bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of a salt‐responsive Gemini viscoelastic surfactant for application to solids‐free drilling fluids
Authors: Deng Yilin , Sun Jinsheng , Wang Ren , Yang Jie , Qu Yuanzhi , Wang Jiao , Huang Hongjun , Cheng Rongchao , Gao Shifeng , Ren Han
Published: November 2022

In order to solve the problem of poor rheological properties of solid‐free drilling fluids in salt‐bearing formations and prevent drilling accidents such as lost circulation, formation collapse, and wellbore instability, it is crucial to develop a new type of viscosifier. In this study, a salt‐responsive Gemini viscoelastic surfactant (NT‐1) was synthesized by using erucamide as a hydrophobic chain and introducing a benzene ring and a carboxyl group into the linker. In addition, it is used as a viscosifier for solid‐free drilling fluids. The structure of the surfactant was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and its physicochemical properties were determined by surface tensiometer, thermogravimetric‐differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic lighting scattering and rheometer. Its performance in solid‐free drilling fluids was evaluated according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard. The results show that the surfactant has a low critical micelle concentration (31.74 μmol/L), excellent thermal stability and water solubility. In particular, NT‐1 can self‐assemble into worm‐like micelles under the action of salt, and the spatial network structure formed by the interweaving of these micelles can endow the drilling fluid with good rheology and viscoelasticity. NT‐1 is compatible with conventional drilling fluid polymer additives, which can effectively improve solid‐free drilling fluids' rheological properties and fluid loss properties in salt layers. The temperature resistance in drilling fluid systems can reach 120°C. This work verifies the feasibility of using viscoelastic surfactants as viscosifiers in solid‐free drilling fluids and provides new ideas for developing salt‐responsive smart drilling fluids.
Physical and mechanical properties of kenaf/flax hybrid composites
Authors: Malik Khurshid , Ahmad Faiz , Yunus Nurul Azhani , Gunister Ebru , Ali Saad , Raza Ali
Published: November 2022

This research investigates the physical and mechanical properties of hybrid composites made of epoxy reinforced by kenaf and flax natural fibers to investigate the hybridization influences of the composites. Pure and hybrid composites were fabricated using bi‐directional kenaf and flax fabrics at different stacking sequences utilizing the vacuum‐assisted resin infusion method. The pure and hybrid composites' physical properties, such as density, fiber volume fraction (FVF), water absorption capacity, and dimensional stability, were measured. The tests of tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear and fracture toughness (Mode II) were examined to determine the mechanical properties. The results revealed that density remained unchanged for the hybrid compared to pure kenaf/epoxy composites. The tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear performance of flax/epoxy composite is improved by an increment of kenaf FVF in hybrid composites. The stacking sequence significantly affected the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The highest tensile strength (59.8 MPa) was obtained for FK2 (alternative sequence of flax and kenaf fibers). However, FK3 (flax fiber located on the outer surfaces) had the highest interlaminar shear strength (12.5 MPa) and fracture toughness (3302.3 J/m2) among all tested hybrid composites. The highest water resistance was achieved for FK5 with the lowest thickness swelling.
Progress in the Foaming of Polymer‐based Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Composites by Supercritical CO2
Authors: Yang Jianming , Yan Xin , Xu Xinru , Chen Yujian , Han Wei , Chai Xianzhi , Liu Xiang , Liu Jiaxing , Liu Chen , Zhang Hexin , Li Xiao , Zhang Zhen , Wang Tie
Published: November 2022

As a critical action plan formulated for peaking carbon dioxide emissions, polymeric electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials based on CO2 foaming technology have recently been attracting widespread attention in both research and industry, attributable to their efficient use of CO2, high specific strength, corrosion resistance and low‐cost characteristics. In the past decade, the emergence of novel design concepts and preparation techniques for CO2 foaming technology has led to the development of new high‐performance EMI shielding materials in this field. This review summarizes the research progress made to date on the fabrication of EMI shielding composite foams by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming. We also explore the structure‐activity relationships between the component/distribution and EMI shielding properties. Additionally, the application prospects and development challenges of new EMI shielding composite foams are described.
Predicting transporter mediated drug–drug interactions via static and dynamic physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling: A comprehensive insight on where we are now and the way forward
Authors: Vijaywargi Gautam , Kollipara Sivacharan , Ahmed Tausif , Chachad Siddharth
Published: November 2022

The greater utilization and acceptance of physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to evaluate the potential metabolic drug–drug interactions is evident by the plethora of literature, guidance's, and regulatory dossiers available in the literature. In contrast, it is not widely used to predict transporter‐mediated DDI (tDDI). This is attributed to the unavailability of accurate transporter tissue expression levels, the absence of accurate in vitro to in vivo extrapolations (IVIVE), enzyme‐transporter interplay, and a lack of specific probe substrates. Additionally, poor understanding of the inhibition/induction mechanisms coupled with the inability to determine unbound concentrations at the interaction site made tDDI assessment challenging. Despite these challenges, continuous improvements in IVIVE approaches enabled accurate tDDI predictions. Furthermore, the necessity of extrapolating tDDI's to special (pediatrics, pregnant, geriatrics) and diseased (renal, hepatic impaired) populations is gaining impetus and is encouraged by regulatory authorities. This review aims to visit the current state‐of‐the‐art and summarizes contemporary knowledge on tDDI predictions. The current understanding and ability of static and dynamic PBPK models to predict tDDI are portrayed in detail. Peer‐reviewed transporter abundance data in special and diseased populations from recent publications were compiled, enabling direct input into modeling tools for accurate tDDI predictions. A compilation of regulatory guidance's for tDDI's assessment and success stories from regulatory submissions are presented. Future perspectives and challenges of predicting tDDI in terms of in vitro system considerations, endogenous biomarkers, the use of empirical scaling factors, enzyme‐transporter interplay, and acceptance criteria for model validation to meet the regulatory expectations were discussed.
Carboxymethyl cellulose–alginate interpenetrating hydroxy ethyl methacrylate crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol reinforced hybrid hydrogel templates with improved biological performance for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Sedighim Sharona , Chen Yiqing , Xu Changlu , Mohindra Rohit , Liu Huinan , Agrawal Devendra K. , Thankam Finosh G.
Published: November 2022

Cardiac tissue engineering is an emerging approach for cardiac regeneration utilizing the inherent healing responses elicited by the surviving heart using biomaterial templates. In this study, we aimed to develop hydrogel scaffolds for cardiac tissue regeneration following myocardial infarction (MI). Two superabsorbent hydrogels, CAHA2A and CAHA2AP, were developed employing interpenetration chemistry. CAHA2A was constituted with alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, (hydroxyethyl) methacrylate, and acrylic acid, where CAHA2AP was prepared by interpenetrated CAHA2A with polyvinyl alcohol. Both hydrogels displayed superior physiochemical characteristics, as determined by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy spectral analysis, differential scanning calorimetry measurements, tensile testing, contact angle, water profiling, dye release, and conductivity. In vitro degradation of the hydrogels displayed acceptable weight composure and pH changes. Both hydrogels were hemocompatible, and biocompatible as evidenced by direct contact and MTT assays. The hydrogels promoted anterograde and retrograde migration as determined by the z‐stack analysis using H9c2 cells grown with both gels. Additionally, the coculture of the hydrogels with swine epicardial adipose tissue cells and cardiac fibroblasts resulted in synchronous growth without any toxicity. Also, both hydrogels facilitated the production of extracellular matrix by the H9c2 cells. Overall, the findings support an appreciable in vitro performance of both hydrogels for cardiac tissue engineering applications.
Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition as a learning paradigm of cell biology
Authors: Carvalho Leão Marnie Hillary , Costa Manoel Luis , Mermelstein Claudia
Published: November 2022

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that occurs during normal embryogenesis and in certain pathological conditions, particularly in cancer. EMT can be viewed as a cell biology‐based process, since it involves all the cellular components, including the plasma membrane, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and mitochondria, as well as cellular processes, such as regulation of gene expression and cell cycle, adhesion, migration, signaling, differentiation, and death. Therefore, we propose that EMT could be used to motivate undergraduate medical students to learn and understand cell biology. Here, we describe and discuss the involvement of each cellular component and process during EMT. To investigate the density with which different cell biology concepts are used in EMT research, we apply a bibliometric approach. The most frequent cell biology topics in EMT studies were regulation of gene expression, cell signaling, cell cycle, cell adhesion, cell death, cell differentiation, and cell migration. Finally, we suggest that the study of EMT could be incorporated into undergraduate disciplines to improve cell biology understanding among premedical, medical and biomedical students.
Concertedness and Activation Energy Control by Distal Methyl Group during Ring Contraction/Expansion in Scalarane‐Type Sesterterpenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Sato Hajime , Nakano Moe
Published: November 2022

Salmahyritisol A, similan A, and hippospongide A, which are scalarane‐type sesterterpenoids, feature 6/6/5/7/5 pentacyclic skeletons. Although their biosyntheses have been previously proposed to involve a unique skeletal rearrangement reaction, the detailed reaction mechanism remains unclear as none of the corresponding biosynthetic enzymes for this reaction have been reported. Herein, this skeletal rearrangement reaction was investigated using computational techniques, which revealed the following four key features: (i) the distal 24‐Me substituent controls both the concertedness and activation energy of this transformation, (ii) enzymes are not responsible for the observed regioselectivity of C12−C20 bond formation, (iii) stereoselectivity is enzyme‐regulated, and (iv) protonation is a key step in this skeletal rearrangement process. These new findings provide insight into the C‐ring‐contraction and D‐ring‐expansion mechanisms in scalarane‐type sesterterpenoid biosyntheses.
Selective Separation of Hazardous Chemicals from Vapor Phase by an Easily Accessible Breathing Coordination Polymer Derived from Terpyridyl/terephthalate Mixed Ligands
Authors: Bera Sourabh , Dastidar Parthasarathi
Published: November 2022

Coordination polymers are extensively studied materials because of their various potential applications. Amongst them, breathing coordination polymers that are capable of exchanging lattice occluded guest molecules with other guests via single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC–SC) fashion are particularly intriguing. Herein, we disclose an easily accessible breathing coordination polymer namely DMF@Zn‐CP capable of exchanging as many as 23 guest molecules of various kinds in SC–SC fashion when the crystals of the coordination polymer were exposed to the corresponding vapor of the guests. Selectivity experiments revealed that it was also capable of separating selectively hazardous chemicals such as dichloro‐methane, benzene and fluorobenzene from the corresponding complex mixture of vapors of halomethanes, aromatic hydrocarbons and halobenzenes. The breathing coordination polymer could also be exploited as drug delivery vehicle; slow and sustained release of anti‐bacterial agents (benzyl alcohol/phenethyl amine) as guests against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria was evident in zone inhibition assays. A mixed ligand strategy wherein a nitrile containing terpyridyl ligand (L) and terephthalate (TA) co‐ligand were reacted with Co(II)/Ni(II)/Zn(II) nitrate salts was adopted herein. Three coordination polymers namely MeOH@Co‐CP, DMF/H2O@Ni‐CP and DMF@Zn‐CP were isolated and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Studies revealed that only DMF@Zn‐CP possessed the ability to breath in response to the vapors of the guests as stimuli.
Aromatic 1,2‐Azaborinin‐1‐yls as Electron‐Withdrawing Anionic Nitrogen Ligands for Main Group Elements
Authors: Lindl Felix , Lamprecht Anna , Arrowsmith Merle , Khitro Eugen , Rempel Anna , Dietz Maximilian , Wellnitz Tim , Bélanger‐Chabot Guillaume , Stoy Andreas , Paprocki Valerie , Prieschl Dominik , Lenczyk Carsten , Ramler Jacqueline , Lichtenberg Crispin , Braunschweig Holger
Published: November 2022

The 2‐aryl‐3,4,5,6‐tetraphenyl‐1,2‐azaborinines 1‐EMe3 and 2‐EMe3 (E=Si, Sn; aryl=Ph (1), Mes (=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl, 2)) were synthesized by ring‐expansion of borole precursors with N3EMe3‐derived nitrenes. Desilylative hydrolysis of 1‐ and 2‐SiMe3 yielded the corresponding N‐protonated azaborinines, which were deprotonated with nBuLi or MN(SiMe3)2 (M=Na, K) to the corresponding group 1 salts, 1‐M and 2‐M. While the lithium salts crystallized as monomeric Lewis base adducts, the potassium salts formed coordination polymers or oligomers via intramolecular K⋅⋅⋅aryl π interactions. The reaction of 1‐M or 2‐M with CO2 yielded N‐carboxylate salts, which were derivatized by salt metathesis to methyl and silyl esters. Salt metathesis of 1‐M or 2‐M with methyl triflate, [Cp*BeCl] (Cp*=C5Me5), BBr2Ar (Ar=Ph, Mes, 2‐thienyl), ECl3 (E=B, Al, Ga) and PX3 (X=Cl, Br) afforded the respective group 2, 13 and 15 1,2‐azaborinin‐2‐yl complexes. Salt metathesis of 1‐K with BBr3 resulted not only in N‐borylation but also Ph‐Br exchange between the endocyclic and exocyclic boron atoms. Solution 11B NMR data suggest that the 1,2‐azaborinin‐2‐yl ligand is similarly electron‐withdrawing to a bromide. In the solid state the endocyclic bond length alternation and the twisting of the C4BN ring increase with the sterics of the substituents at the boron and nitrogen atoms, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that the downfield shift of the endocyclic 11B NMR resonances is linearly correlated to both the degree of twisting of the C4BN ring and the tilt angle of the N‐substituent. Calculations indicate that the 1,2‐azaborinin‐1‐yl ligand has no sizeable π‐donor ability and that the aromaticity of the ring can be subtly tuned by the electronics of the N‐substituent.
Techno‐Economic Assessment of a Microalgae Biorefinery
Authors: Guo Bingfeng , Hornung Ursel , Zhang Shicheng , Dahmen Nicolaus
Published: November 2022

A preliminary techno‐economic assessment of a microalgae biorefinery plant is reported, with pulsed electric field treatment (PEF) hydrothermal liquefaction as core technology. The results indicate that standalone production of microalgae biofuel would lead to an annual loss of 2.615 M€. PEF treatment could improve this scenario by bringing the microalgae biofuel to a competitive level (0.78 € kg−1). Assuming that microalgae biofuel would be sold at the price of crude oil (0.44 € kg−1), the minimum price of the amino‐acid based product should be 7.56 € L−1 for positive capital returns.
Hydrogen Production and Carbon Capture by Gas‐Phase Methane Pyrolysis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lott Patrick , Mokashi Manas B. , Müller Heinz , Heitlinger Dominik J. , Lichtenberg Sven , Shirsath Akash B. , Janzer Corina , Tischer Steffen , Maier Lubow , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: November 2022

Using natural gas and sustainable biogas as feed, high‐temperature pyrolysis represents a potential technology for large‐scale hydrogen production and simultaneous carbon capture. Further utilization of solid carbon accruing during the process (i. e., in battery industry or for metallurgy) increases the process's economic chances. This study demonstrated the feasibility of gas‐phase methane pyrolysis for hydrogen production and carbon capture in an electrically heated high‐temperature reactor operated between 1200 and 1600 °C under industrially relevant conditions. While hydrogen addition controlled methane conversion and suppressed the formation of undesired byproducts, an increasing residence time decreased the amount of byproducts and benefited high hydrogen yields. A temperature of 1400 °C ensured almost full methane conversion, moderate byproduct formation, and high hydrogen yield. A reaction flow analysis of the gas‐phase kinetics revealed acetylene, ethylene, and benzene as the main intermediate products and precursors of carbon formation.
Wetland characteristics affect abundance and diversity of wintering birds: A case study in South‐Western Iran
Authors: Malekian Mansoureh , Salarpour Roghayeh , Ranaie Mehrdad
Published: November 2022

Water availability is an important driver of bird population change, and its effects are likely to increase in coming decades under climate change. Here we assess effects of temperature, precipitation, and water area on wintering bird populations in Miyangaran Wetland in southwestern Iran. Modeling methods including, generalized linear model (GLM) and hierarchical partitioning were used to examine the relative importance of variables. The number of wintering species, inhabiting the wetland, varied among years, ranging from 10 to 48 species. The total number of wintering birds showed a significant decreasing trend. A significant increasing trend was obtained for shorebirds, while waterfowl species were significantly decreased. The GLM showed that species abundance, richness, and diversity were significantly correlated with the standardized precipitation index (SPI), annual precipitation, and normalized difference water index (NDWI). Hierarchical partitioning analysis also identified NDWI, SPI, and annual precipitation as the most important variables with average independent effects of 35, 36 (p < .01) and 17% (p < .05), respectively. Our results revealed that the water area plays a major role in determining the structure of bird diversity and abundance, affecting both waterfowl and shorebirds.
Memory CD8+ T cells upregulate glycolysis and effector functions under limiting oxygen conditions
Authors: Beumer‐Chuwonpad Ammarina , van Alphen Floris P.J. , Kragten Natasja A.M. , Freen‐van Heeren Julian J. , Rodriguez Gomez Maria , Verhoeven Arthur J. , van den Biggelaar Maartje , van Gisbergen Klaas P.J.M.
Published: November 2022

Memory CD8+ T cells are indispensable for maintaining long‐term immunity against intracellular pathogens and tumors. Despite their presence at oxygen‐deprived infected tissue sites or in tumors, the impact of local oxygen pressure on memory CD8+ T cells remains largely unclear. We sought to elucidate how oxygen pressure impacts memory CD8+ T cells arising after infection with Listeria monocytogenes‐OVA. Our data revealed that reduced oxygen pressure during in vitro culture switched CD8+ T cell metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to a glycolytic phenotype. Quantitative proteomic analysis showed that limiting oxygen conditions increased the expression of glucose transporters and components of the glycolytic pathway, while decreasing TCA cycle and mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins. The altered CD8+ T cell metabolism did not affect the expansion potential, but enhanced the granzyme B and IFN‐γ production capacity. In vivo, memory CD8+ T cells cultured under low oxygen pressure provided protection against bacterial rechallenge. Taken together, our study indicates that strategies of cellular immune therapy may benefit from reducing oxygen during culture to develop memory CD8+ T cells with superior effector functions.
Zero‐Field Splittings and Redox Potentials in an Isostructural Series of Dinuclear FeIITiIV, FeIIITiIV, and MnIITiIV Complexes with a Face‐Sharing Bridging Motive
Authors: Liratzis Ioannis , Walleck Stephan , Oldengott Jan , Stammler Anja , Bögge Hartmut , Bill Eckhard , Glaser Thorsten
Published: November 2022

The ligand H6ioan has been used to synthesize the three dinuclear complexes [(ioan)MnIITiIV], [(ioan)FeIITiIV], and [(ioan)FeIIITiIV]+. The face‐sharing bridging mode of the three phenolates provides short M‐TiIV distances of ≈3.0 Å. Mössbauer spectra of [(ioan)FeIIITiIV]+ show a magnetically split six‐line spectrum at 3 K in zero magnetic field demonstrating a slow magnetic relaxation. Magnetic measurements provide a zero‐field splitting of |D|=5 cm−1 in [(ioan)FeIITiIV]. EPR spectroscopy demonstrates sizable zero‐field splittings of the S=5/2 spin systems of [(ioan)MnIITiIV] (D=0.246 cm−1) and [(ioan)FeIIITiIV]+ (D<−1 cm−1) that can be related to enforced covalency of the M‐Oph bonds. [(ioan)FeIIITiIV]+ exhibits a reversible reduction at −0.26 V vs. Fc+/Fc demonstrating the facile accessibility of FeIII and FeII. In contrast to an irreversible oxidation in [(ioan)NiIITiIV] at 0.78 V vs. Fc+/Fc, the reversible oxidation at 0.25 V vs. Fc+/Fc in [(ioan)MnIITiIV] indicates even the access of MnIII. These results indicate that pentanuclear complexes [(ioan)FeM1M2M1Fe(ioan)]n+ are meaningful targets to access electron delocalization in mixed‐valence systems over five ions due to the facile accessibility of both FeII and FeIII in the terminal positions. This study provides important local spin‐Hamiltonian and Mössbauer parameters that will be essential for the understanding of the potentially complicated electronic structure in the anticipated pentanuclear complexes.
Synthesis of (±)‐Physovenine through Electrochemical C−O Bond Formation
Authors: Wang Feijun , Frankowski Kevin J.
Published: November 2022

We investigated an electrochemical C−O bond formation approach to (±)‐physovenine. The reaction conditions are mild compared to canonical routes, which typically utilize strong hydride reagents such as lithium aluminum hydride. This enabled extension of the electrochemical cyclization to a substrate bearing the fully functionalized phenyl ring of the natural product. The electrochemical cyclization is diastereoselective and starting from enantiopure substrate would provide a single enantiomer of physovenine. In the course of an initial formal synthesis, we identified conditions to afford modest enantioselective substrate synthesis that demonstrate the feasibility of an enantioselective synthesis. Among the substrates investigated, acetyl‐, tosyl‐ or Boc‐nitrogen substitution led to an alternative electrochemical C−O bond formation pathway where the hydroxyl nucleophile cyclized onto the aromatic ring vs. the 2‐position of the indoline. This work expands the utility of electrochemical C−O bond formation and provides a foundation for further applications to functionalized cyclic ether construction.
Iodine(III)‐Mediated Electrophilic Chlorination and Catalytic Nitration of N‐Tosyl Anilines
Authors: Patil Dipak B. , Gámez‐Montaño Rocío , Ordoñez Mario , Solis‐Santos Melchor , Jiménez‐Halla J. Oscar C. , Solorio‐Alvarado César R.
Published: November 2022

An efficient iodine(III)‐based protocol for the chlorination and catalytic nitration of N‐tosyl anilines as well as the proposed reaction mechanism is described. The synergistic combination of the commercially available [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene (PIFA) with AlCl3, or (PhIO)n with Al(NO3)3, allowed the electrophilic introduction of chlorine and nitro group in the N‐tosyl aniline core in non‐acidic conditions. Our DFT calculations, performed for the chlorination process, indicate that this occurs through a cationic pathway in which the [Cl‐PhI
OTFA⋅AlCl3] is the chlorinating species and is formed under neutral conditions.
Change in anti‐COVID‐19 behaviour and anti‐immigrant prejudice during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Longitudinal evidence from five European countries
Authors: Zingora Tibor , Birtel Michèle D. , Graf Sylvie , Hrebickova Martina , Lacko David , Rupar Mirjana , Tocik Jaroslav , Voca Shpend
Published: November 2022

During a pandemic, it is vital to identify factors that motivate individuals to behave in ways that limit virus transmission (i.e., anti‐COVID‐19 behaviour). Fear has been suggested to motivate health‐oriented behaviour, yet fear of the virus (i.e., fear of COVID‐19) could have unintended consequences, such as an increase in anti‐immigrant prejudice. In a three‐wave longitudinal study (NT1 = 4275) in five European countries from April to October 2020, we investigated how social norms, the impact of the pandemic on individuals, and intergroup contact affected fear of COVID‐19 and—or in turn—anti‐COVID‐19 behaviour and prejudice towards immigrants. A latent change score model—distinguishing between intra‐ and inter‐individual changes in outcomes—indicated that fear of COVID‐19 influenced neither anti‐COVID‐19 behaviour nor prejudice. Anti‐COVID‐19 behaviour was increased by anti‐COVID‐19 norms (i.e., belief that others perform anti‐COVID‐19 behaviours), while prejudice was influenced by positive and negative direct and mass‐mediated intergroup contact.
Co‐detection of Copper and Lead in Artisanal Sugarcane Spirit Using Caffeic Acid‐modified Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Soares Priscila I. , Lima Thaís M. , do Nascimento Luiza. A. , Coelho Rafael M. , Franco Diego L. , Pereira Arnaldo C. , Ferreira Lucas F.
Published: November 2022

Caffeic acid (CA)‐modified graphite electrodes [GE/poly(CA)] was applied to the co‐detection of copper and lead in artisanal sugarcane spirit using square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Electrochemical and morphological studies were performed, and a mechanism for polymerization was proposed. Electropolymerization, SWASV, and analysis conditions parameters were optimized. Interferents, repeatability, reproducibility, and addition and recovery tests were carried out. GE/poly(CA) shows a linear range from 15 to 705 μg/L with a limit of detection of 3.01 μg/L for Pb(II) and 4.50 μg/L for Cu(II). Real samples of artisanal sugarcane spirit were used, and the electrochemical results were compared with atomic absorption spectroscopy experiments.
Optimizing the Microstructure and Processing Parameters for Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes: A Use Case Scenario with a Digital Manufacturing Platform
Authors: Karaki Hassan , Thomitzek Matthias , Obermann Tim , Herrmann Christoph , Schröder Daniel
Published: November 2022

With increasing electrification in the automotive field, lithium‐ion batteries are rapidly becoming an inseparable part of everyday life. To meet the various governmental goals regarding CO2 emissions, it has become imperative to rapidly optimize the manufacturing process to produce high‐quality batteries at the least possible emissions and cost. Model‐based methods provide a simple and efficient view on complex processes and on identifying best‐case scenarios for production, since they require minimal material and time expenditure. In the authors’ recently published work, by Thomitzek et al., a digital modeling framework is initially described. It uniquely combines process chain and battery cell models. Herein, this digital framework is utilized to set up a numerical optimization routine. The routine helps to identify the best possible microstructure parameters in an NMC 622 cathode to maximize the resulting discharge volumetric energy density. Furthermore, the minimal energy expenditure for processing is determined. With the findings herein, an inexpensive method for identifying optimal battery manufacturing scenarios is presented, with the goal of producing high‐quality battery cells at the lowest cost. The provided model framework and optimization routine is easily adaptable for other battery types and manufacturing lines.
Scaled shaking table testing of higher‐mode effects on the seismic response of tall and slender structures
Authors: Zhong Chiyun , Christopoulos Constantin
Published: November 2022

As structures are built taller and more slender, their response becomes increasingly sensitive to dynamic loads that are induced by the buildings’ higher‐frequency vibration modes. This leads to a more complex seismic response of high‐rise structures when compared to the seismic response of low‐rise structures that are primarily governed by their fundamental modes of vibration. This paper presents the results of extensive shake table testing and finite element analyses of a small‐scale, 1.5‐meter‐tall shaking table specimen that was designed and scaled to experimentally capture the higher‐mode effects of a 125‐meter‐tall reference tall building. The test specimen is comprised of a simplified superstructure with uniform mass and stiffness representing the main structure of the full‐scale reference tall building, and a base‐rocking mechanism to represent the moment‐limiting effect of the inelastic plastic‐hinging mechanism at the base of the reference building. Using the methodology proposed in this paper, the scaled specimen was shown to exhibit similar seismic response characteristics, including the corresponding higher‐mode effects, along the height of the structure as those predicted numerically on the full‐scale reference building. Results of the shaking table tests experimentally provided further evidence that relying only on a moment‐limiting mechanism at the base of a cantilever structure is insufficient in limiting peak seismic loads due to higher‐mode effects. In addition, by comparing test results with predictions obtained using several previously proposed analytical methods, the paper demonstrated that predicting shear force amplifications due to higher‐mode effects is still challenging. The methodology developed in this study can be used to design other similar small‐scale shaking table tests for the development of new analytical methods to predict higher mode effects and experimentally validate the efficiency of new high‐performance systems developed to mitigate higher‐mode effects on tall and slender structures and more generally to assess the ability of these systems to achieve enhanced seismic resilience.
A hydraulic modelling approach to study flood sediment deposition in floodplain lakes
Authors: Reinders Joeri B. , Sullivan Richard M. , Winkler Tyler S. , van Hengstum Peter J. , Beighley R. Edward , Munoz Samuel E.
Published: November 2022

Abandoned river channels on alluvial floodplains represent areas where sediments, organic matter, and pollutants preferentially accumulate during overbank flooding. Theoretical models describing sedimentation in floodplain lakes recognize the different stages in their evolution, where the threshold for hydrological connectivity increases in older lakes as a plug‐bar develops. Sedimentary archives collected from floodplain lakes are widely used to reconstruct ecological and hydrological dynamics in riverine settings, but how floodplain lake evolution influences flow velocities and sedimentation patterns on an event scale remains poorly understood. Here we combine sediment samples collected in and around a floodplain lake with hydraulic modelling simulations to examine inundation, flow velocity, and sedimentation patterns in a floodplain lake along the Trinity River at Liberty, Texas. We focus our analyses on an extreme flood event associated with the landfall of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 and develop a series of alternative lake bathymetries to examine the influence of floodplain lake evolution on flow velocity patterns during the flood. We find that sediments deposited in the lake after the Hurricane Harvey flood become thinner and finer with distance from the tie‐channel in accordance with simulated flow velocities that drop with distance from the tie‐channel. Flow velocity simulations from model runs with alternative plug‐bar geometries and lake depths imply that sedimentation patterns will shift as the lake evolves and infills. The integration of sediment sampling and hydraulic model simulations provides a method to understand the processes that govern sedimentation in floodplain lakes during flood events that will improve interpretations of individual events in sedimentary archives from these contexts.
Social difficulties in adolescent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Social motivation, social anxiety and symptom severity as contributing factors
Authors: McKay Erin , Kirk Hannah , Martin Rachael , Cornish Kim
Published: November 2022

Background

Many interventions have been developed to address the social difficulties commonly experienced by adolescents with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet they are largely ineffective.

Objective

This study examined social impairment among adolescents with and without ADHD, determining whether gender, social anxiety, age, and ADHD symptom type (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) and severity are associated with social impairment.

Method

Parents and primary caregivers of adolescents (aged 13–17) with (n = 76) and without ADHD (n = 36) completed the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD and Normal Behavior, Social Responsiveness Scale 2nd Edition, and Spence Children's Anxiety Scale.

Results

Adolescents with ADHD scored significantly higher than TD adolescents across social impairment domains. ADHD symptoms were associated with severity of impairment in all domains excluding Social Motivation. Hyperactivity/impulsivity and social anxiety predicted social impairment, whereas gender did not.

Conclusion

Adolescents with ADHD are more likely to experience social impairment than TD adolescents, and interventions targeting symptom reduction and social anxiety may improve these social impairments.
Successful heart transplantation in an infant with phosphoglucomutase 1 deficiency (PGM1‐CDG)
Authors: Altassan Ruqaiah , Albert‐Brotons Dimpna C. , Alowain Mohammad , Al‐Halees Zohair , Jaeken Jaak , Morava Eva
Published: November 2022

We report successful heart transplantation in a phosphoglucomutase 1 deficient (PGM1‐CDG) patient. She presented with facial dysmorphism, bifid uvula and structural heart defects. Newborn screening was positive for classic galactosemia. The patient was on a galactose‐free diet for 8 months. Eventually, whole exome sequencing excluded the galactosemia and revealed PGM1‐CDG. Oral D‐galactose therapy was started. Rapid deterioration of the progressive dilated cardiomyopathy prompted heart transplantation at the age of 12 months. Cardiac function was stable in the first 18 months of follow‐up, and hematologic, hepatic, and endocrine laboratory findings improved during D‐galactose therapy. The latter therapy improves several systemic symptoms and biochemical abnormalities in PGM1‐CDG but does not correct the heart failure related to cardiomyopathy. Heart transplantation has so far only been described in DOLK‐CDG.
On the importance of color in mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Knizner Kevan T. , Kibbe Russell R. , Garrard Kenneth P. , Nuñez Jamie R. , Anderton Christopher R. , Muddiman David C.
Published: November 2022

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) data visualization relies on heatmaps to show the spatial distribution and measured abundances of molecules within a sample. Nonuniform color gradients such as jet are still commonly used to visualize MSI data, increasing the probability of data misinterpretation and false conclusions. Also, the use of nonuniform color gradients and the combination of hues used in common colormaps make it challenging for people with color vision deficiencies (CVDs) to visualize and accurately interpret data. Here we present best practices for choosing a colormap to accurately display MSI data, improve readability, and accommodate all CVDs. We also provide other resources on the misuse of color in the scientific field and resources on scientifically derived colormaps presented herein.
Clinical features, therapeutic outcomes, and recovery period of long COVID
Authors: Takakura Kazuki , Suka Machi , Kajihara Mikio , Koido Shigeo
Published: November 2022

To characterize the clinical features of long COVID, 286 patients who received care in our outpatient clinic for long COVID from May to December 2021 were surveyed. The recovery periods of each symptom and the key factors contributing to early recovery were statistically analysed. The median age of the patients was 35.8 years, with 137 men and 149 women. The median number of symptoms was 2.8. The most frequent symptoms were respiratory manifestations (52.1%), followed by fatigue (51.4%). Respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and headache/arthralgia were major complaints in the initial phase, whereas hair loss was a major complaint in the late phase, suggesting that the chief complaint of patients with long COVID may vary temporally. The best treatment outcome was observed for pulmonary symptoms, and hair loss had the worst outcome. COVID‐19 severity, the number of manifestations, and the delay in starting treatment exerted a negative effect on the recovery period of long COVID. In addition, the smoking habit was an independent risk factor for slowing the recovery period from long COVID. This study provides insights into the clinical course of each manifestation and therapeutic options with a more certain future of long COVID to meet the unmet medical needs.
Vascular perfusion differs in two distinct PDGFRβ‐positive zones within the ischemic core of male mice 2 weeks following photothrombotic stroke
Authors: Morris Gary P. , Gowing Emma K. , Courtney Jo‐Maree , Coombe Hannah E. , King Natalie E. , Rewell Sarah S. J. , Howells David W. , Clarkson Andrew N. , Sutherland Brad A.
Published: November 2022

Stroke therapy has largely focused on preventing damage and encouraging repair outside the ischemic core, as the core is considered irreparable. Recently, several studies have suggested endogenous responses within the core are important for limiting the spread of damage and enhancing recovery, but the role of blood flow and capillary pericytes in this process is unknown. Using the Rose Bengal photothrombotic model of stroke, we illustrate blood vessels are present in the ischemic core and peri‐lesional regions 2 weeks post stroke in male mice. A FITC‐albumin gel cast of the vasculature revealed perfusion of these vessels, suggesting cerebral blood flow (CBF) may be partially present, without vascular leakage. The length of these vessels is significantly reduced compared to uninjured regions, but the average width is greater, suggesting they are either larger vessels that survived the initial injury, smaller vessels that have expanded in size (i.e., arteriogenesis), or that neovascularization begins with larger vessels. Concurrently, we observed an increase in platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ, a marker of pericytes) expression within the ischemic core in two distinct patterns, one which resembles pericyte‐derived fibrotic scarring at the edge of the core, and one which is vessel associated and may represent blood vessel recovery. We find little evidence for dividing cells on these intralesional blood vessels 2 weeks post stroke. Our study provides evidence flow is present in PDGFRβ‐positive vessels in the ischemic core 2 weeks post stroke. We hypothesize intralesional CBF is important for limiting injury and for encouraging endogenous repair following cerebral ischemia.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Placenta in Fontan Patients
Authors: Putman Rachael , Goldstein Sarah A. , Boyd Brita , Dotters‐Katz Sarah , Small Maria , Addae‐Konadu Kateena L.
Published: November 2022

Due to the advancements in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and medical management, more individuals with congenital heart disease are reaching reproductive age. It is well established that individuals with Fontan circulation are at an increased risk for maternal and fetal adverse outcomes including maternal cardiovascular complications, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Early onset of poor placental health likely related to chronically elevated central venous pressure/low cardiac output inherited to Fontan circulation may play a role in the development of these outcomes. In this case series, we present second‐trimester placental imaging findings and pregnancy outcomes of three individuals with Fontan circulation who delivered at a tertiary center in the Southeastern United States.
Dermatologists' perspectives on healthcare of patients with atopic dermatitis: A cross‐sectional study in Germany
Authors: Tizek Linda , Tizek Lucas , Schneider Simon , Wecker Hannah , Biedermann Tilo , Zink Alexander
Published: November 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease causing substantial individual and overall socioeconomic burden.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to gain information on the healthcare of patients with AD from dermatologists' perspectives.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, office‐based dermatologists in Southern Germany were contacted by mail in June 2021, who received a questionnaire that assessed, for example, individual data, annual number of patients, treatment satisfaction, and awareness of patients' online searches.

Results

The 98 participating dermatologists (mean age 53.2 ± 10.3 years, 53.1% male) reported treating a median of 300 patients with AD yearly, of those 11.0% had a severe form. Two‐thirds of physicians were consulted at least six times a year by severely affected patients. Many physicians were contacted by several patients who were pretreated by other physicians. Topical corticosteroids were the most frequently used therapy. The median proportion of patients receiving a biological was 2.0%. While nearly all dermatologists (89.8%) were satisfied with the effectiveness of available therapies, only 37.7% were satisfied with their costs. Concerning perceived treatment satisfaction among patients, 65.3% of patients with severe AD seemed satisfied. Patient use of the internet for health information was indicated to be beneficial for the awareness of AD by 74.5% of physicians, whereas most found it obstructive to patients' claims (69.1%) and therapy decisions (48.4%). Nearly the same proportion mentioned that online searches were an obstacle for (37.9%) or had no effect on (38.9%) the physician–patient relationship.

Conclusions

The results indicated that care of AD, especially in severely affected people, can still be improved. Additionally, from the dermatologists' perspectives, online searches mostly have a negative effect on several healthcare‐related aspects.
Accounting for spatial heterogeneity in visual obstruction in line‐transect distance sampling of gopher tortoises
Authors: Gaya Heather E. , Smith Lora L. , Moore Clinton T.
Published: November 2022

Line‐transect distance sampling (LTDS) surveys are commonly used to estimate abundance of animals or objects. In terrestrial LTDS surveys of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows, the presence of ground‐level vegetation substantially decreases detection of burrows of all sizes, but no field or analytical methods exist to control for spatially heterogeneous vegetation obstruction as a source of variation in detection. We propose the addition of a simple measurement of ground‐level vegetation that serves as a covariate for the detection function. We present a Bayesian hierarchical model in which covariates burrow width and nearby vegetation height help to account for detection bias and improve precision of estimated density. We investigate the performance of this covariate by simulation and by using real LTDS data collected before and after application of prescribed fire. We collected data in 2018 at the Jones Center at Ichauway in Newton, Georgia, USA. Across all simulations, our model including both covariates produced the most accurate density point estimates of any of the models tested. For our case study, our Bayesian model with vegetation covariates tended to produce similar estimates of density before and after burns. Our study indicates that any level of spatial variation in vegetation obstruction decreases detection of burrows and may lead to underestimation in population size (≤68%) and proportion of individuals with small burrow sizes (≤32%) when not considered during analysis. Our work is extensible to other terrestrial sampling efforts where systematic measurement of a spatially distributed obstructing feature is feasible during the LTDS survey.
Is it risky to subscribe? Perceived control and subscription choice
Authors: Roy Arani , Ortiz Maria
Published: November 2022

Subscription commerce is an integral part of today's consumption space. Researchers have identified different factors that influence subscription intent and different mechanisms that are used to evaluate subscription options. In this research, we investigate the effect of loss of perceived control on subscription intent and explore a new underlying mechanism used for the evaluation of subscription options. Across six studies in the field and laboratory, we show that when consumers lose their level of perceived control, they are likely to exhibit higher subscription intent for monthly subscription options than yearly subscription options, and we explain the mechanism through risk aversion. Particularly, we find that individuals experiencing loss of control are more likely to evaluate subscription options based on associated risk, and subsequently choose the option that appears less risky. Our findings contribute to the literature by identifying a novel risk‐based mechanism driving subscription choice and by finding a new consumer‐related antecedent of subscription choice in perceived control.