bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transparent and High‐Absolute‐Effectiveness Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Film Based on Single‐Crystal Graphene
Authors: Yang Huihui , Wang Lili , Wang Heyan , Zhang Yilei , Su Zhen , Su Ziyi , Zhang Jia , Lu Zhengang , Jia Dechang , Hu PingAn
Published: December 2021

With the rapid development of wireless electronic facilities, the demand for high‐performance electromagnetic shielding films has swiftly increased. Graphene is a desirable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material due to its excellent electrical conductivity and light transmittance. Previous studies mostly focus on polycrystalline graphene sheets and the performances are far below the theoretical value due to poor crystal quality. In this paper, the authors demonstrate a flexible ultrathin transparent EMI film based on large‐area single crystal graphene (SCG), which is grown on single crystalline Cu substrates by chemical vapor deposition. Their flexible transparent EMI films show ultrahigh electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE). This can be attributed to the high crystalline quality and outstanding electronic conductivity of the as‐used graphene film. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the SCG/MgF/SCG sandwiched structure can reach over 8.10 dB, and the normalized electromagnetic SE is up to 5.5 × 107 dB cm2 g−1, much higher than the recorded materials. Moreover, their large area single‐crystal graphene EMI films exhibit a high and broad wavelength transmittance from visible to infrared range (e.g., infrared transmittance of 94% at 5000 nm). A flexible EMI lid of SCG has been investigated for effectively blocking WIFI signals and phone radiation.
Core–Shell Nanostructured Hybrid of Nickel Hydroxide Supported on Copper Hydroxide Nanorod Arrays Used as Advanced Supercapacitors with High Efficiency and Ultraperformance
Authors: Tian Miao , Zhong Yuxue , Fu Donglei , Liu Zhiqiang , Cui Liang , Liu Jingquan
Published: December 2021

The fascinating search for ultraefficient and high‐powered supercapacitors has stimulated continuous exploration of diverse energy storage materials like transition metal hydroxides with core–shell structure. Thus in this paper, a novel core–shell hybrid electrode material of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) supported on copper hydroxide nanorod arrays (Cu(OH)2 NAs), which is constructed on copper foam as the substrate by an in situ chemical oxidation reaction accompanied by chemical bath deposition, is reported. As a result, it is found that the pre‐fabricated Cu(OH)2@Ni(OH)2 electrode has a remarkable areal capacitance of 9.27 F cm−2 and good cycling performance (retains 92.38% after 6000 cycles) compared to its counterpart Cu(OH)2 nanorods (88.57%). Additionally, the Cu(OH)2@Ni(OH)2 material, as a positive electrode, can also be used to assemble a hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) while activated carbon is chosen as the negative electrode. As a result, the constructed HSC device with the desired working voltage of 0–1.5 V can light up the light‐emitting diode indicator, proving the potential practicability of the pre‐fabricated HSC device.
Predesigned Covalent Organic Frameworks as Effective Platforms for Pd(II) Coordination Enabling Cross‐Coupling Reactions under Sustainable Conditions
Authors: López‐Magano Alberto , Mas‐Ballesté Rubén , Alemán José
Published: December 2021

The phenanthroline unit in an imine‐based covalent organic framework (Phen‐COF) offers a robust coordination site for Pd(OAc)2 centers. Coordination of palladium centers is demonstrated by a variety of techniques, including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and total X‐ray fluorescence. The stable phenanthroline‐Pd(II) coordination avoids leaching of metal centers to the reaction medium, where deactivation processes through nanoparticle formation limits the catalytic activities observed for homogeneous systems. Thus, because of isolation and immobilization of catalytic sites in the Pd@Phen‐COF the performance of material, the catalytic outputs are dramatically increased with respect to the performance observed for analogous molecular catalysts. This concept is applied in this work to CC cross‐coupling reactions under mild and environmentally benign conditions. The activities found for Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck reactions allow thousands of turnover numbers in the transformation of a wide scope of precursors with a high degree of recyclability. The results reported in this work contribute to the design of greener protocols for transformations that have a crucial role in the industrial synthesis of high‐added value fine chemicals.
Hybrid Improper Ferroelectricity in Highly Cleavable Single Crystals of Dion‐Jacobson‐Compound CsBiNb2O7
Authors: Fang Xiaochen , Hu Rongwei , Wang Yazhong , Huang Fei‐Ting , Cheong Sang‐Wook
Published: December 2021

Dion‐Jacobson compound CsBiNb2O7 exhibits supposedly hybrid improper ferroelectricity (HIF), resulting from two different structural distortions. The highly‐cleavable single crystal of CsBiNb2O7 has been successfully grown and found large ferroelectric polarization as large as 30 μC cm‐2 with the coercivity of 310 kV cm‐1 from polarization‐electric field measurements on the crystals. Using piezoelectric force microscopy, a systematic study is on the ferroelectric domain structure and dynamics of CsBiNb2O7, unveiling the rich nature of its domain/domain wall evolution upon poling. The record large switchable polarization in CsBiNb2O7 among HIF compounds brings HIF closer to the real Pb‐free ferroelectric applications and the high cleavability of CsBiNb2O7 crystals provides a unique opportunity to explore ultrathin ferroelectrics with in‐plane polarization.
Flexible Diodes with Low Breakdown Voltage for Steep Slope Transistors and One Diode‐One Resistor Applications
Authors: Aziz Jamal , Kim Honggyun , Rehman Shania , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Kadam Kalyani D. , Patil Harshada , Aftab Sikandar , Dastgeer Ghulam , Kim Deok‐kee
Published: December 2021

Transparent and flexible diodes could be useful for future transparent electronics. Here such diodes are discussed with electrical breakdown (EBR) comprises of W/ZnO/ITO structure on the polyethylene terephthalate substrates. The three‐layered structure shows rectifying characteristics with low breakdown voltage originated from the Schottky barrier at the W/ZnO (0.8 eV) and the ZnO/ITO (0.1 eV) interfaces. Mechanical endurance is retained after different bending strengths and the rectification ratio is showed stability for 104 cycles without any significant degradation. Steep slope transistors are designed by implementing such diodes in series with the conventional field effect transistors. Such diode plus transistor stack enables field effect transistors with steep subthreshold swing of < 5.2 mV dec−1 and an internal current amplification due to negative differential resistance induces across the Schottky diodes during the EBR. Also, one diode‐one resistor structure is successfully demonstrated by connecting the flexible diodes and resistive memory in series for applications in high density integrated non‐volatile memory applications.
Effects of deep eutectic solvents on H2SO4‐catalyzed alkylation: Combining experiment and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ma Zhihong , Sha Jialei , Zheng Weizhong , Sun Weizhen , Zhao Ling
Published: December 2021

To enhance the catalytic performance of H2SO4‐catalyzed alkylation, various catalytic additives have drawn considerable attentions. Herein, the effects of deep eutectic solvent (DES) additives on catalytic performance and the interfacial properties of H2SO4 alkylation were systematically investigated using experimental methods and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Experimental results indicate that DESs with the optimal concentration about 1.0 wt% can efficiently improve C8 selectivity and research octane number of alkylate, especially at low temperature, but contribute less to the lifetime of H2SO4. MD results reveal that the phenyl molecules of DESs additives play a major role in enhancing interfacial properties of H2SO4 alkylation, including enlargement of interfacial thickness, promotion of isobutane relative solubility and diffusion to butene, which is probably the main reason for the better quality of alkylate. This work gives a good guideline for the design of novel DESs for H2SO4 alkylation.
Semiconducting Polymer Nano‐regulators with Cascading Activation for Photodynamic Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: He Shasha , Liu Jing , Zhang Chi , Wang Jun , Pu Kanyi
Published: December 2021

Combination photoimmunotherapy holds promise for tumor suppression; however, smart phototherapeutic agents that only activate their immune pharmaceutical action in tumors have been rarely developed. Herein, we report a semiconducting polymer (SP) nano‐regulator (SPNT) with cascading activation for combinational photodynamic cancer immunotherapy. SPNT comprises an immunoregulator (M‐Trp: 1‐methyltryptophan) conjugating to the side chain of the SP backbone via an apoptotic biomarker‐cleavable linker. Under near‐infrared photoirradiation, SPNT produces singlet oxygen to induce immunogenic apoptosis. Concurrently, an apoptotic biomarker is upregulated, which triggers the specific cleavage of M‐Trp for indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) activity inhibition, regulatory T cells reduction and cytotoxic T lymphocytes infiltration. SPNT‐mediated combination photodynamic immunotherapy thus reprograms the tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in efficient suppression of tumors, and inhibition of lung metastasis.
Research progress on the correlation between properties of nanoparticles and their dispersion states in polymer matrix
Authors: Sui Yang , Cui Yi , Meng Xiaoyu , Zhou Qiong
Published: December 2021

When fabricating polymer nanocomposites (PNCs), it is difficult for nanoparticles to disperse stably in polymer matrix since their high‐surface energy can cause them to attract each other. In this paper, we review the effects of nanoparticle size, surface chemical properties, and thermodynamic parameters on the dispersion state of nanoparticles (including inorganic and organic particles) in PNCs and describe some key measures to promote the nanoparticles dispersion. The ideal nanoparticles dispersion in polymer melt is available when the particle size is smaller than the rotation radius of polymer chains and the particle surface is highly compatible or has interactions with the matrix. In polymer solution, establishing proper thermodynamic parameters is necessary to ensure the balance interactions among particles, solvents, and polymers, leading to the successful preparation of PNCs with ideal structure. These results could supply theoretical suggestions for the design of PNCs. Moreover, the equilibrium dispersion may be unavailable without reasonable kinetic parameters, even if the dispersion process is thermodynamically favorable. Therefore, more studies are required on both thermodynamics and kinetics of the dispersion process.
Modification of poly(butylene succinate) with biodegradable glycolic acid: Significantly improved hydrolysis rate retaining high toughness property
Authors: Ding Yue , Wang Jingxi , Luo Congcong , Yao Bing , Dong Liming , Du Xihua , Ji Junhui
Published: December 2021

Marine microplastic pollution damages the marine biodiversity and endangers human health. Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is considered a biodegradable polyester; however, PBS has a slow degradation rate in seawater. In this research, glycolic acid (GA) segments were introduced in PBS main unit via melt polycondensation. The number‐average weight of PBSGA copolymer ranged from 3.1 to 4.1 × 104 g mol−1 with GA contents of 0%–40%. PBSGA possessed excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. The tensile strength was 6 ~ 40 MPa, the elongation at break was more than 220% and the thermal decomposition temperature was high than 380°C. It was also found that the weight loss of PBSGA copolymer showed a tendency of alkaline > lipase > acidic > neutral > salt. In alkaline solution, the PBSGA copolymer completely decomposed after 21 days. In acidic and neutral solution, the increase of GA content improved the degradation rate of copolymer. In phosphate buffered solution, lipase accelerated the rate of ester bonds hydrolysis; however, salt had the opposite effect in NaCl solution. Thus, by introducing easily hydrolyzable GA groups, seawater degradable materials can be obtained to overcome the unfavorable factors of seawater environment.
Transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the immune responses and nutrition in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae parasitized by Macrocentrus cingulum
Authors: Chen Kangkang , Song Jiahui , Song Qisheng , Dou Xiaoyi , Wang Yin , Wei Youheng , Chen Jiaqian , Wang Libao , Alradi Mohamed F. , Liu Xu , Han Zhaoyang , Feng Congjing
Published: December 2021

Macrocentrus cingulum is a principal endoparasite of Ostrinia furnacalis larvae. M. cingulum larvae repress host immune responses for survival and ingest host nutrients for development until emerging. However, most investigations focused on the mechanisms of how wasps repress the host immunity, the triggered immune responses and nutrient status altered by wasps in host are neglected. In this study, we found that parasitized O. furnacalis larvae activated fast recognition responses and produced some effectors such as lysozyme and antimicrobial peptides, along with more consumption of trehalose, glucose, and even lipid to defend against the invading M. cingulum. However, the expression of peroxidase 6 and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD 2) was upregulated, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of cellular immunity‐related genes such as thioester‐containing protein 2 (TEP 2) and hemocytin were also reduced, suggesting that some immune responses were selectively shut down by wasp parasitization. Taken together, all the results indicated that parasitized O. furnacalis larvae selectively activate the immune recognition response, and upregulate effector genes, but suppress ROS reaction and cellular immunity, and invest more energy to fuel certain immune responses to defend against the wasp invading. This study provides useful information for further identifying key components of the nutrition and innate immune repertoire which may shape host‐parasitoid coevolutionary dynamics.
Linked biaromatic compounds as cardioprotective agents
Authors: Mokrov Grigory V.
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are widespread in the modern world, and their number is constantly growing. For a long time, CVDs have been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Drugs for the treatment of CVD have been developed almost since the beginning of the 20th century, and a large number of effective cardioprotective agents of various classes have been created. Nevertheless, the need for the design and development of new safe drugs for the treatment of CVD remains. Literature data indicate that a huge number of cardioprotective agents of various generations and mechanisms correspond to a single generalized pharmacophore model containing two aromatic nuclei linked by a linear linker. In this regard, we put forward a concept for the design of a new generation of cardioprotective agents with a multitarget mechanism of action within the indicated pharmacophore model. This review is devoted to a generalization of the currently known compounds with cardioprotective properties and corresponding to the pharmacophore model of biaromatic compounds linked by a linear linker. Particular attention is paid to the history of the creation of these drugs, approaches to their design, and analysis of the structure–action relationship within each class.
A randomized trial comparing cadaveric dissection and examination of prosections as applied surgical anatomy teaching pedagogies
Authors: Koh Zong Jie , Yeow Marcus , Srinivasan Dinesh Kumar , Ng Yee Kong , Ponnamperuma Gominda G. , Chong Choon Seng
Published: December 2021

Anatomy is an important component in the vertical integration of basic science and clinical practice. Two common pedagogies are cadaveric dissection and examination of prosected specimens. Comparative studies mostly evaluate their immediate effectiveness. A randomized controlled trial design was employed to compare both the immediate and long‐term effectiveness of dissection and prosection. Eighty third‐year medical students undergoing their surgical rotation from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine were randomized into two groups: dissection and prosection. Each participated in a one‐day hands‐on course following a similar outline that demonstrated surgical anatomy in the context of its clinical relevance. A pre‐course test was conducted to establish baseline knowledge. A post‐course test was conducted immediately after and at a one‐year interval to evaluate learner outcome and knowledge retention. A post‐course survey was conducted to assess participant perception. Thirty‐nine and thirty‐eight participants for the dissection and prosection groups, respectively, were included for analysis. There was no significant difference between mean pre‐course test scores between the dissection and prosection groups [12.6 (3.47) vs. 12.7 (3.16), P > 0.05]. Both the mean immediate [27.9 (4.30) vs. 24.9 (4.25), P < 0.05] and 1 year [23.9 (4.15) vs. 19.9 (4.05), P < 0.05] post‐course test scores were significantly higher in the dissection group. However, when adjusted for course duration [dissection group took longer than prosection group (mean 411 vs. 265 min)], these findings were negated. There is no conclusive evidence of either pedagogy being superior in teaching surgical anatomy. Based on learner surveys, dissection provides a greater learner experience.
Direct electrodeposition of various metal nanocrystals on silicon oxide dielectric layer and insights into electrochemical behavior
Authors: Shin Samuel J. , An Sohee , Lee Sul , Lee Jae Gyeong , Chung Taek Dong
Published: December 2021

Electrochemistry of thermally grown silicon oxide can address many interesting features and it was further embellished by the development of defective 200 nm thermal oxide grown on highly n‐doped silicon (n+‐Si/SiO2). However, there are still space to uncover underlying conduction mechanism and applications, specifically for defective 200 nm n+‐Si/SiO2 electrode. These could be addressed by direct electrodeposition, so various kinds of metal nanocrystals, Fe, Cr, Ir, Ru, Co, Pd, Cu, Ni, and Ag, were electrodeposited on it. Their shapes were characterized by SEM and electrodeposited amounts were quantified by ICP‐MS. Furthermore, voltammetry was conducted to provide insights into the direct electrodeposition mechanism of either H atom mediated electrochemistry or electron transfer through percolation paths. This work can further provide intuition toward the development of metal‐supported catalysts.
Is there a role for endovascular stent implantation in the management of postoperative right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in the era of transcatheter valve implantation?
Authors: Kang Sok‐Leng , Ramroop Ronand , Manojlovich Larissa , Runeckles Kyle , Fan Steve , Chaturvedi Rajiv R. , Lee Kyong‐Jin , Benson Lee N.
Published: December 2021

Background

The optimal management pathway for the dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is uncertain. We evaluated the long‐term outcomes and clinical impact of stent implantation for obstructed RVOTs in an era of rapidly progressing transcatheter pulmonary valve technology.

Methods

Retrospective review of 151 children with a biventricular repair who underwent stenting of obstructed RVOT between 1991 and 2017.

Results

RVOT stenting resulted in significant changes in peak right ventricle (RV)‐to‐pulmonary artery (PA) gradient (39.4 ± 17.1–14.9 ± 8.3; p < 0.001) and RV‐to‐aortic pressure ratio (0.78 ± 0.22–0.49 ± 0.13; p < 0.001). Subsequent percutaneous reinterventions in 51 children to palliate recurrent stenosis were similarly effective. Ninety‐nine (66%) children reached the primary outcome of subsequent pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). Freedom from PVR from the time of stent implantation was 91%, 51%, and 23% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Small balloon diameters for stent deployment were associated with shorter freedom from PVR. When additional children without stent palliation (with RV‐to‐PA conduits) were added to the stent cohort (total 506 children), the multistate analysis showed the longest freedom from PVR in those with stent palliation and subsequent catheter reintervention. Pulmonary regurgitation was well‐tolerated clinically. Indexed RV dimensions and function estimated by echocardiography remained stable at last follow up or before primary outcome.

Conclusion

Prolongation of conduit longevity with stent implant remains an important strategy to allow for somatic growth to optimize the risk‐benefit profile for subsequent surgical or transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement performed at an older age.
Bandgap Engineering for Photocatalytic Polymerization of 3, 4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) over Cs3BixSb(2‐x)Br9 Inverse Opals
Authors: Zhao Siwei , Jin Shaohua , Liu Huanmin , Su Youxin , Liu Wei , Li Shengfu , She Chongchong , Li Haonan , Chen Kun
Published: December 2021

A series of all‐inorganic lead‐free halide perovskite inverse opals were prepared and furtherly used as the photocatalysts to promote the polymerization of 3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) under the irradiation of visible light. All the samples exhibited the nice replica of the artificial template and high crystallinity. The bandgap of the catalysts was adjusted by screening the ratios of bromide to iodide and antinomy to bismuth, respectively. Among all the samples, Cs3Bi0.5Sb1.5Br9 inverse opal showed the best catalytic performance and the excellent stability in terms of the morphology and the crystalline phase after four cycles of photocatalytic polymerization. Since EDOT is commercially available, the present observation suggested a convenient protocol of preparing the composited materials or optoelectronic devices based on the lead‐free halide perovskites and the conductive poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene).
Removal of Cu Ions in Wastewater through a Combined Foam Separation‐Cell Adsorption Approach
Authors: Hou Hongya , Li SiYu , Meng ZhiChao , Li Zhiqiang , Darwesh Osama M. , Zheng Huijie
Published: December 2021

The removal of heavy metal pollutants from industrial wastewater is important to ensure the safety of the environment and humans. In this study, rhamnolipids from Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to treat synthetic wastewater containing Cu ions (100 mg L−1) by foam separation. A high removal efficiency of 99.52 % was achieved when the somatic cells of inactivated P. aeruginosa were used as biosorbents. The analysis of the adsorption kinetics showed that dynamic biosorption followed the Langmuir isotherm model and that the bacterial cells had a strong adsorption effect on Cu ions. The novel technology based on the combination of foam separation and biosorption serves as an effective approach for the removal of Cu ions from industrial wastewater.
A Solid Support‐Based Synthetic Strategy for the Site‐Selective Functionalization of Peptides with Organometallic Half‐Sandwich Moieties
Authors: Truong Dianna , Lam Nelson Y. S. , Kamalov Meder , Riisom Mie , Jamieson Stephen M. F. , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A. , Metzler‐Nolte Nils , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: December 2021

The number of donor atoms available on peptides that can competitively coordinate to metal centers renders the site‐selective generation of advanced metal‐peptide conjugates in high purity a challenging venture. Herein, we present a transmetalation‐based synthetic approach on solid support in which an imidazolium pro‐ligand can be used to selectively anchor a range of transition metal half‐sandwich complexes onto peptides in the presence of multiple coordinative motifs. Amenable to solid support, a range of N‐terminus and/or lysine conjugated metal‐peptide conjugates were obtained in high purity after cleavage from the resin. The metalated peptides were evaluated for their anticancer properties against human cancer cell lines. While no cytotoxic activity was observed, this platform has the potential to i) provide a pathway to site‐selective peptide labelling, ii) be explored as a biorthogonal handle and/or iii) generate a new strategy for ligand design in transition metal catalysts.
Borane Adducts of Aromatic Phosphorus Heterocycles: Synthesis, Crystallographic Characterization and Reactivity of a Phosphinine‐B(C6F5)3 Lewis Pair
Authors: Lin Jinxiong , Wossidlo. Friedrich , Coles Nathan T. , Weber Manuela , Steinhauer Simon , Böttcher Tobias , Müller Christian
Published: December 2021

A phosphinine‐borane adduct of a Me3Si‐functionalized phosphinine and the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 has been synthesized and characterized crystallographically for the first time. The reaction strongly depends on the nature of the substituents in the α‐position of the phosphorus heterocycle. In contrast, the reaction of B2H6 with various substituted phosphinines leads to an equilibrium between the starting materials and the phosphinine–borane adducts that is determined by the Lewis basicity of the phosphinine. The novel phosphinine borane adduct (6‐B(C6F5)3) shows rapid and facile insertion and [4+2] cycloaddition reactivity towards phenylacetylene. A hitherto unknown dihydro‐1‐phosphabarrelene is formed with styrene. The reaction with an ester provides a new, facile and selective route to 1‐R‐phosphininium salts. These salts then undergo a [4+2] cycloaddition in the presence of Me3Si−C≡CH and styrene to cleanly form unprecedented derivatives of 1‐R‐phosphabarrelenium salts.
Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Reductive Aldol Reaction of α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids to Alkyl Aryl Ketones: Silanes as Activator and Transient Protecting Group
Authors: Suzuki Hirotsugu , Yoneoka Kenji , Kondo Sora , Matsuda Takanori
Published: December 2021

The first enantioselective reductive aldol reaction of unprotected α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids was developed by employing a copper/bisphosphine catalyst. The reaction features in situ protection and activation of an α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acid by a hydrosilane. The copper enolate formed in situ reacts with an alkyl aryl ketone to afford the β‐hydroxy carboxylic acid with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee). The corresponding gram‐scale reaction with a low catalyst loading and the derivatization of the β‐hydroxy carboxylic acids highlight the practicality of this transformation.
Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Disposition of Trazpiroben, a D2/D3 Receptor Antagonist: Phase I Single‐ and Multiple‐Ascending Dose Studies in Healthy Japanese Participants
Authors: Yamaguchi Takayoshi , Kudou Kentarou , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Chen Chunlin , Whiting Roger , Sekino Hisakuni
Published: December 2021

Trazpiroben (TAK‐906) is a peripherally selective dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist being developed to treat chronic gastroparesis. This phase I, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐ and multiple‐ascending dose, parallel‐group study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of trazpiroben in healthy Japanese men. Findings were compared with those from a prior US trial in healthy individuals. Overall, 24 participants were enrolled into 3 cohorts (each n = 8). Per cohort, 6 participants received trazpiroben (cohort 1, 50 mg; 2, 100 mg; 3, 10 mg) once on day 1 and twice daily on days 3 through 7, and two received placebo. Trazpiroben was well tolerated, with no clinically meaningful adverse events observed. Following single‐ and multiple‐dose administration, trazpiroben was rapidly absorbed and eliminated (mean elimination half‐life, 1.89‐6.45 hours; median time to maximum serum concentration [steady state], 1.00‐1.25 hours). Serum prolactin increased with trazpiroben treatment (mean maximum serum concentration 93.32 ng/mL [10 mg] vs. 10.83 ng/mL [placebo]), illustrating receptor target engagement. Results reflected those from healthy US participants, indicating a lack of differences between these ethnic populations in trazpiroben disposition and safety profile. Trazpiroben may represent a promising therapy for chronic gastroparesis across different populations, with further evaluation ongoing in a phase IIb study (NCT03544229).
Utility of MGG and Papanicolaou stained smears in the detection of Mucormycosis in nasal swab/scraping/biopsy samples of COVID 19 patients
Authors: Philip Ashish C. , Madan Prarthna , Sharma Sonal , Das Shukla
Published: December 2021

Background

COVID 19 has been rapidly spreading across the globe. As a result of alteration of the immune milieu by COVID 19 and its treatment, there has been a rise in opportunistic fungal infections particularly Mucormycosis in these patients. Delay in diagnosis of these fungal infections can be fatal. The usual diagnostic modalities used to detect Mucor include potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount, fungal culture, and histopathology. Since histopathology and fungal culture have a long turnaround time we are dependent on KOH mount for rapid results. Here we investigate the role of stained cytology smears in the rapid diagnosis of Mucormycosis.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary health care hospital on samples of patients clinically suspected to have Mucormycosis. We performed May Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) and Papanicolaou (PAP) stains on the remnant samples of nasal swabs/scrapings/biopsies after KOH test and fungal culture. We took 16 KOH positive and 16 KOH negative samples. We also examined 16 fresh samples from patients whose earlier samples were reported to be negative on KOH test.

Results

The 6/16 KOH positive samples were found to be positive on stained cytology smears and 2 were mixed infections wherein both Mucor and Aspergillus were seen. The 4/16 KOH negative samples were positive for Mucor with one sample having both Mucor and Aspergillus. The 3/16 repeat samples which were earlier negative on KOH test were positive for Mucor.

Conclusion

Stained cytology smears if used in conjunction with KOH test can increase the overall sensitivity of detection of Mucormycosis and mixed infections.
Liquid‐based cytology and HPV DNA test in anal specimens from women with cervical cancer
Authors: Eleutério Jose , Surimã Walyson , Lima Matheus A. T. , Bezerra Joao V. S. , Eleutério Renata M. N.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Cervical and anus cancers have similarities: association with HPV infection, epithelial transformation zone, and precursor lesions. However, it is still unclear whether women with cervical cancer should be screened to identify high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and anal cancer. We aimed to identify high‐risk HPV and cytological atypia in anal samples from women diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

Study design

We conducted a cross‐sectional study between July 2016 and August 2017 in reference services in oncology in the State of Ceará, Brazil. We studied 59 patients diagnosed with frankly invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (at least stages IB) and 60 women in a control group. We performed liquid‐based cytology (Surepath™) and HPV test (Cobas® 4800 System Test) of anal samples. To determine statistical significance with a confidence interval of 95%, we used Fisher's exact test and Student's t‐test using the GraphPad Prism 7.0 software.

Results

The mean age in the control group was 56.7 ± 8.5 years, while in the group of women with cervical squamous cancer, it was 54.3 ± 14.8. The liquid‐based cytology results of the satisfactory cases were: negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NLM): 51 cases (85%) in the control group and 38 (64.4%) in the study group (p = .0116). The HPV test was negative more frequently in the control group (n = 56, 93.3%) than in the study group (n = 17, 31.5%) (p < .0001). HPV 16 was the most frequent type (67.6%).

Conclusions

There is a higher frequency of high‐risk HPV and atypical cytology in women with cervical cancer than without lesions. Thus, this group should be considered as a target population for screening.
Pocket gopher disturbance slows soil carbon accumulation in abandoned agricultural lands
Authors: Yang Yi , M. H. Knops Johannes , E. Brassil Chad
Published: December 2021

Soil carbon (C) sequestration rates vary widely in abandoned agricultural lands, and factors determining this variation, beyond climate, soil type, and productivity, are poorly understood. One such factor is soil disturbance by burrowing mammals. Despite being ubiquitous in all grasslands, the impact of burrowing mammals on soil C dynamics is not well understood. We quantified the major ecosystem processes that are influenced by one such burrowing mammal, plains pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius), in old field ecosystems located in east‐central Minnesota, USA. We found that pocket gopher abundance varied among old fields and that newly formed gopher mounds covered up to 6% of the soil surface annually. We first measured short‐term C pool and flux changes induced by gopher activities. Soil N mineralization did not differ between the soil in gopher mounds and undisturbed soil. However, for the soil under gopher mounds, N mineralization was 30% lower compared with the undisturbed soil. We developed a process model to simulate the long‐term gopher disturbance impact on old field soil C accumulation. This simulation showed that pocket gophers reduced both the rate of soil C accumulation and the total C pool. This reduction is primarily driven by reduced plant C input due to the time it requires for the vegetation to recolonize gopher mounds. Soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition changes had only a minor impact. The process model showed that the depth from which burrowing mammals redistribute soil to the surface is a key factor in determining the overall impact on SOM. In total, our study indicated that soil disturbance by burrowing animals could significantly reduce C storage in old field ecosystems when the mammals are mostly active at the surface soil and can be a significant factor in decreasing overall C sequestration after land abandonment. However, at our study site, gopher abundance decreased with abandonment age, which was likely to have been cause by successional vegetation changes, therefore the gopher disturbance‐induced reduction in soil C is transient and decreases with abandonment age.
A population‐based study of 92 clinically recognized risk factors for heart failure: co‐occurrence, prognosis and preventive potential
Authors: Banerjee Amitava , Pasea Laura , Chung Sheng‐Chia , Direk Kenan , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Kotecha Dipak , Anker Stefan D. , Dyszynski Tomasz , Tyl Benoît , Denaxas Spiros , Lumbers R. Thomas , Hemingway Harry
Published: December 2021

Aims

Primary prevention strategies for heart failure (HF) have had limited success, possibly due to a wide range of underlying risk factors (RFs). Systematic evaluations of the prognostic burden and preventive potential across this wide range of risk factors are lacking. We aimed at estimating

evidence, prevalence and co‐occurrence for primary prevention and impact on prognosis of RFs for incident HF.

Methods and results

We systematically reviewed trials and observational evidence of primary HF prevention across 92 putative aetiologic RFs for HF identified from US and European clinical practice guidelines. We identified 170 885 individuals aged ≥30 years with incident HF from 1997 to 2017, using linked primary and secondary care UK electronic health records (EHR) and rule‐based phenotypes (ICD‐10, Read Version 2, OPCS‐4 procedure and medication codes) for each of 92 RFs. Only 10/92 factors had high quality observational evidence for association with incident HF; 7 had effective randomized controlled trial (RCT)‐based interventions for HF prevention (RCT‐HF), and 6 for cardiovascular disease prevention, but not HF (RCT‐CVD), and the remainder had no RCT‐based preventive interventions (RCT‐0). We were able to map 91/92 risk factors to EHR using 5961 terms, and 88/91 factors were represented by at least one patient. In the 5 years prior to HF diagnosis, 44.3% had ≥4 RFs. By RCT evidence, the most common RCT‐HF RFs were hypertension (48.5%), stable angina (34.9%), unstable angina (16.8%), myocardial infarction (15.8%), and diabetes (15.1%); RCT‐CVD RFs were smoking (46.4%) and obesity (29.9%); and RCT‐0 RFs were atrial arrhythmias (17.2%), cancer (16.5%), heavy alcohol intake (14.9%). Mortality at 1 year varied across all 91 factors (lowest: pregnancy‐related hormonal disorder 4.2%; highest: phaeochromocytoma 73.7%). Among new HF cases, 28.5% had no RCT‐HF RFs and 38.6% had no RCT‐CVD RFs. 15.6% had either no RF or only RCT‐0 RFs.

Conclusion

One in six individuals with HF have no recorded RFs or RFs without trials. We provide a systematic map of primary preventive opportunities across a wide range of RFs for HF, demonstrating a high burden of co‐occurrence and the need for trials tackling multiple RFs.
Temporal trends in initiation of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and risk of subsequent withdrawal in patients with heart failure: a nationwide study in Denmark from 2003–2017
Authors: Zahir Deewa , Bonde Anders , Madelaire Christian , Malmborg Morten , Butt Jawad H. , Fosbol Emil , Gislason Gunnar , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Andersson Charlotte , Rossignol Patrick , McMurray John J.V. , Kober Lars , Schou Morten
Published: December 2021

Aims

Despite landmark heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) trials showing effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) on the risk of death and HF hospitalization, it has been suggested that MRAs are underutilized or frequently withdrawn. This study sought to identify temporal trends in the initiation of MRAs and the subsequent risk of withdrawal and adherence of MRAs in HF patients treated with a renin–angiotensin system inhibitor and a beta‐blocker in Denmark from 2003–2017.

Methods and results

From nationwide registries, we identified patients receiving a diagnosis of HF. Use of MRA was identified by at least one prescription within 6 months after the diagnosis. The absolute risk of withdrawal with treatment was assessed with cumulative incidence, accounting for the competing risk of death. To estimate adherence, we calculated the proportion of days covered. We included 51 512 patients with incident HF. During the study period, 20 779 (40.3%) patients initiated MRA therapy. The incidence of withdrawal of MRA was 49.2% throughout the study period; 48.0% of the HF patients were adherent to the treatment. Among patients withdrawing treatment with MRA, the cumulative incidence of reinitiating was 36.6%.

Conclusions

In a nationwide cohort of patients with HF, approximately half of the patients received MRA as third‐line therapy within the first 6 months after diagnosis and approximately half of these withdrew MRA within 5 years. These findings warrant an increasing focus on retention to MRA treatment in a real‐life setting.
Crystal Structures of Hexafluoridoantimonate(V) Salts of d‐block Metals in Oxidation State +2
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Goreshnik Evgeny
Published: December 2021

The crystal structures of the M(SbF6)2 salts (M=Cu, Pd) are isotypic (Type I). They crystallize in the triclinic space group 
, Z=1 at 150 K. M2+ cations lying in the same plane are connected via SbF6 units forming slabs. There are only van der Waals contacts of fluorine atoms between the adjacent slabs. Salts of M(SbF6)2 (M=Fe, Co, Zn) crystallize differently (Type II; space group 
, Z=2 at 150 K). Their crystal structures are composed of M2+ cations interconnected by [SbF6]− anions – thus forming a three‐dimensional framework. The crystal structure of Fe(SbF6)2, determined at 240 K, is currently the only representative of the Type III. The main feature of this type is also a three‐dimensional framework consisting of M2+ cations and [SbF6]− anions. However, the mode of their association differs from that observed in Type II. The crystal structures of CuFSbF6 (orthorhombic space group Imma, Z=4 at 150 K) and AgFSbF6 (orthorhombic space group Pnma, Z=4 at 150 K) are not isotypic. The crystal structures of the by‐products H3ONi(SbF6)3 (orthorhombic space group Pnma, Z=4 at 150 K) and (O2)2Ag6CuF5(SbF6)11 ⋅ 2HF (triclinic space group 
, Z=1 at 150 K) were determined. In the latter, HF is directly attached to an Ag(II) via a fluorine atom.
A generation and distribution system of clock signal source for signal acquisition system
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Shang Ziqian , Su Yanrui , Yan Fabao , Wu Zhao
Published: December 2021

The clock signal is the heartbeat of modern electronic system, and demands of increasing high‐quality signal has been raised, with the development of science and technology in the field of electronic information. The clock signal with low jitter is helpful to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of sampled data and obtain high‐precision result. In this article, a programmable clock system of signal generation and distribution is designed for high‐speed acquisition system. The system can provide the clock of low jitter which frequency is as high as 3.2 GHz. The output channels for clock are 14 and each channel for clock can also be configured for synchronizing, delay adjusting or calibrating. Based on the system, a new type of configuration program is developed by using Verilog language. It can directly control the chip which has better compatibility in the application scenario of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) as the master chip. It also provides a reference and guidance for the design and implementation of the dual‐Phase Locked Loop clock chips. When it provides the clocks for the high‐speed acquisition system, the SNR of the acquisition signal has been significantly improved compared with similar acquisition systems. It indicates that the clock system we designed provides an effective way for the high‐speed acquisition system to obtain the data with higher SNR.
Solar‐Thermally Driven Effective Molybdenum Disulfide Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reactions Using Photothermal Generators
Authors: Xu Linan , Liang Ce , Lin Jiawen , Li Haitao , Li Yingli , Lin Song , Li Shuangwen , Feng Lili , An Qi
Published: December 2021

Solar‐thermally driven functional systems have drawn extensive interest due to the environmentally benign use of sunlight. However, such function devices still suffer from the problems of preparation method, cost, and performance, therefore hindering their preparation and application. Herein, an easily prepared promising solar‐thermally powered functional system with high performance for effective sunlight‐driven hydrogen production was constructed. Such a functional system consists of a photothermal generator with a high‐performance solar absorber, together with a water‐splitting catalytic module using molybdenum disulfide loaded on carbon cloth (MoS2‐CC) as a cathode. The optimal gold composite polyethyleneimine‐modified graphene oxide (Au@rGO‐PEI) solar absorber coated on a commercial thermoelectricity device exhibits enhanced (45.9% higher) photothermal performance compared with rGO‐PEI; this is due to the introduction of Au nanosheets' effective plasma resonance. This as‐designed generator enables stable and long‐term output power under different ambient temperatures and sunlight. The stable hydrogen production can be achieved by combining thermoelectric units (2 in series) and electrocatalytic modules. It is envisaged that the design will promote the further development of photothermal functional devices toward use in commercial applications, help overcome problems associated with the energy crisis, and provide a practical reference for the design of solar‐driven functional devices.
ANN–polynomial–Fourier series modeling and Monte Carlo forecasting of tourism data
Authors: Danbatta Salim Jibrin , Varol Asaf
Published: December 2021

Modeling and forecasting of tourism data have received attention in the past decades. Turkey is one of the countries that benefit significantly from the tourism industry. Several time‐series models have been recommended to best describe tourist arrivals to Turkey. However, in the 21st century, the world experiences great uncertainty in most possible event outcomes. These uncertainties are very difficult to account for. We proposed a hybrid artificial neural network (ANN)–polynomial–Fourier method to model the number of foreign visitors to Turkey from January 2004 to December 2020. The proposed model performance before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic is evaluated separately. We evaluate the model performance by comparing with results from Danbatta and Varol (2021, https://doi.org/10.1142/S179396232141004X), Fourier series, and ARIMA models. To account for prediction uncertainties, we ran 300 Monte Carlo simulations within ±2σ from the model regression curve. According to the result outcomes, the proposed ANN–polynomial–Fourier has proven worthy to be considered a candidate model for the Turkish tourism data. The multistep ahead forecast suggests a 10.22% increase in the monthly foreign visitors' arrivals to Turkey in the year 2021.
Lie group analysis of hyperbolic tangent fluid flow in the presence of thermal radiation
Authors: Ahmad Shafiq , Diyar Raham , Zeb Salman
Published: December 2021

The present study is devoted to the flow and heat transfer analysis of the hyperbolic tangent fluid through a stretching sheet by considering the effect of thermal radiation in addition to an applied transverse magnetic field, as well as thermal and velocity slip conditions. The Lie group analysis technique has been utilized for establishing similarity transformations, which effectively transform the governing equations to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These ODEs are numerically solved by utilizing the shooting method. The heat transfer properties and flow features under the influence of various physical parameters are also studied. We noted that by increasing the thermal radiation parameter, the temperature profile increases and also the thermal boundary layer thickens. Furthermore, it is deduced that rising the thermal radiation parameter reduces the local Nusselt number. Moreover, the numerical results obtained are in agreement with the existing results in the literature.
Parent brand susceptibility to negative feedback effects from brand extensions: A meta‐analysis of experimental consumer findings
Authors: Milberg Sandra J. , Cuneo Andres , Silva Monica , Goodstein Ronald C.
Published: December 2021

Given the prevalence of brand extensions in the market, it is important to consider extensions' potentially harmful effects on the parent brand, that is, negative feedback effects. This paper integrates experimental research on negative feedback effects using a meta‐analytic framework. The results support previous findings for extension evaluations, parent brand breadth, parent brand image fit, and consumer task motivation on the occurrence of negative feedback effects. However, four moderator variables found in earlier work are not significant: accessibility of extension information, parent brand awareness, branding strategy, and participant type. Mixed findings related to extension fit, valence of extension information, and parent brand quality are clarified, indicating that extension fit and valence of information appear to drive negative feedback while parent brand quality does not. Four methodological factors have significant effects: within‐subject‐dependent variable designs, parent brand product class, type of brand, and whether the extension was evaluated, suggesting that the effects may be, in part, an artifact of background factors. The results provide insights into when brands seem vulnerable to negative feedback effects, while simultaneously identifying common market scenarios under which brands appear less susceptible. Finally, a post hoc model points to involvement and level of processing as two key constructs that may underlie the effects of moderators.