bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Voltage Aqueous Mg‐Ion Batteries Enabled by Solvation Structure Reorganization
Authors: Fu Qiang , Wu Xiaoyu , Luo Xianlin , Indris Sylvio , Sarapulova Angelina , Bauer Marina , Wang Zhengqi , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Wei Yingjin , Dsoke Sonia
Published: January 2022

Herein, an eco‐friendly and high safety aqueous Mg‐ion electrolyte (AME) with a wide electrochemical stability window (ESW) ≈3.7 V, containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and low‐concentration salt (0.8 m Mg(TFSI)2), is proposed by solvation structure reorganization of AME. The PEG agent significantly alters the Mg2+ solvation and hydrogen bonds network of AMEs and forms the direct coordination of Mg2+ and TFSI‐, thus enhancing the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of electrolytes. As an exemplary material, V2O5 nanowires are tested in this new AME and exhibit initial high discharge/charge capacity of 359/326 mAh g‐1 and high capacity retention of 80% after 100 cycles. The high crystalline α‐V2O5 shows two 2‐phase transition processes with the formation of ε‐Mg0.6V2O5 and Mg‐rich MgxV2O5 (x ≈1.0) during the first discharge. Mg‐rich MgxV2O5 (x ≈1.0) phase formed through electrochemical Mg‐ion intercalation at room temperature is for the first time observed via XRD. Meanwhile, the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) in aqueous Mg‐ion batteries is revealed for the first time. MgF2 originating from the decomposition of TFSI‐ is identified as the dominant component. This work offers a new approach for designing high‐safety, low‐cost, eco‐friendly, and large ESW electrolytes for practical and novel aqueous multivalent batteries.
Cobalt(II)‐Hexaazatriphenylene Hexacarbonitrile Coordination Compounds Based Cathode Materials with High Capacity and Long Cycle Stability
Authors: Wang Yifan , Poldorn Preeyaporn , Wongnongwa Yutthana , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn , Chen Chong , Yu Le , Wang Zhuyi , Shi Liyi , Zhao Yin , Yuan Shuai
Published: January 2022

Organic cathode materials are plagued by their low cycle stability and poor electronic conductivity, even though they have attracted increasing attention in the context of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, a coordination polymer cobalt‐hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (Co(HAT‐CN)) is prepared via a facile solvothermal method, which is composed of the redox‐active HAT‐CN linker and the Co(II) ion center. The fabricated material shows excellent structural stability and high conductivity. Moreover, graphene oxide (GO) is introduced as a substrate, and in‐situ loading of Co(HAT‐CN) on its surface shows enhanced cycling stability. For Co(HAT‐CN)/GO, a high specific capacity of 204 mAh g–1 can be retained even after 200 cycles at a current density of 40 mA g–1 in a voltage window of 1.2–3.9 V. Ex situ and in situ analyses are applied to probe the reversibility of the pyrazine redox‐active center during the cycling process and the lithium storage process. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the high conductivity of Co(HAT‐CN) should be ascribed to the narrow LUMO‐HOMO gap (0.61 eV), and strong binding of lithiated molecules.
Electrode Engineering in Halide Perovskite Electronics: Plenty of Room at the Interfaces
Authors: Lin Chun‐Ho , Hu Long , Guan Xinwei , Kim Jiyun , Huang Chien‐Yu , Huang Jing‐Kai , Singh Simrjit , Wu Tom
Published: January 2022

Contact engineering is a prerequisite for achieving desirable functionality and performance of semiconductor electronics, which is particularly critical for organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites due to their ionic nature and highly reactive interfaces. Although the interfaces between perovskites and charge‐transporting layers have attracted lots of attention due to the photovoltaic and light‐emitting diode applications, achieving reliable perovskite/electrode contacts for electronic devices, such as transistors and memories, remains as a bottleneck. Herein, a critical review on the elusive nature of perovskite/electrode interfaces with a focus on the interfacial electrochemistry effects is presented. The basic guidelines of electrode selection are given for establishing non‐polarized interfaces and optimal energy level alignment for perovskite materials. Furthermore, state‐of‐the‐art strategies on interface‐related electrode engineering are reviewed and discussed, which aim at achieving ohmic transport and eliminating hysteresis in perovskite devices. The role and multiple functionalities of self‐assembled monolayers that offer a unique approach toward improving perovskite/electrode contacts are also discussed. The insights on electrode engineering pave the way to advancing stable and reliable perovskite devices in diverse electronic applications.
MOF‐Derived Porous Dodecahedron rGO‐Co3O4 for Robust Pulse Generation
Authors: Li Xiaohui , An Mingqi , Li Gang , Han Yueheng , Guo Penglai , Chen Enci , Hu Jiyi , Song Zhuoying , Lu Hongbing , Lu Jiangbo
Published: January 2022

As a member of the porous crystalline material family, metal organic framework (MOF) materials have been widely used in the fields of photodetection, photovoltaic cells, nonlinear optical devices, supercapacitors, and biological imaging. However, few reports about robust pulsed laser based on MOF‐derived nanomaterials especially the one with unique structure have been reported till now. In this paper, porous dodecahedron rGO‐Co3O4 is synthesized by calcining the MOF template and systematically analyzed. Interestingly, the rGO‐Co3O4 is successfully prepared as a saturable absorber (SA) by using the optical deposition method and the modulation depth of the rGO‐Co3O4 SA is 8.38%. Through different dispersion management, robust pulses with 1.5 µm dissipative soliton (DS) in the frequency domain and square wave pulse (SWP) in the time domain can be obtained in the erbium‐doped fiber laser based on rGO‐Co3O4 SA. The 3‐dB bandwidth and pulse duration of the DS are 6.81 nm and 62.01 ps, respectively. The pulse tuning range of the SWP is 1.24 ns ≈ 19.14 ns. It is worth mentioning that the threshold of the SWP is 53.72 mW, and the mode‐locked laser can be self‐started at the pump power of 72.04 mW. The experimental results show that the porous dodecahedral rGO‐Co3O4 material derived from MOF can be used as an excellent nonlinear optical modulator, providing a new choice for material processing.
Battery‐Free and Wireless Technologies for Cardiovascular Implantable Medical Devices
Authors: Zhang Jungang , Das Rupam , Zhao Jinwei , Mirzai Nosrat , Mercer John , Heidari Hadi
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular disease continues to be one of the dominant causes of global mortality. One effective treatment is to utilize cardiovascular implantable devices (cIMDs) with multi‐functional cell sensing and monitoring features that have the potential to manipulate cardiovascular hyperplasia disorders as well as provide therapy. However, batteries with a fixed capacity entail high‐risk surgeries for battery‐replacement, which causes health hazards and imposes significant costs to patients. This review accesses comprehensive power solutions for cIMDs, from conventional batteries to state‐of‐the‐art energy harvesters and wireless power transfer (WPT) schemes. In particular, WPT has great potential to eliminate the percutaneous wires and overcome frequent battery removal. Here, the fundamentals, power transfer efficiency, antenna design and miniaturization, and operating frequencies in various WPT schemes are presented. Moreover, the power loss attenuation and bio‐safety standard (specific absorption rate) for implants are also considered in WPT design envelope. In addition, wireless data transmission of implantable devices from external to internal milieu (and vice versa) along with different modulation and demodulation techniques are investigated. The last advanced power solutions for cIMDs in in‐vivo and in vitro research are illustrated throughout. Finally, specifications and future potential of WPT systems in cIMDs are highlighted.
Combining Vapor Phase Polymerization and Screen Printing for Printed Electronics on Flexible Substrates
Authors: Brooke Robert , Wijeratne Kosala , Hübscher Kathrin , Belaineh Dagmawi , Andersson Ersman Peter
Published: January 2022

Large area manufacturing of printed electronic components on ~A4‐sized substrates is demonstrated by the combination of screen printing and vapor phase polymerization (VPP) into poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The oxidant layer required for the polymerization process is screen printed, and the resulting conductive polymer patterns are manufactured at high resolution (100 µm). Successful processing of several common oxidant species is demonstrated, and the thickness can be adjusted by altering the polymerization time. By comparing the polymer films of this work to a commercial PEDOT:PSS (PEDOT doped with poly(styrene sulfonate)) screen printing ink shows improved surface roughness (26 vs 69 nm), higher conductivity (500 vs 100 S cm–1) and better resolution (100 vs 200 µm). Organic electrochemical transistors, in which the transistor channel is polymerized into PEDOT through VPP, are also demonstrated to further emphasize on the applicability of this manufacturing approach. The resulting transistor devices are not only functional, they also show remarkable switching behavior with respect to ON current levels (–70 mA at –1 V), ON/OFF ratios (>105), switching times (tens of ms) and transconductance values (>100 mS) in standalone transistor devices, in addition to a high amplification factor (>30) upon integration into a screen printed inverter circuit.
Perfluorocarbon Nanoemulsions Enhance Therapeutic siRNA Delivery in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Ding Ling , Tang Siyuan , Tang Weimin , Mosley Deanna D. , Yu Ao , Sil Diptesh , Romanova Svetlana , Bailey Kristina L. , Knoell Daren L. , Wyatt Todd A. , Oupický David
Published: January 2022

Local pulmonary administration of therapeutic siRNA represents a promising approach to the treatment of lung fibrosis, which is currently hampered by inefficient delivery. Development of perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) nanoemulsions as a way of improving the efficiency of pulmonary polycation‐based delivery of siRNA is reported. The results show that the polycation/siRNA/PFOB nanoemulsions are capable of efficiently silencing the expression of STAT3 and inhibiting chemokine receptor CXCR4—two validated targets in pulmonary fibrosis. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the nanoemulsions improve mucus penetration and facilitate effective cellular delivery of siRNA. Pulmonary treatment of mice with bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis shows strong inhibition of the progression of the disease and significant prolongation of animal survival. Overall, the study points to a promising local treatment strategy of pulmonary fibrosis.
High‐Performance Phototransistors by Alumina Encapsulation of a 2D Semiconductor with Self‐Aligned Contacts
Authors: Liang Guangda , Wang Yiming , Zhang Jiawei , Kudrynskyi Zakhar R. , Kovalyuk Zakhar , Patanè Amalia , Xin Qian , Song Aimin
Published: January 2022

2D semiconductors are promising candidates for next generation electronics and optoelectronics. However, their exposure to air and/or resists during device fabrication can cause considerable degradation of material quality, hindering their study and exploitation. Here, field effect transistors (FETs) are designed and fabricated by encapsulation of the 2D semiconductor indium selenide (InSe) with alumina (Al2O3) and by self‐aligned electrical contacts. The Al2O3‐film is grown directly on InSe immediately after its exfoliation to provide a protecting capping layer during and after device fabrication. The InSe‐FETs exhibit a high electron mobility of up to ≈103 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature for a 4‐nm‐thick InSe layer, a low contact resistance (down to 0.18 kΩ) and a high, fast, and broad‐band photoresponsivity. The photoresponsivity depends on the InSe‐layer thickness and photon wavelength, reaching a value of up to 108 A W−1 in the visible spectral range, at least one order of magnitude larger than previously reported for similar photodetectors. The proposed fabrication is scalable and suitable for high‐precision pattern definition. It could be extended to other 2D materials and multilayer structures where alumina could also provide effective screening of the electric field induced by polar molecules and/or charged impurities present near the surface of the 2D layer.
Reconfigurable InSe Electronics with van der Waals Integration
Authors: Hu Siqi , Luo Xiaoguang , Xu Jinpeng , Zhao Qinghua , Cheng Yingchun , Wang Tao , Jie Wanqi , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Jianlin
Published: January 2022

As a 2D semiconductor, indium selenide (InSe) has shown great potentials in electronic and optoelectronic applications attributed to high carrier mobility and moderately large bandgap. However, switchable doping polarity of intrinsic InSe by electrical gating is not yet demonstrated, which is essential for applications in complementary electronics. In this work, the ambipolarity of InSe is realized and exploited through the van der Waals (vdW) integration with metal electrodes, which gets rid of the Fermi‐level pinning at the metal/semiconductor interfaces. On this basis, InSe field‐effect transistors (FETs) with controllable polarities are reconfigured with a dual‐gate structure, functioning as both unipolar FETs and p–n diodes. The p‐ and n‐type operations of the unipolar FETs are dynamically switched with on–off ratios of 106 and 109, respectively. Meanwhile, p–n diodes with a rectification ratio of 106 and high photodetection performance are also demonstrated. This work paves a promising way for InSe‐based reconfigurable complementary electronics and optoelectronics.
Polymer‐Based Composites for Engineering Organic Memristive Devices
Authors: Prado‐Socorro Carlos David , Giménez‐Santamarina Silvia , Mardegan Lorenzo , Escalera‐Moreno Luis , Bolink Henk J. , Cardona‐Serra Salvador , Coronado Eugenio
Published: January 2022

Memristive materials play a key role in the development of neuromorphic technology given that they can combine information processing with volatile or nonvolatile memory storage in a single computational component. Both functionalities are strictly required for the design and implementation of neuromorphic circuits. Many of these bioinspired materials emulate the characteristics of memory and learning processes that happen in the brain. The memristive properties of a two‐terminal (2‐T) organic device based on ionic migration mediated by an ion‐transport polymer are reported here. The material possesses unique memristive properties: it is reversibly switchable, shows tens of conductive states, presents Hebbian learning demonstrated by spiking time dependent plasticity, and behaves with both short‐ and long‐term memory in a single device. The origin and synergy of both learning phenomena are theoretically explained by means of the chemical interaction between ionic electrolytes and the ion‐conductive mediator. Further discussion on the transport mechanism is included to explain the dynamic behavior of these ionic devices under a variable electric field. This polymer‐based composite as an outstanding neuromorphic material is proposed for being tunable, cheap, flexible, easy to process, reproducible, and more biocompatible than their inorganic analogs.
Permeability and selectivity analysis for affinity‐based nanoparticle separation through nanochannels
Authors: Yu Hongping , Wang Zhichao , Long Ting , Li Yu , Thushara Dilantha , Bao Bo , Zhao Shuangliang
Published: January 2022

Whereas the separation by surface affinity represents an advanced technique for the separation of nanoparticles with distinct surface properties, how the interaction of particles with nanochannel impacts the separation performance is less understood. Herein, the dynamical density functional theory is employed to study the separation of two types of similar‐sized particles with different surface affinities within nanochannels. We show that a proper design of the channel inner‐surface, which attracts one type of particles while repelling the other, can promote the permeability and selectivity of particles. Meanwhile, the trade‐off relations between permeability and selectivity are found and analyzed in nanochannels of different sizes. Based on dynamical density functional theory calculations, an extended model relating permeability to the equilibrium partition coefficient is proposed to analyze the permeability and selectivity, which displays good predictions of the transport of charged particles in comparison with experimental results. This work provides helpful insights for designing an efficient affinity‐based separation of nanoparticles process through nanochannels.
Late‐life physical activity relates to brain tissue synaptic integrity markers in older adults
Authors: Casaletto Kaitlin , Ramos‐Miguel Alfredo , VandeBunte Anna , Memel Molly , Buchman Aron , Bennett David , Honer William
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) is widely recommended for age‐related brain health, yet its neurobiology is not well understood. Animal models indicate PA is synaptogenic. We examined the relationship between PA and synaptic integrity markers in older adults.

Methods

Four hundred four decedents from the Rush Memory and Aging Project completed annual actigraphy monitoring (Mean visits = 3.5±2.4) and post mortem evaluation. Brain tissue was analyzed for presynaptic proteins (synaptophysin, synaptotagmin‐1, vesicle‐associated membrane proteins, syntaxin, complexin‐I, and complexin‐II), and neuropathology. Models examined relationships between late‐life PA (averaged across visits), and timing‐specific PA (time to autopsy) with synaptic proteins.

Results

Greater late‐life PA associated with higher presynaptic protein levels (0.14 < β < 0.20), except complexin‐II (β = 0.08). Relationships were independent of pathology but timing specific; participants who completed actigraphy within 2 years of brain tissue measurements showed largest PA‐to‐synaptic protein associations (0.32 < β < 0.38). Relationships between PA and presynaptic proteins were comparable across brain regions sampled.

Discussion

PA associates with synaptic integrity in a regionally global, but time‐linked nature in older adults.
Interfacial Manganese‐Doping in CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets by Employing a Molecular Shuttle
Authors: Wu Linzhong , Wang Yiou , Kurashvili Mariam , Dey Amrita , Cao Muhan , Döblinger Markus , Zhang Qiao , Feldmann Jochen , Huang He , Debnath Tushar
Published: January 2022

Mn‐doping in cesium lead halide perovskite nanoplatelets (NPls) is of particular importance where strong quantum confinement plays a significant role towards the exciton–dopant coupling. In this work, we report an immiscible bi‐phasic strategy for post‐synthetic Mn‐doping of CsPbX3 (X=Br, Cl) NPls. A systematic study shows that electron‐donating oleylamine acts as a shuttle ligand to transport MnX2 through the water–hexane interface and deliver it to the NPls. The halide anion also plays an essential role in maintaining an appropriate radius of Mn2+ and thus fulfilling the octahedral factor required for the formation of perovskite crystals. By varying the thickness of parent NPls, we can tune the dopant incorporation and, consequently, the exciton‐to‐dopant energy transfer process in doped NPls. Time‐resolved optical measurements offer a detailed insight into the exciton‐to‐dopant energy transfer process. This new approach for post‐synthetic cation doping paves a way towards exploring the cation exchange process in several other halide perovskites at the polar–nonpolar interface.
Screening Heteroatom Configurations for Reversible Sloping Capacity Promises High‐Power Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xie Fei , Niu Yaoshen , Zhang Qiangqiang , Guo Zhenyu , Hu Zilin , Zhou Quan , Xu Zhen , Li Yuqi , Yan Ruiting , Lu Yaxiang , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Hu Yong‐Sheng
Published: January 2022

Heteroatom doping has been proved to effectively enhance the sloping capacity, nevertheless, the high sloping capacity almost encounters a conflict with the disappointing initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Herein, we propose a heteroatom configuration screening strategy by introducing a secondary carbonization process for the phosphate‐treated carbons to remove the irreversible heteroatom configurations but with the reversible ones and free radicals remaining, achieving a simultaneity between the high sloping capacity and ICE (≈250 mAh g−1 and 80 %). The Na storage mechanism was also studied based on this “slope‐dominated” carbon to reveal the reason for the absence of the plateau. This work could inspire to distinguish and filter the irreversible heteroatom configurations and facilitate the future design of practical “slope‐dominated” carbon anodes towards high‐power Na‐ion batteries.
Novel carboxylate comb‐like dispersant used in disperse dyes
Authors: He Jingjing , Luo Yan
Published: January 2022

Disperse dyes are insoluble in water, dispersants must be added when dyeing polyester fabrics. Copolymers prepared from styrene (St), acrylic acid (AA), and maleic anhydride (MA) have been used in various fields because of their good amphiphilic properties. In order to obtain a novel dispersant to improve the dispersion property of disperse dyes, St‐AA‐MA copolymer was prepared under certain reaction conditions. Carboxylate comb‐like copolymer(St‐AA‐MA‐PEG) was then synthesized by esterification of St‐AA‐MA with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different number‐average molecular weights. The structure and properties of St‐AA‐MA and St‐AA‐MA‐PEG were detected and characterized. The effects of length of branch chain and grinding conditions on dispersant properties were also discussed. When PEG600 was used as the branched chain of dispersant, the average particle size of the disperse dye was 256.2 nm, which was smaller than that of the commercial one after grinding. And the zeta potential of the dyestuff using St‐AA‐MA‐PEG600 as dispersant arrived at −41.5 mV. Moreover, the synthesis process of St‐AA‐MA‐PEG is very simple. The resulted sample reveals good dispersion effect for disperse dye. Disperse dye particles featured with small size and concentrated distribution are easy to dye polyester fabrics with suitable dyeing rate. Therefore, St‐AA‐MA‐PEG is an efficient dispersant for disperse dyes.
Shared‐control design for robot‐assisted surgery using a skill assessment approach
Authors: Song Kai‐Tai , Hsieh Ping‐Jui
Published: January 2022

In this article, a shared‐control system with skill‐based share weight allocation is proposed for a robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure. A convolution neural network (CNN) is trained for online skill assessment, and the result is used to generate the share weights of robot autonomy and the user remote control. The control system can ensure synchronization of the two commands from the surgeon and robot autonomy and combine them to determine the motion of the surgical instrument. In this work, a contour‐tracking task is handled by the suggested shared controller to simulate a surgical cutting operation. Experimental results on a lab‐built robotic platform are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Multiple contour‐tracking experiments have been tested to compare the tracking performances of pure manual remote control and the proposed shared‐control method. Experimental results show that the shared controller achieved 34.5% improvement in tracking accuracy in comparison with pure manual control.
Vitamin K: A novel cancer chemosensitizer
Authors: Gul Sameena , Maqbool Muhammad Faisal , Maryam Amara , Khan Muhammad , Shakir Hafiz Abdullah , Irfan Muhammad , Ara Chaman , Li Yongming , Ma Tonghui
Published: January 2022

Cancer incidences are growing rapidly and causing millions of deaths globally. Cancer treatment is one of the most exigent challenges. Drug resistance is a natural phenomenon and is considered one of the major obstacles in the successful treatment of cancer by chemotherapy. Combination therapy by the amalgamation of various anticancer drugs has suggested modulating tumor response by targeting various signaling pathways in a synergistic or additive manner. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient and has recently been investigated as a potential anticancer agent. The combination of vitamin K analogs, such as vitamins K1, K2, K3, and K5, with other chemotherapeutic drugs have demonstrated a safe, cost‐effective, and most efficient way to overcome drug resistance and improved the outcomes of prevailing chemotherapy. Published reports have shown that vitamin K in combination therapy improved the efficacy of clinical drugs by promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and overcoming drug resistance by inhibiting P‐glycoprotein. In this review, we discuss the mechanism, cellular targets, and possible ways to develop vitamin K subtypes into effective cancer chemosensitizers. Finally, this review will provide a scientific basis for exploiting vitamin K as a potential agent to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Flexible and Inclusive Ecology Projects that Harness Collaboration and NEON‐Enabled Science to Enhance Student Learning
Authors: Stack Whitney Kaitlin , Heard Matthew Joshua , Anderson Laurel J. , Cooke Sandra , Garneau Danielle , Kilgore Jason , Kolozsvary Mary Beth , Kuers Karen , Lunch Claire K. , McCay Timothy S. , Parker Allison T.
Published: January 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly impacted undergraduate education and fundamentally altered the structure of course delivery in higher education. In field‐based biology and ecology courses, where instructors and students typically work collaboratively and in‐person to collect data, this has been particularly challenging. In this context, faculty from the Ecological Research as Education Network (EREN) collaborated with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to design five free‐flexible learning projects for use by instructors in varied modalities (e.g., socially distanced in‐person, remote, or HyFlex). The five flexible learning projects incorporated the Ecological Society of America’s 4DEE framework and included field data collection, data analysis components, and an activity that incorporates existing NEON field protocols or datasets. Each project was designed to provide faculty members with a high degree of flexibility so that they could tailor the implementation of the projects to fit course‐specific needs. Collectively, these learning projects were designed to be flexible, inclusive, and facilitate hands‐on research while working in alternative classroom settings.
Micellar‐emphasized simultaneous determination of ivabradine hydrochloride and felodipine using synchronous spectrofluorimetry
Authors: Yosrey Eman , Elmansi Heba , Sheribah Zeinab A. , Metwally Mohamed El‐Sayed
Published: January 2022

A sensitive and green micellar spectrofluorimetric approach was applied for the simultaneous estimation of ivabradine hydrochloride (IVB) and felodipine (FLD) in the ng/ml concentration range. The approach depended on measuring the first derivative synchronous peak amplitude (1D) of both drugs at ∆λ = 60 nm in a Tween‐80 micellar system. The method was rectilinear alongside the concentration ranges 0.02–0.4 μg/ml and 0.05–1.0 μg/ml at 269.5 nm and 378.5 nm for IVB and FLD, respectively. The proposed method was validated by following the International Council for Harmonization guidelines. The method was successfully applied without interference for laboratory‐prepared synthetic mixtures, single pharmaceutical preparations, and within spiked biological fluids with acceptable percentage recoveries. A comparison of the performance of the suggested method with other methods, showed no discrepancy. The method’s ecofriendly property evaluated using three different tools, confirming an excellent green method.
Effect of concentration and shell thickness on the optical behavior of aqueous CdTe/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots (QDs) exposed to ionizing radiation
Authors: Farahmandzadeh Farzad , Molaei Mehdi , Alehdaghi Hassan , Karimipour Masoud , Shamsi Alireza
Published: January 2022

In this work CdTe/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized via a simple, rapid and room temperature photochemical approach. Optical properties of aqueous prepared CdTe/ZnSe QDs were studied systematically under gamma irradiation with dose range of 0 Gy to 20 kGy. The obtained results showed a regular red shift behavior versus gamma irradiation dose, in photoluminescence peak and absorption edge of the CdTe/ZnSe QDs. Structural properties of CdTe/ZnSe QDs before and after gamma irradiation were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) analyses. The obtained results showed that the crystalline structure of CdTe/ZnSe core/shell QDs did not change after gamma irradiation. Concentration and shell thickness as two important factors on the sensitivity of CdTe/ZnSe QDs in front of gamma irradiation have been investigated. Based on this study, CdTe/ZnSe QDs are suggested as good candidates for gamma dosimeter.
Investigate the effect of honey on the absorption of seven active ingredients from wu‐tou decoction in rats
Authors: Wang Jia , Zheng Shujing , Li Yang , Hu De , Hu Liming , Wang Shumin , Leng Xiangyang
Published: January 2022

Wu‐tou decoction has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for thousands of years. It comprises five herbs, namely Radix Aconiti Preparata, Ephedrae Herba, Astragali Radix, Glycyrrhiza Radix, and Paeoniae Radix Alba. In addition, the original prescription contains honey, but in modern research, the existence of honey is commonly ignored. The aim was to investigate the effect of absorption in rats after oral wu‐tou decoction with or without honey. In this research, a rapid and sensitive UPLC‐MS/MS method was investigated for the quantitative analysis of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, paeoniflorin, calycosin‐7‐glucoside, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, and benzoylmesaconine in rat plasma after single and continuous oral decoctions. The results of the pharmacokinetic parameters showed that Cmax, CL/F, AUC0–t, and AUC0–∞ in the honey group were significantly increased than those in the non‐honey group except for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The same trend was observed regardless of single or continuous oral administrations. Research studies showed that honey could promote the absorption of some effective components in wu‐tou decoction in rats, enhance bioavailability, and provide a theoretical basis for the scientific and rational compatibility of the original prescription.
Being held through pain: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of experiences of receiving a peer support intervention for family members of individuals with mental illness
Authors: Reynolds Deirdre , McMahon Aisling , McMahon Jennifer
Published: January 2022

Background

Since the deinstitutionalisation movement, many families have taken on the responsibility of caring for their family members with severe mental illness (SMI). Despite being recognised as a fundamental resource, family caregivers frequently report that the support they are receiving from mental health services is inadequate.

Aim

To explore the lived experiences of receiving a Family Recovery Peer Support (FRPS) pilot intervention for family caregivers of individuals with SMI.

Method

The experiences of receiving FRPS, a 6‐session intervention, were explored through 12 in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with family members.

Findings

Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, two superordinate themes were identified as follows: 1) ‘You feel all their pain’ and 2) ‘A vital experience of growth and healing through relationship’. Findings revealed that having a family member suffer from SMI was a traumatic experience. All 12 interviewees reported that receiving FRPS was beneficial. The significance of genuine understanding in the context of experiential similarity was repeatedly identified as invaluable. Analyses revealed a sequential journey of recovery, and post‐traumatic growth, across family members’ narratives, which led to improved relationships.

Conclusion

Having a family member suffer from severe mental illness was a traumatic experience. Findings from the present study support the roll‐out of FRPS as an effective intervention for family caregivers of individuals with SMI. In order to develop more effective Mental Health Services, future policy initiatives should take family caregivers’ views and experiences into account.
Coding the COVID patient: Is it futile?
Authors: Gorder Kari , Henry Timothy D.
Published: January 2022

Key Points

There are little data on outcomes for COVID‐19 patients who suffer an in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

COVID‐19 patients had a significantly higher mortality rate after an IHCA compared to historical controls, with a 5.5% survival rate to discharge.

The remarkably poor outcome is likely multifactorial including the pathology of COVID‐19 as well as concerns about the logistics of resuscitating these complex patients.
Evolving our learning and application of knowledge to practice—The ongoing challenges of time and cost in interventional cardiology
Authors: Dexter Nicole , Moliterno David J.
Published: January 2022

Key Points

A survey of 621 interventional cardiologist found the majority (87%) to be highly willing to use newly approved devices in everyday practice.

The minority of respondents, however: always used radial access for STEMI cases; use ultrasound guidance for femoral access; and use IVUS or OCT in a sizeable proportion of PCI procedures.

High cost or perceived limited added value were the key reasons reported for not adopting some new devices or technology.
Different measurements require different benchmarks: One size does not fit all
Authors: Goldsweig Andrew M.
Published: January 2022

Key Points

Echocardiographic Doppler measurements do not account for the pressure recovery phenomenon and therefore estimate higher transvalvular pressure gradients (TPG) than invasive catheter‐based measurements.

An observed 3‐4 mmHg mean TPG difference between self‐expanding and balloon‐expandable transcatheter valves has been observed consistently, but no clinical significance has been reported.

A necessary novel classification system must provide a range of normal and abnormal values for each measurement modality and each valve type.
The role of Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist device in the management of cardiogenic shock: A matter of where and when
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Rodinò Giulio
Published: January 2022

Key Points

Temporary mechanical circulatory support with Impella pLVAD has increasingly been used in the management of cardiogenic shock in recent years, despite conflicting evidence supporting improved clinical outcomes.

This study shows that the use of pLVAD was associated with both an improvement in hemodynamics as well as a decrease in vasopressor and inotropic support, but the need for escalation of MCS to VA‐ECMO was not uncommon and independently associated with a need for higher vasopressor‐inotropic support on admission.

Earlier pLVAD implantation was associated with a trend toward reduction in mortality, but further randomized trials are needed to assess the appropriate use and efficacy of the Impella device in treating patients with CS.
Decoupled double‐loop FOIMC‐PD control architecture for double integral with dead time processes
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Aryan Pulakraj , Raja G. Lloyds
Published: January 2022

A novel double‐loop control configuration with two controllers is suggested for double integrating processes with dead‐time. The stabilizing range of the inner‐loop proportional‐derivative (PD) controller is obtained using the Routh stability criteria. From this range, the exact PD settings are obtained by following a graphical approach where the integration of absolute error (IAE) is plotted for different PD settings. The PD settings resulting in the minimum IAE are chosen. In addition to stabilizing the plant, the inner‐loop also rejects the disturbances. A fractional‐order internal model controller (FOIMC) is designed for satisfactory set‐point tracking response in the outer‐loop. The suggested strategy has four adjustable parameters (proportional and derivative time constants, outer closed‐loop adjustment parameter, and fractional‐order of the FOIMC low‐pass filter). Based on extensive simulations, the tuning ranges for the above‐mentioned adjustable parameters are specified. The simulation study is done with the help of benchmark double integrating plant models with large dead‐time. Quantitative performance measures are also computed for comparing the suggested and previously reported schemes. The suggested FOIMC‐PD control architecture yields enhanced control performance than some recently reported techniques.
Segmentectomy for clinical stage I non–small cell lung cancer: National benchmarks for nodal staging and outcomes by operative approach
Authors: Kneuertz Peter J. , Abdel‐Rasoul Mahmoud , D’Souza Desmond M. , Zhao Jing , Merritt Robert E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Segmentectomy is increasingly used for parenchyma sparing anatomical resection for small stage I non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study characterizes the national outcomes for lymph node assessment and perioperative outcomes of segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC by robotic‐assisted surgery (RATS), video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and open thoracotomy approach.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC captured in the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database between years 2012 and 2018. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance baseline characteristics. Lymph node (LN) staging and 30‐day outcomes were compared by approach.

Results

A total of 3680 patients (VATS 61.9%, RATS 20%, open 18%) underwent segmentectomy. The IPTW adjusted rate of pathologic LN upstaging (pN1/pN2) was 6.2% (RATS 6.3%, VATS 5.6%, open 8.6%; P = .05). On multivariate analysis, there was no differences in pN1/N2 upstaging between RATS (odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44‐1.49) or VATS (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.57‐1.63) with open segmentectomy. The RATS and VATS approach was associated with fewer postoperative events (RATS 31.3%, VATS 28.8%, open 38.3%; P < .001) and shorter length of stay (RATS 4.3 days, VATS 4.4 days, open 5.2 days; P < .001) as compared with thoracotomy. RATS segmentectomy‐specific complications included a higher rate of pneumothorax after chest tube removal and discharge with chest tube. Major complications were lower after RATS and VATS as compared with open segmentectomy (RATS 5.9%, VATS 4.5%, open 7.2%; P = .028).

Conclusions

Segmentectomy by VATS and robotic approach resulted in similar high rates of lymph node upstaging as a global marker of the quality of lymph node dissection and were associated with lower overall morbidity and shorter length of stay as compared with open thoracotomy. These national outcomes may serve as benchmarks for future comparative studies.
Integrated Design of Silkworm‐Chrysalis‐Net‐Like Fe3O4/rGO/Mesoporous Carbon Composites as a High‐Performance Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yin Yan , Ma Cheng , Cai Wen‐Di , Qiao Wen‐Ming , Ling Li‐Cheng , Wang Ji‐Tong
Published: January 2022

Iron‐based oxides are ideal candidates for a new generation of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anode materials owing to their high theoretical capacity and abundance, low cost, and non‐toxicity. However, the shortcomings of nanoparticle agglomerations with low electrical conductivity, volume expansion, and easy powdering during the cycling process hinder their commercialization. Herein, a silkworm‐chrysalis‐net‐like (SCN) Fe3O4/rGO/mesoporous carbon nano‐architecture composite was prepared by combining an in‐situ sol‐gel coating strategy and a one‐step hydrothermal reaction process. The overall microstructure of the electrode material with a unique SCN structure could effectively create a synergistic effect to enhance the electrochemical performance. As a result, the capacity of rGO‐Fe‐C0.5 could reach 916.4 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, and slow capacity attenuation of 0.033% per cycle after 500 cycles at 2 A g−1 was achieved. This work provides new insights into the design of Fe3O4 based composite for application in lithium‐ion batteries.
Theoretical and X‐Ray Evidence of Electrostatic Phosphonium anti and gauche Effects
Authors: Martins Francisco A. , Chagas Poliane , Thomasi Sérgio S. , Oliveira Luiz C. A. , Diniz Renata , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: January 2022

Sulphur, not phosphorus, is the only known third‐row element capable of experiencing an electrostatic gauche effect with fluorine. Some six‐membered rings containing an endocyclic phosphorus atom and a β‐fluorine substituent that can interconvert to axial (gauche relative to phosphorus) and equatorial positions were then analysed. While phosphines do not establish an electrostatic attraction between fluorine and phosphorus, some oxidised forms exhibit surprising stability for the sterically disfavoured axial orientation. Because the nature of this behaviour was not obvious, since an intramolecular hydrogen bond can appear, a phosphonium derivative was further studied and its axial conformation was found to be highly stable. A preference for the gauche arrangement appears even for the acyclic and sterically hindered (2‐fluoroethyl)triphenylphosphonium cation. On the other hand, (ethane‐1,2‐diyl)bis(phosphonium) cations are exclusively in anti conformation due to an (+/+)‐electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged phosphonium groups.
Comparison of feasibility and results of frailty assessment methods prior to left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Roehrich Luise , Sündermann Simon H. , Just Isabell Anna , Kopp Fernandes Laurenz , Stein Julia , Solowjowa Natalia , Mulzer Johanna , Mueller Marcus , Hummel Manfred , Knierim Jan , Potapov Evgenij , Falk Volkmar , Schoenrath Felix
Published: January 2022

Aims

Assessing frailty and sarcopenia is considered a valuable cornerstone of perioperative risk stratification in advanced heart failure patients. The lack of an international consensus on a diagnostic standard impedes its implementation in the clinical routine. This study aimed to compare the feasibility and prognostic impact of different assessment tools in patients undergoing continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (cf‐LVAD) implantation.

Methods and results

We prospectively compared feasibility and prognostic values of six frailty/sarcopenia assessment methods in 94 patients prior to cf‐LVAD implantation: bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), computed tomography (CT)‐based measurement of two muscle areas/body surface area [erector spinae muscle (TMESA/BSA) and iliopsoas muscle (TPA/BSA)], physical performance tests [grip strength, 6 min walk test (6MWT)] and Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (RCFS). Six‐month mortality and/or prolonged ventilation time >95 h was defined as the primary endpoint. BIA and CT showed full feasibility (100%); physical performance and RCFS was limited due to patients' clinical status (feasibility: 87% grip strength, 62% 6MWT, 88% RCFS). Phase angle derived by BIA showed the best results regarding the prognostic value for 6 month mortality and/or prolonged ventilation time >95 h (odds ratio (OR) 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46–0.92], P = 0.019; area under the curve (AUC) 0.65). It provided incremental value to the clinical risk assessment of EuroSCORE II: C‐index of the combined model was 0.75 [95% CI; 0.651–0.848] compared with C‐index of EuroSCORE II alone, which was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.633–0.835).

Six‐month survival was decreased in patients with reduced body cell mass derived by BIA or reduced muscle area in the CT scan compared with patients with normal values: body cell mass 65% (95% CI: 51.8–81.6%) vs. 83% (95% CI: 74.0–93.9%); P = 0.03, TMESA/BSA 65% (95% CI: 51.2–82.2%) vs. 82% (95% CI: 73.2–93.0%); P = 0.032 and TPA/BSA 66% (95% CI: 53.7–81.0%) vs. 85% (95% CI: 75.0–95.8%); P = 0.035.

Conclusions

Bioelectrical impedance analysis parameters and CT measurements were shown to be suitable to predict 6‐month mortality and/or prolonged ventilation time >95 h in patients with advanced heart failure prior to cf‐LVAD implantation. Phase angle had the best predictive capacity and sarcopenia diagnosed by reduced body cell mass in BIA or muscle area in CT was associated with a decreased 6 month survival.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Planar‐Chiral Monophosphine Ligands Bearing Ferrocene‐Triazole Backbones
Authors: Sakai Suguru , Kanemoto Kazuya , Fukuzawa Shin‐ichi
Published: January 2022

We prepared novel planar chiral monophosphine ligands bearing ferrocene‐triazole backbones. These ligands were produced in a series of steps that included triazole synthesis by diastereoselective azidation and Huisgen cycloaddition of (S)‐Ugi's amine, followed by methylation and phosphine introduction. This method was applicable to the preparation of various analogues due to the wide substrate scope of the Huisgen cycloaddition reaction. These ligands showed good catalytic activity in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions, especially those involving bulky substrates. Furthermore, the optically active versions of these ligands were used in the asymmetric Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction to produce the axial chiral binaphthyl compound with moderate enantioselectivity. The ligand developed in this study is the first triazole‐type biaryl‐ monophosphine ligand that can be used in asymmetric reactions, and it is expected to be a new tool for the accessing chiral compounds.
TNF receptor–related factor 3 inactivation promotes the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma through NF‐κB‐inducing kinase–mediated hepatocyte transdifferentiation
Authors: Shiode Yuto , Kodama Takahiro , Shigeno Satoshi , Murai Kazuhiro , Tanaka Satoshi , Newberg Justin Y. , Kondo Jumpei , Kobayashi Shogo , Yamada Ryoko , Hikita Hayato , Sakamori Ryotaro , Suemizu Hiroshi , Tatsumi Tomohide , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G. , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims:

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a deadly but poorly understood disease, and its treatment options are very limited. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular drivers of ICC and search for therapeutic targets.

Approach and Results:

We performed a Sleeping Beauty transposon‐based in vivo insertional mutagenesis screen in liver‐specific Pten‐deficient mice and identified TNF receptor–related factor 3 (Traf3) as the most significantly mutated gene in murine ICCs in a loss‐of‐function manner. Liver‐specific Traf3 deletion caused marked cholangiocyte overgrowth and spontaneous development of ICC in Pten knockout and Kras
G12D mutant mice. Hepatocyte‐specific, but not cholangiocyte‐specific, Traf3‐deficient and Pten‐deficient mice recapitulated these phenotypes. Lineage tracing and single‐cell RNA sequencing suggested that these ICCs were derived from hepatocytes through transdifferentiation. TRAF3 and PTEN inhibition induced a transdifferentiation‐like phenotype of hepatocyte‐lineage cells into proliferative cholangiocytes through NF‐κB‐inducing kinase (NIK) up‐regulation in vitro. Intrahepatic NIK levels were elevated in liver‐specific Traf3‐deficient and Pten‐deficient mice, and NIK inhibition alleviated cholangiocyte overgrowth. In human ICCs, we identified an inverse correlation between TRAF3 and NIK expression, with low TRAF3 or high NIK expression associated with poor prognosis. Finally, we showed that NIK inhibition by a small molecule inhibitor or gene silencing suppressed the growth of multiple human ICC cells in vitro and ICC xenografts in vivo.

Conclusions:

TRAF3 inactivation promotes ICC development through NIK‐mediated hepatocyte transdifferentiation. The oncogenic TRAF3–NIK axis may be a potential therapeutic target for ICC.