bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Self‐Formed Stable PbI2/NiOx Interface with Increased Ni3+ Centers for Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Ziren , Zou Can , Liu Xinyi , Xie Jin , Liu Da , Yang Shuang , Hou Yu , Yang Hua Gui
Published: March 2022

Nickel oxide (NiOx) is a promising hole transport material (HTM) for perovskite photovoltaics owing to its chemical stability and low cost. However, most NiOx based solar cells deliver relatively weak performance because of its insufficient electrical property and interfacial contact. In this work, a self‐formed PbI2/NiOx interface was developed to stabilize the Ni3+ centers, which was beneficial for electrical transport and band alignment in perovskite solar cells. Combined with ultraviolet ozone treatment (UVO) and sequential deposition, the density of Ni3+ centers was greatly increased and could be stabilized by the PbI2 interface. These merits contributed coordinately to the fast hole extraction and low energy loss across the PbI2/NiOx interface, yielding power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of over 19 %.
Chiral stationary phases and applications in gas chromatography
Authors: Betzenbichler Gloria , Huber Laura , Kräh Sabrina , Morkos Marie‐Louise K. , Siegle Alexander F. , Trapp Oliver
Published: March 2022

Chiral compounds are ubiquitous in nature and play a pivotal role in biochemical processes, in chiroptical materials and applications, and as chiral drugs. The analysis and determination of the enantiomeric ratio (er) of chiral compounds is of enormous scientific, industrial, and economic importance. Chiral separation techniques and methods have become indispensable tools to separate chiral compounds into their enantiomers on an analytical as well on a preparative level to obtain enantiopure compounds. Chiral gas chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography have paved the way and fostered several research areas, that is, asymmetric synthesis and catalysis in organic, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and supramolecular chemistry. The development of highly enantioselective chiral stationary phases was essential. In particular, the elucidation and understanding of the underlying enantioselective supramolecular separation mechanisms led to the design of new chiral stationary phases. This review article focuses on the development of chiral stationary phases for gas chromatography. The fundamental mechanisms of the recognition and separation of enantiomers and the selectors and chiral stationary phases used in chiral gas chromatography are presented. An overview over syntheses and applications of these chiral stationary phases is presented as a practical guidance for enantioselective separation of chiral compound classes and substances by gas chromatography.
Effect of Colonic Absorption on the Pharmacokinetic Properties of Delayed‐Release and Extended‐Release Methylphenidate: In Vivo, In Vitro, and Modeling Evaluations
Authors: Incledon Bev , Incledon Chantal , Gomeni Roberto , Uchida Cassandra L. , Morris Amy , Perry Kim , Kapuscinski Jill
Published: March 2022

Most stimulants used to treat attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder are administered in the morning and absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. DR/ER‐MPH (formerly HLD200), an evening‐dosed delayed‐release and extended‐release methylphenidate, is predicted to be absorbed in the proximal colon. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of DR/ER‐MPH is characterized by an 8‐ to 10‐hour delay in initial methylphenidate absorption and a subsequent gradual increase in plasma concentration, followed by a slow decline. To examine the relationship of absorption site to pharmacokinetics, the DR/ER‐MPH formulation was altered to release methylphenidate in the small intestine and distal colon. The 3 formulations were administered in an open‐label, 3‐way, crossover study in healthy adults (N = 18). Compared with the small intestine formulation, the PK profile of the proximal colon (DR/ER‐MPH) formulation exhibited a longer delay before initial methylphenidate absorption, decreased peak methylphenidate concentration, increased time to peak concentration, and decreased bioavailability; these characteristics were amplified in the distal colon formulation. Safety profiles fell within the expectations for methylphenidate products. Modeled PK profiles were similar between the small intestine formulation and a morning‐dosed extended‐release methylphenidate (both predicted to release methylphenidate in the upper gastrointestinal tract), providing additional evidence that the PK profile of DR/ER‐MPH is shaped by colonic absorption.
The Dynamic Covalent Chemistry of Amidoboronates: Tuning the rac5/rac6 Ratio via the B−N and B−O Dynamic Covalent Bonds
Authors: Harders Patrick , Griebenow Thomas , Businski Artjom , Kaus Anton J. , Pietsch Lorenz , Näther Christian , McConnell Anna J.
Published: March 2022

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Anna J. McConnell and Christian Näther from Christian‐Albrechts‐Universität zu Kiel, Germany. The cover picture shows an amidoboronate puzzle divided into four quarters that represent four possible amidoboronates. How do these amidoboronates interconvert? The right combination of aniline (yellow circles) and catechol (grey and purple circles) pieces solves this conundrum and the amidoboronates interconvert via dynamic covalent B‐N (left to right) and B‐O bonds (top to bottom). More information can be found in the Research Article by Anna J. McConnell and co‐workers.
Greater sage‐grouse respond positively to intensive post‐fire restoration treatments
Authors: Poessel Sharon A. , Barnard David M. , Applestein Cara , Germino Matthew J. , Ellsworth Ethan A. , Major Don , Moser Ann , Katzner Todd E.
Published: March 2022

Habitat loss is the most prevalent threat to biodiversity in North America. One of the most threatened landscapes in the United States is the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystem, much of which has been fragmented or converted to non‐native grasslands via the cheatgrass‐fire cycle. Like many sagebrush obligates, greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) depend upon sagebrush for food and cover and are affected by changes to this ecosystem. We investigated habitat selection by 28 male greater sage‐grouse during each of 3 years after a 113,000‐ha wildfire in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem in Idaho and Oregon. During the study period, seeding and herbicide treatments were applied for habitat restoration. We evaluated sage‐grouse responses to vegetation and post‐fire restoration treatments. Throughout the 3 years post‐fire, sage‐grouse avoided areas with high exotic annual grass cover but selected strongly for recovering sagebrush and moderately strongly for perennial grasses. By the third year post‐fire, they preferred high‐density sagebrush, especially in winter when sagebrush is the primary component of the sage‐grouse diet. Sage‐grouse preferred forb habitat immediately post‐fire, especially in summer, but this selection preference was less strong in later years. They also selected areas that were intensively treated with herbicide and seeded with sagebrush, grasses, and forbs, although these responses varied with time since treatment. Wildfire can have severe consequences for sagebrush‐obligate species due to loss of large sagebrush plants used for food and for protection from predators and thermal extremes. Our results show that management efforts, including herbicide application and seeding of plants, directed at controlling exotic annual grasses after a wildfire can positively affect habitat selection by sage‐grouse.
Aboveground competition influences density‐dependent effects of cordgrass on sediment biogeochemistry
Authors: Walker Janet B. , Rinehart Shelby , Greenberg‐Pines Gabriel , White Wendi K. , DeSantiago Ric , Lipson David A. , Long Jeremy D.
Published: March 2022

Interspecific interactions between plants influence plant phenotype, distribution, abundance, and community structure. Each of these can, in turn, impact sediment biogeochemistry. Although the population and community level impacts of these interactions have been extensively studied, less is known about their effect on sediment biogeochemistry. This is surprising given that many plants are categorized as foundation species that exert strong control on community structure. In southern California salt marshes, we used clipping experiments to manipulate aboveground neighbor presence to study interactions between two dominant plants, Pacific cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) and perennial pickleweed (Sarcocornia pacifica). We also measured how changes in cordgrass stem density influenced sediment biogeochemistry. Pickleweed suppressed cordgrass stem density but had no effect on aboveground biomass. For every cordgrass stem lost per square meter, porewater ammonium increased 0.3–1.0 µM. Thus, aboveground competition with pickleweed weakened the effects of cordgrass on sediment biogeochemistry. Predictions about plant–soil feedbacks, especially under future climate scenarios, will be improved when plant–plant interactions are considered, particularly those containing dominant and foundation species.
Leveraging remote learning during the Covid‐19 pandemic to enhance student understanding of biodiversity
Authors: Weilhoefer Christine L. , Schmits Sarah
Published: March 2022

We evaluated whether individual nature‐based ecological (NBE) study used in tandem with group collaboration enhanced undergraduate student understanding of ecological concepts and pro‐environmental perceptions. In response to the Covid‐19 pandemic, we developed a multiweek unit on the latitude diversity gradient (LDG) for fully online instruction that leveraged the unique situation of students learning in disparate geographic locations. Student understanding of the LDG and pro‐environmental perceptions were assessed with surveys administered both pre‐ and post‐activity in an introductory‐level biology laboratory course. Student understanding of the geographic location where biodiversity is the highest was high prior to the start of the laboratory unit and exhibited only a small improvement after the unit. In contrast, students’ higher order thinking around the LDG was enhanced by the lab activity. Student environmental perceptions shifted toward ecocentric views and away from anthropocentric views after the laboratory unit. The greatest gains in ecological understanding and shifts toward ecocentric viewpoints occurred in the group of students who visited their field sites most often. Our results provide further evidence as to the value of NBE for the introductory biology laboratory, even in an online learning setting. The lab unit described in this study provides a potential approach to teaching ecology in an online format that could easily be adapted to fit the needs of a particular curriculum.
Nested structure is dependent on visitor sex in the flower‒visitor networks in Kyoto, Japan
Authors: Kishi Shigeki
Published: March 2022

The characteristics of flower‒visitor networks, comprised of multiple species interacting with each other, predict ecological and evolutionary processes. Intraspecific and interspecific variations in interaction patterns should affect network structures. Because female and male visitors usually differ in flower‐visiting patterns due to mating strategy, visitor sex should affect nestedness, in which specialist species interact with a subset of species that interact with generalist species. I hypothesized that a network of male visitors and flowering plants would be more nested than a female network because males are less picky about which flowers they visit. To examine the effect of visitor sex on nestedness, I used museum specimens of insects and built 11 flower–visitor species networks, each composed of female and male subnetworks, and compared the strength of nestedness and related network metrics between the subnetworks. I found that male subnetworks were significantly more nested than female ones, and species networks were less nested than male or female subnetworks. The result may be attributable to the by‐chance selection of flowers by males. Because a nested structure is predicted to promote community stability in mutualistic flower–visitor networks, the greater nestedness of male subnetworks may suggest a positive effect of male visitors on pollination community stability.
Causal drivers of climate‐mediated coral reef regime shifts
Authors: Arif Suchinta , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Wilson Shaun , MacNeil M. Aaron
Published: March 2022

Climate‐induced coral bleaching events are a leading threat to coral reef ecosystems and can result in coral–macroalgal regime shifts that are difficult to reverse. It is unclear how different factors causally influence regime shift or recovery trajectories after a bleaching event. Here, we use structural causal modeling (SCM) and its application of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to determine how key factors affect regime shift versus recovery potential across coral reefs in Seychelles, which were severely impacted by bleaching events in 1998 and 2016. Our causal models reveal additional causal drivers of regime shifts, including initial macroalgal cover, wave exposure, and branching coral cover. We also find that reduced depth and structural complexity and increased nutrients increase the likelihood of regime shifting. Further, we use a DAG‐informed predictive model to show how recovering reefs are expected to change after a recent 2016 bleaching event, suggesting that three out of 12 recovering reefs are expected to regime shift given their predisturbance conditions. Collectively, our results provide the first causally grounded analysis of how different factors influence postbleaching regime shift versus recovery potential on coral reefs. More broadly, SCM stands apart from previous observational analysis and provides a strong framework for causal inference across other observational ecological studies.
Nutritional challenges of feeding a mutualist: Testing for a nutrient–toxin tradeoff in fungus‐farming leafcutter ants
Authors: Crumière Antonin J. J. , Mallett Sophie , Michelsen Anders , Rinnan Riikka , Shik Jonathan Z.
Published: March 2022

The biochemical heterogeneity of food items often yields tradeoffs as each bite of food tends to contain some nutrients in surplus and others in deficit, as well as other less palatable or even toxic compounds. These multidimensional nutritional challenges are likely to be compounded when foraged foods are used to provision others (e.g., offspring or symbionts) with different physiological needs and tolerances. We explored these challenges in free‐ranging colonies of leafcutter ants that navigate a diverse tropical forest to collect plant fragments they use to provision a co‐evolved fungal cultivar. We tested the prediction that leafcutter farmers face provisioning tradeoffs between the nutritional quality and concentration of toxic tannins in foraged plant fragments. Chemical analyses of plant fragments sampled from the mandibles of Panamanian Atta colombica leafcutter ants provided little support for a nutrient–tannin foraging tradeoff. First, colonies foraged for plant fragments that ranged widely in tannin concentration. Second, high tannin levels did not appear to restrict colonies from selecting plant fragments with blends of protein and carbohydrates that maximized cultivar performance when measured with in vitro experiments. We also tested whether tannins expand the realized nutritional niche selected by leafcutter ants into high‐protein dimensions as: (1) tannins can bind proteins and reduce their accessibility during digestion, and (2) in vitro experiments have shown that excess protein provisioning reduces cultivar performance. Contrary to this hypothesis, the most protein‐rich plant fragments did not have highest tannin levels. More generally, the approach developed here can be used to test how multidimensional interactions between nutrients and toxins shape the costs and benefits of providing care to offspring or symbionts.
Multi Wavelengths Fusion Profiling for Quality Evaluation of Donglingcao Tablets Combined with Electrochemical Oscillation Fingerprints and Antioxidant Activity Analysis
Authors: Shen Tianying , Gong Dandan , Xu Shuting , Wang Jianhui , Sun Guoxiang , Guo Ping
Published: March 2022

For a long time, Donglingcao tablets (DLCT) has been considered as a valuable traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation. The five‐wavelength fusion fingerprints (FWFFP) of 16 batches of DLCT, which avoided fluctuation of single wavelength evaluation, were established to analyze fingerprint similarity by ratio fingerprint quantitative method (RFQM). Furthermore, electrochemical oscillation fingerprints (ECOFP) of DLCT from different manufacturers were studied by Belousov Zhabotinskii (B‐Z) oscillating system at constant temperature. In addition, intrinsic characteristics of DLCT from different manufacturers were determined by chemometric methods, and they can well distinguish samples of each manufacturer. Meanwhile, partial least squares (PLS) model was built to predict antioxidant activity of DLCT and to correlate with components in the fingerprint, which proved significant contribution of peaks 16‐rosmarinic acid and 19‐oridonin. The combination of FWFFP with antioxidant and ECOFP provided a new idea for identification and analysis of DLCT.
Microfluidic platform for studying the anti‐cancer effect of ursolic acid on tumor spheroid
Authors: Chang Shiqi , Wen Jing , Su Yue , Ma Huipeng
Published: March 2022

At present, the probability that a new anti‐tumor drug will eventually succeed in clinical trials is extremely low. In order to make up for this shortcoming, the use of a three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture model for secondary screening is often necessary. Cell spheroid is the easiest 3D model tool for drug screening. In this study, the microfluidic chip with a microwell array was manufactured, which could allow the formation of tumor spheroids with uniform size and easily retrieve cell spheroids from the chip. Cell spheroids were successfully cultured for over 15 days and the survival rate was as high as 80%. Subsequently, cellular response to the ursolic acid (UA) was observed on the chip. Compared to the monolayer culture cells in vitro, the tumor spheroids showed minor levels of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition fluctuation after drug treatment. The mechanism of cell spheroid resistance to UA was further verified by detecting the expression level of upstream pathway proteins. But the invasive ability of tumor spheroids was attenuated when the duration of action of UA extended. The anti‐cancer effect of UA was innovatively evaluated on breast cancer by using the microfluidic device, which could provide a basis and direction for future preclinical research on UA.
AOP report: Development of an adverse outcome pathway for oxidative DNA damage leading to mutations and chromosomal aberrations
Authors: Cho Eunnara , Allemang Ashley , Audebert Marc , Chauhan Vinita , Dertinger Stephen , Hendriks Giel , Luijten Mirjam , Marchetti Francesco , Minocherhomji Sheroy , Pfuhler Stefan , Roberts Daniel J. , Trenz Kristina , Yauk Carole L.
Published: March 2022

The Genetic Toxicology Technical Committee (GTTC) of the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) is developing adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) that describe modes of action leading to potentially heritable genomic damage. The goal was to enhance the use of mechanistic information in genotoxicity assessment by building empirical support for the relationships between relevant molecular initiating events (MIEs) and regulatory endpoints in genetic toxicology. Herein, we present an AOP network that links oxidative DNA damage to two adverse outcomes (AOs): mutations and chromosomal aberrations. We collected empirical evidence from the literature to evaluate the key event relationships between the MIE and the AOs, and assessed the weight of evidence using the modified Bradford‐Hill criteria for causality. Oxidative DNA damage is constantly induced and repaired in cells given the ubiquitous presence of reactive oxygen species and free radicals. However, xenobiotic exposures may increase damage above baseline levels through a variety of mechanisms and overwhelm DNA repair and endogenous antioxidant capacity. Unrepaired oxidative DNA base damage can lead to base substitutions during replication and, along with repair intermediates, can also cause DNA strand breaks that can lead to mutations and chromosomal aberrations if not repaired adequately. This AOP network identifies knowledge gaps that could be filled by targeted studies designed to better define the quantitative relationships between key events, which could be leveraged for quantitative chemical safety assessment. We anticipate that this AOP network will provide the building blocks for additional genotoxicity‐associated AOPs and aid in designing novel integrated testing approaches for genotoxicity.
Experimental study of compression ratio variation on diesel engines performance as well as exhaust emission parameters devouring microalgae biodiesel blends
Authors: Kale Bhojraj N. , Patle Sewandas , Kalambe Shilpa R.
Published: March 2022

The diesel engine performance plus exhaust emission attributes are influenced by different strictures. Impact of compression ratio and mixing (blending) proportion of biodiesel in petroleum diesel on diesel engine performance plus exhaust emission has researched in this study. The engine attributes were learned at various compression ratios shifting from 15.5 to 17.5 and utilizing various mixes of microalgae biodiesel with diesel. For benchmarking comparison, the results have been compared to test results found using petroleum diesel as fuel. Obtained experimental results uncover that the engine brake thermal efficiency increments as compression ratio increments for all mixes. The brake specific fuel consumption diminishes with increment of compression ratio for tested fuel mixes. At the point when compression ratio was expanded from 15.5 to 17.5, the HC and CO emissions diminished radically and NOX expanded impressively.
Experimental based comparative exergy analysis of a spark‐ignition Honda GX270 Genset engine fueled with LPG and syngas
Authors: Ganesan Nataraj , Sahoo Bibhuti B. , Ekambaram Porpatham , Elumalai P.V , Samuel Olusegun D. , Enweremadu Christopher C. , Afzal Asif , Saleel C. Ahamed
Published: March 2022

The present study investigates three different fuels such as gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and syngas in spark‐ignition Honda GX270 Genset engine under wide‐open throttle position on its performance, combustion characteristic as well as availability analysis. The results showed that when the engine operated with gasoline fuel, the brake thermal efficiency was higher than that of LPG and syngas by 6.2% and 7.4%, respectively, throughout the engine load condition. Brake‐specific fuel consumption of the engine with syngas (660 g/kW h) and LPG fuel (812 g/kW h) was higher than that of the gasoline fuel (510 g/kW h) at the 4.5 kW of engine load. The engine emission results showed syngas operation caused a significant reduction in NOx by 58.4%, CO by 16.5%, HC by 23.2% compared to gasoline fuel at peak load conditions. On the other hand, exergy analysis concludes the exergy efficiency for all the test fuels increases with an increase in engine load due to a high rise in shaft output. At a 4.5 kW power output, the exergy efficiency of the engine was improved to 46.45% from 45.62% and 29.73% with syngas, gasoline, and LPG, respectively. The maximum exhaust gas availability has been observed as 24.51% of availability input for syngas at 100% load condition.
Super‐resolution analyzing spatial organization of lysosomes with an organic fluorescent probe
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Rui , Han Guanqun , Liu Xuan , Huang Taosheng , Diao Jiajie , Sun Yujie
Published: March 2022

Lysosomes are multifunctional organelles involved in macromolecule degradation, nutrient sensing, and autophagy. Live imaging has revealed lysosome subpopulations with dynamics and characteristic cellular localization. An as‐yet unanswered question is whether lysosomes are spatially organized to coordinate and integrate their functions. Combined with super‐resolution microscopy, we designed a small organic fluorescent probe—TPAE—that targeted lysosomes with a large Stokes shift. When we analyzed the spatial organization of lysosomes against mitochondria in different cell lines with this probe, we discovered different distance distribution patterns between lysosomes and mitochondria during increased autophagy flux. By using SLC25A46 mutation fibroblasts derived from patients containing highly fused mitochondria with low oxidative phosphorylation, we concluded that unhealthy mitochondria redistributed the subcellular localization of lysosomes, which implies a strong connection between mitochondria and lysosomes.
Is shooting for fairness always beneficial? The influence of promotion fairness on employees' cognitive and emotional reactions to promotion failure
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Chen Xingwen , Wang Qingjuan , Jiao Changquan , Yang Mengxi
Published: March 2022

Promotions, as a part of organizational incentive and reward systems, can motivate employees to perform well and to increase commitment to their firms. But very little is known about why and when promotion failure influences employees' subsequent responses. Integrating social‐cognitive theory and the cognitive appraisal theory of emotion in justice literature, we investigated the effect of promotion failure on employees' work engagement through cognitive and emotional processes and the moderating effects of perceived promotion fairness. Employing two survey studies (Study 1 and Study 2) and an experimental study (Study 3), we found that: (1) promotion failure was negatively related to self‐efficacy and positively associated with anger; (2) promotion failure was negatively related to work engagement through reduced self‐efficacy and elevated anger; (3) promotion perceived to be fair amplified the negative effect of promotion failure on employee self‐efficacy but mitigated its influence on anger; (4) promotion fairness perception strengthened the indirect negative relationship between promotion failure and work engagement through self‐efficacy but weakened this indirect relationship via anger. Our work contributes to promotion and justice literature and enlightens practitioners about how to manage promotion practice.
Clinical severity of RSV bronchiolitis
Authors: Hussain Faris , Delgado Thompson Margarita , Vick David , West Jack , Edwards Martin
Published: March 2022

Background

Studies comparing the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis to other viruses are inconclusive. Our study aimed to compare the severity of bronchiolitis according to the virus.

Methods

Data were collected from 1152 infants under one year of age admitted to Children's hospital for Wales, over the winter months of 2014–2020. The cohort was divided based on the virus detected: RSV, RSV with another virus, or other virus. Using t tests and Fisher exact statistical test, the groups were compared based on length of hospital stay, admissions PICU/HDU, intubations, and need of nasogastric (NG) nutritional support.

Results

Fifty‐six percent throat swabs were RSV positive, 15% had RSV with another virus, and 29% had only another virus. Children positive for RSV had statistically longer hospital admissions and were more likely to need NG nutrition; however, there was no difference between number of PICU/HDU admissions or intubations. The RSV group and RSV with another virus group had no statistical differences.
Pregnant women follow‐up service, Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Baye Haile Dawit , Eshetie Aguade Aragaw , Zerihun Fetene Moges
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

The goal of this study was to demonstrate the effects of factors related with time to developing pre‐eclampsia (PE) among pregnant women follow‐up service at Arerti Primary Hospital.

Methods

A survival analysis was employed on a pregnant women's follow‐up service from September 2018 to June 2019 at the Arerti Primary Hospital. A closed‐form sample size formula for estimating the effect of the time‐to‐event data was used. Both the descriptive method and Cox proportional hazards model were applied to compute the research survival data.

Results

Using the Kaplan–Meier estimation technique, the univariable analysis shows that the survival time median is 7 months and 3 weeks. The graph of Kaplan–Meier estimate of total survival functions indicates a decreasing pattern of survivorship function. We used the Kaplan–Meier estimates to investigate the effects of observed differences among different categories of the factors, we applied the Log‐rank test. The final survival model outcomes weight, marital status, age, history of PE, and multiplicity were related to a substantial hazard of evolving PE.

Conclusion

On the basis of our final survival model results, we recommended that all pregnant women having such risk factors should see a health care professional and control their medical condition before and during pregnancy. Advising women about proper body weight in each follow‐up period is supported. Finally, health experts should advise pregnant women about potential risk factors related to PE.
Prospective randomized comparison of effect on coronary endothelial and renal function between febuxostat and benzbromarone in hyperuricemic patients with coronary artery disease: EFEF study
Authors: Nishino Masami , Egami Yasuyuki , Nakamura Hitoshi , Ukita Kohei , Kawamura Akito , Matsuhiro Yutaka , Yasumoto Koji , Tsuda Masaki , Tanaka Akihiro , Okamoto Naotaka , Matsunaga‐Lee Yasuharu , Yano Masamichi , Shutta Ryu , Tanouchi Jun
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

There are two types of serum uric acid‐lowering agents, the xanthine oxidoreductase (XO) inhibitor and non‐XO inhibitor. We investigated whether febuxostat, XO inhibitor, could produce more favorable effects on coronary endothelial function (CEF) and renal function than benzbromarone, non‐XO inhibitor, in hyperuricemic coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

Methods

We divided 21 hyperuricemic patients with stenting for left anterior descending (LAD) or left circumflex (LCX) artery into patients started on febuxostat (F group) and those on benzbromarone (B group). After 8 months, all patients underwent CEF evaluations (acetylcholine provocation test) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for non‐culprit vessels (e.g. if patients received LAD stenting, we evaluated LCX). We compared the diameter ratio induced by acetylcholine and baseline (CEF ratio), thin‐cap fibroatheroma and calcified plaque by OCT, uric acid, oxidative stress biomarkers, and renal function including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between F and B groups. Creatinine 2 days after stenting was measured to evaluate contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN).

Results

Change of eGFR was significantly lower in F group (n= 11) than B group over 8 months while the other parameters including CEF ratio were similar. F group showed favorable effects for CIN.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 8‐months of febuxostat, XO inhibitor, does not significantly protect CEF but can protect the renal function including CIN in hyperuricemic patients with CAD compared to benzbromarone, non‐XO inhibitor.
MHD, thermal radiation, thermophoresis and Soret–Dufour mechanism contributions on unsteady motion of Casson fluid over a semi‐infinite porous vertical plate
Authors: Ayegbusi Florence D.
Published: March 2022

This paper examined the contribution of MHD, thermal radiation, thermophoresis and Soret–Dufour mechanism on unsteady motion of Casson non‐Newtonian fluid. The flow model which resulted in partial differential equations (PDES) was transformed into a dimensionless form of PDES using suitable quantities. The contributions of controlling flow parameters were graphically presented for velocity, temperature, and concentration. The quantities of engineering interest were calculated for flow parameters and presented using table. A considerable value of Soret parameter was noticed to elevate the skin friction and Sherwood number. Impact of the magnetic parameter has great impact on the motion of Casson fluid by lowering its motion. This is because as the value of magnetic parameter increases the Lorentz force added more strength and hereby slow down the motion of an electrically conducting fluids. The present outcomes were examined with previously published work and was in conformity with each other.
Preliminary results on transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies to the fetus and serum neutralizing activity
Authors: Houhou‐Fidouh Nadhira , Bucau Margot , Bertine Mélanie , Minh Thu Nguyen Thi , Picone Olivier , Salakos Eleonora , Luton Dominique
Published: March 2022

During pregnancy early third trimester immunization against SARS‐CoV‐2 confers optimal immunity to the neonate.
Renal metastasis of ovarian granulosa cell tumor
Authors: Togashi Kyo , Yoneyama Tohru , Sutoh Yoneyama Mihoko , Yamamoto Hayato , Hatakeyama Shingo , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Futagami Masayuki , Ohyama Chikara
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We would like to present a rare case of metastatic renal tumor.

Case presentation

A 60‐year‐old woman presented to our department with a left renal tumor. She underwent a total hysterectomy and right adnexal resection for a stage IA ovarian granulosa cell tumor approximately 15 years ago, followed by left adnexal resection and postoperative chemotherapy with gemcitabine and paclitaxel 6 years ago. She received six courses of gemcitabine and carboplatin to treat a stage IC clear cell adenocarcinoma of the ovary.

The patient was diagnosed with the left renal tumor and underwent a laparoscopic left nephrectomy. Immunostaining was positive for α‐inhibin and SF‐1 and showed FOXL2 402C→G (C134W) mutation. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with renal metastasis of a granulosa cell tumor.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is a very rare case of renal metastasis of a granulosa cell tumor with the FOXL2 mutation in an adult.
Proteomics profiling of nontumor liver tissues identifies prognostic biomarkers in hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Peng , Wen Dong‐Yue , Pang Jin‐Shu , Liao Wei , Chen Yu‐Ji , He Yun , Yang Hong
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often occurs following chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, leading to high recurrence and a low 5‐year survival rate. We developed an overall survival (OS) prediction model based on protein expression profiles in HBV‐infected nontumor liver tissues. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using protein expression profiles in nontumor liver tissues for survival prediction. A univariate Cox and differential expression analysis were performed to identify candidate prognostic factors. A multivariate Cox analysis was performed to develop the liver gene prognostic index (LGPI). The survival differences between the different risk groups in the training and validation cohorts were also estimated. A total of 363 patients, 159 in the training cohort, and 204 in the validation cohort were included. Of the 6478 proteins extracted from nontumor liver tissues, we identified 1275 proteins altered between HCC and nontumor liver tissues. A total of 1090 out of 6478 proteins were significantly related to OS. The prognostic values of the proteins in nontumor tissues were mostly positively related to those in the tumor tissues. Protective proteins were mainly enriched in the metabolism‐related pathways. From the differentially expressed proteins, the top 10 most significant prognosis‐related proteins were submitted for LGPI construction. In the training and validation cohorts, this LGPI showed a great ability for distinguishing patients' OS risk stratifications. After adjusting for clinicopathological features, the LGPI was an independent prognostic factor in the training and validation cohorts. We demonstrated the prognostic value of protein expression profiling in nontumor liver tissues. The proposed LGPI was a promising predictive model for estimating OS in HBV‐related HCC.
Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging quantification of gray matter alterations in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Andica Christina , Hagiwara Akifumi , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Kato Shimpei , Uchida Wataru , Nishimura Yuma , Fujita Shohei , Kamagata Koji , Hori Masaaki , Tomizawa Yuji , Hattori Nobutaka , Aoki Shigeki
Published: March 2022

Herein, we combined neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) to evaluate the spatial distribution and extent of gray matter (GM) microstructural alterations in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The NODDI (neurite density index [NDI], orientation dispersion index [ODI], and isotropic volume fraction [ISOVF]) and SyMRI (myelin volume fraction [MVF]) measures were compared between age‐ and sex‐matched groups of 30 patients with RRMS (6 males and 24 females; mean age, 51.43 ± 8.02 years), 18 patients with anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody‐positive NMOSD (2 males and 16 females; mean age, 52.67 ± 16.07 years), and 19 healthy controls (6 males and 13 females; mean age, 51.47 ± 9.25 years) using GM‐based spatial statistical analysis. Patients with RRMS showed reduced NDI and MVF and increased ODI and ISOVF, predominantly in the limbic and paralimbic regions, when compared with healthy controls, while only increases in ODI and ISOVF were observed when compared with NMOSD. Compared to NDI and MVF, the changes in ODI and ISOVF were observed more widely, including in the cerebellar cortex. These abnormalities were associated with disease progression and disability. In contrast, patients with NMOSD only showed reduced NDI mainly in the cerebellar, limbic, and paralimbic cortices when compared with healthy controls and patients with RRMS. Taken together, our study supports the notion that GM pathologies in RRMS are distinct from those of NMOSD. However, owing to the limitations of the study, the results should be cautiously interpreted.
The invisible hand of an invisible population: Dynamics and heterogeneity of second‐home housing markets
Authors: Back Andreas , Marjavaara Roger , Müller Dieter K.
Published: March 2022

The effects of second‐home tourism on property markets has been one of the key debates in second‐home research. This has been discussed in association with property speculation, financial vulnerability, gentrification, displacement, and rural development. This paper studies the market prices for all detached homes traded on the open market in Sweden during 1999–2017. It investigates how the market values of second homes have developed over time and how they vary spatially. Results show clear and growing spatial inequalities over the period. It emphasises the dynamic interplay between different forms of dwelling use and the close relationship to spatial context.
Demographic characteristics, torture experiences, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among asylum seekers and refugees persecuted for same‐sex behaviors
Authors: Bird Christine , Bowers Gray , Piwowarczyk Lin , Ng Lauren C.
Published: March 2022

Increasingly, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are fleeing the 67 countries that criminalize consensual same‐sex intimate relationships, seeking asylum in countries such as the United States. Minority stress theory posits that compared with non‐LGB refugees and asylum seekers (RAS), LGB RAS are likely to face persecution, rejection, and discrimination and have a higher risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study assessed differences in sociodemographic characteristics, persecution experiences, and mental health outcomes among 959 RAS persecuted for same‐sex behavior (pLGB RAS) who presented for care and social services at the Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights. Data were derived from intake interviews with RAS clients that elicited torture experiences and assessed PTSD symptoms using the Short Screening Scale for PTSD. Over 11% of the total sample were pLGB RAS. Compared with non–pLGB RAS, pLGB RAS reported higher PTSD symptom levels, β = .08, p = .031; more difficulty loving others, d = 0.13, p < .001; and feeling more isolated, d = 0.10, p = .005. pLGB RAS reported more persecution, d = 0.31, p = .002; physical assaults, d = 0.22, p = .029; and psychological assaults, d = 0.20, p = .047; and were more likely to be asylum seekers, d = 0.11, p = .001, and have experienced persecution in Uganda, d = 0.39, p < .001, and other countries that criminalize same‐sex acts, d = 0.26, p < .001. More research is needed to understand clinical outcomes and implications of treatment for this population.
Recurrence of metastatic Merkel carcinoma after cessation of avelumab in a patient previously with a complete response
Authors: Picard‐Gauci Alexandra , Troin Laura , Chassang Madleen , Passeron Thierry , Montaudié Henri
Published: March 2022

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape for patients with metastatic MCC (mMCC). In mMCC, the response duration after cessation of ICIs treatment for complete response (CR) is unknown.

Observation

We report a case of a woman in her 70s with metastatic MCC treated in first‐line with avelumab. The treatment was stopped after 2 years of CR. The patient relapsed after 11 months of cessation of treatment and rechallenge with avelumab at the same dosing regimen was decided. The first tumour assessment at 3 months after reintroduction revealed a CR.

Discussion

In contrast with observations made for patients who have discontinued ICIs in the metastatic melanoma setting, disease progression is observed after ICIs cessation in mMCC including for patients with low tumour burden and who achieve a CR.

Conclusion

The case of our patient underlines this risk of relapse and suggests great caution before stopping ICIs in patients treated for mMCC, even when they are in CR.
Molecular Inclusion of Small Aging Products into the Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) Lattice: Part I, Infrared Spectra
Authors: Beste Ariana , Alam Mary Kathleen
Published: March 2022

Accelerated aging studies of β CL‐20 thin films deposited on glass surfaces in different environments (N2, air, air/water) were conducted. Samples were analyzed with attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy. Spectral features of molecular lattice inclusions in CL‐20 films aged in an air/water environment were observed. The features occurred after β CL‐20 polymorph transformation to α CL‐20 and were accompanied by the appearance of lattice water peaks. To assist ATR‐IR peak assignment, density functional theory studies were performed, and IR spectra of α CL‐20 lattice inclusions of small molecules that were identified as degradation products of CL‐20 were computed. Simulated spectra of NO2, HNCO, N2O, and CO2 incorporated into partially hydrated α CL‐20 matched the experimental spectrum of β CL‐20 thin films aged in air/water.
Preparation of Black Phosphorus Nanosheets and Research on Nonlinear Optical Response Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Jing , Cao Yuqing , Chen Chen , Wang Qiang , Shao Yabin
Published: March 2022

2D black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) are prepared by the ultrasonic‐assisted liquid phase stripping method, which improves the preparation yield and monodispersity of the thin‐layer BPNSs. Open‐aperture Z‐scan measurement by nanosecond pulsed laser with low repetition rate (10 Hz) is used to reduce the existence and accumulation of heat accumulation effect. BPNSs have strong saturated absorption in the wideband visible light range from 475 to 625 nm; and with the increase of laser energy, reverse saturated absorption (RSA) occurs at some specific wavelengths in this range. The reverse saturation absorption is observed at 500 nm; and the stronger the excited state absorption is with the increase of laser energy, the more obvious the reverse saturation absorption is. At 525 nm, as the laser excitation energy increases from 750 to 1080 μJ, a transition from saturated absorption to anti‐saturated absorption is observed. This shows that laser excitation energy is an important factor in the transition from saturated absorption to anti‐saturated absorption. That is to say, by controlling the laser excitation energy and wavelength, BPNSs can have different application values in the field of nonlinear optics, such as saturable absorbers, optical limiters, and optical switches.
Improved Thermoelectric Performance of In‐Doped Quaternary Cu2MnSnSe4 Alloys
Authors: Mehmood Fahad , Sun Yuqing , Su Wenbin , Chebanova Galina , Zhai Jinze , Wang Long , Khan Mahwish , Romanenko Anatoly , Wang Hongchao , Wang Chunlei
Published: March 2022

Recently, Cu2MnSnSe4 alloys and similar compounds have drawn immense attention due to their low intrinsic thermal conductivity. However, their inferior electrical properties hinder their industrial applications. Herein, Cu2MnSn1−xInxSe4 alloys are successfully synthesized and the thermoelectric transport properties are investigated. The results reveal that In doping significantly enhances the electrical properties by reducing electrical resistivity by 4.3 times at maximum temperature. As a consequence, the power factor value is enhanced to 665 μW K−2 m−1 for the sample with 7.5% In concentration which is about 2.2 times higher than the pristine sample. Eventually improved dimensionless figure of merit of 0.33 has been obtained for 5% sample.
Robotic repair of atrial septal defect with partial pulmonary venous return anomaly: Our 5 year experience
Authors: Kadan Murat , Erol Gökhan , Kubat Emre , İnce Mehmet Emin , Akyol Furkan Burak , Karabacak Kubilay , Doğancı Suat , Yıldırım Vedat , Bolcal Cengiz , Demirkılıç Ufuk
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Partial pulmonary venous return anomalies (PPVRA) were not considered as a good candidate for robotic surgery in early time of robotic cardiac surgery. In this study, we present our experience in patients undergoing robotic atrial septal defect (ASD) and PPVRA surgery.

Methods

Between November 2014 and January 2020, data of 21 patients underwent robotic ASD with PPVRA was collected. Inclusion criterion was presence of right‐sided PPVRA with ASD. All operations were performed robotically.

Results

The mean age of patients was 26.7 ± 10.3 years. Seventeen patients (81%) had superior‐caval ASD with supracardiac PPVRA and double‐patch technique was used. Four patients had inferior‐caval ASD with intracardiac PPVRA and single‐patch technique was preferred. Cross‐clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were 92.8 ± 29.6 and 127.8 ± 38.1, respectively. There was no mortality. One patient had atrioventricular‐block and required pacemaker.

Conclusion

Robotic repair of ASD with PPVRA is feasible and effective method as an alternative to conventional surgery.
Surface modifications of PET in argon atmospheric pressure plasma: Gas flow rate effect
Authors: Abdel‐Fattah Essam
Published: March 2022

The correlation between plasma optical properties and the treated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surface characteristics have been studied at various Ar flow rate. The rotational Trot and vibrational Tvib temperatures of APPJ were determined from SPS emission band. The pristine and plasma‐treated PET surfaces were characterized by several techniques including X‐ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, contact angle (CA), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The CA decreased rapidly in the flow rate range 1–3 L/min and weakly dependent as flow rate > 3 L/min. XPS results showed that C 1s % of plasma‐treated PET surfaces decreases and has a minimum for samples treated at 3–4 L/min, while O 1s has a maximum at the same flow rate range. The carbon C 1s peak of pristine and plasma treated PET samples resolved into five subcomponents: C–C, C–O, C=O, O–C=O, and π–π bonds with variable percentage ratio accordance to the plasma gas flow rate. Raman data revealed a partial loss in the crystallinity of the treated PET samples and also confirm the incremental of C–O band at Ar flow rate of 3 L/min. AFM images showed that the surface roughness of treated PET films increases as Ar flow rate increases.