bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early abolition of cough reflex predicts mortality in deeply sedated brain-injured patients
Authors: Kandelman Stanislas , Allary Jérémy , Porcher Raphael , Righy Cássia , Valdez Clarissa Francisca , Rasulo Frank , Heming Nicholas , Moneger Guy , Azabou Eric , Savary Guillaume , Annane Djillali , Chretien Fabrice , Latronico Nicola , Bozza Fernando Augusto , Rohaut Benjamin , Sharshar Tarek ,   Groupe d’Exploration Neurologique en Réanimation (GENeR)
Published: November 2020

Background

Deep sedation may hamper the detection of neurological deterioration in brain-injured patients. Impaired brainstem reflexes within the first 24 h of deep sedation are associated with increased mortality in non-brain-injured patients. Our objective was to confirm this association in brain-injured patients.

Methods

This was an observational prospective multicenter cohort study involving four neuro-intensive care units. We included acute brain-injured patients requiring deep sedation, defined by a Richmond Assessment Sedation Scale (RASS) < −3. Neurological assessment was performed at day 1 and included pupillary diameter, pupillary light, corneal and cough reflexes, and grimace and motor response to noxious stimuli. Pre-sedation Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS-II) were collected, as well as the cause of death in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Results

A total of 137 brain-injured patients were recruited, including 70 (51%) traumatic brain-injured patients, 40 (29%) vascular (subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral hemorrhage). Thirty patients (22%) died in the ICU. At day 1, the corneal (OR 2.69, p = 0.034) and cough reflexes (OR 5.12, p = 0.0003) were more frequently abolished in patients that died in the ICU. In a multivariate analysis, abolished cough reflex was associated with ICU mortality after adjustment to pre-sedation GCS, SAPS-II, RASS (OR: 5.19, 95% CI [1.92–14.1], p = 0.001) or dose of sedatives (OR: 8.89, 95% CI [2.64–30.0], p = 0.0004).

Conclusion

Early (day 1) cough reflex abolition is an independent predictor of mortality in deeply sedated brain-injured patients. Abolished cough reflex likely reflects a brainstem dysfunction that might result from the combination of primary and secondary neuro-inflammatory cerebral insults revealed and/or worsened by sedation.
Evolutionary dynamics and geographic dispersal of beta coronaviruses in African bats
Authors: Motayo Babatunde O. , Oluwasemowo Olukunle Oluwapamilerin , Akinduti Paul A.
Published: November 2020

Bats have been shown to serve as reservoir host of various viral agents including coronaviruses. They have also been associated with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This has made them an all important agent for CoV evolution and transmission. Our objective in this study was to investigate the dispersal, phylogenomics and evolution of betacoronavirus (βCoV) among African bats. We retrieved sequence data from established databases such as GenBank and Virus Pathogen Resource, covering the partial RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene of bat coronaviruses from eight African, three Asian, five European, two South American countries and Australia. We analyzed for phylogeographic information relating to genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics. Our study revealed that majority of the African strains fell within Norbecovirus subgenera, with an evolutionary rate of 1.301 × 10−3, HPD (1.064 × 10−3–1.434 × 10−3) subs/site/year. The African strains diversified into three main subgenera, Norbecovirus, Hibecovirus and Merbecovirus. The time to most common recent ancestor for Norbecovirus strains was 1973, and 2007, for the African Merbecovirus strains. There was evidence of inter species transmission of Norbecovirus among bats in Cameroun and DRC. Phlylogeography showed that there were inter-continental spread of Bt-CoV from Europe, China and Hong Kong into Central and Southern Africa, highlighting the possibility of long distance transmission. Our study has elucidated the possible evolutionary origins of βCoV among African bats; we therefore advocate for broader studies of whole genome sequences of BtCoV to further understand the drivers for their emergence and zoonotic spillovers into human population.
Partial restoration of normal intestinal microbiota in morbidly obese women six months after bariatric surgery
Authors: Koffert Jukka , Lahti Leo , Nylund Lotta , Salminen Seppo , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Salminen Paulina , de Vos Willem M. , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: November 2020

We studied the impact of bariatric surgery on the intestinal microbiota of morbidly obese study subjects. A total of 13 morbidly obese women (five of which had type 2 diabetes) and 14 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were recruited and the microbiota composition of fecal samples were determined by using a phylogenetic microarray. Sampling of the patients took place just one month before and 6 months after the operation. Within six months after bariatric surgery, the obese subjects had lost on average a quarter of their weight whereas four of the five of the diabetic subjects were in remission. Bariatric surgery was associated with an increased microbial community richness and Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio. In addition, we observed an increased relative abundance of facultative anaerobes, such as Streptococcus spp., and a reduction in specific butyrate-producing Firmicutes. The observed postoperative alterations in intestinal microbiota reflect adaptation to the changing conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as energy restriction and the inability to process fiber-rich foods after bariatric surgery.
Evaluation of CropSyst Model to Simulate the Effect of Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels on Clusterbean
Authors: Mandeewal Rameshwr Lal , Soni M. L. , Gulati I. J. , Shivran Hansraj , Kumar Raj , Choudhary Ramesh
Published: November 2020

An experiment entitled “Evaluation of the CropSyst model to simulate the effect of irrigation and nitrogen levels on clusterbean” was carried out at village Bajju, Bikaner, Rajasthan during kharif season of 2016. The treatment comprising 3 levels of irrigation (100, 200 and 300 mm) and 4 levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N/ha) comprising a total of 12 treatment combinations in split plot design with four replications. The simulation of CropSyst model was utilized to quantify and verify the interactive effect of different irrigation and nitrogen treatments on the productivity of clusterbean using measurements from field experiment. The soil of site are loamy sand having 86.3, 7.8 and 5.9 % of sand, silt and clay, respectively in 0-15 cm soil depth with pH 8.1 and low soil organic matter content (0.13%). The prediction of the model for seed yield and biomass was acceptable with 17.1 and 22.1 % of RMSE which may be considered good prediction by the model. However, the simulated N-uptake was over predicted by model and did not agreed with field measurements with 39.8% RMSE. The soil moisture content at different stages of growth was well simulated by CropSyst. The RMSE of moisture content ranged from 0.0123 to 0.0278 in clusterbean.
Umbilical Cord Blood Culture in General in the Diagnosis of Sageis Newborns
Authors: Porval Naredra P. , Reshmi Kanvikar , Potdar D. B. , Karanjkar S. B.
Published: November 2020

Worldwide neonatal sepsis is among the most frequent causes of neonatal death. Various studies have tried to establish the relationship between prevalence of neonatal septicemia risk factors and bacteriological profiling, low birth weight, prematurity, etc. Current study was aimed to compare early onset of neonatal sepsis (EONS) among primigravida and multigravida mothers using umbilical cord blood (UCB) and peripheral venous blood (PVB) samples. It was also aimed to establish the utilization of umbilical cord blood culture (UCBC) in comparison to peripheral venous blood culture (PVBC) in identifying EONS. In present study the blood samples were collected from high risk neonates for the clinical blood culture and screening. Among the 75 neonates in the study, 24 (32.0%) were observed to have sepsis screen positive. Study of high risk neonates umbilical cord blood culture (UCBC) positivity was 17.3% while Peripheral Venous blood culture positivity was 5.3%. Moreover,  in this study all risk factors like Prematurity, Low birth weights, Premature rupture of membrane, and birth asphyxia were significantly (p<0.05) associated with UCBC growth/positivity. Low birth weight (86%) was mostly reported in the high risk neonates with other associated sepsis factors. Similarly maternal fever and prolonged rupture of membrane was highly significantly (p<0.01) associated with UCBC positivity. Gram negative bacterias  were  more  commonly found,  such as Pseudomonas (5.3%), followed by E. coli (4%), and Klebsiella (2.7%) and gram positive Streptococcus sp. (2.7%), etc. From our analysis it can be said that the UCBC has strong diagnostic outcomes as compared to the PVBC for etiological evaluation of bacterial sepsis in neonates at high risk.
The Impact of Self‐Efficacy on Activity Limitations in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: Results From a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Bieler Theresa , Anderson Thomas , Beyer Nina , Rosthøj Susanne
Published: November 2020

Objective

Pain and activity limitations are the main health complaints in osteoarthritis. We explored pathways between pain and activity limitations in a chain mediation model that involved self‐efficacy, physical activity behavior, and muscle function in patients with hip osteoarthritis not awaiting hip replacement.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional, baseline data from a randomized controlled trial on 152 patients with clinical hip osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology not awaiting hip replacement. The associations between pain, self‐efficacy, self‐reported physical activity, muscle function (leg extensor power), and activity limitations (performance‐based and self‐reported activity limitation outcomes) were modeled using structural equation models.

Results

The effect of pain on performance‐based activity limitation was fully mediated by self‐efficacy, physical activity, and muscle function. Of the total effect of self‐efficacy on performance‐based activity limitation, the direct effect accounted for 63% (95% CI: 45%‐82%), whereas the indirect effect via physical activity constituted 16% (95% CI: 1%‐30%) and the indirect effect via muscle function constituted 21% (95% CI: 9%‐32%). In contrast, physical activity and muscle function had no effect on self‐reported activity limitations, whereas pain had a direct effect and an indirect effect mediated by self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that self‐efficacy should be taken into consideration in prevention and treatment of activity limitations in patients with hip osteoarthritis not awaiting hip replacement. Coupling exercise with programs of self‐efficacy enhancement could potentially increase the positive effects of exercise.
Ink Engineering of Transport Layers for 9.5% Efficient All‐Printed Semitransparent Nonfullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Corzo Daniel , Bihar Eloïse , Alexandre Emily Bezerra , Rosas‐Villalva Diego , Baran Derya
Published: November 2020

New polymer donors and nonfullerene acceptors have elevated the performance and stability of solar cells to higher grounds. To achieve their full potential, they require their adaptation to scalable and cost‐effective solution manufacturing techniques for large area deposition. Likewise, formulating scalable solution‐based transport layer inks that are compatible with the photoactive layer is imperative. This manuscript reports the full integration of solution‐based transport layers and electrode alongside a PTB7‐Th:IEICO‐4F bulk heterojunction in inverted architecture through inkjet‐printing, resulting in power conversion efficiencies up to 12.4% opaque devices and 9.5% semitransparent devices with average visible transmittance values of 50.1%, including hole transport layer. The wetting envelope of the highly‐hydrophobic photoactive layer alongside the surface energy of candidate solutions and solvents allows the formulation of thick transport layer inks that are compatible with the drop‐on‐demand inkjet‐printing process and yield uniform and homogenous films. Moreover, the surface energy components of the donor and acceptor serves as a fingerprint to assess the vertical stratification of the photoactive layer with the inclusion of different solvents. This methodology addresses a scale‐up bottleneck of solution‐based transport layers for high‐efficiency organic cells, enabling its adaptation to high‐throughput techniques including slot‐die and roll‐to‐roll coating.
Superhierarchical Inorganic/Organic Nanocomposites Exhibiting Simultaneous Ultrahigh Dielectric Energy Density and High Efficiency
Authors: Luo Bingcheng , Shen Zhonghui , Cai Ziming , Tian Enke , Yao Yuan , Li Baiwen , Kursumovic Ahmed , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. , Li Longtu , Chen Long‐Qing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: November 2020

Inorganic/organic dielectric nanocomposites have been extensively explored for energy storage applications for their ease of processing, flexibility, and low cost. However, achieving simultaneous high energy density and high efficiency under practically workable electric fields has been a long‐standing challenge. Guided by first‐principles calculations of interface properties and phase‐field simulations of the dynamic dielectric breakdown process, superhierarchical nanocomposites of ferroelectric perovskites, layered aluminosilicate nanosheets, and an organic polymer matrix are designed and simultaneous high energy density of 20 J cm−3 and high efficiency of 84% at a low electric field of 510 MV m−1 are achieved. This is the highest energy density of all the state‐of‐the‐art dielectric polymer nanocomposites with energy efficiency > 80% at a low electric field of <600 MV m−1. Strong atomic hybridization, large ionic displacement, the enhanced breakdown strength through forming charge‐blocking layers, and the superhierarchical microstructure with gradient interfaces are responsible for the high performances. This superhierarchical structuring modulation strategy is generally applicable to composites for different functionalities and applications.
Self‐Assembled Colloidal Nanopatterns toward Unnatural Optical Meta‐Materials
Authors: Wang Ke , Park Seong Hun , Zhu Jintao , Kim Jung Kyu , Zhang Lianbin , Yi Gi‐Ra
Published: November 2020

2D nanoscale patterns have been extensively investigated for various applications including information storage devices, non‐volatile memory devices, chemical or biological sensors. Recently, such nanostructured patterns have been gaining lots of attention because of their potential uses as meta‐materials or meta‐surfaces with unnatural optical properties. In particular, self‐assembled colloidal monolayers of gold nanoparticles (NPs) have been demonstrated as optical meta‐materials for unnaturally high refractive index (neff > 4) at optical frequency. Raspberry‐like particles or spherical assembly of NPs are also investigated for negative or near‐zero index of refraction. Thanks to the recent advance in colloidal chemistry for shaping NPs with controlling the interaction, non‐close‐packed, or even non‐periodic colloidal nanostructures can be achieved, which may be potentially useful for optical meta‐surfaces. In this article, a brief introduction of optical meta‐materials is provided and recent progress for high‐index and negative‐index meta‐materials are reviewed. In the second part, the meta‐surfaces will be briefly described including fundamental principle and some of the key potential applications. Finally, the recent experimental progress of high‐precision self‐assembly for the meta‐surface fabrication will be discussed.
T Cell‐Mediated Transport of Polymer Nanoparticles across the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Ayer Maxime , Schuster Markus , Gruber Isabelle , Blatti Claudia , Kaba Elisa , Enzmann Gaby , Burri Olivier , Guiet Romain , Seitz Arne , Engelhardt Britta , Klok Harm‐Anton
Published: November 2020

Delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Amongst various approaches that have been explored to facilitate drug delivery to the CNS, the use of cells that have the intrinsic ability to cross the BBB is relatively unexplored, yet very attractive. This paper presents a first proof‐of‐concept that demonstrates the feasibility of activated effector/memory CD4+ helper T cells (CD4+ TEM cells) as carriers for the delivery of polymer nanoparticles across the BBB. This study shows that CD4+ TEM cells can be decorated with poly(ethylene glycol)‐modified polystyrene nanoparticles using thiol–maleimide coupling chemistry, resulting in the immobilization of ≈105 nanoparticles per cell as determined by confocal microscopy. The ability of these cells to serve as carriers to transport nanoparticles across the BBB is established in vitro and in vivo. Using in vitro BBB models, CD4+ TEM cells are found to be able to transport nanoparticles across the BBB both under static conditions as well as under physiological flow. Finally, upon systemic administration, nanoparticle‐modified T cells are shown to enter the brain parenchyma of mice, demonstrating the brain delivery potential of this T cell subset in allogeneic hosts.
Nano versus Molecular: Optical Imaging Approaches to Detect and Monitor Tumor Hypoxia
Authors: Cheng Miffy Hok Yan , Mo Yulin , Zheng Gang
Published: November 2020

Hypoxia is a ubiquitous feature of solid tumors, which plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis and resistance development. Conventional hypoxia detection methods lack continuous functional detection and are generally less suitable for dynamic hypoxia measurement. Optical sensors hereby provide a unique opportunity to noninvasively image hypoxia with high spatiotemporal resolution and enable real‐time detection. Therefore, these approaches can provide a valuable tool for personalized treatment planning against this hallmark of aggressive cancers. Many small optical molecular probes can enable analyte triggered response and their photophysical properties can also be fine‐tuned through structural modification. On the other hand, optical nanoprobes can acquire unique intrinsic optical properties through nanoconfinement as well as enable simultaneous multimodal imaging and drug delivery. Furthermore, nanoprobes provide biological advantages such as improving bioavailability and systemic delivery of the sensor to enhance bioavailability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physical, chemical, and biological analytes for cancer hypoxia detection and focuses on discussing the latest nano‐ and molecular developments in various optical imaging approaches (fluorescence, phosphorescence, and photoacoustic) in vivo. Finally, this review concludes with a perspective toward the potentials of these optical imaging approaches in hypoxia detection and the challenges with molecular and nanotechnology design strategies.
All‐Solid‐State Batteries with a Limited Lithium Metal Anode at Room Temperature using a Garnet‐Based Electrolyte
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Zhang Jingxuan , Nie Lu , Hu Xiangchen , Huang Yuanqi , Yu Yi , Liu Wei
Published: November 2020

Metallic lithium (Li), considered as the ultimate anode, is expected to promise high‐energy rechargeable batteries. However, owing to the continuous Li consumption during the repeated Li plating/stripping cycling, excess amount of the Li metal anode is commonly utilized in lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs), leading to reduced energy density and increased cost. Here, an all‐solid‐state lithium‐metal battery (ASSLMB) based on a garnet‐oxide solid electrolyte with an ultralow negative/positive electrode capacity ratio (N/P ratio) is reported. Compared with the counterpart using a liquid electrolyte at the same low N/P ratios, ASSLMBs show longer cycling life, which is attributed to the higher Coulombic efficiency maintained during cycling. The effect of the species of the interface layer on the cycling performance of ASSLMBs with low N/P ratio is also studied. Importantly, it is demonstrated that the ASSLMB using a limited Li metal anode paired with a LiFePO4 cathode (5.9 N/P ratio) delivers a stable long‐term cycling performance at room temperature. Furthermore, it is revealed that enhanced specific energies for ASSLMBs with low N/P ratios can be further achieved by the use of a high‐voltage or high mass‐loading cathode. This study sheds light on the practical high‐energy all‐solid‐state batteries under the constrained condition of a limited Li metal anode.
Plant Nanobionic Sensors for Arsenic Detection
Authors: Lew Tedrick Thomas Salim , Park Minkyung , Cui Jianqiao , Strano Michael S.
Published: November 2020

Arsenic is a highly toxic heavy‐metal pollutant which poses a significant health risk to humans and other ecosystems. In this work, the natural ability of wild‐type plants to pre‐concentrate and extract arsenic from the belowground environment is exploited to engineer plant nanobionic sensors for real‐time arsenic detection. Near‐infrared fluorescent nanosensors are specifically designed for sensitive and selective detection of arsenite. These optical nanosensors are embedded in plant tissues to non‐destructively access and monitor the internal dynamics of arsenic taken up by the plants via the roots. The integration of optical nanosensors with living plants enables the conversion of plants into self‐powered autosamplers of arsenic from their environment. Arsenite detection is demonstrated with three different plant species as nanobionic sensors. Based on an experimentally validated kinetic model, the nanobionic sensor could detect 0.6 and 0.2 ppb levels of arsenic after 7 and 14 days respectively by exploiting the natural ability of Pteris cretica ferns to hyperaccumulate and tolerate exceptionally high level of arsenic. The sensor readout could also be interfaced with portable electronics at a standoff distance, potentially enabling applications in environmental monitoring and agronomic research.
Quasi‐Epitaxial Growth of Magnetic Nanostructures on 4H‐Au Nanoribbons
Authors: Cheng Hongfei , Yang Nailiang , Liu Xiaozhi , Guo Yilv , Liu Bin , Yang Jianhui , Chen Ye , Chen Bo , Fan Zhanxi , Lu Qipeng , Yuan Shijun , Wang Jinlan , Gu Lin , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2020

Phase engineering of nanomaterials is an effective strategy to tune the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials for various promising applications. Herein, by using the 4H‐Au nanoribbons as templates, four novel magnetic nanostructures, namely 4H‐Au @ 14H‐Co nanobranches, 4H‐Au @ 14H‐Co nanoribbons, 4H‐Au @ 2H‐Co nanoribbons, and 4H‐Au @ 2H‐Ni nanoribbons, are synthesized based on the quasi‐epitaxial growth. Different from the conventional epitaxial growth of metal nanomaterials, the obtained Co and Ni nanostructures possess different crystal phases from the Au template. Due to the large lattice mismatch between Au and the grown metals (i.e., Co and Ni), ordered misfit dislocations are generated at the Co/Au and Ni/Au interfaces. Notably, a new super‐structure of Co is formed, denoted as 14H. Both 4H‐Au @ 14H‐Co nanobranches and nanoribbons are ferromagnetic at room temperature, showing similar Curie temperature. However, their magnetic behaviors exhibit distinct temperature dependence, resulting from the competition between spin and volume fluctuations as well as the unique geometry. This work paves the way to the templated synthesis of nanomaterials with unconventional crystal phases for the exploration of phase‐dependent properties.
Facilitated Water Adsorption and Dissociation on Ni/Ni3S2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Porous S‐doped Carbon Nanosheet Arrays for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Yong , Patel Dipam M. , Tsang Chui‐Shan , Zhang Renqin , Liu Mengjie , Hwang Gyeong S. , Lee Lawrence Yoon Suk
Published: November 2020

Three‐dimensional carbon‐based catalysts grown on a conductive substrate offer superior electrocatalytic activities toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a novel method is described for in situ fabrication of hybrid Ni/Ni3S2 nanoparticles embedded in S‐doped carbon nanosheet arrays (Ni/Ni3S2/SC NSAs) on carbon cloth. With the morphological merits of large surface area and high conductivity, Ni/Ni3S2/SC NSAs are demonstrated as an efficient and durable HER catalyst that requires merely 90 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 81 mV dec−1. This excellent performance is ascribed to the excellent H2O adsorption property of S‐doped C layer and formation of Niδ+ and Sδ− species that promote the cleavage of H–OH bonds. First‐principles calculations further reveal that the Ni surface near the Ni/Ni3S2 interface has a larger water adsorption energy (Ead) and lower activation energy for water dissociation (Ea) than pure Ni and Ni3S2, which contribute to enhanced HER performance. This work offers valuable insights into the designing of interface between transition metal‐based catalysts and heteroatom‐doped carbon materials.
Solid Electrolytes for High‐Temperature Stable Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Kumaravel Vignesh , Bartlett John , Pillai Suresh C.
Published: November 2020

Reports of recent fire accidents in the electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) industries show that thermal runaway (TR) reactions are a key consideration for the industry. Utilization of solid electrolytes (SEs) could be an important solution in to the TR issues connected to exothermic electrochemical reactions. Data on the thermal stability of modern SEs, ionic transport mechanisms, kinetics, thermal models, recent advances, challenges, and future prospects are presented in this review. Ceramic polymer nanocomposites are the most appropriate SEs for high‐temperature stable batteries (in the range of 80–200 °C). Hydrogels and ionogels can be employed as stable, flexible, and mechanically durable SEs for antifreeze (up to –50 °C) and high‐temperature (up to 200 °C) applications in supercapacitors. Besides the thermal safety features, SEs can also prolong the lifecycle of energy storage devices in next‐generation EVs, space devices, aviation gadgets, defense tools, and mobile electronics.
Transition of the Reaction from Three‐Phase to Two‐Phase by Using a Hybrid Conductor for High‐Energy‐Density High‐Rate Solid‐State Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Zhao Changtai , Zhu Yuanmin , Sun Qian , Wang Changhong , Luo Jing , Lin Xiaoting , Yang Xiaofei , Zhao Yang , Li Ruying , Zhao Shangqian , Huang Huan , Zhang Li , Lu Shigang , Gu Meng , Sun Xueliang
Published: November 2020

Solid‐state Li‐O2 batteries possess the ability to deliver high energy density with enhanced safety. However, designing a highly functional solid‐state air electrode is the main bottleneck for its further development. Herein, we adopt a hybrid electronic and ionic conductor to build solid‐state air electrode that makes the transition of Li‐O2 battery electrochemical mechanism from a three‐phase process to a two‐phase process. The solid‐state Li‐O2 battery with this hybrid conductor solid‐state air electrode shows decreased interfacial resistance and enhanced reaction kinetics. The Coulombic efficiency of Li‐O2 battery is also significantly improved, benefiting from the good contact between discharge products and electrode materials. In situ environmental transmission electron microscopy under oxygen was used to illustrate the reversible deposition and decomposition of discharge products on the surface of this hybrid conductor, visually verifying the two‐phase reaction.
Modulating drug release from poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid microparticles by the addition of alginate and pectin
Authors: Karp Federico , Satler Florencia S. , Busatto Carlos A. , Luna Julio A. , Estenoz Diana A. , Turino Ludmila N.
Published: November 2020

The aim of the present work is the characterization of PLGA microparticles including biopolymers for the controlled release of tilmicosin, a broad‐spectrum antibiotic. Microparticles were prepared using the double‐emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effect of alginate and pectin incorporation over particle size and porosity, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and pH‐responsive drug release was evaluated. Formulations presented a mean particle size of 5.5 μm approximately and a drug EE ranged from 22%–57%. PLGA‐Alginate particles showed an increased porosity. Tilmicosin release profiles from PLGA and PLGA‐biopolymer microparticles were affected by the particular combination of polymers and the pH of the release medium. The experimental data was simulated using a mathematical model, which takes into account the autocatalytic polymer degradation and the different mechanisms of drug transport. The combination of PLGA and biopolymers strongly influenced the morphology of the particles, offering the possibility of controlling the drug release profiles according to the therapy.
An innovative approach to fabricate a thermosensitive melatonin‐loaded conductive pluronic/chitosan hydrogel for myocardial tissue engineering
Authors: Torabi Hadis , Mehdikhani Mehdi , Varshosaz Jaleh , Shafiee Fatemeh
Published: November 2020

This study aimed at designing and fabrication of a novel injectable and thermosensitive melatonin‐loaded pluronic/chitosan hydrogel containing gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and poly glycerol sebacate (PGS) for myocardial tissue engineering. The PGS nanoparticles were used as the melatonin (drug model) carrier. The gelation time, syringeability, stability, and swelling of the hydrogel were scrutinized. Rheological properties, chemical composition, and morphology of the samples were also investigated. The effect of GNPs addition on the electrical conductivity of hydrogel was assessed. The cytotoxicity of hydrogels was assessed through MTT assay in the exposure of H9C2 cells up to 7 days. Scanning electron microscopy was applied to evaluate the morphology of seeded cells. The synthesis parameters of PGS nanoparticles were optimized through which 2.5%w/v of PGS and 1:10 organic phase to aqueous phase (O/A) ratio were found desirable. The optimum hydrogel illustrated 2 min gelation time and was stable up to 20 days with 5% swelling in the first 12 h into phosphate buffered saline. The GNPs with a uniform distribution rendered the hydrogel electrically conductive (1500 μS/cm). According to the MTT assay results, 3.125 μM melatonin was considered as the suitable concentration by which a significant increase in the cell viability was observed. The results exhibited that the prepared hydrogel composed of pluronic/chitosan/GNPs, and 3.125 μM melatonin‐loaded PGS nanoparticles could be applied as a promising scaffold for myocardial tissue engineering.
Silicone‐containing polymer blend electrolyte membranes for fuel cell applications
Authors: Hwang Byungchan , Kondo Shoichi , Kikuchi Takamasa , Sasaki Kazunari , Hayashi Akari , Nishihara Masamichi
Published: November 2020

Polymer electrolyte membranes are developed from blends of chemically durable silicone‐containing epoxy (Si‐Epoxy) and proton conducting sulfonic polyimide (SPI). A charge‐transfer (CT) complex is formed between electron‐donating dihydroxynaphthalene units in Si‐Epoxy, and electron‐accepting naphthalenediimide units in SPI, as confirmed via X‐ray diffraction and visible spectroscopy. The blend membranes show comparable mechanical strength to Nafion 211, but the elongation to break is much lower, indicating better resistance to deformation under strain stress, attributed to CT complex formation. The chemical durability of the blend membranes was much higher than pure SPI according to Fenton's test, also attributed to CT complex formation. Meanwhile, the proton conductivity is dependent on the sulfonic acid content of the SPI, which in turn affects the fuel cell performance. The maximum proton conductivity was measured to be 23.1 mS cm−1 at 80°C and 90 %RH for a 1:1 blend, and the membranes were successfully incorporated into PEFCs.
Different Ways of Making a Point: A Study of Gestural Communication in Typical and Atypical Early Development
Authors: Ramos‐Cabo Sara , Vulchanov Valentin , Vulchanova Mila
Published: November 2020

Deictic pointing is among the most impaired gestures in children with autism. Research on typical development demonstrates that contact with the referent and handshape when pointing, are associated with different communicative intentions and developmental stages. Despite their importance, the morphological features of pointing remain largely unexplored in autism. The aim of the present study was to map out pointing production in autism with a focus on handshape and contact with the referent. Participants (age range = 1–6 years old) with ASD (n = 16), at high risk for autism (n = 13) and typically developing children (n = 18) interacted with their caregivers in a gesture elicitation task. Results showed that children with ASD produced fewer pointing gestures overall and fewer index finger pointing without contact with the referent compared to the typically developing children.

Lay Summary

Children with autism produce less gestures than typical children, and pointing gestures appear to be more affected than other gesture types. Whether children point using their index finger or the palm, and whether they touch or not the referent is crucial for understanding communicative intentions. This is the first study to document experimentally exactly how pointing gestures differ in autism in comparison to typical development. We found important qualitative differences in the communicative patterns of children with autism and at risk for autism, that may serve to identify potential new markers for early diagnosis. Autism Res 2021, 14: 984–996. © 2020 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Production of recombinant butyrylcholinesterase from transgenic rice cell suspension cultures in a pilot‐scale bioreactor
Authors: Macharoen Kantharakorn , Du Min , Jung Seongwon , McDonald Karen A. , Nandi Somen
Published: November 2020

Producing recombinant proteins in transgenic plant cell suspension cultures in bioreactors provides controllability, reproducibility, scalability, and low‐cost production, although low yields remain the major challenge. The studies on scaling‐up to pilot‐scale bioreactors, especially in conventional stainless‐steel stirred tank bioreactors (STB), to produce recombinant proteins in plant cell suspension cultures are very limited. In this study, we scaled‐up the production of rice recombinant butyrylcholinesterase (rrBChE), a complex hydrolase enzyme that can be used to prophylactically and therapeutically treat against organophosphorus nerve agents and pesticide exposure, from metabolically regulated transgenic rice cell suspension cultures in a 40‐L pilot‐scale STB. Employing cyclical operation together with a simplified‐process operation (controlling gas sparging rate rather than dissolved oxygen and allowing natural sugar depletion) identified in lab‐scale (5 L) bioreactor studies, we found a consistent maximum total active rrBChE production level of 46–58 µg/g fresh weight in four cycles over 82 days of semicontinuous operation. Additionally, maintaining the overall volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa) in the pilot‐scale STB to be equivalent to the lab‐scale STB improves the maximum total active rrBChE production level and the maximum volumetric productivity to 85 µg/g fresh weight and 387 µg L−1 day−1, respectively, which are comparable to the lab‐scale culture. Here, we demonstrate pilot‐scale bioreactor performance using a metabolically regulated transgenic rice cell culture for long‐term, reproducible, and sustained production of rrBChE.
Diversity of Essential Oil‐Secretory Cells and Oil Composition in Flowers and Buds of Magnolia sirindhorniae and Its Biological Activities
Authors: Ghosh Dipayan , Chaudhary Neha , Uma Kumari K. , Singh Jyoti , Tripathi Prakhar , Meena Abha , Luqman Suaib , Yadav Anju , Chanotiya Chandan Singh , Pandey Gyanesh , Kumar Narendra
Published: November 2020

Magnolia sirindhorniae Noot. & Chalermglin produces fragrant flowers. The volatile oil secretary cells, quantity and quality as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the oils extracted from buds and flowers, have been investigated. The distribution of essential oil secretory cell in bud and flower revealed that the density and size of the oil cells were significantly higher in flowers compared to buds. In different floral parts, carpel has a higher oil cell density followed by gynophore and tepal. The histochemical analysis revealed the essential oil is synthesized in oil secretory cells. The volatile oil yield was 0.25 % in the buds and 0.50 % in flowers. GC/FID and GC/MS analysis identified 33 compounds contributing 83.2–83.5 % of the total essential oil composition. Linalool is the main constituent contributing 58.9 % and 51.0 % in the buds and flowers oils, respectively. The essential oil extracted from the flowers showed higher antimicrobial efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly, the essential oil isolated from the flowers depicts higher free radical scavenging, and antioxidant activity compared to buds’ oil.
Homogeneous (De)hydrogenative Catalysis for Circular Chemistry – Using Waste as a Resource
Authors: Kumar Amit , Gao Chang
Published: November 2020

Increasing production and usage of several consumer products and energy sources have resulted in the accumulation of a substantial amount of waste products that are toxic and/or difficult to biodegrade, thus creating a severe threat to our planet. With the recently advocated concepts of circular chemistry, an attractive approach to tackle the challenge of chemical waste reduction is to utilize these waste products as feedstocks for the production of useful chemicals. Catalytic (de)hydrogenation is an atom‐economic, green and sustainable approach in organic synthesis, and several new environmentally benign transformations have been reported using this strategy in the past decade, especially using well‐defined transition metal complexes as catalysts. These discoveries have demonstrated the impact and untapped potential of homogeneous (de)hydrogenative catalysis for the purpose of converting chemical wastes into useful resources. Four types of chemical waste that have been (extensively) studied in recent years for their chemical transformations using homogeneous catalytic (de)hydrogenation are CO2, N2O, plastics, and glycerol. This review article highlights how these chemical wastes can be converted to useful feedstocks using (de)hydrogenative catalysis mediated by well‐defined transition metal complexes and summarizes various types of homogeneous catalysts discovered for this purpose in recent years. Moreover, with examples of hydrogenative depolymerization of plastic waste and the production of virgin plastic via dehydrogenative pathways, we emphasize the potential applications of (de)hydrogenation reactions to facilitate closed‐loop production cycles enabling a circular economy.
Carbon Dioxide Capture by Chemical Solvents Based on Amino Acids: Absorption and Regeneration
Authors: Castro María , Gómez-Díaz Diego , Navaza José M. , Rumbo Antonio
Published: November 2020

The use of sodium salts of aqueous solutions of different amino acids (glycinate and prolinate) for carbon dioxide (CO2) separation by chemical absorption is analyzed in a bubble‐column reactor under different experimental conditions of solvent concentration and gas flow rate. The differences in absorption rate and reaction mechanism caused by the presence of carboxylic groups in comparison to the case without (monoethanolamine and pirrolidine) are evaluated. Glycinate solvent reaches a similar behavior than monoethanolamine aqueous solutions but with a higher destabilization of carbamate that allows to increase CO2 loading. Prolinate exhibits a similar behavior than pirrolidine at low CO2 loadings. Both solvents show a significant reduction in absorption capacity when stripping regeneration is carried out.
Model Studies on Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation on Graphite Electrodes in Ethylene Carbonate and Dimethyl Carbonate II: Graphite Powder Electrodes
Authors: Weber Isabella , Wang Bin , Bodirsky Carina , Chakraborty Monalisa , Wachtler Mario , Diemant Thomas , Schnaidt Johannes , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: November 2020

As part of a systematic study on the formation and composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), going stepwise from highly idealized electrodes such as highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and conditions such as ultrahigh vacuum conditions to more realistic materials and reaction conditions, we investigated the decomposition of simplified electrolytes (ethylene carbonate (EC)+1 M LiPF6 and dimethyl carbonate (DMC)+1 M LiPF6) at binder‐free graphite powder model electrodes. The results obtained from cyclic voltammetry and ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy half‐cell measurements – in particular on the effect of cycling rate, solvent and electrode – are explained in terms of a mechanistic model where electrolyte decomposition occurs at the SEI | electrode interface and where transport of solvent and salt species through the growing SEI plays an important role for explaining the observed change from preferential salt decomposition to solvent decomposition with increasing cycling rate.
Modulating the Electron‐Donating Ability of Acridine Donor Units for Orange–Red Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Chen Tianheng , Lu Chen‐Han , Chen Zhanxiang , Gong Xu , Wu Chung‐Chih , Yang Chuluo
Published: November 2020

The development of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters with orange–red emission still lags behind that of their blue, green, and yellow counterparts. Recent research to address this problem mainly focused on developing new acceptor units. There were few donor units designed especially for orange–red emitters. Herein, with benzothiophene fused to a diphenylacridine donor unit, a new donor moiety, namely, 5,5‐diphenyl‐5,13‐dihydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2‐c]acridine (BTDPAc), was designed and synthesized. Benefiting from the strong electron‐donating ability of the new donor moiety, a new TADF emitter, 2‐[4′‐(tert‐butyl)(1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4‐yl]‐6‐[5,5‐diphenylbenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2‐c]acridin‐13(5H)‐yl]‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione (BTDPAc‐PhNAI), shows an orange–red emission with a maximum at 610 nm in dilute toluene solution. Also, with the help of the diphenyl rings of the donor unit, high photoluminescence quantum yields were achieved for BTDPAc‐PhNAI over a wide concentration range. Consequently, an orange–red organic light‐emitting diode based on BTDPAc‐PhNAI achieved a high external quantum efficiency of nearly 20 %, which was comparable to state‐of‐the‐art device performances with similar emission spectra.
Filling the Gap in the Metallacrown Family: The 9‐MC‐3 Chromium Metallacrown
Authors: Lüpke Anne , Carrella Luca M. , Rentschler Eva
Published: November 2020

In this work, we report on a long‐sought missing complex in the metallacrown family. We synthesized and characterized the novel chromium metallacrown (MC) complex {CrIII(μ2‐piv)3[9‐MCCr(III)N(shi)‐3](morph)3}⋅MeOH (in which shi3−=salicyl hydroxamate, piv=pivalate, and morph=morpholine). The MC with a 9‐MC‐3 cavity of kinetically inert chromium(III) ions was synthesized by a solvothermal reaction. Magnetization measurements reveal a high spin ground state.
Direct Trifluoromethylation of Alcohols Using a Hypervalent Iodosulfoximine Reagent
Authors: Kalim Jorna , Duhail Thibaut , Pietrasiak Ewa , Anselmi Elsa , Magnier Emmanuel , Togni Antonio
Published: November 2020

The direct trifluoromethylation of a variety of aliphatic alcohols using a hypervalent iodosulfoximine reagent afforded the corresponding ethers in moderate to good yields (14–72 %). Primary, secondary, and even tertiary alcohols, including examples derived from natural products, underwent this transformation in the presence of catalytic amounts of zinc bis(triflimide). Typical reaction conditions involved a neat mixture of 6.0 equivalents of the alcohol with 1.0 equivalent of the reagent, with the majority of reactions complete within 2 h with 2.5 mol % of the Lewis acid catalyst. Furthermore, experimental evidence was provided that the C−O bond‐forming process occurred via the coordination of the alcohol to the iodine atom and subsequent reductive elimination.
Trends in Drug Discovery over Five Decades – The European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC−ISMC)
Authors: Differding Edmond
Published: November 2020

Drug discovery keeps evolving, as illustrated by the scientific programs of the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry. The analysis of lecture topics over five decades reveals shifts in the importance given to therapeutic areas, treatment modalities, or technologies. All had an impact on the discipline of medicinal chemistry and contribute to a better understanding of the drug research industry as we know it today.
Success of resin infiltration treatment on interproximal tooth surfaces in young adults—A practice‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Tiuraniemi Susanna , Yli‐Mannila Jenny , Havela Päivi , Käkilehto Taina , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Laitala Marja‐Liisa , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Arresting active initial caries lesions is part of the modern caries controlling system. Resin infiltration (RI) system has been found a promising method in arresting interproximal initial lesions. The aim was to investigate whether RI arrests progression of active caries lesions.

Materials and methods

Participants (n = 20) of the retrospective study were patients in the Dental Teaching Unit, City of Oulu, Finland, mean age 26 years (SD5.2). Indication for RI was radiographically diagnosed progressing (ICDAS 1–3) interproximal lesions (n = 54). RI treatments were performed in 2015–2017. Controls were initial lesions in the same bitewing radiographs without RI or other treatment (n = 24). For analyzes teeth were categorized as lower and upper premolars and molars. The change in lesions during the follow‐up period was recorded surface wise as follows: deterioration / improvement from ICDAS score 3/improvement from ICDAS score 2/improvement per se/at follow‐up, lesion was less diffuse/no change. The changes in each tooth surface were analyzed between RI intervention and control teeth by using Chi‐square test. Proportions of successful and failed surfaces were given.

Results

The mean length of follow‐up period was 17.4 m (SD7.2). Arresting of caries lesions (ICDAS scores 2 and 3) was distinctly better in RI group (63.0%) compared with the controls (29.1%). The situation progressed among 29.2% of the controls whereas the respective proportion among the intervention group was 14.8%. Progression of lesions was more distinct in all tooth groups in the control group. Outcome was successful despite the lesion depth.

Conclusions

Resin infiltration seems effective in arresting progression of initial caries lesions with monitoring period of 1.5 years.