitoneal schwannoma: Uncommon location of a benign tumor
Authors: Debaibi Mehdi , Essid Rime , Sghair Asma , Zouari Rami , Sahnoun Moez , Dhaoui Amen , Chouchen Adnen
Published: April 2022

Schwannoma is a type of nerve tumor of the nerve sheath. They are preferentially localized on the head, neck, and flexor surfaces of the extremities. Retroperitoneal schwannoma is extremely rare. The diagnosis is uncommon and based on the anatomopathological and immunochemistry examination of the surgical specimen. We herein report an uncommon location of schwannoma treated with conventional surgery in a 53‐year‐old female patient admitted to our department for chronic abdominal pain. Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a rare disease that occurs in adult females. The histopathological examination is the only reliable examination for the diagnosis after total surgical resection.
Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance associated with Kabuki syndrome—A case report and literature review
Authors: Thewjitcharoen Yotsapon , Wanothayaroj Ekgaluck , Nakasatien Soontaree , Krittiyawong Sirinate , Khurana Ishant , El‐Osta Assam , Himathongkam Thep
Published: April 2022

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder characterized by distinctive facies, intellectual disability, and multi‐organ anomalies. This case report highlights the importance of clinical recognizable phenotype in patients with diabetes. The development of diabetes should be considered an endocrine complication in KS patients.
Differentiation of intracranial Rosai‐Dorfman histiocytosis from meningioma using MR perfusion
Authors: Bueno Hugo F. , Agarwalla Pankaj K. , Chundury Anupama , Baisre de Leon Ada , Mirani Neena , Nimchinsky Esther A.
Published: April 2022

Intracranial Rosai‐Dorfman disease may be indistinguishable from meningioma. This distinction is essential, as they are treated very differently. We present two cases where perfusion imaging helped make this distinction, allowing one to be treated successfully without craniotomy. Perfusion imaging may be a powerful adjunct in cases where RDD mimics meningioma.
Intimate partner violence with vaginal insertion of a partial chili pod (Capsicum annuum): A case report
Authors: Dorji Namkha , Tshering Sangay , Wangmo Dechen , Dorji Thinley
Published: April 2022

A case of intimate partner violence (IPV) with vaginal insertion of an irritant foreign body, chili pod of Capsicum annum, in a 36‐year‐old woman. She presented with severe burning sensation in the lower abdomen and vulva. This highlights the unique role of gynecologists in the recognition and treatment of IPV.
Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery with unusual spontaneous regression: A case report with literature review
Authors: Affes Meriem , Chaabouni Mohamed , Attia Monia , Jaber Chaker , Baccouche Ines , Kchaou Salma , Nèji Henda , Hantous‐Zannad Saoussen
Published: April 2022

This report highlights the case of cystic adventitial disease of the left popliteal artery in a 45‐year‐old male patient. Imaging modalities confirmed the diagnosis and high resolution MRI found a cystic connection to the adjacent knee joint. The evolution was unusual with spontaneous regression of the symptoms.
Insight into the Influence of WOx‐Support Interaction over Pt/W/SiZr Catalysts on 1,3‐Propanediol Synthesis from Glycerol
Authors: Zhao Junxiu , Hou Bo , Guo Heqin , Jia Litao , Niu Pengyu , Chen Congbiao , Xi Hongjuan , Li Debao , Zhang Jianli
Published: April 2022

For Pt‐WOx‐based catalysts, researchers pay much attention to study the influence of Pt‐WOx interaction on glycerol hydrogenolysis, ignoring the interaction between WOx and support. Herein, four Pt/W/SiZr‐T catalysts with different surface hydroxyl groups on support are prepared and characterized. The results show that bibridged (OHII) and tribridged hydroxyl groups (OHIII) on SiZr‐T supports could react with WOx species through forming Zr−O−W bands and retard the agglomeration of WOx species. The highly dispersed WOx species and Zr−O−W bands are the origination of inherent and in‐situ generated Brønsted acid, which are beneficial for 1,3‐propanediol synthesis. As a result, Pt/W/SiZr‐70 exhibits outstanding performance due to abundant OHII and OHIII on SiZr‐70. The initial space time yield of 1,3‐propanediol on Pt/W/SiZr‐70 reaches 2.280 g1,3‐PDO ⋅ gcat−1 ⋅ h−1, the highest among reported results. This r esearch reveals the role of WOx‐support interaction on glycerol hydrogenolysis and provides a new direction to design Pt‐WOx‐based catalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions.
Comparison of Carbon Nanomaterials for Simultaneous Detection of Neurotransmitters in the Presence of Interfering Species
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Wojciech , Małolepszy Artur , Witkowska Nery Emilia
Published: April 2022

The main hurdle in simultaneous analysis of dopamine and serotonin is not only their similar detection potential but also the polymerization of dopamine at physiological pH, which results in sensitivity loss. In this work, we investigated glassy carbon electrodes and electrodes modified with carbon black, graphene oxide, and carbon nanodots in terms of their ability to detect 5 neurobiologically relevant analytes (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid). We proved that simultaneous detection of dopamine and serotonin in the presence of uric and ascorbic acids is possible on electrodes modified with carbon black and graphene oxide, both in buffer solution and cell medium. Graphene oxide‐modified electrodes have shown the highest sensitivity towards all tested neurotransmitters. Moreover, a considerable shift of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid peaks towards more negative potentials was observed for electrodes modified with carbon black and graphene oxide as compared with glassy carbon electrodes. Electrodes covered with carbon nanodots were proven inappropriate due to their surface functionalization with ethylenediamine.
Characterizing the COVID‐19 dynamics with a new epidemic model: Susceptible‐exposed‐asymptomatic‐symptomatic‐active‐removed
Authors: Yi Grace Y. , Hu Pingbo , He Wenqing
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has spread stealthily and presented a tremendous threat to the public. It is important to investigate the transmission dynamics of COVID‐19 to help understand the impact of the disease on public health and the economy. In this article, we develop a new epidemic model that utilizes a set of ordinary differential equations with unknown parameters to delineate the transmission process of COVID‐19. The model accounts for asymptomatic infections as well as the lag between symptom onset and the confirmation date of infection. To reflect the transmission potential of an infected case, we derive the basic reproduction number from the proposed model. Using the daily reported number of confirmed cases, we describe an estimation procedure for the model parameters, which involves adapting the iterated filter‐ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (IF‐EAKF) algorithm. To illustrate the use of the proposed model, we examine the COVID‐19 data from Quebec for the period from 2 April 2020 to 10 May 2020 and carry out sensitivity studies under a variety of assumptions. Simulation studies are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed model under a variety of settings.
Integrating information from existing risk prediction models with no model details
Authors: Han Peisong , Taylor Jeremy M. G. , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: April 2022

Consider the setting where (i) individual‐level data are collected to build a regression model for the association between an event of interest and certain covariates, and (ii) some risk calculators predicting the risk of the event using less detailed covariates are available, possibly as algorithmic black boxes with little information available about how they were built. We propose a general empirical‐likelihood‐based framework to integrate the rich auxiliary information contained in the calculators into fitting the regression model, to make the estimation of regression parameters more efficient. Two methods are developed: one using working models to extract the calculator information and the other making a direct use of calculator predictions without working models. Theoretical and numerical investigations show that the calculator information can substantially reduce the variance of regression parameter estimation. As an application, we study the dependence of the risk of high‐grade prostate cancer on both conventional risk factors and newly identified molecular biomarkers by integrating information from the Prostate Biopsy Collaborative Group (PBCG) risk calculator, which was built based on conventional risk factors alone.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Gold Nanoparticles with Controlled Size and Distribution on Titania Support
Authors: Xie Huichen , Li Zheng , Zhu Jian , Li Can
Published: April 2022

Nano‐sized gold particles have shown unique merits in the field of catalysis, sensing and imaging, whereas their controllable synthesis with sub‐nanometer size and narrow distribution on a support still remains a challenge. Herein, we developed a facile and controllable process of atomic layer deposition (ALD) using dimethyl(acetylacetonate)gold (Me2Au(acac)) and ozone as the precursor reactants to directly synthesize ultrafine Au nanoparticles on titania support. The size of Au nanoparticles could be precisely controlled via the modulation of depositing temperature and the counter reactant. Additionally, the dispersion of Au nanoparticles on the support is decreased by pre‐calcining TiO2 in air, which is due to the decreased surface hydroxyls concentration on support, leading to less adsorption sites of gold precursor. Moreover, we demonstrated that Au nanoparticles prepared by this method on TiO2 could function as an effective co‐catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction.
Driving Performance after Bedtime Administration of Daridorexant, Assessed in a Sensitive Simulator
Authors: Muehlan Clemens , Brooks Sander , Vaillant Cedric , Meinel Michael , Jacobs Gabriël E. , Zuiker Rob G. , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: April 2022

Use of hypnotics is often associated with next‐morning residual effects and a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents. Measuring next‐morning effects on driving performance is therefore advised by regulatory agencies. Here, we examined driving performance following administration of daridorexant, a new dual orexin receptor antagonist developed to treat insomnia. Sixty healthy male and female subjects (50–79 years of age) were randomized in a placebo‐ and active‐controlled, four‐way cross‐over study. Each subject received evening administration of daridorexant 50 and 100 mg, zopiclone 7.5 mg, and placebo, in separate treatment phases of 4 days. Simulated driving performance was assessed after initial (day 2) and repeated dosing (day 5), 9 hours postdose. Standard deviation of the lateral position (SDLP) was the main outcome. On both days, with zopiclone, SDLP increased significantly compared with placebo, which confirmed sensitivity of the simulator. With daridorexant, on day 2, the placebo‐corrected mean (97.5% confidence interval) SDLP increased by 2.19 cm (0.46–3.93) and 4.43 cm (2.72–6.15) for 50 and 100 mg, respectively. On day 5, SDLP values for both daridorexant doses were significantly below the prespecified threshold of impairment (2.6 cm) and statistically not different from placebo. Daridorexant showed a lower self‐rated driving quality and higher effort compared to placebo on day 2 but not on day 5. In non‐insomnia subjects, daridorexant impaired simulated driving after initial but not after repeated dosing. Subjects should be cautioned about driving until they know how daridorexant affects them.
Sophoraflavanone G suppresses the progression of triple‐negative breast cancer via the inactivation of EGFR–PI3K–AKT signaling
Authors: Cheng Wei , Liu Dan , Guo Min , Li Honglei , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2022

Sophoraflavanone G (SG), a prenylated flavonoid extracted from Sophora flavescens, has been found to possess antitumor activity in several types of human cancer. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanism of SG in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) are required to be investigated. On the basis of network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology, estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) was identified as a potential target, and phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase–protein kinase B (PI3K–AKT) signaling was demonstrated as an important signaling pathway for SG to treat breast cancer. TNBC cells (BT‐549 and MDA‐MB‐231) were used to determine the effects of SG in vitro. Cell Counting Kit, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, and colony formation assays confirmed the proliferation inhibition of SG on TNBC cells. Moreover, SG administration promoted cell apoptosis by affecting Bax, Bcl‐2, and cleaved caspase‐3 expression. SG treatment also enhanced oxidative stress of TNBC cells by inducing reactive oxygen species production, increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and decreasing superoxide dismutase activity. Additionally, SG suppressed cell migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Inactivated EGFR–PI3K–AKT signaling was observed in TNBC cells after treatment with SG. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of SG on cell proliferation and metastasis and the promotive effects of SG on cell apoptosis and oxidative stress were significantly attenuated due to the overexpression of EGFR. Mice experiments revealed the suppression of SG on tumor growth and EGFR–PI3K–AKT signaling. Together, SG repressed the proliferation and metastasis, and induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in TNBC by targeting the EGFR–PI3K–AKT signaling pathway. SG might serve as a promising therapeutic agent to combat TNBC.
Can restoration of fire‐dependent ecosystems reduce ticks and tick‐borne disease prevalence in the eastern United States?
Authors: Gallagher Michael R. , Kreye Jesse K. , Machtinger Erika T. , Everland Alexis , Schmidt Nathaniel , Skowronski Nicholas S.
Published: April 2022

Over the past century, fire suppression has facilitated broad ecological changes in the composition, structure, and function of fire‐dependent landscapes throughout the eastern US, which are in decline. These changes have likely contributed mechanistically to the enhancement of habitat conditions that favor pathogen‐carrying tick species, key wildlife hosts of ticks, and interactions that have fostered pathogen transmission among them and to humans. While the long‐running paradigm for limiting human exposure to tick‐borne diseases focuses responsibility on individual prevention, the continued expansion of medically important tick populations, increased incidence of tick‐borne disease in humans, and emergence of novel tick‐borne diseases highlights the need for additional approaches to stem this public health challenge. Another approach that has the potential to be a cost‐effective and widely applied but that remains largely overlooked is the use of prescribed fire to ecologically restore degraded landscapes that favor ticks and pathogen transmission. We examine the ecological role of fire and its effects on ticks within the eastern United States, especially examining the life cycles of forest‐dwelling ticks, shifts in regional‐scale fire use over the past century, and the concept that frequent fire may have helped moderate tick populations and pathogen transmission prior to the so‐called fire‐suppression era that has characterized the past century. We explore mechanisms of how fire and ecological restoration can reduce ticks, the potential for incorporating the mechanisms into the broader strategy for managing ticks, and the challenges, limitations, and research needs of prescribed burning for tick reduction.
Incorporating Sodium to Boost the Activity of Aluminium TrenSal Complexes towards rac‐Lactide Polymerisation
Authors: Zhou Yali , Nichol Gary S. , Garden Jennifer A.
Published: April 2022

Four novel homo‐ and heterometallic sodium and/or aluminium complexes based on the TrenSal ligand, [LH3], have been synthesised and fully characterised, including by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. While [LAl] was completely inactive towards rac‐lactide ring‐opening polymerisation, incorporating sodium to form heterometallic [LNaAlMe] changes the aluminium geometry from octahedral to tetrahedral, leading to good catalytic activity in the presence of co‐initiator BnOH (kobs=3.19×10−2 min−1; room temperature, toluene solvent) and good polymerisation control. Under identical conditions, homometallic sodium complexes showed higher activities in rac‐lactide polymerisation than [LNaAlMe], with [LNa3] being extremely active (kobs=1.21 min−1) but displaying unusual second‐order monomer dependency and poor polymerisation control. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies suggest that polymerisation with [LNaAlMe] or [LH2Na]/BnOH follows an activated monomer mechanism, whereas [LNa3] operates via simultaneous coordination‐insertion and activated monomer mechanisms. Overall, heterometallic [LNaAlMe] provides a balance of good activity and control compared to the homometallic analogues.
Purification of pluripotent embryonic stem cells using dielectrophoresis and a flow control system
Authors: Kiryo Tetsushi , Takahashi Yuuwa , Miyata Shogo
Published: April 2022

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) such as embryonic stem cells and induced PSCs can differentiate into all somatic cell types such as cardiomyocytes, nerve cells, and chondrocytes. However, PSCs can easily lose their pluripotency if the culture process is disturbed. Therefore, cell sorting methods for purifying PSCs with pluripotency are important for the establishment and expansion of PSCs. In this study, we focused on dielectrophoresis (DEP) to separate cells without fluorescent dyes or magnetic antibodies. The goal of this study was to establish a cell sorting method for the purification of PSCs based on their pluripotency using DEP and a flow control system. The dielectrophoretic properties of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) with and without pluripotency were evaluated in detail, and mESCs exhibited varying frequency dependencies in the DEP response. Based on the variance in DEP properties, mixed cell suspensions of mESCs can be separated according to their pluripotency with an efficacy of approximately 90%.
Brain network hierarchy reorganization in Alzheimer's disease: A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Hu Qili , Li Yunfei , Wu Yunying , Lin Xiaomei , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: April 2022

Hierarchy is a fundamental organizational principle of the human brain network. Whether and how the network hierarchy changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. To explore brain network hierarchy alterations in AD and their clinical relevance. Forty‐nine healthy controls (HCs), 49 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 49 patients with AD were included. The brain network hierarchy of each group was depicted by connectome gradient analyses. We assessed the network hierarchy changes by comparing the gradient values in each network across the AD, MCI, and HC groups. Whole‐brain voxel‐level gradient values were compared across the AD, MCI, and HC groups to identify abnormal brain regions. Finally, we examined the relationships between altered gradient values and clinical features. In the secondary gradient, the posterior default mode network (DMN) gradient values decreased significantly in patients with AD compared with HCs. Regionally, compared with HCs, both MCI and AD groups showed that most of the brain regions with increased gradient values were located in anterior DMN, while most of the brain regions with decreased gradient values were located in posterior DMN. The decrease of gradients in the left middle occipital gyrus was associated with better logical memory performance. The increase of gradients in the right middle frontal gyrus was associated with lower rates of dementia. The network hierarchy changed characteristically in patients with AD and was closely related to memory function and disease severity. These results provide a novel view for further understanding the underlying neuro‐mechanisms of AD.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for early squamous cell carcinoma of the lip and oral cavity: Real‐world experience in Brazil
Authors: Matos Leandro Luongo , Capuzzo Renato Castro , Pedruzzi Paola Andrea Galbiatti , Farias Terence , de Farias José Wilson Mourão , Chone Carlos Takahiro , Köhler Hugo Fontan , Vartanian José Guilherme , Dias Fernando Luiz , Couto Eduardo Vieira , Pinto Fabio Roberto , Carvalho André Lopes , Kowalski Luiz Paulo
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and oncological results of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early lip and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a real‐world scenario.

Methods

Retrospective study including seven Brazilian centers.

Results

Four‐hundred and seven cN0 patients were accrued for 20 years. The rate of occult metastasis was 23.1% and 22 patients (5.4%) had regional failure. We found, for 5 years of follow‐up, 85.3% of regional recurrence‐free survival; 77.1% of disease‐free survival; 73.7% of overall survival; and 86.7% of disease‐specific survival. The rate of false‐negative cases was 5.4%.

Conclusion

In a real‐world scenario, sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with SCC of the lip and oral cavity proved feasible in different settings and to be oncologically safe, with similar rates of occult lymph node metastasis and false‐negative cases, when compared to elective neck dissection, and with similar long‐term survival to that reported historically.
Influence of previous delivery mode on perineal trauma risk
Authors: Thorne Elizabeth P. C. , Durnea Constantin M. , Sedgwick Philip M. , Doumouchtsis Stergios K.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a previous pregnancy and delivery on perineal trauma rates in the subsequent vaginal birth.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. The perineal outcomes of secundiparous women with history of previous (first) delivery in one of three categories: failed operative vaginal delivery (FOVD) and second‐stage emergency cesarean section (EmCS); elective cesarean section (ElCS), and vaginal delivery (VD) with intact perineum, were compared with a control primiparous group.

Results

The percentage obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS)at first vaginal delivery was 17.3% (n = 9) after previous FOVD+EmCS, 12.9% (n = 18) after previous ElCS, and 0.6% (n = 9) after previous VD maintaining an intact perineum, compared with 6% (n = 1193) in the control primiparous group of women. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that previous FOVD+EmCS and ElCS were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of OASIS of 180% and 110% when compared with control (odds ratio [OR] 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–5.78 and OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.27–3.48, respectively). Previous VD with intact perineum was associated with a statistically significantly reduced risk of OASIS (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.04–0.17).

Conclusions

Previous FOVD+EmCS and ElCS were associated with increased risk of OASIS in subsequent vaginal delivery compared with control, whereas previous VD with intact perineum was associated with decreased risk.
Risk factors for immediate failure of outpatient surgery in gynecologic surgery
Authors: Siebert David , Giraudet Géraldine , Collinet Pierre , Gonzalez Estevez Max , Cosson Michel , Rubod Chrystèle
Published: April 2022

Objective

To describe the risk factors for immediate failure of gynecologic outpatient surgery. The secondary objective was to describe the risk factors for rehospitalization within 30 days after surgery.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective cohort study conducted on all patients operated on in outpatient surgery in gynecology at the Lille University Hospital. The primary outcome was defined as any unanticipated admission to the inpatient postoperative care unit on the day of the operation. The secondary outcome was defined as any rehospitalization within 30 days following the intervention. Our statistical analysis included 916 patients operated on between January and July 2019.

Results

In our study, 84 patients (9.2%) had an immediate failure of outpatient surgery. The most frequent etiologies were surgical (58.3%). In multivariate analysis with logistic regression, the following variables were associated with an increased risk of immediate failure of outpatient surgery: urogynecologic surgery (P < 0.001), complex laparoscopy (P = 0.004), endometriosis surgery (P < 0.001), and a duration of intervention longer than 1 hour (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We find an increased risk of immediate failure of gynecologic outpatient surgery depending on the type of surgery as well as for surgeries lasting more than 1 hour.
Clinical implications of low estimated protein intake in patients with heart failure
Authors: Streng Koen W. , Hillege Hans L. , ter Maaten Jozine M. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Dickstein Kenneth , Ng Leong L. , Samani Nilesh J. , Metra Marco , Ponikowski Piotr , Cleland John G. , Anker Stefan D. , Romaine Simon P.R. , Damman Kevin , van der Meer Peter , Lang Chim C. , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: April 2022

Background

A higher protein intake has been associated with a higher muscle mass and lower mortality rates in the general population, but data about protein intake and survival in patients with heart failure (HF) are lacking.

Methods

We studied the prevalence, predictors, and clinical outcome of estimated protein intake in 2516 patients from the BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT‐CHF) index cohort. Protein intake was calculated in spot urine samples using a validated formula [13.9 + 0.907 * body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) + 0.0305 * urinary urea nitrogen level (mg/dL)]. Association with mortality was assessed using multivariable Cox regression models. All findings were validated in an independent cohort.

Results

We included 2282 HF patients (mean age 68 ± 12 years and 27% female). Lower estimated protein intake in HF patients was associated with a lower BMI, but with more signs of congestion. Mortality rate in the lowest quartile was 32%, compared with 18% in the highest quartile (P < 0.001). In a multivariable model, lower estimated protein intake was associated with a higher risk of death compared with the highest quartile [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.18, P = 0.036 for the lowest quartile and HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.00–2.18, P = 0.049 for the second quartile].

Conclusions

An estimated lower protein intake was associated with a lower BMI, but signs of congestion were more prevalent. A lower estimated protein intake was independently associated with a higher mortality risk.
Investigating the performance and mechanism of nitrogen gas fixation and conversion to ammonia based on biocathode bioelectrochemistry system
Authors: Li Fang‐fang , Li Fei‐fei , Lin Yu , Guo Li‐jun , Zhang Lu‐lu , Li Rui , Tian Qi‐yuan , Wang Yun‐fang , Wang Ya‐wen , Zhang Xiao‐chao , Liu Jian‐xin , Fan Cai‐mei
Published: April 2022

Background

Nowadays, microbial electrochemistry is widely used to produce valuable products (CH4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COOH, etc.) from carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, given that low‐value nitrogen (N2) is abundantly available as a feedstock for chemicals, thus ammonia (NH3) synthesis using bioelectrochemistry is still a promising technology. However, considering N2 stability and ammonium (NH4+) adsorption with a proton exchange membrane, developing suitable microbial systems for NH3 synthesis still faces challenges. Based on this, we developed a single‐chamber biocathode bioelectrochemical system for efficient NH3 production.

Results

For the reaction system that we constructed, NH4+ production reached 6.31 mg L−1 within 10 days, and NH4+ production was positively correlated with current density. A C2H2 reduction assay further verified the activity of nitrogenase enzyme. Microbial community analysis revealed that Clostridia plays a crucial role in the N2 fixation process, and the synergistic interaction between different microorganisms favors electron transfer and an increase in NH3 production.

Conclusions

The results of a series of experiments have proved that this green and economical method can be used to efficiently generate NH4+. This reaction system not only utilizes the advantages of obtaining electrons for reduction reaction, but also improves electron transfer and avoids the shortcomings of NH4+ adsorption. Additionally, this in‐depth study of N2 fixation mechanism provides a theoretical reference for other applications of bioelectrochemical systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).