bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rigid and Flexible SEI Layer Formed Over a Cross‐Linked Polymer for Enhanced Ultrathin Li Metal Anode Performance
Authors: Wang Qiong , Yang Jian , Huang Xiaoyang , Zhai Zhenghao , Tang Jingxiao , You Jinhai , Shi Chenguang , Li Weize , Dai Peng , Zheng Weichen , Huang Ling , Sun Shigang
Published: March 2022

Li metal has been attracting considerable attention as the most promising anode material for application in next‐generation Li rechargeable batteries. However, the instability of the formed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in the Li metal anode leads to a low coulombic efficiency (CE). Here, two kinds of synthesized polymer materials with different molecular configurations (chain and cross‐linked), which are grafted as skins on Cu foils (current collectors), are reported. The interaction between the polymers and electrolyte solvent reduces the amount of the solvent used in the formation of the SEI layer, while facilitating the decomposition of Li salts; this results in inorganic‐component‐dominated SEI layers with excellent stability. Furthermore, the Cu foil grafted with the polymer has a cross‐linked structure that results in an SEI layer that exhibits a combination of rigidity and flexibility. The SEI layer improves the average CE of the Li/Cu batteries to 98.7% over 550 cycles. A Li/Li symmetric battery assembled with 10 µm ultrathin Li anodes achieves prolonged cycling for 1300 h at a current density of 3 mA cm−2. The ultrathin Li anodes can be applied to Li/S batteries, highlighting a new approach to the design of future batteries.
Defect Engineering in a Multiple Confined Geometry for Robust Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zou Kunyang , Zhou Tengfei , Chen Yuanzhen , Xiong Xuyang , Jing Weitao , Dai Xin , Shi Ming , Li Na , Sun Junjie , Zhang Shilin , Zhang Chaofeng , Liu Yongning , Guo Zaiping
Published: March 2022

The decay of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is mainly due to the shuttle effect caused by intermediate polysulfides (LiPSs). Herein, a multiple confined cathode architecture is prepared by filling graphitized Pinus sylvestris with carbon nanotubes and defective LaNiO3−x (LNO‐V) nanoparticles. The composite electrode with high areal sulfur loading of 11.6 mg cm−2 shows a high areal specific capacity of 8.5 mAh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 (0.05 C). Both experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that this unique structure not only provides physical restriction on LiPSs within microchannels but also offers strong chemical immobilization and catalytic conversion of LiPSs attributed to the spin density around oxygen vacancies of LaNiO3−x. These oxygen vacancies elongate the SS and LiS bonds and make them easy to break. Furthermore, the lengthwise channels derived from cytoderm restrict the transverse diffusion of polysulfides, leading to a uniform areal current and thus homogeneous lithium infiltration. This suppresses the corrosion of the lithium anode due to polysulfides confinement. The discovery of the multiple confined structure that provides chemical adsorption, fast diffusion, and catalytic conversion for polysulfides can broaden the application of biomass materials and offer a new strategy to achieve robust Li–S batteries.
Vertically Aligned MXene Nanosheet Arrays for High‐Rate Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Chen Qian , Wei Yi , Zhang Xiaokun , Yang Zhilin , Wang Fan , Liu Wei , Zuo Jinghan , Gu Xiaokang , Yao Yong , Wang Xingguo , Zhao Feifei , Yang Shubin , Gong Yongji
Published: March 2022

Lithium (Li) metal is considered as one of the best anode materials due to its high theoretical capacity and low reduction potential. However, its practical application is restricted by uneven Li metal dendrite growth. Herein, vertically aligned Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheet arrays synthesized by a facile ice template assisted blade coating method are adopted to regulate Li metal nucleation and guide Li metal deposition. This kind of vertical structure exhibits low tortuosity that can achieve homogeneous and fast Li transport. In addition, the rich F and O groups on the Ti3C2Tx surface are conducive to the formation of a uniform solid–electrolyte interphase layer, which plays an important role in regulating the nucleation and growth of Li metal. Consequently, the vertically aligned Ti3C2Tx electrodes achieve high Coulombic efficiencies (98.8%) for more than 450 cycles at a fixed areal capacity of 1.0 mAh cm−2 with a current density of 1.0 mA cm−2. Moreover, it can maintain stable lithium plating/striping behaviors even at an ultrahigh current density of 5.0 mA cm−2 and high areal capacity of 5.0 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, full batteries (LiFePO4 as cathode) paired with these vertically aligned Ti3C2Tx electrodes show superior stability and rate performance than the horizontally aligned Ti3C2Tx electrodes.
The Role of Hydrothermal Carbonization in Sustainable Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Xu Zhen , Wang Jing , Guo Zhenyu , Xie Fei , Liu Haoyu , Yadegari Hossein , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Ryan Mary P. , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries as a prospective alternative to lithium‐ion batteries are facing the challenge of developing high‐performance, low‐cost and sustainable anode materials. Hard carbons are appropriate to store sodium ions, but major energy and environmental concerns during their fabrication process (i.e., high‐temperature carbonization) have not been properly assessed. Furthermore, the rational design of high‐performing hard carbon anodes is usually limited by the conventional direct carbonization of organic precursors. Here, the hydrothermal carbonization process is employed as a versatile pre‐treatment method of renewable precursors, followed by high‐temperature carbonization, for producing advanced hard carbon anodes. The critical role of hydrothermal pre‐treatment in regulating the structure for an optimized performance of hard carbon anodes is elucidated, while revealing the sodium‐ion storage mechanism using electrochemical kinetic calculations, advanced characterization and multi‐scale modeling. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of hydrothermal pre‐treatment and subsequent carbonization are evaluated using life cycle assessment compared to direct carbonization. By comparing hard carbon anodes with and without the hydrothermal pre‐treatment, it is verified that the additional hydrothermal process is responsible for enhanced electrochemical performance, increased carbon yields and reduced carbon emissions. The work provides a systematic understanding of functions and energy consumptions of hydrothermal systems to achieve next‐generation sustainable sodium‐ion batteries.
Clinical impact of laparoscopic surgery and adhesion prevention material for prevention of small bowel obstruction
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Hirata Keiji , Ichikawa Daisuke , Ikeda Masataka , Fujita Fumihiko , Eto Ken , Yukawa Norio , Kojima Yutaka , Matsuda Akihisa , Shimoyama Rai , Ochiai Hideto , Kumamoto Kensuke , Takayama Yuichi , Komono Akira , Sonoda Hiromichi , Ohta Ryo , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kaibori Masaki , Takemasa Ichiro
Published: March 2022

Aim

Adhesive small bowel obstructions (SBO) are one of the most common complications following abdominal surgery, and they decrease patient quality of life. Since 2000, laparoscopic surgery has been employed with increasing frequency, as has adhesion prevention material (APM). In this study we tried to evaluate whether laparoscopic surgery and APM reduce the incidence of SBO.

Methods

In Cohort 1, we included patients who developed SBO and received inpatient treatment between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the elapsed time between precedent surgery and the onset of SBO, and what kind of surgery most often causes SBO. In Cohort 2, we included patients who underwent digestive surgery between 2012 and 2014 and evaluated SBO incidence within 5 y after the precedent surgery.

Results

In all, 2058 patients were included in Cohort 1. Of these, 164 had experienced no precedent surgery. Among patients with a history of abdominal surgery, 29.7% experienced SBO within 1 y after the precedent surgery and 48.1% within 3 y. Altogether, 18798 patients were analyzed in Cohort 2. The incidence of SBO after laparoscopic colorectal surgery was lower than that of open colorectal surgery (P < .001), and laparoscopic gastroduodenal surgery was also lower (P = .02). However, there were no differences between laparoscopic and open surgery for other types of surgery. The use of APM had no effect on SBO incidence in any type of abdominal surgery.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery helps to reduce SBO incidence only in colorectal surgery, and possibly in gastroduodenal surgery. APM does not reduce SBO after abdominal surgery.
Performance Prediction and Experimental Optimization Assisted by Machine Learning for Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Wen , Geng Yun , Troisi Alessandro , Ma Haibo
Published: March 2022

The improvements of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are mainly implemented by the design of novel materials and optimizations of experimental conditions through extensive trial‐and‐error experiments based on chemical intuition, which may be tedious and inefficient for exploring a larger chemical space. In the recent five years, data‐driven methods using machine learning (ML) algorithms and the knowledge of known materials/experimental parameters are introduced to OPV studies to help build a quantitative structure‐property relationship model and accelerate the molecular design and parameter optimization. Here, these recent promising progresses based on experimental OPV datasets are summarized. This review introduces the general workflow (e.g., dataset collection, feature engineering, ML model generation, and evaluation) of ML‐OPV projects and discusses the applications of this framework for predicting OPV performance and experimental optimizations in OPVs. Finally, an outlook of future work directions in this exciting and quickly developing field is presented.
Machine Learning‐Enabled Smart Gas Sensing Platform for Identification of Industrial Gases
Authors: Huang Shirong , Croy Alexander , Panes-Ruiz Luis Antonio , Khavrus Vyacheslav , Bezugly Viktor , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: March 2022

Both ammonia and phosphine are widely used in industrial processes, and yet they are noxious and exhibit detrimental effects on human health. Despite the remarkable progress on sensors development, there are still some limitations, for instance, the requirement of high operating temperatures, and that most sensors are solely dedicated to individual gas monitoring. Herein, an ultrasensitive, highly discriminative platform is demonstrated for the detection and identification of ammonia and phosphine at room temperature using a graphene nanosensor. Graphene is exfoliated and successfully functionalized by copper phthalocyanine derivate. In combination with highly efficient machine learning techniques, the developed graphene nanosensor demonstrates an excellent gas identification performance even at ultralow concentrations: 100 ppb NH3 (accuracy—100.0%, sensitivity—100.0%, specificity—100.0%) and 100 ppb PH3 (accuracy—77.8%, sensitivity—75.0%, and specificity—78.6%). Molecular dynamics simulation results reveal that the copper phthalocyanine derivate molecules attached to the graphene surface facilitate the adsorption of ammonia molecules owing to hydrogen bonding interactions. The developed smart gas sensing platform paves a path to design a highly selective, highly sensitive, miniaturized, low‐power consumption, nondedicated, smart gas sensing system toward a wide spectrum of gases.
Controllable Disulfide Exchange Polymerization of Polyguanidine for Effective Biomedical Applications by Thiol‐Mediated Uptake
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Lin Mengyu , Hu Wenting , Wang Junkai , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Zhang Kai , Yu Bingran , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: March 2022

New preparation methods of vectors are the key to developing the next generation of biomacromolecule delivery systems. In this study, a controllable disulfide exchange polymerization was established to obtain low‐toxicity and efficient bioreducible polyguanidines (mPEG225‐b‐PSSn, n=13, 26, 39, 75, 105) by regulating the concentration of activated nucleophiles and reaction time under mild reaction conditions. The relationship between the degrees of polymerization and biocompatibility was studied to identify the optimal polyguanidine mPEG225‐b‐PSS26. Such polyguanidine exhibited good in vitro performance in delivering different functional nucleic acids. The impressive therapeutic effects of mPEG225‐b‐PSS26 were further verified in the 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice as well as the mice with full‐thickness skin defects. Controllable disulfide exchange polymerization provides an attractive strategy for the construction of new biomacromolecule delivery systems.
Comparative extraction of cannabinoids and terpenoids from Cannabis sativa L. using three solvents
Authors: Fei Tao , Wang Tong
Published: March 2022

Organic solvents of diethyl ether and pentane were tested against ethanol for the extraction of terpenoids and cannabinoids from hemp inflorescence. It is not well known how pretreatment of grinding and extraction conditions, that is, number of extractions, temperature, and solvent residence time affect extraction yield and product compositional profiles, so these were examined in this study. As a general trend, diethyl ether and pentane had better selectivity towards the terpenoids and cannabinoids compared to ethanol. It was found that even though grinding to reduce the particle size of the inflorescence did not dramatically increase the total extraction yield, it increased the yield of the first extraction as well as the content of terpenoids and cannabinoids in the extract. Extraction residence time trial revealed the benefit of shorter time and the different behavior of the two classes of compounds. Increasing the extraction temperature from 4 to 21°C improved the total extraction yield by all three solvents, however, no additional improvement was seen at 30°C. To achieve high concentration of the bioactive compounds in the extract, multiple extraction at 21°C with short residence time, such as 15 min, are preferred for the solvents tested, and an extract having about 6% terpenoids and 59% main cannabinoids was obtained using pentane. This systematic study provides a guide to commercial processing optimization and directions for further investigation.
Post‐polymerization modification of polyetherimide by Friedel‐Crafts acylation: Physical–chemical characterization and performance as gas separation membrane
Authors: Ferreira Rubiane Marta Mayer , Ambrosi Alan , da Conceição Thiago Ferreira
Published: March 2022

Despite recent interest in post‐polymerization modification, high‐performance aromatic polymers have not received much attention as a suitable platform for the synthesis of new polymer libraries. In this article, we describe the post‐polymerization modification of a polyetherimide, employing Friedel‐Crafts acylation, resulting in derivatives with varied side groups and degrees of acylation. It is shown that by increasing the degree of acylation and the size of the acyl group the glass transition temperature decreases, following a linear relation, while the thermal stability is not significantly affected, and the water contact angle of the derivative membranes increases. Gas permeability tests demonstrated an increase in the permeability of the derivative membranes to N2 and CO2 as the degree of acylation increases. The results demonstrated the potential of the post‐polymerization Friedel‐Crafts acylation of high‐performance aromatic polymers to obtain new and efficient membranes for gas separation.
Supramolecular Hydrogels: Design Strategies and Contemporary Biomedical Applications
Authors: Omar Jasmin , Ponsford Daniel , Dreiss Cécile A. , Lee Tung‐Chun , Loh Xian Jun
Published: March 2022

Self‐assembly of supramolecular hydrogels is driven by dynamic, non‐covalent interactions between molecules. Considerable research effort has been exerted to fabricate and optimise supramolecular hydrogels that display shear‐thinning, self‐healing, and reversibility, in order to develop materials for biomedical applications. This review provides a detailed overview of the chemistry behind the dynamic physicochemical interactions that sustain hydrogel formation (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, ionic interactions, metal‐ligand coordination, and host‐guest interactions). Novel design strategies and methodologies to create supramolecular hydrogels are highlighted, which offer promise for a wide range of applications, specifically drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting. To conclude, future prospects are briefly discussed, and consideration given to the steps required to ultimately bring these biomaterials into clinical settings.
Functionalization of cotton fabrics with titanium oxide doped silver nanoparticles: Antimicrobial and UV protection activities
Authors: El‐Naggar Mehrez E. , Shaarawy Sahar , Abdel‐Aziz Mohamed S. , Abd El Moneim katry Hazem , Youssef Ahmed M.
Published: March 2022

The target of our current work was designed to prepare titanium oxide doped silver nanoparticles (Ag/TiO2NPs) and their impact on the functionalization of cotton fabrics. Additionally, the effect of Ag/TiO2NPs was compared with the individually prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs). In this work, AgNPs were prepared in the solid state using arabic gum as efficient stabilizing and reducing agent. Then, two concentrations of the as‐synthesized nanoparticles were used to functionalize the cotton fabrics by pad‐dry‐cure treatment in the presence of fixing agent to increase the durability of treated cotton fabrics against vigorous washing cycles. The findings implied that the as‐prepared nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in nano‐size with spherical shape and homogeneity. The efficacy of the functionalized cotton fabrics with those nanoparticles were evaluated in terms of multifunctional properties including antimicrobial and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and the mechanical features before and after many washing cycles; 10, 15 and 20 times. The resultant also proved that Ag/TiO2NPs‐treated cotton fabrics exhibited the greater values of both antimicrobial and UPF properties with enhancement in the tensile strength and elongation features. Thus, the combination between these two nanoparticles through doping reaction is suitable for imparting superior antimicrobial properties against the four tested microbial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger) and good UPF properties. Depending on the promising obtained results of the multi‐finishing fabrics, these nanoparticles of Ag/TiO2NPs can be applied for the production of an efficient medical clothes for doctors, nurses and bed sheets for patients in order to kill and prevent the spread of bacteria and then, reduce the transmission of infection to others.
Application of microcrystalline cellulose as an efficient and cheap sorbent for the extraction of metoprolol from plasma and wastewater before HPLC–MS/MS determination
Authors: Marzi Khosrowshahi Elnaz , Limuie Khosrowshahi Behnaz , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Jouyban Abolghasem , Tuzen Mustafa , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Nemati Mahboob
Published: March 2022

A dispersive solid‐phase extraction method based on a new sorbent has been performed on plasma and wastewater samples to determine metoprolol by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In this study, the analyte was adsorbed from the samples onto microcrystalline cellulose as a green and efficient sorbent and then eluted for use in the determination step. In the mass spectrometer, the analyte was detected in the positive mode and selectivity of the analysis was increased by sequential mass analysis through multiple reaction monitoring. All of the effective parameters in the extraction of metoprolol from plasma and wastewater were optimized. Under optimal conditions the method was linear in the ranges of 1–1,000 and 0.1–1,000 ng/ml in plasma and wastewater samples, respectively. The detection limits of the method were 0.30 and 0.03 ng/ml in plasma and wastewater samples, respectively. The data showed that the method provides low detection limit, wide linear range, good precision and high extraction recovery. Finally several plasma and wastewater samples were successfully analyzed using the method. The use of a small amount of a green and inexpensive sorbent and a low volume of plasma without the need for further pretreatment steps are the main advantages of the method.
Dissipation pattern and dietary risk assessment of some commonly used insecticides on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Singh Shubhra , Dubey Jatiender Kumar , Katna Sapna , Sharma Ajay , Devi Nisha , Brar Gaganpreet Singh , Singh Gagandeep , Gautam Himani , Thakur Nimisha
Published: March 2022

Pesticide residue in food commodities is a serious concern in relation to consumer safety and also the most significant barrier in the trade of food commodities. The dissipation pattern of four insecticides, namely novaluron, λ‐cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and fenazaquin, was evaluated on tomato fruits and cropped soil. The residues were extracted using the QuEChERS analytical method and quantized using a gas chromatograph with electron capture detector, gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, and high‐performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detector. The analytical method was validated using parameters like recovery, linearity, accuracy, matrix effect, and specificity, with limit of detection and limit of quantitation established to be 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively, for all the pesticides. The average initial deposits (samples collected after 2 h of application) at the recommended dose of novaluron, λ‐cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and fenazaquin were 0.593, 0.293, 0.227, and 0.431 mg/kg on tomato fruits, respectively, and were below the limit of quantification in soil. The pre‐harvest interval of 17, 8, 1, and 13 days was suggested for novaluron, λ‐cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and fenazaquin on tomato, respectively. Risk assessment studies revealed that all pesticides under study are safe and do not pose any threat to humans as theoretical maximum dietary intake is less than the maximum permissible intake and acceptable daily intake.
COVID‐19 and inequities in colorectal and cervical cancer screening and diagnosis in Washington State
Authors: Amram Ofer , Amiri Solmaz , Robison Jeanne , Pflugeisen Chaya Mangel , Monsivais Pablo
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Studies have shown that cancer screenings dropped dramatically following the onset of the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. In this study, we examined differences in rates of cervical and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and diagnosis indicators before and during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methodology

We used retrospective data from a large healthcare system in Washington State. Targeted screening data included completed cancer screenings for both CRC (colonoscopy) and cervical cancer (Papanicolaou test (Pap test)). We analyzed and compared the rate of uptake of colorectal (colonoscopies) and cervical cancer (Pap) screenings done pre‐COVID‐19 (April 1, 2019–March 31, 2020) and during the pandemic (April 1, 2020–March 31, 2021).

Results

A total of 26,081 (12.7%) patients underwent colonoscopies in the pre‐COVID‐19 period, compared to only 15,708 (7.4%) patients during the pandemic, showing a 39.8% decrease. A total of 238 patients were referred to medical oncology for CRC compared to only 155 patients during the first year of the pandemic, a reduction of 34%. In the pre‐COVID‐19 period, 22,395 (10.7%) women were administered PAP tests compared to 20,455 (9.6%) women during the pandemic, for a 7.4% reduction. period 1780 women were referred to colposcopy, compared to only 1680 patients during the pandemic, for a 4.3% reduction.

Conclusion

Interruption in screening and subsequent delay in diagnosis during the pandemic will likely lead to later‐stage diagnoses for both CRC and cervical cancer, which is known to result in decreased survival.

Impact

The results emphasize the need to prioritize cancer screening, particularly for those at higher risk.
Combining immune checkpoint inhibition plus tyrosine kinase inhibition as first and subsequent treatments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yuanquan , Psutka Sarah P. , Parikh Anish B. , Li Mingjia , Collier Katharine , Miah Abdul , Mori Sherry V. , Hinkley Megan , Tykodi Scott S. , Hall Evan , Thompson John A. , Yin Ming
Published: March 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitor/tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ICI/TKI) combinations are a new standard of care for the initial treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Their efficacy and toxicity beyond the first‐line setting remain poorly defined.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed charts for 85 adults with mRCC of any histology receiving combination of ICI/TKI in any line of treatment at two academic centers as of 05/01/2020. We collected clinical, pathological, and treatment‐related variables. Outcomes including objective response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and toxicity were analyzed via descriptive statistics and the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Patients received pembrolizumab, nivolumab, avelumab, or nivolumab–ipilimumab, with concurrent use of sunitinib, axitinib, pazopanib, lenvatinib, or cabozantinib. Thirty‐three patients received first‐line ICI/TKI therapy, while 52 received ≥ second‐line ICI/TKI. The efficacy of ICI/TKI therapy decreased with increasing lines of treatment (ORR: 56.7%, 37.5%, 21.4%, and 21%; median PFS [mPFS]: 15.2, 14.2, 10.1, and 6.8 months, for first, second, third, and ≥ fourth line therapy, respectively). In the ≥ second‐line setting, ICI/TKI was most useful in patients who received ICI only, with an ORR of 50% and a mPFS of 9.1 months. Efficacy was limited in patients who received both TKI and ICI previously, with an ORR of 20% and a mPFS of 5.5 months. Overall, ≥ second‐line ICI/TKI was tolerable with 25 of 52 (52%) patients developing grade ≥3 adverse events.

Conclusions

ICI/TKI combination therapy is feasible and safe beyond the first‐line setting. Prior treatment history appears to impact efficacy but has a lesser effect on safety/tolerability.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Evaluation of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole‐Isobenzofuran Hybrids as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Nayak Swarnagowri , Gaonkar Santosh L. , Hazra Druti , Chawla Kiran , Hari Gangadhar , Pai K. S. R. , Guru Bharath Raja , Hakimane Sushruta S.
Published: March 2022

In drug discovery, the hybridization of bioactive pharmacophores is a powerful tool for targeting enzymes involved in cancer and microbial cell growth. A combination of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and isobenzofuran may improve the antitumor and antimicrobial properties of the hybrid molecules. A series of hybrid molecules having 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and isobenzofuran were synthesized and structural characterization was done by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectrometry. Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate binding interactions of compounds with proteins (PDB NO: 2R3J and 1GII), and the results were consistent with in vitro anticancer data. All the synthesized compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis (Gram‐positive) and E. coli and P. aeruginosa (Gram‐negative) bacterial strains. Among the synthesized compounds, 7a and 7b displayed good activity against the tested bacterial strains. Also, compounds were tested for their anti‐tumor activity against breast cancer (MCF‐7) and colon cancer (HCT‐116) cell lines via SRB assay. In comparison to doxorubicin (1.14 μM), hybrids 7e (4.32 μM), 7f (4.15 μM), 7g (4.66 μM), and 7h (4.83 μM) demonstrated comparable IC50 value against the HCT 116 cell line.
Clozapine‐induced pulmonary embolism in a patient with no pre‐existing risk factors: A case report
Authors: Kwan Jing Yi , Noor Maha
Published: March 2022

We report the case of a 51‐year‐old Caucasian woman who developed a pulmonary embolism in the absence of any pre‐existing risk factors for VTE, 3 weeks following clozapine initiation for treatment resistant paranoid schizophrenia. She was initially misdiagnosed and treated for suspected COVID‐19 infection.
Comparison between response surface methodology and artificial neural network: Application in three‐product hydrocyclones
Authors: Santos Lucas F. L. , Ferreira Bruno X. , Brandão Amanda L. T. , Santos Brunno F.
Published: March 2022

Modelling a process or equipment is a profitable strategy to build better control strategies, predict fault conditions, and optimize the processes. Different approaches could be explored to achieve the development of better models. This paper investigates the use of experimental data generated by a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) to develop models capable of predicting the performance of a three‐product hydrocyclone for several setups with different dimensional parameters values. Two different modelling strategies are explored: response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN). With the RSM models, it was possible to evaluate the statistical importance of the input variables to each output variable. The ANN models showed improved coefficients of determinations (R2) compared to the RSM models, presenting values higher than 97% for all cases, while the RSM models ranged from 79.07%–88.83%. The ANN was demonstrated to be the most effective method to model the physical problem of three‐product hydrocyclones, and it captured its non‐linearities. It was shown that the combination of the design of experiments and ANN to analyze this physical problem is successful and may also be applied to other problems. As far as we have knowledge, a work regarding the comparison of both RSM and ANN methods applied to three‐product hydrocyclones was not found in the literature; this absence was the motivation for this work.
A contemporary survey of bumble bee diversity across the state of California
Authors: Fisher Kaleigh , Watrous Kristal M. , Williams Neal M. , Richardson Leif L. , Woodard Sarah Hollis
Published: March 2022

Bumble bees (genus Bombus) are important pollinators with more than 260 species found worldwide, many of which are in decline. Twenty‐five species occur in California with the highest species abundance and diversity found in coastal, northern, and montane regions. No recent studies have examined California bumble bee diversity across large spatial scales nor explored contemporary community composition patterns across the state. To fill these gaps, we collected 1740 bumble bee individuals, representing 17 species from 17 sites (~100 bees per site) in California, using an assemblage monitoring framework. This framework is intended to provide an accurate estimate of relative abundance of more common species without negatively impacting populations through overcollection. Our sites were distributed across six ecoregions, with an emphasis on those that historically hosted high bumble bee diversity. We compared bumble bee composition among these sites to provide a snapshot of California bumble bee biodiversity in a single year. Overall, the assemblage monitoring framework that we employed successfully captured estimated relative abundance of species for most sites, but not all. This shortcoming suggests that bumble bee biodiversity monitoring in California might require multiple monitoring approaches, including greater depth of sampling in some regions, given the variable patterns in bumble bee abundance and richness throughout the state. Our study sheds light on the current status of bumble bee diversity in California, identifies some areas where greater sampling effort and conservation action should be focused in the future, and performs the first assessment of an assembly monitoring framework for bumble bee communities in the state.
Scaling up calcification, respiration, and photosynthesis rates of six prominent coral taxa
Authors: Carlot Jeremy , Rouzé Héloïse , Barneche Diego R. , Mercière Alexandre , Espiau Benoit , Cardini Ulisse , Brandl Simon J. , Casey Jordan M. , Pérez‐Rosales Gonzalo , Adjeroud Mehdi , Hédouin Laetitia , Parravicini Valeriano
Published: March 2022

Coral reefs provide a range of important services to humanity, which are underpinned by community‐level ecological processes such as coral calcification. Estimating these processes relies on our knowledge of individual physiological rates and species‐specific abundances in the field. For colonial animals such as reef‐building corals, abundance is frequently expressed as the relative surface cover of coral colonies, a metric that does not account for demographic parameters such as coral size. This may be problematic because many physiological rates are directly related to organism size, and failure to account for linear scaling patterns may skew estimates of ecosystem functioning. In the present study, we characterize the scaling of three physiological rates — calcification, respiration, and photosynthesis — considering the colony size for six prominent, reef‐building coral taxa in Mo'orea, French Polynesia. After a seven‐day acclimation period in the laboratory, we quantified coral physiological rates for three hours during daylight (i.e., calcification and gross photosynthesis) and one hour during night light conditions (i.e., dark respiration). Our results indicate that area‐specific calcification rates are higher for smaller colonies across all taxa. However, photosynthesis and respiration rates remain constant over the colony‐size gradient. Furthermore, we revealed a correlation between the demographic dynamics of coral genera and the ratio between net primary production and calcification rates. Therefore, intraspecific scaling of reef‐building coral physiology not only improves our understanding of community‐level coral reef functioning but it may also explain species‐specific responses to disturbances.
Migration patterns of Gentiana crassicaulis, an alpine gentian endemic to the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Ni Lianghong , Li Weitao , Zhao Zhili , Gaawe Dorje , Liu Tonghua
Published: March 2022

The Himalaya–Hengduan Mountain region is one of the hotspots of biodiversity research. The uplift of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and the Quaternary glaciation caused great environmental changes in this region, and the responses of many species in the QTP to the Quaternary climate are still largely unknown. The genetic structure and phylogeographical history of Gentiana crassicaulis Duthie ex Burk, an endemic Chinese alpine species in this area, were investigated based on four chloroplast fragments and internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrITS) sequences of 11 populations. The populations with highly diverse chloroplast haplotypes were mainly found at the edge of the QTP. There were two main haplotypes of nrITS clones, one shared by the Yunnan and Guizhou populations, and the other by the remaining populations. The population with the highest diversity was the Gansu population, located at the edge of the plateau. Based on molecular dating, the diversification of G. crassicaulis at the edge of the plateau occurred before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and the species may have completed its expansion from the edge to the platform. Ecological niche models were conducted to predict the distributional ranges of G. crassicaulis at present, during the LGM, and during the last interglacial (LIG) period. The results demonstrated that G. crassicaulis survived on the QTP platform and at the edge during the LGM but afterward retreated from the platform to the southern edge, followed by expansion to the platform.
Identifying potential drivers of distribution patterns of invasive Corbicula fluminea relative to native freshwater mussels (Unionidae) across spatial scales
Authors: Kelley Taylor E. , Hopper Garrett W. , Sánchez González Irene , Bucholz Jamie R. , Atkinson Carla L.
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to identify the importance of ecological factors to distribution patterns of the invasive Clam (Corbicula fluminea) relative to native mussels (family: Unionidae) across seven rivers within the Mobile and Tennessee basins, Southeast United States. We quantitatively surveyed dense, diverse native mussel aggregations across 20 river reaches and estimated mussel density, biomass, and species richness along with density of invasive C. fluminea (hereafter Corbicula). We measured substrate particle size, velocity, and depth in quadrats where animals were collected. Additionally, we characterized reach scale environmental parameters including seston quantity and quality (% Carbon, % Nitrogen, % Phosphorous), water chemistry (ammonium [], soluble reactive phosphorous [SRP]), and watershed area and land cover. Using model selection, logistic regression, and multivariate analysis, we characterized habitat features and their association to invasive Corbicula within mussel beds. We found that Corbicula were more likely to occur and more abundant in quadrats with greater mussel biomass, larger substrate size, faster water velocity, and shallower water depth. At the reach scale, Corbicula densities increased where particle sizes were larger. Mussel richness, density, and biomass increased with watershed area. Water column increased at reaches with more urban land cover. No land cover variables influenced Corbicula populations or mussel communities. The strong overlapping distribution of Corbicula and mussels support the hypothesis that Corbicula are not necessarily limited by habitat factors and may be passengers of change in rivers where mussels have declined due to habitat degradation. Whether Corbicula is facilitated by mussels or negatively interacts with mussels in these systems remains to be seen. Focused experiments that manipulate patch scale variables would improve our understanding of the role of species interactions (e.g., competition, predation, facilitation) or physical habitat factors in influencing spatial overlap between Corbicula and native mussels.
The alternative splicing landscape of a coral reef fish during a marine heatwave
Authors: Chan Stanley Kin Nok , Suresh Sneha , Munday Phillip , Ravasi Timothy , Bernal Moisés A. , Schunter Celia
Published: March 2022

Alternative splicing is a molecular mechanism that enables a single gene to encode multiple transcripts and proteins by post‐transcriptional modification of pre‐RNA molecules. Changes in the splicing scheme of genes can lead to modifications of the transcriptome and the proteome. This mechanism can enable organisms to respond to environmental fluctuations. In this study, we investigated patterns of alternative splicing in the liver of the coral reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus in response to the 2016 marine heatwave on the Great Barrier Reef. The differentially spliced (DS; n = 40) genes during the onset of the heatwave (i.e., 29.49°C or +1°C from average) were related to essential cellular functions such as the MAPK signaling system, Ca(2+) binding, and homeostasis. With the persistence of the heatwave for a period of one month (February to March), 21 DS genes were detected, suggesting that acute warming during the onset of the heatwave is more influential on alternative splicing than the continued exposure to elevated temperatures. After the heatwave, the water temperature cooled to ~24.96°C, and fish showed differential splicing of genes related to cyto‐protection and post‐damage recovery (n = 26). Two‐thirds of the DS genes detected across the heatwave were also differentially expressed, revealing that the two molecular mechanisms act together in A. polyacanthus to cope with the acute thermal change. This study exemplifies how splicing patterns of a coral reef fish can be modified by marine heatwaves. Alternative splicing could therefore be a potential mechanism to adjust cellular physiological states under thermal stress and aid coral reef fishes in their response to more frequent acute thermal fluctuations in upcoming decades.
Habitat fragmentation and logging affect the occurrence of lesser mouse‐deer in tropical forest reserves
Authors: Hazwan Muhammad , Samantha Liza D. , Tee Sze Ling , Kamarudin Norizah , Norhisham Ahmad R. , Lechner Alex M. , Azhar Badrul
Published: March 2022

Due to rapid urbanization, logging, and agricultural expansion, forest fragmentation is negatively affecting native wildlife populations throughout the tropics. This study examined the effects of landscape and habitat characteristics on the lesser mouse‐deer, Tragulus kanchil, populations in Peninsular Malaysia. We conducted camera‐trap survey at 315 sampling points located within 8 forest reserves. An assessment of site‐level and landscape variables was conducted at each sampling point. Our study provides critical ecological information for managing and conserving understudied populations of T. kanchil. We found that the detection of T. kanchil was attributed to forest fragmentation in which forest patches had four times greater detection of T. kanchil than continuous forest. The detection of T. kanchil was nearly three times higher in peat swamp forest compared to lowland dipterocarp forests. Surprisingly, the detection of T. kanchil was higher in logged forests (logging ceased at least 30 years ago) than unlogged forests. The detection of T. kanchil increased with the presence of trees, particularly those with DBH of 5 cm to 45 cm, canopy cover, number of saplings and palms, number of dead fallen trees, and distance from nearest roads. However, detection decreased with a greater number of trees with DBH greater than 45 cm and higher elevations, and greater detections where creeping bamboo was abundant. We recommend that conservation stakeholders take the necessary steps (e.g., eradicating poaching, habitat degradation, and further deforestation) to support the conservation of mouse‐deer species and its natural habitats.
Nitrile Electrolyte Strategy for 4.9 V‐Class Lithium‐Metal Batteries Operating in Flame
Authors: Moon Hyunseok , Cho Sung‐Ju , Yu Dae‐Eun , Lee Sang‐Young
Published: March 2022

Challenges facing high‐voltage/high‐capacity cathodes, in addition to the longstanding problems pertinent to lithium (Li)‐metal anodes, should be addressed to develop high‐energy‐density Li‐metal batteries. This issue mostly stems from interfacial instability between electrodes and electrolytes. Conventional carbonate‐ or ether‐based liquid electrolytes suffer from not only volatility and flammability but also limited electrochemical stability window. Here, we report a nitrile electrolyte strategy based on concentrated nitrile electrolytes (CNEs) with co‐additives. The CNE consists of high‐concentration lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in a solvent mixture of succinonitrile (SN)/acetonitrile (AN). The SN/AN solvent mixture is designed to ensure high oxidation stability along with thermal stability, which are prerequisites for high‐voltage Li‐metal cells. The CNE exhibits interfacial stability with Li metals due to the coordinated solvation structure. Lithium nitrate (LiNO3) and indium fluoride (InF3) are incorporated in the CNE as synergistic co‐additives to further stabilize solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Li metals. The resulting electrolyte (CNE + LiNO3/InF3) enables stable cycling performance in Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1 and 4.9 V‐class Li||LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cells. Notably, the Li||LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cell maintains its electrochemical activity at high temperature (100 °C) and even in flame without fire or explosion.
RETRACTED: Long non‐coding RNA Sox2OT promotes coronary microembolization‐induced myocardial injury by mediating pyroptosis
Authors: Xuan Liying , Fu Danni , Zhen Dong , Bai Dongsong , Yu Lijun , Gong Guohua
Published: March 2022

Objective

As a common complication of coronary microembolization (CME), myocardial injury (MI) implies high mortality. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are rarely studied in CME‐induced MI. Herein, this study intended to evaluate the role of lncRNA Sox2 overlapping transcript (Sox2OT) in CME‐induced MI.

Methods

The CME rat models were successfully established by injection of microemboli. Rat cardiac functions and MI were observed by ultrasonic electrocardiogram, HE staining, and HBFP staining. Functional assays were utilized to test the inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were conducted to clarify the targeting relations between Sox2OT and microRNA (miRNA)‐23b and between miR‐23b and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4).

Results

Rat CME disrupted the cardiac functions and induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and activated the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway and pyroptosis (all P < 0.05). An NF‐κB inhibitor downregulated the NF‐κB pathway, reduced pyroptosis, and relieved cardiomyocyte injury and pyroptosis. Compared with the sham group (1.05 ± 0.32), lncRNA Sox2OT level (4.41 ± 0.67) in the CME group was elevated (P < 0.05). Sox2OT acted as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR‐23b to regulate TLR4. Silencing of Sox2OT favoured miR‐23b binding to 3′UTR of TLR4 mRNA leading to suppressed TLR4‐mediated NFKB signalling and pyroptosis in myocardial tissues harvested from CME rat models. In addition, miR‐23b overexpression could supplement the cytosolic miR‐23b reserves to target TLR‐4 and partially reverse Sox2OT‐mediated pyroptosis in LPS‐treated H9C2 cells.

Conclusions

This study supported that silencing Sox2OT inhibited CME‐induced MI by eliminating Sox2OT/miR‐23b binding and down‐regulating the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway. This investigation may provide novel insights for the treatment of CME‐induced MI.
Assembling a Low‐volume Biofuel Cell on a Screen‐printed Electrode for Glucose Sensing
Authors: Becker Jana M. , Lielpetere Anna , Szczesny Julian , Ruff Adrian , Conzuelo Felipe , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

An enzymatic biofuel cell is integrated on a screen‐printed electrode as a basis for a self‐powered biosensor. A glucose/O2 biofuel cell consisting of a pyrroloquinoline quinone‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase embedded within an Os‐complex modified redox polymer bioanode to oxidize glucose and a non‐limiting bilirubin oxidase‐based gas diffusion biocathode in the direct‐electron transfer regime for the reduction of O2 showed a glucose‐dependent current and power output. For full integration on a single screen‐printed electrode, a miniaturized agar salt bridge was introduced between the two bioelectrodes to ensure operation of the assembly in a two‐compartment configuration with each electrode operating at optimal conditions.