bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks for Supercapacitors
Authors: Niu Liang , Wu Taizheng , Chen Ming , Yang Long , Yang Jingjing , Wang Zhenxiang , Kornyshev Alexei A. , Jiang Huili , Bi Sheng , Feng Guang
Published: March 2022

As a class of porous materials with crystal lattices, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), featuring outstanding specific surface area, tunable functionality, and versatile structures, have attracted huge attention in the past two decades. Since the first conductive MOF is successfully synthesized in 2009, considerable progress has been achieved for the development of conductive MOFs, allowing their use in diverse applications for electrochemical energy storage. Among those applications, supercapacitors have received great interest because of their high power density, fast charging ability, and excellent cycling stability. Here, the efforts hitherto devoted to the synthesis and design of conductive MOFs and their auspicious capacitive performance are summarized. Using conductive MOFs as a unique platform medium, the electronic and molecular aspects of the energy storage mechanism in supercapacitors with MOF electrodes are discussed, highlighting the advantages and limitations to inspire new ideas for the development of conductive MOFs for supercapacitors.
Scalable Synthesis of Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride on Graphene with Giant Bandgap Renormalization
Authors: Wang Ping , Lee Woncheol , Corbett Joseph P. , Koll William H. , Vu Nguyen M. , Laleyan David Arto , Wen Qiannan , Wu Yuanpeng , Pandey Ayush , Gim Jiseok , Wang Ding , Qiu Diana Y. , Hovden Robert , Kira Mackillo , Heron John T. , Gupta Jay A. , Kioupakis Emmanouil , Mi Zetian
Published: March 2022

Monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has been widely considered a fundamental building block for 2D heterostructures and devices. However, the controlled and scalable synthesis of hBN and its 2D heterostructures has remained a daunting challenge. Here, an hBN/graphene (hBN/G) interface‐mediated growth process for the controlled synthesis of high‐quality monolayer hBN is proposed and further demonstrated. It is discovered that the in‐plane hBN/G interface can be precisely controlled, enabling the scalable epitaxy of unidirectional monolayer hBN on graphene, which exhibits a uniform moiré superlattice consistent with single‐domain hBN, aligned to the underlying graphene lattice. Furthermore, it is identified that the deep‐ultraviolet emission at 6.12 eV stems from the 1s‐exciton state of monolayer hBN with a giant renormalized direct bandgap on graphene. This work provides a viable path for the controlled synthesis of ultraclean, wafer‐scale, atomically ordered 2D quantum materials, as well as the fabrication of 2D quantum electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Enhanced Electrocatalysts Fabricated via Quenched Ultrafast Sintering: Physicochemical Properties and Water Oxidation Applications
Authors: Curcio Antonino , Robson Matthew J. , Belotti Alessio , Hu Zhiwei , Chin Yi‐Ying , Chen Chien‐Te , Lin Hong‐Ji , Ciucci Francesco
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of transition metal oxides is typically time‐ and energy‐consuming. Recently, fast sintering methods have demonstrated great potential in reducing ceramic sintering time and energy use, improving the commercial prospects of these materials. In this article, a quenched ultrafast high‐temperature sintering (qUHS) technique is developed to sinter metastable brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 (SCO) in less than a minute. Surprisingly, SCO fabricated by qUHS shows higher activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) than solid‐state‐reaction‐synthesized SCO. Comparing samples produced by these two techniques, the increased OER performance of SCO qUHS is likely due to the synergistic combination of surface Co chemical state, higher mesoporosity, and enhanced hydroxyl ion (OH–) adsorption. This work demonstrates the potential of qUHS for producing high‐performance electrocatalysts and provides detailed insights into the impact of ultrafast sintering on the materials’ physical properties and electrocatalytic activity.
Asymmetric Design for a High‐Performance Indoor Radiative Heating Fabric
Authors: Boutghatin Mohamed , Pennec Yan , Djafari‐Rouhani Bahram , Akjouj Abdellatif , Gaucher Valérie , Gidik Hayriye , Assaf Salim , Carette Michèle , Thomy Vincent
Published: March 2022

Improving radiative heating performance of textiles is becoming one of the most current research topics to reduce the energy consumption used to control the indoor areas temperature. In this work, the properties of a textile‐based asymmetric design for radiative heating are studied both theoretically and experimentally, and its remarkable efficiency over a wide range of temperature is demonstrated. By sandwiching a thin metallic layer characterized by a high reflectivity in the mid‐infrared (MIR) between two polyethylene (PE) membranes of same thickness, it is proposed to control the MIR emissivity of the structure by the introduction of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in one of the two PE membranes. By reversing the fabric side to side, a wide comfort zone can be achieved for medium and low ambient temperatures, typically between 7.1 and 16.3 °C. Moreover, it is shown that, when transferred on a regular textile, the fabric performs the same functionalities. The experimental demonstration is done by considering an equivalent asymmetric structure with thicker membranes, without NPs. The fabrication and characterization processes are reported and a good agreement is obtained between the Fourier transform infrared spectra and the numerical data.
Optimal Design of Surface Relief Grating for High‐Resolution Two‐Photon Interference Lithography
Authors: Ahn Jinseong , Park Junyong
Published: March 2022

Two‐photon interference lithography with an elastomeric phase grating that allows spontaneous conformal contact to the photoresist can be used to fabricate practical‐scale, 3D photonic crystals through a single exposure. In principle, the unit cell symmetry and fill factor of the 3D periodic nanostructures produced using this technique are strongly depend on the structural parameters of the phase grating. However, theoretical approaches to derive the optimal parameters of the phase grating for realizing high‐definition 3D nanostructures are still lacking. Here, the change in the Talbot interference pattern is systematically predicted with the relief height of the phase grating under the conditions in which two‐photon interference lithography is performed through optical simulations. The collective set of results reveals the design error of the relief height of the phase grating, as inferred by the scalar approximation thus far, and presents the optimal condition that satisfies the π‐phase shift inferred by the full‐vectorial numerical solution.
Resonant Electron Tunneling Induces Isomerization of π‐Expanded Oligothiophene Macrocycles in a 2D Crystal
Authors: Cojal González José D. , Iyoda Masahiko , Rabe Jürgen P.
Published: March 2022

Macrocyclic oligothiophenes and their π‐expanded derivatives constitute versatile building blocks for the design of (supra)molecularly engineered active interfaces, owing to their structural, chemical, and optoelectronic properties. Here, it is demonstrated how resonant tunneling effect induces single molecular isomerization in a 2D crystal, self‐assembled at solid–liquid interfaces under ambient conditions. Monolayers of a series of four π‐expanded oligothiophene macrocycles are investigated by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) at the interface between their octanoic acid solutions and the basal plane of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. Current–voltage characteristics confirm the donor‐type character of the macrocycles, with the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) positions consistent with time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. Cyclic STS measurements show the redox isomerization from Z,Z‐8T6A to its isomer E,E‐8T6A occurring in the 2D crystal, due to the formation of a negatively charged species when the tunneling current is in resonance with the LUMO of the macrocycle.
Success of implementation of a systemwide point‐of‐care ultrasound privileging program for emergency medicine faculty
Authors: Kennedy Sarah K. , Ferre Robinson M. , Rood Loren K. , Nti Benjamin , Ehrman Robert R. , Brenner Daniel , Rutz Matt A. , Zahn Greg S. , Herbert Audrey G. , Russell Frances M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely used in the emergency department (ED). Not all practicing emergency physicians received POCUS training during residency, leaving a training gap that is reflected in POCUS privileging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of meeting privileging criteria as well as associated factors, following implementation of a basic POCUS training and privileging program within a large emergency medicine department.

Methods

We implemented a POCUS training and privileging program, based on national guidelines, for faculty physicians who worked at one of the following EDs staffed by the same emergency medicine department: a pediatric tertiary site, two tertiary academic sites, and seven community sites. POCUS examinations included aorta, cardiac, first‐trimester obstetrics (OB), and extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma. Pediatric emergency medicine faculty were taught soft tissue and thoracic US instead of aorta and OB. Completion of the program required 16 h of didactics, ≥25 quality‐assured US examinations by examination type, and passing a series of knowledge‐based examinations. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Associations between physician characteristics and successfully becoming privileged in POCUS were modeled using Firth's logistic regression.

Results

A total of 176 faculty physicians were eligible. A total of 145 (82.4%) achieved basic POCUS privileging during the study period. Different pathways were used including 86 (48.9%) practice‐based, nine (5.1%) fellowship‐based, and 82 (46.9%) residency‐based. POCUS privileging was lower for those working in a community versus academic setting (odds ratio 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.1–0.9). A greater number of scans completed prior to the privileging program was associated with greater success.

Conclusions

Implementation of a POCUS training and privileging program can be successful in a large emergency medicine department that staffs hospitals in a large‐scale health care system composed of both academic and community sites. Faculty physicians with at least some prior exposure to POCUS were more successful.
Potential parents of carioca bean for use in breeding aiming resistance to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Mencalha Jussara , Dias Mariana Andrade , de Souza Elaine Aparecida , Carneiro Pedro Crescêncio Souza , Carneiro Vinícius Quintão , Carneiro José Eustáquio de Souza
Published: March 2022

Carioca common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most produced and consumed in Brazil. The production of carioca bean is affected by fungal diseases such as anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Most sources resistant to anthracnose, used in crosses by breeding programs are not derived from the commercial group or are poorly productive and less adapted. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize 40 carioca bean cultivars already recommended in Brazil for their reaction to C. lindemuthianum races 65, 73, 81, and 89. The cultivars and the resistant control, BRS Esplendor, were inoculated in a greenhouse with two different experiments for each race. Seedlings with fully expanded primary leaves were inoculated with a suspension of each pathogen race and assessed after 12 d. Among the 40 cultivars assessed, 12.5, 2.5, 12.5, and 15% resistant to one, two, three, and four races of C. lindemuthianum, respectively. The cultivars IAC Formoso, IAC‐Carioca Pyatã, IAC‐Apuã, VC 15, BRS Notável, and IPR Campos Gerais were resistant to the four races, constituting parental sources of resistance to the pathogen. In regions that favor the occurrence of anthracnose in common bean, cultivars with certain levels of resistance should be selected. Therefore, the important information obtained will be made available to growers and those offering technical assistance to growers.
Treatment‐free remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia following the discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Haddad Fadi G. , Sasaki Koji , Issa Ghayas C. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Ravandi Farhad , Kadia Tapan , Cortes Jorge , Konopleva Marina , Pemmaraju Naveen , Alvarado Yesid , Yilmaz Musa , Borthakur Gautam , DiNardo Courtney , Jain Nitin , Daver Naval , Short Nicholas J. , Jabbour Elias , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: March 2022

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) discontinuation in patients with Philadelphia‐chromosome‐positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph‐positive CML) is increasingly considered. We aim to evaluate the outcome of patients with CML who discontinued TKIs, and determine the factors associated with differences in the success rates of treatment‐free remission (TFR). Patients with Ph‐positive CML treated between October 1999 and February 2017 who discontinued therapy were analyzed. A major molecular response (MMR) was defined as BCR‐ABL1/ABL1 ratio on the International Scale ≤0.1%. TFR failure was defined as the loss of MMR on any single test. We analyzed TFR rates according to duration and depth of response, and conducted a multivariate analysis for factors associated with loss of MMR. Two‐hundred and eighty‐four patients were analyzed; 199 patients (70%) electively discontinued TKIs. At a median follow‐up of 36 months (95% confidence interval, 32–40) after TKI discontinuation, 53 patients (19%) lost MMR. The estimated 5‐year TFR rate was 79%. All but one patient regained MMR after resuming therapy. The estimated 5‐year TFR rates were higher with MR4 and MR4.5 ≥5 years, compared with MR4 <5 years (87% vs. 92% vs. 64%; p < .0001). By multivariate analysis, only the duration of MR4 or MR4.5 ≥5 years before stopping treatment was associated with a lower risk of loss of MMR. In summary, TFR is safe and feasible in patients with Ph‐positive CML on TKI therapy. Achieving MR4 or MR4.5 for at least 5 years is correlated with a better outcome.
A New Cation‐Ordered Structure Type with Multiple Thermal Redistributions in Co2InSbO6
Authors: Ji Kunlang , Solana‐Madruga Elena , Patino Midori Amano , Shimakawa Yuichi , Attfield J. Paul
Published: March 2022

Cation ordering in solids is important for controlling physical properties and leads to ilmenite (FeTiO3) and LiNbO3 type derivatives of the corundum structure, with ferroelectricity resulting from breaking of inversion symmetry in the latter. However, a hypothetical third ABO3 derivative with R32 symmetry has never been observed. Here we show that Co2InSbO6 recovered from high pressure has a new, ordered‐R32 A2BCO6 variant of the corundum structure. Co2InSbO6 is also remarkable for showing two cation redistributions, to (Co0.5In0.5)2CoSbO6 and then Co2InSbO6 variants of the ordered‐LiNbO3 A2BCO6 structure on heating. The cation distributions change magnetic properties as the final ordered‐LiNbO3 product has a sharp ferrimagnetic transition unlike the initial ordered‐R32 phase. Future syntheses of metastable corundum derivatives at pressure are likely to reveal other cation‐redistribution pathways, and may enable ABO3 materials with the R32 structure to be discovered.
Enzyme‐Activated, Chemiluminescent Siderophore‐Dioxetane Probes Enable the Selective and Highly Sensitive Detection of Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Peukert Carsten , Popat Gholap Sachin , Green Ori , Pinkert Lukas , van den Heuvel Joop , van Ham Marco , Shabat Doron , Brönstrup Mark
Published: March 2022

The sensitive detection of bacterial infections is a prerequisite for their successful treatment. The use of a chemiluminescent readout was so far hampered by an insufficient probe enrichment at the pathogens. We coupled siderophore moieties, that harness the unique iron transport system of bacteria, with enzyme‐activatable dioxetanes and obtained seven trifunctional probes with high signal‐to‐background ratios (S/B=426‐859). Conjugates with efficient iron transport capability into bacteria were identified through a growth recovery assay. All ESKAPE pathogens were labelled brightly by desferrioxamine conjugates, while catechols were weaker due to self‐quenching. Bacteria could also be detected inside lung epithelial cells. The best probe 8 detected 9.1×103 CFU mL−1 of S. aureus and 5.0×104 CFU mL−1 of P. aeruginosa, while the analogous fluorescent probe 10 was 205–305fold less sensitive. This qualifies siderophore dioxetane probes for the selective and sensitive detection of bacteria.
Hydrophobization Engineering of the Air–Cathode Catalyst for Improved Oxygen Diffusion towards Efficient Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Tang Kun , Hu Haibo , Xiong Ying , Chen Lin , Zhang Jinyang , Yuan Changzhou , Wu Mingzai
Published: March 2022

Poor oxygen diffusion at multiphase interfaces in an air cathode suppresses the energy densities of zinc–air batteries (ZABs). Developing effective strategies to tackle the issue is of great significance for overcoming the performance bottleneck. Herein, inspired by the bionics of diving flies, a polytetrafluoroethylene layer was coated on the surfaces of Co3O4 nanosheets (NSs) grown on carbon cloth (CC) to create a hydrophobic surface to enable the formation of more three‐phase reaction interfaces and promoted oxygen diffusion, rendering the hydrophobic‐Co3O4 NSs/CC electrode a higher limiting current density (214 mA cm−2 at 0.3 V) than that (10 mA cm−2) of untreated‐Co3O4 NSs/CC electrode. Consequently, the assembled ZAB employing hydrophobic‐Co3O4 NSs/CC cathode acquired a higher power density (171 mW cm−2) than that (102 mW cm−2) utilizing untreated‐Co3O4 NSs/CC cathode, proving the enhanced interfacial reaction kinetics on air cathode benefiting from the hydrophobization engineering.
Periconceptional use of vitamin A and the risk of giving birth to a child with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Alade Azeez , Ismail Wesam , Nair Rajeshwari , Schweizer Marin , Awotoye Waheed , Oladayo Abimbola , Ryckman Kelli , Butali Azeez
Published: March 2022

Background

We conducted a meta‐analysis of observational epidemiological studies to evaluate the association between periconceptional use of vitamin A and the risk of giving birth to a child with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs).

Methods

We carried out a systematic literature search of Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey from inception to June 30, 2021. Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies that met the inclusion criteria and filled out an abstraction form for each study. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Assessment Scale (NOS). Adjusted estimates were pooled with an inverse variance weighting using a random‐effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using the Cochran's Q test and funnel plot, respectively.

Results

A total of six case–control studies with moderate risk of bias were included. The pooled OR showed a 20% reduction in the risk of NSOFCs for periconceptional use of vitamin A which was not statistically significant (OR = .80; 95% CI .54–1.17, p = .25). For nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P), the studies were homogenous, and the pooled estimate showed a 13% risk reduction, which was significant (OR = .87; 95% CI .77–.99, p = .03). For nonsyndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO), the pooled estimate showed a 33% lower likelihood, which was not statistically significant (OR = .67; 95% CI .42–1.08, p = .10).

Conclusion

Our results suggest a possible protective effect for the periconceptional use of vitamin A on the risk of NSCL/P. This finding should be investigated further in prospective studies across multiple populations.
Non‐coding RNAs in Kawasaki disease: Molecular mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Yang Fuqing , Ao Xiang , Ding Lin , Ye Lin , Zhang Xuejuan , Yang Lanting , Zhao Zhonghao , Wang Jianxun
Published: March 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute self‐limiting vasculitis with coronary complications, usually occurring in children. The incidence of KD in children is increasing year by year, mainly in East Asian countries, but relatively stably in Europe and America. Although studies on KD have been reported, the pathogenesis of KD is unknown. With the development of high‐throughput sequencing technology, growing number of regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) have been identified to involved in KD. However, the role of ncRNAs in KD has not been comprehensively elucidated. Therefore, it is significative to study the regulatory role of ncRNA in KD, which might help to uncover new and effective therapeutic strategies for KD. In this review, we summarize recent studies on ncRNA in KD from the perspectives of immune disorders, inflammatory disorders, and endothelial dysfunction, and highlight the potential of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets for KD.
Maternal erythrocyte fatty acid composition as a predictive marker for pregnancy health
Authors: Fayezi Shabnam , Mehdizadeh Amir , Germeyer Ariane , Strowitzki Thomas , Fayyazpour Parisa , Nowrouzi Zahra , Zarezadeh Reza
Published: March 2022

Pregnancy is accompanied by a surge in demand for fatty acids (FAs) in order to support maternal health, as well as fetal growth and development. Of particular demand is essential for long‐chain polyunsaturated FAs. FAs are primarily obtained from dietary sources and are distributed in the body. In comparison with the use of self‐reporting approaches, measuring the FA levels within different blood compartments can present a more accurate image of nutritional, and thus tissue, FA composition. Hence, the FA profile of plasma or serum is commonly used for physiological analyses. Nevertheless, plasma and serum FAs are not yet incorporated into cell membranes, and consequently may not be a suitable reflection of the FA status of body tissues. The evaluation of erythrocyte FA levels offers a superior possibility for the following reasons: the biological fluctuation of erythrocyte FA composition is low, phospholipids account for almost all the lipid content of erythrocytes, and the FA profiles of erythrocytes represent those of tissues. Here, we elaborate on whether the status of maternal erythrocyte FAs can serve as a prognostic biomarker for reproductive health and fetomaternal complications, including embryonic and fetoplacental development, gestational length, and preeclampsia. In addition, factors with the potential of altering the maternal erythrocyte FAs such as maternal diet, lifestyle habits, genetics, and body composition are discussed.
Immune‐related gene signature predicts clinical outcomes and immunotherapy response in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Xu Qiang , Cao Dedong , Fang Bin , Yan Siqi , Hu Yu , Guo Tao
Published: March 2022

Background

The immune response in the bone marrow microenvironment has implications for progression and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, few immune‐related biomarkers for AML prognosis and immunotherapy response have been identified. We aimed to establish a predictive gene signature and to explore the determinants of prognosis in AML.

Methods

Immune‐related genes with clinical significance were screened by a weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. Seven immune‐related genes were used to establish a gene signature by a multivariate Cox regression analysis. Based on the signature, low‐ and high‐risk groups were compared with respect to the immune microenvironment, immune checkpoints, pathway activities, and mutation frequencies. The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) method was used to predict the response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. The Connectivity Map database was used to explore small‐molecule drugs expected to treat high‐risk populations.

Results

A seven‐gene prognostic signature was used to classify patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups. Prognosis was poorer for patients in the former than in the latter. The high‐risk group displayed higher levels of immune checkpoint molecules (LAG3, PD‐1, CTLA4, PD‐L2, and PD‐L1), immune cell infiltration (dendritic cells, T helper 1, and gamma delta T), and somatic mutations (NPM1 and RUNX1). Moreover, hematopoietic stem cell/leukemia stem cell pathways were enriched in the high‐risk phenotype. Compared with that in the low‐risk group, the lower TIDE score for the high‐risk group implied that this group is more likely to benefit from ICB therapy. Finally, some drugs (FLT3 inhibitors and BCL inhibitors) targeting the expression profiles associated with the high‐risk group were generated using Connectivity Map.

Conclusion

The newly developed immune‐related gene signature is an effective biomarker for predicting prognosis in AML and provides a basis, from an immunological perspective, for the development of comprehensive therapeutic strategies.
Understanding the landscape of community college transfer in North Carolina
Authors: Worsham Rachel
Published: March 2022

Beginning with the revision of the existing Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) in 2014, North Carolina policymakers have implemented several articulation agreements that create structured pathways between two‐ and four‐year colleges. The purpose of this article is to detail the demographic makeup and post‐transfer outcomes of transfer students in North Carolina. This article will help policymakers and practitioners identify areas in which they can help facilitate successful transfer and eventual bachelor's degree attainment.
Engineering community college transfer pathways through pre‐transfer programs
Authors: Grote Dustin M. , Richardson Amy J. , Glisson Hannah E. , Knight David B. , Lee Walter C. , Watford Bevlee A.
Published: March 2022

Community college scholars and practitioners consistently seek ways to support vertical transfer from community colleges to four‐year institutions. An emerging practice to streamline coursework transfer is the use of tailored, intrusive pre‐transfer advising to increase information access for students still enrolled at the community college. In this article, we explore how one pre‐transfer program—the Virginia Tech Network for Engineering Transfer Students (VT‐NETS)—improved the transfer pathway in engineering through early integration programming and advising structures that help to streamline vertical transfer. Using a quasi‐experimental design, we compare the experience of transfer students who participated in VT‐NETS with transfer students that did not participate in the pre‐transfer program. Based on our findings, we make practical recommendations that may be useful to community colleges and university partners seeking to establish, improve, or scale up early‐integration programs for prospective transfer students.
Using shared governance to advance completion and transfer
Authors: Salomon‐Fernández Yves
Published: March 2022

This article explores shared governance in advancing access, completion, and transfer. Shared governance is a critical vehicle for consultation and collective decision‐making in higher education. It is the structure and process through which priorities are set and decisions are made in academic institutions. The demographic cliff facing higher education across most of the country for admissions demands coordination and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of institutions. Additionally, to address the completion and transfer challenges, presidents need to engage stakeholders including trustees, students, faculty, and staff to identify and implement related strategic priorities. The article calls for constructive engagement of unions in advancing these priorities through legislative advocacy for funding and collaboration on student enrollment and persistence efforts. The 2020 pandemic highlighted how well college stakeholders can mobilize and respond to a crisis. The demographic threat most institutions are facing calls for the same level of organization and response.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Nickel‐Cobalt Electrocatalysts for Glycerol Oxidation
Authors: Andreu Teresa , Mallafré Maria , Molera Martí , Sarret Maria , Oriol Roger , Sirés Ignasi
Published: March 2022

Nickel‐cobalt electrocatalysts with atomic ratios of 2 : 1 and 1 : 2 were synthesized on nickel foam (NF) substrates by cathodic electrodeposition, further evaluating the performance of the pristine and thermally‐treated materials as anodes for glycerol oxidation in alkaline medium. The electrodes were characterized by cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry at alkaline pH, showing an indirect oxidation of glycerol mediated by the metal oxyhydroxides. Under the selected conditions, a favourable potential window of 0.2 V upon comparison of water and glycerol oxidation was found. In addition, the increase in nickel content and the thermal treatment enhanced the anode polarization. After galvanostatic electrolysis at 10 mA cm−2, the products were analysed by HPLC, formate ion being the primary product, with a faradaic efficiency (FE) higher than 70 % in most cases. Both the FE to formate and the glycerol conversion were substantially enhanced using the thermally‐treated anodes, whereas the effect of the Ni/Co ratio on these two parameters did not follow a clear trend.
Development of a Fully Continuous‐Flow Approach Towards Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Tetrahydroprotoberberine Natural Alkaloids
Authors: Li Weijian , Jiang Meifen , Liu Minjie , Ling Xu , Xia Yingqi , Wan Li , Chen Fener
Published: March 2022

Continuous flow synthetic technologies had been widely applied in the total synthesis in the past few decades. Fully continuous flow synthesis is still extremely focused on multi‐step synthesis of complex natural pharmaceutical molecules. Thus, the development of fully continuous flow total synthesis of natural products is in demand but challenging. Herein, we demonstrated the first fully continuous flow approach towards asymmetric total synthesis of natural tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids, (−)‐isocanadine, (−)‐tetrahydropseudocoptisine, (−)‐stylopine and (−)‐nandinine. This method features a concise linear sequence involving four chemical transformations and three on‐line work‐up processing in an integrated flow platform, without any intermediate purification. The overall yield and enantioselectivity of this four‐step continuous flow chemistry were up to 50 % and 92 %ee, respectively, in a total residence time of 32.5 min, corresponding to a throughput of 145 mg/h.
A Carbene‐Stabilized Boryl‐Phosphinidene
Authors: Kumar Sarkar Samir , Kundu Subrata , Nazish Mohd , Kretsch Johannes , Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar , Parvathy Parameswaran , Parameswaran Pattiyil , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: March 2022

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of the carbene‐stabilized boryl phosphinidenes 1–3 are reported. Compounds 1–3 are obtained by reacting Me‐cAAC=PK (Me2‐cAAC=dimethyl cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene) and dihaloaryl borane in toluene. All three compounds were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Quantum mechanical studies indicated that these compounds have two lone pairs on the P center viz., an σ‐type lone pair and a “hidden” π‐type lone pair. Hence, these compounds can act as double Lewis bases, and the basicity of the π‐type lone pair is higher than the σ‐type lone pair.
A non‐isolated high gain DC‐DC converter with coupled‐inductor and built‐in transformer for grid‐connected photovoltaic systems
Authors: Kokkonda Karun , Kulkarni Prakash S.
Published: March 2022

A non‐isolated high gain DC‐DC converter based on coupled‐inductor (CI) and built‐in transformer (BT) with voltage multiplier cell (VMC) is presented for renewable energy applications, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) sources. In this circuit, the BT used in addition to the coupled inductor improves the design flexibility. It enhances the voltage gain with the simultaneous action of CI and BT, compared to converters that include BT or CI. Also, the formation of voltage multiplier cell with the series combination of secondary windings of the CI and BT, switched capacitors and the diodes give an extra voltage gain to the converter. This converter structure adds the turns ratios in voltage gain expression and does not entail a reverse recovery issue with the leakage energy. The active clamped circuit recycles this leakage energy to alleviate the switching stresses. Consequently, active clamping provides add‐on features like improved converter efficiency with ZVS operation and further voltage gain. The converter principle of operation and the design procedure of all components are presented. Finally, a 400 W laboratory prototype with input voltage range 24–40 V and output 400 V is developed and illustrated the effectiveness of the converter at a switching frequency of 100 kHz.
Dyke demolition led to a sharp decline in waterbird diversity due to habitat quality reduction: A case study of Dongting Lake, China
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zou Yeai , Zhang Pingyang , Zhang Siqi , Chen Xinsheng , Li Feng , Deng Zhengmiao , Zhang Hong , Yu Zhibing , Zhu Xiaoyong , Xie Yonghong , Zou Dongsheng
Published: March 2022

Dongting Lake, an important wintering habitat for migratory waterbirds in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, has suffered serious degradation in recent decades. To restore habitats for biodiversity conservation and flood control, 459 dykes were demolished and 14 were preserved in 2017. However, the direct impact of dyke demolition on wintering waterbirds was not comprehensively assessed. In this study, based on annual waterbird census and habitat data (2013/14–2020/21), we compared the differences in habitat areas and species composition of waterbirds in the dyke‐demolished and preserved areas, and explored whether habitat changes caused by the dyke demolition were responsible for the changes in the number of species and percentages of waterbird individuals. The results indicate that the areas of water (including shallow water) and mudflat habitats significantly decreased, but the vegetation area significantly increased in the dyke‐demolished areas. The species numbers and percentages of waterbird individuals at the community and foraging guilds levels, and the percentages of nine species, were higher in the dyke‐preserved areas than those in the dyke‐demolished areas. Changes in the numbers of species and percentages of individuals of fish eaters, insectivores, and omnivores positively correlated with drastic changes in the percentages of water habitats (including shallow water) after dyke demolition. Effective measures should be carried out to restore hydrological regimes, providing waterbirds sufficient suitable habitats with different water depths. These findings improve our understanding of the influence of dyke demolition on waterbirds and provide insights for wetland management and waterbird conservation.
The first experience with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor for the treatment of systemic right ventricular failure
Authors: Egorova Anastasia D. , Nederend Marieke , Tops Laurens F. , Vliegen Hubert W. , Jongbloed Monique R.M. , Kiès Philippine
Published: March 2022

In congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, the morphological right ventricle supports the systemic circulation. This chronic exposure to pressure overload ultimately leads to systemic right ventricular (sRV) dysfunction and heart failure. Pharmacological options for the treatment of sRV failure are poorly defined and no solid recommendations are made in the most recent guidelines. Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors are a new class of antihyperglycaemic drugs that have been demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of worsening heart failure and death from cardiovascular causes in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, yet no data are available in sRV patients. We report on the treatment and clinical follow‐up of a patient with advanced heart failure and poor sRV function in the context of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, who did not tolerate sacubitril/valsartan and had a high burden of heart‐failure‐related hospitalizations. Treatment with dapagliflozin was well tolerated and resulted in (small) subjective and objective functional and echocardiographic improvement and a reduction in heart‐failure‐related hospitalizations.
Towards gene therapy for IPEX syndrome
Authors: Borna Simon , Lee Esmond , Sato Yohei , Bacchetta Rosa
Published: March 2022

Immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X linked (IPEX) syndrome is an uncurable disease of the immune system, with immune dysregulation that is caused by mutations in FOXP3. Current treatment options, such as pharmacological immune suppression and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, have been beneficial but present limitations, and their life‐long consequences are ill‐defined. Other similar blood monogenic diseases have been successfully treated using gene transfer in autologous patient cells, thus providing an effective and less invasive therapeutic. Development of gene therapy for patients with IPEX is particularly challenging because successful strategies must restore the complex expression profile of the transcription factor FOXP3, ensuring it is tightly regulated and its cell subset‐specific roles are maintained. This review summarizes current efforts toward achieving gene therapy to treat immune dysregulation in IPEX patients.
A Computational Physical Organic Study of a Torque, Lock, and Propagate Approach and Validation with the Synthesis of Configurationally Stable First‐Generation Helically Twisted Acenes
Authors: Weber Jacob A. , Clennan Edward L. , Arulsamy Navamoney
Published: March 2022

Hybrid polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) consisting of helicene and acene domains, referred to as [7]heli‐D‐acenes, are introduced as scaffolds to generate enantiopure twisted acenes (heli‐twistacenes) by a torque, lock, and propagate (TLP) approach. Computational methods with and without dispersion corrections were used to explore the structural and electronic features of these PAHs and to explore the possible formation of twistomers that might complicate reaction mixtures. Syntheses of unsubstituted and disubstituted members of the [7]heli‐D‐acene series confirmed the viability of the TLP approach, and together with the computational results, provided proof‐of‐concept of this new approach as a viable means to generate enantiopure twisted‐acenes. The X‐ray structures, absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, and CD spectra of these first generation heli‐acenes are compared to the structure and photophysical properties of pentacene and [7]helicene. A high barrier for the enantio‐enriched M enantiomer of 19,24‐dicyano[7]heli‐D‐anthracene verified its configurational stability at room temperature.
Isometric artifacts from polymerase chain reaction‐massively parallel sequencing analysis of short tandem repeat loci: An emerging issue from a new technology?
Authors: Zupanič Pajnič Irena , Previderè Carlo , Zupanc Tomaž , Zanon Martina , Fattorini Paolo
Published: March 2022

The recent introduction of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies in forensics has changed the approach to allelic short tandem repeat (STR) typing because sequencing cloned PCR fragments enables alleles with identical molecular weights to be distinguished based on their nucleotide sequences. Therefore, because PCR fidelity mainly depends on template integrity, new technical issues could arise in the interpretation of the results obtained from the degraded samples. In this work, a set of DNA samples degraded in vitro was used to investigate whether PCR‐MPS could generate “isometric drop‐ins” (IDIs; i.e., molecular products having the same length as the original allele but with a different nucleotide sequence within the repeated units). The Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR panel kit was used to analyze 0.5 and 1 ng of mock samples in duplicate tests (for a total of 16 PCR‐MPS analyses). As expected, several well‐known PCR artifacts (such as allelic dropout, stutters above the threshold) were scored; 95 IDIs with an average occurrence of 5.9 IDIs per test (min: 1, max: 11) were scored as well. In total, IDIs represented one of the most frequent artifacts. The coverage of these IDIs reached up to 981 reads (median: 239 reads), and the ratios with the coverage of the original allele ranged from 0.069 to 7.285 (median: 0.221). In addition, approximately 5.2% of the IDIs showed coverage higher than that of the original allele. Molecular analysis of these artifacts showed that they were generated in 96.8% of cases through a single nucleotide change event, with the C > T transition being the most frequent (85.7%). Thus, in a forensic evaluation of evidence, IDIs may represent an actual issue, particularly when DNA mixtures need to be interpreted because they could mislead the operator regarding the number of contributors. Overall, the molecular features of the IDIs described in this work, as well as the performance of duplicate tests, may be useful tools for managing this new class of artifacts otherwise not detected by capillary electrophoresis technology.
Invitro biocompatibility evaluation of a heat‐resistant 3D printing material for use in customized cell culture devices
Authors: Winkler Steffen , Meyer Katharina V. , Heuer Christopher , Kortmann Carlotta , Dehne Michaela , Bahnemann Janina
Published: March 2022

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) enables the fabrication of highly customized and complex devices and is therefore increasingly used in the field of life sciences and biotechnology. However, the application of 3D‐printed parts in these fields requires not only their biocompatibility but also their sterility. The most common method for sterilizing 3D‐printed parts is heat steam sterilization—but most commercially available 3D printing materials cannot withstand high temperatures. In this study, a novel heat‐resistant polyacrylate material for high‐resolution 3D Multijet printing was evaluated for the first time for its resistance to heat steam sterilization and in vitro biocompatibility with mouse fibroblasts (L929), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293E), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae)). Analysis of the growth and viability of L929 cells and the growth of S. cerevisiae confirmed that the extraction media obtained from 3D‐printed parts had no negative effect on the aforementioned cell types, while, in contrast, viability and growth of HEK 293E cells were affected. No different effects of the material on the cells were found when comparing heat steam sterilization and disinfection with ethanol (70%, v/v). In principle, the investigated material shows great potential for high‐resolution 3D printing of novel cell culture systems that are highly complex in design, customized and easily sterilizable—however, the biocompatibility of the material for other cell types needs to be re‐evaluated.
LKB1 acts as a critical brake for the glucagon‐mediated fasting response
Authors: Acevedo‐Acevedo Suehelay , Stefkovich Megan L. , Kang Sun Woo Sophie , Cunningham Rory P. , Cultraro Constance M. , Porat‐Shliom Natalie
Published: March 2022

As important as the fasting response is for survival, an inability to shut it down once nutrients become available can lead to exacerbated disease and severe wasting. The liver is central to transitions between feeding and fasting states, with glucagon being a key initiator of the hepatic fasting response. However, the precise mechanisms controlling fasting are not well defined. One potential mediator of these transitions is liver kinase B1 (LKB1), given its role in nutrient sensing. Here, we show LKB1 knockout mice have a severe wasting and prolonged fasting phenotype despite increased food intake. By applying RNA sequencing and intravital microscopy, we show that loss of LKB1 leads to a dramatic reprogramming of the hepatic lobule through robust up‐regulation of periportal genes and functions. This is likely mediated through the opposing effect that LKB1 has on glucagon pathways and gene expression. Conclusion: Our findings show that LKB1 acts as a brake to the glucagon‐mediated fasting response, resulting in “periportalization” of the hepatic lobule and whole‐body metabolic inefficiency. These findings reveal a mechanism by which hepatic metabolic compartmentalization is regulated by nutrient‐sensing.
Use of endophytic fungi in turfgrasses: Difficulties in delivery to the market
Authors: Stewart Alan V. , Barcellos Guilherme , Brilman Leah
Published: March 2022

The agronomic benefits of endophytic Epichloë fungi for the performance of ryegrass (Lolium spp.) and fescue (Festuca spp.) species were first reported in the 1980s. Various Epichloë endophyte species and strains have been shown to produce a series of different alkaloids with considerable impact on insect pests and grazing animals, some effects on nematodes and diseases, and improvements in plant stress tolerance. However, the impact of these alkaloids on plant performance and turf resilience varies across environments, and often relates to specific insect pressures and stressful summer conditions. Over 40 insect pests and diseases have been documented as responding to endophyte infection.

As many Epichloë fungi are seed transmitted, endophyte transmission to the seed is controlled by the levels found in the parent plants and how well the endophyte is maintained during seed production. Endophyte viability in seed lots can drop during storage and transport, especially when stored under high temperatures and humidity. Endophyte growth into seed during seed production can be influenced by the weather, use of fungicides and growth regulators, and the timing of combining after swathing. In the United States, the endophyte infection levels in breeders’ seed of the cultivars used in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials have been reported but currently, no standards exist for labeling cultivars delivered with high endophyte levels. Without suitable protocols and standards, challenges exist in delivering high endophyte infection levels to tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), ryegrass, and fine fescues.
Organic liquid crystals in optoelectronic device applications: Field‐effect transistors, nonvolatile memory, and photovoltaics
Authors: Lin Yan‐Cheng , Li Guan‐Syuan , Yu Ping‐Jui , Ercan Ender , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: March 2022

With the growing demands in flexible electronics, the development of plastic and organic materials has gained increased interest. In this focus review, the design concepts and recent advances of organic liquid crystalline materials in optoelectronic devices were introduced. Thermotropic liquid crystalline materials are categorized into three types: calamitic, discotic, and cholesteric types according to the structures of rod‐like, disk‐like, and chiral rod‐like molecules, respectively. Numerous liquid crystalline materials have been successfully incorporated in organic electronic devices. Notably, smectic liquid crystals hold great promise as semiconducting channel, floating gate electret, and charge transporting interlayer in field‐effect transistors, nonvolatile memory, and photovoltaics, respectively. This review sheds light on the great potential and importance of the organic liquid crystalline material for optoelectronic device applications.