bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method development for the investigation of Mn2+/3+, Cu2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ with capillary electrophoresis hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry
Authors: Hanf Lenard , Brüning Kai , Winter Martin , Nowak Sascha
Published: September 2022

The lifetime of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) decreases under continuous cycling due to various degradation processes, such as dissolution of transition metals (TMs) from the electrodes. Therefore, suitable methods to analyze the oxidation states of TMs are mandatory to better understand the dissolution mechanisms of TMs from positive and negative electrodes (LIBs). To investigate the dissolution of Mn2+ and Mn3+ in electrolytes of LIBs, a previously implemented capillary electrophoresis (CE) method with UV/Vis spectroscopy detection was further developed with the aim of higher sensitivities and additional detection of other dissolved divalent TMs such as Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+. Therefore, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry was applied instead of UV/Vis for detection. This also allows the use of Ga3+ instead of the previously used Cu2+ as an internal standard, which solves the limitation of this method for cycled LIBs due to copper dissolution from the copper‐based current collector. The CE buffer based on sodium diphosphate as complexing agent for the stabilization of Mn3+ and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as dynamic capillary wall modifier was optimized in terms of concentrations and pH. Finally, both manganese species and Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ could be analyzed within 15 min. With this improved method, the dissolution of TMs in LIBs for positive electrode materials such as LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) or LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM, x + y + z = 1) can be studied in future in more detail.
On the selection of an interpolation method with an application to the Fire Weather Index in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Granville Kevin , Woolford Douglas G. , Dean C. B. , Boychuk Dennis , McFayden Colin B.
Published: September 2022

Evidence‐based studies in the environmental sciences frequently rely on the presence of spatially dense climatological data. However, such data are often available only at a fixed set of locations that may be regularly or irregularly arranged across a region. Spatial interpolation enables the approximation of variables of interest at locations between those sites. When conducting interpolation in collaboration with an end user or in interdisciplinary research, mutual knowledge exchange allows for greater insight on what is required of an interpolation method since each may have different pros and cons. We outline and discuss several key considerations one should make in an interpolation study, such as the purpose of the variable and the goals of the end user, including how the variable is used to inform decisions. This process is then illustrated via case study within a wildland fire weather context. For the province of Ontario, Canada, we contrast several methods for interpolating the Fire Weather Index (FWI), comparing them quantitatively via metrics and qualitatively using a proposed categorical gradients visualization scheme. Conditional simulations and a spatial ensemble are also investigated. This work is in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Resources for renewable natural gas: A Hawaii case study
Authors: Turn Scott , Williams Robert , Chan Wai Ying
Published: September 2022

Feedstock resources for renewable natural gas (RNG) production by biological (e.g., anaerobic digestion) and thermochemical (e.g., gasification) conversion methods in Hawaii have been reviewed. Statewide estimates of RNG production potential from urban resources (wastewater, existing landfills, foodwaste, construction and demolition waste (CDW), and municipal solid waste) total 8860 TJ year−1. Honolulu has the largest resource base for these urban waste streams. Underutilized agricultural land resources in the state could support substantial RNG production from dedicated energy crops (260–520 GJ ha−1 year−1), although agronomic suitability of specific candidate energy crops would need to be evaluated and confirmed.
Interstory drift based scaling of bi‐directional ground motions
Authors: Sucuoğlu Halûk , Eren Numan , Pinho Rui
Published: September 2022

The interstory drift‐based scaling procedure (IDS) developed recently by the authors for plane frames under single component horizontal ground motions, has been extended to three‐dimensional structures possessing torsional coupling under bi‐axial ground motions which are represented by their geometric mean spectrum. The ground motion‐scaling factor is defined as the ratio of average interstory drift along building height under target spectrum versus that under the associated ground motion spectrum. Hence, scaling is conditioned on structural response, which is in turn a function of seismic intensity. IDS for 3D systems is applied to 20‐story and 3‐story concrete space frames with mass and stiffness eccentricity, respectively. Accuracy and efficiency of the IDS procedure is assessed under a set of near‐fault strong motion pairs from large magnitude events. The results revealed that the proposed procedure is accurate and noticeably more efficient as compared to conventional procedures suggested in seismic codes and in literature. Further, the intensity measure employed in the IDS procedure is proved as a good predictor of fundamental demand measures (maximum interstory drift ratio and maximum plastic rotations) obtained from nonlinear dynamic analyses under individual ground motion pairs. Hence, employing the intensity measure of IDS for ground motion scaling in intensity‐based evaluation of structures is proposed for reliable estimation of structural performance under code‐prescribed seismic hazard.
An empirical study of environmental regulation on carbon emission efficiency in China
Authors: Zhang Chengyuan , Lin Ji
Published: September 2022

Based on the full‐sample panel data from 23 provinces and cities in China from 2013 to 2020, this paper studies the influences of environmental regulations on regional carbon emission efficiency in China under the background of opening carbon emission trading after dividing the country into high, medium, and low emission areas with emission quantity as the classification standard and constructing a regression model. The experiment reveals that the environmental regulation strength and carbon dioxide emission efficiency are positively correlated with each other in the first place. Second, there exists a positive correlation between environmental regulation strength and carbon dioxide emission efficiency in different emission regions, while in terms of the impact of environmental regulation on carbon emission efficiency, it influences the medium emission areas most, followed by low emission areas, and the high emission areas to the least. Then, current domestic environmental regulation is effective and plays a positive role in improving carbon emission efficiency and promoting the development of a low‐carbon economy in China.
Social Identities, Intersectionality, and the Experiences of Women and Women of Color in Marine, Aquatic, and Fisheries Science Professions
Authors: King Brittany D
Published: September 2022

In many STEM fields, women are considered an underrepresented social group and have been the subject of research and initiatives focused on increasing their representation. However, research suggests that focusing solely on numerical representations of a single measure of diversity often ignores how the combination of identities influence experiences. This study investigates how women and women of color perceive that their social identities (gender, race, and/or ethnicity) influence their experiences in marine, aquatic, and fisheries science-related careers. Findings revealed positive experiences connected to social identities, including examples of feelings of belonging and positive evaluations of members of their in-groups. However, findings also highlighted negative experiences resulting from social identities and instances of out-group discrimination and bias. While all participants in this study identified as women, findings revealed differences in experiences across racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the importance of exploring diversity and experiences through an intersectionality framework.
Long term outcomes of gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma treated with radiotherapy: A multi‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Smith Clinton D. , Gupta Sanjiv , Sinn Chin Yaw , Thompson Stephen R.
Published: September 2022

Gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a rare disease. Radiotherapy remains an important definitive modality. We assessed the long term outcomes of patients with early stage gastric MALT marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) treated with definitive radiotherapy at three institutions in New South Wales, Australia. A retrospective, multi‐center study of patients with gastric MALT MZ lymphoma treated with radiotherapy between 1st of March 1999 and 31st of May 2020 was conducted. Eligible patients were: age ≥18 years, treated with curative‐intent radiotherapy, pathological diagnosis of MALT MZ lymphoma. There were 33 eligible patients. Complete response (CR) was reported in 30/31 (96.7%) of endoscopically assessed cases. During median follow up of 66.2 months (IQR 22–119 months), estimated 5 and 10 years local relapse free survival were 92.6% (95% CI: 83–100) and 92.6% (95% CI: 83–100); distant relapse free survival 95.8% (95% CI 88.2–100) and 64.7% (95% CI 43.4–96.4); freedom from treatment failure 92.6% (95% CI; 83.1–100) and 62.5% (95% CI; 41.7–93.7), respectively. There were six documented recurrences; one local, four distant, and both in one patient; two cases were high grade recurrences. 5 and 10 years OS were 92.4% and 73.5% respectively. There were no grade 3–5 late toxicities or treatment related deaths. Patients with gastric MALT MZL treated with definitive radiotherapy have excellent outcomes. In long term follow up a significant proportion developed distant low grade disease. Extended follow up should be considered in these patients. Treatment is well tolerated with minimal toxicity. Radiotherapy remains an important modality in the treatment of gastric MALT MZ lymphoma.
Irreversibility scrutinization on EMHD Darcy–Forchheimer slip flow of Carreau hybrid nanofluid through a stretchable surface in porous medium with temperature‐variant properties
Authors: Mkhatshwa M. P. , Khumalo M.
Published: September 2022

The significance of hybrid nanofluids in controlling heat transmission cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, this article scrutinizes the electromagnetized flow of Carreau hybrid nanofluid towards a stretching surface in a Darcy–Forchheimer porous medium with the occurrence of slip conditions. To form the hybrid nanofluid, the amalgamation of silver and alumina nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in water as conventional fluid is assumed. For accurate interception of the rate of heat and mass transport, thermal conductivity and mass diffusion conductance are presumed to be temperature variants. The modeling system of partial differential equations has been translated into a nondimensional form by means of suitable similarity conversions. Then, the subsequent system of ordinary differential equations is handled using overlapping domain decomposition spectral local linearization method to acquire numerical solutions. The choice of the method has been justified through the provision of errors, condition numbers, and computation time. The behavior of distinct fluid parameters on the flow features, quantities of engineering curiosity, and entropy is analyzed. Findings of paramount importance constitute that the superior thermal conductivity, heat transfer efficiency, and low production cost can be achieved through the hybridization of silver and alumina NPs. The role of thermal radiation and temperature‐variant thermal conductivity is to enhance the thermal transport performance of Carreau hybrid nanofluids. The velocity, energy, and mass profiles grow with the utilization of injection effects. The principal aspiration of the second law of thermodynamics (minimizing the rate of entropy generation) can be achieved by considering shear‐thinning Carreau fluid while reducing the porosity parameter and Brinkman number in the existence of velocity slip conditions in the flow system. Outcomes of the current flow model can play a significant role in biomedical, technological, and various manufacturing processes. The approximation of entropy contributes towards power engineering and aeronautical propulsion to anticipate the smartness of the overall system.
The frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ circulating T stem cell memory in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Fazeli Pooriya , Talepoor Atefe Ghamar , Faghih Zahra , Gholijani Nasser , Ataollahi Mohammad Reza , Ali‐Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Moravej Hossein , Kalantar Kurosh
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The frequencies and functions of T stem cell memory (TSCM) subsets vary in autoimmune diseases. We evaluated the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ TSCM subsets as well as their PD‐1 expression levels in patients with T1D.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from new case (NC) (n = 15), and long‐term (LT) (n = 15) groups and healthy controls (n = 15). Five subsets of T cells including TCM(CD4+/CD8+ CCR7+ CD45RO+ CD95+), TCMhi (CD4+/CD8+ CCR7+ CD45ROhi CD95+), TEM(CD4+/CD8+ CCR7− CD45RO+ CD95+), TSCM(CD4+/CD8+ CCR7+ CD45RO− CD95+), and T naive (CD4+/CD8+ CCR7+ CD45RO− CD95−) were detected by flow‐cytometry.

Results

The frequency of CD4+ TSCM was higher in NC patients than LT patients and controls (p < .0001 and p = .0086, respectively). A higher percentage of the CD8+ T naive cells was shown in NC patients as compared with LT and healthy individuals (p = .0003 and p = .0002, respectively). An increased level of PD‐1 expression was observed on the CD4+TCM and TCMhi cells in LT patients as compared with healthy controls (p = .0037 and p = .0145, respectively). Also, the higher PD‐1 expression was observed on the CD8+ TCM and TCMhi in NC and LT patients as compared with controls (p = .0068 and p < .0001; p = .0012 and p = .0012, respectively).

Conclusion

Considering TSCMs' capacities to generate all memory and effector T cells, our results may suggest a potential association between the increased frequencies of TSCMs and T1D progression.
Pediatric Efficacy Extrapolation in Drug Development Submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration 2015–2020
Authors: Samuels Sherbet , Park Kyunghun , Bhatt‐Mehta Varsha , Sun Haihao , Mulugeta Yeruk , Yao Lynne , Green Dionna J. , Burckart Gilbert J.
Published: September 2022

Pediatric extrapolation plays a key role in the availability of reliable pediatric use information in approved drug labeling. This review examined the use of pediatric extrapolation in studies submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration and assessed changes in extrapolation approaches over time. Pediatric studies of 125 drugs submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration that led to subsequent pediatric information in drug labeling between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed. The use of pediatric extrapolation for each drug was identified and categorized as “complete,” “partial,” or “no” extrapolation. Approaches to pediatric extrapolation of efficacy changed over time. Complete extrapolation of efficacy was the predominantly used approach. “Complete,” “partial,” or “no” extrapolation was used for 51%, 23%, and 26% of the drugs, respectively. This represents a shift in extrapolation approaches when compared to a previous study that evaluated pediatrics drug applications between 2009 and 2014, which found complete, partial, or no extrapolation was used for 34%, 29%, and 37% of the drugs, respectively. Pediatric extrapolation approaches may continue to shift as emerging science fills gap in knowledge of the fundamental assumptions underlying this scientific tool. The international community continues to collaborate on discussions of pediatric extrapolation of efficacy from adults and other pediatric subpopulations to optimize its use for pediatric drug development.
Hemodynamic Evaluation of Type B Aortic Dissection Using Compressed Sensing Accelerated 4D Flow MRI
Authors: Kilinc Ozden , Chu Stanley , Baraboo Justin , Weiss Elizabeth K. , Engel Joshua , Maroun Anthony , Giese Daniel , Jin Ning , Chow Kelvin , Bi Xiaoming , Davids Rachel , Mehta Christopher , Malaisrie S. Chris , Hoel Andrew , Carr James , Markl Michael , Allen Bradley D.
Published: September 2022

Background

4D Flow MRI is a quantitative imaging technique to evaluate blood flow patterns; however, it is unclear how compressed sensing (CS) acceleration would impact aortic hemodynamic quantification in type B aortic dissection (TBAD).

Purpose

To investigate CS‐accelerated 4D Flow MRI performance compared to GRAPP‐accelerated 4D Flow MRI (GRAPPA) to evaluate aortic hemodynamics in TBAD.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twelve TBAD patients, two volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T, 3D time‐resolved cine phase‐contrast gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

GRAPPA (acceleration factor [R] = 2) and two CS‐accelerated (R = 7.7 [CS7.7] and 10.2 [CS10.2]) 4D Flow MRI scans were acquired twice for interscan reproducibility assessment. Voxelwise kinetic energy (KE), peak velocity (PV), forward flow (FF), reverse flow (RF), and stasis were calculated. Plane‐based mid‐lumen flows were quantified. Imaging times were recorded.

Tests

Repeated measures analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients (r), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

The KE and FF in true lumen (TL) and PV in false lumen (FL) did not show difference among three acquisition types (P = 0.818, 0.065, 0.284 respectively). The PV and stasis in TL were higher, KE, FF, and RF in FL were lower, and stasis was higher in GRAPPA compared to CS7.7 and CS10.2. The RF was lower in GRAPPA compared to CS10.2. The correlation coefficients were strong in TL (r = [0.781–0.986]), and low to strong in FL (r = [0.347–0.948]). The ICC levels demonstrated moderate to excellent interscan reproducibility (0.732–0.989). The FF and net flow in mid‐descending aorta TL were significantly different between CS7.7 and CS10.2.

Conclusion

CS‐accelerated 4D Flow MRI has potential for clinical utilization with shorter scan times in TBAD. Our results suggest similar hemodynamic trends between acceleration types, but CS‐acceleration impacts KE, FF, RF, and stasis more in FL.

Evidence Level: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2
Changes in the cortical network during sleep stage transitions
Authors: Song Yingjie , Lian Jiakai , Wang Kejie , Wen Jinfeng , Luo Yuxi
Published: September 2022

Sleep state transitions are closely related to insomnia, drowsiness, and sleep maintenance. However, how the cortical network varies during such a transition process remains unclear. Changes in the cortical interaction during the short‐term process of sleep stage transitions were investigated. In all, 40 healthy young participants underwent overnight polysomnography. The phase transfer entropy of six frequency bands was obtained from 16 electroencephalography channels to assess the strength and direction of information flow between the cortical regions. Differences in the cortical network between the first and the last 10 s in a 40‐s transition period across wakefulness, N1, N2, N3, and rapid eye movement were, respectively, studied. Various frequency bands exhibited different patterns during the sleep stage transitions. It was found that the mutual transitions between the sleep stages were not necessarily the opposite. More significant changes were observed in the sleep deepening process than in the process of sleep awakening. During sleep stage transitions, changes in the inflow and outflow strength of various cortical regions led to regional differences, but for the entire sleep progress, such an imbalance did not intensify, and a dynamic balance was instead observed. The detailed findings of variations in cortical interactions during sleep stage transition promote understanding of sleep mechanism, sleep process, and sleep function. Additionally, it is expected to provide helpful clues for sleep improvement, like reducing the time required to fall asleep and maintaining sleep depth.
Successful treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum with Janus kinase 1/2 inhibition
Authors: Sitaru Sebastian , Biedermann Tilo , Lauffer Felix
Published: September 2022

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, autoinflammatory disease leading to painful, hard‐to‐treat ulcers. Besides systemic glucocorticoids, a plethora of classic immunosuppressants, biologics and small molecules have been reported to improve PG disease course. However, often several treatment strategies fail or cannot be applied due to comorbidities or side effects. We herein report the case of an 85‐year‐old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, lymphopenia and lower leg ulceration due to PG. After multiple steroid‐sparing therapies failed, including methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulins and infliximab, we initiated treatment with baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor. In combination with intravenous immunoglobulins, we achieved complete remission first of the inflamed margin and second, of the ulceration. Our report suggests that JAK 1/2 inhibition might be a promising therapy option in refractory PG even in elderly patients with comorbidities.
Survival, harvest, and population size of Rio Grande wild turkeys in Texas
Authors: Buckley Byron R. , Hardin Jason B. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A.
Published: September 2022

Use of band recovery data combined with estimates of hunter harvests provides a foundation for estimation of abundance and population trajectory for a variety of wildlife species. We banded 3,141 Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) during 2015–2021 and used band‐recovery data to assess annual survival and harvest, and to generate population estimates for male Rio Grande wild turkeys in Texas, USA. Our results indicated male recovery rate was age‐specific (adult = 0.095 ± 0.010 [SE]; juvenile = 0.036 ± 0.009) and adult and juvenile male annual survival was 0.49 ± 0.04 and 0.96 ± 0.14, respectively. Annual survival for adult females (0.68 ± 0.02) was lower than for juvenile females (0.98 ± 0.01). Female recovery rates were not different between fall and spring (0.017 ± 0.004; 0.013 ± 0.003, respectively) and combined harvest rate was 0.009 ± 0.006. Male population estimates, based on hunter harvest estimates, exhibited considerable temporal variation, ranging from 328,185 ± 66,313 in 2016 to 136,700 ± 27,621 in 2020. Using harvest average over the 7‐year study period, we estimated average male abundance was 228,709 ± 46,213. Female population estimates ranged from 895,556 ± 635,146 in 2016 to 409,889 ± 290,702 in 2020. We estimated an average female population of 561,578 ± 396,507. Researchers and managers should continue banding Rio Grande wild turkeys to assess long‐term trends and conduct additional work to confirm the accuracy of harvest estimates in Texas.
Phosphoproteomics of extracellular vesicles integrated with multiomics analysis reveals novel kinase networks for lung cancer
Authors: Qiao Zhi , Kong Yan , Zhang Yan , Qian Liqiang , Wang Zeyuan , Guan Xin , Lu Hui , Xiao Hua
Published: September 2022

Phosphorylation regulates the functions of proteins and aberrant phosphorylation often leads to a variety of diseases, including cancers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important messengers in the microenvironment and their proteome contributes to cancer genesis and metastasis, while the kinases that driving EVs proteins' phosphorylation are less known. Clinical tissue samples from 13 patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were utilized to isolate cancer EVs and adjacent normal EVs. Through quantitative phosphoproteomics analysis, 2473 phosphorylation sites on 1567 proteins were successfully identified and quantified. Accordingly, 152 kinases were identified, and 25 of them were differentially expressed. Based on Tied Diffusion through Interacting Events (TieDIE) algorithm, we integrated genomic and transcriptomic data sets of NSCLC from TCGA with our phosphoproteome data set to construct signaling networks. Through database integration and multiomics enrichment analysis, a compact network of 234 nodes with 1599 edges was constructed, which consisted of 34 transcription factors, 33 kinases, 63 aberrant genes, and 172 linking proteins. Rarely studied phosphorylation sites were specifically enriched. Key phosphoproteins of network nodes were validated in patients' EVs, including MAPK6S189, IKBKES172, SRCY530, CDK7S164, and CDK1T14. These networks depict intrinsic signal‐regulation derived from EVs' phosphoproteins, providing a comprehensive and pathway‐based strategy for in‐depth lung cancer research.
HHS outlines approaches to behavioral integration
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2022

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this month released an issue brief that outlines approaches toward achieving the goals set out in President Biden's strategy to address the national mental health crisis. The HHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration lists a combination of existing programs and new initiatives that federal agencies have announced since the president unveiled the strategy in his first State of the Union address earlier this year.
Long‐term impact of psychological factors and social interactions on obesity of female nationals in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Kim Sehjeong , Kim So‐Yeun
Published: September 2022

Objective

Along with rapid economic growth, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone enormous sociocultural changes. Consequently, sociocultural and psychological factors, along with malnutrition and physical inactivity, have contributed to the high obesity rate. The objective of this study is to assess the long‐term impact of these new emerging factors on obesity among women in the UAE via mathematical modeling.

Methods

A differential equation model was developed considering psychological/social factors in population dynamics. It predicts the long‐term prevalence of obesity among women in the UAE under these factors by 2070. Computer simulations and a sensitivity analysis of the model were conducted to measure the impact of these factors on obesity.

Results

The model predicts the following: 80.07% of female UAE nationals will become overweight or have obesity and 60.19% will have obesity by 2070, and the population with abnormal eating behavior will increase to 15% by 2070. Psychological/social factors aggravate the obesity problems and can cause abnormal eating behavior to develop with little effect on weight reduction.

Conclusions

The obesity rate of female UAE nationals will continue to rise by 2070. Rising abnormal eating behavior caused by psychological/social factors is an emerging issue and should be recognized as a sign of escalating obesity problems in the UAE.
Two cases with cleft lip and palate of improvement palatalized articulations by performing dentition expansion in the deciduous dentition stage
Authors: Fujii Nami , Nohara Kanji , Tanaka Nobukazu , Sugiyama Chihiro , Sakai Takayoshi
Published: September 2022

Background

Palatalized articulation (PA), which is a common occurrence in children who have undergone cleft lip and palate surgery, is thought to be influenced by palate morphology. To help patients acquire normal articulation, it is better to improve the palate morphology earlier.

Case Presentation

In these two cases, dentition expansion was performed during the deciduous dentition stage and resulted in improved articulatory performance.

Conclusion

During speech therapy for PA, if the patient still produces incorrect sounds even after their abnormal tongue dorsum raising has eliminated, it is important to investigate the possibility of improving articulation through improving the palate morphology.
Design, synthesis, characterization and insecticidal screening of novel anthranilic diamides comprising acyl thiourea substructure
Authors: Kavyasri Dhanekula , Sundharesan Munusamy , Mathew Nisha
Published: September 2022

Background

Mosquito‐borne pathogens constitute a major health problem worldwide. The extermination of the mosquito remains a significant issue in public health. Chemical insecticides have been used to control mosquitoes for decades. However, resistance has become a limiting factor for their control. The anthranilic diamide insecticides possess excellent insecticidal activities against Lepidoptera and its resistant strains by draining internal calcium stores on activating insect ryanodine receptors. However, the reports on the effect on mosquitoes are scarce and hence a series of novel anthranilic diamides comprising acyl thiourea substructure were synthesized and their insecticidal activities against three vector mosquito larvae namely, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi were evaluated as per WHO protocol. Also investigated the morphological observations of treated larvae.

Results

Novel anthranilic diamides containing an acyl thiourea substructure were synthesized and structures were established by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS). Mosquito larvicidal activity of the title compounds 6‐a–s revealed that compound 6‐l exhibited marked larvicidal activities against C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti 3rd instar larvae with median lethal concentrations (LC50) values of 0.0044 mm and 0.0070 mm, respectively, for 48 hours of treatment. Compound 6‐g exhibited larvicidal activity against An. stephensi with LC50 value of 0.0085 mm. Peculiar morphological alterations in the body of the treated larvae leading to death were observed on microscopic examination.

Conclusion

Novel anthranilic diamides containing an acyl thiourea substructure were designed, synthesized and characterized. Their bioassay results demonstrated significant mosquito larvicidal activity with striking morphological alterations in the body, which should ensure forthcoming designs of highly active diamide derivatives as mosquito larvicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Novel 1,3,4‐oxadiazole sulfonate/carboxylate flavonoid derivatives: synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Peng Feng , Liu Tingting , Zhu Yunying , Liu Fang , Cao Xiao , Wang Qifan , Liu Liwei , Xue Wei
Published: September 2022

Background

With the long‐term use of traditional bactericides and antiviral agents, drug resistance has become increasingly prominent, resulting in impaired crop growth and yields. Based on this, the introduction of small molecular active groups into natural products has become the direction of research for green pesticides.

Results

In this study, novel 1,3,4‐oxadiazole sulfonate/carboxylate flavonoid derivatives were explored. Among them, D4 exhibited good inhibitory effects on plant bacteria. It is worth mentioning that D4 (15 μg ml−1) exhibited an excellent median effective concentration (EC50) value against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which was better than bismerthiazol (73 μg ml−1) and thiodiazole copper (100 μg ml−1). The EC50 for D4 was much lower than the two positive controls (bismerthiazol, thiodiazole copper), making D4 more potent in this assay of bacterial growth inhibition. In addition, mechanism research using scanning electron microscopy revealed that D4 could cause deformation or rupture of the cell membranes of Xoo and Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae. Moreover, D4 exhibited the best EC50 for in vivo curative (132 μg ml−1) and protective (101 μg ml−1) activities against tobacco mosaic virus, which were more effective than ningnanmycin. Microscale thermophoresis data suggested that D4 [dissociation constant (Kd) = 0.038 ± 0.011 μmol L−1] exhibited a stronger binding capacity than the control agent ningnanmycin (Kd = 4.707 ± 2.176 μmol L−1).

Conclusion

The biological activity data and mode of action demonstrated that D4 had the best antibacterial and antiviral effects. Compound D4 discovered in the current work may be a very promising agricultural drug. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cathodoluminescent Imaging of ZnO:N Films: Study of Annealing Processes Leading to Enhanced Acceptor Luminescence
Authors: Mishra Sushma , Witkowski Bartlomiej S. , Jakiela Rafal , Khosravizadeh Zeinab , Paszkowicz Wojciech , Sulich Adrian , Volnianska Oksana , Wozniak Wojciech , Guziewicz Elzbieta
Published: September 2022

A worldwide effort is under way to understand the activation of acceptor states in ZnO with the motivation to achieve persistent p‐type conductivity. In this study, cathodoluminescent (CL) imaging, electron microscopy (SEM), secondary‐ions mass spectrometry (SIMS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) are used to compare ZnO:N films subjected to a rapid thermal annealing process (RTP) in N2 and O2 atmosphere at 400–900 °C. The study, performed for ZnO:N films with nitrogen concentration of 2 × 1018 at cm−3 grown under O‐rich conditions is directed to establish the optimal atmosphere and temperature at which acceptor‐related CL is enhanced and correlated with structural properties. XRD shows that crystallite size increases from ≈100 to ≈250 nm with increasing annealing temperature up to 800 °C. The low‐temperature (LT) CL maps reveal that the acceptor‐ and donor‐related CL mostly derives from different crystallites. Both annealing medium and temperature influence acceptor‐related CL intensity, which is higher under oxygen annealing. It is observed that the intensity of acceptor‐related CL increases with annealing temperature up to 800 °C and then decreases. Noticeable donor‐related emission appears only after RTP at 700 °C and becomes prominent for RTP at 900 °C
Experimental Realization of Spin‐Polarized States on Mg3Bi2 Surface
Authors: Ma Ni , Zhu Hailong , Jiang Qi , Huang Benrui , Li Kaiyi , Mei Hongping , Ye Mao , Qiao Shan , Li Ang
Published: September 2022

Kagome compound Mg3Bi2 is theoretically predicted to be a nodal line semimetal while the inclusion of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) causes a transition to strong topological insulator. The electronic energy dispersion and spin polarization of thus attained surface states are sensitive to the surface terminations, which are not experimentally verified yet. Herein, the major Mg terminations with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are identified and the electronic structures near and above the Fermi level are further investigated. It is found that the underlying Bi layers contribute to the surface states dominantly. The spin‐polarized bulk and surface states may promote low‐dissipation applications for Mg3Bi2.
Controlling Transport Properties of 2D Electron System Hosted by SrTiO3‐Based Bilayers
Authors: Huang Jingwen , Li Chengjian , Han Kun , Xu Liqiang , Xu Chengcheng , Dai Song , Wu Wenbin , Huang Zhen , Chen Pingfan
Published: September 2022

Compared with the conventional 2D electron system (2DES) located between the LaAlO3 layer and SrTiO3 substrate, the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 bilayers are also capable of hosting 2DES with additional functional tunabilities. Herein, the LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 layers are epitaxially grown on the (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 substrate to build a bilayer 2DES. The transport properties can be subtly tuned by the SrTiO3 layer thickness (tSTO), growth temperature (TG), and oxygen pressure (PO2), leading to various controllable electronic states. For the metallic bilayer 2DES, the low‐temperature carrier density (≈1014 cm−2) is one‐order‐of‐magnitude higher than that of the conventional 2DES (1012–1013 cm−2). Meanwhile, the bilayer 2DES exhibits the enhanced carrier mobility on increasing the carrier density, which contradicts the experimental results obtained from the conventional 2DES and suggests an important role of charge screening in the high‐carrier‐density bilayer 2DES. Moreover, the semiconducting bilayer 2DES, featured by the lower carrier density and thus less charge screening, shows the low‐field negative minimum and enhanced fourfold anisotropy in magnetoresistances. Those results infer that the majority of scattering centers shall be interfacial localized Ti3+ ions, which are screened by the high carrier density in the metallic bilayer 2DES.
Carbon injection to support in‐situ smoldering remediation
Authors: Wilton Gillian M. , Gerhard Jason I. , Major David W.
Published: September 2022

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of anthropogenic contaminants that are receiving increasing concern due to their associated negative health effects. The properties of PFAS result in their persistence and stability, which present challenges for remediation. Activated carbon is currently the most widely used method for PFAS treatment since carbon microparticle injection can be used for in‐situ treatment; however, this method does not result in PFAS destruction. Thermal treatment is a promising posttreatment method that can be used with activated carbon as long as sufficient PFAS‐destroying temperatures are achieved (>900°C). A promising in‐situ thermal treatment technology is Self‐Sustaining Treatment for Active Remediation (STAR), which uses smoldering combustion to destroy organic contaminants embedded within a porous matrix. This study investigates carbon injection to support STAR for the treatment of PFAS. Four solutions were used (1) 17% colloidal activated carbon (CAC); (2) 23% CAC; (3) 17% powdered activated carbon (PAC); and, (4) 23% PAC. Smoldering temperatures greater than the required PFAS destruction temperature were reached if 50 g carbon/kg sand was achieved for injection and soil‐mixing delivery methods. Moreover, emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) was a successful secondary surrogate fuel to enhance smoldering temperatures when supplied at a quantity less than or equal to carbon microparticles. These findings present the necessary intermediate laboratory work to evaluate methods that will achieve PFAS treatment through STAR when applied in the field.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron and its current known unknowns: A narrative review
Authors: Le Trang Thi Bich , Vasanthakumaran Tamilarasy , Thi Hien Hau Nguyen , Hung I‐Chun , Luu Mai Ngoc , Khan Zeeshan Ali , An Nguyen Thanh , Tran Van Phu , Lee Wei Jun , Abdul Aziz Jeza Muhamad , Ali Tasnim , Dumre Shyam Prakash , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: September 2022

The emergence of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has created great global distress. This variant of concern shows multiple sublineages, importantly B.1.1.529.1 (BA.1), BA.1 + R346K (BA.1.1), and B.1.1.529.2 (BA.2), each with unique properties. However, little is known about this new variant, specifically its sub‐variants. A narrative review was conducted to summarise the latest findings on transmissibility, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and efficacy of current vaccines and treatments. Omicron has shown two times higher transmission rates than Delta and above ten times more infectious than other variants over a similar period. With more than 30 mutations in the spike protein's receptor‐binding domain, there is reduced detection by conventional RT‐PCR and rapid antigen tests. Moreover, the two‐dose vaccine effectiveness against Delta and Omicron variants was found to be approximately 21%, suggesting an urgent need for a booster dose to prevent the possibility of breakthrough infections. However, the current vaccines remain highly efficacious against severe disease, hospitalisation, and mortality. Japanese preliminary lab data elucidated that the Omicron sublineage BA.2 shows a higher illness severity than BA.1. To date, the clinical management of Omicron remains unchanged, except for monoclonal antibodies. Thus far, only Bebtelovimab could sufficiently treat all three sub‐variants of Omicron. Further studies are warranted to understand the complexity of Omicron and its sub‐variants. Such research is necessary to improve the management and prevention of Omicron infection.
Bottom‐Up Templated and Oriented Crystallization for Inverted Triple‐Cation Perovskite Solar Cells with Stabilized Nickel‐Oxide Interface
Authors: Wang Jianli , Zhang Zhanfei , Liang Jianghu , Zheng Yiting , Wu Xueyun , Tian Congcong , Huang Ying , Zhou Zhuang , Yang Yajuan , Sun Anxin , Chen Zhenhua , Chen Chun‐Chao
Published: September 2022

Inverted‐structure perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are known for their superior device stability. However, based on nickel‐oxide (NiOx) substrate, disordered crystallization and bottom interface instability of perovskite film are still the main factors that compromise the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs. Here, 2D perovskite of thiomorpholine 1,1‐dioxide lead iodide (Td2PbI4) is introduced as a template to prepare 3D perovskite thin film with high crystal orientation and large grain size via a bottom‐up growth method. By adding TdCl to the precursor solution, pre‐crystallized 2D Td2PbI4 seeds can accumulate at the bottom interface, lowering the barrier of nucleation, and templating the growth of 3D perovskite films with improved (100) orientation and reduced defects during crystallization. In addition, 2D Td2PbI4 at the bottom interface also hinders the interfacial redox reaction and reduces the hole extraction barrier on the buried interface. Based on this, the Td‐0.5 PSC achieves a PCE of 22.09% and an open‐circuit voltage of 1.16 V. Moreover, Td‐0.5 PSCs show extremely high stability, which retains 84% of its initial PCE after 500 h of continuous illumination under maximum power point operating conditions in N2 atmosphere. This work paves the way for performance improvement of inverted PSCs on NiOx substrate.
Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction over Co Nanoparticles Embedded N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Electrocatalyst with Zn as an Accelerant
Authors: Cao Qing , Cheng Zhaoyang , Dai Jiajun , Sun Tianxiao , Li Guixiang , Zhao Lili , Yu Jiayuan , Zhou Weijia , Lin Jianjian
Published: September 2022

The rational design for transition metals‐based carbon nano‐materials as efficient electrocatalysts still remains a crucial challenge for economical electrochemical hydrogen production. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as attractive electrocatalysts are typically activated by non‐metal dopant to promote catalytic performance. Metals doping or metal/non‐metal co‐doping of CNTs, however, are rarely explored. Herein, this work rationally designs bimetal oxide templates of ZnCo2O4 for heterogeneously doping Zn and N into Co nanoparticles embedded carbon nanotubes (Co@Zn‐N‐CNTs). During the formation of CNTs, Zn atoms volatilize from ZnCo2O4 and in situ dope into the carbon skeleton. In particular, owing to the low electronegativity of Zn, the electrons aptly transfer from Zn to carbon atoms, which generate a high electron density for the carbon layers and offer more preponderant catalytic sites for hydrogen reduction. The Co@Zn‐N‐CNTs catalyst exhibits enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction activity in 0.5 m H2SO4 electrolyte, with a low onset potential of −20 mV versus RHE at 1 mA cm−2, an overpotential of 67 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 52.1 mV dec−1, and persistent long‐term stability. This study provides brand‐new insights into the utilization of Zn as electronic regulator and activity promoter toward the design of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts.
Regulating surface electron structure of PtNi nanoalloy via boron doping for high‐current‐density Li‐O2 batteries with low overpotential and long‐life cyclability
Authors: Ding Yajun , Huang Yuanchao , Li Yuejiao , Zhang Tao , Wu Zhong‐Shuai
Published: September 2022

The realization of high‐efficiency, reversible, stable, and safe Li‐O2 batteries is severely hindered by the large overpotential and side reactions, especially at high rate conditions. Therefore, rational design of cathode catalysts with high activity and stability is crucial to overcome the terrible issues at high current density. Herein, we report a surface engineering strategy to adjust the surface electron structure of boron (B)‐doped PtNi nanoalloy on carbon nanotubes (PtNiB@CNTs) as an efficient bifunctional cathodic catalyst for high‐rate and long‐life Li‐O2 batteries. Notably, the Li‐O2 batteries assembled with as‐prepared PtNiB@CNT catalyst exhibit ultrahigh discharge capacity of 20510 mA·h/g and extremely low overpotential of 0.48 V at a high current density of 1000 mA/g, both of which outperform the most reported Pt‐based catalysts recently. Meanwhile, our Li‐O2 batteries offer excellent rate capability and ultra‐long cycling life of up to 210 cycles at 1000 mA/g under a fixed capacity of 1000 mA·h/g, which is two times longer than those of Pt@CNTs and PtNi@CNTs. Furthermore, it is revealed that surface engineering of PtNi nanoalloy via B doping can efficiently tailor the electron structure of nanoalloy and optimize the adsorption of oxygen species, consequently delivering excellent Li‐O2 battery performance. Therefore, this strategy of regulating the nanoalloy by doping nonmetallic elements will pave an avenue for the design of high‐performance catalysts for metal‐oxygen batteries.
Organic Polymer Dots Based on Star‐Shaped Truxene‐Core Polymers for Photocatalytic H2O2 Production
Authors: Wang Sicong , Kumar Gaurav , Tian Haining
Published: September 2022

Three conjugated polymers consisting of truxene donor units and different acceptor units are synthesized and prepared into polymer dots for photocatalytic H2O2 production, exhibiting performance of over 100 mmol h−1 gPdots−1. The best external quantum efficiency is determined to be 8.4% at 450 nm in 60 min which is higher than the majority of conjugated polymeric photocatalysts. Optical properties and surface reaction capabilities of Pdots are studied to understand the origin of the photocatalytic performance. The degradation pathway of Pdots is investigated and explained with the help of various spectroscopic characterizations.
Immune‐checkpoint inhibitor therapy response evaluation using oncophysics‐based mathematical models
Authors: Syed Mustafa , Cagely Matthew , Dogra Prashant , Hollmer Lauren , Butner Joseph D. , Cristini Vittorio , Koay Eugene J.
Published: September 2022

The field of oncology has transformed with the advent of immunotherapies. The standard of care for multiple cancers now includes novel drugs that target key checkpoints that function to modulate immune responses, enabling the patient's immune system to elicit an effective anti‐tumor response. While these immune‐based approaches can have dramatic effects in terms of significantly reducing tumor burden and prolonging survival for patients, the therapeutic approach remains active only in a minority of patients and is often not durable. Multiple biological investigations have identified key markers that predict response to the most common form of immunotherapy—immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). These biomarkers help enrich patients for ICI but are not 100% predictive. Understanding the complex interactions of these biomarkers with other pathways and factors that lead to ICI resistance remains a major goal. Principles of oncophysics—the idea that cancer can be described as a multiscale physical aberration—have shown promise in recent years in terms of capturing the essence of the complexities of ICI interactions. Here, we review the biological knowledge of mechanisms of ICI action and how these are incorporated into modern oncophysics‐based mathematical models. Building on the success of oncophysics‐based mathematical models may help to discover new, rational methods to engineer immunotherapy for patients in the future.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease