bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulse Electrochemically Driven Multilayer Assembly of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube/Polypyrrole/Tellurium Composite Films for Ultra‐High‐Performance Flexible Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Li Yang , Gao Cai‐Yan , Fan Xin‐Heng , Li Hui‐Ping , Yang Lian‐Ming
Published: January 2023

Although several efforts were made to develop high‐performance thermoelectric (TE) composites by a combination of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a high conductivity and tellurium (Te) with a large Seebeck coefficient, only a very limited advance has been achieved because of their intrinsic interfacial incompatibility. In this work, a range of SWCNT/polypyrrole (PPy)/Te flexible composite films are prepared through sequentially pulse electrodepositing PPy and Te over the prefabricated SWCNT membrane electrode, where both the introduction of the PPy sandwich layer and the adoption of two pulse electrodepositions play a vital role in ameliorating the TE performance of the composites via the synergic optimization of an interfacial engineering. Consequently, the best power factor for the optimal SWCNT/PPy/Te composite film reaches up to 1602.4 ± 87.6 µW m−1 K−2 at 300 K, which hits the record for the p‐type PPy‐based TE composites. Moreover, the five‐leg flexible thermoelectric generators assembled with the optimal film harvest an output power of 1512.5 nW at the applied temperature difference of 22.4 K. This work suggests that the multilayer assembly technology driven by pulse electrochemistry is a feasible and effective tactic for architecting high‐performance flexible TE films.
Reactive Magnetron Sputtering of Large‐Scale 3D Aluminum‐Based Plasmonic Nanostructure for Both Light‐Induced Thermal Imaging and Photo‐Thermoelectric Conversion
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Döll Joachim , Romanus Henry , Wang Hongguang , van Aken Peter A. , Wang Dong , Schaaf Peter
Published: January 2023

Plasmonic nanostructures have attracted tremendous interest due to their special capability to trap light, which is of great significance for many applications such as solar steam generation and desalination, electric power generation, photodetection, sensing, catalysis, cancer therapy, and photoacoustic imaging. However, the noble metal‐based (Au, Ag, Pd) plasmonic nanostructures with expensive costs and limitations to large‐scale fabrication restrict their practical applications. Here, a novel and noble‐metal‐free Al/AlN plasmonic nanostructure fabricated by a reactive magnetron sputtering at the elevated temperature of 200 °C is presented. The unique 3D Al/AlN plasmonic nanostructures show a highly efficient (96.8%) and broadband (full solar spectrum) absorption and a strong photothermal conversion effect on its surface, demonstrating the potential in applications in light‐induced thermal imaging and photo‐thermoelectric power generation. This simple fabrication method and the developed Al/AlN plasmonic nanostructure combine excellent light trapping performance, abundant and low‐cost Al and N elements, good heat localization effect, and scalable fabrication method, suggesting a promising alternative to noble‐metal plasmonic nanostructures for photonic applications.
Ionic Conduction in Polymer‐Based Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Li Zhuo , Fu Jialong , Zhou Xiaoyan , Gui Siwei , Wei Lu , Yang Hui , Li Hong , Guo Xin
Published: January 2023

Good safety, high interfacial compatibility, low cost, and facile processability make polymer‐based solid electrolytes promising materials for next‐generation batteries. Key issues related to polymer‐based solid electrolytes, such as synthesis methods, ionic conductivity, and battery architecture, are investigated in past decades. However, mechanistic understanding of the ionic conduction is still lacking, which impedes the design and optimization of polymer‐based solid electrolytes. In this review, the ionic conduction mechanisms and optimization strategies of polymer‐based solid electrolytes, including solvent‐free polymer electrolytes, composite polymer electrolytes, and quasi‐solid/gel polymer electrolytes, are summarized and evaluated. Challenges and strategies for enhancing the ionic conductivity are elaborated, while the ion‐pair dissociation, ion mobility, polymer relaxation, and interactions at polymer/filler interfaces are highlighted. This comprehensive review is especially pertinent for the targeted enhancement of the Li‐ion conductivity of polymer‐based solid electrolytes.
Heat‐Driven Iontronic Nanotransistors
Authors: Prete Domenic , Colosimo Alessia , Demontis Valeria , Medda Luca , Zannier Valentina , Bellucci Luca , Tozzini Valentina , Sorba Lucia , Beltram Fabio , Pisignano Dario , Rossella Francesco
Published: January 2023

Thermoelectric polyelectrolytes are emerging as ideal material platform for self‐powered bio‐compatible electronic devices and sensors. However, despite the nanoscale nature of the ionic thermodiffusion processes underlying thermoelectric efficiency boost in polyelectrolytes, to date no evidence for direct probing of ionic diffusion on its relevant length and time scale has been reported. This gap is bridged by developing heat‐driven hybrid nanotransistors based on InAs nanowires embedded in thermally biased Na+‐functionalized (poly)ethyleneoxide, where the semiconducting nanostructure acts as a nanoscale probe sensitive to the local arrangement of the ionic species. The impact of ionic thermoelectric gating on the nanodevice electrical response is addressed, investigating the effect of device architecture, bias configuration and frequency of the heat stimulus, and inferring optimal conditions for the heat‐driven nanotransistor operation. Microscopic quantities of the polyelectrolyte such as the ionic diffusion coefficient are extracted from the analysis of hysteretic behaviors rising in the nanodevices. The reported experimental platform enables simultaneously the ionic thermodiffusion and nanoscale resolution, providing a framework for direct estimation of polyelectrolytes microscopic parameters. This may open new routes for heat‐driven nanoelectronic applications and boost the rational design of next‐generation polymer‐based thermoelectric materials.
Designing Hierarchical Soft Network Materials with Developable Lattice Nodes for High Stretchability
Authors: Liu Jianxing , Guo Haoyu , Liu Haiyang , Lu Tongqing
Published: January 2023

Soft network materials (SNMs) represent one of the best candidates for the substrates and the encapsulation layers of stretchable inorganic electronics, because they are capable of precisely customizing the J‐shaped stress–strain curves of biological tissues. Although a variety of microstructures and topologies have been exploited to adjust the nonlinear stress–strain responses of SNMs, the stretchability of most SNMs is hard to exceed 100%. Designing novel high‐strength SNMs with much larger stretchability (e.g., >200%) than existing SNMs and conventional elastomers remains a challenge. This paper develops a class of hierarchical soft network materials (HSNMs) with developable lattice nodes, which can significantly improve the stretchability of SNMs without any loss of strength. The effects of geometric parameters, lattice topologies, and loading directions on the mechanical properties of HSNMs are systematically discussed by experiments and numerical simulations. The proposed node design strategy for SNMs is also proved to be widely applicable to different constituent materials, including polymers and metals.
Memory Effect of MgAl Layered Double Hydroxides Promotes LiNO3 Dissolution for Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Fenglin , Wen Zuxin , Zheng Zhicheng , Fang Wenqiang , Chen Long , Chen Fashen , Zhang Ning , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi , Chen Gen
Published: January 2023

LiNO3 is an effective additive for improving the performance of Li metal anodes. However, the practical application of LiNO3 is limited due to its poor solubility. Here, a novel electrolyte additive of MgAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with open interlayered anionic vacancies is proposed. The electropositive MgAl LDHs promote the spontaneous coordination of NO3− into anionic vacancies of LDH interlayers via memory effect, rehydrating to original NO3−‐MgAl LDHs structure and accelerating LiNO3 dissolution. The reconstructed NO3−‐MgAl LDHs play a crucial role as sustainable nitrate resources, preventing partial NO3− from participating in the Li+ solvent sheath to reduce the solvation binding energy. Moreover, MgAl LDHs absorb the anions due to electrostatic attraction, accounting for more dissociated Li+ and active Li+ migration in carbonate electrolytes. NO3− stored in MgAl LDHs is also preferentially reduced to form Li3N‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), decreasing the activation energy barrier for Li+ transport and striving to form a uniform Li deposition. The cells assembled with MgAl LDHs and LiNO3 additives deliver high Coulombic efficiency, excellent rate capability, and high capacity retention. This strategy provides new insights into LiNO3‐promotor design and excavates the potential of LDHs materials for Li metal batteries.
Aerobic oxidation of 2‐tert‐butyl phenol within gas–liquid segmented flow: Mass transfer characteristics and scale‐up
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhang Jiawei , Liu Kefeng , Hu Xuesheng , Gao Fei , Du Le , Zhu Jiqin
Published: January 2023

Quantifying the mass transfer of gas–liquid segmented flow in practical reactions is of significant for the scale‐up design. However, there is a lack of theoretical guidance to predict operational conditions to meet required the mass transfer in a selective dimension‐enlarged microreactor. Herein, the oxidation of 2‐tert‐butyl phenol (2‐TBP) was performed in a selective dimension‐enlarged capillary microreactor of 4.35 mm i.d. and optimal operation conditions were obtained. A high 2‐tert‐butyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone (2‐TBQ) yield of 73% was achieved within 6 min. Moreover, a quantitative method to assess the mass transfer of gas–liquid segmented flow in practical reaction was developed by introducing a circulation frequency, fcir, which could provide theoretical guidance to predict operating conditions for the scale‐up production. The 2‐TBQ productivity is significantly increased from 0.0061 to 0.5068 kg/h, that is, an increase of 83 times, by selective dimension enlarging from 2 mm to 4.35 mm with predicted operating conditions.
Differential climatic conditions drive growth of Acacia tortilis tree in its range edges in Africa and Asia
Authors: Uni Daphna , Lerner David , Smit Izak , Mzimba Duduzile , Sheffer Efrat , Winters Gidon , Klein Tamir
Published: January 2023

Premise

Tree growth is a fundamental biological process that is essential to ecosystem functioning and water and element cycling. Climate exerts a major impact on tree growth, with tree species often requiring a unique set of conditions to initiate and maintain growth throughout the growing season. Still, little is known about the specific climatic factors that enable tree growth in savannah and desert tree species. Among the global tree species, Acacia tortilis occupies one of the largest distribution ranges (crossing 6500 km and 54 latitudes), spanning large parts of Africa and into the Middle East and Asia.

Methods

Here we collected climate data and monitored Acacia tortilis tree growth (continuous measurements of stem circumference) in its southern and northern range edges in South Africa (SA) and Israel (IL), respectively, to elucidate whether the growth–climate interactions were similar in both edges.

Results

Growth occurred during the summer (between December and March) in SA and in IL during early summer and autumn (April–June and October–November, respectively). Surprisingly, annual growth was 40% higher in IL than in SA. Within the wide distribution range of Acacia tortilis, our statistical model showed that climatic drivers of tree growth differed between the two sites.

Conclusions

High temperatures facilitated growth at the hot and arid IL site, while high humidity permitted growth at the more humid SA site. Our results confer an additional understanding of tree growth adaptation to extreme conditions in Acacia's world range edges, a major point of interest with ongoing climate change.
Organic Photovoltaic Catalyst with σ‐π Anchor for High‐Performance Solar Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liang Yuanxin , Li Tengfei , Lee Yuhsuan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Li Yawen , Si Wenqin , Liu Zesheng , Zhang Chuang , Qiao Yan , Bai Shuming , Lin Yuze
Published: January 2023

Efficient in situ deposition of metallic cocatalyst, like zero‐valent platinum (Pt), on organic photovoltaic catalysts (OPCs) is the prerequisite for their high catalytic activities. Here we develop the OPC (Y6CO), by introducing carbonyl in the core, which is available to σ‐π coordinate with transition metals, due to the high‐energy empty π* orbital of carbonyl. Y6CO exhibits a stronger capability to anchor Pt species and reduce them to metallic state, resulting in more Pt0 deposition, relative to the control OPC without the central σ‐π anchor. Single‐component and heterojunction nanoparticles (NPs) employing Y6CO show enhanced average hydrogen evolution rates of 230.98 and 323.22 mmol h−1 g[OPC]−1, respectively, under AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2 for 10 h, and heterojunction NPs yield the external quantum efficiencies of ca. 10 % in 500–800 nm. This work demonstrates that σ‐π anchoring is one efficient strategy for integrating metallic cocatalyst and OPC for high‐performance photocatalysis.
Patient Smoking Status and Postoperative Outcomes: An Integrative Literature Review of Studies Using the ACS NSQIP Data Set
Authors: Devlin Carol A. , Smeltzer Suzanne C. , Yost Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Tobacco use is associated with poor surgical outcomes and is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States. Because of the risk for postoperative complications, researchers continue to examine the association between surgical patients’ smoking status and adverse outcomes. This quantitative integrative review synthesizes evidence on the relationship between smoking status and postoperative outcomes according to information in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set. The included studies involved 10 procedures and the evaluated outcomes comprise surgical complications (eg, surgical site infection), medical complications (eg, sepsis), and transitions in care (eg, discharge destination). The review results are mixed and are not generalizable because only two studies specified smoking status as a primary variable of interest. To develop policies for perioperative patient smoking cessation, perioperative nurses require additional research results on the relationships between smoking status and standardized variables.
Association of Dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (CD26) With Chondrocyte Senescence and Radiographic Progression in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hsiu , Zhang Xin , Chou Ching‐Heng , Hsueh Ming‐Feng , Attarian David , Li Yi‐Ju , Kraus Virginia Byers
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the association of dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP‐4; also known as CD26) with cellular senescence of human cartilage and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Articular cartilage sections and chondrocytes were acquired from 35 individuals undergoing total knee replacement for OA to evaluate the following: 1) the association between OA severity and established senescence markers (senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity and p16), which was quantified using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry (n = 19 samples); 2) the coexpression of DPP‐4 with established senescence markers, which was assessed using flow cytometry; and 3) expression levels of anabolic and catabolic genes, senescence‐related genes, and senescence‐associated secretory phenotypes in DPP‐4+ and DPP‐4– cells, which were isolated using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting or magnetic‐activated cell sorting (n = 16 samples). The concentration of soluble DPP‐4 was measured in samples of synovial fluid and samples of plasma from the Prediction of Osteoarthritis Progression cohort and then evaluated for association with the severity of radiographic knee OA at baseline (n = 65 samples) and the progression of structural radiographic OA (n = 57 samples) over a 3‐year period.

Results

DPP‐4 expression was associated with higher senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, p16 expression, senescence‐related gene and catabolic gene (ADAMTS5, MMP13, IL6, and IL8) expression, higher senescence‐associated secretory phenotype secretion, and lower anabolic gene (COL2A1 and ACAN) expression in primary chondrocytes. Synovial fluid DPP‐4 concentration was associated with radiographic OA progression (odds ratio 105.32; P = 0.015), proteases (synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 3), aggrecan degradation (synovial fluid sulfated glycosaminoglycan), indicators of activated macrophages (synovial fluid CD14 and CD163), and inflammation (synovial fluid interleukin‐6).

Conclusion

Our study identifies DPP‐4 as a key surface marker in senescent chondrocytes and a predictor of radiographic OA progression.

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Gender tagging of named entities using retrieval‐assisted multi‐context aggregation: An unsupervised approach
Authors: Das Sudeshna , Paik Jiaul H.
Published: January 2023

Inferring the gender of named entities present in a text has several practical applications in information sciences. Existing approaches toward name gender identification rely exclusively on using the gender distributions from labeled data. In the absence of such labeled data, these methods fail. In this article, we propose a two‐stage model that is able to infer the gender of names present in text without requiring explicit name‐gender labels. We use coreference resolution as the backbone for our proposed model. To aid coreference resolution where the existing contextual information does not suffice, we use a retrieval‐assisted context aggregation framework. We demonstrate that state‐of‐the‐art name gender inference is possible without supervision. Our proposed method matches or outperforms several supervised approaches and commercially used methods on five English language datasets from different domains.
The “Nitrogen Effect”: Complexation with Macrocycles Potentiates Fused Heterocycles to Form Halogen Bonds in Competitive Solvents
Authors: Twum Kwaku , Nadimi Sanaz , Osei Frank Boateng , Puttreddy Rakesh , Ojong Yvonne Bessem , Hayward John J. , Rissanen Kari , Trant John F. , Beyeh Ngong Kodiah
Published: January 2023

Weak intermolecular forces are typically very difficult to observe in highly competitive polar protic solvents as they are overwhelmed by the quantity of competing solvent. This is even more challenging for three‐component ternary assemblies of pure organic compounds. In this work, we overcome these complications by leveraging the binding of fused aromatic N‐heterocycles in an open resorcinarene cavity to template the formation of a three‐component halogen‐bonded ternary assembly in a protic polar solvent system.
Tuning metabolic efficiency for increased product yield in high titer fed‐batch Chinese hamster ovary cell culture
Authors: Helfer Apolline , Gros Sylvain , Kolwyck Dave , Karst Daniel J.
Published: January 2023

High demand in manufactured biologics drives the continued need for increased productivity. In this study elevated lactate metabolization resulted in improved metabolic efficiency and cellular productivity for a readily intensified high titer fed‐batch process. Scheduled base or lactate feeds during the stationary growth phase led to increased titers (+9% and +8% respectively) without impacting the overall growth performance. The higher lactate consumption induced by either feed strategy substituted for glutamate catabolism and consequently reduced ammonia build‐up. Direct correlation between increased titers and reduced ammonia levels was shown. Product quality attributes were impacted by both feeding strategies but could be matched with the control process by shortening the cell culture duration while maintaining titer constant.
Oral application of magnesium‐L‐threonate enhances analgesia and reduces the dosage of opioids needed in advanced cancer patients—A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Wu Siyin , Jin Tian , Ma Bingjie , Ji Yun , Huang Xuehua , Wang Peiliang , Liu Xiaoming , Krylov Boris V. , Liu Xianguo , Ma Ke
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effects of oral administration of magnesium‐L‐threonate, a novel magnesium compound, on the analgesic effect of opioids in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomized, double‐blind trial at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Eligible cancer patients who took opioids orally were assigned randomly to receive L‐TAMS capsules (1.5 g or 2.0 g according to weight) or a placebo (starch capsules). The primary outcome was the increase in the daily oral dose of morphine in each of the two groups, measured at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 days during this trial.

Results

A total of 116 patients from the oncology and pain departments, including inpatients and outpatients, were screened; 83 were enrolled. The increases in daily morphine doses began to differ from day 30 (L‐TAMS group 9.85 mg/d vs. Placebo group 20.49 mg/d, p < 0.05); the differences persisted on day 60 (L‐TAMS group 15.96 mg/d vs. Placebo group 29.06 mg/d, p < 0.05) and on day 90 (L‐TAMS group 21.20 mg/d vs. Placebo group 40.44 mg/d, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

L‐TAMS outperforms a placebo in enhancing the analgesic effect of opioids and reducing the necessary opioid dosage. Moreover, L‐TAMS can significantly relieve opioid‐induced constipation. These advantages may be beneficial to patients with advanced cancer.
Traditional Plants Used in Southern Brazil as a Source to Wound Healing Therapies
Authors: Antonio Pereira Isabela , Judah Cury Benhur , Kaio Silva Nunes Ruan , Mota da Silva Luisa
Published: January 2023

In southern Brazil, the biodiversity is great and the traditional use of medicinal plants for wound healing has been documented in ethnobotanical studies and pharmacological studies have assessed their wound properties and phytochemistry. Therefore, this study evaluated ethnobotanical surveys regarding medicinal plants used in southern Brazil for wound healing and studies about the healing properties of these plants published between 2000 and 2022. To retrieve articles related to the study, Web of Science, PubMed (NLM), Open Access Journals, Scielo, Lilacs, and Google Scholar, with keywords including medicinal plants, wound healing, and South of Brazil, have been used. As a result, 73 medicinal plants belonging to 39 families were found in ethnobotanical surveys as a traditional resource used for wound healing in southern Brazil, 15 of which were cited more than once. Besides, 14 of these 15 plants were also used as healing agents worldwide. The most cited plant with healing actions in southern Brazil was Symphytum officinale L. (comfrey). From 2000 to date, 44 articles scientifically demonstrated the wound‐healing effects of the southern Brazilian plants found in ethnobotanical surveys reviewed. The folk medicine of southern Brazil presents a variety of medicinal plants for wound‐healing purposes, and scientific data were found for some of those plants. However, the wound‐healing properties of many plants have yet to be investigated, and the current literature still needs more phytochemical information about the plants studied. Aside from this, the future focus should be on the standardization of herbal extracts, and further research is required to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms. Clinical research in this area remains in its infancy and warrants more robust further clinical studies.
Adsorption auf der ACHEMA 2022
Authors: Bläker Christian , Roehnert Mats , van Kessel Nils , Steinhaus Julian , Mauer Volker , Bathen Dieter
Published: January 2023

Nach einer längeren pandemiebedingten Pause fand 2022 in Frankfurt wieder die ACHEMA statt, auf der sich auch zahlreiche Firmen aus dem Bereich Adsorption präsentierten. Das weit gefächerte Ausstellerfeld reichte von Adsorbentienherstellern über Messgeräteentwickler bis hin zu Anlagenbauern. Der Bericht umfasst Trends und Neuerungen aus der Adsorptionstechnik, die auf den Ständen präsentiert und in Gesprächen mit den Ausstellern thematisiert wurden.
Electronic Modulation and Mechanistic Study of Ru‐Decorated Porous Cu‐Rich Cuprous Oxide for Robust Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation and Evolution Reactions
Authors: Liu Yi , Cheng Lianrui , Huang Yi , Yang Yuting , Rao Xianfa , Zhou Shuqing , Taylor Isimjan Tayirjan , Yang Xiulin
Published: January 2023

Rational design of high‐efficiency and viable electrocatalysts is essential in overcoming the bottleneck of sluggish alkaline hydrogen oxidation/evolution reaction (HOR/HER) kinetics. In this study, a metal‐organic framework‐derived strategy for constructing a Pt‐free catalyst with Ru clusters anchored on porous Cu−Cu2O@C is proposed. The designed Ru/Cu−Cu2O@C exhibits superior HOR performance, with a mass activity of 2.7 mA 
at 50 mV, which is about 24 times higher than that of state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C (0.11 mA 
). Significantly, Ru/Cu−Cu2O@C also displays impressive HER performance by generating 26 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which exceeds the majority of documented Ru‐based electrocatalysts. Systematic characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that efficient electron transfer between Ru and Cu species results in an attenuated hydrogen binding energy (HBE) of Ru and an enhanced hydroxy binding energy (OHBE) of Cu2O, together with an optimized H2O adsorption energy with Cu2O as the H2O*‐capturing site, which jointly facilitates HOR and HER kinetics.
Estimating total species richness: Fitting rarefaction by asymptotic approximation
Authors: Zou Yi , Zhao Peng , Axmacher Jan Christoph
Published: January 2023

Estimating the number of species in a community is important for assessments of biodiversity. Previous species richness estimators are mainly based on nonparametric approaches. Although parametric asymptotic models have been applied, they received limited attention due to specific limitations. Here, we introduce parametric models fitting the probability‐based rarefied species richness curve that allow us to estimate the “Total Expected Species” (TES) in a community based on species' abundance data. We develop two approaches to calculate TES (termed “TESa” and “TESb”), based on two slightly different mathematical assumptions regarding Expected Species (ES) models. We provide R functions to calculate both these estimation approaches and their standard deviation. The function also enables users to visualize the estimation. We test the performance of TESa, TESb, and their average (TESab) across simulated and empirical data, and compare their bias, precision, and accuracy with other commonly used, nonparametric species richness estimators: the bias‐corrected (bc‐)Chao1 and the abundance‐based coverage estimator (ACE). Simulation reveals that in small samples TESa shows a tendency to overestimate and TESb to underestimate overall species richness. TESab performs well in bias, precision, and accuracy when compared with (bc‐)Chao1 and ACE estimators. Results from empirical data show that the variance generated from TES estimates is comparable with that for (bc‐)Chao1 and ACE. Our study demonstrates that rarefaction theory in combination with parametric approximation models provides a valuable new approach to estimate the species richness of incompletely sampled communities. Robust estimates are likely to be obtained where the observed number of species is greater than half of the TES estimation. When the ratio of TESa to the observed richness is ≫2, we suggest the use of TESb or TESab. Although more comprehensive comparisons with other estimators are suggested, we encourage researchers to consider the TES approach in their biodiversity studies as a complement to current existing estimators.
Sulfur Monoxide Release and Capture: A Computational Study
Authors: Idzko Paul , Wagner J. Philipp
Published: January 2023

Thermolysis of thiirane oxide leads to production of highly reactive sulfur monoxide. The liberated SO can in turn be trapped with a diene scavenger forming dihydrothiophene oxide. Since the intermediate diatomic possesses a triplet ground state, the SO transfer can proceed on two spin‐state surfaces. Here, we study the competition between singlet concerted and stepwise triplet diradical mechanisms utilizing the M06‐2X density functional as well as CCSD(T) and MRCI+Q wavefunction theories. We find that the decomposition of thiirane oxide prefers to pass through a triplet diradical intermediate that becomes accessible from a nearby minimum energy crossing point (MECP). Hence, the thermolysis of thiirane oxide is expected to predominantly release triplet ground state sulfur monoxide in agreement with previous experimental reports. The addition of 3SO to 1,3‐butadiene initially generates an allylic diradical, that ring‐closes to a thiirane oxide through another MECP, and a subsequent rearrangement gives access to the final product.
Nucleophilicities of Cyclic α‐Diazo Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Li Le , Hsu Jer‐Ray , Zhao Hongqing , Ofial Armin R.
Published: January 2023

The one‐bond nucleophilic reactivities of seven cyclic α‐diazo carbonyl compounds in dichloromethane were determined by analyzing the kinetics of their reactions with benzhydrylium ions (one‐bond reference electrophiles) at 20 °C according to the Mayr‐Patz equation. Though not calibrated for pericyclic reactions, the identified nucleophilicities also reflect relative reactivities of the α‐diazo carbonyl compounds in 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. These (3+2)‐cycloadditions primarily gave spirocyclic 3H‐pyrazoles, which underwent thermal [1,5]‐sigmatropic (van Alphen‐Hüttel) rearrangements to furnish 1H‐pyrazole‐fused tricyclic products.
Evaluating the Protectiveness of a Bioavailability-Based Environmental Quality Standard for the Protection of Aquatic Communities from Zinc Toxicity Based on Field Evidence
Authors: Peters Adam , Wilson Iain , Cooper Christopher A. , Ryan Adam , Van Assche Frank , Winbow Howard
Published: January 2023

Environmental quality standards (EQS) are typically derived from the results of laboratory studies on single species. There is always uncertainty surrounding the protectiveness of an EQS when applied to real ecosystems containing a multitude of chemical and physical stressors. Quantile regression was used with field biological data on invertebrates in United Kingdom waters to identify taxa that are responsive to bioavailable zinc exposures. A threshold based on the total abundance of eight responsive taxa is used as an indicator of the overall ecosystem sensitivity. The inclusion of some responsive but insensitive taxa in this ecological metric could bias the results toward a higher threshold. The least responsive species were progressively removed from the collective ecological metric, basing the analysis on a progressively smaller number of the more responsive species. Quantile regression analysis at the 95th quantile for the three most responsive taxa resulted in a 10% effect concentration of 14.8 µg L−1 bioavailable zinc, suggesting that the EQS of 10.9 µg L−1 bioavailable zinc is sufficiently protective of sensitive members of the invertebrate community. There is a compromise between the robustness of the analysis and the sensitivity of the subcommunity that it is based on. Analyses based on fewer taxa provide a more sensitive result. This approach assessed real ecosystem data and evaluated the uncertainty associated with the protectiveness of the EQS for zinc. The zinc EQS is sufficiently protective of sensitive members of benthic macroinvertebrate communities under real environmental conditions, including a mix of multiple substances. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1010–1021. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Advances in forecasting: An introduction in light of the debate on inflation forecasting
Authors: Banerjee Anindya , Hall Stephen G. , Kouretas Georgios P. , Tavlas George S.
Published: January 2023

The sharp rise in inflation during the past few years has engendered comparisons with the great inflation of the 1970s and early 1980s. Like that earlier episode, the recent inflation has been underpinned by supply‐side shocks and, in the case of the United States, by highly accommodative fiscal and monetary policies. Like that early episode, the recent inflation has been largely unpredicted; it caught US policy makers by surprise, despite the fact that several prominent economists had warned early on that fiscal and monetary policies were setting the stage for an upsurge in inflation. To motivate this special issue, we provide a brief account of the policy miscues and policy debates that resulted from the large forecast errors in predicting the upsurge in inflation in 2021 and 2022. We then provide an overview of the papers in this issue, which address a range of methodological and empirical issues related to forecasting and highlight the dilemmas faced by agents within the economy and policy makers.
A tale of two premiums revisited
Authors: Maréchal Loïc
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the effect of the “financialization” of commodity markets in terms of pricing. I explore whether the emergence of commodity index traders (CITs) affects weekly returns and turnover during the roll periods. I split the sample (1994–2017) into prefinancialization (1994–2003) and postfinancialization (2004–2017). I directly test whether the CIT market share (CIT/open interest) contributes to commodity returns and whether risk adjustments (based on momentum, basis, basis‐momentum, open interest, crowding, and average factors) alter liquidity and insurance premiums documented in Kang, Rouwenhorst, and Tang. I also examine how the financialization affects liquidity and insurance premiums. Finally, since previous results are obtained with Fama–MacBeth regressions, I use an alternative method to test how liquidity and insurance premiums determine commodity returns.
The role of 25(OH)D3 and circRNAs in early diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zou Jinghui , Liu Yan , Shen Jun , Xue Aijiao , Yan Lulu , Zhang Yisheng
Published: January 2023

Objective

To explore the relationship between 25(OH)D3 and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the early diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to screen for biological markers for early prediction of GDM.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using samples and data collected from pregnant women registered at the Li Huili hospital in China between April 2018 and January 2020. Four circRNAs (hsa_circ_0003218, hsa_circ_0002968, hsa_circ_0007430, and hsa_circ_0006260) were selected as potential biomarkers, and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to measure their concentration in the serum and to analyze their correlation with 25(OH)D3. The Pearson correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the 25(OH)D3, circRNAs, and various clinical variables. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of circRNAs and 25(OH)D3 in the early stage of pregnancy.

Results

Weight, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and 25(OH)D3 were found to be risk factors for GDM. The level of 25(OH)D3 correlated significantly with HDL‐C with a correlation coefficient of 0.298 (p < 0.05). The expression of hsa_circ_0003218 was significantly downregulated in the GDM group (p < 0.05). Hsa_circ_0002968, hsa_circ_0007430, and hsa_circ_0006260 did not show any differential expression between the two groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, hsa_circ_0003218 level correlated significantly with 25(OH)D3 and the correlation coefficient was 0.357 (p < 0.05). The AUC of hsa_circ_0003218 combined with 25(OH)D3 was 0.789 ([0.700–0.877], p < 0.001), with sensitivity and specificity of 63.04% and 80.65%, respectively.

Conclusions

Hsa_circ_0003218 and 25(OH)D3 may jointly participate in the metabolic process of GDM. Thus, the combination of 25(OH)D3 and hsa_circ_0003218 represents a potential biomarker for the prediction of GDM in the early stages of pregnancy.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease incidence among male patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A single‐center cross‐sectional study in southern Iran
Authors: Gholamnezhad Fereshteh , Qeisari Ahmad , Shahriarirad Reza
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are among the most common gastrointestinal disorders in which the overlap of these diseases and their syndromes has been frequently reported. In this study, we aimed to evaluate GERD incidence among IBS patients and the related risk factors.

Methods

Male patients aged 18–60 years with an impression of IBS and referred to the gastrointestinal clinic from March 2019 to 2020 in Shiraz, Iran, were included in this study.

Results

Among the 163 enrolled patients with an average age of 31.53 ± 9.38 years, 64 (39.3%) were diagnosed with GERD. Based on statistical analysis, there was a significant association between GERD and the IBS patients' age (P = 0.006), smoking (P = 0.011), and alcohol consumption (P = 0.043). Also, GERD among IBS patients was significantly associated with the type of IBS (P < 0.001), with IBS‐D having the lowest incidence (19.4%) and IBS‐M the highest incidence of GERD (66.7%). Based on multivariate analysis, smoking had a reverse and significant correlation with lower incidence of GERD (OR = −1.364; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that among male IBS patients, younger age, smoking, and alcohol consumption were among the risk factors for GERD. These findings may provide further insight into the best approach to treating these diseases.
An immunoinformatics and structural vaccinology study to design a multi‐epitope vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus infection
Authors: Chatterjee Rahul , Mahapatra Soumya Ranjan , Dey Jyotirmayee , Raj Takur Kiran , Raina Vishakha , Misra Namrata , Suar Mrutyunjay
Published: January 2023

Staphylococcus aureus has been widely reported to be majorly responsible for causing nosocomial infections worldwide. Due to an increase in antibiotic‐resistant strains, the development of an effective vaccine against the bacteria is the most viable alternative. Therefore, in the current work, an effort has been undertaken to develop a novel peptide‐based vaccine construct against S aureus that can potentially evoke the B and T cell immune responses. The fibronectin‐binding proteins are an attractive target as they play a prominent role in bacterial adherence and host cell invasion and are also well conserved among rapidly mutating pathogens. Therefore, highly immunogenic linear B lymphocytes (LBL), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and helper T lymphocytes (HTL) epitopes were identified from the antigenic fibronectin‐binding proteins A and B (FnBPA and FnBPB) of S aureus using immunoinformatics approaches. The selected peptides were confirmed to be non‐allergenic, non‐toxic, and with a high binding affinity to the majority of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) alleles. Consequently, the multi‐peptide vaccine construct was developed by fusing the screened epitopes (three LBL, five CTL, and two HTL) together with the suitable adjuvant and linkers. In addition, the tertiary conformation of the peptide construct was modeled and later docked to the Toll‐like receptor 2. Subsequently, a molecular dynamics simulation of 100 ns was employed to corroborate the stability of the designed vaccine‐receptor complex. Besides exhibiting high immunogenicity and conformational stability, the developed vaccine was observed to possess wide population coverage of 99.51% worldwide. Additional in vivo and in vitro validation studies would certainly corroborate the designed vaccine construct to have improved prophylactic efficacy against S aureus.
Role of noncoding RNAs with emphasis on long noncoding RNAs as cervical cancer biomarkers
Authors: Sabeena Sasidharanpillai
Published: January 2023

Cervical cancer is a significant public health problem in developing countries, as most cases present at an advanced stage. This review aimed to analyze the role of noncoding RNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cervical cancers. Published studies on specific microRNA signatures in body fluids and cervical cancer tissues are highly heterogeneous, and there are no validated assays. The precision of the various immune‐associated long noncoding (lncRNA) signatures should be assessed in clinical samples. Even though lncRNAs are tissue and cancer‐specific, safe and appropriate methods for delivery to tumor tissues, toxicities and side effects are to be explored. Few studies have evaluated deregulated lncRNA expression levels with clinicopathological factors in a limited number of clinical samples. Prospective studies assessing the diagnostic and prognostic roles of circulating lncRNAs and P‐Element‐induced wimpy testis interacting PIWI RNAs (Piwil RNAs) in cervical cancer cases are essential. For the clinical application of lnc‐RNA‐based biomarkers, comprehensive research is needed as the impact of noncoding transcripts on molecular pathways is complex. The standardization and validation of deregulated ncRNAs in noninvasive samples of cervical cancer cases are needed.
Multilevel outcomes of creativity in organizations: An integrative review and agenda for future research
Authors: Lua Egan , Liu Dong , Shalley Christina E.
Published: January 2023

Employee creativity is critical for an organization's innovativeness and survival in today's competitive business environment. As such, scholars have devoted significant attention to the predictors of employee creativity, seeking to understand how to best increase employees' creative output. However, employee creativity may not always translate into organizational innovation and performance. In fact, employee creativity may result in various outcomes for creative individuals, their coworkers, teams, and organizations. While there have been several integrative reviews on the antecedents of creativity, an in‐depth review of the outcomes of creativity is still needed to gain a holistic understanding of the benefits and costs of employee creativity and identify fruitful areas for future research. Thus, we aim to provide a comprehensive multilevel examination of the theories, methods, and creativity‐related constructs used to examine the outcomes of creativity. We also provide several theoretical and empirical opportunities for future research. This review may provide managers with knowledge of the pros and cons of employee creativity, enabling them to make informed decisions on how to better manage employee creativity.
Consumer perception of salt‐reduced bread with the addition of brown seaweed evaluated under blinded and informed conditions
Authors: Gorman Mackenzie , Moss Rachael , Barker Sophie , Falkeisen Anika , Knowles Sophie , McSweeney Matthew B
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Many consumers have a high salt intake and bread is a primary source because of its high rate of consumption. The inclusion of seaweeds has been proposed as an ingredient that could help reduce the salt content of food products. As such, the present study aimed to evaluate whether the amount of salt in bread could be reduced and the change in sensory properties be mitigated by the inclusion of brown seaweed. There were two different sensory trials conducted. In the first trial, participants (n = 102) evaluated bread made with brown seaweed (4% substitution for flour) with reduced amounts of salt (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%). The second trial asked participants (n = 98) to evaluate the control bread and the 20% salt‐reduced bread in blinded and informed conditions. In both sensory trials, the breads samples were assessed using hedonic scales, just‐about‐right scales, and check‐all‐that‐apply.

RESULTS

The results showed that the 10% and 20% salt‐reduced breads were acceptable and associated with being soft, chewy and having no aftertaste. The other breads were associated with a dense, dry and strong aftertaste, along with not being salty enough for the consumers. When the breads were evaluated in informed conditions, the salt reduction label had a negative impact on the consumers' liking.

CONCLUSION

The research emphasizes that salt‐reduced labels influence consumers' sensory perception. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Cancer risk‐reducing surgery: Brazilian society of surgical oncology guideline part 1 (gynecology and breast)
Authors: Carneiro Vandré Cabral Gomes , Gifoni Ana Carolina Leite Vieira Costa , Mauro Rossi Benedito , Andrade Carlos Eduardo Mattos da Cunha , Lima Fernanda Teresa de , Galvão Henrique de Campos Reis , Casali da Rocha Jose Claudio , Silva Barreto Leonardo Silveira da , Ashton‐Prolla Patrícia , Guindalini Rodrigo Santa Cruz , Farias Terence Pires de , Andrade Wesley Pereira , Fernandes Paulo Henrique de Sousa , Ribeiro Reitan , Lopes Andre , Tsunoda Audrey Tieko , Azevedo Bruno Roberto Braga , Marins Carlos Augusto Martinez , Oliveira Uchôa Diego Nunes de Albuquerque , Dos Santos Evandro Airton Sordi , Fernández Coimbra Felipe José , Dias Filho Francisco Alcides , Lopes Francisco Carlos de Oliveira , Fernandes Francisco Guilherme , Ritt Guilherme Fonteles , Laporte Gustavo Andreazza , Guimaraes Gustavo Cardoso , Feitosa e Castro Neto Heládio , dos Santos Jocela Cristina , de Carvalho Vilela Jordana Botelho , Meinhardt Junior Jorge Guardiola , Cunha Juliano Rodrigues da , Medeiros Milhomem Leonardo , da Silva Luciana Mata , Maciel Luiza de Freitas , Ramalho Nathalia Moreira , Leite Nunes Rafael , Guido de Araújo Rodrigo , de Assunção Ehrhardt Rogério , Delgado Bocanegra Ronald Enrique , Silva Junior Tyrone Cesar , Oliveira Viviane Rezende de , Silva Surimã Walyson , de Melo Melquiades Miriam , Ribeiro Heber Salvador de Castro , Oliveira Alexandre Ferreira
Published: January 2023

Background

Risk‐reducing operations are an important part of the management of hereditary predisposition to cancer. In selected cases, they can considerably reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with cancer in this population.

Objectives

The Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO) developed this guideline to establish national benchmarks for cancer risk‐reducing operations.

Methods

The guideline was prepared from May to December 2021 by a multidisciplinary team of experts to discuss the surgical management of cancer predisposition syndromes. Fourteen questions were defined and assigned to expert groups that reviewed the literature and drafted preliminary recommendations. Following a review by the coordinators and a second review by all participants, the groups made final adjustments, classified the level of evidence, and voted on the recommendations.

Results

For all questions including risk‐reduction bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, hysterectomy, and mastectomy, major agreement was achieved by the participants, always using accessible alternatives.

Conclusion

This and its accompanying article represent the first guideline in cancer risk reduction surgery developed by the BSSO, and it should serve as an important reference for the management of families with cancer predisposition.