bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wearable All‐Fabric Hybrid Energy Harvester to Simultaneously Harvest Radiofrequency and Triboelectric Energy
Authors: Kou Zhenghao , Zhang Chao , Yu Buyun , Chen Hao , Liu Zhenguo , Lu Weibing
Published: February 2024

Distributed micro‐energy harvesting devices offer the flexibility, sustainability, and multi‐scenario applicability that will be critical to wearable electronic products in the Internet of Things. The radiofrequency and triboelectric (RF‐TE) hybrid energy harvester (HEH) concept and prototype is presented for the first time, to simultaneously capture the energy from ambient electromagnetic waves and biological motions. The proposed hybrid energy harvesting system consists of a wearable rectenna, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and a power management circuit (PMC). Among them, the all‐fabric rectenna exhibits good impedance matching characteristics in the ISM frequency. The flexible TENG unit can generate a maximum power density of 0.024 µW cm−2. The designed multifunctional fabric‐based PMC can considerably enhance the controllability of harvested hybrid energy. Additionally, a normalizable fabric circuit board quasi surface mount technology (FCB‐SMT) is proposed to integrate all modules on the same fabric substrate in one step, making the entire system superior mechanical robustness. The proposed wearable fabric‐based RF‐TE hybrid energy harvester is capable of successfully driving consumer electronics (such as sensors, watches, etc.). It provides a new energy solution strategy for self‐powered wearable electronic devices and is anticipated to encourage the efficient utilization of renewable energy.
Creation of Wood‐Based Hierarchical Superstructures via In Situ Growth of ZIF‐8 for Enhancing Mechanical Strength and Electromagnetic Shielding Performance
Authors: Ye Haoran , Wu Ying , Jin Xin , Wu Jiamin , Gan Lu , Li Jianzhang , Cai Liping , Liu Chuangwei , Xia Changlei
Published: February 2024

Given the escalating prevalence of electromagnetic pollution, there is an urgent need for the development of high‐performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Herein, wood‐based electromagnetic shielding materials have gained significant popularity due to their exceptional performance as building materials. In this study, a novel wood‐based composite with electromagnetic shielding properties is developed. Through the in situ growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) crystals on wood fibers, coupled with uniform integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a multifunctional composite named ZIF‐8/Poplar‐CNT composite is synthesized via a one‐step thermoforming process. The incorporation of CNTs endows the composites with excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). Among these elements, despite ZIF‐8 crystals not possessing intrinsic electromagnetic shielding functionality, their distinctive dodecahedral structure proves adept at scattering and reflecting electromagnetic waves within the composites, further improving the electromagnetic shielding effect. Hence, the ZIF‐8/Poplar‐CNT composite (56.95 dB) has ≈10 dB higher EMI SE compared to that of the composites without ZIF‐8 crystals. Meanwhile, ZIF‐8 crystals endow the materials with excellent tensile strength (54.84 MPa, enhanced by 4 times). Moreover, the introduction of Zn2+ provides superior antibacterial properties. The potential applications of ZIF‐8/Poplar‐CNT composites extend to diverse areas such as building decoration, electronic products, and medical equipment.
Directing Fluorinated Solid Electrolyte Interphase by Solubilizing Crystal Lithium Fluoride in Aprotic Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Fan Xiao‐Zhong , Zhang Jin‐Hao , Yao Nan , Chen Jin‐Xiu , Chen Xiang , Kong Long
Published: February 2024

Lithium fluoride (LiF) facilitates robust and fast‐ion‐transport solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium metal batteries. Fluorinated solvents/salts are ubiquitously employed to introduce LiF into SEI through electrochemical decomposition, but this approach is usually at the expense of their continuous consumption. A direct approach to fluorinate SEI that employs crystal LiF is limited by its poor solubility in the current battery electrolyte formulation. Dissolving crystal LiF in high‐dielectric‐constant solvents, like ethylene carbonate (EC) is nearly neglected. Herein, the feasibility of directly fluorinating SEI by the addition of crystal LiF in aprotic electrolyte with the assistance of EC is verified, and its mechanisms in fluorination of SEI and anti‐acidification of electrolyte are explored. The dissolved LiF is encapsulated by solvent‐/salt‐derived organic skins to promote the fluorinated SEI. Meanwhile, the presence of LiF in electrolyte alters hazardous thermodynamic equilibrium, suppressing the production of acid species to mitigate electrolyte acidification and SEI degradation. Such collective benefits yield a capacity retention ratio of ≈88% after 150 cycles at a high areal capacity (4.5 mAh cm−2) in Li||NCM622 cells. This facile and effective fluorination of SEI contributes to an in‐depth understanding of SEI formation and rational design of well‐performing lithium metal batteries.
A Highly Stable Practical Li Metal Anode via Interphase Regulation and Nucleation Induction
Authors: Xia Shuixin , Jiang Zongyan , Zhao Xiaoyu , Yuwono Jodie A. , Zhang Xun , Zhang Xiangfeng , Yang Guangzhi , Yang Junhe , Jiang Yong , Mao Jianfeng , Davey Kenneth , Guo Zaiping , Zheng Shiyou
Published: February 2024

The practical utilization of Li metal anodes has been significantly plagued by the challenges of uncontrollable dendritic Li growth and poor interphase instability. Here, the study reports a novel strategy to strengthen interphase and give highly efficient active seeds concurrently to stabilize Li metal via a highly lithiophilic In2O3 decorated porous scaffold. In situ configurated fast‐ion‐transport Li2O‐strengthened interphase layer cooperatively with highly efficient Li13In3 nucleation induction can endow the uniform Li nucleation/growth and high Li utilization efficiency. As a result, the achieved modified Li metal manifests high Coulombic efficiency, ultrahigh rate performance (5 mA cm−2), and ultra‐long lifespan cycling durability (7975 cycles). Importantly, the established Li|LiFePO4 cells exhibit long‐term cycling durability over 600 cycles at 1 C with an ultralow decay rate of ca. 0.017% per cycle. Moreover, the Li|LiCoO2 pouch cells with ultrahigh areal capacity of ca. 3.89 mAh cm−2 also exhibit extraordinarily prolonged cycling performance with excellent capacity retention despite extremely harsh cycling conditions of low negative‐to‐positive‐capacity (N/P) ratio of ca. 1.7 and lean electrolyte of ca. 4.9 g Ah−1. This work enlightens a facile and effective avenue toward highly stable Li metal anode toward reliable practicability.
Agronomic management response in maize (Zea maysL.) production across three agroecological zones of Kenya
Authors: Kipkulei Harison Kiplagat , Bellingrath‐Kimura Sonoko Dorothea , Lana Marcos , Ghazaryan Gohar , Baatz Roland , Matavel Custodio , Boitt Mark , Chisanga Charles B. , Rotich Brian , Moreira Rodrigo Martins , Sieber Stefan
Published: February 2024

Maize (Zea maysL.) productivity in Kenya has witnessed a decline attributed to the effects of climate change and biophysical constraints. The assessment of agronomic practices across agroecological zones (AEZs) is limited by inadequate data quality, hindering a precise evaluation of maize yield on a large scale. In this study, we employed the DSSAT‐CERES‐Maize crop model (where CERES is Crop Environment Resource Synthesis and DSSAT is Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) to investigate the impacts of different agronomic practices on maize yield across different AEZs in two counties of Kenya. The model was calibrated and evaluated with observed grain yield, biomass, leaf area index, phenology, and soil water content from 2‐year experiments. Remote sensing (RS) images derived from the Sentinel‐2 satellite were integrated to delineate maize areas, and the resulting information was merged with DSSAT‐CERES‐Maize yield simulations. This facilitated a comprehensive quantification of various agronomic measures at pixel scales. Evaluation of agronomic measures revealed that sowing dates and cultivar types significantly influenced maize yield across the AEZs. Notably, AEZ II and AEZ III exhibited elevated yields when implementing combined practices of early sowing and cultivar H614. The impacts of optimal management practices varied across the AEZs, resulting in yield increases of 81, 115, and 202 kg ha−1in AEZ I, AEZ II, and AEZ III, respectively. This study underscores the potential of the CERES‐Maize model and high‐resolution RS data in estimating production at larger scales. Furthermore, this integrated approach holds promise for supporting agricultural decision‐making and designing optimal strategies to enhance productivity while accounting for site‐specific conditions.
Relative prognostic value of flow cytometric measurable residual disease before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for adults with MDS/AML or AML
Authors: Orvain Corentin , Ali Naveed , Othus Megan , Rodríguez‐Arbolí Eduardo , Milano Filippo , Le Calvin M. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Scott Bart L. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Walter Roland B.
Published: February 2024

Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) measurable residual disease (MRD) before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) independently predicts poor outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Conversely, its prognostic value in the newly defined disease entity, myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS)/AML is unknown. To assess the relationship between disease type, pre‐HCT MRD, and post‐HCT outcomes, we retrospectively analyzed 1265 adults with MDS/AML (n = 151) or AML (n = 1114) who received a first allograft in first or second morphologic remission at a single institution between April 2006 and March 2023. At 3 years, relapse rates (29% for MDS/AML vs. 29% for AML, p = .98), relapse‐free survival (RFS; 50% vs. 55%, p = .22), overall survival (OS; 52% vs. 60%, p = .073), and non‐relapse mortality (22% vs. 16%, p = .14) were not statistically significantly different. However, a significant interaction was found between pre‐HCT MFC MRD and disease type (MDS/AML vs. AML) for relapse (p = .009), RFS (p = .011), and OS (p = .039). The interaction models indicated that the hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between pre‐HCT MRD and post‐HCT outcomes were lower in patients with MDS/AML (for relapse: HR = 1.75 [0.97–3.15] in MDS/AML vs. 4.13 [3.31–5.16] in AML; for RFS: HR = 1.58 [1.02–2.45] vs. 2.98 [2.48–3.58]; for OS: HR = 1.50 [0.96–2.35] vs. 2.52 [2.09–3.06]). On the other hand, residual cytogenetic abnormalities at the time of HCT were equally informative in MDS/AML as in AML patients. Our data indicate that MFC‐based pre‐HCT MRD testing, but not testing for residual cytogenetic abnormalities, is less informative for MDS/AML than AML patients when used for prognostication of post‐HCT outcomes.
Associations of Serum Insulin and Related Measures With Neuropathology and Cognition in Older Persons With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Arvanitakis Zoe , Capuano Ana W. , Tong Han , Mehta Rupal I. , Anokye‐Danso Frederick , Bennett David A. , Arnold Steven E. , Ahima Rexford S.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To examine associations of serum insulin and related measures with neuropathology and cognition in older persons.

Methods

We studied 192 older persons (96 with diabetes and 96 without, matched by sex and balanced by age‐at‐death, education, and postmortem interval) from a community‐based, clinical‐pathologic study of aging, with annual evaluations including neuropsychological testing (summarized into global cognition and 5 cognitive domains) and postmortem autopsy. We assessed serum insulin, glucose, leptin, adiponectin, hemoglobin A1C, advanced glycation‐end products (AGEs), and receptors for advanced glycation‐end products, and calculated the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) and adiponectin‐to‐leptin ratio. Using adjusted regression analyses, we examined the associations of serum measures with neuropathology of cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease, and with the level of cognition proximate‐to‐death.

Results

Higher HOMA‐IR was associated with the presence of brain infarcts and specifically microinfarcts, and higher HOMA‐IR and leptin were each associated with subcortical infarcts. Further, higher leptin levels and lower adiponectin‐to‐leptin ratios were associated with the presence of moderate‐to‐severe atherosclerosis. Serum insulin and related measures were not associated with the level of Alzheimer's disease pathology, as assessed by global, as well as amyloid burden or tau tangle density scores. Regarding cognitive outcomes, higher insulin and leptin levels, and lower adiponectin and receptors for advanced glycation‐end products levels, respectively, were each associated with lower levels of global cognition.

Interpretation

Peripheral insulin resistance indicated by HOMA‐IR and related serum measures was associated with a greater burden of cerebrovascular neuropathology and lower cognition. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:665–676
Solvent Effects on Metal‐free Covalent Organic Frameworks in Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Yang Xiubei , Fu Yubin , Liu Minghao , Zheng Shuang , Li Xuewen , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: February 2024

Binding water molecules to polar sites in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is inevitable, but the corresponding solvent effects in electrocatalytic process have been largely overlooked. Herein, we investigate the solvent effects on COFs for catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Our designed COFs incorporated different kinds of nitrogen atoms (imine N, pyridine N, and phenazine N), enabling tunable interactions with water molecules. These interactions play a crucial role in modulating electronic states and altering the catalytic centers within the COFs. Among the synthesized COFs, the one with pyridine N atoms exhibits the highest activity, with characterized by a half‐wave potential of 0.78 V and a mass activity of 0.32 A mg−1, which surpass those from other metal‐free COFs. Theoretical calculations further reveal that the enhanced activity can be attributed to the stronger binding ability of *OOH intermediates to the carbon atoms adjacent to the pyridine N sites. This work sheds light on the significance of considering solvent effects on COFs in electrocatalytic systems, providing valuable insights into their design and optimization for improved performance.
Phosphate Coordination to Metal‐Organic Layer Secondary Building Units Prolongs Drug Retention for Synergistic Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Luo Taokun , Jiang Xiaomin , Li Jinhong , Nash Geoffrey T. , Yuan Eric , Albano Luciana , Tillman Langston , Lin Wenbin
Published: February 2024

Chemoradiotherapy combines radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy to potentiate antitumor activity but exacerbates toxicities and causes debilitating side effects in cancer patients. Herein, we report the use of a nanoscale metal‐organic layer (MOL) as a 2D nanoradiosensitizer and a reservoir for the slow release of chemotherapeutics to amplify the antitumor effects of radiotherapy. Coordination of phosphate‐containing drugs to MOL secondary building units prolongs their intratumoral retention, allowing for continuous release of gemcitabine monophosphate (GMP) for effective localized chemotherapy. In the meantime, the MOL sensitizes cancer cells to X‐ray irradiation and provides potent radiotherapeutic effects. GMP‐loaded MOL (GMP/MOL) enhances cytotoxicity by 2‐fold and improves radiotherapeutic effects over free GMP in vitro. In a colon cancer model, GMP/MOL retains GMP in tumors for more than four days and, when combined with low‐dose radiotherapy, inhibits tumor growth by 98 %. The synergistic chemoradiotherapy enabled by GMP/MOL shows a cure rate of 50 %, improves survival, and ameliorates cancer‐proliferation histological biomarkers.
Precise Post‐Synthetic Modification of Heterometal‐Organic Capsules for Selectively Encapsulating Tetrahedral Anions
Authors: Lai Ya‐Liang , Xie Mo , Zhou Xian‐Chao , Wang Xue‐Zhi , Zhu Xiao‐Wei , Luo Dong , Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Li Dan
Published: February 2024

Post‐synthetic modification plays a crucial role in precisely adjusting the structure and functions of advanced materials. Herein, we report the self‐assembly of a tubular heterometallic Pd3Cu6L16 capsule that incorporates Pd(II) and CuL1 metalloligands. This capsule undergoes further modification with two tridentate anionic ligands (L2) to afford a bicapped Pd3Cu6L16L22 capsule with an Edshammer polyhedral structure. By employing transition metal ions, acid, and oxidation agents, the bicapped capsule can be converted into an uncapped one. This uncapped form can then revert back to the bicapped structure on the addition of Br− ions and a base. Interestingly, introducing Ag+ ions leads to the removal of one L2 ligand from the bicapped capsule, yielding a mono‐capped Pd3Cu6L16L2 structure. Furthermore, the size of the anions critically influences the precise control over the post‐synthetic modifications of the capsules. It was demonstrated that these capsules selectively encapsulate tetrahedral anions, offering a novel approach for the design of intelligent molecular delivery systems.
Second Generation Catalytic Enantioselective Nucleophilic Desymmetrization at Phosphorus (V): Improved Generality, Efficiency and Modularity
Authors: Formica Michele , Ferko Branislav , Marsh Thomas , Davidson Timothy A. , Yamazaki Ken , Dixon Darren J.
Published: February 2024

A broadly improved second generation catalytic two‐phase strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of stereogenic at phosphorus (V) compounds is described. This protocol, consisting of a bifunctional iminophosphorane (BIMP) catalyzed nucleophilic desymmetrization of prochiral, bench stable P(V) precursors and subsequent enantiospecific substitution allows for divergent access to a wide range of C‐, N‐, O‐ and S‐ substituted P(V) containing compounds from a handful of enantioenriched intermediates. A new ureidopeptide BIMP catalyst/thiaziolidinone leaving group combination allowed for a far wider substrate scope and increased reaction efficiency and practicality over previously established protocols. The resulting enantioenriched intermediates could then be transformed into an even greater range of distinct classes of P(V) compounds by displacement of the remaining leaving group as well as allowing for even further diversification downstream. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to pinpoint the origin of enantioselectivity for the BIMP‐catalyzed desymmetrization, to rationalize how a superior catalyst/leaving group combination leads to increased generality in our second‐generation catalytic system, as well as shed light onto observed stereochemical retention and inversion pathways when performing late‐stage enantiospecific SN2@P reactions with Grignard reagents.
A Polymeric Nanoparticle to Co‐Deliver Mitochondria‐Targeting Peptides and Pt(IV) Prodrug: Toward High Loading Efficiency and Combination Efficacy
Authors: Yang Jinpeng , Yang Zhenlin , Wang Hua , Chang Yincheng , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: February 2024

Developing combination chemotherapy systems with high drug loading efficiency at predetermined drug ratios to achieve a synergistic effect is important for cancer therapy. Herein, a polymeric dual‐drug nanoparticle composed of a Pt(IV) prodrug derived from oxaliplatin and a mitochondria‐targeting cytotoxic peptide is constructed through emulsion interfacial polymerization, which processes high drug loading efficiency and high biocompatibility. The depolymerization of polymeric dual‐drug nanoparticle and the activation of Pt prodrug can be effectively triggered by the acidic tumor environment extracellularly and the high levels of glutathione intracellularly in cancer cells, respectively. The utilization of mitochondria‐targeting peptide can inhibit ATP‐dependent processes including drug efflux and DNA damage repair. This leads to increased accumulation of Pt‐drugs within cancer cells. Eventually, the polymeric dual‐drug nanoparticle demonstrates appreciable antitumor effects on both cell line derived and patient derived xenograft lung cancer model. It is highly anticipated that the polymeric dual‐or multi‐drug systems can be applied for combination chemotherapy to achieve enhanced anticancer activity and reduced side effects.
Monitoring the threatened Harttiella (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) with environmental DNA: A comparison between metabarcoding and targeted digital PCR
Authors: Condachou Céline , Cuenot Yves , Pigeyre Laetitia , Covain Raphael , Brosse Sébastien , Murienne Jérôme
Published: February 2024

Environmental DNA has emerged as an efficient alternative to traditional sampling methods. A standard multispecies or a targeted single‐species approach can be used for analysing environmental DNA samples. The costs, benefits, and drawbacks associated with these two approaches are quite different.

Here, a comparison between standard multispecies metabarcoding and targeted species assay using digital PCR (dPCR) for two threatened Harttiella species occurring in French Guiana (Harttiella lucifer and H. nsp. “Makwali”) was performed.

Samples were collected in 11 sites of the upper Maroni River drainage basin and located in the Galbao mountain range, known to host the targeted species. The “Teleo” primer was used for the metabarcoding approach. To implement a new dPCR assay, specific primers and probes for the two targeted Harttiella species were developed.

This targeted dPCR assay detected Harttiella in seven sites. All of these sites were also positive for metabarcoding detection, and the habitat characteristics were favourable for the species.

This study demonstrated that both targeted (dPCR) and multispecies (metabarcoding) approaches can be used for the monitoring of the threatened H. lucifer and H. nsp. “Makwali” species.

From a conservation point of view, we recommend to use the metabarcoding approach to update the spatial distribution of the species, while the dPCR method can be used for a temporal follow‐up of known Harttiella populations.
Solid‐State Emissive Pillar[6]arene Derivative Having Alternate Methylene and Nitrogen Bridges
Authors: Ohtani Shunsuke , Nakaguchi Kazeto , Kato Kenichi , Ogoshi Tomoki
Published: February 2024

Macrocyclic arenes show conformational adaptability, which allows host–guest complexations with the size‐matched guest molecules. However, their emission properties are often poor in the solid states due to the self‐absorption. Herein, we newly synthesized pillar[6]arene derivatives having alternate methylene and nitrogen bridging structures. Solvatochromic study reveals that the nitrogen‐embedding into the cyclic structures can strengthen the intramolecular charge transfer (CT) nature compared to that of the linear nitrogen‐bridged precursor. Owing to the large Stokes shift in the solid state, one of the nitrogen‐embedded pillar[6]arenes shows high absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (ΦPL=0.36). Furthermore, it displays a turn‐off sensing ability toward nitrobenzene (NB) vapor; a fluorescence quenching is observed when exposed to the NB vapor. From the structural analysis before and after the exposure of NB vapor, the amorphous nitrogen‐embedded pillar[6]arene efficiently co‐crystallize with NB and formed non‐emissive intermolecular CT complexes with NB.
Small Molecule SHP2 Inhibitor LXQ‐217 Affects Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Sun Hao , Bai Xiaoyi , Zhang Yiting , Gao Yanan , Dai Jiajia , Xing Pan , Zhu Jiqiang , Liu Ruihua , Wang Zemin , Li Xiangqian
Published: February 2024

Background: SHP2 is highly expressed in a variety of cancer and has emerged as a potential target for cancer therapeutic agents. The identification of uncharged pTyr mimics is an important direction for the development of SHP2 orthosteric inhibitors.

Methods: Surface plasmon resonance analysis and cellular thermal shift assay were employed to verify the direct binding of LXQ‐217 to SHP2. The inhibitory effect of LXQ‐217 was characterized by linear Weaver‐Burke enzyme kinetic analysis and BIOVIA Discovery Studio. The inhibition of tumor cell proliferation by LXQ‐217 was characterized by cell viability assay, colony formation assays and hoechst 33258 staining. The inhibition of lung cancer proliferation in vivo was studied in nude mice after oral administration of LXQ‐217.

Results: An electroneutral bromophenol derivative, LXQ‐217, was identified as a competitive SHP2 inhibitor. LXQ‐217 induced apoptosis and inhibited growth of human pulmonary epithelial cells by affecting the RAS‐ERK and PI3 K‐AKT signaling pathways. Long‐term oral administration of LXQ‐217 significantly inhibited the proliferation ability of lung cancer cells in nude mice. Moreover, mice administered LXQ‐217 orally at high doses exhibited no mortality or significant changes in vital signs.

Conclusions: Our findings on the uncharged orthosteric inhibitor provide a foundation for further development of a safe and effective anti‐lung cancer drug.
Substitution Lability of the Perfluorinated Cp* Ligand in [Rh(COD)(C5(CF3)5)] Towards Triphenylpnictogens EPh3 (E=N, P, As, Sb, Bi)
Authors: Kub Nico G. , Sievers Robin , Parche Joshua , Malischewski Moritz
Published: February 2024

Triphenylpnictogens EPh3 (E=N, P, As, Sb, Bi) are able to displace the perfluorinated Cp* ligand in [Rh(COD)(C5(CF3)5)] (COD=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) in up to quantitative yield. The resulting ionic products contain [C5(CF3)5]− as uncoordinated counter anion. The cations feature [Rh(COD)]+ fragments, coordinated by one (N, Bi), two (P, As) or three (Sb) triphenylpnictogen moieties. Whereas coordination via the pnictogen is observed for P, As and Sb, π‐coordination of the aryl rings is observed for N and Bi.
Censored autoregressive regression models with Student‐t innovations
Authors: Valeriano Katherine A. L. , Schumacher Fernanda L. , Galarza Christian E. , Matos Larissa A.
Published: February 2024

Data collected over time are common in applications and may contain censored or missing observations, making it difficult to use standard statistical procedures. This article proposes an algorithm to estimate the parameters of a censored linear regression model with errors serially correlated and innovations following a Student‐ distribution. This distribution is widely used in the statistical modelling of data containing outliers because its longer‐than‐normal tails provide a robust approach to handling such data. The maximum likelihood estimates of the proposed model are obtained through a stochastic approximation of the EM algorithm. The methods are applied to an environmental dataset regarding ammonia‐nitrogen concentration, which is subject to a limit of detection (left censoring) and contains missing observations. Additionally, two simulation studies are conducted to examine the asymptotic properties of the estimates and the robustness of the model. The proposed algorithm and methods are implemented in the R package ARCensReg.
Long‐term drought promotes invasive species by reducing wildfire severity
Authors: Kimball Sarah , Rath Jessica , Coffey Julie E. , Perea‐Vega Moises R. , Walsh Matthew , Fiore Nicole M. , Ta Priscilla M. , Schmidt Katharina T. , Goulden Michael L. , Allison Steven D.
Published: February 2024

Anthropogenic climate change has increased the frequency of drought, wildfire, and invasions of non‐native species. Although high‐severity fires linked to drought can inhibit recovery of native vegetation in forested ecosystems, it remains unclear how drought impacts the recovery of other plant communities following wildfire. We leveraged an existing rainfall manipulation experiment to test the hypothesis that reduced precipitation, fuel load, and fire severity convert plant community composition from native shrubs to invasive grasses in a Southern California coastal sage scrub system. We measured community composition before and after the 2020 Silverado wildfire in plots with three rainfall treatments. Drought reduced fuel load and vegetation cover, which reduced fire severity. Native shrubs had greater prefire cover in added water plots compared to reduced water plots. Native cover was lower and invasive cover was higher in postfire reduced water plots compared to postfire added and ambient water plots. Our results demonstrate the importance of fuel load on fire severity and plant community composition on an ecosystem scale. Management should focus on reducing fire frequency and removing invasive species to maintain the resilience of coastal sage scrub communities facing drought. In these communities, controlled burns are not recommended as they promote invasive plants.
The Green Synthesis of 2‐Pyrrolin‐5‐ones from Bio‐renewable Glyoxal, Diketones and Amines
Authors: Oyejobi Aanuoluwapo O. , Gao Dandan , Wang Jiahua , Tang Xiang‐Ying , Wang Long
Published: February 2024

Described herein is an effective and green reaction between diketones, amines and bio‐renewable glyoxal, affording a wide range of 2‐pyrrolin‐5‐ones and releasing water as the only byproduct. The reaction features step‐economy, high efficiency, mild conditions, broad substrate scope, hazardous waste avoiding and easy scale‐up. The further transformation between the products and aldehydes can be potentially applied for fluorescent dye synthesis.
A flexible ammonia sensor based on MXene membrane with high sensitivity
Authors: Zhao Qian , Li Yilin , Zhang Zhouxiaolong , Dai Li , Liu Xuhan , Sun Yanhui , Zhao Dan , Zhu Nan
Published: February 2024

Ammonia (NH3) of high concentration will pose a threat to ecological environment or human health, and exhaled NH3 is significant in disease monitoring and diagnosis. Thus, developing a highly sensitive gas sensor is significant to monitor NH3 concentration in complex environments. However, traditional NH3 sensors either need high working temperature, or face the challenge of poor conductivity/ sensitivity. In this work, NH3 sensors based on self‐assembled MXene membrane have been fabricated. As‐prepared sensors show a high sensitivity of 2.10 ppm−1 towards extremely low concentrations of NH3 (ppb level) at room temperature, attributed to large surface area and high conductivity. In addition, the sensors also display low detection limit (50 ppb), fast response time (41 s), good recoverability, long‐term stability (15 days) and excellent flexibility (1000 bending cycles) towards NH3. The results provide insights into the development of highly sensitive NH3 sensors for industrial or biomedical applications.
Importance of higher modes for dynamic soil structure interaction of monopile‐supported offshore wind turbines
Authors: Sah Upendra Kumar , Yang Jun
Published: February 2024

Offshore wind turbines (OWTs) have emerged as one of the most sustainable and renewable sources of energy. The size of OWTs has been increasing, which creates more challenges in the design of foundations due to the potential higher‐mode effects involved in the dynamic soil‐structure interaction (DSSI) response. Several foundation modeling techniques are available for calculating the OWT fundamental frequency; however, their capability to predict the higher modes by considering real geometric configurations is unclear. The main aim of this study is to perform a rigorous modal analysis of the NREL 5MW reference OWT to investigate the higher mode effects using the 3D finite element method. A detailed parametric analysis is also performed to study the effects of soil inhomogeneity, initial soil modulus, and the monopile dimensions (diameter, thickness, and embedded pile depth) on higher modes' natural frequencies and effective mass participation ratios. The study shows that dynamic soil‐structure interaction has a significant role in modal response and the simplified foundation models are not accurate enough. Given the significant contribution from higher modes, they should not be simply ignored in the OWT design, particularly in earthquake‐prone zones.
Tail risk forecasting and its application to margin requirements in the commodity futures market
Authors: Feng Yun , Hou Weijie , Song Yuping
Published: February 2024

This study presents a dynamic analysis framework called autoregressive conditional extreme value (AEV), designed for modeling the daily maximum drawdowns of commodity futures markets, using steel rebar futures as an illustrative example. The research demonstrates that AEV outperforms AR or generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH)‐type benchmark models in terms of in‐sample fitting and out‐of‐sample forecasting accuracy. Notably, AEV's time‐varying shape parameter (tail index) sensitively captures the clustering nature of tail risk and differentiates between long‐ and short‐side markets. The study also presents theoretical findings regarding AEV‐based value at risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES), and empirically measures and predicts the tail risk of the steel rebar futures market. Moreover, the research extends the methodology to create a dynamic margin model for Chinese commodity futures, showing that the AEV‐based model effectively achieves the specified risk coverage targets and significantly reduces current exchange margin requirements.
The effect of stir‐frying on the aging of oat flour during storage: A study based on lipidomics
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Sun Minjun , Huo Rui , Gu Qixin , Miao Ying , Zhang Meili
Published: February 2024

In this study, we used the LC‐ESI‐MS/MS technique to elucidate the effects of stir‐frying on the lipidomics of oat flour before and after storage. We detected 1540 lipids in 54 subclasses; triglycerides were the most abundant, followed by diacylglycerol, ceramide (Cer), digalactosyldiacylglycerol, cardiolipin, and phosphatidylcholine. Principal component analysis and orthogonal least squares discriminant analysis analyses showed that oat flour lipids were significantly different before and after storage in stir‐fried oat flour and raw oat flour. After oat flour was stir‐fried, most of the lipid metabolites in it were significantly downregulated, and the changes in lipids during storage were reduced. Sphingolipid metabolism and ether lipid metabolism were the key metabolic pathways, and Cer, PC, and lyso‐phosphatidylcholine were the key lipid metabolites identified in the related metabolic pathways during oat flour storage. Frying inhibits lipid metabolic pathways during storage of oat flour, thereby improving lipid stability and quality during storage. This study laid the foundation for further investigating quality control and the mechanism of changes in lipids during the storage of oat flour.
Quality improvement of oil extracted from flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) incorporated with olive leaves by cold press
Authors: Teimouri Okhchlar Ramin , Javadi Afshin , Azadmard‐Damirchi Sodeif , Torbati Mohammadali
Published: February 2024

Flaxseed oil has a high amount of α‐linolenic acid (an ω3 essential fatty acid), but it is very prone to oxidation. Therefore, olive leaves were used as a rich source of phenolic compounds with flaxseeds upon oil extraction by cold press to enhance the oxidative stability of extracted oils. Oil from flaxseeds with unblanched leaves and blanched leaves at level of (0 [control sample], 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% w/w) was extracted by cold press. Quality of extracted oils was evaluated for 90 days of storage at room condition. Incorporation of unblanched olive leaves could increase the acid value of the extracted oils up to 2.0 (mg KOH/g oil) compared to the other samples. Oxidation of the flaxseed oil could be delayed by the addition of blanched olive leaves up to 5%. Oil extracted from flaxseeds incorporated with blanched olive leaves had higher content of carotenoids (up to 33.7 mg/kg oil), chlorophylls (up to 35.7 mg/kg oil), and phenolic compounds (up to 200 mg/kg oil). Also, oxidative stability of extracted oils was higher up to 7.5% of blanched olive leaves (11.4 h) compared to control sample (7.2 h) and other oil samples. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the oil samples were well preserved by the incorporation of blanched olive leaves. Based on the obtained results, incorporation of suitable amount of blanched olive leaves (up to 7.5%) with flaxseeds before oil extraction by press can be an appropriate procedure to produce oils with high content of bioactive components and suitable oxidative stability.
CD30 expression in an emerging group of mesenchymal spindle cell neoplasms with ALK fusion detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Iwakoshi Akari , Kikui Hajime , Nakashima Ryosuke , Goto Yuya , Ichikawa Daisuke , Sasaki Eiichi , Sekimizu Masahiro , Hattori Hiroyoshi , Maeda Naoko
Published: February 2024

An emerging group of spindle cell neoplasms harboring fusions involving NTRK or non‐NTRK kinase genes often share characteristic S100 and/or CD34 expression; however, the diagnostic utility of immunohistochemical stains is not well established in this family owing to their lack of specificity. Recently, CD30 expression in spindle cell neoplasms with kinase gene fusions, such as NTRK, BRAF, RAF1, and RET, has been increasingly identified. We herein report a 10‐year‐old girl with high‐grade spindle cell sarcoma of the neck. Prior to histopathological evaluation, flow cytometry (FCM) analysis and touch smear cytology of the tumor tissue revealed CD34+ and dimCD30+ spindle cell populations. Histopathologically, the case was characterized by monomorphic spindle‐shaped cytomorphology with CD30, S100, and CD34 positivity and harbored close similarities with spindle cell neoplasms with NTRK or non‐NTRK gene fusions. Subsequently, a comprehensive next‐generation sequencing sarcoma panel identified a rare PLEKHH2::ALK fusion, and a diagnosis of ALK‐rearranged spindle cell neoplasm was made. The patient showed significant tumor response to single‐agent treatment with alectinib, an ALK‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor. This case supports that CD30 is expressed in an ALK‐rearranged mesenchymal neoplasm. The benefit of the early detection of CD30 expression by FCM for a prompt diagnosis and treatment is highlighted in the context of an aggressive clinical course. This case represents a learning experience regarding the need to the check the status of CD30 expression in these tumors and suggests the potential clinical benefits of CD30‐targeted therapy.
Development of a head and neck lymphoedema specific quality of life tool: The Comprehensive Assessment of Lymphoedema Impact in the Head and Neck
Authors: Starmer Heather M. , Patterson Joanne , Young Bridget , Fleming Jason , Cherry Mary Gemma
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To develop a head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) specific quality of life (QoL) instrument to assess physical, functional, and social/emotional impacts of HNL.

Methods

Instrument candidate items were reviewed by patients with HNL and clinicians and rated for importance, clarity, and invasiveness. The Content Validity Ratio was applied for item reduction. Three‐step cognitive interviews were conducted with HNL patients to validate the items, survey format, and instructions.

Results

Initially, 130 candidate questions were developed. Following item reduction, 52 items progressed to three‐step cognitive interviews. Following cognitive interviews, the Comprehensive Assessment of Lymphoedema Impact in Head and Neck (CALI‐HaN) included 33 items; 1 global, 10 physical, 7 functional, and 15 emotional.

Conclusions

Physical, functional, and socioemotional effects need to be considered when measuring QoL in patients with HNL. This study describes initial development of the CALI‐HaN, an instrument that shows promise for clinical and research applications following future validation.
Parental practices and perspectives on health and digital technology use information seeking for children aged 0–36 months
Authors: Hendry Danica , Straker Leon , Bourne Brittany , Coshan Sarah , Kumwembe Ndapile , McCarthy Caroline , Zabatiero Juliana
Published: February 2024

Background

Parents commonly seek information to support the health and well‐being of their children. The increasing availability of health information online and social changes related to the COVID‐19 pandemic may have changed what information is sought, from whom, where, and why. This qualitative study explored parents' practices and perspectives on seeking health and digital technology use information for their young children.

Methods

Twenty parents, living in Australia (7 rural, 3 remote, and 10 metropolitan), with children aged 0–36 months completed a semi‐structured interview.

Results

Parents commonly turned to friends and family and online sources to access health information for their young children. For all types of health information, including digital technology use, themes were identified surrounding aspects of information sources participants valued and accessibility of health services. Perceived credibility and trustworthiness, relatability with other parents, ease of accessibility and convenience, and actionable, bite‐sized information were valued. Reduced accessibility to health services due to COVID‐19 and geographical location, and need for agency in managing their child's health influenced parents' choice of source of information. Few participants actively sought information about digital technology use for their young child, with the main focus on screen time.

Conclusion

Interactions with family and friends and online sources are important to parents when accessing health information for their child. Parents valued information sources which they considered trustworthy, credible, and relatable, as well as easily accessible and convenient.

So What?

Dissemination of health information reflecting these values may empower parents during this early stage of parenthood.
The role of task preference in the effectiveness of response interruption and redirection
Authors: Sloman Kimberly N. , Torres‐Viso Mariana , Edelstein Matthew L. , Schulman Rebecca K.
Published: February 2024

Response interruption and redirection (RIRD) is a common treatment for automatically reinforced vocal stereotypy; it involves the contingent presentation of task instructions. Tasks that are included in RIRD are typically selected based on caregiver report, which may affect the efficacy of RIRD. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the role of task preference in the efficacy of RIRD for four participants who engaged in vocal stereotypy. We conducted task‐preference assessments and selected tasks of varying preferences to include in RIRD. For three out of four participants, the results showed that RIRD with higher preference tasks was not effective at reducing vocal stereotypy, whereas RIRD with lower preference tasks was effective for all participants.
Morphology of the male reproductive system and sperm of Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas, 1852) (Heteroptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Paulo Mauricio da Silva , Rezende Paulo Henrique , Dias Glenda , Lino‐Neto José
Published: February 2024

Taxonomic data on Coreidae have been fragmented over time and need to be revised. Likewise, data related to the development of germ cells and the features of the male reproductive system, including sperm, will contribute to understanding the biological mechanisms of reproduction and the systematics of its representatives. Aiming to provide these data, we describe the morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Leptoglossus zonatus using light and transmission electron microscopies, respectively. Each of the two testes is surrounded by a bright red‐pigmented sheath and formed by seven follicles arranged side by side. The two vasa deferentia are filled with individualized sperm, especially in their final portion, which is dilated and curved. After dilation, the vasa deferentia receive the ducts of the accessory glands of mesodermal origin. The other unpaired accessory gland is of ectodermal origin and opens into the ejaculatory duct. Both glandular types are densely coiled and have lumens filled with secreted material. Testicular follicles contain cysts with germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis, indicating continuous production of gametes throughout adult life. Mature sperm measure around 310 μm long, with a nucleus of 36 μm and a flagellum formed only by an axoneme of 9 + 9 + 2 microtubules and two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives. Like the sperm of other Heteroptera, the acrosome has a single structure (without perforatorium), there are no accessory bodies in the flagella, and the mitochondrial derivatives are connected to the axonemes, supporting the synapomorphic condition of these characteristics for this suborder of bedbugs.

Research Highlights

The Leptoglossus zonatus sperm are slender and long, about 310 μm in length, and a nucleus 36 μm long.

Spermatogenesis occurs throughout adult life and equally in the seven testicular follicles.

The centriole adjunct in L. zonatus sperm does not give rise to accessory bodies.

The ectodermal gland produces a filamentous secretion, whereas in the ectodermal sac, the secretion is globular.
Baicalin induces ferroptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing the activity of FTH1
Authors: Wen Zhihao , Zhang Yuxiao , Gao Bo , Chen Xin
Published: February 2024

Background

This study investigated the role of the ferroptosis‐related gene FTH1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and evaluated the therapeutic potential of baicalin in OSCC cell treatment.

Methods

A prognostic model was established by bioinformatic analysis, consisting of 12 ferroptosis related genes (FRGs), and FTH1 was selected as the most significantly up‐regulated FRGs. The clinical correlation of FTH1 in OSCC samples was evaluated by both immunohistochemical and bioinformatic characterizations. The effects of FTH1 on migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation were determined by wound healing assays, transwell assays, western blotting and 5′‐ethynl 2′‐deoxyuridine proliferation assays, respectively. The effects of FTH1 on ferroptosis were tested via ferroptosis markers and Mito Tracker staining. In addition, the therapeutic effects of baicalin on OSCC cells were confirmed using EMT, migration, invasion, proliferation and ferroptosis assays.

Results

The 12 FRGs were predictive of the prognosis for OSCC patients, and FTH1 expression was identified as significantly up‐regulated in OSCC samples, which was highly associated with survival, immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. Moreover, knocking down FTH1 inhibited cell proliferation, EMT and invasive phenotypes, but induced ferroptosis in OSCC cells (Cal27 and SCC25). Furthermore, baicalin directly suppressed expression of FTH1 in OSCC cells, and effectively promoted ferroptosis and inhibited the proliferation as well as EMT by directly targeting FTH1.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that FTH1 is a therapeutic target for OSCC treatment, and has provided evidence that baicalin offers a promising alternative for OSCC treatment.