bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaky Waves in Flatland
Authors: Moccia Massimo , Castaldi Giuseppe , Alù Andrea , Galdi Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

Leaky waves are complex eigenmodes compatible with radiation in terms of their momentum, which can be supported by open waveguiding structures and can be effective at modeling radiative phenomena from such systems. Here, a “flatland” analog of leaky‐wave radiation is introduced to describe a novel mechanism for in‐plane radiation leakage that can occur in artificial or natural low‐dimensional materials. Possible platforms are illustrated for its physical realization, in the form of suitably designed planar junctions of isotropic impedance surfaces that implement surface‐wave or line‐wave guiding structures. A simple and insightful semi‐analytical model for the radiation mechanism is developed and validated against full‐wave numerical simulations. These results provide a new tool for the advanced manipulation of surface waves at the nanoscale, which relies entirely on interface‐optics effects, and can find interesting applications in the emerging field of polaritonics.
32‐Symmetric Chiral Gold Nanoplates with Near‐Infrared Circular Dichroism
Authors: Im Sang Won , Jo Eunjeong , Kim Ryeong Myeong , Han Jeong Hyun , Nam Ki Tae
Published: March 2023

Plasmonic chiral nanostructures provide a novel route for extraordinary optical properties, such as light polarization control and enhancing chiroptical signals of molecules. The symmetry of chiral nanostructures, such as helices, gyroids, and irregular tetrahedrons, is strongly correlated to chiroptical responses; therefore, it is an important design parameter. In a previous study, a synthetic strategy is demonstrated for 432‐symmetric chiral gold nanoparticles by breaking the mirror symmetry of a 4/m 2/m‐symmetric crystal structure on a high‐index surface. Herein, the aim is to extend the chiral symmetry of gold nanoparticles and their chiroptical responses. The symmetry of gold nanoparticles can be modulated by inducing single or multiple twin planes in seed nanoparticles. The 32‐symmetric chiral gold nanoplates, referred to as 32 helicoids, are successfully synthesized using 3 2/m‐symmetric triangular and hexagonal plates. The growth mechanism of the 32 helicoids, which results in two different characteristic morphologies, is analyzed. The 32 helicoids are significantly important owing to their optical activity over a wide range from the visible to the near‐infrared region. This investigation provides an insight that symmetry control of the nanomorphology can represent an important research direction in chiral plasmonic applications.
Reprogrammable Binary and Ternary Optoelectronic Logic Gates Composed of Nanostructured GaN Photoelectrodes with Bipolar Photoresponse Characteristics
Authors: Luo Yuanmin , Wang Danhao , Kang Yang , Fang Shi , Liu Xin , Chen Wei , Yu Huabin , Jia Hongfeng , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Zhang Haochen , Luo Dongyang , Sun Xiyu , Li Liuan , He Jr‐Hau , Sun Haiding
Published: March 2023

The elementary electronic‐logic‐gates, performing basic logic functions using electric signals as input, act as a building block of modern digital circuits. Intriguingly, the optoelectronic‐logic‐gates (OLGs), composed of optical devices, are emerging as a new logic platform which enables faster and large‐capacity data transmission and processing by using photons as input. However, the strict operation principle of classic optical devices, for example, the unidirectional photoresponse of the photodetector, restricts the functional enrichment of OLGs. Herein, reprogrammable OLGs in a photoelectrochemical (PEC)‐environment are reported by employing gallium‐nitride semiconductor p–n nanowires as photoelectrodes where bidirectional photocurrent is achieved, leading to the demonstration of various binary OLGs including “NOT”, “XOR”, and “OR”. Strikingly, thanks to the versatile tunability of PEC‐photoelectrodes, the logic function of these OLGs is switchable by simply adjusting programming inputs including light intensity, bias voltage, electrolyte condition, and the physicochemical properties of the nanowire surface. Most importantly, unique ternary OLGs, for example, ternary “OR” gates, can also be realized based on binary ones by just tuning their applied bias for higher logic complexity applications, without changing the device architecture. Such reprogrammable binary and ternary OLGs could provide a new avenue toward next‐generation logic circuits for fast computing and data‐processing in the future.
Non‐Viral Nucleic Acid Delivery System for RNA Therapeutics
Authors: Liu Lianxiao , Zhou Yiming , Xu Anqiu , Wang Chenglong , Li Ning , Huang Hongwei , Zhang Yuntao , Yang Xiaoming
Published: March 2023

Nucleic acid drugs can treat diseases caused by defective or abnormal genes. Herein, the mechanism of non‐viral vectors for nucleic acid drug delivery is described. This review introduce non‐viral vectors for nucleic acid drug delivery, including the nucleic acid‐carrier conjugate, proteins and peptides‐based nanoparticles, polysaccharides, and other biological macromolecules‐based nanoparticles consisting of lipid nanoparticles, synthetic polymers‐based nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles. Finally, the challenges and prospects of non‐viral vectors for nucleic acid drug delivery are discussed.
Hydrophobicity Tailoring of Ferric Covalent Organic Framework/MXene Nanosheets for High‐Efficiency Nitrogen Electroreduction to Ammonia
Authors: He Hongming , Wen Hao‐Ming , Li Hong‐Kai , Li Ping , Wang Jiajun , Yang Yijie , Li Cheng‐Peng , Zhang Zhihong , Du Miao
Published: March 2023

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) represents a promising sustainable approach for NH3 synthesis. However, the poor NRR performance of electrocatalysts is a great challenge at this stage, mainly owing to their low activity and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, 2D ferric covalent organic framework/MXene (COF‐Fe/MXene) nanosheets with controllable hydrophobic behaviors are successfully prepared via a multiple‐in‐one synthetic strategy. The boosting hydrophobicity of COF‐Fe/MXene can effectively repel water molecules to inhibit the HER for enhanced NRR performances. By virtue of the ultrathin nanostructure, well‐defined single Fe sites, nitrogen enrichment effect, and high hydrophobicity, the 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecanethiol modified COF‐Fe/MXene hybrid shows a NH3 yield of 41.8 µg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 43.1% at −0.5 V versus RHE in a 0.1 m Na2SO4 water solution, which are vastly superior to the known Fe‐based catalysts and even to the noble metal catalysts. This work provides a universal strategy to design and synthesis of non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for high‐efficiency N2 reduction to NH3.
Metavalent Bonding in Layered Phase‐Change Memory Materials
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Hangming , Sun Suyang , Wang Xiaozhe , Lu Zhewen , Wang Xudong , Wang Jiang‐Jing , Jia Chunlin , Schön Carl‐Friedrich , Mazzarello Riccardo , Ma En , Wuttig Matthias
Published: March 2023

Metavalent bonding (MVB) is characterized by the competition between electron delocalization as in metallic bonding and electron localization as in covalent or ionic bonding, serving as an essential ingredient in phase‐change materials for advanced memory applications. The crystalline phase‐change materials exhibits MVB, which stems from the highly aligned p orbitals and results in large dielectric constants. Breaking the alignment of these chemical bonds leads to a drastic reduction in dielectric constants. In this work, it is clarified how MVB develops across the so‐called van der Waals‐like gaps in layered Sb2Te3 and Ge–Sb–Te alloys, where coupling of p orbitals is significantly reduced. A type of extended defect involving such gaps in thin films of trigonal Sb2Te3 is identified by atomic imaging experiments and ab initio simulations. It is shown that this defect has an impact on the structural and optical properties, which is consistent with the presence of non‐negligible electron sharing in the gaps. Furthermore, the degree of MVB across the gaps is tailored by applying uniaxial strain, which results in a large variation of dielectric function and reflectivity in the trigonal phase. At last, design strategies are provided for applications utilizing the trigonal phase.
Rubidium Iodide Reduces Recombination Losses in Methylammonium‐Free Tin‐Lead Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Fengjiu , MacQueen Rowan W. , Menzel Dorothee , Musiienko Artem , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Thiesbrummel Jarla , Shah Sahil , Prashanthan Karunanantharajah , Abou‐Ras Daniel , Korte Lars , Stolterfoht Martin , Neher Dieter , Levine Igal , Snaith Henry , Albrecht Steve
Published: March 2023

Outstanding optoelectronic properties of mixed tin‐lead perovskites are the cornerstone for the development of high‐efficiency all‐perovskite tandems. However, recombination losses in Sn‐Pb perovskites still limit the performance of these perovskites, necessitating more fundamental research. Here, rubidium iodide is employed as an additive for methylammonium‐free Sn‐Pb perovskites. It is first investigated the effect of the RbI additive on the perovskite composition, crystal structure, and element distribution. Quasi‐Fermi level splitting and transient photoluminescence measurements reveal that the RbI additive reduces recombination losses and increases carrier lifetime of the perovskite films. This finding is attributed to an approximately ten‐fold reduction in the defect density following RbI treatment, as probed using constant final state yield photoelectron spectroscopy. Additionally, the concentration of Sn vacancies is also reduced, and the perovskite film becomes less p‐type both in the bulk and at the interface towards the electron contact. Thus, the conductivity for electrons increases, improving carrier extraction. As a result, the open‐circuit voltage of RbI‐containing solar cells improves by 61 mV on average, with the best efficiency >20%. This comprehensive study demonstrates that RbI is effective at reducing recombination losses and carrier trapping, paving way for a new approach to Sn‐Pb perovskite solar cell research.
The economic impacts of Russia–Ukraine War export disruptions of grain commodities
Authors: Rose Adam , Chen Zhenhua , Wei Dan
Published: March 2023

Using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) computable general equilibrium model, we analyze the economic impacts of grain export disruptions caused by the Russia–Ukraine War during the first year of hostilities. The simulation results indicate that these disruptions not only affect Ukraine and Russia but also generate significant economic impacts across other world regions. Ukraine is projected to experience the largest impact on its own economy, with a real GDP loss of $859 million. In contrast, Russia's GDP is projected to decline by only $3.8 million, primarily due to its much lower dependence on grain exports and to favorable terms of trade effects.
Anion‐pillared microporous material incorporated mixed‐matrix fiber adsorbents for removal of trace propyne from propylene
Authors: Qian Siheng , Hu Jing , Wang Xiaobing , Yang Lifeng , Suo Xian , Wang Zhengbao , Cui Xili , Xing Huabin
Published: March 2023

Separation and purification of light hydrocarbons have been the critical processes for producing basic chemicals and polymers in petrochemical industry. Adsorbents with high performance are highly demanded for the separation of light hydrocarbons. However, the adsorbents filling in the packed bed when evaluated will inevitably induce reduced performance and increased pressure drop that considerably impede their application. Herein, mixed‐matrix fiber adsorbents with anion‐pillared hybrid microporous materials (SIFSIX‐2‐Cu‐i) embedded within poly (ether sulfone) (PES) are constructed to enable an energy‐efficient propylene/propyne separation. Owing to the sufficient binding sites and abundant channels for selective gas transfer, the fiber adsorbents achieve high C3H4 uptake capacity of 0.963 mmol g−1 in the propylene/propyne (99/1) mixture breakthrough experiments. Moreover, fiber adsorbents exhibit good tolerance toward high gas velocity and show distinctively low pressure drop, which will be advantageous in industrial applications. This work provides a strategy for fabricating high‐performance mixed‐matrix fiber adsorbents.
Synthesis of Acyl Hydrazides from Carboxamides and Hydrazine Hydrate Under Metal‐Free Conditions at Room Temperature
Authors: Singh Shweta , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: March 2023

Synthesis of acyl hydrazides from amides has been achieved at room temperature through N‐activation reactions. A wide spectrum of functionalized primary and secondary amides was initially converted into N‐Boc, N‐nitroso and N‐tosyl amides and subjected to transamidation with hydrazine hydrate to obtain the desired acyl hydrazides in 76–94% yields. Broad substrate scope, shorter reaction time and mild reaction conditions are the merits of the developed methodology.
Covalent Organic Framework with Multi‐Cationic Molecular Chains for Gate Mechanism Controlled Superionic Conduction in All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Gong Wei , Ouyang Yuan , Guo Sijia , Xiao Yingbo , Zeng Qinghan , Li Dixiong , Xie Yufeng , Zhang Qi , Huang Shaoming
Published: March 2023

Although solid‐state batteries (SSBs) are high potential in achieving better safety and higher energy density, current solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) cannot fully satisfy the complicated requirements of SSBs. Herein, a covalent organic framework (COF) with multi‐cationic molecular chains (COF‐MCMC) was developed as an efficient SSE. The MCMCs chemically anchored on COF channels were generated by nano‐confined copolymerization of cationic ionic liquid monomers, which can function as Li+ selective gates. The coulombic interaction between MCMCs and anions leads to easier dissociation of Li+ from coordinated states, and thus Li+ transport is accelerated. While the movement of anions is restrained due to the charge interaction, resulting in a high Li+ conductivity of 4.9×10−4 S cm−1 and Li+ transference number of 0.71 at 30 °C. The SSBs with COF‐MCMC demonstrate an excellent specific energy density of 403.4 Wh kg−1 with high cathode loading and limited Li metal source.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission by Molecular Design: A Route to High‐Performance Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Tang Shi , Wang Zhi , Xu Yanzi , Ma Huili , Wang Jia , Larsen Christian , Dang Dongfeng , Wang Ergang , Edman Ludvig
Published: March 2023

The emission efficiency of organic semiconductors (OSCs) often suffers from aggregation caused quenching (ACQ). An elegant solution is aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), which constitutes the design of the OSC so that its morphology inhibits quenching π–π interactions and non‐radiative motional deactivation. The light‐emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) can be sustainably fabricated, but its function depends on motion of bulky ions in proximity of the OSC. It is therefore questionable whether the AIE morphology can be retained during LEC operation. Here, we synthesize two structurally similar OSCs, which are distinguished by that1features ACQ while2delivers AIE. Interestingly, we find that the AIE‐LEC significantly outperforms the ACQ‐LEC. We rationalize our finding by showing that the AIE morphology remains intact during LEC operation, and that it can feature appropriately sized free‐volume voids for facile ion transport and suppressed non‐radiative excitonic deactivation.
Phenazine‐based Compound Realizing Separate Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Electrolytic Water Splitting
Authors: Wu Kangxi , Li Haoze , Liang Shuaika , Ma Yuanyuan , Yang Jianping
Published: March 2023

Electrocatalytic water splitting powered by renewable energy is a sustainable approach for hydrogen production. However, conventional water electrolysis may suffer from gas mixing, and the different kinetics between hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) will limit the direct use of unstable renewable energies, leading to increased cost of H2 production. Herein, a novel phenazine‐based compound is synthesized to develop the solid‐state redox mediator associated water splititng process, and thus decoupling the H2 and O2 production in acid solution without the use of membrane. Excitingly, this organic redox mediator exhibits high specific capacity (290 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), excellent rate performance (186 mAh g−1 at 30 A g−1) and long cycle life (3000 cycles) due to its π‐conjugated aromatic structure and the fast kinetics of H+ storage/release process. Furthermore, a membrane‐free decoupled water electrolysis architecture driven by solar energy is achieved, demonstrating high‐purity H2 production at different times.
Autoantibodies Recognizing Specificity Protein 4 Co‐occur With Anti–Transcription Intermediary Factor 1 and Are Associated With Distinct Clinical Features and Immunogenetic Risk Factors in Juvenile Myositis
Authors: Sherman Matthew A. , Pak Katherine , Pinal‐Fernandez Iago , Flegel Willy A. , Targoff Ira N. , Miller Frederick W. , Rider Lisa G. , Mammen Andrew L. ,   for the Childhood Myositis Heterogeneity Collaborative Study Group
Published: March 2023

Objective

Autoantibodies recognizing specificity protein 4 (Sp4) were recently discovered in adults with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies co‐occurred in patients with anti–transcription intermediary factor 1 (anti‐TIF1) autoantibody‐positive dermatomyositis (DM) and were associated with a reduced risk of cancer. In the present study, the prevalence and clinical features associated with anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies in juvenile‐onset IIM were investigated.

Methods

Serum samples from 336 patients with juvenile myositis in a cross‐sectional cohort and 91 healthy controls were screened for anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and HLA alleles of those with and those without anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies were compared.

Results

Anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies were present in 23 patients (7%) with juvenile myositis and were not present in any of the controls. Anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies were found among each clinical myositis subgroup. The frequency of TIF1 autoantibody positivity was significantly higher among those with anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies (21 [91%] versus 92 [30%], P < 0.001). In the anti‐TIF1 autoantibody–positive subgroup, Raynaud's phenomenon (8 [38%] versus 2 [2%], P < 0.001) was more common and peak aspartate aminotransferase was significantly lower in those with anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies. None of the patients with anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies required a wheelchair. Among White patients, DQA1*04 and DRB1*08 were associated with anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies.

Conclusion

Anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies were found in patients with juvenile‐onset IIM, predominantly those with coexisting anti‐TIF1 autoantibodies. Patients with anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies represent a phenotypic subset of anti‐TIF1 autoantibody–positive myositis characterized by frequent Raynaud's phenomenon and less pronounced muscle involvement, similar to adults with these autoantibodies. Novel immunogenetic risk factors for White patients with IIM were identified among juveniles with anti‐Sp4 autoantibodies.
Socioeconomic status and students' science self‐efficacy
Authors: Tan Cheng Yong , Gao Lin , Hong Xiaoou , Song Qiongjiang
Published: March 2023

The present study ascertains the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and students' science self‐efficacy using data involving 509,182 15‐year‐old students and 17,678 school principals in 69 countries/regions who participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015. Hierarchical linear modelling results show that, after controlling for science teachers' instructional practices (science class disciplinary climate, inquiry‐based instruction, teachers' support, direct instruction, provision of feedback, instructional adaptation), school science resources and various student variables (gender, grade levels, type of school programme), SES was related to students' science self‐efficacy in the majority of countries/regions (62–68 countries/regions, depending on the SES indicators used). Specifically, SES was related to students' science self‐efficacy in a larger number of countries/regions when it was measured using home cultural resources, home educational resources or a composite indicator (economic, social and cultural status) than when it was measured using parental education levels or occupational status. In contrast, students' science self‐efficacy was unrelated to the science teachers' instructional practices examined (except inquiry‐based instruction) in most of the countries/regions. These results expand our understanding of students' science self‐efficacy, as a type of learning motivation, from being a largely psychological attribute to one that is also influenced by social origins such as family SES. They imply that SES may have a larger influence on student achievement than we may have assumed if we include the indirect influence of SES on student achievement via students' self‐efficacy.
FEM education in undergraduate studies: Industry‐informed research
Authors: Perez‐Santiago Rogelio , Campos Esmeralda
Published: March 2023

Recent mechanical engineering graduates are expected to utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in structural and machine design activities. However, after decades of implementation in engineering schools, the Finite Element Method (FEM) still challenges instructors and course designers. To align learning outcomes with industrial requirements, this article analyzes the opinions of Mexican industrial and academic experts about four important aspects of FEM education. The results suggest that specialists agree on the importance of including a mixture of theoretical and applied topics in the syllabus but prefer practical skills over fundamental concepts. Besides learning from defeaturing to postprocessing a model, engineering students must know how to plan, verify, and validate their finite element studies. Experts expect early design engineers to be proficient with Computer‐Aided Design (CAD) and have relevant mathematical and programming skills. Instead of using specialized software, students' first exposure to FEM may be based on FEA tools embedded in CAD systems. Also, academic and industrial respondents request the incorporation of modal, thermal and nonlinear analysis procedures in the course timetable. Finally, the statistical analysis shows that the two types of respondents share one common vision about the importance of the aspects under study. The findings from this work are useful for the design of FEM‐related coursework and can be used to guide course instructors about the right balance of theory and practice, overall course contents, and the selection of the software utilized for the practical part of the program.
Comparison of efficacies of haploidentical transplantation and matched sibling donor transplantation in treating T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Wei Ruowen , Fang Jun , Shi Wei , Lu Xuan , Wu Yingying , Jiang Shan , Zhang Ao , Liao Shanshan , Qin Chunxia , Cui Guohui , Xia Linghui
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the differences in efficacy and safety between haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HID‐HSCT) and matched sibling donor HSCT (MSD‐HSCT) in patients with T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL).

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we enrolled 38 patients who had undergone allogeneic HSCT at our institution between 2013 and 2021. The study participants included 28 patients who underwent HID‐HSCT and 10 patients who underwent MSD‐HSCT. We compared the patient characteristics and treatment effectiveness and safety between the two groups and evaluated potential prognostic variables for patients with T‐LBL.

Results

The median follow‐up durations in the HID‐HSCT and MSD‐HSCT groups were 23.5 (range: 4–111) and 28.5 (range: 13–56) months, respectively. All patients showed full‐donor chimerism after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Except for two patients in the HID‐HSCT cohort who developed poor graft function, all patients showed neutrophil and platelet engraftments after HSCT. The cumulative incidences of grades III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease were 37.5% and 28.57% in the HID‐HSCT and MSD‐HSCT groups, respectively (p = 0.84). The cumulative incidences of limited (34.13% vs. 28.57%, p = 0.82) and extensive (31.22% vs. 37.50%, p = 0.53) chronic graft‐versus‐host disease did not differ between the two cohorts. In the HID‐HSCT and MSD‐HSCT cohorts, the estimated 2‐year overall survival rates were 70.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 54.9%–90.0%) and 56.2% (95% CI: 31.6%–100%), respectively (p = 1.00), and the estimated 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 48.5% (95% CI: 32.8%–71.6%) and 48.0% (95% CI: 24.6%–93.8%), respectively (p = 0.94). Furthermore, the Cox proportional‐hazards model showed that a positive positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) status before HSCT in patients who had completed chemotherapy was an independent risk factor for PFS in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.0367).

Conclusion

This study showed that HID‐HSCT had comparable effectiveness and safety to MSD‐HSCT in treating T‐LBL. HID‐HSCT could serve as an alternate treatment option for T‐LBL in patients without an eligible identical donor. Achievement of the PET/CT‐negative status before HSCT may contribute to better survival.
Main causes of death in advanced biliary tract cancer
Authors: Kimura‐Seto Kana , Kojima Yasushi , Komori Shiori , Hisada Yuya , Otake Yuki , Yanai Yuka , Saito Akiko , Akazawa Naoki , Tanaka Yasuo , Yokoi Chizu , Yanase Mikio , Akiyama Junichi , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Yamada Kazuhiko
Published: March 2023

Background

There are no previous reports on the main causes of death in biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the main causes of death and survival rates in patients with BTC.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 143 patients who were diagnosed with unresectable BTC between August 2010 and March 2020. We classified the main causes of death based on laboratory data, imaging studies, and medical records. The main causes of death evaluated included liver failure, cholangitis, cachexia, other causes associated with tumor progression, and complications. We also analyzed survival rates for each main cause of death.

Results

After excluding patients who were lost to follow‐up, living patients, and patients who had no records of laboratory data within 30 days before the date of death, 108 patients were analyzed. The main cause of death was cholangitis in 33 (30.6%), cachexia in 22 (20.4%), liver failure in 10 (9.3%), other causes associated with tumor progression in 18 (16.7%), and complications in 25 (23.2%) patients. Median overall survival (OS) was 334.0 days in the chemotherapy group and 75.0 days in the best supportive care (BSC) group. Survival analyzed according to the main cause of death was significantly different between the chemotherapy and BSC groups; OS for cachexia, cholangitis, liver failure, other causes associated with tumor progression, and complications, respectively, were 453.0, 499.0, 567.0, 205.0, and 327.5 days (p = 0.003) in the chemotherapy group and 219.0, 69.0, 34.0, 93.0, and 56.0 days (p = 0.001) in the BSC group.

Conclusion

The main causes of death in patients with advanced BTC are cholangitis, cachexia, liver failure, other causes associated with tumor progression, and complications. Other causes associated with tumor progression in the chemotherapy group, and liver failure in the BSC group as the main causes of death shortened the survival of BTC patients.
Phytochemical and Cytogenetic Study of Two Centaurea Species from Croatia: the Particular Case of Diploid and Tetraploid C. salonitana
Authors: Carev Ivana , Ruščić Mirko , Glumac Mateo , Politeo Olivera , Siljak‐Yakovlev Sonja
Published: March 2023

Natural wild populations of C. rupestris and C. salonitana were studied to determine possible relationships between the volatile oil (VO) composition and ploidy level. The chemical composition of the volatile oil was investigated using the GC/MS technique. The predominant components of the VO of diploid and tetraploid C. salonitana were hexadecanoic acid and α‐linoleic acids, while in C. rupestris they were germacrene D and β‐caryophyllene in one population and heptacosane and germacrene D, in another. The nuclear DNA amounts (2 C DNA), determined by flow cytometry, were 3.54 pg for C. rupestris, 3.39 pg for the diploid and 6.79 pg for the tetraploid population of C. salonitana. Evidence that the degree of ploidy solely influences the chemical composition of the essential oil of C. salonitana was not found. The results presented are the first data to be reported on the DNA content of the studied Centaurea populations from Croatia, as well as on the chemical composition of C. salonitana volatile oil.
Influence of the Cobalt Active Site Neighbours in NiCo Nanocatalysts for Phosphine‐Assisted Silane Activation
Authors: Ropp Anthony , Carenco Sophie
Published: March 2023

NiCo nanoparticles are active catalysts for a number of reactions, as an interesting alternative to noble metals. In particular, phosphine‐covered NiCo nanoparticles with a 1 : 1 metal ratio were found to be active at room temperature for Si−H bond activation. However, it was unclear which of the two metals was the active site and if the neighbouring atoms influenced the reaction efficiency. We designed nanoparticles with a nickel core and a limited amount of cobalt surface sites, just below or just above a monolayer amount, to investigate this question. We showed that the trend in catalytic activity is consistent with cobalt being the active site, and it shows a higher activity when its immediate neighbours are cobalt atoms. This was consistently observed with two phosphine ligands, PPh3 and PnBu3, while the first allowed a higher conversion rate than the second.
Highly Selective and Quantitative Point‐of‐Care Diagnostic Method for Adrenaline
Authors: Koppayithodi Sudeep , Jana Palash , Bandyopadhyay Subhajit
Published: March 2023

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a neurotransmitter/hormone that is an important target in diagnostics. Development of an effective method for detecting it in the presence of other neurotransmitters is a challenging task. The electrochemical and fluorescent techniques commonly used have low selectivity in distinguishing among catecholamines. Herein, a small‐molecule organic probe with an activated furfural moiety is reported to exploit the nucleophilicity of epinephrine to generate a bright‐colored donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct. Among nine common neurotransmitters or their analogues, only epinephrine was found to generate a unique colour change discernible with the naked eye, whereas the other ones remain unaffected. Under various in‐field detection conditions, including solution, droplet, and paper strip‐based detection, the colour change were also noticeable. The low detection limit of 1.37 nM and a limit of quantitation of 4.37 nM were achieved with simple UV/Vis methods in addition to the sub‐ppm level sensing under visual conditions with naked eyes. The probe could be used for practical colorimetric measurements as a point‐of‐care tool without any complex and expensive machinery, making this approach accessible to all. In addition, using a simple smartphone, the determination of epinephrine concentrations is possible by using machine‐learning techniques.
Detailed Thermal Evaluation of Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger Using Infrared Thermography
Authors: Will Torsten , Schnabel Lena , Köhler Jürgen
Published: March 2023

Infrared thermography of brazed plate heat exchangers for evaporators and condensers recently was used to quantify maldistribution. With the knowledge of the secondary fluids heat transfer coefficient and a given secondary fluids distribution, the local heat transfer coefficient of the primary fluid (refrigerant) and its distribution to the channels can be calculated. A sensitivity analysis shows ± 10 % difference of the surface temperature to the wall center temperature at the expected ratios of heat transfer coefficients. The method is presented in this paper using an exemplary infrared picture.
Theoretical framework of sustainable value creation by companies. What do we know so far?
Authors: Zioło Magdalena , Bąk Iwona , Spoz Anna
Published: March 2023

In conditions of limited natural resources, growing social awareness, and ESG risk, sustainability and the pressure to be sustainable are gaining importance. Legislative requirements, good practices and recommendations as well as the stakeholders themselves expect from market participants, especially from the enterprise sector, that they will incorporate sustainability in their activities. Enterprises undertake adaptation activities towards sustainability by creating sustainable value based on their business models. The article aims to systematize the state of knowledge on how companies create sustainable value. Research results in this area are dispersed, and more studies discussing this topic comprehensively are needed. The article fills the gap in research by reviewing the existing studies on creating sustainable value. The analysis of publications was based on the academic databases of Elsevier Scopus and Web‐of‐Science. 101 publications were reviewed, and 31 categorization variables related to the area of research and issues addressed in scientific publications were created. Using a multidimensional correspondence analysis, three homogeneous clusters of publications were obtained: group I refers to articles concerning enterprises of various sizes (micro, small, SME, and start‐up); group II includes publications on Asia and Australia, which appeared in 2020 or later; group III concerns articles related to the research of large production companies in developed European countries. The result shows that companies build sustainable value in various ways, influenced by company's location and size. Among the dominant patterns of incorporating sustainable value, the following are indicated: building a sustainable supply chain, innovations, building relationships with stakeholders and consumers, sharing economy.
Off‐host survival of blacklegged ticks in eastern North America: A multistage, multiyear, multisite study
Authors: Brunner Jesse L. , LaDeau Shannon L. , Killilea Mary , Valentine Elizabeth , Schierer Megan , Ostfeld Richard S.
Published: March 2023

Climatic conditions are widely thought to govern the distribution and abundance of ectoparasites, such as the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), vector of the agents of Lyme disease and other emerging human pathogens. However, translating physiological tolerances to distributional limits or mortality is challenging. Ticks may be able to avoid or tolerate unsuitable conditions, and what is lethal to one life history stage may not extend to others. Thus, even after decades of research, there are clear gaps in our knowledge about how climatic conditions determine tick distributions or patterns of abundance. We present results from a 3‐year study combining daily hazard models and data from field experiments at three sites spanning much of I. scapularis' current latitudinal distribution. We examine three predominant hypotheses regarding how temperature and vapor pressure deficits affect stage‐specific survival and transition success and consider how these results influence population growth and distribution. We found that larvae are sensitive to temperature and vapor pressure deficits, whereas mortality of nymphs and adults is consistent with depletion of energy reserves. Consistent with prior work, we found that overwinter survival was high and successful stage transitions (e.g., fed nymphs molting to adults) were sensitive to temperature. Collectively, results from this comprehensive, multiyear, multistage field study suggest that population growth of I. scapularis is less limited by restrictive climatic conditions than has been broadly assumed, although influences on larval survival may slow tick population growth and establishment in some desiccating conditions. Further studies should integrate climate effects on stage‐specific survival to better understand these effects on population dynamics and range expansion in a changing climate.
Structural damage identification based on pattern matching using the flexibility change rate
Authors: Nie Zhenhua , Chen Tao , Xia Guanghao , Li Zuanfeng , Gao Ruofan , Ma Hongwei
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a rapid identification method for postearthquake structural damage is proposed based on pattern matching using the flexibility change rate. In the first stage, a small number of dynamic signals are collected for extracting the modal information, which is used as a reference for model updating. Using the updated finite element model of the structure to be monitored, the characteristic vector of the flexibility change rate is calculated by modal analysis from the first two orders of modal information of various damage scenarios to establish a pattern database. For the real structure, the measured responses are used to identify the modal parameters to calculate the flexibility change rate characteristic vector, which is treated as the observed pattern. Then, the similarity between the observed pattern and the pattern in the pattern database is calculated using the Euclidean distance (ED). The damage location and severity of the measured structure are treated to be the same as the pattern corresponding to the minimum value of ED, so that the damage is identified. Numerical simulations and experiments of two types of concentrated mass structures, four floors, and six floors confirm that the proposed method can identify the damage well. In addition, the matching results based on different sensor combinations demonstrate that the method can quickly identify the damage location and severity of a structure even using a limited number of sensors. The proposed method can provide support for the government in rapid postearthquake emergency decision‐making.
Fibroblastic reticular cells provide a supportive niche for lymph node–resident macrophages
Authors: D'Rozario Joshua , Knoblich Konstantin , Lütge Mechthild , Shibayama Christian Pérez , Cheng Hung‐Wei , Alexandre Yannick O. , Roberts David , Campos Joana , Dutton Emma E. , Suliman Muath , Denton Alice E. , Turley Shannon J. , Boyd Richard L. , Mueller Scott N. , Ludewig Burkhard , Heng Tracy S.P. , Fletcher Anne L.
Published: March 2023

The lymph node (LN) is home to resident macrophage populations that are essential for immune function and homeostasis, but key factors controlling this niche are undefined. Here, we show that fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are an essential component of the LN macrophage niche. Genetic ablation of FRCs caused rapid loss of macrophages and monocytes from LNs across two in vivo models. Macrophages co‐localized with FRCs in human LNs, and murine single‐cell RNA‐sequencing revealed that FRC subsets broadly expressed master macrophage regulator CSF1. Functional assays containing purified FRCs and monocytes showed that CSF1R signaling was sufficient to support macrophage development. These effects were conserved between mouse and human systems. These data indicate an important role for FRCs in maintaining the LN parenchymal macrophage niche.
Photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy: Delineation of an under‐recognized reflex epilepsy syndrome according to the new ILAE criteria and long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Cerrahoğlu Şirin Tuba , Yılmaz Tülay , Elmalı Ayşe Deniz , Bebek Nerses , Demirbilek Veysi , Baykan Betül
Published: March 2023

Objective

Photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy (POLE) should be suspected in patients with occipital lobe seizures triggered by photic stimuli, who have normal motor‐mental development and brain imaging. We aimed to examine the clinical, electrophysiological, and prognostic features of POLE, which is a rare and under‐investigated syndrome.

Methods

Archives from two tertiary epilepsy centers were retrospectively scanned and patients with normal neurological examination and cranial imaging were identified with POLE if they had: (1) seizures consistently triggered by photic stimuli; (2) non‐motor seizures with visual symptoms; and (3) photosensitivity documented on EEG. The clinical and electrophysiological features and prognostic factors were evaluated for patients who had follow‐up ≥5 years.

Results

We identified 29 patients diagnosed with POLE with a mean age of 20.1 ± 7.6 years. In one‐third of the patients, POLE syndrome overlapped with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE). The overlap group had higher rates of febrile seizure history and self‐induction; when compared to pure POLE patients, their EEGs showed more frequent interictal generalized epileptic discharges and posterior multiple spikes during intermittent photic stimulation. During long‐term follow‐up, the remission rate for POLE was 80%, but EEG photosensitivity persisted in three quarters of patients despite clinical remission, and more than half had relapsed after clinical remission.

Significance

This first long‐term follow‐up study, utilizing newly suggested criteria of the International League Against Epilepsy, showed that POLE syndrome shows a notable overlap with GGE but also has distinctive features. POLE has a good prognosis; however, relapses are common, and photosensitivity persists as an EEG finding in the majority of patients.
Genomic landscape of follicular lymphoma across a wide spectrum of clinical behaviors
Authors: Mozas Pablo , López Cristina , Grau Marta , Nadeu Ferran , Clot Guillem , Valle Sara , Kulis Marta , Navarro Alba , Ramis‐Zaldivar Joan Enric , González‐Farré Blanca , Rivas‐Delgado Alfredo , Rivero Andrea , Frigola Gerard , Balagué Olga , Giné Eva , Delgado Julio , Villamor Neus , Matutes Estella , Magnano Laura , García‐Sanz Ramón , Huet Sarah , Russell Robert B. , Campo Elías , López‐Guillermo Armando , Beà Sílvia
Published: March 2023

While some follicular lymphoma (FL) patients do not require treatment or experience prolonged responses, others relapse early, and little is known about genetic alterations specific to patients with a particular clinical behavior. We selected 56 grade 1–3A FL patients according to their need of treatment or timing of relapse: never treated (n = 7), non‐relapsed (19), late relapse (14), early relapse or POD24 (11), and primary refractory (5). We analyzed 56 diagnostic and 12 paired relapse lymphoid tissue biopsies and performed copy number alteration (CNA) analysis and next generation sequencing (NGS). We identified six focal driver losses (1p36.32, 6p21.32, 6q14.1, 6q23.3, 9p21.3, 10q23.33) and 1p36.33 copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN‐LOH). By integrating CNA and NGS results, the most frequently altered genes/regions were KMT2D (79%), CREBBP (67%), TNFRSF14 (46%) and BCL2 (40%). Although we found that mutations in PIM1, FOXO1 and TMEM30A were associated with an adverse clinical behavior, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn, due to the small sample size. We identified common precursor cells harboring early oncogenic alterations of the KMT2D, CREBBP, TNFRSF14 and EP300 genes and 16p13.3‐p13.2 CN‐LOH. Finally, we established the functional consequences of mutations by means of protein modeling (CD79B, PLCG2, PIM1, MCL1 and IRF8). These data expand the knowledge on the genomics behind the heterogeneous FL population and, upon replication in larger cohorts, could contribute to risk stratification and the development of targeted therapies.
Reduction in thrombolytic order‐to‐needle time with addition of a pharmacist to a pulmonary embolism response team
Authors: Berdahl Gideon J. , Cascone Ava E. , Ackerbauer Kimberly A. , Feeney Megan E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death in the United States. Institutions have implemented pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) to hasten clinical decision making and therapeutic interventions. The extent to which critical care pharmacists are included in PERTs is not known. Although improved outcomes with pharmacist involvement in other emergency response teams (e.g., stroke teams) is well described, literature surrounding the impact of pharmacist inclusion in PERTs is limited. The objective was to evaluate if direct pharmacist inclusion in a PERT resulted in reduced time to systemic thrombolysis from time of medication order release in appropriate PE candidates.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study of patients with submassive or massive PE who received systemic thrombolysis at a large academic medical center. Patients were divided into two groups based on if they received systemic thrombolysis before or after the intervention. This intervention was the addition of a pharmacist to the PERT with emphasis on early communication between the PERT pharmacist and other stakeholders at time of PERT activation, and a revised thrombolytic preparation workflow emphasizing bedside preparation by the pharmacist. The primary outcome was time to administration of thrombolytic from time of medication order release.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were included. Median time to thrombolytic administration was reduced in the post‐intervention group compared to the pre‐intervention group (23 min [14.8–42] vs. 54 min [42.8–69], p = 0.007). Bleeding events were not different between groups. Time to resumption of systemic anticoagulation after systemic thrombolysis was greater in the post‐intervention group.

Conclusion

Inclusion of a pharmacist in the PERT at this institution significantly reduced time to administration of systemic thrombolysis from time of medication order release in appropriate PE candidates. Larger studies should be conducted to expand upon and confirm these findings.
When can we ignore measurement error in the running variable?
Authors: Dong Yingying , Kolesár Michal
Published: March 2023

In many applications of regression discontinuity designs, the running variable used to assign treatment is only observed with error. We show that, provided the observed running variable (i) correctly classifies treatment assignment and (ii) affects the conditional means of potential outcomes smoothly, ignoring the measurement error nonetheless yields an estimate with a causal interpretation: the average treatment effect for units whose observed running variable equals the cutoff. Possibly after doughnut trimming, these assumptions accommodate a variety of settings where support of the measurement error is not too wide. An empirical application illustrates the results for both sharp and fuzzy designs.
Heavy metal‐free electrochemical detection of pyrophosphate ions by Nafion/carbon dots decorated screen printed carbon electrodes
Authors: Chang Che‐Wei , Liao Wei‐Ssu
Published: March 2023

We employ Nafion‐mixed carbon dots (CDs) and low‐cost screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) as foundation matrices for the fabrication of electrochemical biosensors. The NH2 and COOH functional groups present on the SPCE surface after Nafion/CDs deposition allow for pyrophosphate ions (PPis) collection. Using Fe(CN)63− as the electrochemical mediator, the SPCE‐Nafion/CDs are applied to the detection of aqueous PPi by square wave voltammetry. Between 50 and 1 μM, a linear connection is established between the square wave voltammetry current and the PPi concentration. The limit of detection is determined to be 1.01 μM, and recoveries of 113% (±1.9%) and 108% (±3.9%) are achieved for human urine samples spiked with 6 and 3 μM of PPi, respectively. Furthermore, this PPi assay is suitable for the usage of complicated urine matrices without the inclusion of heavy metals. We anticipate that this unique approach will be beneficial for PPi level monitoring in urine during therapeutic treatments of illnesses and malignancies.