bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Candidiasis: Clinical Spectrum and Epidemiology at a Tertiary Care Centre, Bhopal, India
Authors: Ahmed Minhajuddin , Upadhyay Nitesh , Ansari Mohammed Iqbal , Ali Manal Ashraf
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Neonatal candidiasis is one of the leading causes of sepsis amongst newborns admitted to newborn care unit, especially premature and Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies. It is one of the significant contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Aim: To describe the spectrum and epidemiology of fungal sepsis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a tertiary care level. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted from January 2018- December 2019 in NICU of Chirayu Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary level hospital in Bhopal, Central India. All neonates, who had positive fungal blood culture were included in the study, their demographic data was analysed (age, birth weight, predisposing factors etc.,), maternal history, their response to the antifungal treatment documented and complications. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi- square test with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 2.0. Results: A total of 409 neonates admitted in the NICU during the study period, were suspected clinically to have sepsis and their blood culture was done, of which 110 samples were culture positive. Amongst the 110 neonates, 41(37.2%) were positive for fungal infection {29 showed Candida albicans, 12 Non Albicans Candida (NAC)}. Total 25 neonates were preterm (60.97%). The mean age of admission was 3.02 days, 51.2% (21/41) of the neonates had a history of respiratory distress and related symptoms at birth. There was no significant maternal history. Amongst the risk factors, lower birth weight (<2.5 kg), preterm (<34 weeks), and presence of invasive central lines were statistically associated with morbidity. Urine for candidial hyphae was positive in 12 out of 41 cases (29.27%). Incidence of candidal meningitis was seen in four neonates (13.33%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common laboratory finding amongst these cases (32/41). Among the different regimens used the combination regimen of Lipid based amphotericin B and voriconazole was associated with a better survival. Conclusion: Candida sepsis was found to be the most common cause of septicaemia in the NICU. LBW and preterm babies are especially at greater risk of candida sepsis. Candida albicans still continues to be a dominant aetiology for fungal sepsis, as compared to non candida species.
Prevalence and Resistance Pattern of Uropathogens in Pregnant Women- A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Swain Bichitrananda , Sharma Indu , Satapathy Satyaram
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the most common medical problems associated with pregnancy occurring in about 5-10% of pregnant women. It is attributed by various micro- organisms. As the uropathogens is usually Multidrug resistance so, timely identification of these uropathogens and their resistance pattern detection is essential. If UTI is not treated promptly, it can lead to various complications and ultimately can affect health of infant or the pregnant mother. Aim: To estimate the frequency of UTI and different micro- organisms in pregnant women as well as their antibiotic resistant pattern among them. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in rural district of Chhattisgarh. During the study period from August 2021 to October 2021, 130 urine samples were collected and processed as per standard protocol. With significant growth on culture ≥105 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/mL of single morphotype bacteria from a clean catch midstream urine sample UTI diagnosis was established. The bacteria isolated were identified up to species level by standard biochemical tests. Results: In this study, UTI was found in n=69.2% of pregnant women. The most frequently isolated organism was E. coli (53.3%), followed by Klebsiella spp.(18.9%) and Pseudomonas spp. (3.3%). Highest prevalence rate (85.7%) was observed in the age group 21 to 25 years; most of these (77.8%) were in their 2nd trimester. The isolated pathogens mostly showed multiple drug resistance to two or more antibacterial agents tested. Conclusion: There was higher incidence of UTI in pregnancy and the most predominant organism isolated was E. coli; in 2nd trimester UTI was more common and high level of multidrug resistance was observed. In pregnancy, continuous monitoring of uropathogens including their resistance pattern is required.
Optimization of Spirulina’s Phycocyanin Extraction Yield Using Response Surface Method
Authors: Nhat Truong Phan , Trinh-Dang Mau
Published: April 2023

Besides cultivation, extraction is also a critical stage in enhancing the yield of phycocyanin production - a highly valuable compound from Spirulina biomass. In this study, the combined effect of three important variables in the ultrasonic-assisted extraction process on phycocyanin extraction yield, namely extraction temperature, sonication time, and solvent pH were investigated through a central composite design experiment. Furthermore, the response surface method was applied in order to define an optimal condition to achieve the highest extraction yield. The results showed that when temperature ranged from 35ºC to 45ºC, sonication time from 20 to 50 minutes, and solvent pH from 6 to 8, the average yield of 30.135±1.552 mg/g was obtained with an average purity of 0.871±0.043. A regression model was also successfully developed, which allowed a good prediction of extraction yield based on the three mentioned variables. On the other hand, an optimal condition for extraction was also proposed with sonication time = 43.57 minutes, extraction temperature = 37.6oC, and solvent pH = 6.7. These results were practically valuable for the improvement of phycocyanin extraction from Spirulina biomass.
Ethnic Conflict between Oromo-Gumuz in Western Ethiopia Since 2008
Authors: Jibat Keneni , Berisso Taddes , Adeto Yonas Adaye
Published: April 2023

For a long period, conflicts and instability in any part of Ethiopia have become a complex and interconnected problem that is present as part of the debate among Ethiopian communities. The primary security challenges in Ethiopia largely emanate from political exclusion/power struggle, ethnic and religious-based discrimination, violation of human rights, the proliferation of SALW, and poverty/famine as a significant threat to people's security. To strengthen this point, the article aims to study the causes of the Oromo-Gumuz inter-ethnic conflicts since 2008 along the border area. The study employed qualitative descriptive research to meet the stated objective of the study. Purposive sampling techniques were used to gather information. To attain the study objective, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as primary data. Primary data were gathered from different informants in both Oromo and Gumuz. The study’s finding showed that the leading cause of the conflict between the Oromo and the Gumuz was competition over farmland and grazing land, border disputes, and lack of good governance. The presence of arms dealers and cattle raiders hiding in the name of ethnicity split the communities.
Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality After Bariatric Surgery in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Obesity
Authors: Krishnan Arunkumar , Hadi Yousaf , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Woreta Tinsay A. , Fang Wei , Abunnaja Salim , Szoka Nova , Tabone Lawrence E. , Thakkar Shyam , Singh Shailendra
Published: April 2023

Importance

Bariatric surgery (BS) is associated with significantly reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases and mortality in patients with obesity. However, whether BS can decrease major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate the association of BS with the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD and obesity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a large, population-based, retrospective cohort using data from the TriNetX platform. Adult patients with a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 35 or greater and NAFLD (without cirrhosis) who underwent BS between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2021, were included. Patients in the BS group were matched with patients who did not undergo surgery (non-BS group) according to age, demographics, comorbidities, and medication by using 1:1 propensity matching. Patient follow-up ended on August 31, 2022, and data were analyzed in September 2022.

Exposures

Bariatric surgery vs nonsurgical care.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were defined as the first incidence of new-onset heart failure (HF), composite cardiovascular events (unstable angina, myocardial infarction, or revascularization, including percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft), composite cerebrovascular disease (ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack, carotid intervention, or surgery), and a composite of coronary artery procedures or surgeries (coronary stenting, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).

Results

Of 152 394 eligible adults, 4693 individuals underwent BS; 4687 patients who underwent BS (mean [SD] age, 44.8 [11.6] years; 3822 [81.5%] female) were matched with 4687 individuals (mean [SD] age, 44.7 [13.2] years; 3883 [82.8%] years) who did not undergo BS. The BS group had significantly lower risk of new-onset of HF (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.51-0.70), cardiovascular events (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.44-0.65), cerebrovascular events (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51-0.69), and coronary artery interventions (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.35-0.63) compared with the non-BS group. Similarly, all-cause mortality was substantially lower in the BS group (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.42-0.74). These outcomes were consistent at follow-up duration of 1, 3, 5, and 7 years.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that BS was significantly associated with lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD and obesity.
Sensitivity analysis of collision risk at wind turbines based on flight altitude of migratory waterbirds
Authors: Kamata Taito , Sato Hitomi , Mukai Haruka , Sato Takahiro , Yamada Shintaro , Sekijima Tsuneo
Published: April 2023

A rapid increase in wind power generation has led to bird collisions becoming a serious problem worldwide. Developing useful sensitivity maps to select low‐risk sites for birds is an urgent issue. For migratory birds, such as geese and swans, that visit different habitats throughout their life cycle, it is important to conduct risk assessments that take into account their behavioural characteristics in each habitat. Geese and swans fly and migrate at varying altitudes (above the ground) ranging from 10 to hundreds of metres. Accurate predictions of avian flight altitudes are essential in assessing the risks of collisions with human‐made structures.

We first obtained location data for four species of geese and swans to identify their spring migratory routes within Japan (Bean Goose Anser fabalis and Anser serrirostris, Greater White‐fronted Goose Anser albifrons, Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii and Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus). As all four species used the same roosts and overlapping foraging areas from winter to spring, a single migratory route was defined by integrating the location data of the four species.

Flight trajectories were tracked using an ornithodolite. The median flight height for these four species in all landscape types was 150 m or less. Then a LASSO regression model was created with flight altitude obtained as the response variable and topographic and landscape factors as explanatory variables. Trends in flight altitude with environmental differences were similar for the four species, indicating that topographical factors strongly influence flight altitude. Finally, a statistical model was used to predict flight altitudes along migration routes.

The sensitivity maps we generated showed that for all four species, most flight heights during spring were within the wind turbine range, suggesting that their risk of collision with wind turbines was greater along their migratory route. Sensitivity maps that accurately reflect avian flight characteristics help provide useful information when considering the location of further wind turbine construction.
Acquisition time reduction in pediatric 99mTc‐DMSA planar imaging using deep learning
Authors: Ichikawa Shota , Sugimori Hiroyuki , Ichijiri Koki , Yoshimura Takaaki , Nagaki Akio
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Given the potential risk of motion artifacts, acquisition time reduction is desirable in pediatric 99mTc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of predicted full‐acquisition‐time images from short‐acquisition‐time pediatric 99mTc‐DMSA planar images with only 1/5th acquisition time using deep learning in terms of image quality and quantitative renal uptake measurement accuracy.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐five cases that underwent pediatric 99mTc‐DMSA planar imaging as dynamic data for 10 min were retrospectively collected for the development of three deep learning models (DnCNN, Win5RB, and ResUnet), and the generation of full‐time images from short‐time images. We used the normalized mean squared error (NMSE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index metrics (SSIM) to evaluate the accuracy of the predicted full‐time images. In addition, the renal uptake of 99mTc‐DMSA was calculated, and the difference in renal uptake from the reference full‐time images was assessed using scatter plots with Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

The predicted full‐time images from the deep learning models showed a significant improvement in image quality compared to the short‐time images with respect to the reference full‐time images. In particular, the predicted full‐time images obtained by ResUnet showed the lowest NMSE (0.4 [0.4−0.5] %) and the highest PSNR (55.4 [54.7−56.1] dB) and SSIM (0.997 [0.995−0.997]). For renal uptake, an extremely high correlation was achieved in all short‐time and three predicted full‐time images (R2 > 0.999 for all). The Bland–Altman plots showed the lowest bias (−0.10) of renal uptake in ResUnet, while short‐time images showed the lowest variance (95% confidence interval: −0.14, 0.45) of renal uptake.

Conclusions

Our proposed method is capable of producing images that are comparable to the original full‐acquisition‐time images, allowing for a reduction of acquisition time/injected dose in pediatric 99mTc‐DMSA planar imaging.
A Flexible Sensitive Visible‐NIR Organic Photodetector with High Durability
Authors: Pu Kai , Xu Zhuhua , Gao Yu , Zhao Cong , Ershad Faheem , Li Yuan , Wang Richard , Yu Cunjiang , Wei Guodan
Published: April 2023

Low‐cost, deformable visible‐near‐infrared (visible‐NIR) photodetectors can be configured into non‐planar shapes to meet emerging optical needs. However, it remains challenging to develop low‐cost flexible visible‐NIR photosensor with excellent mechanical deformability and high optical detectivity. Herein, we report a flexible visible‐NIR organic photodetector (OPD) based on a blend film of D18:BTP‐4F as the active layer on a polyethylene naphthalate substrate. Owing to the low exciton binding energy of BTP‐4F and the preferred orientation of the D18:BTP‐4F film, the as‐fabricated OPD exhibits excellent self‐powered optoelectronic performances with a high responsivity, high detectivity, and fast response time of 206 mA W−1, 6.45 × 1012 Jones (1 Jones = 1 cm Hz1/2 W−1), and 9 µs at the wavelength of 800 nm and bias voltage of 0 V, respectively. After 1000 bending/releasing cycles with an angle of 150° at a radius of curvature of 3 mm, the current‐voltage curves remain stable both measured under dark and light illumination, indicating obvious device operation robustness. The reliable linear photosensitivity of the as‐obtained OPD is demonstrated by the photoresponse under a range of different incident light intensities and its practical application for wearable health monitoring such as heart rate measurement is well demonstrated. Furthermore, a flexible visible‐NIR image sensor for imaging acquisition is shown by demonstrating 5 × 5 OPD array under 850 nm light irradiation. The collective results on blend film design, flexible device fabrication and characterization, and imager development shed light on sought‐after visible‐NIR photosensing and imaging systems.
Multi‐Responsive 0D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Cuprous Bromides Constructed via Ultra‐Facile Approaches for Multimodal Luminescent Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: An Ran , Hao Jiayue , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie , Feng Jing , Wang Xinyu , Sun Haizhu
Published: April 2023

Luminescent anti‐counterfeiting has the advantages of high secrecy, low cost, flexible design, simple operation, and convenient light‐regulation of luminescent materials, which makes it easy to achieve high‐level multimodal anti‐counterfeiting. Here, zero‐dimensional (0D) organic–inorganic hybrid luminescent crystals (TPA)CuBr2 (TPA+ = [N(CH2CH2CH3)4]+) with multiple responses to ultraviolet (UV) light, water, and thermal stimulus are synthesized through an ultra‐facile approach for multimodal luminescent anti‐counterfeiting. Water‐sensitive (TPA)CuBr2 could transform into 0D (TPA)2Cu4Br6 upon external water stimulus, accompanied by the change of luminescence color from cyan to orange under UV light irradiation. Both (TPA)CuBr2 and (TPA)2Cu4Br6 exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields, and long photoluminescence decay lifetimes. In addition, (TPA)CuBr2 and (TPA)2Cu4Br6 show reversible “on‐off” luminescence phenomena and excellent cycling stability under thermal stimulus. Exhilaratingly, multimodal anti‐counterfeiting luminescent labels with high‐security level could be fabricated based on the multiple responsive organic–inorganic hybrid cuprous bromides. Moreover, the test paper based on (TPA)CuBr2 could be fabricated for the detection of trace water in isopropanol. This work demonstrates the capabilities of (TPA)CuBr2 and (TPA)2Cu4Br6 as high‐security anti‐counterfeiting materials and luminescent sensors, which provides an important reference for exploring 0D metal halides for high‐level luminescent anti‐counterfeiting.
Optical Manipulation of Layer–Valley Coherence via Strong Exciton–Photon Coupling in Microcavities
Authors: Khatoniar Mandeep , Yama Nicholas , Ghazaryan Areg , Guddala Sriram , Ghaemi Pouyan , Majumdar Kausik , Menon Vinod
Published: April 2023

Coherent control and manipulation of quantum degrees of freedom such as spins forms the basis of emerging quantum technologies. In this context, the robust valley degree of freedom and the associated valley pseudospin found in two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides is a highly attractive platform. Valley polarization and coherent superposition of valley states have been observed in these systems even up to room temperature. Control of valley coherence is an important building block for the implementation of valley qubit. Large magnetic fields or high‐power lasers have been used in the past to demonstrate the control (initialization and rotation) of the valley coherent states. Here, the control of layer–valley coherence via strong coupling of valley excitons in bilayer WS2 to microcavity photons is demonstrated by exploiting the pseudomagnetic field arising in optical cavities owing to the transverse electric–transverse magnetic (TE–TM)mode splitting. The use of photonic structures to generate pseudomagnetic fields which can be used to manipulate exciton‐polaritons presents an attractive approach to control optical responses without the need for large magnets or high‐intensity optical pump powers.
Achieving High Temporal Resolution in Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Techniques Using Plasmonic Nanoantennas
Authors: Tiwari Sunny , Roy Prithu , Claude Jean‐Benoît , Wenger Jérôme
Published: April 2023

Single‐molecule fluorescence techniques are essential for investigating the molecular mechanisms in biological processes. However, achieving sub‐millisecond temporal resolution to monitor fast molecular dynamics remains a significant challenge. The fluorescence brightness is the key parameter that generally defines the temporal resolution for these techniques. Conventional microscopes and standard fluorescent emitters fall short in achieving the high brightness required for sub‐millisecond monitoring. Plasmonic nanoantennas are proposed as a solution, but despite huge fluorescence enhancement having been obtained with these structures, the brightness generally remains below 1 million photons/s/molecule. Therefore, the improvement of temporal resolution is overlooked. This article presents a method for achieving high temporal resolution in single‐molecule fluorescence techniques using plasmonic nanoantennas, specifically optical horn antennas. This work demonstrates about 90% collection efficiency of the total emitted light, reaching a high fluorescence brightness of 2 million photons/s/molecule in the saturation regime. This enables observations of single molecules with microsecond binning time and fast fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements. This work expands the applications of plasmonic antennas and zero‐mode waveguides in the fluorescence saturation regime toward brighter single‐molecule signal, faster temporal resolutions, and improved detection rates to advance fluorescence sensing, DNA sequencing, and dynamic studies of molecular interactions.
Approaching the Shortest Intermetallic Distance of Half‐Lantern Diplatinum(II) Complexes for Efficient and Stable Deep‐Red Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wen Zhenhua , Xu Yulin , Song Xiu‐Fang , Miao Jingsheng , Zhang Youming , Li Kai , Yang Chuluo
Published: April 2023

A fast radiative decay process for long‐wavelength molecular light‐emitters is vital to achieving a high emission efficiency by outcompeting the nonradiative decay imposed by the energy‐gap law. An ensuing short emission lifetime is also beneficial for fabricating high‐performance organic light‐emitting diodes. Herein a series of half‐lantern dinuclear platinum(II) complexes is reported, which shows high‐efficiency deep red phosphorescence (λem > 660 nm). The molecules are designed to have a cofacially aligned structure featuring short Pt–Pt distances of 2.80–2.83 Å by using 10H‐pyrido[3,2‐b][1,4]benzoxazine (PyXZ) as the rigid bridges, which are revealed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Together with the strong electron‐donating property of PyXZ bridges, the metallophilic interaction endows low‐energy triplet excited states with mixed metal–metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (3MMLCT) and ligand‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (3LLCT) characters. The deep red devices based on the diplatinum(II) complexes show maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) up to 21.8%. The EQE of 19.4% and operational lifetime (LT85) of 334 h (the operational time after which the luminance drops to 85% of the initial value) at a luminance of 1000 cd m−2 promise the pratical use of these complexes.
Water Skin Effect and Arched Double‐Sided Evaporation for Boosting All‐Weather High Salinity Desalination
Authors: Wang Chengbing , Xu Keyuan , Shi Guoliang , Wei Dan
Published: April 2023

High efficiency, long‐term salt rejection, and continuous operation under all‐weather conditions have always been the goals of solar‐driven desalination of high salinity brine. Here, a synergistic strategy of water skin effect and double‐sided evaporation is proposed by an arched evaporator to overcome the above issues. Specifically, a hydrophobic carbon‐fiber cloth (CC) is coated with metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐derived superhydrophilic carbon films, and bent into an arch‐like configuration. Due to unique hydrophobic‐core/hydrophilic‐shell structure, an ultrathin water film (30–150 µm) is confined to the outer layer like skin. Thanks to the water skin effect and coevaporation of outer and inner surfaces, the arched evaporator displays ultrahigh evaporation rate of 3.21 kg m−2 h−1 (3.5 wt% NaCl) and 2.87 kg m−2 h−1 (20 wt% NaCl) under 1 sun illumination. Simultaneously, the free‐flowing water skin with fast convection for salt rejection, ensures stable evaporation performance during the whole day. Additionally, an evaporation rate up to 3.5 kg m−2 h−1 is acquired with only 2.5 V input voltage in a dark environment, attributable to the superior electrothermal effect of CC. The constructed evaporator with all‐in‐one function provides an effective way for commercial, portable photothermal conversion to achieve seawater purification.
Engineering Silicon Interfaces with Transparent AlyTiOx/ZnO/TiO2 Stack Exhibiting Exceptional Passivating Contact Performance
Authors: Shehata Mohamed M. , Bartholazzi Gabriel , Macdonald Daniel H. , Black Lachlan E.
Published: April 2023

Passivating contact technologies are essential for fabricating high‐efficiency crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells, and their application and incorporation into manufacturing lines has ranked as a hot topic of research. Generally, ideal passivating contacts should combine excellent electrical contact, outstanding surface passivation, and high optical transparency. However, addressing all these criteria concurrently is challenging since it is unlikely for any single material to exhibit both efficient carrier transport and surface‐defect passivation while demonstrating negligible parasitic absorption. In this work, several earth‐abundant, wide‐bandgap materials are combined to engineer high‐quality transparent electron‐selective passivating contact structures capable of overcoming these obstacles. A highly transparent AlyTiOx/ZnO/TiO2 stack with a total thickness of 3 nm, prepared by atomic layer deposition, is shown to provide a close‐to‐ideal passivating contact to Si surfaces by enabling dual functions of remarkable silicon surface passivation (with an effective minority carrier lifetime of 12.3 ms, an implied open‐circuit voltage of 730 mV, and a surface recombination current density prefactor of 2.6 fA cm−2), combined with efficient carrier transport with a very low contact resistivity of 3.4 mΩ cm2. These results demonstrate that low‐cost silicon interface‐engineering strategiesbased on transition metal oxides can push c‐Si solar cell performance to its theoretical limits.
Biomass Photoreforming for Hydrogen and Value‐Added Chemicals Co‐Production on Hierarchically Porous Photocatalysts
Authors: Zhao Heng , Liu Jing , Zhong Na , Larter Steve , Li Yu , Kibria Md Golam , Su Bao‐Lian , Chen Zhangxin , Hu Jinguang
Published: April 2023

Biomass, a naturally abundant, sustainable and clean resource has great potential as an alternative to replace the limited fossil feedstock for value‐added chemicals and fuels. Biomass with abundant reductive functional groups could theoretically act as electron donor to consume photogenerated holes and/or active free radicals. Biomass photoreforming over semiconductor photocatalysts using solar light as energy input attracts much attention in this context. However, biomass photoreforming still suffers low conversion efficiency and product selectivity due to its structural complexity, poor solubility and unclear reaction mechanism. Owing to the advanced features of mass diffusion of biomass derivatives and adjustable surface properties, hierarchically porous photocatalysts with desired active sites at each length scale of porosity have shown their superiority in boosting the conversion efficiency and selectivity of biomass photoreforming. Herein, a critical review is presented on selective biomass photoreforming for simultaneous H2 and value‐added chemicals co‐production on hierarchically porous photocatalysts. The fundamentals of biomass photoreforming and current bottleneck of biomass valorization by photocatalytic process are presented and analyzed. The rational photocatalyst design with hierarchically porous structure to improve the biomass conversion and product selectivity by boosting mass transfer is highlighted. Finally the challenges and opportunities for photocatalytic biomass valorization are presented in the perspective ssection.
Minimized Energy Loss at the Buried Interface of p‐i‐n Perovskite Solar Cells via Accelerating Charge Transfer and Forming p–n Homojunction
Authors: Zhang Jiankai , Yu Bo , Sun Yapeng , Yu Huangzhong
Published: April 2023

The energy loss (Eloss) aroused by inefficient charge transfer and large energy level offset at the buried interface of p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) limits their development. In this work, a BF4− anion‐assisted molecular doping (AMD) strategy is first proposed to improve the charge transfer capability of hole transport layers (HTLs) and reduce the energy level offset at the buried interface of PVSCs. The AMD strategy improves the carrier mobility and density of poly[bis(4‐phenyl) (2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) amine] (PTAA) and poly[N,N′‐bis(4‐butilphenyl)‐N,N′‐bis(phenyl)‐benzidine] (Poly‐TPD) HTLs while lowering their Fermi levels. Meanwhile, BF4− anions regulate the crystallization and reduce donor‐type iodine vacancies, resulting in the energetics transformation from n‐type to p‐type on the bottom surface of perovskite film. The faster charge transfer and formed p–n homojunction reduce charge recombination and Eloss at the HTL/perovskite buried interface. The PVSCs utilizing AMD treated PTAA and Poly‐TPD as HTLs demonstrate a highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.26% and 22.65%, along with retaining 90.97% and 85.95% of the initial PCE after maximum power point tracking for 400 h. This work provides an effective way to minimize the Eloss at the buried interface of p‐i‐n PVSCs by accelerating charge transfer and forming p–n homojunctions.
New Zintl Phase Yb10MgSb9 with High Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Borgsmiller Leah , Li Qingyuan , Toriyama Michael Y. , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: April 2023

Yb10MgSb9 is a new Zintl compound (with a composition closer to Yb10.5MgSb9) and a promising thermoelectric material first reported in this work. Undoped Yb10MgSb9 has an ultralow thermal conductivity due to crystallographic complexity and exhibits a relatively high peak p‐type Seebeck coefficient and high electrical resistivity. This is consistent with Zintl counting and density functional theory (DFT) calculations that the composition Yb10.5MgSb9 should be a semiconductor. Na is found experimentally to be an effective p‐type dopant potentially due to the replacement of Na+ for Yb2+, allowing for a significant decrease in electrical resistivity. With doping, a dramatic improvement of electrical conductivity is observed and the glass‐like thermal conductivity remains low, allowing for a significant enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit, zT. Doping increases the zT from 0.23 in undoped Yb10MgSb9 to 1.06 in 7 at% Na‐doped Yb10MgSb9 at 873K. This high thermoelectric performance found through Na‐doping places this material amongst the leading p‐type Zintl thermoelectrics, making it a promising candidate for future studies and high‐temperature thermoelectric applications.
Programmable Design and Fabrication of 3D Variable–Stiffness Structure Based on Patterned Graphene‐Heating Network
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Lvzhou , Lu Xiaolong , Dong Xu , Jiang Peng , Pan Haijun , Liu Yu , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: April 2023

The 3D variable–stiffness structure can realize shape programming, reconstruction, adaptation, and locking, and therefore, it has a wide design creation space. Accurate local stiffness control is of considerable significance to the design and application of 3D variable–stiffness structures although it is challenging. Herein, a 3D variable–stiffness structure realization scheme based on a patterned heating network is introduced. The laser‐engraving and 3D‐printing technologies are combined to obtain a 3D variable–stiffness structure composed of a patterned graphene‐heating network (PGHN) and polylactic acid (PLA). The proposed scheme uses PGHN to accurately control the local stiffness of 3D PLA and realize programmable design and fabrication of 3D variable–stiffness structures. The “torsional structure,” “hexagonal structure,” and “spring” cases are used to elaborate the designability, excellent deformation and reconstruction capacity, and reasonable load bearing capacity of the PGHN/PLA variable–stiffness structure. A pneumatic disc, which is used as a reference for studies on shape control of PGHN/PLA variable–stiffness structures, is designed. Also, a pneumatic robot is designed based on the local stiffness control and shape‐locking function of PGHN/PLA to achieve multimode motion control using a single air source. The PGHN/PLA variable–stiffness structure has potential applications in multimode robots, wearable devices, and deployable structures.
K2S2O8‐induced Dearomative Spirocyclization of Biaryl Ynones with Diselenides toward Selenated Spiro[5.5]trienones
Authors: Yu Lanbin , Peng Yingzhi
Published: April 2023

A metal‐free radical spirocyclization of biaryl ynones with diselenides is developed, providing selenated spiro[5.5]trienones in moderate to good yields. This protocol features broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance and free of an inert atmosphere. Furthermore, the replacement of diselenides with ditellurides is also applicable for this reaction to construct the corresponding tellurium‐substituted spiro[5.5]trienones.
Survival and growth assessment after reintroduction of the pocketbook mussel, Lampsilis cardium Rafinesque, 1820 among three streams in Nebraska (USA)
Authors: Montesanto Federica , Ohlman Lindsay M. , Pegg Mark A.
Published: April 2023

Freshwater mussels are a globally diverse and fundamental group in aquatic ecosystems. However, 65% of freshwater mussel species have become endangered over the past century and 10% of them are already extinct. Natural population preservation and restoration efforts have been expedited, but the complicated life history of this taxon presents many challenges since species‐specific ecology involved in restoration projects is often poorly understood.

Lampsilis cardium is an imperilled freshwater mussel in Nebraska, USA. A reintroduction project has been carried out to restore L. cardium populations among three streams in Nebraska, during autumn 2016 and summer 2017. A 2‐year mark–recapture study was used to determine habitat, timing and size‐at‐introduction effects on mussel survival and growth following introduction. Water quality and habitat parameters were seasonally recorded from each site to assess potential effects on mussel growth and survival.

The highest daily growth rates of L. cardium ranged between 145 and 185 μm d−1, whereas the lowest daily growth rates observed were ∼88–107 μm d−1, with the greater rate of shell growth always recorded for those individuals introduced in spring and lower for those individuals introduced in summer or autumn. Survival models indicated that mussels were most susceptible to mortality immediately following introduction in spring, whereas size at introduction had almost no effect on survival. At each site, habitat parameter measurements recorded during different seasons indicated that calcium availability, water temperatures, water depth and water quality may contribute to differences in growth and survival rates.

Survival rate estimation and population growth predictions are essential knowledge to understand population dynamics; this study provides useful information and a framework for management decisions that may influence L. cardium population dynamics, such as identifying more suitable habitats and introduction times not only for this species but also other similar unionids.
Quasars as high‐redshift standard candles
Authors: Risaliti G. , Lusso E. , Nardini E. , Bargiacchi G. , Bisogni S. , Sacchi A. , Signorini M. , Trefoloni B.
Published: April 2023

In the past few years, we built a Hubble diagram of quasars up to redshift , based on the nonlinear relation between quasars' x‐ray and UV luminosities. Such a Hubble diagram shows a deviation from the standard flat CDM model at . Given the important consequences of this result, it is fundamental to rule out any systematic effect in the selection of the sample and/or in the flux measurements, and to investigate possible redshift dependences of the relation, that would invalidate the use of quasars as standard candles. Here we review all the observational results supporting our method: the match of the Hubble diagram of quasars with that of supernovae in the common redshift range, the constant slope of the relation at all redshifts, the redshift non‐evolution of the spectral properties of our sources both in the x‐rays and in the UV. An independent test of our results requires the observation of other standard candles at high redshift. In particular, we expect that future observations of supernovas at will confirm the deviation from the concordance model found with the Hubble diagram of quasars.
Untersuchung von Dunstabzugssystemen in Wohnküchen
Authors: Bräunlich Kristin , Bruns Alfred , Hartmann Thomas , Broege Martina , Schwede Steffen , Kaufmann Berthold , Rüschen Kai , Zönnchen Enrico
Published: April 2023

Angesichts der aktuellen Ereignisse wird einmal mehr bewusst, dass Energieeffizienz und damit die Reduktion des Energiebedarfs der Schlüssel zur dauerhaften Unabhängigkeit von fossilen Energieträgern ist. Energieeffizienz am Gebäude beginnt dabei schon bei den einzelnen Komponenten. In einem aktuellen Forschungsvorhaben zu Dunstabzugssystemen in Wohnküchen konnten wesentliche Einsparpotenziale für diesen Bereich noch einmal beleuchtet werden.

Der Energieverbrauch von Abluftdunstabzugssystemen ergibt sich im Wesentlichen aus der Summe der Lüftungswärmeverluste durch den Abluftvolumenstrom (insbesondere ohne Wärmerückgewinnung) während des Kochvorgangs bzw. der Betriebszeit der Dunstabzugshaube und den Infiltrationsverlusten durch undichte Abluftklappen sowie Wärmebrückeneffekte, welche vor allem außerhalb der Betriebszeit wirksam sind.

Leckagemessungen an Abluftklappen (Mauerkästen) zeigten auf, wie hoch die Infiltration und damit der dauerhafte Luftaustausch bei marktüblichen Systemen tatsächlich sind. Außerdem wurden Versuche zur Ermittlung der Wrasenerfassung durchgeführt. Mit einem standardisierten Verfahren zur Ermittlung der Wrasenerfassung ließe sich die tatsächliche energetische Performance der Dunstabzugssysteme aufzeigen und damit die Kaufentscheidung der Endkunden hin zu effizienteren und geeigneteren Lösungen lenken.
Structure, function, and evolution of the metal‐binding domain in the nucleosome
Authors: Saavedra Raul A.
Published: April 2023

The eukaryotic nucleosome, the basic unit of chromatin, is thermodynamically stable and plays critical roles in the cell, including the maintenance of DNA topology and regulation of gene expression. At its C2 axis of symmetry, the nucleosome exhibits a domain that can coordinate divalent metal ions. This article discusses the roles of the metal‐binding domain in the nucleosome structure, function, and evolution.
Symptomatic benefit of momelotinib in patients with myelofibrosis: Results from the SIMPLIFY phase III studies
Authors: Mesa Ruben A. , Hudgens Stacie , Floden Lysbeth , Harrison Claire N. , Palmer Jeanne , Gupta Vikas , McLornan Donal P. , McMullin Mary F. , Kiladjian Jean‐Jaques , Foltz Lynda , Platzbecker Uwe , Fox M. Laura , Mead Adam J. , Ross David M. , Oh Stephen T. , Perkins Andrew , Leahy Michael F. , Deheshi Samineh , Donahue Rafe , Klencke Barbara J. , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: April 2023

Background

Myelofibrosis (MF)‐associated constitutional symptoms can severely impact health‐related quality of life. Clinical trials in MF traditionally measure symptom response to treatment as a landmark endpoint of total symptom score (TSS) reduction ≥50% from baseline. However, this dichotomous assessment provides a limited view of clinically relevant symptomatic changes. Herein we evaluated longitudinal change from baseline in TSS over the continuous 24‐week period and individual symptom scores to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of symptom benefits experienced by patients with MF receiving therapy.

Methods

Longitudinal symptom change was evaluated using mixed‐effect model repeated measure (MMRM) methodology with individual item‐level analyses to complement the interpretation of the landmark symptom results in the completed phase III SIMPLIFY studies of momelotinib in MF. MMRM compared mean change in TSS from baseline with Week 24 using data from all patient visits. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate item‐level odds ratios using multiple predictive imputations for missing data.

Results

Momelotinib and ruxolitinib groups reported similar overall symptom improvements, with a TSS difference of <1.5 points between groups for each post‐baseline visit in SIMPLIFY‐1. In SIMPLIFY‐2, the improvement in TSS observed in momelotinib‐treated patients was consistent with that observed in SIMPLIFY‐1, whereas progressive TSS deterioration was observed with control. Item‐level scores were heterogeneous in both studies. A similar and greater proportion of momelotinib‐treated patients were categorized as “improved” or “stable” compared with control in SIMPLIFY‐1 and SIMPLIFY‐2, respectively. Odds ratios for between‐group comparison ranged from 0.75 to 1.21 in SIMPLIFY‐1, demonstrating similarity in likelihood of symptom improvement. In SIMPLIFY‐2, the likelihood of symptom improvement in each item was higher in the momelotinib arm.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that momelotinib provides clinically relevant symptom benefits in the JAK inhibitor‐naïve and JAK inhibitor‐exposed settings.
Phytochemical Compounds of Euphorbia bivonae Extract and Their Cytotoxicity Effects on the Lethality of Brine Shrimp Artemia salina and Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) Cells
Authors: Enneb Hanen , Athmouni Khaled , Thabet Rahma , Ayadi Habib
Published: April 2023

In this research article, we investigated the effect of Euphorbia bivonae extract compounds on the lethality of brine shrimp Artemia salina and on embryonic cell lines (HEK293) proliferation. Our GC/MS analysis revealed that the E. bivonae ethanolic extract contained essentially sitosterol, euphol, and lupeol. The 24‐h LC50 was determined using the probit analysis method (LC50=357.11 mg l−1). Depending on this cytotoxicity test result, E. bivona extract induced a significant increase in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione‐Peroxidase (GPx) activities, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in A. salina larvae. In addition, the cytotoxicity effect of this extract had proved against the HEK293 cell lines in vitro. We suggest that the three compounds of E. bivonae extract (sitosterol, euphol, and lupeol) are the most responsible for this cytotoxicity. The possible application of this extract as an alternative natural antiproliferative is considered.
EDTA‐induced pseudothrombocytopenia in hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Tsubokura Misato , Kojima Minoru , Nakabayashi Saori , Takahashi Noriko , Takeuchi Sayaka , Aruga Yu , Ikeda Chiaki , Maezawa Naoki , Okazaki Koji , Uchida Sanshiro , Watanabe Mizuki , Aoki Jun , Ito Ayumu , Tanaka Takashi , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Kim Sung‐Won , Matsushita Hiromichi , Fukuda Takahiro
Published: April 2023

We herein report a case of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) involving a donor with EDTA‐induced pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP). The apheresis product was inspected for 24 h and there was no platelet clumping or thrombocytopenia. In the first 14 months after PBSCT, there has been no transfer of PTCP symptoms.
Enantioselective Sequential Catalytic Arylation‐Fukuyama Cross‐coupling of 1,1‐Biszincioalkane Linchpins
Authors: Banchini Federico , Leroux Baptiste , Le Gall Erwan , Presset Marc , Jackowski Olivier , Chemla Fabrice , Perez‐Luna Alejandro
Published: April 2023

1,1‐Bis(iodozincio)alkanes are used as dinucleophilic linchpins in an enantioselective double cross‐coupling reaction sequence involving aryl iodides and then thioesters. The two catalytic C−C bond‐forming reactions are achieved in the same pot through two distinct palladium‐based catalytic systems: a first non‐enantioselective one delivering configurationally labile secondary benzylzinc species from an achiral precursor, and a second enantioconvergent one that operates a highly efficient dynamic kinetic resolution of the racemic intermediates. This strategy, new in the area of asymmetric synthesis through two consecutive electrophilic substitution reactions of geminated C(sp3)‐organodimetallics, provides useful methodology to access in a modular fashion acyclic α‐disubstituted ketone products with very high enantiomeric purity.
Formal [2+1] Cycloadditions of a Metallacyclopentadiene Unit with Alkynes: Constructing Tetracyclic Conjugated Frameworks with Bridgehead Metals
Authors: Chu Zhenwei , Li Jinhua , Chen Dafa , Lu Zhengyu , Meng Weiran , Luo Ming , Xia Haiping
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Metallacyclopentadienes play a vital role in transition‐metal mediated and catalyzed cycloaddition reactions of alkynes. Though versatile reactions of metallacyclopentadienes with alkynes have been disclosed, [2+1] cycloadditions of metallacyclopentadienes and alkynes have never been discovered. In present work, we report the formal [2+1] cycloadditions of a metallacyclopentadiene unit with a broad scope of commercial alkynes, providing a facile strategy to construct tetracyclic conjugated compounds. The deuterated experiment indicates a metal vinylidene intermediate has been involved in [2+1] cycloaddition. Moreover, the electrophilic substitution reaction of the tetracyclic conjugated compound with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculated Fukui functions is investigated. These tetracyclic conjugated compounds exhibit broad absorption spectra in the whole visible region which could be employed as potential photovoltaic materials.
A verified and validated moving domain computational fluid dynamics solver with applications to cardiovascular flows
Authors: Kjeldsberg Henrik A. , Sundnes Joakim , Valen‐Sendstad Kristian
Published: April 2023

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in combination with patient‐specific medical images has been used to correlate flow phenotypes with disease initiation, progression and outcome, in search of a prospective clinical tool. A large number of CFD software packages are available, but are typically based on rigid domains and low‐order finite volume methods, and are often implemented in massive low‐level C++ libraries. Furthermore, only a handful of solvers have been appropriately verified and validated for their intended use. Our goal was to develop, verify and validate an open‐source CFD solver for moving domains, with applications to cardiovascular flows. The solver is an extension of the CFD solver Oasis, which is based on the finite element method and implemented using the FEniCS open source framework. The new solver, named OasisMove, extends Oasis by expressing the Navier–Stokes equations in the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation, which is suitable for handling moving domains. For code verification we used the method of manufactured solutions for a moving 2D vortex problem, and for validation we compared our results against existing high‐resolution simulations and laboratory experiments for two moving domain problems of varying complexity. Verification results showed that the error followed the theoretical convergence rates. The temporal accuracy was second‐order, while the spatial accuracy was second‐ and third‐order using and finite elements, respectively. Validation results showed good agreement with existing benchmark results, by reproducing lift and drag coefficients with less than 1% error, and demonstrating the solver's ability to capture vortex patterns in transitional and turbulent‐like flow regimes. In conclusion, we have shown that OasisMove is an open‐source, accurate and reliable solver for cardiovascular flows in moving domains.