bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Emission from Triboelectric Gas Discharge toward Self‐Powered Gas Sensing
Authors: Fu Jingjing , Song Ziwu , Xu Guoqiang , Wang Haoyu , Li Xinyuan , Wang Jiaqi , Ding Wenbo , Ren Wei , Lei Iek Man , Zi Yunlong
Published: February 2023

Optical emission from gas molecules is considered an excellent solution to gas detection because of its fairly high sensitivity and selectivity. However, its further development is constrained by its large size, high energy consumption, and security risks. Herein, a self‐powered gas sensing solution is proposed by taking advantage of the optical emission of triboelectric discharge (TD). Based on the triboelectric effect, the high output voltage of ≈kV can lead to producing optical emissions through gas discharges, including emission spectra and discharge images, which are affected by gas species and pressure. By means of machine learning, the optical emission signals process the ability to recognize 60 gas atmospheres simultaneously, with an accuracy of 97.67%. With the assistance of the mobile phone or closed‐circuit television, a self‐powered gas sensing system based on TD may serve as a portable detecting device and a vital component of the Internet of Things system.
Optical Absorption and Second‐Harmonic Generation in Violet Phosphorene: Experimental and Theoretical Aspects
Authors: Ma Xiaoyang , Pan Han , Yang Tong , Liao Qing , Zhang Jinying , Li Dechun
Published: February 2023

The better thermal stability and extremely high deformation resistance of violet phosphorene make it a great potential candidate to be a new “dream material” better than black phosphorene. Due to the high confinement of 2D materials, violet phosphorene is expected to possess extraordinary optical properties. Herein, the linear and nonlinear optical properties of violet phosphorene are discussed by both theoretical simulation and experimental measurement. The fibrous nature with twofold rotation symmetry tends to the non‐centrosymmetric crystal structure, leading to the lower dipole transition possibility in violet phosphorene, but the intensive flatness of its electronic bands produces a larger joint density of states, finally resulting in better linear absorption than for black phosphorene. In addition, the intrinsic non‐centrosymmetric crystal structure causes the nonlinear second harmonic generation in violet phosphorene, showing its potential in nonlinear optics.
Exciton Ground State Fine Structure and Excited States Landscape in Layered Halide Perovskites from Combined BSE Simulations and Symmetry Analysis
Authors: Quarti Claudio , Giorgi Giacomo , Katan Claudine , Even Jacky , Palummo Maurizia
Published: February 2023

Layered halide perovskites are solution‐processed natural heterostructures where quantum and dielectric confinement down to the nanoscale strongly influence the optical properties, leading to stabilization of bound excitons. Detailed understanding of the exciton properties is crucial to boost the exploitation of these materials in energy conversion and light emission applications, with on‐going debate related to the energy order of the four components of the most stable exciton. To provide theoretical feedback and solve among contrasting literature reports, this work performs ab initio solution of the Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) for symmetrized reference Cs2PbX4 (X = I and Br) models, with detailed interpretation of the spectroscopic observables based on group‐theory analysis. Simulations predict the following Edark < Ein‐plane < Eout‐of‐plane fine‐structure assignment, consistent with recent magneto‐absorption experiments and obtain similar increase in dark/bright splitting when going from lead‐iodide to a lead‐bromide composition as found experimentally. The authors further suggest that polar distortions may lead to stabilization of the in‐plane component and end‐up in a bright lowest exciton component, discuss exciton landscape over a broad energy range and clarify the exciton spin‐character, when large spin‐orbit coupling is in play, to rationalize the potential of halide perovskites as triplet sensitizers in combination with organic dyes.
Building Paraxial Optical Skyrmions Using Rational Maps
Authors: Cisowski Claire , Ross Calum , Franke-Arnold Sonja
Published: February 2023

A simple mathematical expression based on rational maps to describe all optical paraxial skyrmion known to date, including Néel‐type and Bloch‐type skyrmions, bimerons, and anti‐skyrmions, is introduced. This expression is derived solely from topological considerations and outlines the rules that fully polarized paraxial light fields must obey to qualify as optical skyrmions. It is shown that rational maps can be implemented experimentally by superposing a pair of orthogonally polarized Laguerre–Gaussian modes. Novel optical skyrmion fields, called multi‐skyrmions, are obtained upon generalizing the proposed expression, laying the foundation for the exploration of skyrmion nucleation and annihilation mechanisms in optics.
Malic Enzyme 1 as a Novel Anti‐Ferroptotic Regulator in Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Fang Xuexian , Zhang Jiawei , Li You , Song Yijing , Yu Yingying , Cai Zhaoxian , Lian Fuzhi , Yang Jun , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi
Published: February 2023

Ferroptosis has been linked to the pathogenesis of hepatic injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, the mechanistic basis remains unclear. In this study, by using a mouse model of hepatic I/R injury, it is observed that glutathione (GSH) and cysteine depletion are associated with deficiency of the reducing power of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Genes involved in maintaining NADPH homeostasis are screened, and it is identified that I/R‐induced hepatic ferroptosis is significantly associated with reduced expression and activity of NADP+‐dependent malic enzyme 1 (Me1). Mice with hepatocyte‐specific Me1 gene deletion exhibit aggravated ferroptosis and liver injury under I/R treatment; while supplementation with L‐malate, the substrate of ME1, restores NADPH and GSH levels and eventually inhibits I/R‐induced hepatic ferroptosis and injury. A mechanistic study further reveals that downregulation of hepatic Me1 expression is largely mediated by the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN)‐dependent suppression of the mechanistic target of rapamycin/sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (mTOR/SREBP1) signaling pathway in hepatic I/R model. Finally, PTEN inhibitor, mTOR activator, or SREBP1 over‐expression all increase hepatic NADPH, block ferroptosis, and protect liver against I/R injury. Taken together, the findings suggest that targeting ME1 may provide new therapeutic opportunities for I/R injury and other ferroptosis‐related hepatic conditions.
Enhanced OER Performance and Dynamic Transition of Surface Reconstruction in LaNiO3 Thin Films with Nanoparticles Decoration
Authors: Liu Huan , Xie Rongrong , Wang Qixiang , Han Jiale , Han Yue , Wang Jie , Fang Hong , Qi Ji , Ding Meng , Ji Weixiao , He Bin , Lü Weiming
Published: February 2023

In an electrocatalytic process, the cognition of the active phase in a catalyst has been regarded as one of the most vital issues, which not only boosts the fundamental understanding of the reaction procedure but also guides the engineering and design for further promising catalysts. Here, based on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the stepwise evolution of the dominant active phase is demonstrated in the LaNiO3 (LNO) catalyst once the single‐crystal thin film is decorated by LNO nanoparticles. It is found that the OER performance can be dramatically improved by this decoration, and the catalytic current density at 1.65 V can be enhanced by ≈1000% via ≈109 cm−2 nanoparticle adhesion after extracting the contribution of surface enlargement. Most importantly, a transition of the active phase from LNO to NiOOH via surface reconstruction with the density of LNO nanoparticles is demonstrated. Several mechanisms in terms of this active phase transition are discussed involving lattice orientation‐induced change of the surface energy profile, the lattice oxygen participation, and the A/B‐site ions leaching during OER cycles. This study suggests that the active phases in transition metal‐based OER catalysts can transform with morphology, which should be corresponding to distinct engineering strategies.
Challenges and Opportunities to Mitigate the Catastrophic Thermal Runaway of High‐Energy Batteries
Authors: Wang Yu , Feng Xuning , Huang Wensheng , He Xiangming , Wang Li , Ouyang Minggao
Published: February 2023

Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) that promise both safety and high energy density are critical for a new‐energy future. However, recent studies on battery thermal runaway (TR) suggest that the higher the energy is compressed in a battery, the thermal accidents with fires and explosions can occur in a more catastrophic way. This “trade‐off” between energy density and safety poses challenging obstacles toward the future applications of the developing high‐energy chemistries. Herein, the thermal studies on the most appealing high‐energy (HE)‐LIB chemistries are carefully reviewed. The TR characters of the HE‐LIBs, the material thermal failure behaviors as well as the underneath reaction mechanisms, and the most advanced TR mitigation technologies are comprehensively summarized. Moreover, the effectiveness of different TR mitigation routes is analyzed. Based on the analysis, the main challenges for TR mitigation in HE chemistries are further explained. Finally, opinions on the future TR mechanism studies and the promising safety design routes to overcome this intrinsic “trade‐off” between high energy and safety are presented.
Mixed‐Addenda Dawson‐Type Polyoxometalates as High‐Performance Anode Interlayer Materials for Efficient Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Yang Yi , Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui
Published: February 2023

Electrode interlayer plays a pivotal role in the performance enhancement of optoelectronic devices. At present, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and molybdenum oxide are the two most popular anode interlayer (AIL) materials in organic optoelectronic devices, but both of them have obvious drawbacks in practical use. Owing to the lack of suitable semiconductor with suitable energy level, the development of AIL materials as alternatives to PEDOT:PSS and MoO3 remains a challenge. Herein, a series of Dawson‐type polyoxometalates (POMs) is synthesized with tunable chemical compositions and photoelectronic properties to develop efficient AILs for organic optoelectronic devices of organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) and organic solar cell (OSC). The POM films exhibit a high work function, excellent conductivity, good optical transmittance, and smooth surface, endowing the POM AILs with outstanding hole injection/collection abilities. The high performance of Dawson‐type POMs in hole injection/collection ensures an efficient hole transfer from the organic layer to the anode, depressing the charge recombination in the optoelectronic devices. The OSCs modified by POM4 exhibit 17.8% and 16.1% power conversion efficiencies with an active area of 0.04 and 1.00 cm2, respectively. The OLEDs with POM3 and POM4 exhibit remarkably superior luminous efficiency to the PEDOT:PSS device, along with a significantly reduced turn‐on voltage from 3.8 to 2.8 V.
Life history characteristics and status of the Pacific yellowtail emperor, Lethrinus atkinsoni (Seale 1910), in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Authors: Trianni Michael S. , DeMartini Edward E. , Taylor Brett M.
Published: February 2023

Life history characteristics of the Pacific yellowtail emperor, Lethrinus atkinsoni, were described from commercial samples in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands spanning a 28‐month market sampling period. Derived statistics pertaining to growth, life span, mortality and reproductive features were obtained through analyses of sectioned sagittal otoliths and gonad tissues. Maximum age observed was 18 years, with females attaining 50% sexual maturity at 3.3 years at a fork length of 20.9 cm; too few male specimens precluded male maturation estimates. We concluded that the species exhibited an undetermined sexual pattern as no evidence of prior female function was observed in mature males. No annual spawning periods were identifiable. Early growth rates estimated by settlement size‐constrained VBGF models using fish landed by the nighttime commercial spear fishery (NCSF) were rapid. Exploitation rates indicated very low‐to‐moderate levels of exploitation. Boat‐based fishing efforts from the NCSF captured the larger individuals of the species, whereas shore‐based efforts captured the vast majority of individuals representing sizes generally below that of the estimated 50% maturation level. Extensive fishery‐independent in situ diver observations indicated the species may have a restricted range. Expanded fishery‐dependent collection of L. atkinsoni specimens and studies of its movement ecology at Saipan would provide additional input for fishery management, as well as a formal stock assessment which juvenile‐biased catches indicate are necessary.
Cover crop effects on infiltration, aggregate stability, and water retention in the Lower Mississippi River Valley
Authors: Lebeau Shelby , Brye Kristofor R. , Daniels Mike B. , Wood Lisa S.
Published: February 2023

Cover crops are widely considered to improve soil health in the form of erosion control, organic matter additions, and improving water‐holding capacity. Despite the generally well‐documented benefits, cover crops remain under‐studied in the Lower Mississippi River Valley (LMRV), an area historically dominated by intensive cultivated agriculture, with soils prone to erosion, and where the need for irrigation has led to unsustainable aquifer withdrawals. The objective of this study was to evaluate cover crop (with cover crops [CC] and without cover crops [NCC]) effects on near‐surface soil physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties. Soil sample collection and in situ measurements were conducted, once per site, between May 2018 and May 2019 across four locations within the LMRV portion of eastern Arkansas. Overall and steady‐state infiltration rates were unaffected (p > .05) by cover‐crop treatment. Across all locations, extractable soil Na content in the top 10 cm was greater (p ≤ .05) with NCC (31.6 kg ha−1) compared with CC (21.6 kg ha−1). Averaged across treatment and soil depth (0 to 5 and 5 to 10 cm), water‐stable aggregate concentration in the 0.25‐ to 0.5‐ (0.101 g g−1) was 1.5 times greater (p ≤ .05) than that in the 1.0‐ to 2.0‐mm size class (0.068 g g−1). Though many soil properties did not significantly differ between CC treatments due to their collective variations, results of this study demonstrate the wide‐spread implications of CC use on physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties across a region.
The era of the Dawn of Mendelian research in the field of psychiatry: Rüdin's 1922 review paper “regarding the heredity of mental disturbances”
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Klee Astrid
Published: February 2023

On September 27, 1922, Ernst Rüdin gave an address to the Annual Conference of the German Society of Genetics entitled “Regarding the Heredity of Mental Disturbances.” Published in a 37‐page article, Rüdin reviewed the progress in the field of Mendelian psychiatric genetics, then hardly more than a decade old. Topics included (a) the status of Mendelian analyses of dementia praecox and manic‐depressive insanity which had expanded to include two and three locus and early polygenic models and sometimes included, respectively, schizoid and cyclothymic personalities; (b) a critique of theories for the explanation of co‐occurrence of different psychiatric disorders within families; and (c) a sharp methodologic critique of Davenport and Rosanoff's contemporary work which emphasized Rüdin's commitment to careful, expert phenotyping, a primary focus on well‐validated psychiatric disorders and not broad spectra of putatively inter‐related conditions, and an emphasis on rigorous statistical modeling as seen in his continued collaboration with Wilhelm Weinberg.
Quantum‐Chemical Insight into Self‐Organization of Complex Molecules from Acetylene and Anilines Catalyzed by Superbase KOH/DMSO: One‐Pot Cascade Assembly of 1,3‐Bis(arylamines)
Authors: Absalyamov Damir Z. , Vitkovskaya Nadezhda M. , Orel Vladimir B. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: February 2023

The self‐organization of functionalized diamines, 1‐acetyl‐1,3‐bis(haloarylamines), from three molecules of acetylene and two molecules of haloanilines in the KOH/DMSO superbase medium, has been analyzed quantum chemically in some detail in the framework of the B2PLYP(D3)/6‐311+G**//B3LYP/6‐31+G* approach. We have established that the diamines are constructed in a cascade manner via the sequential alternating additions of haloaniline anions to acetylene. The reaction sequence is catalyzed by a superbase pentacoordinated complex, KOH ⋅ 5DMSO, where the hydroxide ion is significantly separated from the potassium cation (the K−OH bond length is by 0.4–0.5 Å longer than in the bare KOH molecule). The latter imparts pronounced superbasicity to the complex and provides for a shuttle‐like proton transfer (H++OH−=H2O) during the whole cascade process.
Racial and ethnic differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms and progression to incident cognitive impairment among community‐dwelling participants
Authors: Babulal Ganesh M. , Zhu Yiqi , Trani Jean‐Francois
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a risk factor for dementia; however, their prevalence and severity among ethnoracial groups are poorly understood.

METHODS

We used data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) (n = 6958; ≥50 years old). Cognitively normal participants at baseline, without any NPS or dementia diagnosis, had at least one follow‐up. Survival analyses assessed the hazard ratio for 12 NPS models and progression to cognitive impairment. Propensity score weighting (PSW) matched participants on age, sex, education, and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

All 12 NPS were significantly associated with progression to cognitive impairment. In the PSW models, compared to whites, Black/African Americans were more likely to progress to cognitive impairment across all 12 NPS models, followed by Hispanic, and then Asian participants.

DISCUSSION

PSW minimized selection bias to provide robust risk estimates. There is a higher risk of progressing to cognitive impairment for ethnoracial groups with NPS. Tailored screening of NPS and cognitive impairment should incorporate patient and caregiver reports.
Transforming Inert Cycloalkanes into α,ω‐Diamines by Designed Enzymatic Cascade Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Zhongwei , Fang Lin , Wang Fei , Deng Yu , Jiang Zhengbin , Li Aitao
Published: February 2023

Aliphatic α,ω‐diamines (DAs) are important monomer precursors that are industrially produced by energy‐intensive, multistage chemical reactions that are harmful to the environment. Therefore, the development of sustainable green DA synthetic routes is highly desired. Herein, we report an efficient one‐pot in vivo biocatalytic cascade for the transformation of cycloalkanes into DAs with the aid of advanced techniques, including the RetroBioCat tool for biocatalytic route design, enzyme mining for finding appropriate enzymes and microbial consortia construction for efficient pathway assembly. As a result, DAs were successfully produced by the designed microbial consortia‐based biocatalytic system. In particular, the highest biosynthesis productivity record of 1,6‐hexanediamine was achieved when using either cyclohexanol or cyclohexane as a substrate. Thus, the developed biocatalytic process provides a promising alternative to the dominant industrial process for manufacturing DAs.
Practical and General Alcohol Deoxygenation Protocol
Authors: Williams Oliver P. , Chmiel Alyah F. , Mikhael Myriam , Bates Desiree M. , Yeung Charles S. , Wickens Zachary K.
Published: February 2023

Herein, we describe a practical protocol for the removal of alcohol functional groups through reductive cleavage of their benzoate ester analogs. This transformation requires a strong single electron transfer (SET) reductant and a means to accelerate slow fragmentation following substrate reduction. To accomplish this, we developed a photocatalytic system that generates a potent reductant from formate salts alongside Brønsted or Lewis acids that promote fragmentation of the reduced intermediate. This deoxygenation procedure is effective across structurally and electronically diverse alcohols and enables a variety of difficult net transformations. This protocol requires no precautions to exclude air or moisture and remains efficient on multigram scale. Finally, the system can be adapted to a one‐pot benzoylation‐deoxygenation sequence to enable direct alcohol deletion. Mechanistic studies validate that the role of acidic additives is to promote the key C(sp3)−O bond fragmentation step.
Study on the preparation and luminescence properties of SrGe4O9:Mn4+ red phosphors for plant illumination
Authors: Zhao Li , Wenjia Dang , Ya‐nan Wang , Kun‐yao Wu , Ming Sun
Published: February 2023

In this study, SrGe4O9:Mn4+ red phosphors for plant illumination were prepared using a high‐temperature solid‐phase method. The samples were characterized and analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fluorescence spectroscopy, and other techniques. The phase structure, apparent morphology, and luminescence properties of the SrGe4O9:Mn4+ red phosphors were investigated. The results indicated that the dopant Mn4+ was incorporated into the matrix structure by substituting some Ge4+ ions without any changes in the crystal structure of the SrGe4O9 matrix. The samples comprised micron‐scale particles and exhibited high purity and uniform distribution of elements. The SrGe4O9:Mn4+ phosphors exhibited relatively strong red light emission at 660 nm under the excitation of a 430‐nm blue light, and the luminescence intensity was the highest when the Mn4+ doping amount was 1%. Proper doping of Ti4+ or Sn4+ could effectively improve the luminescence intensity of the SrGe4O9:Mn4+ phosphors. The light‐emitting diode (LED) device packaging showed that the SrGe4O9:Mn4+ red phosphors could be used for plant growth illumination.
Superiority of non‐family firms in a developing market: Moderating role of international diversification
Authors: Miah Muhammad Shahin , Bhuiyan Mohammad Rakib Uddin , Ferdous Chowdhury Saima
Published: February 2023

This paper examines whether family firms outperform compared to nonfamily firms. We utilize both accounting‐based and market‐based performance measures in the present study. Secondly, we test whether operating performance and market valuation are higher for family firms with international diversification compared to locally operated family firms. We employ a unique setting where more than 65% of publicly listed companies are family firms to test our conjectures. We use ordinary least square regression models to test our hypotheses. Using a large dataset, we find that nonfamily firms perform significantly (both operating and market based performance) higher than counter family firms. However, we find that family firms outperform non‐family firms when they have international diversifications. This study contributes to family business literature, international diversification literature. It provides policy implications in that regulators understand the importance of ownership structure and how it affects firms' valuation, particularly in emerging economies where family firms dominate the markets.
Prediction of sorghum oil content using near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Mendoza Princess Tiffany D. , Armstrong Paul R. , Peiris Kamaranga H. S. , Siliveru Kaliramesh , Bean Scott R. , Pordesimo Lester O.
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Aside from being a staple crop, sorghum is now being used as a gluten‐free food, an animal feed ingredient, and a biofuel source. This growing demand for sorghum has increased interest in grain quality and utilization. This study explored near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR HSI) as a nondestructive and rapid method to predict the oil content of sorghum grains.

Findings

Partial least square (PLS) regression models for oil from NIR HSI spectra achieved 0.19% standard error of calibration (SEC) and 0.21% standard error of prediction (SEP) at 10 PLS factors. The results from the NIR HSI instrument were comparable to those from the single‐kernel near‐infrared reflectance instrument using the same set of samples.

Conclusion

This study showed the potential of HSI as a quality control method for sorghum grains, specifically for oil content, which could be beneficial for sorghum breeders, growers, and processors.

Significance and Novelty

The increasing interest in sorghum use prompted this study which is one of the first to explore NIR HSI for sorghum oil with the ability to indicate single seed weight.
Multiple Myeloma in a Young Adult with Renal Involvement
Authors: Hajji Meriam. , Barbouch Samia. , Goucha Rim. , Abderrahim Ezzeddine.
Published: February 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) results from malignant plasma cell disorder. It represents approximately 10% of hematological malignancies and it is typically diagnosed in the elderly with a median age of 70 years and has a steep increase in incidence with advancing age. N Engl J Med. 2004, 1860; Clin Interv Aging. 2020, 619. The incidence of MM has been increasing over time, mostly due to population aging. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010, 225 However, certain MMs are diagnosed at young age even under 40 years old (2%). Leuk Lymphoma. 1998, 493; Blood. 2010, 5501. We report a case of a MM in a thirty‐four‐year‐old woman whose circumstance of discovery was acute kidney failure.
Guillain‐Barre syndrome associated with COVID‐19 infection: A case series
Authors: Ahmed Ayman , El‐Amin Rahba , Musa Ahmed Mudawi , Elsayed Muaz A. , Fahal Lamis Ahmed , Ahmed Eiman Siddig , Ali Yousif , Nebie Ipyn Eric , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Zinsstag Jakob , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , EL‐Sadig Sarah Misbah
Published: February 2023

In this communication, we reported a series of six patients presented with Guillain‐Barré syndrome that associated with COVID‐19 infection, which was confirmed with RT‐PCR. Here we discuss the laboratory investigation and case management, as well as clinical presentation and outcome of each case. The current report demonstrated the first case series of COVID‐19‐associated GBS‐cases in Sudan.
Cryptococcal meningitis among perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents: Case series on presentation and management challenges
Authors: Puplampu Peter , Asamoah Isabella , Asare Bismark O. , Berko Kofi P. , Oladele Oluwakemi , Amankwa Emmanuella , Lambert Frempong , Afriyie Antoinette T. , Ganu Vincent
Published: February 2023

Diagnosis and management of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV‐infected adolescents is challenging in poor resource settings. A high index of suspicion based on clinical presentation is critical for early identification and treatment. This report sought to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of HIV‐associated cryptococcal meningitis in adolescents.
Endogenous endophthalmitis due to Serratia marcescens secondary to late‐onset empyema Post‐Cardiac surgery in an End‐Stage renal disease patient on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Sasi Sreethish , Faraj Hazem , Barazi Raja , Kolleri Jouhar , Chitrambika P. , Rahman Al Maslamani Muna A. , Ali Maisa
Published: February 2023

Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis results from bacterial seeding of the eye during bacteremia. A diagnosis of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis requires clinical findings such as vitritis or hypopyon along with positive blood cultures. Serratia marcescens is the second most common pathogen causing hospital‐acquired ocular infections. This report describes a case of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis caused by S. marcescens in an older adult with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis, who had late‐onset pleural empyema secondary to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A 61‐year‐old gentleman presented with a two‐day history of cloudy vision, black floaters, pain, swelling, and gradual vision loss in his right eye. There was no history of trauma, ocular surgeries, or previous similar episodes. He had myocardial infarction treated with CABG 3 months back. Examination showed a 3 mm hypopyon in the anterior chamber. He had classic signs of endophthalmitis with positive blood cultures for S. marcescens. He was treated with high‐dose intravenous meropenem and intravitreal ceftazidime without vitrectomy. Endophthalmitis progressed to complete vision loss in his right eye, requiring evisceration. Endophthalmitis caused by S. marcescens is rare, but long‐term outcomes can be severe, causing complete vision loss in about 60% of the patients. It is usually hospital‐acquired, and the source can be late‐onset empyema several months after cardiac surgery, in an immunocompromised patient. Systemic antibiotics should be supplemented with intravitreal agents with or without pars plana vitrectomy.
Conductive Polymers‐Confined Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Enhanced Activity for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Fang Xinzuo , Lei Sheng , Feng Zhiwei , Ou Junfei
Published: February 2023

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to valuable fuels is highly desirable to alleviate global warming and energy crisis. Herein, a stable aluminum‐porphyrin metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) named Al−PMOF, with wide spectral response, is selected as platforms for the construction of efficient photocatalyst to convert CO2 into CO. To enhance the activity of pristine Al−PMOF, highly active reaction sites are introduced through metallization of the porphyrin linkers with Cu2+. Furthermore, the polymerization of pyrrole in the channel of MOFs is also performed to improve the electron conductivity and narrow the band gap. The polypyrrole offers the conductive network to transfer the light‐generated electrons and thus enhances the efficient charge separation. The calculated electronic density of states based on the density functional theory (DFT) further prove the electron interaction between the polypyrrole and the MOFs, which benefit the enhancement of photocatalytic performance of Al−PMOF.
The Tunable and Efficient Nanoporous CuAg Alloy Catalysts Toward Methanol Oxidation Reaction Synthesized by Electrochemical Dealloying of Metallic Glassy Precursors
Authors: Yang Lan , Li Hanyu , Han Lingyi , Liu Shantang
Published: February 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) nanoporous CuAg (NPCuAg) alloy catalysts with various Cu/Ag ratios are prepared by electrochemical dealloying of metallic glassy (MG) precursors. All dealloyed samples exhibit homogenous nanoporous structure and element composition distribution. After systematically evaluating their electrocatalytic performance toward MOR, it was found that the catalytic activity of the NPCuAg catalysts is enhanced along with the increase of Cu/Ag ratio, which may be attributed to the more exposed active reaction sites derived from high surface area of nanoporous structure and the optimal synergistic effect. Thus, the NPCu1.75Ag alloy catalyst presents the best methanol electro‐oxidation properties, including a high current density of 397.2 mA cm−2 and good operation stability that retaining 84.5 % catalytic activity even after 7200 s. These results outperform most reported copper‐based MOR catalysts in alkaline methanol solution. Considering these advantages, the designed electrodes are expected to be promising catalysts for alkaline DMFCs applications.
Substituent and Solvent Effect Studies of N‐Alkenylnitrone 4π Electrocyclizations**
Authors: Alonso Laura , Shevlin Michael , Alshreimi Abdullah S. , Reidl Tyler W. , Wink Donald J. , Anderson Laura L.
Published: February 2023

The roles of substituent and solvent effects in promoting the 4π electrocyclization of N‐alkenylnitrones to give azetidine nitrones have been investigated by experimental examination of relative rates, activation energies, and linear free energy relationships. These transformations are synthetically important because they favor the formation of a strained heterocyclic ring with imbedded functionality and stereochemical information for versatile derivatization. Mechanistic investigations, including Hammett studies, solvent‐dependent Eyring studies, and solvent isotope effects, provide insight into the steric and electronic factors that control these electrocyclizations and identify trends that can be used to advance this approach towards the rapid synthesis of complex azetidines.
Early intervention in myelofibrosis and impact on outcomes: A pooled analysis of the COMFORT‐I and COMFORT‐II studies
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Mesa Ruben A. , Squier Peg , Hamer‐Maansson J. E. , Harrison Claire
Published: February 2023

Background

In a pooled analysis of the phase 3 Controlled Myelofibrosis Study With Oral JAK Inhibitor Treatment I (COMFORT‐I) and COMFORT‐II clinical trials, adult patients with intermediate‐2 or high‐risk myelofibrosis who received oral ruxolitinib at randomization or after crossover from placebo or best available therapy (BAT) had improved overall survival (OS).

Methods

This post hoc analysis of pooled COMFORT data examined relevant disease outcomes based on the disease duration (≤12 or >12 months from diagnosis) before ruxolitinib initiation.

Results

The analysis included 525 patients (ruxolitinib: ≤12 months, n = 84; >12 months, n = 216; placebo/BAT: ≤12 months, n = 66; >12 months, n = 159); the median age was 65.0–70.0 years. Fewer thrombocytopenia and anemia events were observed among patients who initiated ruxolitinib treatment earlier. At Weeks 24 and 48, the spleen volume response (SVR) was higher for patients who initiated ruxolitinib earlier (47.6% vs. 32.9% at Week 24, p = .0610; 44.0% vs. 26.9% at Week 48, p = .0149). In a multivariable analysis of factors associated with spleen volume reduction, a logistic regression model that controlled for confounding factors found that a significantly greater binary reduction was observed among patients with shorter versus longer disease duration (p = .022). At Week 240, OS was significantly improved among patients who initiated ruxolitinib earlier (63% [95% CI, 51%‒73%] vs. 57% [95% CI, 49%‒64%]; hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01‒2.31; p = .0430). Regardless of disease duration, a longer OS was observed for patients who received ruxolitinib versus those who received placebo/BAT.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that earlier ruxolitinib initiation for adult patients with intermediate‐2 and high‐risk myelofibrosis may improve clinical outcomes, including fewer cytopenia events, durable SVR, and prolonged OS.

Plain Language Summary

Patients with myelofibrosis, a bone marrow cancer, often do not live as long as the general population. These patients may also have an enlarged spleen and difficult symptoms such as fatigue.

Two large clinical trials showed that patients treated with the drug ruxolitinib lived longer and had improved symptoms compared to those treated with placebo or other standard treatments.

Here it was examined whether starting treatment with ruxolitinib earlier (i.e., within a year of diagnosis) provided benefits versus delaying treatment.

Patients who received ruxolitinib within a year of diagnosis lived longer and experienced fewer disease symptoms than those whose treatment was delayed.
Meso‐substituted Metalloporphyrin‐based Composites for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Yuan Rui , George Stennard Leetroy , Chen Jun , Wu Qilong , Qiu Xinping , Zhao Long
Published: February 2023

Metalloporphyrins have been regarded as one of the most promising electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) due to their ease of structure modification and the robust coordinated M−N4 environment. However, the electrocatalytic activity, selectivity and stability of the metalloporphyrin‐based composite catalysts are often reported to be much poorer than those of the Pt‐based materials, arousing researchers to devote to exploring a thorough understanding of the relationship between the catalyst structures and ORR performance/mechanisms. Here we will review the design ofmeso‐positioned porphyrin structures from the aspects of selection of central metal ion species in both monometallic and bimetallic molecules, and modulation of peripheral functional substituents to introduce beneficial effects, including electron affinity, steric effects, interfacial charge states and proton management. Influences from different carbon materials as the support for composite catalysts as well as the electrolytes on oxygen reduction properties will be briefly illustrated before presenting the perspectives and insights for future works in conclusion remarks. We hope that this Review will serve as a roadmap for advancing the insights of the molecular structural and substrate morphological factors impacting ORR properties with the ultimate goal of developing and improving novel metalloporphyrins as efficient and durable electrocatalysts to champion the precious Pt/C.
Theory to practice: Pleasure‐Arousal‐Dominance (PAD) theory for architectural color design
Authors: Divers Ellen
Published: February 2023

Designers are often called upon to design therapeutic spaces that serve people who are in fragile emotional and/or physical states. While there is considerable guidance on designing for function in these spaces, the evidence‐based guidance on aesthetics is virtually non‐existent, especially when it comes to color. For a long time, the prevailing assumption in these studies, and among the public in general, has been that hues are the drivers of emotional content (e.g., red is exciting and blue is calming) and they have, for the most part, disregarded the distinct emotional connotations of light, dark, and muted versions of a hue. This oversight has led to unfortunate outcomes in the real world. The idea that blue is calming, for instance, has paved the way for brand new state‐of‐the‐art facilities featuring light blue walls that occupants may read as cold and unwelcoming. Designers need a rational, evidence‐based approach that helps them understand what many of them already know intuitively: spaces can be calm and inviting without being blue. After an overview of the design process, this article proposes that Pleasure‐Arousal‐Dominance (PAD) theory may aid designers to better understand that pale and dark (high and low value) colors convey opposites messages related to strength/power (dominance), and that vivid and muted colors (high and low chroma) convey opposite messages about energy/activity level (arousal). Finally, the author illustrates how this thought process might be applied in an architectural design practice.
The Oral Bioavailability and Effect of Various Gastric Conditions on the Pharmacokinetics of Dersimelagon in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Ogawa Kei , Ide Ryosuke , Belongie Kirstine , Tsuda Minoru , Kawanishi Hiroki , Teng Renli , Ogasawara Akihito
Published: February 2023

Dersimelagon is a novel orally administered selective agonist for melanocortin receptor 1 being investigated for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria, X‐linked protoporphyria, and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. In this open‐label, multicenter, randomized, two‐cohort, sequential crossover study, the relative oral bioavailability of two tablet formulations of dersimelagon was evaluated, and the effect of various gastric conditions (from a high‐fat meal, a proton‐pump inhibitor, and an acidic carbonated beverage) on the pharmacokinetics of dersimelagon were assessed in healthy participants (N = 50). Both tablet formulations demonstrated rapid absorption, and the 100‐mg tablets showed a 97% relative oral bioavailability versus 50‐mg tablets. No effect was observed on overall exposure (area under the plasma concentration versus time curve [AUC]) following consumption of a high‐fat meal, and Cmax was higher (22%, 90% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.42) in a fed state compared with fasted conditions. Similarly, overall exposure AUC of dersimelagon was comparable following administration alone or in combination with esomeprazole; however, coadministration of esomeprazole led to a slight decrease in Cmax (fasted: 9%, 90%CI 0.77–1.07; fed: 24%, 90%CI 0.66–0.88) compared with administration of dersimelagon alone. In general, the consumption of an acidic beverage increased time to Cmax regardless of fed or fasted status and decreased overall exposure AUC and Cmax of dersimelagon.
Using Nanocompore to Identify RNA Modifications from Direct RNA Nanopore Sequencing Data
Authors: Mulroney Logan , Birney Ewan , Leonardi Tommaso , Nicassio Francesco
Published: February 2023

RNA modifications can alter the behavior of RNA molecules depending on where they are located on the strands. Traditionally, RNA modifications have been detected and characterized by biophysical assays, mass spectrometry, or specific next‐generation sequencing techniques, but are limited to specific modifications or are low throughput. Nanopore is a platform capable of sequencing RNA strands directly, which permits transcriptome‐wide detection of RNA modifications. RNA modifications alter the nanopore raw signal relative to the canonical form of the nucleotide, and several software tools detect these signal alterations. One such tool is Nanocompore, which compares the ionic current features between two different experimental conditions (i.e., with and without RNA modifications) to detect RNA modifications. Nanocompore is not limited to a single type of RNA modification, has a high specificity for detecting RNA modifications, and does not require model training. To use Nanocompore, the following steps are needed: (i) the data must be basecalled and aligned to the reference transcriptome, then the raw ionic current signals are aligned to the sequences and transformed into a Nanocompore‐compatible format; (ii) finally, the statistical testing is conducted on the transformed data and produces a table of p‐value predictions for the positions of the RNA modifications. These steps can be executed with several different methods, and thus we have also included two alternative protocols for running Nanocompore. Once the positions of RNA modifications are determined by Nanocompore, users can investigate their function in various metabolic pathways. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: RNA modification detection by Nanocompore

Alternate Protocol 1: RNA modification detection by Nanocompore with f5c

Alternate Protocol 2: RNA modification detection by Nanocompore using Nextflow
Preparation of a Convertible Spacer Containing a Disulfide Group for Versatile Functionalization of Oligonucleotides
Authors: Pontarelli Alexander , Liu Jiang Tian , Oh Jung Kwon , Wilds Christopher J.
Published: February 2023

The protocols described in this article provide details regarding the synthesis and characterization of a disulfide containing linker phosphoramidite for terminal functionalization of synthetic oligonucleotides. The linker is first synthesized from 6‐mercaptohexanol in two steps and is incorporated at the 5′ end of short DNA oligonucleotides using automated solid‐phase synthesis. The linker contains a terminal tosylate group which is post‐synthetically displaced by altering the deprotection conditions to yield a variety of functional handles (N3, NH2, OMe, SH) or alternatively, the tosylate can be displaced directly with primary amines such as tert‐butylamine. The linker system is also compatible with RNA oligonucleotides enabling the introduction of various functional handles (N3, NH2). The protocol outlined in this procedure provides access to a versatile linker for the terminal functionalization of oligonucleotides containing a disulfide bond which may serve useful in the synthesis of reduction‐responsive oligonucleotide conjugates. As a proof of concept, in this protocol the linker is used to modify a dT10 oligonucleotide and then conjugated by copper(I)‐mediated azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) to an alkyne‐modified poly(ethylene glycol) which shows concentration dependent release of the oligonucleotide upon treatment with 1,4‐dithiothreitol, a reducing agent. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of disulfide linker phosphoramidite 3

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of DNA oligonucleotides containing disulfide linker phosphoramidite 3

Basic Protocol 3: Displacement of terminal tosylate functionalized DNA with primary aliphatic amines

Basic Protocol 4: Synthesis of oligonucleotide‐PEG conjugate

Support Protocol: Preparation of PEG‐alkyne
Green finance instruments: Exploring minibonds issuance in Italy
Authors: Cerqueti Roy , Deffains‐Crapsky Catherine , Storani Saverio
Published: February 2023

In the context of green finance, minibonds play a crucial role. This financial instrument was introduced in 2012 as a valid alternative to bank credit for corporate financing, aimed mainly at small and medium‐sized enterprises. Minibonds also represent useful support for implementing the ecological transaction agreed upon in COP 21, held in 2015 in Paris. Indeed, as of 2017, this instrument has been expanded from an environmental perspective by allowing the issuance of green minibonds. This article contributes to the debate on minibonds and the companies issuing them. Specifically, it proposes a cluster analysis approach for comparing the issuance level of minibonds in 2016 and the subsequent performances of the issuing companies in the triennium 2017–2019. Performance is divided into three macrocategories: profitability, productivity, and growth opportunities. The results suggest a nonlinear connection between the variables of interest, showing heterogeneous effects of minibonds on performance. However, the statistical data analysis seems to establish a positive relationship between minibonds' issuance level and companies' performance.
Thermal Effect on Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Toward Highly Solar to Hydrogen Efficiency
Authors: Kim Hwapyong , Seo Joo Won , Chung Wookjin , Narejo Ghulam Mustafa , Koo Sung Wook , Han Ji Su , Yang Jiwoong , Kim Jae‐Yup , In Su‐Il
Published: February 2023

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production is an emerging technology that uses renewable solar light aimed to establish a sustainable carbon‐neutral society. The barriers to commercialization are low efficiency and high cost. To date, researchers have focused on materials and systems. However, recent studies have been conducted to utilize thermal effects in PEC hydrogen production. This Review provides a fresh perspective to utilize the thermal effects for PEC performance enhancement while delineating the underlying principles and equations associated with efficiency. The fundamentals of the thermal effect on the PEC system are summarized from various perspectives: kinetics, thermodynamics, and empirical equations. Based on this, materials are classified as plasmonic metals, quantum dot‐based semiconductors, and photothermal organic materials, which have an inherent response to photothermal irradiation. Finally, the economic viability and challenges of these strategies for PEC are explained, which can pave the way for the future progress in the field.