bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long COVID‐19: Objectifying most self‐reported neurological symptoms
Authors: Bungenberg Julia , Humkamp Karen , Hohenfeld Christian , Rust Marcus Immanuel , Ermis Ummehan , Dreher Michael , Hartmann Niels‐Ulrik Korbinian , Marx Gernot , Binkofski Ferdinand , Finke Carsten , Schulz Jörg B. , Costa Ana Sofia , Reetz Kathrin
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We aimed to objectify and compare persisting self‐reported symptoms in initially hospitalized and non‐hospitalized patients after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) by applying clinical standardized measures.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of adult patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection including medical history, neurological examination, blood markers, neuropsychological testing, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Fifty patients with persisting symptoms for at least 4 weeks were included and classified by initial hospitalization status. Median time from SARS‐CoV‐2 detection to investigation was 29.3 weeks (range 3.3–57.9). Although individual cognitive performance was generally within the normative range in both groups, mostly mild deficits were found in attention, executive functions, and memory. Hospitalized patients performed worse in global cognition, logical reasoning, and processes of verbal memory. In both groups, fatigue severity was associated with reduced performance in attention and psychomotor speed tasks (rs = −0.40, p < 0.05) and reduced quality of life (EQ5D, rs = 0.57, p < 0.001) and with more persisting symptoms (median 3 vs. 6, p < 0.01). PROMs identified fatigue, reduced sleep quality, and increased anxiety and depression in both groups but more pronounced in non‐hospitalized patients. Brain MRI revealed microbleeds exclusively in hospitalized patients (n = 5).

Interpretation

Regardless of initial COVID‐19 severity, an individuals' mental and physical health can be severely impaired in the long‐term limitedly objectified by clinical standard diagnostic with abnormalities primarily found in hospitalized patients. This needs to be considered when planning rehabilitation therapies and should give rise to new biomarker research.
Evaluation finds limited efficacy for most widely used treatments
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2022

In a newly published evaluation with few promising findings about the efficacy of psychotherapies and medication treatments for behavioral health disorders, treatments for substance use disorders showed generally small effect sizes. The latest review of recent meta‐analyses upholds the theory that flaws in research design and service delivery have served to limit the effectiveness of the most commonly used treatments for addiction and mental illness.
Hybrid Energy Storage and Hydrogen Supply Based on Aluminum—a Multiservice Case for Electric Mobility and Energy Storage Services
Authors: Ersoy Hüseyin , Baumann Manuel , Barelli Linda , Ottaviano Andrea , Trombetti Lorenzo , Weil Marcel , Passerini Stefano
Published: January 2022

The realization of a fully decarbonized mobility and energy system requires the availability of carbon‐free electricity and fuels which can be ensured only by cost‐efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies. In line with this demand, a techno‐economic evaluation of aluminum as a cross‐sectoral renewable energy carrier is conducted. The assessment, based on a newly developed process, involves the wet combustion of Aluminum at 700 °C resulting in heat and hydrogen (H2) generation. The designed conversion plant enables the contemporaneous generation of electricity and on demand H2 (up to 4 MW and 46.8 kg h–1) with round‐trip efficiencies as high as 40.7% and full recycling of the Al2O3 waste. This study, assuming the carbon‐free production of Al and three different energy cost scenarios, proves the feasibility of the e‐fueling station business case. The overall energy conversion including fuel production (power‐to‐Al), utilization (Al‐to‐power and Al‐to‐H2), and recycling requires a capital investment of 5200 € per kW installed power without additional primary material demand. Hence, the estimated power‐to‐X cost for the Al‐based H2 is estimated in the range of 4.2–9.6 € kg–1 H2, while wind and solar power based green H2 production cost varies from 6.5 to 12.1 € kg–1 H2.
Label‐Free Spontaneous Raman Sensing in Photonic Crystal Fibers with Nanomolar Sensitivity
Authors: Eleftheriades Basil G. , Storey Emily E. , Helmy Amr S.
Published: January 2022

An approach to significantly enhance spontaneous Raman sensitivity through the formation of a thin film via thermophoresis along with evaporation at the facet of a hollow‐core photonic crystal fiber is reported for the first time. Sensitivity of detection is increased by more than 6 orders of magnitude for both organic and inorganic nanoparticles, facilitating the search for trace analytes in solution. Detection of two nanoparticles, alumina and polystyrene, is demonstrated down to 392 nM without the use of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy or other chemical‐based procedures. This new thin‐film deposition approach simplifies the simultaneous detection and analysis of small trace compounds, a previously arduous task using conventional spontaneous Raman.
Photophysics in Zero‐Dimensional Potassium‐Doped Cesium Copper Chloride Cs3Cu2Cl5 Nanosheets and Its Application for High‐Performance Flexible X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Han Lili , Sun Beibei , Guo Chao , Peng Guoqiang , Chen Huanyu , Yang Zhou , Li Nan , Ci Zhipeng , Jin Zhiwen
Published: January 2022

Zero‐dimensional Cs3Cu2Cl5 exhibits intriguing optical properties, which can meet the basic requirements of ideal scintillator application. Here, green emitter Cs3Cu2Cl5 nanosheets are successfully synthesized, and by doping with 2% potassium (K+), their photoluminescence quantum yield (70.23% to 81.39%), radioluminescence intensity, and stability are improved. Further experimental and theoretical studies point out that: (1) K+ brings the neighboring [Cu2Cl5]3− dimers groups closer, leading to lattice shrinkage and lower lattice constants; (2) such compact crystal structure results in stronger exciton–photon coupling and reduced phonon–electron coupling strength, which is beneficial to form self‐trapped excitons and enhanced luminescence; (3) lower lattice constants also induce decreased bandgap (2.58 to 2.51 eV) and increased Stokes shift (217 to 223 nm), for less self‐absorption and higher quantum efficiency. Finally, area‐controllable uniform flexible Cs3Cu2Cl5:2%K+–polystyrene film is successfully achieved with excellent X‐ray sensibility. Such flexible film shows low cost (2.8223 $/g), broadband response (20–160 keV), and high spatial resolution (5 lp mm−1) that is comparable to commercial CsI:Tl wafer. Moreover, it fits well with nonplanar surfaces for high‐quality medical and industrial flexible images applications. It is believed that this work can provide a viable tactic to enhance X‐ray detection in metal halide scintillators.
Redox‐Mediated Two‐Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction with Ultrafast Kinetics for Zn–Air Flow Battery
Authors: Huang Shiqiang , Zhang Hang , Zhuang Jiahao , Zhou Mingyue , Gao Mengqi , Zhang Feifei , Wang Qing
Published: January 2022

Rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs) as high‐energy density and cost‐effective power sources for next generation energy storage have attracted considerable attention. However, the sluggish oxygen electrochemistry leads to high polarization of the air electrode during charge/discharge and consequently a low round‐trip energy efficiency of the cell. Here it is shown that the two‐electron oxygen redox chemistry enabled by a redox mediator, anthraquinone‐2,7‐disulfonic acid disodium salt (AQDS), can effectively boost the performance of ZABs. The kinetics and underlying mechanism of the AQDS‐mediated oxygen reduction reaction at different pH are scrutinized both computationally and experimentally to delineate the reaction pathways and rate‐limiting step. An ultrafast catalytic rate constant of 2.53 × 106 s–1 is achieved at a pH of 13.13 and based on a flow cell configuration, the AQDS‐mediated Zn–air flow battery demonstrates considerably enhanced energy efficiency of 85% at 10 mA cm−2.
Response of chickpea to varying moisture stress conditions in Ethiopia
Authors: Korbu Lijalem , Fikre Asnake , Tesfaye Kassahun , Funga Assefa , Bekele Dagnachew , Ojiewo Chris O.
Published: January 2022

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an economically important crop grown by nearly one million Ethiopian smallholder farmers. The crop is often considered as “stress‐loving,” but moisture stress at flowering and grain filling stages could be detrimental. Yield of chickpea is commonly affected by terminal drought stress in the rainfed production system in Ethiopia. The lack of proper field‐screening methods has hindered the development of drought‐tolerant varieties. This study demonstrates a simple and practical field‐level screening method for drought tolerance traits in the conventional breeding programs. A field experiment was conducted using 28 elite chickpea cultivars during the 2018–2019 main cropping season to study their response to moisture regimes of varying drought intensities. We used yield and its components as proxy parameters of screening to select tolerant cultivars. The study revealed significant variation among the cultivars in their response to different moisture regimes. The kabuli cultivars were found more sensitive compared with the desi types. Yield penalty exceeded 70% under severe drought. Conversely, cultivars tested under mild and severe stress drought showed average yield gain of 22 and 48%, respectively, relative to the irrigated treatment. Overall, over 50% yield gain can be obtained in drought‐affected rainfed production areas in Ethiopia using supplemental irrigation during pod setting to grain filling stages. For post‐rainy‐season crops relying on residual soil moisture, such as chickpea, breeding for shorter duration and resilient cultivars are reliable management approaches to minimize drought‐caused yield losses.
Manure applications combined with chemical fertilizer improves soil functionality, microbial biomass and rice production in a paddy field
Authors: Iqbal Anas , Liang He , McBride Steven G. , Yuan Pengli , Ali Izhar , Zaman Maid , Zeeshan Muhammad , Khan Rayyan , Akhtar Kashif , Wei Shanqing , Guo Zixiong , Jiang Ligeng
Published: January 2022

The current farming system is highly reliant on synthetic fertilizers, which adversely affect soil quality, the environment, and crop production. Improving crop productivity on a sustainable basis is a challenging issue in the current agricultural system. To address this issue, we assumed that the combined use of manure and chemical fertilizers (CF) could improve rice (Oryza sativaL.) grain yield and soil properties without the expense of the environment. Therefore, a 2‐yr field experiment was conducted to explore optimal fertilizer management strategies using a combination of CF and organic fertilizer in the form of cattle manure (CM) or poultry manure (PM). Manure was added at two levels and soil microbial biomass production, enzyme activities, nutrient content, as well as grain yield of rice were measured. The study consisted of six treatments: no N fertilizer control, 100% chemical fertilizer (Pos‐Con), 60% cattle manure + 40% chemical fertilizer (High‐CM), 30% cattle manure + 70% chemical fertilizer, 60% poultry manure + 40% chemical fertilizer, and 30% poultry manure + 70% chemical fertilizer. Results showed that the addition of manure significantly increased soil enzymatic activities such as soil invertase, acid phosphatase (POH), urease, catalase (CAT), β‐glucosidase, and cellulase as compared to sole CF application. Similarly, the combined fertilizers application led to significant increases in soil microbial biomass C (MBC), microbial biomass N (MBN), soil pH, soil organic C (SOC), total N, available N (AN), available P (AP), and rice yield. Average increases in soil MBC, MBN, SOC AN, and AP in the 0‐to‐20‐cm soil depth were 62.2, 54.5, 29.2, 17.4, and 19.8%, respectively, across the years in the High‐CM treatment compared with the Pos‐Con. In addition, the linear regression analysis showed that soil enzymatic activities were highly positively correlated with soil MBC and MBN. The principal component analysis and linear regression analyses showed that the increased soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass production played a key role in the higher grain yield of rice. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that the combined use of synthetic fertilizer and organic fertilizer in paddy fields could be beneficial for the farmers in southern China by improving soil functionality and yield of rice on a sustainable basis.
From Blue to Green Photoluminescence: Design, Synthesis, and DFT Calculations of Heterocyclic Compounds Containing Chromenothienopyrimidine Moiety
Authors: Tolba Mahmoud S. , Al‐Hossainy Ahmed F. , Kamal Eldean Adel M. , Younis Osama
Published: January 2022

Incorporating coumarin nuclei into other heterocyclic scaffolds such as thienopyrimidine can significantly increase the photophysical and biological efficiency. Accordingly, we describe in this manuscript the synthesis of new heterocyclic derivatives containing combined coumarin and pyrimidine nuclei to maximize the application benefit of the target compounds. All of the synthesized derivatives were thoroughly characterized using spectral analyses such as FT‐IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The photophysical properties of four compounds in solution were investigated, where the substitutions had a significant effect even when the molecule conjugation was not included. Although having similar luminescent cores, two analog compounds showed different emission colors, blue and green. Uncommonly, one derivative showed a blue shift after aggregation. DFT simulations showed that adding a terminal group can significantly alter the electronic structure or molecular packing which affected directly the luminescence behavior.
Complete Hyperentangled Bell States Analysis For Polarization‐Spatial‐Time‐Bin Degrees of Freedom with Unity Fidelity
Authors: Zhou Xin‐Jie , Liu Wen‐Qiang , Zheng Yan‐Bei , Wei Hai‐Rui , Du Fang‐Fang
Published: January 2022

Hyperentangled states can outperform their classical counterparts on solving certain tasks. Here, a simplified scheme for completely distinguishing two‐photon hyperentangled Bell states in polarization, spatial, and time‐bin degrees of freedom (DOFs) is presented. Unity fidelity can be achieved in principle without strong couple limitation between photon and quantum dot (QD), and the incomplete and imperfect QD‐cavity interactions are prevented by single‐photon detectors. In addition, auxiliary photons or DOFs are not required in the scheme. The necessary linear optical elements are fewer than the parity‐check‐based one.
Nonreversible surface relief formation in thin films of cinnamate derivatives containing benzoxazine structure
Authors: Doi Takashi , Rozhanskii Igor , Nakamura Takahiro , Shimokawa Tsutomu
Published: January 2022

A novel, nonreversible surface relief (SR) system was developed using polymerizable low‐molecular‐weight compounds containing two or three [(E)‐3‐[4‐(6‐methyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐3‐yl)phenyl]prop‐2‐enoyl]oxy units in which photoreactive cinnamate moieties and thermally curable benzoxazine moieties are included. The SR structure formation was conducted using thin films (thickness: 1.5 μm) on silicon wafers through a two‐step procedure including micropatterned ultraviolet irradiation at 23°C and then heating to induce the SR pattern formation. All of the four compounds synthesized in this study showed submicron‐height SR structure on their films. After being thermally treated at 200°C for 1 h, the thin films became insoluble, which ensured the formation of crosslinked network structures. The obtained nonreversible SR system is expected to be a candidate for microfluidic channel materials for cooling semiconductor chips as well as an alternative option for photolithography.
The resource‐based view, stakeholder capitalism, ESG, and sustainable competitive advantage: The firm's embeddedness into ecology, society, and governance
Authors: Bhandari Krishna Raj , Ranta Mikko , Salo Jari
Published: January 2022

The main research question of the study is this: Is the firm embedded into ecology, society, and governance (ESG), or vice versa? Using the resource‐based view as a theoretical lens, and stakeholder capitalism as a paradigm anchored in the Dashgupat Review, we demonstrate in a panel data over 26 years that at the firm level, the relationship between sustained competitive advantage and the ESG footprint is concave shaped, and the impact inequality multiple gaps of the ESG footprint are 4.75 times the providing capacity of the natural and business environment. To solve the common method variance, endogeneity, and unobserved heterogeneity, system GMM is used as a method in a dataset of US manufacturing firms from 1992 to 2019. At the end, we argue that extant attributes of a resource base for sustained competitive advantage have an inherent flaw anchored in the resource‐based view, as they ignore the “environmental, social, and governance (ESG) friendliness” attribute of a resource. Managers need to rethink the objective of their firms if they want to survive in the new ESG‐friendly economy with stakeholder supremacy.
Impact of brands' Facebook page characteristics and followers' comments on trust building and purchase intention: Alternative attractiveness as moderator
Authors: Nikbin Davoud , Aramo Thineletchemy , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Ghobakhloo Morteza
Published: January 2022

Drawing on signaling theory, this research aims to examine the impact of brands' Facebook page characteristics (information variety, information currency, and responsiveness) and followers' comments on building trust and its consequent effect on purchase intention by considering attractiveness of alternatives as a moderator. Data were obtained from 396 brands' Facebook page followers in Malaysia using an online survey and analyzed using the partial least squares technique. The results indicated that a brand's Facebook page information variety and information currency significantly affect trust in that brand. Additionally, responsiveness and followers' positive comments on the Facebook page were found to have a significant influence on both trust in brand and trust in product. Furthermore, both trust in brand and trust in product were significantly related to intention to purchase. Our results revealed that alternative attractiveness negatively moderates the influence of trust on purchase intention. The findings extend the literature by illustrating that (i) the influence of customer‐generated information on trust is higher than the influence of company‐generated information; (ii) the determinants and impacts of trust in brand and trust in product are different; and (iii) existence of attractive alternatives may offset the impact of trust in brand on purchase intention. The findings are useful for brand managers and enable them to influence customers' trust through successful management of brands' Facebook fan pages.
Mind (for) the water: An indirect relationship between mindfulness and water conservation behavior
Authors: Pereira Maria C. , Simões Paula , Cruz Luís , Barata Eduardo , Coelho Filipe
Published: January 2022

A growing number of studies have linked mindfulness with the adoption of environmentally friendly behaviors. We aim to contribute to this emergent research by putting forward a model in which the relationship between mindfulness and a specific pro‐environmental behavior, water conservation, is indirect. In this pursuit, we draw on the hierarchical model for the influence of psychological characteristics on individuals' behaviors. We propose that the relationship between mindfulness and water conservation is mediated by environmental beliefs, namely water utilitarian beliefs, and consumer abilities, specifically water‐related perceived consumer effectiveness. To collect the data, we relied on a pretested self‐report questionnaire that was distributed in a Portuguese municipality. We retained the responses from 876 individuals, for a net response rate of 54.8%. The research model was tested with structural equation modeling. The results indicate that mindfulness is negatively related to water utilitarian beliefs, that these are negatively related to perceived consumer effectiveness, which, in turn, is positively associated with water conservation behavior. In addition to these direct relationships, the results show that mindfulness is indirectly related to water conservation behavior and to perceived consumer effectiveness, and that water utilitarian beliefs are indirectly related to water conservation behavior. These novel results are used to derive managerial implications.
Anticoagulated de novo atrial flutter complicated by transitory ischemic attack in fatal COVID‐19
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Wilfing Astrid
Published: January 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 may not only manifest as pneumonia (COVID‐19) but also in other organs, including the brain (neuro‐COVID). One of the cerebral complications of SARS‐CoV‐2 is ischemic stroke. Transitory ischemic attack (TIA) in a SARS‐CoV‐2 positive has not been reported. A 78‐year‐old poly‐morbid male (diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease), admitted for COVID‐19, developed atrial flutter on hospital day (hd) 2. Anticoagulation with enoxaparin was started. On hd5, he experienced a TIA despite sufficient anticoagulation. The patient expired on hd28 due to multi‐organ failure from sepsis due to superinfection with staphylococcus aureus. Infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 may be complicated by atrial flutter. Atrial flutter may be complicated by TIA despite sufficient anticoagulation, suggesting that standard anticoagulation may be insufficient to meet SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated hypercoagulability syndrome. Forced anticoagulation and adequate antibiosis in poly‐morbid SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected patients with hypercoagulability and cytokine storm are warranted.
Management of neonatal complications of macrosomia: A case report at a tertiary hospital in a developing country
Authors: Nuwagaba Julius , Dave Darshit
Published: January 2022

Fetal macrosomia can present with numerous complications. We report a case of a term baby girl with a birthweight of 5.31 kg admitted with respiratory distress and suffered several complications of macrosomia. There is a need to closely monitor neonates for early diagnosis and management of complications of macrosomia.
Complete Shift in Glycosyl Donor Specificity in Mammalian, but not C. elegans β1,4‐GalT1 Y286L mutants, Enables the Synthesis of N,N‐Diacetyllactosamine
Authors: Cao Ran , Li Jing‐Xuan , Chen Huan , Cao Cui , Zheng Feng , Huang Kun , Chen Ya‐Ran , Flitsch Sabine L. , Liu Li , Voglmeir Josef
Published: January 2022

N,N‐diacetyllactosamine (LacdiNAc) is a motif present in various glycoconjugates of animal cell surfaces. The enzymatic synthesis of the LacdiNAc motif was previously achieved by using mutant variants of the human and bovine β1,4‐galactosyltransferase 1 (β1,4‐GalT1, EC 2.4.1.38). These enzymes bear a specific tyrosine to leucine substitution, which enables the transfer of GalNAc from UDP‐GalNAc. Herein, we present that the same tyrosine to leucine substitution in recombinant β1,4‐GalT1 orthologues of mouse, rat, or pig also resulted in the complete shift of the glycosyl donor specificity from UDP‐galactose to UDP‐GalNAc. In addition, we tested a previously undescribed β1,4‐GalT1 orthologue from C. elegans (CeGalT1). Given that this enzyme possesses an isoleucine residue in the wild‐type variant, this enzyme should prefer UDP‐GalNAc as a glycosyl donor substrate. Surprisingly, CeGalT1 was strictly specific for UDP‐Gal, but an isoleucine to tyrosine mutant variant of CeGalT1 widened the substrate range towards UDP‐GalNAc. In addition, the CeGalT1 mutant variant showed also significantly improved enzymatic activity towards UDP‐Gal. To further investigate the role of this tyrosine to leucine substitution of β1,4‐GalT1 and to evaluate the potential of this mutation for biotechnological applications, we generated Tyr286Leu B4galt1 mice using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and screened the milk of these mice for its ability to synthesize N,N‐diacetyllactosamine.
Constructing a multifunctional mesoporous composite of metallic cobalt nanoparticles and nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxides for high‐performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Gai Luhai , Zhao Chenhao , Zhang Ya , Hu Zhibiao , Shen Qiang
Published: January 2022

Electrochemical properties of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are mainly hindered by both the insulating nature of elemental sulfur (i.e., molecular S8) and the shuttling effect or sluggish redox kinetics of lithium polysulfide intermediates (Li2Sn, 3 ≤ n ≤ 8). In this paper, a three‐dimensional mesoporous reduced graphene oxide‐based nanocomposite, with the embedding of metallic Co nanoparticles and the doping of elemental N (Co/NrGO), and its simply ground mixture with powdered S at a mass ratio of 1:6 (Co/NrGO/S) are prepared and used as cathode‐/separator‐coated interlayers and working electrodes in assembled Li–S cells, respectively. One of the effective cell configurations is to paste composite Co/NrGO onto both the S‐loading cathode and separator, showing good cycling stability (1070 mAh g−1 in the 100th cycle at 0.2 C), high‐rate capability (835 mAh g−1, 2.0 C), and excellent durability (905 mAh g−1 in the 250th cycle at 0.5 or 0.2 C). Compared with the experimental results of Co‐absent NrGO, electrochemical properties of various Co/NrGO‐based cell configurations clearly show multiple functions of Co/NrGO, indicating that the absence of Co/NrGO coatings and/or Co nanoparticles may be inadequate to achieve superior S availability of assembled Li–S batteries.
Development of Transition‐Metal‐Free Lewis Acid‐Initiated Double Arylation of Aldehyde: A Facile Approach Towards the Total Synthesis of Anti‐Breast‐Cancer Agent
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Mahato Rina , Sharma Pragya , Yadav Naveen , Vodnala Nagaraju , Kumar Hazra Chinmoy
Published: January 2022

This work describes a mild and robust double hydroarylation strategy for the synthesis of symmetrical /unsymmetrical diaryl‐ and triarylmethanes in excellent yields using Lambert salt (0.2–1.0 mol%). Despite the anticipated challenges associated with controlling selective product formation, unsymmetrical diaryl‐ and triarylmethanes products are obtained unprecedentedly. A highly efficient gram scale reaction has also been reported (TON for symmetrical product=475 and for unsymmetrical product=390). The synthetic utility of the methodology is demonstrated by the preparation of several unexplored diaryl‐ and triarylmethane‐based biologically relevant molecules, such as arundine, vibrindole A, turbomycin B, and certain anti‐inflammatory agents. A total synthesis of an anti‐breast‐cancer agent is also demonstrated. Control experiments, Hammett analysis, HRMS and GC‐MS studies reveal the reaction intermediates and reaction mechanism.
Chiral derivatives of covalent organic framework TpBD (NH2)2 used as stationary phases in gas chromatography
Authors: Wang Zhen , Xiong Wan‐Qi , Huang Zhi‐Feng , Qin Gai‐Zhao , Zi Min , Yuan Li‐Ming
Published: January 2022

Chiral covalent organic framework materials have many excellent properties, which have received much attention in the field of separation. Synthesized the covalent organic framework COF‐TpBD (NH2)2 modified, respectively, by L‐valine trifluoroacetyl derivative, L‐hydroxyproline, and (1S)‐(+)‐10‐camphorsulfonyl chloride, three capillary columns of chiral covalent organic framework materials were obtained for gas chromatography. Those columns are able to separate some chiral compounds, positional isomers, n‐alkanes, n‐alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbon mixture, and Grob's reagents. They are complementary to other chiral capillary columns and are possible for potential applications.
Two‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Qiankun , Sun Jiang , Wei Dacheng
Published: January 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Two‐dimensional (2D) metal/covalent organic framework (MOF/COF) materials have ultra‐thin thickness and large surface area. These advantages bestow them the characteristics of low resistance and high flux in the process of material transportation. Meanwhile, more active sites promote their application in the fields of catalysis and sensing. Recently, 2D MOF/COF materials usher in a new wave of research. It is necessary to summarize the latest developments in this field in a timely and systematic manner and clarify future trends. In this review, we firstly introduce the advantages of 2D MOF/COF materials in hetero‐porous structure and functional modification. Then, we discuss advanced strategies for preparing 2D MOF/COF materials, such as in‐situ growth, interface synthesis, exfoliation method, electrochemical method, surfactant‐assisted synthesis, and laminated assembly of MOF/COF nanosheets. Finally, we summarize the applications of 2D MOF/COF materials in membrane separation, sensors, and energy storage. In addition, we discuss some unresolved scientific and technological challenges related to the future prospects of this field.
Using Methanol as a Formaldehyde Surrogate for Sustainable Synthesis of N‐Heterocycles via Manganese‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Cyclization
Authors: Shao Zhihui , Yuan Shanshan , Li Yibiao , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The development of an efficient and sustainable synthetic route for formaldehyde production from renewable feedstock, especially in combination with a subsequent transformation to straightforwardly construct valuable chemicals, is highly desirable. Herein, we report a novel manganese‐catalyzed dehydrogenative cyclization of methanol as a formaldehyde surrogate with a variety of dinucleophiles for facile synthesis of N‐heterocycles. The in situ generated formaldehyde via catalytic methanol dehydrogenation can be selectively trapped by diverse dinucleophiles to avoid several possible side reactions. The utility of this transformation is further highlighted by its successful application to the synthesis of 13C‐labeled N‐heterocycles using 13CH3OH as a readily accessible 13C‐isotope reagent.
Visible‐Light‐Enabled Carboxylation of Benzyl Alcohol Derivatives with CO2 Using a Palladium/Iridium Dual Catalyst
Authors: Jin Yushu , Toriumi Naoyuki , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: January 2022

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Nobuharu Iwasawa at Tokyo Institute of Technology. The image shows a switchable site‐selective carboxylation between benzylic C−O and aryl C−Cl moieties enabled by a palladium/iridium dual catalyst under visible light irradiation. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202102095.
The novel role of circular RNA ST3GAL6 on blocking gastric cancer malignant behaviours through autophagy regulated by the FOXP2/MET/mTOR axis
Authors: Xu Penghui , Zhang Xing , Cao Jiacheng , Yang Jing , Chen Zetian , Wang Weizhi , Wang Sen , Zhang Lu , Xie Li , Fang Lang , Xia Yiwen , Xuan Zhe , Lv Jialun , Xu Hao , Xu Zekuan
Published: January 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in mortality among all cancers worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2), as a transcription factor, is closely associated with the development of many types of tumours. However, the regulatory network between FOXP2 and circRNAs remains to be explored. In our study, circST3GAL6 was significantly downregulated in GC and was associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Overexpression of circST3GAL6 inhibited the malignant behaviours of GC cells, which was mediated by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, we demonstrated that circST3GAL6 regulated FOXP2 through the mir‐300 sponge. We further found that FOXP2 inhibited MET Proto‐Oncogene (MET), which was the initiating factor that regulated the classic AKT/mTOR pathway of autophagy. In conclusion, our results suggested that circST3GAL6 played a tumour suppressive role in gastric cancer through miR‐300/FOXP2 axis and regulated apoptosis and autophagy through FOXP2‐mediated transcriptional inhibition of the MET axis, which may become a potential target for GC therapy.
Moving to the land: First archaeometric study of chert procurement atCueva de la Cocina(Eastern Iberia)
Authors: Ramacciotti Mirco , García‐Puchol Oreto , Cortell‐Nicolau Alfredo , Gallello Gianni , Morales‐Rubio Angel , Pastor Agustín
Published: January 2022

The present work represents the first attempt using an archaeometric approach to characterize the potential chert outcrops and retrace the provenance of the chert raw materials in the Mesolithic and Neolithic contexts of the Eastern Iberia central site of Cueva de la Cocina (Dos Aguas, Valencia). Therefore, a research project aimed at identifying and characterizing potential sources in the surroundings of the site was carried out, as a first step, to test some hypotheses related to raw material provenance. Elemental profiles of several archaeological artifacts and of geological samples collected in different local and nonlocal outcrops were obtained using X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. These chemical data were processed using multivariate statistics to investigate the possible links between the outcrops and archaeological artifacts. Preliminary results point to the use of local raw materials and also the presence of rocks outcropping in a perimeter of more than 50 km around Cueva de la Cocina, opening a new window to investigate the socioecological dynamics of the last hunter‐gatherer and the first farmer inhabitants from a diachronic point of view in this region.
Relation between haptoglobin polymorphism and oxidative stress status, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk in sickle cell anemia patients
Authors: Kengne Fotsing Christian Bernard , Pieme Constant Anatole , Biapa Nya Prosper Cabral , Chedjou Jean Paul , Dabou Solange , Nguemeni Carine , Teto Georges , Mbacham Wilfred Fon , Gatsing Donatien
Published: January 2022

Objective

The haptoglobin (Hp) gene located on chromosome 16q22 exhibits a polymorphism that can impact its capacity to inhibit the deleterious oxidative activity of free hemoglobin. We aimed to determine the influence of Hp polymorphism on oxidative stress, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk in Cameroonian sickle cell anemia patients (SCA patients).

Method

The Hp genotypes of 102 SCA patients (SS), 60 healthy individuals (AA), and 55 subjects with sickle cell trait (AS) were determined by allele‐specific PCR, and the blood parameters were assessed using standard methods.

Results

Hp2‐2 genotype was significantly (P < .05) present in SS (54%) than in AS (42%) and AA (38%). Levels of catalase and cell reactive protein were higher, while levels of total antioxidant capacity, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholestetol, blood pressure, Framingham score, and body mass index were lower in the SCA patients. These parameters appeared to be unrelated to the haptoglobin genotypes. SCA patients with Hp1‐1 genotype presented a higher oxidative stress index (0.53 ± 0.31) than those with Hp2‐1 (0.33 ± 0.18). Lipid profile and cardiovascular risk were not significantly different between various Hp genotypes in SCA patients.

Conclusion

Haptoglobin polymorphism did not affect lipid profile, cardiovascular risk, and oxidative stress status of SCA patients. Nevertheless, SCA patients with Hp1‐1 genotype tended to be more prone to oxidative stress than those with Hp2‐1.
The influence of ambient aroma on middle school students' academic emotions
Authors: Ma Yuanguang
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the influence of ambient aroma on the academic emotions experienced by middle school students in a practical educational environment. The study was conducted with pre‐ and post‐test experimental design upon subjects in three parallel classes (n = 109) in grade two of a junior school in China. These classes were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions (no aroma, daily aroma or aroma every other day). The academic emotions of the students were measured twice using the Adolescent Academic Emotion Questionnaire, once before and once 8 weeks after the use of aromatherapy. Comparison of the change in ratings from baseline to post‐test showed that compared to the control class; joy, hope, positive high‐arousal academic emotion and relaxation were significantly higher in ambient aroma conditions, and anger and negative high‐arousal academic emotion in these conditions were significantly lower. The results suggest that the ambient aroma of sweet orange essential oil can mitigate the reduction in positive academic emotion and improve negative academic emotion in school students over time.
Glycidol‐modified polyethylenimine‐capped carbon dots with ultrastable fluorescence for sensitive and selective detection of folic acid in food samples
Authors: Zhan Xiao‐Ye , Wang Bin , Yu Li‐Ping
Published: January 2022

Glycidol‐modified polyethylenimine (PEI‐OH)‐capped carbon dots (PEI‐OH‐CDs) were prepared and applied for selectively and sensitively detecting folic acid in food samples. PEI‐OH‐CDs were firstly synthesized by a one‐pot hydrothermal method using PEI‐OH and citric acid as precursors, and the transmission electron microscopy characterization reveals that the PEI‐OH‐CDs were of spherical shape with diameters of 2–3 nm and well dispersed in solution. The PEI‐OH‐CDs have high fluorescence and exhibit ultrastrong stability against pH, ion strength, and UV light irradiation. In a wide pH range higher than pH 6, the fluorescence of PEI‐OH‐CDs can be effectively quenched by folic acid through static quenching process and inner filter effect but is not affected by many typical chemicals including cations, anions, amino acids, and vitamins. A good linear relationship was found between the F0/F and the concentration of folic acid in the range from 0.1 to 100 μM, and the detection limit of folic acid is 0.07 μM. The PEI‐OH‐CDs were successfully applied for sensitive determination of folic acid in orange juice, fresh pear, grape spinach, and celery samples at pH 7.2, which is helpful to the stability of folic acid and provides a new strategy for accuracy detection of folic acid in food samples.
Teamwork facilitation and conflict resolution training in a HyFlex course during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Magana Alejandra J. , Karabiyik Tugba , Thomas Paul , Jaiswal Aparajita , Perera Viranga , Dworkin James
Published: January 2022

Background

We evaluated the effect of three teaching strategies to facilitate teamwork in a systems analysis and design course during the COVID‐19 pandemic: (1) offering a HyFlex version of the course, (2) facilitating scheduled online teamwork sessions for all students, and (3) providing conflict resolution training to help teams overcome collaboration challenges.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To identify the impact of these instructional strategies and answer four research questions, we measured (1) performance, dynamics, and cooperation strategies of teams and (2) students' perceptions of their own and team members' performance along with changes in their perceptions of their conflict management skills.

Design/Method

We used a simultaneous triangulation mixed‐methods design to obtain distinct but complementary qualitative and quantitative data. We compared data from two offerings of the course: Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 semesters. In the Fall 2019 semester, an in‐person active learning strategy was used, while in the Fall 2020 semester, the course followed a HyFlex delivery mode due to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Findings suggest that the use of cooperative learning pedagogy along with HyFlex accommodations for safety and social distancing requirements for the Fall 2020 semester provided students with a comparable learning experience to a traditional in‐person mode.

Conclusions

Learning strategies, pedagogical supports, and teamwork training can enhance social interactions, and consequently, students' social presence in online learning. Conflict resolution training could be a valuable tool for improving teamwork skills and communication among team members.
Molecular and immune interactions between β- and γ-herpesviruses in the immunocompromised host
Authors: Sánchez-Ponce Yessica , Fuentes-Pananá Ezequiel M
Published: January 2022

β- and γ-herpesviruses persistently infect most of the world population, largely without clinical manifestations. However, in immunosuppressive settings like transplantation, these viruses are often jointly reactivated, associating with graft dysfunction/rejection, HCMV disease, and lymphoproliferation. In HIV/AIDS, direct interaction mechanisms have been described for EBV and KSHV in primary effusion lymphoma, demonstrating that the cooperation between both viruses enhances lymphomagenesis. Here, we discuss the clinical evidence supporting that the simultaneous reactivation of these viruses increases the probability of mutual interactions, also providing a conceptual framework explaining how one virus can influence another. Specifically, we propose mechanisms of indirect communication through immune soluble mediators, mainly cytokines, chemokines, and IFN regulatory molecules, based on common features of their infectious cycles and the convergent need on immunomodulatory mechanisms. This latter point should be experimentally addressed in feature research.
PD-L1 expression in peripheral blood granulocytes at diagnosis as prognostic factor in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Cuccaro Annarosa , Bellesi Silvia , Galli Eugenio , Zangrilli Ilaria , Corrente Francesco , Cupelli Elisa , Fatone Federica , Maiolo Elena , Alma Eleonora , Viscovo Marcello , D'Alò Francesco , Annunziata Salvatore , Martini Maurizio , Rufini Vittoria , Giordano Alessandro , De Stefano Valerio , Larocca Luigi Maria , Hohaus Stefan
Published: January 2022

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a neoplastic disease in which the inflammatory microenvironment plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis. Neutrophilia is a typical finding in HL at diagnosis and, in particular, in association with lymphocytopenia, is a negative prognostic factor. As the immune checkpoint Programmed Death (PD)-L1/PD-1 has become an important therapeutic target, we were interested in the expression of PD-L1 in peripheral blood (PB) leukocytes using flow cytometry and RT-PCR in patients with HL and healthy controls. Granulocytes were the major PB cell fraction expressing PD-L1. PD-L1 expression on granulocytes was higher in patients with HL than in controls and correlated with lower T-cell numbers in PB. We analyzed for associations between PD-L1 expression in PB granulocytes at the time of diagnosis with patient characteristics and outcome in 126 patients with HL treated with standard chemotherapy adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine. Increased PD-L1 expression in PB associated with advanced disease, systemic symptoms, positive interim positron emission tomography, and inferior progression-free survival (PFS). PFS at 4 years was 81% (95% C.I., 71–87%) in patients with normal PD-L1 expression and 56% (95% C.I., 35–72%) in patients with higher-than-normal PD-L1 expression (p = 0.002). In conclusion, PD-L1 expression in PB could become a potentially actionable prognostic factor in HL.
Dynamics of antibody response to CoronaVac vaccine
Authors: Fonseca Marcela Helena Gambim , de Souza Tamiris de Fátima Goebel , de Carvalho Araújo Fernanda Montenegro , de Andrade Luiz Odorico Monteiro
Published: January 2022

CoronaVac was the first vaccine approved in Brazil for use in healthcare workers (HCWs). However, there is limited information about it, with little long‐term evidence on post‐vaccination antibody persistence. This study evaluated the antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in 1237 HCWs after the first (1D), second dose (2D), and 6 months postvaccination (6mA2D) with CoronaVac. The seropositivity was 88% at 1D, increasing to 99.8% at 2D, but decreasing to 97.9% at 6mA2D, which was also observed at the analyzed antibody levels. Interestingly, the levels in females were higher than males, and we found a positive correlation with previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Participants with comorbidities had lower levels suggesting the need to monitor for a potential booster dose. Our findings suggest that CoronaVac induced a robust antibody response that wanes significantly over time. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify whether the antibodies will decline or plateau at a lower level.
Broadband Janus Scattering from Tilted Dipolar Metagratings
Authors: Chen Xuan , Li Min , Chen Wenchao , Yang Haochen , Pei Zhicheng , Li Er‐Ping , Chen Hongsheng , Wang Zuojia
Published: January 2022

Electromagnetic resonances in meta‐atoms have empowered optical interfaces with unprecedented abilities in wavefront manipulation. Despite the versatile applications, energy efficiency and bandwidth improvement are still theoretically constrained by the dispersion feature of resonances in mesoscopic structures. Here, a nontrivial phase modulation mechanism is exposed that breaks the efficiency and bandwidth limit in electric dipolar resonances. By arranging electric dipoles into tilted periodic arrays, the time‐reversed scattering channels are suppressed and dispersionless reflection as well as controllable phase retardation from planar interfaces are achieved. Two types of reflectionless metagratings are demonstrated to support the theoretical prediction. Janus phase retarders show asymmetric phase modulation over a broad spectrum protected by reciprocity. Janus backscattering mirrors retroreflect incident waves for one side while showing transparency in the time‐reversed reflection channel. Experimental measurements validate the concept of broadband Janus scattering at optical axes misalignment interfaces.
Controllable Dynamic Single‐ and Dual‐Channel Graphene Q‐Switching in a Beam‐Splitter‐Type Channel Waveguide Laser
Authors: Bae Ji Eun , Calmano Thomas , Kränkel Christian , Rotermund Fabian
Published: January 2022

Direct inscription of structures by femtosecond‐laser pulses facilitates the flexible fabrication of diverse optical channel waveguides in dielectric laser gain media. Among them, beam‐splitter‐type waveguide lasers have been recently studied; however, there is a lack of investigations on the effect of unique characteristics of such waveguides, such as controlled splitting ratios of output powers and selectable excitation of individual channels, for pulsed laser operation. Here, dynamic single‐ and dual‐channel graphene Q‐switching of an Yb:YAG waveguide consisting of one input and two output channels is demonstrated by controlling the power‐splitting ratio. Single‐channel Q‐switched operation, exhibiting typical Q‐switched pulses, is achieved by interaction between the graphene saturable absorber and the desired one of the two channels. When both channels exceed the Q‐switching threshold, dual‐channel Q‐switching generates a pulse train that simultaneously combines the separately Q‐switched pulses induced from each channel under excitation with a single pump source. At a fixed power‐splitting ratio, the pulsed mode can be dynamically switched between the single‐ and dual‐channel Q‐switched operations by varying the pump power. The beam‐splitter‐type waveguide laser demonstrated in this study can be further developed for multiple‐channel Q‐switching, high‐repetition‐rate mode‐locking, and on‐chip dual‐comb sources advantageous for diverse applications in optical communication, metrology, and sensing.