bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leader‐following consensus control of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with applications to slew rate control
Authors: Wang Chuanrui , Zhang Lei , Cao Feng
Published: August 2022

This paper addresses the distributed leader‐following consensus control of second‐order strict‐feedback nonlinear multi‐agent systems. By employing mean value theorem, variable separation technique, and backstepping methodology, a fully distributed adaptive control law is designed using only local relative state information. The proposed control law solves the leader‐following consensus problem for any directed communication graph that contains a spanning tree with the root node being the leader agent. The application to hovercraft slew rate control system is given to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Perspectives of biomass based lignin to value added chemicals in biorefineries: challenges, extraction strategies and applications
Authors: Tyagi Uplabdhi , Sarma Anil Kumar
Published: August 2022

Lignin transformation has significant potential to produce high‐quality platform chemicals and value‐added products. Extraction techniques and techniques for processing lignin to lignin‐derived dimers and trimers and other phenolic compounds have recently attracted the attention of the scientific community. Exploring the potential of the most abundant sources of bio‐aromatics enhances the profitability and efficiency of the biorefinery process and reduces dependence on conventional resources. Successful lignin transformation entails the development of steps to overcome the following challenges: (i) the pretreatment of biomass followed by the separation of lignin to reduce crystallinity, and the reduction of the complex chemistry of biomass to produce lignin with a high degree of purity, and (ii) advances in chemical analysis for precise in situ lignin characterization during depolymerization. To bring about technological advances in the bio‐based economy, the utilization of sustainable resources for the production of value‐added products is essential. The valorization of lignin via cost‐effective and carbon‐neutral techniques has provided remarkable opportunities, including opportunities for commercialization. The life cycle analysis of lignin valorization to manufacture value‐added products from surplus biomass is central if maximum use is to be made of agro‐residues for such purposes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of a copper(II) phthalocyanine‐based dye for organic photodetectors
Authors: Kim Junho , Kang Jinhyeon , Jung In Hwan
Published: August 2022

Novel copper(II) 4,4′,4″,4‴‐tetra(hexylthienyl)phthalocyanine (CuPc‐HT) was synthesized via Stille coupling reaction between 2‐trimethylstannyl‐5‐hexylthiophene and tetra‐brominated copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc). The incorporation of hexylthiophene to CuPc increased organic solubility, Q‐band absorption and p‐type characteristics. The bulk heterojunction organic photodetectors (OPDs) were developed by blending CuPc‐HT with n‐type [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). CuPc‐HT:PC71BM‐based devices showed the strong green light detection in the range of 400–600 nm. The measured specific detectivity (D*) was 3.1 × 1011 Jones under 530 nm light‐emitting diode (LED) light of 0.1 mW/cm2 at −2 V, which was approximately three times higher than those under 680 nm red LED irradiation. Dynamic characteristics of OPDs were investigated, and the −3 cut‐off frequency of CuPc‐HT:PC71BM devices was extremely high as 0.1 MHz. Notably, the signal response time at −1.0 V was ultrafast to be 9 μs. Even though CuPc‐HT:PC71BM devices showed insufficient static properties, their dynamic characteristics were comparable with those of state‐of‐the‐art OPDs.
Simultaneous determination of furosemide and carbamazepine in biological matrices by solvent bar microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector and central composite design
Authors: AL‐Hashimi Nabil N. , Al‐Degs Yahya S. , Jaafreh Sawsan , Al‐Khatib Hatim S. , El‐Sheikh Amjad H. , Abdelghani Jafar I. , Jaber Mai R.
Published: August 2022

A sensitive and simple sample pretreatment method based on a two‐phase solvent bar microextraction (SBME) technique coupled with HPLC–diode array detector (DAD) was developed for simultaneous extraction and determination of trace amounts of furosemide and carbamazepine in human urine and plasma samples. The significance of operational factors on carbamazepine and furosemide extraction efficiency % (EE%) was screened using full factorial design (FFD) while central composite design (CCD) was used to model the entire process. A quadratic model was found convenient to correlate the extraction EE% of selected drugs with dominant experimental factors. A Pareto chart was also used to examine the importance of factors on drugs’ EE%. The analytical performance of the method in urine and plasma samples demonstrated good linearity (R2 ˃ 0.992) with detection limits ranging from 4.2 to 10.9 μg L−1, and extraction recovery over 89.45% for both drugs in urine and plasma samples. A comparison against published methods was also performed and the results revealed that the developed method exhibits a confident sensitivity, feasible operation, and simple analysis for both drugs. Finally, the practicability of the validated SBME–HPLC–DAD method was demonstrated by successfully applying it to the analysis of furosemide and carbamazepine in real patient urine samples.
Clinical efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen combined with different timings of right median‐nerve electrical stimulation in patients with brain injury‐induced disorders of consciousness
Authors: Liu Yan‐Song , Liu Zi‐bo , Yang Zhe , Zhao Long , Li Hong‐Ling
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen combined with right median‐nerve stimulation (RMNES) in patients with disorders of consciousness caused by brain injury.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with consciousness disorders caused by brain injury were selected. They were randomly divided into three groups, a control group, test group 1 (treated with RMNES after hyperbaric oxygen therapy [HBOT]), and test group 2 (treated with RMNES at the same time as HBOT), with 40 patients in each group. Before and after treatment, the Glasgow coma scale (GCS), brainstem auditory‐evoked potential (BAEP), electroencephalogram (EEG), and upper‐limb sensory‐evoked potential (USEP) were evaluated for the three groups of patients.

Results

The GCS score of patients in the three groups significantly improved compared with that before treatment (p < .05). There were significant differences in GCS scores among the three groups (p < .05), and the GCS score for the patients was test group 2>test group 1>control group. The EEG, BAEP, and USEP scores were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (p < .05), and the degree of improvement of patients in the three groups was test group 2>test group 1>control group (p < .05). The clinical efficacy of test group 2 was higher than that of test group 1, and the clinical efficacy of test group 1 was higher than that of the control group (p < .05).

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen combined with RMNES can improve the state of consciousness and promote the recovery of consciousness for patients with consciousness disorders caused by brain injury, and the effect of RMNES combined with HBOT in the chamber on improving the recovery of consciousness is better than after HBOT outside the chamber.
Expressing antigen binding fragments with high titers in a targeted integration CHO host by optimizing expression vector gene copy numbers and position: A case study
Authors: Tang Danming , Gunson Jane , Tran Eric , Lam Cynthia , Shen Amy , Snedecor Brad , Barnard Gavin , Misaghi Shahram
Published: August 2022

Antigen binding fragments (Fab) are a promising class of therapeutics as they maintain high potency while having significantly smaller size relative to full‐length antibodies. Because Fab molecules are aglycosylated, many expression platforms, including prokaryotic, yeast, and mammalian cells, have been developed for their expression, with Escherichia coli being the most commonly used Fab expression system. In this study, we have examined production of a difficult to express Fab molecule in a targeted integration (TI) Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) host. Without a need for extensive host or process optimization, as is usually required for E. coli, by simply using different vector configurations, clones with very high Fab expression titers were obtained. In this case, by increasing heavy chain (HC) gene copy numbers, clones with titers of up to 7.4 g/L in the standard fed‐batch production culture were obtained. Our findings suggest that having a predetermined transgene integration site, as well as the option to optimize gene copy number/dosage, makes CHO TI hosts an effective system for expression of Fab molecules, allowing Fab expression using platform process and without significant process development efforts.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors as first line in advanced melanoma: Evaluating progression‐free survival based on reconstructed individual patient data
Authors: Ossato Andrea , Damuzzo Vera , Baldo Paolo , Mengato Daniele , Chiumente Marco , Messori Andrea
Published: August 2022

Background

In patients with advanced melanoma, immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent the mainstay for first line treatment. Recently, relatlimab+nivolumab was proposed as a new combination therapy. This review was aimed at summarizing the current data of effectiveness for ICIs. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was the endpoint of our analysis.

Methods

After a standard literature search, Phase II/III studies comparing different ICI regimens in previously untreated advanced melanoma patients were analyzed. Patient‐level data were reconstructed from Kaplan–Meier curves by application of the IPDfromKM method. These reconstructed datasets were used to perform indirect comparisons between treatments. Standard statistical testing was used, including hazard ratio and medians. A secondary analysis employed the restricted mean survival time.

Results

Six trials were included in our analysis. Information on PFS from these trials was pooled according to the following treatments: nivolumab or pembrolizumab as monotherapy, or in combination with ipilimumab, and relatlimab + nivolumab. Pembrolizumab+ipilimumab showed significantly better PFS compared with the other treatments; nivolumab+ipilimumab ranked second; the other treatments showed a similar survival pattern.

Conclusions

The picture of comparative effectiveness resulting from our analysis is complex. The IPDfromKM method is advantageous because it accounts for the length of follow‐up but loses the balance between treatment group and controls determined by randomization. Based on indirect comparisons, the combination of pembrolizumab+ipilimumab showed a particularly high efficacy, and so deserves further investigation. While the effect of between‐trial differences in inclusion criteria plays an important role, our results do not support the proposal of relatlimab+nivolumab as a new standard of care.
Alexithymia Reduction Treatment: A pilot quasi‐experimental study for remediation of alexithymia and its consequent effects on the general mental health of university students
Authors: Akram Ayesha , Arshad Tehreem
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Alexithymia is the inability of an individual to adequately recognise and describe their emotions, which directly affects mental health by precipitating psychological disorders or by causing a disturbance to interpersonal functioning, coping responses, and quality of life. The purpose of this research was to test the efficacy of alexithymia reduction treatment (ART), a pilot online group intervention specifically designed to ameliorate alexithymia in men.

Methods

As this was a pilot study, a small sample consisting entirely of male university students (n = 20) was selected. The participants were screened on the standardised measures at pre‐treatment and post‐treatment and were assigned to a treatment group (n = 10) or wait‐list control group (n = 10). The study utilised a quasi‐experimental design as the participants were assigned to the treatment and wait‐list control group based on their availability to attend the therapeutic sessions. The treatment group then received ART while the wait‐list control received no treatment at that time.

Results

The statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in the participants' alexithymia, as well as depression and anxiety, in the treatment group but not in the wait‐list control group.

Conclusion

ART proves to be efficacious in reducing alexithymia. In addition, the treatment modality proved to be useful in improving the participants' general psychological distress (anxiety, depressive symptoms).
Microwave‐Assisted Enzymatic Extraction, Partial Characterization, and Antioxidant Potential of Polysaccharides from Sagittaria trifolia Tuber
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Jiayi , Yang Jingchun , Li Yingjie , Zhang Wen , Liu Shuyue , Yang Guihong , Yan Zhaowei , Liu Yang
Published: August 2022

Sagittaria trifolia tuber is an aquatic vegetable. In this work, microwave‐assisted enzymatic extraction (MEE) was used to extract S. trifolia tuber polysaccharides (STTPs). Optimum conditions were complex enzyme of 2 %, liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 43 : 1 mL g−1, microwave power of 506 W, and time of 8 min, under which STTPs yield was 36.22±0.69 %, higher than those of other methods. STTPs were sulfated polysaccharides with sulfur valence of S6+. STTPs comprised mannose, glucose, galactose, and arabinose at a mole ratio of 3.69 : 19.33 : 6.21 : 1.00, molecular weights of 3606 kDa and 149.6 kDa, particle size of 220 nm, and zeta potential of −5.02 mV. The surface of STTPs was full of bumps and holes, and abundant in O1s and non‐functionalized C1s. STTPs would scavenge reactive oxygen species with advantage. It would provide an efficient MEE method to obtain antioxidant STTPs, also a clue for extracting polysaccharides from starch‐rich crops.
Microwave‐Assisted Three‐Component Synthesis of Novel N‐Arylated‐Dihydrobenzo[g]quinoline‐5,10‐Diones and Their Potential Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thanh , Le‐Nhat‐Thuy Giang , Thi Phuong Hoang , Thi Quynh Giang Nguyen , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Thi Thu Ha Nguyen , Thi Tuyet Anh Dang , Nguyen Tuyen Van
Published: August 2022

A convenient three‐component synthetic approach was developed en route to new and significative N‐arylated‐dihydrobenzo[g]quinoline‐5,10‐diones using 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone, a variety of aromatic aldehydes, and 4‐(arylamino)furan‐2(5H)‐ones. A sequence of steps including Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, [1,3]‐hydrogen shift, intramolecular cyclization and dehydration led to the formation of products. All the products were structurally characterized by spectroscopic techniques and assessed in terms of their cytotoxicity profile against four cancer cell lines (KB, HepG2, A549, and MCF7), and human embryonic kidney (Hek‐293) cell lines.
Total Chemical Synthesis of a Functionalized GFP Nanobody
Authors: Huppelschoten Yara , Elhebieshy Angela F. , Hameed Dharjath S. , Sapmaz Aysegul , Buchardt Jens , Nielsen Thomas E. , Ovaa Huib , van der Heden van Noort Gerbrand J.
Published: August 2022

Chemical protein synthesis has proven to be a powerful tool to access homogenously modified proteins. The chemical synthesis of nanobodies (Nb) would create possibilities to design tailored Nbs with a range of chemical modifications such as tags, linkers, reporter groups, and subsequently, Nb‐drug conjugates. Herein, we describe the total chemical synthesis of a 123 amino‐acid Nb against GFP. A native chemical ligation‐ desulfurization strategy was successfully applied for the synthesis of this GFP Nb, modified with a propargyl (PA) moiety for on‐demand functionalization. Biophysical characterization indicated that the synthetic GFP Nb‐PA was correctly folded after internal disulfide bond formation. The synthetic Nb‐PA was functionalized with a biotin or a sulfo‐cyanine5 dye by copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), resulting in two distinct probes used for functional in vitro validation in pull‐down and confocal microscopy settings.
Tetrazine‐Triggered Bioorthogonal Cleavage of trans‐Cyclooctene‐Caged Phenols Using a Minimal Self‐Immolative Linker Strategy**
Authors: Keppel Patrick , Sohr Barbara , Kuba Walter , Goldeck Marion , Skrinjar Philipp , Carlson Jonathan C. T. , Mikula Hannes
Published: August 2022

Bond‐cleavage reactions triggered by bioorthogonal tetrazine ligation have emerged as strategies to chemically control the function of (bio)molecules and achieve activation of prodrugs in living systems. While most of these approaches make use of caged amines, current methods for the release of phenols are limited by unfavorable reaction kinetics or insufficient stability of the Tz‐responsive reactants. To address this issue, we have implemented a self‐immolative linker that enables the connection of cleavable trans‐cyclooctenes (TCO) and phenols via carbamate linkages. Based on detailed investigation of the reaction mechanism with several Tz, revealing up to 96 % elimination after 2 hours, we have developed a TCO‐caged prodrug with 750‐fold reduced cytotoxicity compared to the parent drug and achieved in situ activation upon Tz/TCO click‐to‐release.
Leser‐Trélat syndrome secondary to non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Khemakhem Rim , Kallel Nesrine , Jarraya Rahma , Yangui Ilhem , Kammoun Samy
Published: August 2022

The syndrome of Leser‐Trélat (LT) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome. However, patients presenting with the sign of Leser‐Trélat should be considered to harbor an occult malignancy or a progressive tumor disease until “proven” otherwise. Herein, we present two cases of non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma associated with LT syndrome.
An incidental finding of unroofed coronary sinus during angiography confirmed by 3D echocardiography; A case report
Authors: Fazlinezhad Afsoon , Keihanian Faeze , Ahmadi Mostafa , Tayyebi Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Unroofed coronary sinus (UCS) is an uncommon congenital heart anomaly and the most unusual type of atrial septal defect. This report presents a 71‐year‐old female with palpitation and dyspnea following an emotional stress, who was referred for ablation of typical atrial flutter. Finally diagnosed with a partially unroofed CS causing a bidirectional shunt.
The use of a simultaneous fascia lata‐free flap with cochlear implantation after radical Mastoidectomy
Authors: May Jason G. , Kerr John , May Jack A. , Tassone Patrick , Rivera Arnaldo L.
Published: August 2022

Patients undergoing cochlear implant after prior radical mastoidectomy are at increased risk of device infection requiring device explant. Various techniques including two‐stage operations have been used. We report the novel technique with use of a vascularized fascia lata free flap for a patient undergoing cochlear implantation with radical mastoidectomy.
COVID‐19‐associated mucormycosis involving the maxilla
Authors: Hasheminasab Mahboube , Karizmeh Mojtaba Salehi , Sharifi Reza , Beshkar Majid , Matloubi Narges , Asadi Amir Ali , Nazar Elham
Published: August 2022

It is important to increase the awareness and knowledge of head and neck surgeons about the recent surge of craniofacial mucormycosis in COVID‐19 patients because early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improve the outcomes. Here, we describe clinical features, treatment protocols, and outcomes of treatment in eight patients with COVID‐19‐associated mucormycosis in the maxilla. Consistent with the findings of previous studies, our experience in the management of these eight patients shows that early administration of amphotericin B and prompt aggressive surgery are essential for optimal control of the disease.
Sarcoidosis with multiple organ involvement and uncommon symptoms: A case report
Authors: Khalaji Amirmohammad , Rezaei Somaye Sadat , Shajari Rasoul , Masoumi Maryam
Published: August 2022

Sarcoidosis is a complicated inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of non‐caseating epithelioid granulomas in many organs. Herein, we reported a sarcoidosis case with multiple organ involvements and our diagnostic criteria and treatment plan.
Mucus plugs in peripheral bronchi: An unusual initial manifestation of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Hiratani Nao , Okazaki Akihito
Published: August 2022

Although allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis can be associated with mucus plugs in the central bronchi, this association in the peripheral bronchi remains unclear. A 78‐year‐old woman presented with mucus plugs in both the peripheral and the central bronchi in the right lung, which evolved into consolidation with high‐attenuation mucus after one month.
Anaphylaxis to Moringa oleifera in North Africa: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ichrak Bannour
Published: August 2022

We describe here the third reported case of anaphylaxis after ingestion of some leavers of Moringa oleifera, causing a widespread angioedema, a respiratory distress, and an elevation of serum tryptase. M. oleifera leaves were confirmed as the causative allergen by prick testing with fresh leavers.
Simultaneous occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: A systematic review of cases
Authors: Jesuyajolu Damilola , Olukoya Olatomiwa , Moti Terngu
Published: August 2022

Although the leading causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are aneurysm rupture and arteriovenous malformations, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) can, in rare cases, be associated with SAH. This phenomenon is an uncommon presentation, with less than a hundred cases reported based on our review of the literature. The purpose of this review is to highlight what is known regarding these cases, how they are managed and to highlight the need for further studies that will serve as a basis for the development of a standard management guideline across board. The following databases were searched: PubMed and Ovid Embase. A complementary search of Google Scholar and AJOL was done. Gray literature search was also conducted on the Google search engine for any additional relevant papers. We were able to extract data regarding 33 cases from 29 identified studies. The mean age was 46.6 ± 14.08. 17 (51.5%) of the cases were female, and the female‐to‐male ratio is 1.1:1. Headache was by far the commonest symptom, occurring in 82% of cases followed by seizures in 42% of cases. Four patients (12%) had loss of consciousness while 5 patients (15%) had some form of focal neurologic deficit. Twenty patients had cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in at least two different sinuses. The superior sagittal sinus was the most common location for CVSTs (79%), followed by the transverse sinus (57.5%). Twenty‐nine cases (89%) were managed with anticoagulation alone and one case had a mechanical thrombectomy. We have performed a comprehensive review of cases that had the simultaneous occurrence of SAH and CVST and have identified their peculiarities and the challenges to management. Further research is needed in order to identify a causal relationship and to serve as a basis for the development of a standard management guideline across the board.
Nano‐Au Anchored in Organic Base Group‐Grafted Silica Aerogel: A Durable and Robust Catalysts for Green Oxidative Esterification of Furfural
Authors: Song Fan , Cen Shuangshuang , Wan Cong , Wang Lijun
Published: August 2022

Inorganic metal (hydro)oxide supports with appropriate basicity or acid‐base properties can promote oxidative esterification of furfural over Au‐based catalysts, however, they suffer the problems of easy inactivation induced by the leaching of the components in this water‐producing reaction and the shield of catalytic sites by product adsorption. In this work, we report efficient and stable oxidative esterification of furfural over Au nanoparticles anchored in aminopropyl‐grafted silica aerogel. The support is insoluble and possesses no strong Lewis acid sites to adsorb oxygen‐containing products or intermediates, reducing the probability of catalyst deactivation induced by adsorption. In 7 cycles of reactions, the catalyst maintained the initial activity without any treatments, the yields of alkyl furoate kept above 98 %, and no agglomeration and leaching of Au occurred. Moreover, the roles of Au, alkyl chain, −NH2 group and Au‐activated O species in reactions were clarified, and accordingly, a possible catalytic mechanism involving oxidative dehydrogenation was given.
Selective Synthesis of Primary Amines by Kinetic‐based Optimization of the Ruthenium‐Xantphos Catalysed Amination of Alcohols with Ammonia
Authors: Heider Christian , Pietschmann Dominik , Vogt Dieter , Seidensticker Thomas
Published: August 2022

The selective synthesis of primary amines directly from several alcohols and ammonia using a homogeneous catalyst based on HRuCl(CO)(PPh3)3 and Xantphos is presented. The key to success was the detailed understanding of all mutually influencing parameters such as temperature, ammonia excess, and substrate concentration. These studies were supported by the determination of the kinetics, which allowed the reaction order to be calculated as 0.7. Furthermore, the kinetic model derived from the mechanism was confirmed. After measuring reaction profiles for all influencing parameters, optimized conditions were obtained, which finally allowed the amination of aliphatic, cyclic, as well as primary and secondary alcohols with selectivities to the desired primary amine exceeding 90 % at quantitative alcohol conversion with only minimal formation of the undesired secondary amines. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the commercially available and robust Xantphos system was drastically improved, corresponding to a turnover frequency (TOF)>60 h−1 after 30 minutes and a turnover number (TON) of 120.
A Supramolecular Strategy for the Synthesis of Cyclic Oligomers and Polymers by Ring Expansion
Authors: Duss Michael , Soto Miguel A. , Patrick Brian O. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: August 2022

Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of strained macrocycles is a key method to prepare diverse polymers. However, lack of ring strain in most macrocycles is an impediment to polymerization. In this paper, the polymerization/oligomerization of unstrained macrocycles was achieved using a supramolecular approach, leading selectively to cyclic products. Diphenyl thiourea and other guest molecules were used as additives to the ROMP reaction of unstrained macrocycles. An intermediate host‐guest complex leads to the stabilization of the open form of the macrocycle after treatment with Grubbs catalysts, thereby favoring polymerization by inhibiting the ring‐closing reaction back to the monomer. This proof‐of‐concept enables ring‐expansion polymerization of unstrained macrocycles leading to cyclic polymers with molecular weights up to 6700 Da.
Photocatalytic Reduction of Nicotinamide Co‐factor by Perylene Sensitized RhIII Complexes**
Authors: Brückmann Jannik , Müller Carolin , Friedländer Ilse , Mengele Alexander K. , Peneva Kalina , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin , Rau Sven
Published: August 2022

The ambitious goal of artificial photosynthesis is to develop active systems that mimic nature and use light to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Intramolecular design concepts are particularly promising. Herein, we firstly present an intramolecular photocatalyst integrating a perylene‐based light‐harvesting moiety and a catalytic rhodium center (RhIIIphenPer). The excited‐state dynamics were investigated by means of steady‐state and time‐resolved absorption and emission spectroscopy. The studies reveal that photoexcitation of RhIIIphenPer yields the formation of a charge‐separated intermediate, namely RhIIphenPer⋅+, that results in a catalytically active species in the presence of protons.
π‐Extended Pleiadienes by [5+2] Annulation of 1‐Boraphenalenes and ortho‐Dihaloarenes
Authors: Schnitzlein Matthias , Zhu Chongwei , Shoyama Kazutaka , Würthner Frank
Published: August 2022

Palladium‐catalyzed [5+2] annulation of 1‐boraphenalenes with ortho‐dihaloarenes afforded negatively curved π‐extended pleiadienes. Two benzo[1,2‐i:4,5‐i’]dipleiadienes (BDPs) featuring a seven‐six‐seven‐membered ring arrangement were synthesized and investigated. Their crystal structure revealed a unique packing arrangement and theoretical calculations were employed to shed light onto the dynamic behavior of the BDP moiety and its aromaticity. Further, a naphthalene‐fused pleiadiene was stitched together by oxidative cyclodehydrogenation to yield an additional five‐membered ring. This formal azulene moiety led to distinct changes in optical and redox properties and increased perturbation of the aromatic system.
Construction of C‐N Atropisomers by Aminocatalytic Enantioselective Addition of Indole‐2‐carboxaldehydes too‐Quinone Derivatives
Authors: Corti Vasco , Thøgersen Mathias Kirk , Enemærke Valdemar Juel , Rezayee Nomaan M. , Barløse Casper L. , Anker Jørgensen Karl
Published: August 2022

The first atroposelective aminocatalytic methodology for the construction of C−N atropisomers is presented. The synthesis of this class of axially chiral molecules typically encompasses substrates in which the C−N bond is pre‐formed. In contrast, this work presents the direct coupling of indole‐2‐carboxaldehydes toortho‐quinones, to form the stereogenic C−N axis in an atroposelective way. Application of typical secondary amine catalysts furnished the desired product, however, in low yields and as a complex mixture arising from poor regiocontrol among the C3‐ and N1‐sites of the indole core. A new aminocatalyst was designed and synthesized with increased outer‐sphere steric bulk to address these challenges thereby providing good levels of regio‐ and enantioselectivity. A novel library of functionalized and enantioenriched C−N atropisomers was obtained and their synthetic utility was demonstrated by various transformations.
Boron‐, Sulfur‐ andNitrogen‐DopedTridecacyclic Aromatic Emitters with Multiple Resonance Effect for Narrowband Red Emission†
Authors: Wang Yinuo , Zhang Kaiyuan , Chen Fan , Wang Xingdong , Yang Qingqing , Wang Shumeng , Shao Shiyang , Wang Lixiang
Published: August 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Two novel boron (B), sulfur (S), nitrogen (N)‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon multiple resonance emitters (DBNS and DBNS‐tBu) are designed and synthesized for narrowband red emission by embedding two pairs of S and N atoms and two B atoms inpara‐positions of central benzene rings within a tridecacyclic aromatic skeleton to form donor‐π‐donor (D‐π‐D) and acceptor‐π‐acceptor (A‐π‐A) structures, which not only exhibit emission maximum at 641 nm with small full width at half maximum of 39 nm, but also combine high photoluminescent quantum efficiency (85%) and rapid reverse intersystem crossing (kRISC = 2.2 × 105s−1), giving rise to red electroluminescence with color coordinates of (0.65, 0.34) and maximum external quantum efficiency of 7.8% via solution process.
Clinically unrecognized plasma volume expansion predicts long‐term all‐cause‐mortality in chronic heart failure
Authors: Ahlgrim Christoph , Seiler Florian , Birkner Philipp , Schoechlin Simon , Grundmann Sebastian , Bode Christoph , Pottgiesser Torben
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with elevated total blood volume (BV) and distinct phenotypes of total red cell volume (RCV) and plasma volume (PV) elevations. Especially PV expansion during clinical decompensation is linked with adverse clinical outcomes. The role of PV expansion in compensated CHF patients is less clear. Aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of BV parameters on long‐term mortality in CHF patients investigated at a compensated state.

Methods and Results

BV, PV and RCV were determined in 44 (9 female) compensated CHF patients using an abbreviated carbon monoxide method, who were followed up for 6.0 years, (range: 3.7–6.5 years) for all‐cause mortality. In univariate analysis PV expansion but not BV and RCV predicted all‐cause mortality (p = .021). A cutoff of 1800 ml PV/m² body‐surface area allows stratification for all‐cause mortality (p = .044). PV expansion but not RCV reduction explains the significantly lower hematocrit values of nonsurvivors.

Discussion

In this pilot study, PV expansion, which was unnoticed from a clinician's perspective, but is indicated by significantly lower hematocrit, appears to be a relevant predictor of long‐term all‐cause mortality. Whether PV expansion constitutes an adverse CHF phenotype and can be targeted by diuretic therapy is currently unclear.
Toward modeling thrombosis and thromboembolism in laminar and turbulent flow regimes
Authors: Tobin Nicolas , Manning Keefe B.
Published: August 2022

Thrombosis and thromboembolism are deadly risk factors in blood‐contacting biomedical devices, and in‐silico models of thrombosis are attractive tools to understand the mechanics of these processes, though the simulation of thromboembolism remains underdeveloped. The purpose of this study is to modify an existing computational thrombosis model to allow for thromboembolism and to investigate the behavior of the modified model at a range of flow rates. The new and existing models are observed to lead to similar predictions of thrombosis in a canonical backward‐facing step geometry across flow rates, and neither model predicts thrombosis in a turbulent flow. Simulations are performed by increasing flow rates in the case of a clot formed at lower flow to induce embolization. While embolization is observed, most of the clot breakdown is by shear rather than by breakup and subsequent transport of clotted material, and further work is required in the formulation and validation of embolization. This model provides a framework to further investigate thromboembolization.
The Effect of pH on the Structure and Lateral Organization of Cardiolipin in Langmuir Monolayers
Authors: Sturm Marina , Gutowski Olof , Brezesinski Gerald
Published: August 2022

Cardiolipin (CL) is a unique phospholipid featuring a dimeric structure. With its four alkyl chains, it has a large hydrophobic region and the charged hydrophilic head group is relatively small. Biological membranes exhibit CL exclusively in the inner bacterial and mitochondrial membranes. Alteration of CL packing can lead to structural changes and membrane instabilities. One environmental influence is the change in pH. Since the acidic properties of the phosphate head groups remain still controversial in literature, this work focusses on the influence of pH on the ionization degree of CL. For the analyses, surface pressure (π) – molecular area (A) isotherm experiments were combined with total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TRXF) and grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXD). Continuous ionization with a high CL packing density was observed in the monolayer over a wide pH range. No individual pKa values can be assigned to the two phosphate groups, but mutual influence is observed.
Nematic‐type Structure of the SnO2(110) Surface at Room Temperature
Authors: Liu Shengsheng , Cheng Zhiying , Yu Rong
Published: August 2022

The most exposed (110) surface of SnO2 plays an important role in practical applications like gas sensors and catalysts. It has previously been considered to be amorphous at room temperature. In this study, the structure of the (110) surface stabilized at room temperature is determined using aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy and first‐principles calculations. The (110) surface has local order and is made of Sn2O2 strands that partially cover underlying unsaturated Sn rows. The results indicate that the Sn2O2 strands assemble as building blocks on the surface to form a partially ordered structure, quite like the nematic liquid crystal. Partial occupation of the Sn2O2 strands along the [
0] direction avoids the interaction between neighboring Sn2O2 strands and therefore makes the surface more stable. The novel phenomenon of the surface provides insight for understanding and developing catalysts and gas sensors based on SnO2.
Evaluation of US Food and Drug Administration Drug Label Recommendations for Coadministration of Antivirals and Acid‐Reducing Agents
Authors: Shugg Tyler , Powell Nicholas R. , Marroum Patrick J. , Skaar Todd C. , Younis Islam R.
Published: August 2022

Coadministration with acid‐reducing agents (ARAs), including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine H2‐receptor antagonists (H2 blockers), and antacids has been demonstrated to reduce antiviral exposure and efficacy. Therefore, it is essential that US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug labels include recommendations to manage these drug–drug interactions (DDIs). This investigation analyzed information in FDA drug labels to manage DDIs between ARAs and antivirals approved from 1998 to 2019. To ascertain clinical adoption, we assessed whether FDA label recommendations were incorporated into current antiviral clinical practice guidelines. We identified 82 label recommendations for 43 antiviral approvals. Overall, 56.1% of recommendations were deemed clinically actionable, with the most common actionable management strategies being dose adjustment during coadministration (40.2%) and coadministration not recommended (9.8%). The sources informing DDI recommendations were clinical DDI studies (59.8%) and predictions of altered exposure (40.2%). Antivirals with low aqueous solubility were more likely to have label recommendations and were more commonly investigated using clinical DDI studies (P < 0.01). For recommendations informed by clinical DDI studies, changes in drug exposure were associated with actionable label recommendations (P < 0.01). The frequency of exposure changes in clinical DDI studies was similar across antiviral indications, but exposure changes were numerically higher for antacids (71.4%) relative to PPIs (42.9%) and H2 blockers (28.6%). Of DDI pairs identified within drug labels, 76.8% were included in guidelines, and recommended management strategies were concordant in 90.5% of cases. Our findings demonstrate that current regulatory oversight mostly (but not completely) results in actionable label recommendations to manage DDIs for high‐risk antivirals.
Center Atom Model for Strain Mapping of Void and Crack of Atomic Lattice Image
Authors: Li Yi‐xuan , Gao Ying‐jun , Liao Kun , Deng Qian‐qian , Huang Zong‐ji , Yi Xiao‐Ai , Luo Zhi‐rong
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the strain distribution around the atomic lattice defect with void and crack in crystal materials, a new elastic strain calculation method named as center atom model (CAM) is proposed in this work, and is applied for mapping the strain field of the defect with void in an atomic image lattice in real space under external forcing. As an example, the strain mapping of voids and cracks of an atomic lattice image from phase field crystal (PFC) model is quantitatively characterized by CAM. The results show that CAM can well be used to extract the strain information from various types of the defect surface of atomic lattice images. Wherever the strain distribution around the dislocation of the grain boundary or the strain around the void and crack is, CAM can accurately extract the strain distribution of the distortion area of the atomic lattice. CAM can also be easily extended and applied to the strain mapping of the defects in the heterogeneous interface.
Growth of ZnTe Semiconductor Crystal Via a Te Flux Zone Melting Method and Characterization of Its Properties
Authors: Jin Min , He Feng , Zheng Shuying , Xu Yadong , Peng Yan , Chen Xiufei , Xu Xiangang
Published: August 2022

In this work, a kind of II;‐VI group ZnTe semiconductor crystal is successfully grown using a Te flux zone melting method from Zn: Te = 3: 7 mole ratio solution. The crystal has standard F43m cubic space group and the a/b/c lattice constants are all calculated to be 6.105 Å. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirms it has quasistoichiometric ratio and the Zn/Te elements are distributed in the material homogeneously. The polished 1.0 mm thickness (110) wafer exhibits a highest ≈64.5% transmittance near 2400 nm wavelength and the bandgap Eg is deduced as 2.223 eV. ZnTe crystal shows a heavy volatilization start from 910 °C and the weight losing speed is about ≈1.45% min−1. The thermal conductivity k displays good repeatability in the cooling and heating stages, the k value is about 15.8 Wm−1 K−1 at room temperature and is deceased to 3.53 Wm−1 K−1 under 500 °C. These results would be of great reference when ZnTe crystal is used for device design and application in the future.
Wetlands on the Farm:Potent, Nutrient‐Capturing Tools in (Relatively) Small Packages
Authors: Coyne Kristen
Published: August 2022

Half a century ago, in response to burning rivers and other high‐profile environmental disasters, the U.S. Congress passed the Clean Water Act (CWA) as a means to protect waterways from sea to shining sea. Commemorating that landmark legislation, the Journal of Environmental Quality this year has published a collection of papers celebrating the CWA. Crops & Soils magazine will highlight some of that work this month with a look at how one on‐farm management practice—constructed wetlands—can significantly reduce water pollution from tile‐drained farms. In many states, particularly around the Great Lakes, tile drainage is a common and growing practice that increases yields but also funnels excess nitrogen and phosphorus into waterways, resulting in harmful downstream effects as far away as the Gulf of Mexico. A central Illinois study found that, by setting aside a very small portion of their fields for wetlands, farmers could cut nutrient losses in half. Earn 1 CEU in Soil & Water Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Detection of AP‐237 and synthetic cannabinoids on an infused letter sent to a German prisoner
Authors: Giorgetti Arianna , Brunetti Pietro , Pelotti Susi , Auwärter Volker
Published: August 2022

In the past years, new psychoactive substances (NPS) started circulating in prisons, leading to health risks and challenges for the criminal justice system. Seizures of papers and cards impregnated with synthetic cannabinoid (SCs) have been reported. In November 2021, a letter suspected to be drug‐infused was sent from a German prison to this laboratory. Toxicological analyses were performed by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for drug screening and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) as well as high‐performance (HP) LC with diode‐array detection (DAD) for semi‐quantification of the compounds. The novel synthetic opioid (NSO) AP‐237 was detected on the letter, with an estimated concentration of 1.2 μg/cm2, together with the SCs MDMB‐4en‐PINACA (77 μg/cm2) and 5F‐ADB (6.5 μg/cm2). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time an NSO was detected on a drug‐infused paper seized in a prison. Highly potent NSOs could easily be dissolved in organic solvents to produce impregnated papers and textiles, and this might represent a serious threat to the health of people in prison. Given the inhomogeneity in drug concentrations, health risks might in particular arise from the consumption of highly concentrated areas of the paper—so‐called “hot spots”—especially when highly potent NSOs are used for infusion. Laboratories engaged in analyzing such impregnated papers should be aware of the potential presence of NSOs and adapt the respective methods accordingly.
Disentangling direct and indirect effects of landscape structure on urban bird richness and functional diversity
Authors: Suárez‐Castro Andrés Felipe , Maron Martine , Mitchell Matthew G. E. , Rhodes Jonathan R.
Published: August 2022

As fragmented landscapes become increasingly common around the world, managing the spatial arrangement of landscape elements (i.e., landscape configuration) may help to promote the conservation of biodiversity. However, the relative effects of landscape configuration on different dimensions of biodiversity across species assemblages are largely unknown. Thus, a key challenge consists in understanding when it is necessary to focus on landscape configuration, in addition to landscape composition, to achieve multifunctional landscapes. We tested the effects of landscape composition (the percentage of tree cover and built infrastructure) and landscape configuration (degree of fragmentation) on landscape‐level species richness and different metrics of functional diversity of urban birds. We collected data on different bird guilds (nectarivores/frugivores, insectivores) from Brisbane, Australia. Using structural equation models, we found that landscape structure (landscape composition and configuration) affected functional diversity via two main pathways: (1) through effects of landscape composition, mediated by landscape configuration (indirect effects), and (2) through direct (“independent”) effects of landscape composition and configuration, filtering species with extreme trait values. Our results show that landscape‐level species richness declined with the extent of built infrastructure, but patterns of trait diversity did not necessarily correlate with this variable. Landscape configuration had a stronger mediating effect on some metrics of the functional diversity of insectivores than on the functional diversity of frugivores/nectarivores. In addition, fragmentation increased the effects of built infrastructure for some traits (body size and dispersal capacity), but not for others (habitat plasticity and foraging behavior). These results suggest that differential approaches to managing landscape structure are needed depending on whether the focus is on protecting functional diversity or species richness and what the target guild is. Managing landscape fragmentation in areas with high levels of built infrastructure is important if the objective is to protect insectivore species with uncommon traits, even if it is not possible to preserve high levels of species richness. However, if the target is to enhance both functional diversity and species richness of multiple guilds, the focus should be on improving composition through the reduction of negative effects of built infrastructure, rather than promoting specific landscape configurations in growing cities.