bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutations and New Variation: Overview
Authors: Johnston Mark O
Published: January 2022

A mutation is a heritable change in the genetic material that is not due to genetic recombination. All current genetic variation existing within and among populations originated by mutation in ancestral individuals. Mutations may occur at any stage of the cell cycle, but most probably arise during cell division. Mutations can change the structure or number of single nucleotide sites, multiple nucleotides, entire chromosomes or the entire genome. The vast majority of mutations with fitness effects are mildly harmful; very few are beneficial. The rate of mutation results from the difference between rate of input and repair of nucleic acid lesions. Mutation rates differ among organisms and can evolve like other traits from the influence of selection and drift. Taxa with larger population sizes tend to have lower mutation rates per coding DNA per generation, suggesting that selection is less effective at lowering the rate in small populations. Accurate measures of the beneficial and deleterious mutation rates, the environmental factors affecting mutation and how mutation rates evolve in different organisms are all active areas of research in evolutionary biology.

Key Concepts

A mutation is a heritable change in the genetic material that is not due to genetic recombination.

Mutations are the ultimate source of all genetic differences within and among species.

Types of mutation include replacements, insertions and deletions of single nucleotides as well as gains or losses of chromosome segments or entire chromosomes.

Most mutations have no detectable phenotypic effect and are neutral or very slightly deleterious with respect to fitness.

The vast majority of mutations affecting fitness are deleterious.

Mutation rates per nucleotide can differ as a result of genome size, neighbouring base composition, population size, sex, age and environmental conditions.

Mutation rates themselves can evolve.

The existence of mutations in a population creates a ‘genetic mutational load’, which is defined as the fraction by which the average fitness of individuals in a population is reduced because of mutations.

Nucleotide‐substitution mutation rates range from ∼0.08 × 10
−9
to 9.8 × 10
−9
per site per cell division in prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and from ∼0.5 × 10
−9
to 50 × 10
−9
per site per generation in eukaryotes.

Human children differ from their parents at approximately 60–70 point mutations, or about one mutation per 100 megabases (Mb).
The Impact of an Integrated Care Management Program on Acute Care Use and Outpatient Appointment Attendance Among High‐Risk Patients With Lupus
Authors: Williams Jessica N. , Taber Kreager , Huang Weixing , Collins Jamie , Cunningham Rebecca , McLaughlin Katherine , Vogeli Christine , Wichmann Lisa , Feldman Candace H.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often struggle with high acute care use (emergency department [ED] visits and hospitalizations) and missed appointments. A nurse‐led integrated care management program (iCMP) at our multihospital system coordinates care for patients at high risk for frequent acute care use due to comorbidities, demographics, and prior use patterns. We studied whether iCMP enrollment was associated with decreased acute care use and missed appointment rates among patients with SLE.

Methods

We used a validated electronic health record (EHR) machine learning algorithm to identify adults with SLE and then determined which patients were enrolled in the iCMP from January 2012 to February 2019. We then used EHR data linked to insurance claims to compare the incidence rates of ED visits, hospitalizations, potentially avoidable ED visits and hospitalizations, and missed appointments during iCMP enrollment versus the 12 months prior to iCMP enrollment. We used Poisson regression to compare incidence rate ratios (IRRs) during the iCMP versus pre‐iCMP for each use measure, adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, number of comorbidities, and calendar year, accounting for within‐patient clustering.

Results

We identified 67 iCMP enrollees with SLE and linked EHR claims data. In adjusted analyses, iCMP enrollment was associated with reduced rates of ED visits (IRR 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47‐0.85), avoidable ED visits (IRR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28‐0.88), and avoidable hospitalizations (IRR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21‐0.65).

Conclusion

A nurse‐led iCMP was effective at decreasing the rate of all ED visits and potentially avoidable ED visits and hospitalizations among high‐risk patients with SLE. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in other patient populations.
Edge and Point‐Defect Induced Electronic and Magnetic Properties in Monolayer PtSe2
Authors: Li Jingfeng , Joseph Thomas , Ghorbani‐Asl Mahdi , Kolekar Sadhu , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Batzill Matthias
Published: January 2022

Edges and point defects in layered dichalcogenides are important for tuning their electronic and magnetic properties. By combining scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) with density functional theory (DFT), the electronic structure of edges and point defects in 2D‐PtSe2 are investigated where the 1.8 eV bandgap of monolayer PtSe2 facilitates the detailed characterization of defect‐induced gap states by STM. The stoichiometric zigzag edge terminations are found to be energetically favored. STM and DFT show that these edges exhibit metallic 1D states with spin polarized bands. Various native point defects in PtSe2 are also characterized by STM. A comparison of the experiment with simulated images enables identification of Se‐vacancies, Pt‐vacancies, and Se‐antisites as the dominant defects in PtSe2. In contrast to Se‐ or Pt‐vacancies, the Se‐antisites are almost devoid of gap states. Pt‐vacancies exhibit defect induced states that are spin polarized, emphasizing their importance for inducing magnetism in PtSe2. The atomic‐scale insights into defect‐induced electronic states in monolayer PtSe2 provide the fundamental underpinning for defect engineering of PtSe2‐monolayers and the newly identified spin‐polarized edge states offer prospects for engineering magnetic properties in PtSe2 nanoribbons.
Discovery of Electrides in Electron‐Rich Non‐Electride Materials via Energy Modification of Interstitial Electrons
Authors: Li Kun , Blatov Vladislav A. , Wang Junjie
Published: January 2022

With the discovery of electrides, many electron‐rich materials are reported to be non‐electrides due to the lack of electride characteristics. Up to date, only a few studies have been done to alter the electronic structures of these materials. In this work, through atom replacement, the energy of interstitial electrons in a non‐electride Hf5Si3 is successfully modified and a hitherto unknown electride Ca3Hf2Si3 is obtained. It is revealed that the formation of the electride has a strong link to the neighboring cations of interstitial electrons. Moreover, an essential principle for the electride formation in the multi‐cations materials is proposed, and 34 dynamically stable ternary electrides are obtained through the proper atom replacement in 29 binary non‐electrides materials. The general realization of electrides in the electron‐rich non‐electrides can greatly expand the research scope of electrides.
Dual‐Targeted Lipid Nanotherapeutic Boost for Chemo‐Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Yong Seok‐Beom , Ramishetti Srinivas , Goldsmith Meir , Diesendruck Yael , Hazan‐Halevy Inbal , Chatterjee Sushmita , Somu Naidu Gonna , Ezra Assaf , Peer Dan
Published: January 2022

Chemo‐immunotherapy is a combination of “standard‐of‐care” chemotherapy with immunotherapy and it is considered the most advanced therapeutic modality for various types of cancers. However, many cancer patients still poorly respond to current regimen of chemo‐immunotherapy and suggest nanotherapeutics as a boosting agent. Recently, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO1) is shown to act as an immunotherapeutic molecule in tumor myeloid cells, in addition to general chemoresistance function in cancer cells suggesting that HO1‐targeted therapeutics can become a novel, optimal strategy for boosting chemo‐immunotherapy in the clinic. Currently the available HO1‐inhibitors demonstrate serious adverse effects in clinical use. Herein, tumor myeloid cell‐ and cancer cell‐dual targeted HO1‐inhibiting lipid nanotherapeutic boost (T‐iLNTB) is developed using RNAi‐loaded lipid nanoparticles. T‐iLNTB‐mediated HO1‐inhibition sensitizes cancer cells to “standard‐of‐care” chemotherapeutics by increasing immunogenic cell death, and directly reprograms tumor myeloid cells with distinguished phenotype. Furthermore, tumor myeloid cell reprogramming by T‐iLNTB induces CD8+ cytotoxic T cell recruitment, which drives “Cold‐to‐Hot” transition and correlates with improved responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitor in combination therapy. Finally, ex vivo study proves that HO1‐inhibition directly affects tumor macrophage differentiation. This study demonstrates the potential of T‐iLNTB as a novel therapeutic modality for boosting chemo‐immunotherapy.
Immuno‐Engineered Nanodecoys for the Multi‐Target Anti‐Inflammatory Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Hou Mengying , Wei Yuansong , Zhao Ziyin , Han Wenqing , Zhou Renxiang , Zhou Yang , Zheng Yiran , Yin Lichen
Published: January 2022

Overactivated T cells and overproduced pro‐inflammatory cytokines form a self‐amplified signaling loop to continuously exacerbate the dysregulated inflammatory response and propel the progression of autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Herein, immuno‐engineered nanodecoys (NDs) based on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles coated with programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1)‐expressing macrophage membrane (PRM) are developed to mediate multi‐target interruption of the self‐promoted inflammatory cascade in AIDs. The PRM collected from IFN‐γ‐treated RAW 264.7 cells possesses elevated surface levels of adhesion molecule receptors and pro‐inflammatory cytokine receptors, and, thus, systemically administered PRM NDs afford higher accumulation level in inflamed tissues and stronger scavenging efficiency toward multiple pro‐inflammatory cytokines. More importantly, IFN‐γ treatment induces remarkable PD‐L1 expression on PRM, thereby allowing PRM NDs to bind membrane‐bound programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) on CD4+ T cell surfaces or neutralize free soluble PD‐1, which reconstructs the PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitory axis to suppress CD4+ T cell activation and restore immune tolerance. As such, PRM NDs provoke potent and cooperative anti‐inflammatory and immune‐suppressive efficacies to alleviate autoimmune damages in Zymosan A‐induced arthritis mice and dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis mice. This study provides an enlightened example for the immuno‐engineering of cell‐membrane‐based NDs, rendering promising implications into the treatment of AIDs via multi‐target immune‐modulation.
Wearable Pressure Sensors for Pulse Wave Monitoring
Authors: Meng Keyu , Xiao Xiao , Wei Wenxin , Chen Guorui , Nashalian Ardo , Shen Sophia , Xiao Xiao , Chen Jun
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. The rapid development of flexible sensing technologies and wearable pressure sensors have attracted keen research interest and have been widely used for long‐term and real‐time cardiovascular status monitoring. Owing to compelling characteristics, including light weight, wearing comfort, and high sensitivity to pulse pressures, physiological pulse waveforms can be precisely and continuously monitored by flexible pressure sensors for wearable health monitoring. Herein, an overview of wearable pressure sensors for human pulse wave monitoring is presented, with a focus on the transduction mechanism, microengineering structures, and related applications in pulse wave monitoring and cardiovascular condition assessment. The conceptualizations and methods for the acquisition of physiological and pathological information related to the cardiovascular system are outlined. The biomechanics of arterial pulse waves and the working mechanism of various wearable pressure sensors, including triboelectric, piezoelectric, magnetoelastic, piezoresistive, capacitive, and optical sensors, are also subject to systematic debate. Exemple applications of pulse wave measurement based on microengineering structured devices are then summarized. Finally, a discussion of the opportunities and challenges that wearable pressure sensors face, as well as their potential as a wearable intelligent system for personalized healthcare is given in conclusion.
Co‐Delivery of Precisely Prescribed Multi‐Prodrug Combination by an Engineered Nanocarrier enables Efficient Individualized Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Jiang Yitong , Zheng Ziyan , Du Nan , Guan Shuli , Guo Wenxuan , Tang Xiaohu , Cui Jiajunzi , Zhang Lanqiong , Liu Kunpeng , Yu Qingsong , Gan Zhihua
Published: January 2022

The limited anticancer drug library and the frequent occurrence of drug resistance have driven monotherapy‐based cancer therapy into a difficult situation. Considering the formidable process of new drug discovery, combination therapy using currently available drugs is a potential alternative. Nevertheless, the barrier between in vitro combination screening and precise in vivo delivery remains insurmountable in the current free‐drug‐ or nanoparticle (NP)‐based combination therapy, which substantially hinders the application of combination therapy. Herein, a novel, precise drug delivery strategy to realize efficient and individualized combination therapy is proposed. Nanomedicine (NM) is engineered using a microfluidics‐based mixer by combining rationally designed polymeric prodrugs of three commercial chemotherapeutics and a cascade‐responsive block copolymer; the NM possesses ratiometric drug loading and synchronized drug release. In addition to quantitative drug loading and precisely controlled drug combination, consistent nanoproperties of these NPs make their in vivo fate predictable. Consequently, tumor growth and metastasis can be effectively inhibited by precisely prescribed NPs derived from in vitro combination screening. This proof‐of‐concept study clearly reveals the feasibility of overcoming the current drug‐library limitations through precise delivery of any predetermined drug combination, facilitating translational research of individualized combination therapy.
Gel Electrolyte Constructing Zn (002) Deposition Crystal Plane Toward Highly Stable Zn Anode
Authors: Hao Yu , Feng Doudou , Hou Lei , Li Tianyu , Jiao Yucong , Wu Peiyi
Published: January 2022

Zinc (Zn) metal anode has been widely evaluated in aqueous Zn batteries. Nevertheless, the dendrite formation issue and consecutive side reactions severely impede the practical applications of Zn metal at high current densities. Herein, it is reported that engineering the gel electrolyte with multifunctional charged groups by incorporating a zwitterionic gel poly(3‐(1‐vinyl‐3‐imidazolio) propanesulfonate) (PVIPS) can effectively address the abovementioned issues. The charged groups of sulfonate and imidazole in the gel electrolyte can texture the Zn2+ nucleation and deposition plane to (002), which possesses a high activation energy to resist side reactions and induce uniform growth of Zn metal for a dendrite‐free structure. In addition, the Zn2+ solvation structure can be manipulated by the charged groups to further eliminate side reactions for high rate performance Zn batteries. Consequently, the polyzwitterionic gel electrolyte enables a stable cycling with a cumulative capacity of 3000 mA h cm−2 at high density of 7.5 mA cm−2 for the symmetrical Zn battery, and a long‐term cycling life for more than 1000 cycles at 5 C of Zn/MnO2 full battery. It is envisioned that the design of the gel electrolyte will provide promising feasibility on safe, flexible, and wearable energy storage devices.
Progress and Perspective of Metallic Glasses for Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Jiang Rui , Da Yumin , Chen Zelin , Cui Xiaoya , Han Xiaopeng , Ke Haibo , Liu Yanhui , Chen Yanan , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: January 2022

Owing to its unique atomic arrangement and electronic structure, metallic glass (MG) has been widely investigated in the field of energy storage and conversion. In the past few decades, multiple strategies have been developed to synthesize bulk and nanosized MG based materials. Here, combining the structure–activity relationship of MG with electrochemical reaction kinetics, the substantial progress of glass structures in electrocatalytic processes are highlighted, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, methanol oxidation reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen fixation. Meanwhile, applications of MG materials in energy storage devices, like supercapacitors and lithium‐ion batteries, are also introduced in detail. Finally, challenges and possibilities for reasonable design of highly‐efficient MG‐based electrode materials are proposed. The integration of high‐throughput methods, artificial intelligence technology, as well as advanced characterization techniques is fundamental to screen materials with remarkable performance. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between electronic structure and electrochemical performance, providing guidance for rational design of functional MG materials with outstanding activity, selectivity, and durability.
Hydraulic Pressure Ripple Energy Harvesting: Structures, Materials, and Applications
Authors: Xiao Huifang , Pan Min , Chu Jun Yu Harry , Bowen Chris R. , Bader Sebastian , Aranda Javier , Zhu Meiling
Published: January 2022

The need for wireless condition monitoring and control of hydraulic systems in an autonomous and battery‐free manner is attracting increasing attention in an effort to provide improved sensing functionality, monitoring of system health, and to avoid catastrophic failures. The potential to harvest energy from hydraulic pressure ripples and noise is particularly attractive since they inherently have a high energy intensity, which is associated with the hydraulic mean pressure and flow rate. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in hydraulic pressure energy harvesting, which includes the fundamentals of pressure ripples in hydraulic systems, the choice of electroactive materials and device structures, and the influence of the fluid–mechanical interface. In addition, novel approaches for improving the harvested energy and potential applications for the technology are discussed, and future research directions are proposed and outlined.
Preparation of Primary and Secondary Dialkylmagnesiums by a Radical I/Mg‐Exchange Reaction Using sBu2Mg in Toluene
Authors: Sunagatullina Alisa S. , Lutter Ferdinand H. , Knochel Paul
Published: January 2022

The treatment of primary or secondary alkyl iodides with sBu2Mg in toluene (25–40 °C, 2–4 h) provided dialkylmagnesiums that underwent various reactions with aldehydes, ketones, acid chlorides or allylic bromides. 3‐Substituted secondary cyclohexyl iodides led to all‐cis‐3‐cyclohexylmagnesium reagents under these exchange conditions in a highly stereoconvergent manner. Enantiomerically enriched 3‐silyloxy‐substituted secondary alkyl iodides gave after an exchange reaction with sBu2Mg stereodefined dialkylmagnesiums that after quenching with various electrophiles furnished various 1,3‐stereodefined products including homo‐aldol products (99 % dr and 98 % ee). Mechanistic studies confirmed a radical pathway for these new iodine/magnesium‐exchange reactions.
Synthesis of CoFe2O4/BiOI nanocomposite; Its application as an antibacterial agent
Authors: Gheidari Davood , Mehrdad Morteza , Maleki Saloomeh , Hosseini Samanesadat
Published: January 2022

The antibacterial properties of CFO/BiOI nanocomposite were investigated in our current study because of their importance in Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus. MIC, MBC, Disk Diffusion, and IC50 tests cefalotin (CF), amoxicillin (AMX), gentamicin (GM), Trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole (SXT), and Ceftriaxone (CRO) antibiotics in concentration 30, 10, 10, 25, and 30 
were used, respectively. Various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high‐resolution mapping, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDAX) have been used to determine the properties of produced nanocomposites. The results showed CFO/BiOI nanocomposite exhibits strong significant biological activity against B. cereus. The results of MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) and MIC (Minimum Inhibition Concentration) tests for CFO/BiOI nanocomposites on bacteria were examined in the range of 0.12–0.48 and 0.06 to 0.24 mg ml−1, respectively. According to the results,, the minimum IC50 value was determined at a concentration of 0.061 mg ml−1. On the other hand, the most resisting and susceptible bacteria in this method were P. aeruginosa and B. cereus, respectively. These findings are identical to a prior study on antibacterial properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The MBC endpoint is defined as the lowest concentration, which killed 98% of the bacterial population.
Novel CoFe2O4/CuBi2O4 heterojunction p–n semiconductor as visible‐light‐driven nanophotocatalyst for C (OH)–H bond activation
Authors: Ghobadifard Mahdieh , Radovanovic Pavle V. , Mohebbi Sajjad
Published: January 2022

Nanosized CoFe2O4/CuBi2O4 heterostructure was obtained by solvent‐free thermal processing and was characterized using a series of structural, physicochemical, and analytical techniques. The CuBi2O4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles demonstrated poor photoactivity due to their fast charge recombination and negligible visible light absorptivity, respectively. In contrast, the prepared heterojunction CoFe2O4/CuBi2O4 nanocomposite consisting of an array of nanocolumns approximately 20 nm in width displayed nearly twofold higher photocatalytic activity than CoFe2O4 or CuBi2O4 nanostructures alone toward the C (OH)–H bond activation. This nanocomposite exhibits photocatalytic efficiency as high as 98% with very high stability. The increased photocatalytic reactivity could be related to the effective Z‐scheme mechanism of photogenerated charge carrier separation between CoFe2O4 and CuBi2O4 in the nanocomposite, which reduces the electron–hole recombination. The results of this work provide a promising approach to the design and preparation of heterostructured photocatalysts for oxidation reactions.
Tuning the microstructure of SMA/CPVC membrane for enhanced separation performance by adjusting the coagulation bath temperature
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Guijing , Luo Shanshan , Pang Huixia , Gao Chengtao , Huang Shaowen , Liu Shan , Qin Shuhao
Published: January 2022

In this study, styrene‐maleic anhydride copolymer/chlorinated polyvinyl chloride composite membranes were prepared via a non‐solvent induced phase separation technique. Different porous morphologies of the composite membranes were obtained by controlling the temperature of coagulation bath water. With the coagulation bath temperature increasing, the porous morphology of membrane surface changed from co‐continuous pores to isolated‐round‐pores, and its evolution mechanism was elaborated. The average pore size of membranes surface increased from 17.27 to 48.72 nm, the pure water flux increased from 225.50 to 624.47 L m−2 h−1, and the rejection rate of Congo red and bovine serum albumin declined gradually with the increase of coagulation bath temperature, but the NaCl rejection was less than 1.0%. The surface segregation behavior of anhydride groups was affected by the phase separation process, which in turn affects the anti‐fouling performance of membranes. The composite membranes obtained at the coagulation bath temperature of 20 and 30°C had large surface segregation of anhydride groups and excellent anti‐fouling performance. The water flux recovery rate is higher than 90% and the irreversible pollution decline rate is about 5.0%. Meanwhile, the obtained membranes, especially the membrane fabricated at a coagulation bath temperature of 0°C, has good dye/NaCl salt separation performance and can be used for the pretreatment of textile wastewater.
Halochromic PLA/PEG as real‐time solution and vapor sensing
Authors: Alias Siti Amirah , Samsudin Hayati , Zubir Syazana Ahmad , Ku Marsilla Ku Ishak
Published: January 2022

In this study, halochromic sensor‐based poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) film as real‐time sensing is successfully fabricated. Bromocresol purple (BCP) dye concentrations were varied (0.01 and 0.03 wt%/vol) in halochromic PLA/PEG film that changed its color from yellow to purple at a basic environment. The efficacy of the film with more BCP loading toward basic sensing was significant, where the material showed distinct color change with rapid response time. The color changes were proven by the CIE lab analysis, which showed that the initial and final colors of the indicator after interaction with PLA/PEG film are well above the limit for visual perception. The film response in base vapor was further determined by the amount of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) released from mackerel. The mackerel was kept at room temperature (26 ± 1°C) for 24 h and chiller temperature (3 ± 1°C) for 11 days. The threshold of food spoilage indicated by the TVB‐N and the ∆E was reached at 18 h at room temperature when it started to deteriorate on Day 7 in the chiller. The findings suggest that a pH‐sensor made of the PLA/PEG/BCP films is suitable for multiple applications, particularly in base solution and vapor sensing detection.
Recent Advances on the Aqueous Phase Adsorption of Carbamazepine
Authors: Adeyanju Comfort A. , Ogunniyi Samuel , Selvasembian Rangabhashiyam , Oniye Mutiat M. , Ajala Oluwaseun J. , Adeniyi Adewale George , Igwegbe Chinenye Adaobi , Ighalo Joshua O.
Published: January 2022

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a pharmaceutical compound used in medical practice. Due to the ecotoxicological risk of its presence in the aqueous environment, researchers have been investigating its removal by adsorption technique. The aim of this study is to review the works done on the removal of CBZ from water by adsorption. Carbon‐based materials were the best types of adsorbent for CBZ uptake (> 200 mg g−1). Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) showed especially good adsorption capacities. The key mechanisms of CBZ adsorption were π‐π interaction, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen‐bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Classical equilibrium isotherm models like Langmuir and Freundlich were always best‐fits and kinetics modelling was best‐fit to the pseudo‐second order model. The thermodynamics modelling of CBZ adsorption showed it was spontaneous and endothermic for most adsorbents. Methanol and acetone were especially effective for the desorption of CBZ from adsorbents and can achieve > 90 % removal even after 4–5 cycles. CBZ competes favorably in adsorption systems with other pharmaceutical species due to the advantages of the hydrophobic effect and molecular size.
Intracoronary pressures to predict myocardial viability in patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Marchese Nicola , Barbato Emanuele , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Stanislao Mario , Valle Guido , Copetti Massimiliano , Pellegrini Giorgia , Vigna Carlo
Published: January 2022

To investigate the role of intracoronary pressure parameters in the assessment of viability in the myocardium subtending a significant coronary stenosis. In patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction, the presence of myocardial viability is related to the expected benefits derived from coronary revascularization. Intracoronary pressure wire‐based measurements were performed in 64 coronary lesions of ≥50% stenosis severity of 59 patients with postischemic left ventricular dysfunction, segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, and substantial viability in the myocardial territory subtending the investigated stenotic coronaries, defined as the percent summed rest score in the target territory (%SRStarget) ≤60% at the single‐photon emission tomography. Invasive pressure‐derived indexes like resting and hyperemic Pd/Pa, ΔPd/Pa, and %ΔPd/Pa (defined as the absolute difference and percent decrease between resting and hyperemic Pd/Pa respectively) were compared with %SRStarget. A significant correlation was found between ΔPd/Pa (Spearman's p: −0.760, p < 0.001) and %ΔPd/Pa (p: −0.733; p < 0.001) with %SRStarget. These results were confirmed after correction for potential confounders. According to %SRStarget median value, myocardial areas with high and low viability were compared: ΔPd/Pa and %ΔPd/Pa were significantly higher in areas with high viability (p < 0.001 for both). According to receiver operating characteristic curves, we identified two cut‐offs (ΔPd/Pa > 0.11 and %ΔPd/Pa > 15%) able to predict >80% viability with good sensitivity and specificity. Our study suggests that, in patients with postischemic left ventricular dysfunction and significant coronary stenosis, intracoronary pressures indexes like ΔPd/Pa and %ΔPd/Pa are able to predict the magnitude of downstream myocardial viability.
Long‐term prognostic value of dynamic function assessment of intermediate coronary lesion with computational physiology
Authors: Guan Changdong , Geng Liang , Zhang Rui , You Jieyun , Xie Lihua , Wang Xingxu , Wan Qing , Xu Bo , Dou Kefei , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2022

This study sought to investigate the dynamic functional changes of coronary intermediate lesions using quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and its implication on long‐term clinical outcomes. Physiology‐guided percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with angiographic intermediate lesions has been associated with favorable outcomes. This study consecutively enrolled 1130 patients with deferred intermediate lesions at baseline angiography and subsequently received second‐time angiography between 9 months and 2 years later from two centers in China. The functional changes of intermediate lesions at angiographic follow‐up (ΔQFR) were defined as (baseline QFR—follow‐up QFR)/years. The primary outcome was vessel‐oriented composite endpoint (VOCE), defined as the composite of vessel‐related cardiac death, vessel‐related myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemia‐driven target vessel revascularization (ID‐TVR) at angiographic follow‐up for up to 5 years. Retrospective QFR assessment was available in 820 patients (996 intermediate lesions). QFR ≤ 0.80 at second‐time angiography was associated with significantly higher 5‐year VOCE (41.9% vs. 13.4%, p < 0.0001). In 777 intermediate lesions with baseline QFR > 0.80, mean ΔQFR was 0.03 ± 0.07 (median: 0.006; Q1: 0; and Q3: 0.04). The optimal cutoff of ΔQFR for predicting the primary outcome was 0.03 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.68). The cumulative event rate of VOCE in patients with ΔQFR ≥ 0.03 was significantly higher than in those with ΔQFR < 0.03 (33.8% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.0001), driven by higher vessel‐related MI and ID‐TVR. The ΔQFR was a useful tool for evaluating the dynamic functional change of deferred intermediate lesions, as it demonstrates good prognostic value for long‐term target vessel‐related adverse events.
Routine use of fluoroscopic and real‐time transthoracic echocardiographic guidance to ensure safety of right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy in a low‐volume center
Authors: Hassan Karim , Kyriakakis Charles , Joubert Lloyd , Van Zyl Gert , Zaharie Dan , Doubell Anton , Herbst Philip
Published: January 2022

To determine whether the routine use of real‐time transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) guidance in addition to fluoroscopy would ensure the safety of right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy (RV EMB) in a low‐volume center. RV EMB is a valuable tool and plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of patients with myocardial diseases. However, it has yet to gain widespread acceptance due to its perceived low diagnostic yield and concerns regarding its invasive nature and potential complications. Although the safety of EMB when performed by experienced operators in high‐volume centers is well established, the complication rate in low‐volume centers is less well defined but appears to be higher. This is a retrospective single‐center cross‐sectional study. Consecutive adult patients who underwent RV EMB procedures at Tygerberg Hospital (Cape Town, South Africa) between August 2017 and December 2020 were included. RV EMB was successfully performed in 85 patients. No major complications were reported. Five (5.88%) patients experienced minor complications: three transient right bundle branch blocks and two hemodynamically stable ventricular tachycardia. A definitive biopsy diagnosis was made in 37 (43.54%) patients. The average procedural time was 27.06 min, which equated to 4.09 min per specimen taken. The routine use of real‐time TTE guidance in addition to fluoroscopy ensured the safety of RV EMB in a low‐volume center without unnecessarily prolonging procedural time.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in pure aortic regurgitation: Hemodynamic and echocardiographic findings in bioprosthesis vs. native valve
Authors: Paraggio Lazzaro , Burzotta Francesco , Graziani Francesca , Aurigemma Cristina , Romagnoli Enrico , Pedicino Daniela , Locorotondo Gabriella , Mencarelli Erica , Lillo Rosa , Bruno Piergiorgio , Laezza Domenico , Giambusso Nicole , Lombardo Antonella , Trani Carlo
Published: January 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to compare hemodynamic and echocardiographic findings between valve‐in‐valve (VIV) and native‐valve (NV) patients submitted to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) due to pure aortic regurgitation (AR).

Background

Patients with severe AR are surgically treated with variable postinterventional left‐ventricular (LV) “reverse remodeling.” TAVI might be considered in selected AR patients.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with pure severe AR caused by either degenerated bioprosthesis or NV disease were successfully treated by TAVI at our institution. LV catheterization before and after TAVI and echocardiography before, after (24–72 h), and at follow‐up (3–12 months) were performed.

Results

Baseline clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic characteristics were comparable between the two study groups, except for a younger age, higher proto‐diastolic LV pressure, and higher LV end‐systolic diameter in the NV group. At catheterization, an immediate hemodynamic impact of TAVI in both groups was noticed, with a trend toward better postprocedural residual regurgitation index and significantly lower LV dP/dT values (666.0 ± 177.9 vs. 883.5 ± 259.7 mmHg/s, p = 0.04) in VIV. At echocardiography, both NV and VIV patients showed favorable (early and sustained) post‐TAVI echocardiographically detectable reverse remodeling. VIV patients also showed more pronounced early reduction in indexed LV end‐diastolic volume (68.1 ± 27.4 vs. 86.5 ± 28.9 ml/m2 in VIV, p < 0.001 and 81.0 ± 29.0 vs. 95.2 ± 37.8 ml/m2 in NV, p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Successful TAVI induces a striking hemodynamic impact with major structural (reverse remodeling) consequences in patients with pure AR caused by both bioprosthesis degeneration or NV disease. In the immediate postrelease phase, VIV patients might exhibit a more pronounced early LV contractile and structural benefit.
Impact of diabetes on 1‐year clinical outcome in patients undergoing revascularization with the BioFreedom stents or the Orsiro stents from the SORT OUT IX trial
Authors: Hansen Kirstine Nørregaard , Maeng Michael , Raungaard Bent , Engstrøm Thomas , Veien Karsten Tange , Kristensen Steen Dalby , Ellert‐Gregersen Julia , Jensen Svend Eggert , Junker Anders , Kahlert Johnny , Jakobsen Lars , Christiansen Evald Høj , Jensen Lisette Okkels
Published: January 2022

This sub‐study of the SORT OUT IX trial sought to compare clinical outcomes between patients with diabetes randomized to implantation of either the polymer‐free biolimus A9‐coated BioFreedom stent (BF‐BES) or the ultra‐thin strut, biodegradable polymer sirolimus‐eluting Orsiro stent (O‐SES). Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of target lesion failure (TLF) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The impact of different stent types in patients with diabetes is still discussed. A total of 607 of the 3151 patients (19.3%) enrolled in the SORT OUT IX study had diabetes. Randomization was stratified by patients with/without diabetes; 304 received BF‐BES and 303 O‐SES. The primary endpoint was TLF, which was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (not related to other than the index lesion) and target lesion revascularization (TLR) within 1 year. After 1 year, patients with diabetes had higher TLF (7.2% vs. 3.7%, incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.50), than patients without diabetes. TLF did not differ significantly between BF‐BES and O‐SES in patients with diabetes (8.2% vs. 6.3%, IRR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.63–2.20). In patients with diabetes, cardiac death occurred in 2.3% of BF‐BES and in 3.6% of O‐SES (IRR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.23–1.45) and TLR occurred in 5.3% and 2.3% of BF‐BES and O‐SES, respectively (IRR: 2.12; 95% CI: 0.81–5.56). Definite stent thrombosis rates of 1.3% were found in both stent types. Patients with diabetes had higher 1‐year TLF rate after PCI compared to patients without diabetes, whereas TLF did not differ significantly between the two stent types BF‐BES and O‐SES in patients with diabetes.
Rare localization of tongue vascular lesion detected by multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gilardi Antonio , Ralli Massimo , Colizza Andrea , Di Stadio Arianna , Messineo Daniela , Riminucci Mara , Corsi Alessandro , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco
Published: January 2022

Hemangiomas are developmental vascular abnormalities that are common in the head and neck (60%), rare in the oral cavity, and uncommon in the tongue. A patient performed a multi‐parametric MRI, which characterized the lesion of his tongue, providing relevant information for diagnostic, therapeutic orientation, and realization of slight aggressive surgery with consequent excellent recovery.
Hydrogenation of CO2 over Cobalt‐Lanthanide Bimetallic Oxide Nanofibers
Authors: Ferreira Ana C. , Martinho Joana F. , Branco Joaquim B.
Published: January 2022

Cobalt‐lanthanide bimetallic oxide nanofibers (5Co3O4.3LnCoO3, Ln=La, Pr; 4Co3O4.Ln2O3, Ln=Sm, Gd, Dy, Yb and 2Co3O4.CeO2) were prepared by electrospinning technique and for the first time evaluated as catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO2. Depending on the lanthanide, the reaction products are different: lighter lanthanides (La, Pr, Sm and Gd) produce mainly CO and are more active to reverse water gas shift (RWGS), whereas the catalysts with Ce, Dy and Yb are more active and selective to methane. Lanthanide intrinsic properties such as ionic radii and basicity strongly correlate with the nanofibers’ catalytic performance: lower lanthanide ionic radii and higher basicity favour the catalysts activity. Moreover, the bimetallic oxide nanofibers catalytic behavior also seems to point to the existence of a synergetic interaction between cobalt and lanthanide. The cobalt‐lanthanide bimetallic oxides present a high deactivation resistance for at least 60 h in the gaseous stream, which is an advantage for any catalytic application. Compared with a commercial catalyst (5wt.% Rh/Al2O3) tested in the same conditions, cobalt‐ytterbium, dysprosium and cerium bimetallic oxide nanofibers present an activity 5 to 13 times higher at 350 °C.
Process Technology for the Removal of Cr(VI) from Wastewater Using Pig Iron Sludge
Authors: Saravanan Karunakaran , Ganesan Surendran , Kavitha Subramanian , Jayakumar Chinnakannu , Donipathi Mogili Reddy Prasad , Baral Saroj Sundar
Published: January 2022

The usage of pig iron sludge nanoparticles as adsorbent was explored to remove Cr(VI) from effluents. Batch sorption was administered to check the effect of various parameters on the sorption method, namely, pH, interaction time, as well as Cr(VI) concentration and dosage. The adsorption potential was related with the parameters. An inovative flow chart was proposed by using this sludge, which is a byproduct from the pig iron manufacturing industries, as adsorbent for the treatment of Cr(IV)‐contaminated water, and then this sludge is recycled for drying followed by filtration. The adsorbed Cr(VI) will be useful for producing steel in a blast furnace. The sorption followed a second‐order mechanism and the experimental data obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Surface diffusion was found to be the sluggish step and thus is the rate‐limiting step.
Simulations to Cover the Waterfront for Iron Oxide Catalysis
Authors: Snir Nadav , Caspary Toroker Maytal
Published: January 2022

Hematite has been widely studied for catalytic water splitting, but the role of the interactions between catalytic sites is unknown. In this paper, we calculate the oxygen evolution reaction free energies and the surface adsorption distribution using a combination of density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations to “cover the waterfront,” or cover a wide range of properties with a simulation of the hematite surface under working conditions. First, we show that modeling noninteracting catalytic sites provides a poor explanation of hematite's slow reaction kinetics. The interactions between the catalytic site may hinder catalysis through the strong interactions of *OH2 and *OOH intermediates, which cause the reaction to revert back to the *O intermediate. Hence, neighboring interactions may be a possible reason for the abundant, experimentally observed *O intermediate on the surface. This study demonstrates how neighboring sites impact the energy required for catalytic steps, thus providing new avenues to improve catalysis by controlling neighboring site interactions.
Raman and Photoluminescence Spectroscopic Studies on Structural Disorder in Oxygen Deficient Gd2Ti2O7‐δ Single Crystals
Authors: Suganya M. , Ganesan K. , Vijayakumar P. , Gill Amirdha Sher , Srivastava S. K. , Singh Ch. Kishan , Sarguna R. M. , Ajikumar P. K. , Ganesamoorthy S.
Published: January 2022

Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopic studies on oxygen vacancy‐induced structural disorder in Gd2Ti2O7‐δ single crystals grown by optical floating zone technique under argon atmosphere are reported. The oxygen vacancies in Gd2Ti2O7‐δ wafers decrease with thermal annealing in air atmosphere. The full width at half maximum of X‐ray diffraction rocking curve decreases from 245 to 157 arcsec and the optical transmittance increases from 23% to 87% (at 1000 nm) upon post growth thermal annealing. Raman spectroscopic studies reveal a monotonic increase in intensity of O–Gd–O (Eg) and Ti–O (A1g) stretching modes with thermal annealing. Since these modes are associated with modulation of oxygen x parameter which is sensitive to Ti–O octahedron distortion, the increase in Raman intensity indicates an improvement in structural ordering of oxygen sub‐lattice in Gd2Ti2O7‐δ. Moreover, the photoluminescence studies also corroborate the Raman analysis in terms of reduction of structural defects associated with oxygen vacancies as a function of thermal annealing. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using Raman spectroscopy to probe the structural disorder in Gd2Ti2O7‐δ crystals.
Historical grain yield genetic gains in Norwegian spring wheat under contrasting fertilization regimes
Authors: Mróz Tomasz , Dieseth Jon Arne , Lillemo Morten
Published: January 2022

Spring wheat is currently dominating wheat production in Norway. The introduction of combine harvesting in the 1950s spurred breeding efforts to improve lodging and preharvest sprouting resistance, and to integrate good breadmaking quality in the locally adapted germplasm. Release of landmark cultivars Runar and Reno in the 1970s revitalized the country's production and marked the onset of modern wheat cultivation in Norway. Since that time, new cultivars have been developed but little is known about the genetic basis of the achieved yield gains. We collected 21 representative cultivars released since 1972 in Norway and tested them in a multiyear field trial including two fertilization rates: 75 and 150 kg ha–1 N. We assessed grain yield, plant height, heading, maturity, length of grain filling period, grain protein content, protein yield, aboveground biomass, harvest index, grain weight, test weight, grains per spike, grains per square meter, and spikes per square meter and their response to fertilization. We document an annual increase in grain yield of 17.8 kg ha–1 (0.34%), at both rates of N fertilization. None of the traits exhibited significant genotype × management interaction. Wheat breeding has led to the development of higher‐yielding cultivars with higher protein yield that mature later, have a prolonged grain‐filling period, and produce more grains per spike and grains per unit area.
From Deception to Inception: Social Media and the Changing Function of Fake News (Lessons from Egypt 2013)
Authors: Shafick Hesham
Published: January 2022

The continued political influence of fake news despite the unprecedented accessibility of corrective information raises a pressing question: How can fake news impact publics which recognize its inveracity? Building on and developing Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky's theory of “cognitive endowments,” this article unpacks the mechanisms by which news endows hypotheses, models, references, and relations that impact public assumptions of what might possibly be true, even when the news itself is perceived as false. Following from that, the article argues that the unmediated information exchange social media gave rise to might empower fake news; for although it facilitates the news’ repudiation, it also amplifies the reproduction of its endowments. This theorization is exemplified by reflecting on fake news reports, falsely referenced to CNN and BBC, about the headcount of protestors mobilized against the democratic regime in Egypt. Despite the extensive refutation of the authenticity of this news, it facilitated the political conditions for a military coup against this regime; not by positing the headcount as factual, but by setting up a politically productive controversy around it.
A hybrid deep learning model based low‐rate DoS attack detection method for software defined network
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Guan Shaopeng , Wang Peng , Wu Qingyu
Published: January 2022

The low‐rate DoS (LDoS) attack is a new kind of network attack which has the characteristics such as low speed and good concealment. The software defined network, as a new type of network architecture, also faces the threat from LDoS attacks. In this article, we propose a detection method of LDoS attacks based on a hybrid deep learning model CNN‐GRU: the convolutional neural network (CNN) and the gated recurrent unit (GRU). First, we extract field values such as n_packets and n_bytes, from the flow rule, and construct the average numbers of packets and bytes as the input data of the hybrid model. Then, to enhance the detection performance of the hybrid model, we improve the sailfish algorithm to optimize the hyperparameters of CNN and GRU automatically in the training process. Finally, we adopt hyperparameter optimized CNN and GRU to extract deeper spatial and temporal features of input data, respectively, which achieves accurate detection of the LDoS attack. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid deep learning model‐based method outperforms other traditional machine learning algorithms in terms of detection efficiency and accuracy.