bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daylong Sub‐Ambient Radiative Cooling with Full‐Color Exterior Based on Thermal Radiation and Solar Decoupling
Authors: Jeon Suwan , Son Soomin , Min Seokhwan , Park Hyeonjin , Lee Heon , Shin Jonghwa
Published: December 2022

Terrestrial radiative cooling is an intriguing way to mitigate the accelerating cooling demands in the residential and commercial sectors by offering zero‐energy cooling. However, the ultra‐white or mirror‐like appearance of radiative coolers can be visually sterile and raise safety issues when applied to building facades and vehicles en masse. To overcome the fundamental trade‐off between color diversity and cooling performance, a radiatively integrated, conductively insulated material system is proposed that exploits thermal non‐equilibrium between colorants and thermal emitters. This allows such radiative coolers to be cooled below the ambient temperature at all times of the day while exhibiting any desired exterior color including black without using vacuum insulation. This work experimentally demonstrates that even black coolers, absorbing 646 W m−2 of solar power under AM1.5 conditions, cool down to a maximum of 6.9 K (average of 3.5 K) below the ambient temperature during the daytime. These systems can potentially be used in outdoor applications, especially in commercial buildings and residential houses, where carbon‐free thermal management is in high demand but diversity of colors is also important for visual appeal and comfort.
Resonance‐Based Directional Light Emission from Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes: Comparing Integrated Nanopatterns and Color Conversion Waveguide Gratings
Authors: Buhl Janek , Lüder Hannes , Bichmann Gitta , Nolte Tim , Petraru Adrian , Gerken Martina
Published: December 2022

Tailoring the angular emission pattern of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is a promising approach to increase device performance in many applications. In miniaturized point‐of‐need sensor systems using organic light sources and photodetectors, directional illumination of specific sensing spots may enhance overall sensitivity by improved light utilization. Periodically nanopatterned waveguides forming photonic crystal slabs are oftentimes employed to obtain directional resonant light outcoupling from OLEDs. This work compares emission directionality for two types of devices utilizing the same polymer compounds as the emissive material: OLEDs comprising a nanopatterned bottom electrode and conventional OLEDs featuring a dedicated nanopatterned color conversion layer (CCL) for directional light outcoupling. Simulated and experimentally measured emission characteristics show that resonant outcoupling effects from a separate CCL are significantly stronger due to spatial separation from the lossy electrode layers as well as high optical contrast at the waveguide interfaces. While OLEDs with nanopatterned electrodes exhibit only small deviations from the Lambertian emission profile, the nanopatterned CCL induces high outcoupling peaks at specific viewing angles leading to increased emission directionality.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Direct C−H Amination of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Liu Yanpeng , Pei Congcong , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Jianye , Li Jingya , Zou Dapeng , Wu Yangjie , Wu Yusheng
Published: December 2022

A visible‐light‐induced direct C(sp2)−H amination of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones toward the synthesis of substituted 3‐aminoquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with TMSN3 has been firstly developed. This transformation achieved C(sp2)−H/N−H coupling in the absence of external ligand and oxidant. Notably, this methodology features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope and operational simplicity.

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Matching Carbenes and Sulfoximines via Ketenes Generated from α‐Diazoketones by Blue Light
Authors: Pan Shulei , Passia Marco T. , Wang Xianliang , Wu Peng , Ma Ding , Bolm Carsten
Published: December 2022

Although NH‐sulfoximines are known to react with carbenes by deamidation pathways, they can be combined if the latter are generated as transients from diazo compounds under blue light irradiation to undergo rapid Wolff rearrangement to generate reactive ketenes. Subsequent addition of sulfoximines or sulfonimidamides lead to N‐acylated products in good to excellent yields. Beneficial are the mild reaction conditions, which neither require the addition of a base nor an oxidant or a metal catalyst.

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Multishank Thin‐Film Neural Probes and Implantation System for High‐Resolution Neural Recording Applications
Authors: Middya Sagnik , Carnicer‐Lombarte Alejandro , Curto Vincenzo F. , Hilton Sam , Genewsky Andreas , Rutz Alexandra L. , Barone Damiano G , Kaminski Schierle Gabriele S. , Sirota Anton , Malliaras George G.
Published: December 2022

Silicon probes have played a key role in studying the brain. However, the stark mechanical mismatch between these probes and the brain leads to chronic damage in the surrounding neural tissue, limiting their application in research and clinical translation. Mechanically flexible probes made of thin plastic shanks offer an attractive tissue‐compatible alternative but are difficult to implant into the brain. They also struggle to achieve the electrode density and layout necessary for the high‐resolution applications their silicon counterparts excel at. Here, a multishank high‐density flexible neural probe design is presented, which emulates the functionality of stiff silicon arrays for recording from neural population across multiple sites within a given region. The flexible probe is accompanied by a detachable 3D printed implanter, which delivers the probe by means of hydrophobic‐coated shuttles. The shuttles can then be retracted with minimal movement and the implanter houses the electronics necessary for in vivo recording applications. Validation of the probes through extracellular recordings from multiple brain regions and histological evidence of minimal foreign body response opens the path to long‐term chronic monitoring of neural ensembles.
The association of gustatory dysfunction, olfactory dysfunction, and cognition in older adults
Authors: Mattos Jose L. , Hasan Shahzeb , Schlosser Rodney J. , Payne Spencer C. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: December 2022

Background

The association of gustatory dysfunction (GD) with quality of life (QOL) and cognition in older adults is understudied. Our objective was to study the prevalence of GD in the community and explore impacts and associated factors.

Methods

A prospective, multi‐institutional, pre‐corona virus disease (COVID) cohort of adults aged 50 years and older had smell and taste testing using “Sniffin’ Sticks” (TDI) and “Taste Strips.” The impact of GD on mood, QOL, and social interaction was assessed through visual analog scales. Subjects completed the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the DeJong scale of loneliness.

Results

A total of 48 patients, average age of 54.7 years, were enrolled. Thirty‐two percent experienced GD on taste strips, and 62% experienced olfactory dysfunction (OD) on TDI. Almost 30% (29.5%) had both GD and OD. GD and OD correlated with worsened cognitive function on MMSE (r = 0.392 and 0.05, p = 0.018 and 0.003). Subjects with both GD and OD had worse MMSE than either alone (p = 0.003). Dry mouth and difficult chewing correlated with GD (r = −0.37 and −0.31, p = 0.10 and 0.37). Self‐reported GD and OD were correlated (r = 0.46, p = 0.001), as were psychophysical GD and OD (r = 0.394, p = 0.008). GD did not correlate with other metrics.

Conclusion

Thirty‐two percent of subjects experienced GD on psychophysical testing, yet most are unaware without impacts on daily life. However, GD correlates with worsened cognitive function. Taste testing may play a role in screening of neurocognitive decline, and multisensory dysfunction may indicate of worsened cognitive states.
Hemoglobin‐Related Biomaterials and their Applications
Authors: Li Shaobing , Sun Wei , Ouyang Min , Yu Bo , Chen Yan , Wang Yupeng , Zhou Dongfang
Published: December 2022

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a physiological oxygen‐transport metalloprotein present in the red blood cells. With the in‐depth study, many functions of Hb are developed, and kinds of Hb‐related biomaterials are applied for biomedical therapeutics in the past decades. Herein, the recent advances of Hb‐related biomaterials and their applications, including the clinical progress of Hb‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) as blood substitutes, and the applications in the field of tumor therapy, wound healing, and anti‐inflammation therapy through utilizing its function of multiple gas delivery (O2, CO, NO), peroxidase‐like catalysis, and targeting macrophage, are summarized. With the rapid development of science and technology, more versatile Hb‐related biomaterials are designed in the future for other applications.
Design of Adhesive Hemostatic Hydrogels Guided by the Interfacial Interactions with Tissue Surface
Authors: Zhang Xiaobin , Shi Lianxin , Xiao Wuyi , Wang Zhao , Wang Shutao
Published: December 2022

Adhesive hemostatic hydrogels, as one of the most important wound dressings, have attracted tremendous attention because of their unique advantages in injured tissue. Many intensive efforts are devoted to designing ingenious adhesive hemostatic hydrogels based on interfacial interactions with tissue surfaces, such as covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, cation–π interactions, and π–π stacking interactions. Herein, an overview of the recent progress in adhesive hemostatic hydrogels is provided, especially focusing on diverse covalent/noncovalent interfacial interactions between the active groups of adhesive hydrogels and tissue surface. The commonly used forms and the hemostatic evaluation models of the adhesive hydrogels are also summarized. Finally, the critical issues that should be concerned for current adhesive hemostatic hydrogels and the developing directions toward practical applications are discussed.
Outer Membrane Vesicle‐Coated Nanoparticle Vaccine Protects against Acinetobacter baumannii Pneumonia and Sepsis
Authors: Bjanes Elisabet , Zhou Jiarong , Qayum Tariq , Krishnan Nishta , Zurich Raymond H. , Menon Nitasha D. , Hoffman Alexandria , Fang Ronnie H. , Zhang Liangfang , Nizet Victor
Published: December 2022

The highly multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacterial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is a top global health priority where an effective vaccine can protect susceptible populations and limit resistance acquisition. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) shed from Gram‐negative bacteria are enriched with virulence factors and membrane lipids but heterogeneous in size and cargo. Herein, a vaccine platform combining precise and replicable nanoparticle technology with immunogenic A. baumannii OMVs (Ab‐OMVs) is reported. Gold nanoparticle cores coated with Ab‐OMVs (Ab‐NPs) induce robust IgG titers in rabbits that enhance human neutrophil opsonophagocytic killing and passively protect against lethal A. baumannii sepsis in mice. Active Ab‐NP immunization in mice protects against sepsis and pneumonia, accompanied by B cell recruitment to draining lymph nodes, activation of dendritic cell markers, improved splenic neutrophil responses, and mitigation of proinflammatory cytokine storm. Nanoparticles are an efficient and efficacious platform for OMV vaccine delivery against A. baumannii and perhaps other high‐priority MDR pathogens.
Electricity‐Assisted Cancer Therapy: From Traditional Clinic Applications to Emerging Methods Integrated with Nanotechnologies
Authors: Zhong Songjing , Yao Shuncheng , Zhao Qinyu , Wang Zhuo , Liu Zhirong , Li Linlin , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2022

Inspired by endogenous physiological electric fields in humans, electricity has been widely used as an accessible source of physical stimulation to help treat diseases, including cancer therapy. Electricity can not only be used as a weapon to directly kill cancer cells but also be used as a “switch” to control the anticancer drug delivery systems (DDSs), enabling on‐demand drug release at the lesion sites. Recently, the antitumor electrotherapy based on the induction of tumor cell apoptosis by highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been developed. Many studies have proved that the electrical stimulation can mobilize the body's immune system to kill tumors through different mechanisms. When the single electrical therapy is not effective for the treatment of advanced tumors, the integration with immunotherapy is considered as “life‐saving straw.” Moreover, with the growing need for convenient, personalized, and telehealth care and treatment, the emerging nanotechnologies such as self‐powered triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are integrated with electrotherapy. This review comprehensively summarizes these developments from clinic applications to new emerging strategies and proposes future challenges and opportunities in this field.
Electrochemical Single‐Cell Protein Therapeutics Using a Double‐Barrel Nanopipette
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Mei , Xu Yi‐Tong , Zhou Bing‐Yu , Wang Bing , Yu Si‐Yuan , Zhao Wei‐Wei , Jiang Dechen , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Juan
Published: December 2022

Single‐cell protein therapeutics is expected to promote our in‐depth understanding of how a specific protein with a therapeutic dosage treats the cell without population averaging. However, it has not yet been tackled by current single‐cell nanotools. We address this challenge by the use of a double‐barrel nanopipette, in which one lumen was used for electroosmotic cytosolic protein delivery and the other was customized for ionic evaluation of the consequence. Upon injection of protein DJ‐1 through the delivery lumen, upregulation of the antioxidant protein could protect neural PC‐12 cells against oxidative stress from phorbol myristate acetate exposure, as deduced by targeting of the cytosolic hydrogen peroxide by the detecting lumen. The nanotool developed in this study for single‐cell protein therapeutics provides a perspective for future single‐cell therapeutics involving different therapeutic modalities, such as peptides, enzymes and nucleic acids.
Improved cure kinetics of phthalonitrile resins using dicyanamide‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Wolfgang Josh D. , Dysart Jennifer L. , Laskoski Matthew
Published: December 2022

Phthalonitrile (PN) polymers are high‐temperature thermosetting resins with excellent thermal and mechanical performance, but they exhibit notably long cure‐times hindering their use in certain applications. Ionic liquids (ILs) and aromatic amines provide an opportunity to cure at lower temperatures and shorter times. Dicyanamide‐based ILs are an interesting class of high‐temperature organic salts due to their high thermal stability and –CN functionality. The addition of ionic liquid in concentrations of 10 and 20 wt% enabled a decrease of the crossover modulus by 30 and 45°C, respectively. When the samples were mixed with both 3 wt% of an amine curing additive and the ionic liquid, the temperature of the crossover modulus was decreased even more dramatically with cure temperatures up to 96°C below that of the PN resin without additives. The differential scanning calorimetry results support the rheological findings that the ILs decrease the temperature and/or time required to cure PN resins. Herein, a dicyanamide‐based ionic liquid catalyzed the curing of PN resins by lowering the gelation temperature by up to 40°C, decreased the processing viscosity by five‐ to eight‐fold, and increased the density of the resin thermosets by nearly 3% on average.
Carbon nanotubes/cellulose composite aerogels with controllable microstructure for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Li Ying , Shi Qin , Peng Longgui , Chang Mengjie , Zhou Fang , Gong Changdan , Wu Yi , Zhang Liangqing
Published: December 2022

In this work, isotropic cellulose aerogels with microstructure from three‐dimensional (3D) sheet‐networks to 3D nanofibrous networks are obtained by adjusting the tertiary butanol content and using the homogenous freezing method. When changing the freezing method to unidirectional freezing, the microstructure of cellulose aerogels transforms from isotropic to oriented fibrous network structure. The mechanical performance of cellulose aerogels presents microstructure‐dependent behavior. Furthermore, serviceable conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance are imparted to cellulose aerogels by uniformly dispersing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into cellulose matrixes. With the same CNT content (10 wt%), oriented CNTs/cellulose composite aerogels show higher EMI shielding efficiency (EMI SE) than that of isotropic composite aerogels. One possible reason is that oriented composite aerogels can reflect and absorb the electromagnetic waves much more times along the freezing direction. The specific SE (716 dB cm3 g−1) of oriented composite aerogel is higher than that of isotropic composite aerogel (539 dB cm3 g−1), which is the reason that oriented composite aerogel has lower density and higher SE. These advantages of lightweight, controllable microstructure, adjustable EMI shielding performance give CNTs/cellulose composite aerogels broad application prospects in the field of EMI shielding.
Modulating the Morphological Features of Hydrothermally Derived Nickel Cobaltite for Supercapacitor Application: Role of Precursor Anions
Authors: Girija Nimisha , Kuttan Surya Suma , Gopakumar Gopika Kavitha , Nair Balagopal N. , Mohamed Abdul Azeez Peer , Hareesh Unnikrishnan Nair Saraswathy
Published: December 2022

Morphologically engineered porous electrodes show great promise in energy applications as they exhibit improved electrochemical activity owing to increased electrical conductivity, increased surface area, and a shorter path length for ion transport. Herein, the role of precursors (chlorides, acetates and nitrates) on the crystallinity and textural features of Nickel Cobaltite, obtained by the controlled precipitation through hydrothermal synthesis, is studied. The synthesis yielded urchin like structures with morphological variations in substructures based on the precursor anion types. The surface area values obtained for nickel cobaltite derived from the chloride (NCO‐C), nitrate (NCO‐N), and acetate precursors (NCO‐A) were 30,110 and 115 m2 g−1, confirming the influence of anions on the textural features. The time dependant electrolyte (2 M KOH) infiltration behaviour on the electrode surfaces based on contact angle measurements is invoked to correlate its morphological and textural attributes with the electrolyte transport kinetics. The electrochemical performances were derived from cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge discharge analysis and impedance measurements. The electrolyte infiltration studies established a dependence on the precursor anion. NCO‐A facilitated faster electrolyte infiltration time of 7800 ms compared to 16200 ms and 54,000 ms for NCO‐N and NCO‐C electrodes, respectively. Furthermore, NCO‐A exhibited a greater specific capacitance of 802 F g−1 than NCO‐N (500 F g−1) and NCO‐C (342 F g−1). The morphology modulation coupled with optimal porosity led to conducive pathways for reversible electrolyte infiltration resulting in increased capacitive contribution in NCO‐A. The study revealed that the size of intercalating anions exercised a significant impact on the morphological and electrochemical features, signifying the importance of synthetic approaches in determining the functional properties of electrode materials.
Symbol or substance? Scrutinizing the ‘risk transparency premise’ in marketized sustainable finance: The case of TCFD reporting
Authors: Di Marco Roberta , Dong Ting , Malatincová Ria , Reuter Marek , Strömsten Torkel
Published: December 2022

Contemporary forms of “marketized” sustainable finance rely on the production, dissemination, and consumption of financialized ESG risk information. In this paper, we scrutinize this “risk transparency premise” in context of the TCFD's climate risk reporting framework. Adopting the lens of institutional theory and a mixed methods approach, we pursue two interrelated aims. First, we examine to which extent the climate risk disclosures of TCFD “supporters” from the European financial sector adhere to the information requirements spelled out in the TCFD framework. Second, we seek to uncover the organization level impediments that underlie substantive implementation of the TCFD framework and, in turn, the production and dissemination of the required climate risk information. Based on our findings, we argue that TCFD/climate risk reporting is prone to become a ‘ceremonial’ practice and that, at least as of now, the ‘institutional myth’ of risk transparency might rather serve to safeguard the ideals of the market as opposed to facilitate transformative change towards a more environmentally sustainable economy. Our findings complement research that has problematized contemporary forms of marketized sustainable finance as well as literature on climate risk reporting and TCFD more specifically.
Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Extracts from Three Underutilized Food Plants of North East India
Authors: Goswami Manab Jyoti , Dutta Utpal , Seema Tage , Bharali Sourav Jyoti , Yanka Hage , Tag Hui , Bharali Pankaj , Kakati Dwipen
Published: December 2022

Three underutilized leafy vegetables Sarcochlamys pulcherrima (Roxb.) Gaudich (SP), Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. (IA) and Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC (ZR) were extracted with different solvents viz. 95 % ethyl alcohol, methanol and hot water. The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential via DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay along with electroanalytical studies using cyclic voltammetry. The antidiabetic potential was determined by recording their α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory assay. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and the liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC/MS) based phytochemical profiles of the extracts were also determined. All three extracts of SP exhibited significant antioxidant capacity. The antidiabetic potential of the IA and ZR extracts was found to be higher than or at par with that of standard acarbose. LC/MS studies reveal the presence of hitherto reported antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds like gamma‐aminobutyric acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, α‐viniferin, piperlonguminine, niacin, kaempferol, etc., in the extracts.
Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis complicated with central nervous system involvement: A case series
Authors: Inoue Ken , Hikone Mayu , Oishio Masato , Noji Saki , Sugiyama Kazuhiro
Published: December 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae can be a complication of invasive liver abscess syndrome; however, CNS infections due to K. pneumoniae without liver abscesses are rare. We report three fatal cases of CNS infection due to K. pneumoniae that lacked liver abscesses during the initial investigation.
Tuning Electronic Structure of CuCo2O4 Spinel via Mn‐Doping for Enhancing Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: He Xuanmeng , Qiao Tong , Li Beijun , Zhang Zeqin , Wang Shaolan , Wang Xinzhen , Liu Hui
Published: December 2022

Cobalt‐based spinel oxide is a promising electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) because of its low cost, excellent activity and stability. Herein, we designed the CuMnxCo2O4 electrocatalyst with tunable electronic structure via Mn‐doping to enhance OER performance. Results showed that the CuMn0.5Co2O4 catalyst prepared by calcined at 600°C exhibited high crystalline without impurity phase, and possessed the enhanced Co2+/Co3+ ratio and high concentration of oxygen vacancies, which were facilitated to enhance OER performance. Electrochemical test results showed the CuMn0.5Co2O4 catalyst had high OER performance with a low overpotential of 340 mV at the current density of 10 mA ⋅ cm−2 and a smaller Tafel slope of 69.8 mV ⋅ dec−1. TOF and ECSA results illustrated that the more intrinsic catalytic activity on the CuMn0.5Co2O4 catalyst. After 1000 cycles, the catalyst exhibited high stability with the 8 1.7 % of current retention rate. The OER activity enhancement mechanism of was further analyzed, which were mainly ascribed to the conversion of variable Co2+/Co3+ and enhanced oxygen vacancies.
Propanediol Cyclic Sulfate as An Electrolyte Additive to Improve the Cyclic Performance of LiNi0.6Co0.1Mn0.3O2/Graphite Pouch‐Cell at High Voltage
Authors: Liu Shuang , Qiu Wenjuan , Su Zhuoying , Li Jia , Xiao Xin , Nan Junmin , Zuo Xiaoxi
Published: December 2022

By using Ni‐rich material (LiNixCoyMnzO2, x+y+z=1) as cathode electrode, the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries can be increased. However, the electrode/electrolyte interface instability of Ni‐rich cathode at high voltage will adversely affect the cycle performance and limit its practical application. In this paper, propanediol cyclic sulfate (PCS) is proposed as a functional additive to improve the cycling stability of LiNi0.6Co0.1Mn0.3O2/graphite battery. After adding 3.0 wt.% PCS to the baseline electrolyte, the capacity retention of the batteries improves from 9.6 % to 86.5 % after 150 cycles at the voltages of 3.0–4.5 V. Based on the theoretical calculation and experimental result, the main reason for the improvement of electrochemical performance is that the PCS forms a highly stable sulfur‐containing compound interface layer (SEI/CEI) on the electrode surface, which can not only inhibit electrolyte decomposition and interface impedance increase, but also reduce transition metal dissolution. This work has given some ideas for the practical utilization of high‐voltage LiNi0.6Co0.1Mn0.3O2/graphite pouch‐cells.
Location‐specific target load level and object‐specific load models for recalculation based on structural monitoring
Authors: Steffens Nico , Geißler Karsten
Published: December 2022

When evaluating existing bridges, supporting structural monitoring is increasingly being used in order to obtain the stresses in the structure more realistically than purely mathematically and to calibrate the calculation model. The question of how the additional information obtained through measurements have to be taken into account within the recalculation, including its safety concept, is currently still normatively unclear. On the load side, this can be done through the modified definition of the target load level or, alternatively, through object‐specific load models for load‐bearing capacity and fatigue to map the actual traffic. Furthermore, on the basis of the measurement data, the necessary safety factors can be justified, also taking into account future traffic developments, while maintaining the normatively required level of reliability.
Co‐Combustion of Oil Sludge Char and Brown Coal in a Continuous Fluidized‐Bed Combustor
Authors: Shi Bowen , Qiao Fa , Zhang Guangyi , Liu Xuan , Zhang Yuming , Wen Hongyan , Wang Fang , Zhang Jianling , Xu Guangwen
Published: December 2022

For developing technologies for innocent disposal of/energy recovery from high‐ash oil sludge char (OSC), it was continuously combusted in a 10 kg h−1 fluidized‐bed combustor. Addition of brown coal (BC) improved its combustion, but excessive BC was prone to cause slagging. Fine coke particles in OSC and volatiles in BC led to staged temperatures along the fluidized bed through air‐staging co‐combustion, enabling excellent combustion performance as well as efficient NOx reduction, especially when coupled with selective non‐catalytic reduction. Thus, there is a potential to cleanly recover energy from OSC by its co‐combustion with BC.
MAP3K1 rs889312 polymorphism and cancer prognosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aziz Md. Abdul , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: December 2022

Background

Accumulating studies have evaluated the association between MAP3K1 polymorphisms and cancer prognosis. However, the results of these studies are conflicting. Given the potential impact of MAP3K1 rs889312 SNP on the prognosis of various cancers, this meta‐analysis was performed to obtain solid and credible evidence.

Methods and Materials

This study was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. A comprehensive article search was conducted to find and select articles from multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, published up to 15th September 2022. The data analysis was performed with Review Manager v5.2. Pooled HR with its 95% CI and p‐value was calculated where HR >1 suggests worse/poor survival and HR <1 suggests better survival of cancer patients.

Results

A total of five articles comprising 24 439 patients were included for both qualitative and quantitative data synthesis. It was found that only the dominant genetic model (AC + CC vs. AA) showed a statistically significant poor overall survival for MAP3K1 rs889312 polymorphism (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06–1.47, p = .01). In addition, publication bias analysis by the Egger's test and the Begg‐Mazumdar test reported no significant bias in the analysis of overall survival (p > .05).

Conclusions

The present study concludes that MAP3K1 gene rs889312 polymorphism plays a prognostic role in the survival of cancer patients. However, future research is recommended that will analyze more MAP3K SNPs along with rs889312, which may reveal more credible outcomes in terms of cancer prognosis.
Evaluation of Ethnicity Effect on Intranasal Esketamine Pharmacokinetics by Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling Using Data From a Japanese Phase 2b Study
Authors: Kurosawa Ken , Shibuya Minaka , Shimizu Hiroko , Pérez‐Ruixo Carlos
Published: December 2022

Esketamine is used for the treatment of treatment‐resistant depression in many countries. A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model of esketamine and its metabolite (noresketamine) has been previously developed, which included Asian race and Japanese ethnicity as covariates on their exposures. The present study aimed to update the popPK model by adding new data from a phase 2b study in Japanese patients and reassess intrinsic and extrinsic factors on esketamine and noresketamine exposures. The updated model identified the effects of body weight on the fraction of the esketamine dose absorbed in the nasal cavity and elimination rate constant of esketamine, and Asian race on the apparent clearance of noresketamine. The model predicted that an increase of 30 kg of body weight would decrease esketamine exposures by ≈20%. Noresketamine exposures would be affected by Asian race and body weight. However, those newly identified covariates were not considered to have clinically relevant impacts, and therefore dose adjustments were not necessary. In conclusion, the popPK model of esketamine and noresketamine was successfully updated and suggested that interindividual variability of esketamine exposures can be better explained by body weight, rather than by race/ethnicity. The new findings obtained in this study should be useful information for the further development of esketamine and for clinical practice in the future.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Photoactivated Prodrug
Authors: Yin Jiazhen , Sharma Raahul , Tyndall Joel D. A. , Grimsey Natasha L. , Vernall Andrea J.
Published: December 2022

G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) ligand prodrugs that can be released on demand with spatiotemporal control are powerful chemical tools that can assist in elucidating the consequences of GPCR activation or blockade at precise locations and times both in vitro and in vivo. Cannabinoid receptor prodrugs are of interest from both a drug delivery perspective and as tools to unravel the potential for differential signaling responses to be produced from cannabinoid receptor populations in distinct subcellular locations. Herein, the development and characterization of a cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist prodrug is described, based on a 4‐diethylamino‐coumarylidenemalononitrilemethyl (DEACM‐MN) photo caging moiety linked via a carbonate to a chromenopyrazole cannabinoid ligand. This prodrug showed rapid photolysis with 450–455 nm light and good stability in biologically relevant buffer. The formation of various coumarin products alongside drug release was studied in different conditions. Radioligand binding assays were conducted with the prodrug, which revealed a significantly decreased human cannabinoid type 2 receptor binding affinity than the active chromenopyrazole parent ligand.
Migration in drought: Receding streams contract the seaward migration window of endangered salmon
Authors: Kastl Brian , Obedzinski Mariska , Carlson Stephanie M. , Boucher William T. , Grantham Theodore E.
Published: December 2022

Prolonged migration windows buffer migratory animal populations against uncertainty in resource availability. Understanding how intensifying droughts from climate change influence the migration window is critical for biodiversity conservation in a warming world. We explored how drought affects the seaward migration of endangered coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) near the southern extent of their range in California, USA. We tracked stream departures of juvenile coho, measuring streamflow and temperature in seven streams over 13 years, spanning a historic drought with extreme dry and warm conditions. Linear mixed effects models indicate that, over the range of observations, a decrease in seasonal streamflow (from 4.5 to 0.5 mm/day seasonal runoff) contracted the migration window by 31% (from 11 to 7 weeks). An increase from 10.2 to 12.8°C in mean seasonal water temperature hastened the migration window by three weeks. Pacific salmon have evolved to synchronize ocean arrival with productive ocean upwelling. However, earlier and shorter migration windows during drought could lead to mismatches, decreasing fitness and population stability. Our study demonstrates that drought‐induced low flows and warming threaten coho salmon in California and suggests that environmental flow protections will be needed to support the seaward migration of Pacific salmon in a changing climate.
Ten‐Minute Synthesis of a New Redox‐Active Aqueous Binder for Flame‐Retardant Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Zhang Tianpeng , Li Borui , Song Zihui , Jiang Wanyuan , Liu Siyang , Mao Runyue , Jian Xigao , Hu Fangyuan
Published: December 2022

As a critical role in battery systems, polymer binders have been shown to efficiently suppress the lithium polysulfide shuttling and accommodate volume changes in recent years. However, preparation processes and safety, as the key criterions for Li‐S batteries' practical applications, still attract less attention. Herein, an aqueous multifunction binder (named PEI‐TIC) is prepared via an easy and fast epoxy‐amine ring‐opening reaction (10 min), which can not only give the sulfur cathode a stable mechanical property, a strong chemical adsorption and catalytic conversion ability, but also a fire safety improvement. The Li‐S batteries based on the PEI‐TIC binder display a high discharge capacity (1297.8 mAh g−1), superior rate performance (823.0 mAh g−1 at 2 C), and an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.035% over more than 800 cycles. Even under 7.1 mg cm−2 S‐loaded, the PEI‐TIC electrode can also achieve a high areal capacity of 7.2 mA h g−1 and excellent cycling stability, confirming its application potential. Moreover, it is also noted that TG‐FTIR test is performed for the first time to explore the flame‐retardant mechanism of polymer binders. This work provides an economically and environmentally friendly binder for the practical application and inspires the exploration of the flame‐retardant mechanism of all electrode components.
Seismic and collapse performance of a hybrid structure comprising steel frame with precast concrete shear walls and cladding panels
Authors: Wang Hanqin , Jiang Qing , Chong Xun , Feng Yulong , Huang Junqi
Published: December 2022

A hybrid structure constructed by replacing external steel beams and columns in the steel frame (SF) to precast concrete shear walls with insulation (PCSWs) and precast concrete cladding panels (PCCPs, SFPCSW) is proposed in this paper to avoid the problem of columns protruding from walls and PCCPs directly connected with SF. Numerical models of the SF and SFPCSW structures are established in ETABS software based on an 18‐story assembled steel residential building to investigate the seismic performance and collapse resistance capacity of SFPCSW. Time history analysis results show that the SFPCSW exhibits bending‐shearing lateral deformation and has more uniform interstory drift ratios than the SF. Under major earthquakes (i.e., probability of exceedance of 2% in 50 years), the damage of SF is concentrated in stories 1–6; for SFPCSW, the plastic hinges mainly appear in the concrete beams between PCSWs at each story, and the damage in PCSWs and the internal frame is small. Using pinned connections between the steel beam and PCSW reduces the structural lateral stiffness and increases the earthquake load carried by the internal frame. The incremental dynamic analysis results show that the SF and SFPCSW have similar collapse resistance capacities.
Guidelines for DC preparation and flow cytometric analysis of human lymphohematopoietic tissues
Authors: Heger Lukas , Dudziak Diana , Amon Lukas , Hatscher Lukas , Kaszubowski Tomasz , Lehmann Christian H. K.
Published: December 2022

This article is part of the Dendritic Cell Guidelines article series, which provides a collection of state‐of‐the‐art protocols for the preparation, phenotype analysis by flow cytometry, generation, fluorescence microscopy, and functional characterization of mouse and human dendritic cells (DC) from lymphoid organs and various non‐lymphoid tissues. Within this article, detailed protocols are presented that allow for the generation of single cell suspensions from human lymphohematopoietic tissues including blood, spleen, thymus, and tonsils with a focus on the subsequent analysis of DC via flow cytometry, as well as flow cytometric cell sorting of primary human DC. Further, prepared single cell suspensions as well as cell sorter‐purified DC can be subjected to other applications including cellular enrichment procedures, RNA sequencing, functional assays, and many more. While all protocols were written by experienced scientists who routinely use them in their work, this article was also peer‐reviewed by leading experts and approved by all co‐authors, making it an essential resource for basic and clinical DC immunologists.
Characterization and efficient production of an α‐agarase from marine bacterium Catenovulum maritimum STB14
Authors: You Yuxian , Xie Wenyan , Li Caiming , Gu Zhengbiao , Ban Xiaofeng , Zhang Feng , Li Zhaofeng
Published: December 2022

Agarases are enzymes that degrade agar and agarose to produce agar oligosaccharides with multiple functional activities. Compared with β‐agarases, the natural source of α‐agarases is limited, which severely restricts the industrial application of α‐agarases. Here, we cloned and heterologously expressed an α‐agarase belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 96 named Cm‐AGA from the marine bacterium Catenovulum maritimum STB14. The production conditions of recombinant Cm‐AGA were optimized as: taking Terrific Broth (TB) (pH 6.5) with 5 g/L of fructose and 24 g/L of yeast extract H07014 as the fermentation medium, after culturing at 37°C for 2 h, isopropyl‐β‐
d‐thiogalactoside was added with a final concentration of 0.01 mM to induce for 44 h. The obtained enzyme activity was 13.81 U/ml and was about 6.6 times the initial activity. The specific activity of recombinant Cm‐AGA was 206.1 U/mg, the optimum temperature and pH were 35°C and 8.0, respectively, and the enzyme activity could be activated by Mn2+ and Ca2+. The hydrolysis product results showed that Cm‐AGA is the first reported α‐agarase with agarobiose (A2) and agarotetraose (A4) as the dominant products, suggesting the great potential of Cm‐AGA in the efficient production of agaro‐oligosaccharides with a low degree of polymerization.
Cataloguing guanidinoacetic acid content in nutritional supplements
Authors: Ostojic Sergej M. , Ratgeber Laszlo , Trunic Nenad , Rajkovic Sava
Published: December 2022

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA, also known as glycocyamine or guanidinoacetate) is a naturally occurring alpha amino acid derivative and newly recognized dietary compound obtainable by different foods and nutritional supplements. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the GAA exposure from supplements might be a major source of GAA supply, out‐competing other food sources for several orders of magnitude. This original technical paper summarizes information about GAA levels in different nutritional supplements, as derived from the U.S. National Institutes of Health dietary supplement database.
Applied behavior analysis and the zoo: Forthman and Ogden (1992) thirty years later
Authors: Fernandez Eduardo J. , Martin Allison L.
Published: December 2022

The field of applied behavior analysis has been directly involved in both research and applications of behavioral principles to improve the lives of captive zoo animals. Thirty years ago, Forthman and Ogden (1992) wrote one of the first papers documenting some of these efforts. Since that time, considerable work has been done using behavioral principles and procedures to guide zoo welfare efforts. The current paper reexamines and updates Forthman and Ogden's original points, with attention to the 5 categories they detailed: (a) promotion of species‐typical behavior, (b) reintroduction and repatriation of endangered species, (c) animal handling, (d) pest control, and (e) animal performances. In addition, we outline 3 current and future directions for behavior analytic endeavors: (a) experimental analyses of behavior and the zoo, (b) applied behavior analysis and the zoo, and (c) single‐case designs and the zoo. The goal is to provide a framework that can guide future behavioral research in zoos, as well as create applications based on these empirical evaluations.
Comparison of surgical complications after curative surgery in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and sarcopenia
Authors: Zeng Shuang , Chang Chia‐Hao , Sun Mingyang , Chen Wan‐Ming , Wu Szu‐Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: December 2022

Background

The study aims to clarify the association of sarcopenia with perioperative and postoperative complications in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) patients undergoing curative surgery and to understand the reasons causing the poor oncologic outcomes for OCSCC.

Methods

We conducted a propensity score matching study to investigate the association of perioperative and postoperative outcomes in OCSCC patients with sarcopenia and without sarcopenia. A retrospective analysis of a large national data set from the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database was conducted. At least two claims for patients with a principal diagnosis of sarcopenia within the 12‐month preoperative period were defined as the criteria for sarcopenia diagnosis (ICD‐10‐CM code M62.84). Sarcopenia was diagnosed through the measurement of low muscle strength and low muscle mass by any one of the patient's attending orthopaedic physician, rehabilitation physician, family medicine specialist or geriatrician. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate the perioperative, and postoperative major complications.

Results

Our final cohort included 16 293 patients with OCSCC (10 862 and 5 431 in the sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia groups, respectively) who were eligible for further analysis. The sarcopenia group was 10.40% female and 89.60% male, and the nonsarcopenia group was 9.74% female and 90.26% male. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) were 56.44 ± 11.14 and 56.22 ± 11.29 for sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia groups. OCSCC patients with sarcopenia undergoing curative surgery had a significantly higher blood transfusion rate and volume; longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospital stay; higher postoperative 30‐day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.07, 1.56]) and rates of pneumonia (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI [1.20, 1.50]), acute renal failure (aOR: 1.45, 95% CI [1.12, 1.87]) and septicaemia (aOR: 1.29, 95% CI [1.15, 1.45]); higher postoperative first‐year mortality (aOR: 1.18, 95% CI [1.13, 1.51]) and rates of pneumonia (aOR: 1.43, 95% CI [1.30, 1.56]), acute myocardial infarction (aOR: 1.52, 95% CI [1.06, 2.18]) and septicaemia (aOR: 1.29, 95% CI [1.15, 1.45]).

Conclusions

OCSCC patients with sarcopenia might exhibit more perioperative and surgical complications than those without sarcopenia.
Sustained virological response after treatment with direct antiviral agents in individuals with HIV and hepatitis C co‐infection
Authors: Lodi Sara , Klein Marina , Rauch Andri , Epstein Rachel , Wittkop Linda , Logan Roger , Rentsch Christopher T. , Justice Amy C. , Touloumi Giota , Berenguer Juan , Jarrin Inma , Egger Matthias , Puoti Massimo , D'Arminio Monforte Antonella , Gill John , Salmon Ceron Dominique , van Sighem Ard , Linas Benjamin , van der Valk Marc , Hernán Miguel A. ,   HepCAUSAL Collaboration
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Randomized trials and observational studies have consistently reported rates of sustained virological response (SVR), equivalent to hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure, as high as 95% following treatment with direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in individuals with HIV and HCV co‐infection. However, large studies assessing whether SVR rates differ according to demographic and clinical strata are lacking. Additionally, the SVR rates reported in the literature were typically computed in non‐random samples of individuals with available post‐DAA HCV‐RNA measures. Here, we aimed to estimate the probability of SVR after DAA treatment initiation in persons with HIV and HCV co‐infection overall and by demographic and clinical characteristics with and without adjustment for missing HCV‐RNA testing.

Methods

We included adults with HIV‐HCV co‐infection who received DAA treatment between 2014 and 2020 in HepCAUSAL, an international collaboration of cohorts from Europe and North America. We estimated the proportions of DAA recipients who had documented SVR (defined as an undetectable HCV‐RNA at least 12 weeks after the end of DAA treatment) overall and by strata defined by age, sex, presence of cirrhosis, calendar period, mode of HIV acquisition, CD4 cell count and HCV genotype at DAA treatment. We then compared these rates with those obtained using the parametric g‐formula to impute SVR status for individuals with no SVR assessment.

Results and Discussion

A total of 4527 individuals who initiated DAA treatment (88% males, median [IQR] age 56 [50, 62] years) were included. Of the total of 642 (14%) individuals had no HCV‐RNA test on or after 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The overall observed and g‐formula imputed SVR rates were 93% (95% CI 93, 94) and 94% (95% CI 92, 95), respectively. SVR estimates were similarly high across all strata. A substantial proportion of individuals who received DAA treatment were never assessed for SVR post‐DAA and strategies for more systematic routine HCV‐RNA testing should be considered.

Conclusions

Our estimates with and without adjustment for missing HCV‐RNA testing indicate SVR rates of approximately 95%, like those reported in clinical trials.