bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanadyl Phosphates AxVOPO4 (A = Li, Na, K) as Multielectron Cathodes for Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chernova Natasha A. , Hidalgo Marc Francis V. , Kaplan Carol , Lee Krystal , Buyuker Isiksu , Siu Carrie , Wen Bohua , Ding Jia , Zuba Mateusz , Wiaderek Kamila M. , Seymour Ieuan D. , Britto Sylvia , Piper Louis F. J. , Ong Shyue Ping , Chapman Karena W. , Grey Clare P. , Whittingham M. Stanley
Published: October 2020

Vanadyl phosphates comprise a class of multielectron cathode materials capable of cycling two Li+, about 1.66 Na+, and some K+ ions per redox center. In this review, structures, thermodynamic stabilities, and ion diffusion kinetics of various AxVOPO4 (A = Li, Na, K, NH4) polymorphs are discussed. Both the experimental data and first‐principle calculations indicate kinetic limitations for alkali metal ions cycling, especially between for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, and metastability of phases with x > 1. This creates challenges for multiple‐ion cycling, as the slow kinetics call for nanosized particles, which being metastable and reactive with organic electrolytes are prone to side reactions. Thus, various synthesis approaches, surface coating, and transition metal ion substitution strategies are discussed here as possible ways to stabilize AxVOPO4 structures and improve alkali metal ion diffusion. The role of advanced characterization techniques, such as X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, diffraction, pair distribution function analysis and 7Li and 31P NMR, in understanding the reaction mechanism from both structural and electronic points of view is emphasized.
A Fully Functional Universal Self‐Chargeable Power Module for Portable/Wearable Electronics and Self‐Powered IoT Applications
Authors: Maharjan Pukar , Bhatta Trilochan , Cho Hyunok , Hui Xue , Park Chani , Yoon Sanghyuk , Salauddin Md , Rahman Muhammad Toyabur , Rana SM Sohel , Park Jae Y.
Published: October 2020

Realization of self‐charging, miniaturized, portable, high output, and sustainable energy harvesting devices with wide application areas and good storage under a realistic environment remains a challenge. Herein, a universal self‐chargeable power module (USPM) is presented that can efficiently harvest human bio‐mechanical energy, ocean wave blue energy, and automobile vibration energy. By implementing a multiple spring‐based mechanical coupling design, the hybrid electromagnetic‐triboelectric generator shows high performance despite miniaturization under very low acceleration (≤1 g) and low frequency (≤6 Hz) vibration. The electromagnetic performance is further optimized by using a soft magnetic material‐based flux concentrator while electrospun nanofibers enhance the triboelectric performance. The USPM is a compactly designed device including a power management circuit, a battery charging circuit, built‐in rechargeable storage, and a USB‐C outlet, providing a direct current power of maximum 34.11 mW. Experimental results show remarkable performance in the context of harvesting biomechanical energy from walking, running, cycling and demonstrates real‐time charging of smartphones, earbuds, and smart bands. Similarly, it demonstrates the capability of harvesting blue energy and powering a wireless water health monitoring system using a polyaniline/laser‐induced graphene/polydimethylsiloxane based pH sensor. Moreover, it successfully scavenges automobile vibration energy and demonstrates a self‐powered wireless in‐car environment monitoring system.
A phase 1b study of once‐weekly carfilzomib combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Alsina Melissa , Landgren Ola , Raje Noopur , Niesvizky Ruben , Bensinger William I. , Berdeja Jesus G. , Kovacsovics Tibor , Vesole David H. , Fang Belle , Kimball Amy S. , Siegel David S.
Published: October 2020

Twice‐weekly carfilzomib with lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (Rd) is an effective regimen for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Here we evaluated once‐weekly carfilzomib with Rd (once‐weekly KRd) in NDMM patients. The NDMM patients were enrolled regardless of transplant eligibility. Patients received carfilzomib on days 1, 8, and 15; lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1‐21; and dexamethasone 40 mg on carfilzomib days (also day 22 for cycles 1‐8) for ≤18, 28‐day cycles. Enrollment initiated in a carfilzomib 20/70 mg/m2 (20 mg/m2 on cycle one, day 1; 70 mg/m2 thereafter) NDMM dose‐expansion arm, which was suspended because of serious adverse events. After evaluation of dose‐limiting toxicities in a two‐step‐up dose‐evaluation cohort, an NDMM dose‐expansion arm (carfilzomib 20/56 mg/m2) was opened. Fifty‐one NDMM patients were enrolled in dose‐finding and dose‐expansion cohorts. Results are presented for the carfilzomib 56 mg/m2 NDMM dose‐expansion arm (n = 33). The grade ≥ 3 treatment‐emergent AE (TEAE) rate was 63.6%. Twenty‐five patients underwent stem cell collection; 18 proceeded to auto stem cell transplant, and five resumed KRd on study after autoSCT. The overall response rate (ORR) based on best overall response by cycle four was 97.0% (≥very good partial response [VGPR], 69.7%) in the NDMM 20/56 mg/m2 cohort. In patients who did not receive autoSCT (n = 15), the median number of cycles was 16.0; ORR was 93.3% (≥VGPR, 80.0%). At a median follow‐up of 8.1 months, median progression‐free survival was not reached. Once‐weekly KRd (carfilzomib 56 mg/m2) had a favorable safety profile and promising activity in NDMM, supporting the use of this regimen in this setting.
Effect of Azobenzene Regioisomerism on Intrinsically Curved Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Tamaki Kenta , Datta Sougata , Tashiro Keigo , Isobe Atsushi , Silly Fabien , Yagai Shiki
Published: October 2020

Supramolecular polymerization of two regioisomeric naphthalene‐azobenzene dyads bearing barbituric acid and tri(dodecyloxy)phenyl units were studied in nonpolar solvent. Supramolecular polymers of the two compounds differ considerably in their topologies. While the isomer of which azobenzene unit was introduced along to its longer molecular axis formed randomly coiled supramolecular polymers with intrinsic curvature, the other of which azobenzene unit was introduced along to its shorter molecular axis formed linearly extended supramolecular polymers. Furthermore, due to their different degrees of geometrical changes accompanied with photoisomerization of the azobenzene unit, only the former showed a large topological change upon photo‐irradiation. The different structural and photoresponsive properties can be attributed to the distinct geometries of supermacrocyclic hydrogen‐bonded intermediates (rosettes).
Impact of non‐pharmaceutical interventions for the COVID‐19 pandemic on emergency department patient trends in Japan: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Sekine Ichiro , Uojima Haruki , Koyama Hiroshi , Kamio Tadashi , Sato Morihiko , Yamamoto Tadatsugu , Fukaguchi Kiyomitsu , Fukui Hiroyuki , Yamagami Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Aim

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic massively impacted emergency department (ED) visits. The unavailability of specific therapies or vaccines has made non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) an alternative strategy for COVID‐19. We assessed the impact of NPIs (nationwide school closures and state of emergency) on ED visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective study compared the trends in ED visits from 1 January to 25 May, 2020 (during the pandemic) with the average during 2015–2019 (before the pandemic). The primary end‐point was the change in the number of ED visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic with those from before the pandemic, with the NPI application stratified across four periods in 2020: Period 0 (1–15 January), no COVID‐19 cases detected in Japan; Period I (16 January–1 March), initial COVID‐19 outbreak; Period II (2 March–15 April), nationwide school closures; Period III (16 April–25 May), state of emergency.

Results

Compared with before the pandemic, the number of walk‐in ED visits significantly decreased by 23.1%, 12.4%, and 24.0% (4,047 versus 3,111; 3,211 versus 2,813; and 3,384 versus 2,573; P < 0.001 for all) in Periods I, II, and III, respectively. The number of ambulance ED visits during the pandemic significantly increased by 8.3% in Period I (1,814 versus 1,964, P = 0.002), whereas there was no significant change in Periods II and III with 2.7% and −3.1% (1,547 versus 1,589 and 1,389 versus 1,346; P = 0.335 and P = 0.284, respectively).

Conclusions

The application of an NPI during the COVID‐19 pandemic could have significantly reduced patient attendance in the ED.
Atomic‐Level Modulation of Electronic Density at Cobalt Single‐Atom Sites Derived from Metal–Organic Frameworks: Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Performance
Authors: Chen Yuanjun , Gao Rui , Ji Shufang , Li Haijing , Tang Kun , Jiang Peng , Hu Haibo , Zhang Zedong , Hao Haigang , Qu Qingyun , Liang Xiao , Chen Wenxing , Dong Juncai , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: October 2020

Demonstrated here is the correlation between atomic configuration induced electronic density of single‐atom Co active sites and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance by combining density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations and electrochemical analysis. Guided by DFT calculations, a MOF‐derived Co single‐atom catalyst with the optimal Co1‐N3PS active moiety incorporated in a hollow carbon polyhedron (Co1‐N3PS/HC) was designed and synthesized. Co1‐N3PS/HC exhibits outstanding alkaline ORR activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.920 V and superior ORR kinetics with record‐level kinetic current density and an ultralow Tafel slope of 31 mV dec−1, exceeding that of Pt/C and almost all non‐precious ORR electrocatalysts. In acidic media the ORR kinetics of Co1‐N3PS/HC still surpasses that of Pt/C. This work offers atomic‐level insight into the relationship between electronic density of the active site and catalytic properties, promoting rational design of efficient catalysts.
Room‐Temperature Bistability in a Ni–Fe Chain: Electron Transfer Controlled by Temperature, Pressure, Light, and Humidity
Authors: Reczyński Mateusz , Pinkowicz Dawid , Nakabayashi Koji , Näther Christian , Stanek Jan , Kozieł Marcin , Kalinowska‐Tłuścik Justyna , Sieklucka Barbara , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi , Nowicka Beata
Published: October 2020

Bistable and stimuli‐responsive molecule‐based materials are promising candidates for the development of molecular switches and sensors for future technologies. The CN‐bridged {NH4[Ni(cyclam)][Fe(CN)6]⋅5 H2O}n chain exists in two valence states: NiII‐FeIII (1HT) and NiIII‐FeII (1LT) and shows unique multiresponsivity under ambient conditions to various stimuli, including temperature, pressure, light, and humidity, which generate measurable response in the form of significant changes in magnetic susceptibility and color. The electron‐transfer phase transition 1LT↔1HT shows room‐temperature thermal hysteresis, can be induced by irradiation, and shows high sensitivity to small applied pressure, which shifts it to higher temperatures. Additionally, it can be reversibly turned off by dehydration to the {NH4[NiII(cyclam)][FeIII(CN)6]}n (1 d) phase, which features the NiII‐FeIII valence state over the whole temperature range, but responds to pressure by yielding NiIII‐FeII above 1.06 GPa.
Electrosynthesis of Nitrate via the Oxidation of Nitrogen on Tensile‐Strained Palladium Porous Nanosheets
Authors: Han Shuhe , Wang Changhong , Wang Yuting , Yu Yifu , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2020

Nitrate is one of the essential raw ingredients in agriculture and industry. The electrochemical nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) is promising to replace the conventional nitrate synthesis industry with high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission. Here, tensile‐strained palladium porous nanosheets (Pd‐s PNSs) were prepared. They exhibited enhanced activity for electrochemical NOR at ambient conditions, greatly outperforming Pd nanosheets. 15N isotope labeling experiments proved that nitrate originated from nitrogen oxidation. Combining electrochemical in situ Raman and FTIR spectroscopy with density functional calculations, it was revealed that the tensile strain could facilitate the formation of NOR active species of PdO2, leading to high activity.
Molecular dynamics study on the dissolution behaviors of poly(vinyl acetate)‐polyether block copolymers in supercritical CO2
Authors: Gong Houjian , Gui Wenyu , Zhang Hao , Lv Wei , Xu Long , Li Yajun , Dong Mingzhe
Published: October 2020

Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) could be dissolved in CO2 at a high pressure, which limits its application. In this work, the PVAc‐polyether block copolymers were constructed by introducing the CO2‐philic blocks poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) into the PVAc molecules to increase the solubility of these polymers in supercritical CO2 (scCO2). The dissolution behaviors of PVAc‐polyether copolymers with different structures in scCO2 were investigated by the molecular dynamic simulation methods. First, the cohesive energy and solubility parameters of PVAc, PVAc‐PEO, and PVAc‐PPO copolymers were analyzed. Moreover, the mechanism of PVAc‐polyether copolymers dissolving in CO2 was investigated. The results show that PVAc‐PPO molecules have a higher solubility in CO2 because they have lower polymer–polymer and higher polymer‐CO2 interactions than PVAc and PVAc‐PEO. Among the three structures of PVAc‐PPO molecules, PVAc‐PPO‐PVAc (VPV) has a highest solubility in CO2. Therefore, the molecular composition and structure have greatly influences on the interactions of polymer and CO2.
Graphene/nanorubber reinforced electrically conductive epoxy composites with enhanced toughness
Authors: Wang Shuo , Xue Hongqian , Guo Shuang , Cao Meng , Cong Fanglin , Araby Sherif , Meng Qingshi
Published: October 2020

Graphene platelets (electrically conductive 2D filler) and rubber nanoparticles (0D soft filler) can work together to develop electrically conductive and toughened epoxy composite adhesives. In this study, complementing effect between graphene platelets (GnPs) and rubber nanoparticles (RnPs) within an epoxy matrix is reported. In the 3‐phase composite adhesive, the 2D graphene platelets form global conductive network and rubber nanoparticles provide a viscoelastic phase inside the epoxy, both complementing each other to develop electrically conductive and toughened epoxy composite adhesives. Fracture toughness (K1c) and critical strain energy release rate (G1c) of the epoxy were augmented by 422% and 872%, respectively by adding 1 wt% RnPs and it recorded electrical percolation threshold at 0.78 vol% GnP. Also, the Young's modulus and strength of epoxy/1 wt% RnP composite were promoted from 1.57 to 2.32 GPa when 1 wt% GnP is added. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to investigate the toughening mechanism of epoxy/RnP/GnP and epoxy/GnP composites. Lap shear strength tests on epoxy composite adhesives confirm the reinforcement effect of GnPs and toughness effect of RnPs.
Soluble network polymers based on trifluoropropyl‐substituted open‐cage silsesquioxane: Synthesis, properties, and application for surface modifiers
Authors: Li Lina , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: October 2020

Fluorinated completely condensed polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (F‐CC‐POSSs) are widely utilized as surface modifiers for polymeric materials because of their polyhedral and fluorine‐rich structures, which generate polymers with lower surface energies under molecular‐level control. In contrast, their derivatives, fluorinated incompletely condensed or open‐cage POSSs (F‐IC‐POSSs), have similarly intriguing structures, but their utilization for polymer synthesis remains undeveloped. Herein, fluorinated network polymers were prepared based on a 3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl‐substituted IC‐POSSs via hydrosilylation polymerization with isobutyl‐ and phenyl‐substituted IC‐POSS under optimized conditions. In addition to their good thermal stability and tunable refractive indices, these polymers exhibited solution processability and their casting films showed excellent optical transparency, indicating their potential for constructing fluorinated polymers. Their utilization as surface modifiers was examined by addition to poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) films. Intriguingly, modified PMMA films with 2.0 and 0.5 wt% addition showed similar hydrophobicity and surface energies to the films prepared with only fluorinated network polymers.
On the use of cellulose nanowhisker as reinforcement in all‐cellulose composite membrane from corn stalk
Authors: Wu Lishun , Tian Fangjun , Sun Junfen
Published: October 2020

All‐cellulose composite (ACC) membranes were prepared with cellulose and cellulose nano whisker (CNW) extracted from corn stalk by using NaOH/thiourea as solvent. CNW was isolated via acid hydrolysis method and the yield, size distribution and morphology of CNW were investigated. ACC Membranes were characterized via SEM, XRD, TGA as well as water flux and were further plasticized with glycerol aqueous solution. The mechanical property and transparency of ACC membranes before and after plasticization were compared. CNW prepared with 63% sulfuric acid for 60 min of hydrolysis time had the biggest ratio of length to diameter and moderate yield. ACC membrane with 5% CNW content had the highest tensile strength and the structure of ACC membranes was observed clearly in SEM images. TGA testing indicated that the initial degradation temperature tended to lower after CNW was introduced into membrane. ACC membrane had good optical transmittance and good flexibility after plasticization.
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the north‐western Adriatic Sea: Spatial distribution and effects of trawling
Authors: Bonizzoni Silvia , Furey Nathan B. , Bearzi Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Many species and populations of odontocetes have modified their behaviour to take advantage of feeding opportunities provided by fishing activities, with depredation of fishing gear being the most common type of adaptation.

The northern Adriatic Sea has been identified as an important marine mammal area because of a regular occurrence of common bottlenose dolphins. Boat surveys were conducted within a 3,000 km2sector of the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Veneto, Italy, between April and October 2018–2019. Based on 76 days at sea, 10,711 km of navigation, and 81 h 26 min of dolphin tracking, this study contributes novel quantitative information on dolphin spatial distribution, and on their occurrence in the wake of beam trawlers, otter trawlers, and midwater pair trawlers.

A combined generalized additive model and generalized estimation equation framework indicated that trawling—along with other physiographic, biological and anthropogenic variables—influenced dolphin distribution. In days of trawling, the chance of encountering dolphins increased by ~4.5 times (95% confidence interval 1.8–11.0) near active beam trawlers, by ~16.0 times (7.1–36.0) near otter trawlers, and by ~28.9 times (12.0–69.6) near midwater pair trawlers.

Spatial modelling was used to create maps of predicted distribution, suggesting differences in habitat use between trawling and no‐trawling days. Spatial modelling for all days identified a dolphin distribution hotspot of 832 km2, situated off the Po river delta.

Evidence contributed by this study can be used to inform management action within one of the world's areas most heavily impacted by fishing and other human encroachment. Such management action would help enforce the European Union's Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive, while also informing EU's Maritime Spatial Planning.
Mitochondrial evolution in the entomopathogenic fungal genus Beauveria
Authors: Glare Travis , Campbell Matt , Biggs Patrick , Winter David , Durrant Abigail , McKinnon Aimee , Cox Murray
Published: October 2020

Species in the fungal genus Beauveria are pathogens of invertebrates and have been commonly used as the active agent in biopesticides. After many decades with few species described, recent molecular approaches to classification have led to over 25 species now delimited. Little attention has been given to the mitochondrial genomes of Beauveria but better understanding may led to insights into the nature of species and evolution in this important genus. In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of four new strains belonging to Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria caledonica and Beauveria malawiensis, and compared them to existing mitochondrial sequences of related fungi. The mitochondrial genomes of Beauveria ranged widely from 28,806 to 44,135 base pairs, with intron insertions accounting for most size variation and up to 39% (B. malawiensis) of the mitochondrial length due to introns in genes. Gene order of the common mitochondrial genes did not vary among the Beauveria sequences, but variation was observed in the number of transfer ribonucleic acid genes. Although phylogenetic analysis using whole mitochondrial genomes showed, unsurprisingly, that B. bassiana isolates were the most closely related to each other, mitochondrial codon usage suggested that some B. bassiana isolates were more similar to B. malawiensis and B. caledonica than the other B. bassiana isolates analyzed.
Protective effect of corynoline in a murine allergic rhinitis model via inhibition of caspase‐1/NF‐κB
Authors: Wei Li , Ren Dan , Zhao Guna , Zhao Lin
Published: October 2020

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a serious public health concern worldwide. Therefore, the present study was conducted to scrutinize the protective effect of corynoline (COR) against ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced AR in BALB/c mice. The effect of COR was investigated on various parameters, such as nose‐rub score, histamine intensity, level of cytokines, and NF‐κB binding activity. It was found that COR causes a significant reduction in the nose‐rub score with a reduction in histamine intensity. It also causes reductions in cytokines, such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and MIP‐2, in comparison to OVA‐challenged mice. COR reduces the gene expression of active caspase‐1 in Western blot analysis, together with inhibition of NF‐κB binding activity. The inhibitory effect on NF‐κB binding was further substantiated by docking analysis, where COR excellently docked into the active site of NF‐κB via the creation of H‐bond and π–cation interactions with Lys145. Taken altogether, our results demonstrated that COR could be used as a potential therapeutic agent against AR.
Facile development of photochromic cellulose acetate transparent nanocomposite film immobilized with lanthanide‐doped pigment: ultraviolet blocking, superhydrophobic, and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Khattab Tawfik A. , El‐Naggar Mehrez E. , Abdelrahman Meram S. , Aldalbahi Ali , Hatshan Mohammad Rafe
Published: October 2020

Smart photochromic and fluorescent products can respond to an external stimulus by changing their colour and emission spectra with light. Here, we developed a simple formulation of an organic–inorganic nanocomposite photoluminescent cellulose acetate (CA) film based on immobilization of a lanthanide‐doped pigment. Strontium aluminium oxide pigment doped with Eu2+and Dy3+(SAOED) exhibits an optimal excitation wavelength at 365 nm. For better fabrication of the multifunctional colourless pigment–cellulose acetate composites (CA–SAOED), the lanthanide‐doped colourant must be well‐dispersed physically without agglomeration. The fabricated photoluminescence cellulose film exhibited an excitation peak at 436 nm and two fluorescence peaks at 494 and 524 nm. The findings revealed that the originated nanocomposite films demonstrated improved superhydrophobic activity, high ultraviolet light protection and enhanced antibacterial activity without adversely influencing its native physico‐mechanical characteristics. The films demonstrated fast and reversible photochromic responsiveness without fatigue during ultraviolet light irradiation.
Validated HPLC‐UV method for simultaneous quantification of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitors, copanlisib, duvelisib and idelalisib, in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats
Authors: Siddesh Anup , Sriram Dhurvu , Zakkula Ashok , Kumar Rajnish , Dittakavi Sreekanth , Zainuddin Mohd , Trivedi Ravi Kumar , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: October 2020

Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors are a novel class of anticancer drugs that are approved to treat various malignancies. We report the development and validation of a HPLC method for the simultaneous quantitation of three PI3K inhibitors, namely copanlisib, duvelisib and idelalisib, in rat plasma as per the regulatory guidelines of the United States Food and Drug Administration. The method involves extraction of copanlisib, duvelisib and idelalisib along with an internal standard (IS; filgotinib) from rat plasma (100 μL) using a liquid–liquid extraction process. The chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved using step‐wise gradient elution on a Hypersil Gold C18 column. The UV detection wavelength was set at λmax = 280 nm. Copanlisib, duvelisib, idelalisib and the IS eluted at 7.16, 12.6, 11.9 and 9.86 min, respectively, with a total run time of 15 min. The calibration curve ranged from 50 to 5000 ng/mL for all the analytes. Inter‐ and intra‐day precision and accuracy, stability studies, dilution integrity and incurred sample reanalysis were investigated for all three analytes, and the results met the acceptance criteria. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.
A study on EEG feature extraction and classification in autistic children based on singular spectrum analysis method
Authors: Zhao Jie , Song Jiajia , Li Xiaoli , Kang Jiannan
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The clinical diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) depends on rating scale evaluation, which introduces subjectivity. Thus, objective indicators of ASD are of great interest to clinicians. In this study, we sought biomarkers from resting‐state electroencephalography (EEG) data that could be used to accurately distinguish children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children.

Methods

We recorded resting‐state EEG from 46 children with ASD and 63 age‐matched TD children aged 3 to 5 years. We applied singular spectrum analysis (SSA) to the EEG sequences to eliminate noise components and accurately extract the alpha rhythm.

Results

When we used individualized alpha peak frequency (iAPF) and individualized alpha absolute power (iABP) as features for a linear support vector machine, ASD versus TD classification accuracy was 92.7%.

Conclusion

This study suggested that our methods have potential to assist in clinical diagnosis.
Regulation of Lipid Bilayer Ion Permeability by Antibacterial Polymethyloxazoline‐Polyethyleneimine Copolymers
Authors: Kozon Dominika , Bednarczyk Piotr , Szewczyk Adam , Jańczewski Dominik
Published: October 2020

Amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers display activity against the outer bacterial cell membrane, triggering various physiological effects. We investigated the regulation of ion transport across the lipid bilayer to understand differences in biological activity for a series of amphiphilic polymethyloxazoline – polyethyleneimine copolymers. The results confirmed that the tested structures were able to increase the permeability of the lipid bilayer (LB) membrane or its rupture. Black lipid membrane (BLM) experiments show that the triggered conductance profile and its character is strongly correlated with the polymer structure and zeta potential. The polymer exhibiting the highest antimicrobial activity promotes ion transport by using a unique mechanism and step‐like characteristics with well‐defined discreet openings and closings. The molecule was incorporated into the membrane in a reproducible way, and the observed channel‐like activity could be responsible for the antibacterial activity of this molecule.
Stepwise Strategy for One‐Pot Synthesis of Single‐Stranded DNA Rings from Multiple Short Fragments
Authors: Sui Zhe , An Ran , Komiyama Makoto , Liang Xingguo
Published: October 2020

Cyclic rings of single‐stranded (ss) DNA have various unique properties, but wider applications have been hampered by their poor availability. This paper reports a convenient one‐pot method in which these rings are efficiently synthesized by using T4 DNA ligase through convergent cyclization of easily available short DNA fragments. The key to the present method is to separate all the splint oligonucleotides into several sets, and add each set sequentially at an appropriate interval to the solutions containing all the short DNA fragments. Compared with simple one‐pot strategies involving simultaneous addition of all the splints at the beginning of the reaction, both the selectivity and the yields of target ssDNA rings are greatly improved. This convergent method is especially useful for preparing large‐sized rings that are otherwise hard to obtain. By starting from six short DNA fragments (71–82 nt), prepared by a DNA synthesizer, a ssDNA ring of 452‐nt size was synthesized in 35 mol % yield and in high selectivity. Satisfactorily pure DNA rings were obtainable simply by treating the crude products with exonuclease.
A suppurated, fistulized lymphadenitis in the neck: The untamed tuberculosis
Authors: Pilaca Arben , Argjiri Dhimitër , Koshovari Iris , Vyshka Gentian
Published: October 2020

Cervical lymphadenopathy is the most frequent form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Even in previously endemic countries where tuberculosis is well controlled, tuberculous lymphadenitis needs to be included in the differential diagnosis.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Spiro[fluorene‐9,9'‐xanthene] Derivatives
Authors: Yuan Hao‐Xuan , Wei Ying , Xie Ling‐Hai , Huang Wei
Published: October 2020

As a novel class of spirofluorenes, spirobifluorene (SBF) and spiro[fluorine‐ 9,9'‐xanthene] derivatives (SFXs) have three‐dimensional conformation, spiro‐conjugation effect, and rigid steric hindrance, which can be widely used in the fields of synthetic chemistry, materials chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. Due to their facile one‐pot synthetic route, and to the variety of molecular designs, SFXs are expected to become new spiro functional materials that replace SBF. In this review, we present the history, development and expansion of SFXs synthesis in one‐pot methods, and the advantages and limitations of one‐pot synthesis are also discussed.
Electro‐ and Photochemical Reduction of CO2 by Molecular Manganese Catalysts: Exploring the Positional Effect of Second‐Sphere Hydrogen‐Bond Donors
Authors: Roy Sayontani Sinha , Talukdar Kallol , Jurss Jonah W.
Published: October 2020

A series of molecular Mn catalysts featuring aniline groups in the second‐coordination sphere has been developed for electrochemical and photochemical CO2 reduction. The arylamine moieties were installed at the 6 position of 2,2’‐bipyridine (bpy) to generate a family of isomers in which the primary amine is located at the ortho‐ (1‐Mn), meta‐ (2‐Mn), or para‐site (3‐Mn) of the aniline ring. The proximity of the second‐sphere functionality to the active site is a critical factor in determining catalytic performance. Catalyst 1‐Mn, possessing the shortest distance between the amine and the active site, significantly outperformed the rest of the series and exhibited a 9‐fold improvement in turnover frequency relative to parent catalyst Mn(bpy)(CO)3Br (901 vs. 102 s−1, respectively) at 150 mV lower overpotential. The electrocatalysts operated with high faradaic efficiencies (≥70 %) for CO evolution using trifluoroethanol as a proton source. Notably, under photocatalytic conditions, a concentration‐dependent shift in product selectivity from CO (at high [catalyst]) to HCO2H (at low [catalyst]) was observed with turnover numbers up to 4760 for formic acid and high selectivities for reduced carbon products.
Formate‐Selective CO2 Electrochemical Reduction with a Hydrogen‐Reduction‐Suppressing Bronze Alloy Hollow‐Fiber Electrode
Authors: Chen Biyu , Xu Jiajie , Zou Jiantao , Liu Defei , Situ Yue , Huang Hong
Published: October 2020

Electroreduction carbon dioxide into formate has been regarded as a hopeful measure to relieve global warming. Copper‐based hollow fibers demonstrated good performances on converting carbon dioxide in previous researches. Herein Cu−Sn alloy hollow fibers were synthesized in an innovative way, combining the structure advantages of hollow fiber and high selectivity towards formate on η′ bronze. Tests under different gas injection conditions were conducted to analyze the contribution of the hollow fiber structure on suppression of hydrogen evolution and promotion on kinetics. Strikingly, Cu−Sn45 % hollow fiber, the optimal catalyst in this work, achieved a highest faradaic efficiency towards formate of 90.96 % at a lower potential of −0.75 V vs. RHE than most non‐noble catalysts, and the FE of H2 was below 4 %.
Low‐volume LC–MS/MS method for the pharmacokinetic investigation of carvedilol, enalapril and their metabolites in whole blood and plasma: Application to a paediatric clinical trial
Authors: Gangnus Tanja , Burckhardt Bjoern B. ,   CARS consortium
Published: October 2020

Evidence‐based pharmacotherapy with carvedilol and enalapril in children suffering from heart failure is insufficient owing to limited pharmacokinetic data. Although a few data sets regarding enalapril, its metabolite enalaprilat and carvedilol in children have been published, pharmacokinetic data on carvedilol metabolites are missing. However, for both drug substances, their active metabolites contribute substantially to drug efficacy. As data can hardly be derived from adults owing to the unknown impacts of enzymatic maturation and ontogeny during childhood, customised assays are important to facilitate paediatric evidence‐based pharmacotherapy. Considering ethical paediatric constraints, a low‐volume liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) assay was developed using whole blood or plasma for the quantification of enalapril, enalaprilat, carvedilol, O‐desmethyl carvedilol, 4‐ and 5‐hydroxyphenyl carvedilol as well as 3‐ and 8‐hydroxy carvedilol. To facilitate broader applications in adults, the elderly and children, a wide calibration range—between 0.024/0.049 and 50.000 ng/ml—was achieved with good linearity (r ≥ 0.995 for all analytes). In compliance with international bioanalytical guidelines, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and internal standard normalised matrix effects were further successfully validated with the exception of those for 3‐hydroxy carvedilol, which was therefore assessed semi‐quantitatively. Distinct haematocrits did not impact matrix effects or recoveries when analysing whole blood. Blood‐to‐plasma ratios were determined for all analytes to form the basis for pharmacokinetic modelling. Finally, incurred sample reanalysis of paediatric samples confirmed the reproducibility of the developed low‐volume LC–MS/MS method during study sample analysis. The assay facilitates the reliable generation of important data and contributes towards a safe drug therapy in children.
From panic to pedagogy: Using online active learning to promote inclusive instruction in ecology and evolutionary biology courses and beyond
Authors: Harris Breanna N. , McCarthy Pumtiwitt C. , Wright April M. , Schutz Heidi , Boersma Kate S. , Shepherd Stephanie L. , Manning Lathiena A. , Malisch Jessica L. , Ellington Roni M.
Published: October 2020

The rapid shift to online teaching in spring 2020 meant most of us were teaching in panic mode. As we move forward with course planning for fall and beyond, we can invest more time and energy into improving the online experience for our students. We advocate that instructors use inclusive teaching practices, specifically through active learning, in their online classes. Incorporating pedagogical practices that work to maximize active and inclusive teaching concepts will be beneficial for all students, and especially those from minoritized or underserved groups. Like many STEM fields, Ecology and Evolution shows achievement gaps and faces a leaky pipeline issue for students from groups traditionally underserved in science. Making online classes both active and inclusive will aid student learning and will also help students feel more connected to their learning, their peers, and their campus. This approach will likely help with performance, retention, and persistence of students. In this paper, we offer broadly applicable strategies and techniques that weave together active and inclusive teaching practices. We challenge instructors to commit to making small changes as a first step to more inclusive teaching in ecology and evolutionary biology courses.
Harvester ant seed removal in an invaded sagebrush ecosystem: Implications for restoration
Authors: Paolini Kelsey E. , Modlin Matthew , Suazo Alexis A. , Pilliod David S. , Arkle Robert S. , Vierling Kerri T. , Holbrook Joseph D.
Published: October 2020

A better understanding of seed movement in plant community dynamics is needed, especially in light of disturbance‐driven changes and investments into restoring degraded plant communities. A primary agent of change within the sagebrush‐steppe is wildfire and invasion by non‐native forbs and grasses, primarily cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Our objectives were to quantify seed removal and evaluate ecological factors influencing seed removal within degraded sagebrush‐steppe by granivorous Owyhee harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex salinus Olsen). In 2014, we sampled 76 harvester ant nests across 11 plots spanning a gradient of cheatgrass invasion (40%–91% cover) in southwestern Idaho, United States. We presented seeds from four plant species commonly used in postfire restoration at 1.5 and 3.0 m from each nest to quantify seed removal. We evaluated seed selection for presented species, monthly removal, and whether biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., distance to nearest nest, temperature) influenced seed removal. Our top model indicated seed removal was positively correlated with nest height, an indicator of colony size. Distance to seeds and cheatgrass canopy cover reduced seed removal, likely due to increased search and handling time. Harvester ants were selective, removing Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) more than any other species presented. We suspect this was due to ease of seed handling and low weight variability. Nest density influenced monthly seed removal, as we estimated monthly removal of 1,890 seeds for 0.25 ha plots with 1 nest and 29,850 seeds for plots with 15 nests. Applying monthly seed removal to historical restoration treatments across the western United States showed harvester ants can greatly reduce seed availability at degraded sagebrush sites; for instance, fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) seeds could be removed in <2 months. Collectively, these results shed light on seed removal by harvester ants and emphasize their potential influence on postfire restoration within invaded sagebrush communities.
A Stable Biomass‐Derived Hard Carbon Anode for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Full Battery
Authors: Hu Hai-Yan , Xiao Yao , Ling Wei , Wu Yuan-Bo , Wang Ping , Tan Shuang-Jie , Xu Yan-Song , Guo Yu-Jie , Chen Wan-Ping , Tang Rui-Ren , Zeng Xian-Xiang , Yin Ya-Xia , Wu Xiong-Wei
Published: October 2020

Hard carbon attracts great attention as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), due to its high conductivity and environmental benignity. However, the practical applications of hard carbon anodes are largely limited by the poor cycling stability and high cost. Herein, bagasse, one of the most abundant biological wastes, is used as a carbon source to construct hard carbon anodes by high‐temperature thermal decomposition. This special material with moderate surface area exhibits long‐term cycling stability (91.5% retention upon 800 cycles at 1000 mA g−1). Remarkably, the full battery delivers high midpoint voltage with 2.9 V and superior initial Coulombic efficiency with 93.1% as well as excellent cycling stability (61% retention upon 300 cycles at 125 mA g−1). The concept of turning waste into treasure provides an idea for the design of anode materials for SIBs.
Efficiency of viscoelastic interstructural connections to prevent earthquake induced pounding
Authors: Crozet V , Politopoulos I
Published: October 2020

This work deals with the efficacy of viscoelastic connections in preventing pounding without undesirable adverse effects on the coupled structures. To this end, the earthquake response of two oscillators, coupled with optimally designed passive viscoelastic and active devices as well as with rigid connections, was studied. A particular attention was given to two issues: (a) the upper limit of the device force and (b) the capacity of the device in reducing the interstructures displacement to avoid collision. The main conclusion of the paper is that, in general, there is no substantial benefit from the use of viscoelastic connections as a means to prevent pounding.
Electrodeposited NiRh alloy as an efficient low‐precious metal catalyst for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction
Authors: Tran Dinh Son , Park Hyanjoo , Kim Hoyoung , Kim Soo‐Kil
Published: October 2020

Developing a non‐precious or low Pt‐group metal‐containing (low‐PGM) hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalyst is crucial to fabricate economic anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), an alternative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). In this study, low‐PGM Ni100‐xRhx electrocatalysts, seldomly studied as alkaline HOR catalysts, with various compositions are fabricated via electrodeposition. Substantial changes are observed in both the morphology and crystalline structure of the catalysts when Ni is alloyed with Rh, such as enlarged surface area and development of different textures. The HOR activities of Ni100‐xRhx catalysts evaluated in 0.1 M KOH solution are dramatically enhanced because of the enlarged surface area, bifunctional roles of H‐providing sites (Ni/Rh) and OH‐providing sites (Ni[OH]2/Rh2O3), and their balanced composition on the surface. The durability of Ni89Rh11, the most appropriate catalyst, is investigated with the 3000 potential cycling, giving the average decay rate of approximately 0.30 μA cm−2/cycle. The origin of enhanced activity and degradation during durability test was explained in terms of the electronic structures and surface composition of the catalysts. The initial high HOR activity of about 1.5 mA/cm2 for Ni89Rh11 at 0.05 VRHE, though it requires a further improvement in the durability, suggests the practical feasibility of it as a low PGM alkaline HOR catalyst.
Preoperative inhibitory control predicts weight loss 1 year after bariatric surgery
Authors: Walø‐Syversen Gro , Kvalem Ingela L. , Kristinsson Jon , Eribe Inger L. , Rø Øyvind , Brunborg Cathrine , Lindvall Dahlgren Camilla
Published: October 2020

Objective

Executive function (EF) and, in particular, inhibitory control have been associated with weight loss (WL) in behavioural WL treatment for obesity. Few studies have focused on the relationship between preoperative inhibitory control and post‐operative WL following bariatric surgery, and the potential mediating role of maladaptive eating behaviours is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative executive function as a predictor of WL at 1 year following bariatric surgery. Additionally, we aimed to explore the mediating role of postoperative compulsive grazing in the relationship between inhibitory control and WL.

Method

A prospective observational study in which participants completed neuropsychological testing 30 days before and 1 year following surgery (n = 61/80; 76% follow‐up). Participants were 80% female, with an average age of 41 years. Approximately 54% underwent gastric bypass, 26% gastric sleeve and 20% had one anastomosis gastric bypass. Regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between preoperative EF and percentage total weight loss (%TWL), and structural equation modelling was used to examine compulsive grazing as a mediator.

Results

After adjusting for control variables, preoperative inhibitory control explained 8% of the variance in %TWL (p ≤ 0.05). Preoperative working memory was not significantly associated with %TWL. Postoperative compulsive grazing was significantly associated with %TWL (p ≤ 0.05), but did not mediate the association between preoperative inhibitory control and %TWL.

Conclusion

The results suggest that preoperative inhibitory control performance is a relevant predictor of postoperative WL and that compulsive grazing is a maladaptive eating behaviour that warrants clinical attention after surgery.
Planform‐asymmetry and backwater effects on river‐cutoff kinematics and clustering
Authors: Ielpi Alessandro , Lapôtre Mathieu G.A. , Finotello Alvise , Ghinassi Massimiliano
Published: October 2020

River bends occasionally meander to the point of cutoff, whereby a river shortcuts itself and isolates a portion of its course. This fundamental process fingerprints a river's long‐term planform geometry, its stratigraphic record, and biogeochemical fluxes in the floodplain. Although meander cutoffs are common in fast‐migrating channels, timelapse imagery of the Earth surface typically does not offer a long enough baseline for statistically robust analyses of these processes. We seek to bridge this gap by quantifying cutoff kinematics along the Humboldt River (Nevada) – a stream that, from 1994 to 2019, hosted an exceptionally high number of cutoffs (specifically, 174 of the chute type and 53 of the neck type). A coincidence between major floods and cutoff incidence is first suggestive of hydrographic modulation. Moreover, not just higher sinuosity but also upstream planform skewness is associated with higher cutoff incidence and channel widening for a sub‐population of chute cutoffs. We propose a conceptual model to explain our results in terms of channel‐flow structure and then examine the distances between adjacent cutoffs to understand the mechanisms governing their clustering. We find that both local and nonlocal perturbations together trigger the clustering of new cutoffs, over distances capped by the backwater length and over yearly to decadal timescales. Our research suggests that planform geometry and backwater controls might sway the occurrence of cutoff clusters – both local and nonlocal – thereby offering new testable hypotheses to explore the evolution of meandering‐river landscapes that have significant implications for river engineering and stratigraphic modelling. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field measurements of shear stress and friction in the surf zone
Authors: Aagaard Troels , Christensen Drude F. , Hughes Michael G.
Published: October 2020

Measurements of near‐bed shear stress were undertaken in the shallow subtidal zone at Durras Beach, NSW, Australia using a sideways‐looking acoustic velocity meter installed within the wave boundary layer. The wave climate was swell‐dominated and wave conditions comprised shoaling and breaking waves as well as surf bores. The sediment at the field site was medium‐grained sand, and observations of bedform geometry were conducted using a pencilbeam‐sonar system. Using frequency‐filtering techniques, the measured stresses were partitioned into terms representing turbulent (Reynolds) stress, stresses due to gravity and infragravity‐scale oscillatory motions, and wave‐turbulence‐mean current cross‐terms. Gravity wave‐orbital scale motions contributed the largest fraction of the stresses, comprising 24% on average, followed by long‐wave advection of vertical orbital motion (16%). The presence of wave orbital‐scale motions near or at the water/sediment interface was likely due to the porous nature of the seabed, facilitating interfacial flow. Shear stresses did not scale with bed roughness but exhibited a linear relationship with the relative wave height. This indicates that for the experimental conditions, surf zone processes overwhelmed bed roughness effects on shear stress and friction. Calculations of the wave friction factor,fw, showed that in a natural surf zone, this was a factor 3–4 larger than conventional predictions. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.