bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In‐situ Etching Synthesis of Defective CuBTC for CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Guo Biao , Xu Ruisong , Xu Ke , Liang Jing , Lu Jun , Wang Tonghua , Liu Jinxuan
Published: March 2023

We report a facile in‐situ etching method for the synthesis of defective CuBTC (H‐CuBTC) with hierarchical pore structure. The fabricated mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing H‐CuBTC was prepared for the separation of CO2/CH4, showing superior separation performance due to the defective structure with larger pore size and more open Cu sites, which enhance the interactions between H‐CuBTC and the polymer.
Metabolic Changes during Sprouting of Rapeseed and Their Consequences for the Volatilome of Cold‐Pressed Oil
Authors: Drabińska Natalia , Siger Aleksander , Jeleń Henryk H
Published: March 2023

All the procedures before pressing seeds have a great influence on the flavor of cold‐pressed rapeseed oil. However, the studies on the modification of aroma caused by inappropriate storage leading to sprouting are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effects of sprouting on the metabolome and volatilome of rapeseed cold‐pressed oil and press cakes. The presence of 56 and 21 nonvolatile metabolites is detected in seeds/press cakes and oil, respectively. Sprouting significantly affects the total contents of all groups of compounds, except sugars. At the same time, 375 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are detected. The abundance of VOCs in sprouted oil is almost threefold higher compared to control oil, with the biggest contribution of sulfur‐containing compounds (dimethyl sulfide), glucosinolate derivatives (4‐isothiocyanato‐1‐butene), and aldehydes (3‐methylbutanal). A similar tendency is observed in press cake. Moreover, sprouting results in the biggest number of VOCs detected only in this oil (61). The abundance of aroma‐active compounds is much higher in sprouted products compared to corresponding controls, which has a confirmation in sensory analysis. This study shows that simultaneous volatilomics and metabolomics can be used to track the changes in the oil quality caused by the inappropriate storage of seeds. Sprouting leads to metabolic changes in seeds, which intensify the formation of new VOCs and consequently aroma of oils.

Practical applications: The results of this study will help to understand the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the processing and production of cold‐pressed rapeseed oil. The combination of VOCs with nonvolatile precursors can help to understand the pathways involved in VOCs formation. Moreover, the oil obtained from sprouted seeds is characterized by many VOCs not present in control oil, which can potentially be used to develop tools for quick evaluation if the seeds used for pressing initiated sprouting, which can lead to changes in its sensory quality.
Presence of infratrappean Gondwana sediments below Deccan volcanic covered 1993 Killari earthquake region, Maharashtra (India) and geodynamical instability of the south Indian craton
Authors: Pandey Om Prakash , Sharma Mukund , Shukla Bandana , Kumar Madhav , Ram‐Awatar  , Parthasarathy Gopalakrishnarao , Sesha Sai Valiveti Venkata , Sreedhar Bojja , Tripathi Priyanka , Dayal Anurodh Mohan , Chandrakala Koteswara
Published: March 2023

KLR‐1 scientific deep borehole, drilled in the 1993 Killari earthquake region of Maharashtra (India), penetrated 8 m thick infratrappean sediments below a 338 m‐thick column of Deccan volcanics that rested over Neoarchean amphibolite to granulite facies mid‐crustal basement. Detailed palynological studies revealed the presence of characteristic Gondwana palynomorphs in sedimentary succession that include Plicatipollenites indicus, P. trigonalis, Parasaccites korbaensis, P. diffusus, Microbaculispora indica, Cyclobaculisporites minimus, Cyclogranisporites barakarensis, C. gondwanensis, Jayantisporites pseudozonatus, Leiosphaeridia bokaroensis, Latosporites sp., Verrucosisporites sp., cf. V. ambiplicatus and Striatopodocarpites gondwanensis. Qualitative analyses of palynomorphs would suggest an Asselian age (298–295 Ma) for their formation and burial in dysoxic to anoxic conditions. Recorded palynological assemblages correlate well with continental Lower Gondwana (Early Permian) sediments of India, as well as other Gondwana continents, indicating a larger extent of Gondwana sedimentation than hitherto known today. Petrological studies indicate the presence of two types of carbonate units that overly the crystalline basement. A relatively coarse‐grained sparry carbonate rock immediately overlies the basement (Sample KIL‐7). The size of the carbonate crystals in the sparite vary from 100 to 500 μm. This unit is overlain by an extremely fine‐grained micrite resembling lime mud (Sample KIL‐6). Micrite is made of carbonate grains with an average size of 10 μm. X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that calcite is the dominant carbonate mineral, while dolomite and quartz occur in minor amounts. Geochemical analyses indicate that in these two samples of carbonate rock that overlie the basement, CaO (33.38 to 38.16 wt %) is higher than MgO (16.0–23.85 wt%). These infratrappeans sediments are also characterized by stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic ratios ranging from −1.59 to −8.74‰ and −9.12 to −13.50‰ versus PDB, respectively, thereby conforming to non‐marine fresh water deposits. These findings provide first evidences of reactivation and rifting of Dharwar intracratonic regions during earliest Permian Gondwana Period, which led to severe lithospheric mantle destruction, and massive regional uplift and erosion of the granitic‐gneissic upper crust. Large scale inland‐rifting during the Gondwana sedimentation period was possibly a prelude to India‐Antarctic breakup during the early Cretaceous.
Evaluation of boundaries between mood and psychosis disorder using dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) via deep learning classification
Authors: Rokham Hooman , Falakshahi Haleh , Fu Zening , Pearlson Godfrey , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: March 2023

The validity and reliability of diagnoses in psychiatry is a challenging topic in mental health. The current mental health categorization is based primarily on symptoms and clinical course and is not biologically validated. Among multiple ongoing efforts, neurological observations alongside clinical evaluations are considered to be potential solutions to address diagnostic problems. The Bipolar‐Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes (B‐SNIP) has published multiple papers attempting to reclassify psychotic illnesses based on biological rather than symptomatic measures. However, the effort to investigate the relationship between this new categorization approach and other neuroimaging techniques, including resting‐state fMRI data, is still limited. This study focused on investigating the relationship between different psychotic disorders categorization methods and resting‐state fMRI‐based measures called dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) using state‐of‐the‐art artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. We applied our method to 613 subjects, including individuals with psychosis and healthy controls, which were classified using both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV) and the B‐SNIP biomarker‐based (Biotype) approach. Statistical group differences and cross‐validated classifiers were performed within each framework to assess how different categories. Results highlight interesting differences in occupancy in both DSM‐IV and Biotype categorizations compared to healthy individuals, which are distributed across specific transient connectivity states. Biotypes tended to show less distinctiveness in occupancy level and included fewer cellwise differences. Classification accuracy obtained by DSM‐IV and Biotype categories were both well above chance. Results provided new insights and highlighted the benefits of both DSM‐IV and biology‐based categories while also emphasizing the importance of future work in this direction, including employing further data types.
A Mouse Model with a Frameshift Mutation in the Nuclear Factor I/X (NFIX) Gene Has Phenotypic Features ofMarshall‐SmithSyndrome
Authors: Kooblall Kreepa G. , Stevenson Mark , Stewart Michelle , Harris Lachlan , Zalucki Oressia , Dewhurst Hannah , Butterfield Natalie , Leng Houfu , Hough Tertius A. , Ma Da , Siow Bernard , Potter Paul , Cox Roger D. , Brown Stephen D.M. , Horwood Nicole , Wright Benjamin , Lockstone Helen , Buck David , Vincent Tonia L. , Hannan Fadil M. , Bassett J.H. Duncan , Williams Graham R. , Lines Kate E. , Piper Michael , Wells Sara , Teboul Lydia , Hennekam Raoul C. , Thakker Rajesh V.
Published: March 2023

The nuclear factor I/X (NFIX) gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor whose mutations lead to two allelic disorders characterized by developmental, skeletal, and neural abnormalities, namely, Malan syndrome (MAL) and Marshall–Smith syndrome (MSS).NFIXmutations associated with MAL mainly cluster in exon 2 and are cleared by nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD) leading to NFIX haploinsufficiency, whereasNFIXmutations associated with MSS are clustered in exons 6–10 and escape NMD and result in the production of dominant‐negative mutant NFIX proteins. Thus, differentNFIXmutations have distinct consequences onNFIXexpression. To elucidate thein vivoeffects of MSS‐associatedNFIXexon 7 mutations, we used CRISPR‐Cas9 to generate mouse models with exon 7 deletions that comprised: a frameshift deletion of two nucleotides (NfixDel2); in‐frame deletion of 24 nucleotides (NfixDel24); and deletion of 140 nucleotides (NfixDel140).Nfix+/Del2,Nfix+/Del24,Nfix+/Del140,NfixDel24/Del24, andNfixDel140/Del140mice were viable, normal, and fertile, with no skeletal abnormalities, butNfixDel2/Del2mice had significantly reduced viability (p < 0.002) and died at 2–3 weeks of age.NfixDel2 was not cleared by NMD, andNfixDel2/Del2mice, when compared toNfix+/+andNfix+/Del2mice, had: growth retardation; short stature with kyphosis; reduced skull length; marked porosity of the vertebrae with decreased vertebral and femoral bone mineral content; and reduced caudal vertebrae height and femur length. Plasma biochemistry analysis revealedNfixDel2/Del2mice to have increased total alkaline phosphatase activity but decreased C‐terminal telopeptide and procollagen‐type‐1‐N‐terminal propeptide concentrations compared toNfix+/+andNfix+/Del2mice.NfixDel2/Del2mice were also found to have enlarged cerebral cortices and ventricular areas but smaller dentate gyrus compared toNfix+/+mice. Thus,NfixDel2/Del2mice provide a model for studying thein vivoeffects of NFIX mutants that escape NMD and result in developmental abnormalities of the skeletal and neural tissues that are associated with MSS. © 2023 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Structure–property relationship of dipyridyl−Cu polymers containing inorganic clusters Te/SeFe3(CO)9
Authors: Shieh Minghuey , Li Yu‐Huei , Hsu Ming‐Chi
Published: March 2023

This mini‐review covers a novel series of 1D and 2D Te/SeFe3(CO)9‐incorporated (Te, 1a; Se, 1b) Cu‐based coordination polymers synthesized by the liquid‐assisted grinding (LAG) method using predesigned compound [TeFe3(CO)9Cu2(MeCN)2] (1a‐Cu2(MeCN)2) with rigid or flexible dipyridyl ligands, or three components of [SeFe3(CO)9]2− (1b), [Cu(MeCN)4]+, and dipyridyls. These polymers displayed various cluster coordination modes, including cluster‐blocked [EFe3(CO)9Cu2(L)]n (E = Te, 1a‐L‐1D, Se, 1b‐L‐1D; L = 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpee), 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane (bpea)), cluster‐pendant [SeFe3(CO)9Cu2(dpy)3]n (1b‐dpy‐1D, dpy = 4,4′‐dipyridyl) and [EFe3(CO)9Cu2(L)2.5]n (E = Te, 1a‐L‐2D, Se, 1b‐L‐2D; L = bpee, bpea), cluster‐linked [SeFe3(CO)9Cu2(MeCN)(dpy)1.5]n (1b‐dpy‐2D) and [SeFe3(CO)9Cu2(bpp)2]n (1b‐bpp‐2D, bpp = 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane), as well as the unique cation‐anion polymer [{Cu2(bpp)4}{(TeFe3(CO)9Cu)2(bpp)}]n (1a‐bpp‐CA). Their dimensionality expansions and reversible transformations accompanied with bonding pattern changes were achieved upon the addition of stoichiometric amounts of appropriate agents. These polymers exhibited pronounced semiconducting properties with tunable energy gaps and optical (dc) or electrical conductivities. The trend of their semiconductivities can be related to bonding patterns, where efficient electron communications were proved to stem from the existence of carbonyl ligands and electron‐rich clusters 1a and 1b. In particular, water−/light‐stable 1b‐based polymers exhibited excellent photodegradation activities toward nitroaromatics and organic dyes, where the efficiency was further rationalized by their structural features and narrow energy gaps.
House sparrows prioritize skin repair over constitutive innate immunity during long‐term chronic stress
Authors: Beattie Ursula K. , Rosen Emma S. , Fefferman Nina , Romero L. Michael
Published: March 2023

The reactive scope model was created to address two major unanswered questions in stress physiology: how and when does the adaptive acute stress response turn into harmful chronic stress? Previous studies suggest that immunoenhancement should occur in reactive homeostasis (acute stress) and immunosuppression should occur in homeostatic overload (chronic stress). We used this dichotomy of immune function to further elucidate the transition from acute to chronic stress by treating house sparrows (Passer domesticus) with different intensities of chronic stress and then monitoring their immune function. By varying the number of stressors given per day and the length of chronic stress bouts over a period of 6 months, we produced four treatment groups: high, medium, and low stress, and captivity‐only. We tracked immunity through the bacterial killing assay and monitored healing of a 4 mm skin biopsy punch. We hypothesized that higher‐stress birds would repair their skin more slowly and have lower bacterial killing capacity. The opposite was true—high‐stress birds initially repaired their skin fastest. Additionally, all birds dramatically reduced bacterial killing capacity after the biopsy and increased food‐derived uric acid, suggesting increased energy acquisition and a shift in immune resources to a more immediate concern (healing). Once healing finished, only the high‐stress birds were unable to recover circulating immune function, suggesting that the combination of high stress and an immune challenge pushed these birds into homeostatic overload. Prioritizing healing over other immunological processes might be the best defense for a bird in its natural habitat.
The current fertilizer regimes cause phosphorus deficit in paddy soils and decreased rice phosphorus uptake: a study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chu Qingnan , Xu Shuhan , Xing Yue , Cao Linkui , Yang Xiaolei , Sha Zhimin
Published: March 2023

Excessive phosphorus (P) fertilization in intensive rice‐cultivation areas in China has caused serious environmental problems. However, relatively little research has been done on investigating the soil P balance in rice production systems based on different fertilizer regimes. Our study investigated the dynamic variation of soil P balance and rice P use efficiency and productivity from 2014 to 2018 in the paddy fields under synthetic fertilizer (CF) and manure application (OF) regimes based on the practices of local farmers. Flooding water on the paddy fields tends to cause P loss via runoff and leaching. A lysimeter system was used to monitor P loss from paddy fields, which overcame the limitations of real‐time monitoring discharge volume and sample‐collection. The results with relatively higher rainfall intensity in 2014 and 2015, in total, 4.69 kg P ha−1 under CF and 8.39 kg P ha−1 under OF were lost via runoff in 2014, with 13.6 kg P ha−1 under CF and 17.8 kg P ha−1 under OF in 2015, whereas from 2015 to 2018, no more than 5 kg P ha−1 was lost in CF or OF via runoff. Leaching showed a similar, varying trend for both CF and OF. Furthermore, during the 5 years, a continuous soil P deficit was observed, except in 2017 and 2018 for CF and 2018 for OF. The net P retention ranged from −15.31 to 6.2 kg ha−1 for CF and from −23.65 to 2.64 kg ha−1 for OF. The continuous P deficit in paddy soils might have reduced soil P storage. These huge P losses undermined rice yield production. In parallel, after 2014, the grain yield decreased from 10,885.7 in 2014 to 6266.7 kg ha−1 in 2017 under CF and from 10,607.6 to 6649.6 kg ha−1 under OF. Overall, these results reveal a risk of declining P storage in paddy soils and a potential menace on food safety under the current fertilizer management, suggesting that novel fertilizer strategies need to be developed for reserving P storage in paddy fields.
Electronic‐Resonance‐Enhanced Coherent Raman Spectroscopy with a Single Femtosecond Laser Beam
Authors: Zhang Ning , Xie Hongqiang , Zhang He , Lu Xu , Chen Yewei , Wu Yuzhu , Cheng Ya , Yao Jinping
Published: March 2023

Coherent Raman scattering (CRS) spectroscopy holds versatile applications in many fields ranging from measuring temperature and concentration in reacting flows to imaging biological molecules in living cells. Although the powerful spectroscopic technique has been studied for a few decades, significant attention is still paid to developing state‐of‐the‐art CRS spectroscopy with the simpler design and higher sensitivity for practical applications in harsh or complex environments. Herein, a novel electronic‐resonance‐enhanced coherent Raman scattering (ERE‐CRS) technique is developed with a single femtosecond laser beam. Such single‐beam ERE‐CRS scheme is accomplished with the narrowband air lasing signal naturally generated in the interaction region as a probe source. The developed technique not only avoids fine spatio‐temporal control in the conventional multibeam configuration, but also accomplishes 1–2 orders of magnitude enhancement of Raman signal due to the resonance of air lasing with electronic transition of the target gas. The dramatic enhancement effect is also manifested through the comparative measurements in CO2 isotopes. The single‐beam ERE‐CRS spectroscopy shows an unprecedented opportunity for the high‐sensitivity standoff detections of gas‐phase molecules and plasmas.
Circ_0007429/miR‐637/TRIM71/Ago2 axis participates in the regulation of proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and aerobic glycolysis of HCC
Authors: Fan Lilan , Xia Panpan , Wang Jing , Xu Shun , Qiu Zijian , Wu Yan , Feng Maohui , Zhao Qiu , Wang Hongling , Li Xuanfei
Published: March 2023

CircRNAs play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the role of circ_0007429 in HCC remains unknown. Using bioinformatics tools, we selected circ_0007429 that was most highly expressed in HCC tissues and investigated its role in HCC progression. Immunohistochemistry, plasmid transfection, real‐time quantitative PCR, and western blot analysis were used to identify the relationship between circ_0007429 and its potential target, miR‐637, and TRIM71. The regulatory effect of circ_0007429 on miR‐637/TRIM71/Ago2 signaling and its key role in HCC progression were studied in vitro. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to examine tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0007429 and TRIM71 expression were upregulated, while miR‐637 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and cells compared with their expression in control groups. Knockdown of circ_0007429 enhanced apoptosis in HCC cells, while impeded proliferation, migration, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis, which were reversed by miR‐637 inhibitor. High levels of circ_0007429 correlated with a poor survival rate of HCC patients. Additionally, circ_0007429 interfering inhibited tumor growth in vivo. TRIM71 directly bound to miR‐637 and inhibited Ago2 expression. Moreover, circ_0007429 promotes aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells through the miR/TRIM71/Ago2 axis. Circ_0007429 promotes HCC progression by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis and by inhibiting cell apoptosis through the miR/TRIM71/Ago2 axis. These results provide molecular insights into the mechanism of HCC and suggest that circ_0007429 could be a therapeutic target for HCC.
AKR1C3 suppresses ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma through regulation of YAP/SLC7A11 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Jinsi , Zhang Jia , Tian Wei , Ge Chao , Su Yuting , Li Jinjun , Tian Hua
Published: March 2023

AKR1C3 is frequently overexpressed and it is a validated therapeutic target in various tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous study showed that AKR1C3 facilitated HCC proliferation and metastasis by forming a positive feedback loop of AKR1C3‐NF‐κB‐STAT3. Ferroptosis is a form of iron‐dependent cell death driven by iron‐dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species and plays an important role in tumor suppression. However, little is known about the role of AKR1C3 in ferroptosis susceptibility. In this study, we found that knockdown of AKR1C3 potently enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to ferroptosis inducers both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of AKR1C3 protected against ferroptosis in HCC cells. Mechanistically, AKR1C3 regulated ferroptosis through YAP/SLC7A11 signaling in HCC. AKR1C3 knockdown led to a decrease in YAP nuclear translocation, resulted in the inhibition of cystine transporter SLC7A11, and a subsequent increase in the intracellular levels of ferrous iron and ultimately ferroptosis. Moreover, we found that the combination of AKR1C3 and SLC7A11 was a strong predictor of poor prognosis in HCC. Collectively, these findings identify a novel role of AKR1C3 in ferroptosis, and highlighting a candidate therapeutic target to potentially improve the effect of ferroptosis‐based antitumor therapy.
A novel tool for predicting the dose distribution of non‐sealed 188Re (Rhenium) resin in non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) patients
Authors: Zagni Federico , Vichi Sara , Paolani Giulia , Santoro Miriam , Della Gala Giuseppe , Strolin Silvia , Castellucci Paolo , Vetrone Luigia , Fanti Stefano , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Strigari Lidia
Published: March 2023

Background

High‐dose rate brachytherapy using a non‐sealed 188Rhenium resin (188Re) is a recently approved treatment option for non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The treatment goal is to deliver a personalized absorbed dose to the deepest point of neoplastic infiltration corresponding to the minimal target dose. The treatment consists of the application of a 188Re‐based resin over a plastic foil placed on the target skin surface. However, there is no treatment planning tool to assess the 188Re activity needed for a personalized treatment.

Purpose

The paper aims to present a novel Monte Carlo (MC)‐based tool for 188Re‐based resin activity and dose calculation, experimentally validated using Gafchromic EBT3 films.

Methods

MC simulations were carried out using FLUKA modeling density and composition of 188Re resin. The MC‐based look up table (LUT) was incorporated in an ad hoc developed tool. The proposed tool allows the personalized calculation of treatment parameters (i.e., activity to be dispensed, the treatment duration, and dose volume histograms), according to the target dimension. The proposed tool was compared using Bland–Altman analysis to the previous calculation approaches conducted using VARSKIN in a retrospective cohort of 76 patients. The tool was validated in ad hoc experimental set ups using a stack of calibrated Gafchromic EBT3 films covered by a plastic film and exposed using a homogenous activity distribution of 188Re eluate and a heterogeneous activity distribution of 188Re resin mimic the patient treatment.

Results

The agreement between the proposed tool and VARSKIN was evaluated on the investigated cohort with median range of target area, target depth, and treatment time equal to 4.8 [1.0–60.1] cm2, 1.1 [0.2–3.0] mm, and 70 [21–285] min, with a median range of target dose (Gy) of 23.5 [10–54.9]. The calculated minimal target doses, ranged from 1% to 10% for intermediate target depths (1.2 ± 0.7 mm), while showing significant differences in the estimation of superficial (maximal) target doses. The agreement between MC calculation and measurements at different plans in a stack of Gafchromic EBT3 films was within 10% for both the homogenous and heterogeneous activity distribution of 188Re. Worst agreements were observed for absorbed doses lower than 0.3 Gy.

Conclusions

Our results support the implementation of our MC‐based tool in the practical routine for calculating the 188Re resin activity and treatment parameters necessary for obtaining the prescribed minimal target dose.
Convergence analysis of a block preconditioned steepest descent eigensolver with implicit deflation
Authors: Zhou Ming , Bai Zhaojun , Cai Yunfeng , Neymeyr Klaus
Published: March 2023

Gradient‐type iterative methods for solving Hermitian eigenvalue problems can be accelerated by using preconditioning and deflation techniques. A preconditioned steepest descent iteration with implicit deflation (PSD‐id) is one of such methods. The convergence behavior of the PSD‐id is recently investigated based on the pioneering work of Samokish on the preconditioned steepest descent method (PSD). The resulting non‐asymptotic estimates indicate a superlinear convergence of the PSD‐id under strong assumptions on the initial guess. The present paper utilizes an alternative convergence analysis of the PSD by Neymeyr under much weaker assumptions. We embed Neymeyr's approach into the analysis of the PSD‐id using a restricted formulation of the PSD‐id. More importantly, we extend the new convergence analysis of the PSD‐id to a practically preferred block version of the PSD‐id, or BPSD‐id, and show the cluster robustness of the BPSD‐id. Numerical examples are provided to validate the theoretical estimates.
Observed‐over‐Expected analysis as additional method for pharmacovigilance signal detection in large‐scaled spontaneous adverse event reporting
Authors: van der Boom Meiwen D. X. , van Eekeren Rike , van Hunsel Florence P. A. M.
Published: March 2023

Background

The large‐scale COVID‐19 vaccination campaigns in 2021 and 2022 led to a rapid increase in numbers of received adverse event reports in spontaneous reporting systems. As background incidences of naturally occurring medical events became increasingly relevant for causality assessment of potential associations with the vaccines, a novel approach for signal detection was warranted.

Objectives

This article illustrates the Observed‐over‐Expected (O/E) analysis as an additional method for signal detection and risk assessment in large‐scaled spontaneous reporting systems.

Methods

All individual case safety reports (ICSRs) concerning idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis or Bell's palsy following administration of the COVID‐19 vaccines (n = 291) manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) and Janssen (JCOVDEN) received by the National Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb until 24th March 2022 were included in the O/E analysis, within a risk window of 7 and 14 days following immunisation. Dutch background incidence rates from 2019 and exposure of the Dutch population to the vaccines were obtained from the PHARMO institute and RIVM. The data was stratified in age groups, gender and administered dose in order to differentiate between population subgroups.

Results

Bell's palsy was reported more frequently than expected in several population subgroups following administration of all four COVID‐19 vaccines, including children and adolescents. Among children, a high O/E ratio was found for boys aged 5–14 years after receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Regarding adolescents and young adults, women aged 15–24 years receiving Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, and men aged 15–24 years receiving Janssen developed Bell's palsy more often than expected. Furthermore, O/E ratios were high for individuals aged 25–64, regarding females receiving Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca and males receiving Janssen. As facial paralysis was not labelled as an adverse event for the Janssen vaccine, this analysis contributed to signalling the association and warranting further regulatory action.

Conclusions

The O/E method is a useful approach for signal detection of potential adverse reactions when handling large numbers of ICSRs. Further research is needed to attest to the causality on a clinical basis.
Registration of HA‐DM9, HA‐DM10, and HA‐DM11 oilseed sunflower germplasms with dual resistance to sunflower downy mildew
Authors: Qi L. L. , Ma G. J. , Seiler G. J.
Published: March 2023

Downy mildew (DM), caused by the obligate pathogen Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. & de Toni, is a worldwide yield‐limiting disease of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). To obtain durable DM resistance in sunflower hybrids, there is a need to stack new resistance genes into the best available germplasm. The DM resistance genes Pl8, Pl17, and Pl18 were recently fine mapped to sunflower chromosomes 13, 4, and 2, respectively. The current study pyramided these genes into a single genotype by marker‐assisted selection. Three oilseed sunflower germplasms, HA‐DM9 (Reg. no. GP‐381, PI 700009), HA‐DM10 (Reg. no. GP‐379, PI 700004), and HA‐DM11 (Reg. no. GP‐380, PI 700005), are dual DM‐resistant germplasm lines developed and have been released by the USDA‐ARS, Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit in collaboration with the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in 2021. The three lines, HA‐DM9 (Pl8Pl8/Pl17Pl17), HA‐DM10 (Pl8Pl8/Pl18Pl18), and HA‐DM11 (Pl17Pl17/Pl18Pl18), each stacked two different DM genes, providing broad resistance to all P. halstedii races identified in North America and Europe so far, and can be used in sunflower breeding programs to enhance DM resistance.
The predictive validity of the DSM‐5 alternative model for borderline personality disorder: Associations with coping strategies, general distress, rumination, and suicidal ideation across one year
Authors: Chauhan Kapil , Donahue John , Thompson Rebecca
Published: March 2023

The DSM‐5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) characterizes borderline personality disorder (BPD) in part as a constellation of maladaptive personality trait facets including emotional lability, anxiousness, separation insecurity, depressivity, impulsivity, risk‐taking, and hostility. Previous studies have supported the construct validity of AMPD‐BPD; however, research examining its predictive validity in relation to theoretically and clinically relevant constructs remains needed. The present study investigates the longitudinal relationships between AMPD‐BPD and general distress, rumination, and suicidal ideation, as well as adaptive and maladaptive coping targeted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in a sample of participants with elevated BPD symptomology. We also examined if dysfunctional coping skill use at 9‐month follow‐up explained the relationship between baseline BPD traits and outcomes at 1‐year. There were significant correlations between baseline trait BPD with dysfunctional coping skill use at 9‐month follow‐up and psychological distress and rumination at 1‐year follow‐up. Dysfunctional skill use exhibited a significant indirect effect in the association between trait BPD and rumination after 1 year. The findings of this study support the construct validity of AMPD‐BPD that can inform treatment and research.
Dark Current Water Splitting Employing Ni3TeO6 as a Photocharged Photoelectrocatalyst
Authors: Iqbal Mohd Zafar , Carleschi Emanuela , Doyle Bryan Patrick , Kriek Roelof Jacobus
Published: March 2023

Herein, the photoelectrocatalytic and photocharging activity of a Ni3TeO6 (NTO‐700) photoelectrocatalyst for water oxidation in alkaline medium is demonstrated and calcined at 700 °C. The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity of the sample is increased upon an increase in the illumination time. With a twofold increase in photocurrent density at 1.8 V, the PEC 150 sample (having been illuminated for 150 min) attained the highest PEC activity. The synthesized material has displayed an excellent charge storage capacity in KOH and Na2SO4 electrolyte solutions (both 0.1 m). The chrono‐amperometry measurement, subsequent to light interruption, has sustained almost 44% higher current density (even after 200 min) compared to the pure electrocatalytic baseline in a Na2SO4 electrolyte. The charge transfer resistance, Rct, decreases from 633.40 to 170.40 Ω, while the charge transfer rate constant, kct, increases from 7.93 to 27.03 s−1, as a function of illumination time. This points to fast separation of electron–hole (e−–h+) pairs and a slower recombination rate. The lower values of the charge transfer resistance and the time constant recorded for the light interrupted samples, as compared to the electrochemical sample, are attributed to the stored charge that drives water oxidation at a higher rate.
Porous Semiconductor Compounds with Engineered Morphology as a Platform for Various Applications
Authors: Monaico Eduard V. , Monaico Elena I. , Ursaki Veaceslav V. , Tiginyanu Ion M.
Published: March 2023

Porous semiconductor compounds represent a class of materials which is under an intense research focus over the last years. Herein, morphologies and topologies produced by anodization in binary semiconductor compounds having various bandgaps and crystallographic orientations are demonstrated with a focus on technological procedures applied for generating arrays of pores with a controlled design. The mechanism of pores growth under the photoresist masks is discussed and the connection between the design of the mask and the architecture of the produced porous structure is disclosed. The evolution of physical characteristics of the materials such as luminescence, optical, photonic, vibrational, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic properties as a result of anodization is investigated. Investigations are performed by means of scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Some possible practical applications of the proposed technological approaches and the produced porous structures are briefly discussed.
Direct position updating‐based trying‐mutation particle swarm optimization algorithm and its application on reliability optimization
Authors: Zheng Bo , Zhang Qiang , Ma Xin , Zhang Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2023

In order to improve the global optimization of particle swarm optimization (PSO), enhance the performance of PSO in dealing with these complex, high‐dimensional, multimodal optimization problems, and furthermore, promote the optimization effect in reliability optimization applications, a direct position updating‐based trying‐mutation PSO (DTPSO) was proposed. In this algorithm, the direct position updating strategy and trying‐mutation strategy were designed, which could effectively maintain the population diversity, balance the exploitation and exploration, and increase the probability of obtaining global optimal solution. After being verified and compared by nine complex test functions, the rationality of algorithm design and the excellent global optimization performances were proved. In the reliability optimization, the reliability redundancy allocation and reliability allocation were optimized by different advanced improved algorithms, the comparison results proved the stability and optimization performance of DTPSO. Due to its stable and efficient global optimization performance, it was concluded the proposed DTPSO could provide effective technical support for practical applications such as reliability optimization.
Template‐Directed Polymerization of Binary Acrylate Monomers on Surface‐Activated Lignin Nanoparticles in Toughening of Bio‐Latex Films
Authors: Wang Luyao , Wang Qingbo , Rosqvist Emil , Smått Jan‐Henrik , Yong Qiwen , Lassila Lippo , Peltonen Jouko , Rosenau Thomas , Toivakka Martti , Willför Stefan , Eklund Patrik , Xu Chunlin , Wang Xiaoju
Published: March 2023

Fabricating bio‐latex colloids with core–shell nanostructure is an effective method for obtaining films with enhanced mechanical characteristics. Nano‐sized lignin is rising as a class of sustainable nanomaterials that can be incorporated into latex colloids. Fundamental knowledge of the correlation between surface chemistry of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) and integration efficiency in latex colloids and from it thermally processed latex films are scarce. Here, an approach to integrate self‐assembled nanospheres of allylated lignin as the surface‐activated cores in a seeded free‐radical emulsion copolymerization of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate is proposed. The interfacial‐modulating function on allylated LNPs regulates the emulsion polymerization and it successfully produces a multi‐energy dissipative latex film structure containing a lignin‐dominated core (16% dry weight basis). At an optimized allyl‐terminated surface functionality of 1.04 mmol g−1, the LNPs‐integrated latex film exhibits extremely high toughness value above 57.7 MJ m−3. With multiple morphological and microstructural characterizations, the well‐ordered packing of latex colloids under the nanoconfinement of LNPs in the latex films is revealed. It is concluded that the surface chemistry metrics of colloidal cores in terms of the abundance of polymerization‐modulating anchors and their accessibility have a delicate control over the structural evolution of core–shell latex colloids.
Suppressed Voltage Deficit and Degradation of Perovskite Solar Cells by Regulating the Mineralization of Lead Iodide
Authors: Chen Li , Chen Jingde , Wang Chenyue , Ren Hao , Hou Hong‐Yi , Zhang Ye‐Fan , Li Yan‐Qing , Gao Xingyu , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: March 2023

Both the uncoordinated Pb2+ and excess PbI2 in perovskite film will create defects and perturb carrier collection, thus leading to the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss and inducing rapid performance degradation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an additive of 3‐aminothiophene‐2‐carboxamide (3‐AzTca) that contains amide and amino and features a large molecular size is introduced to improve the quality of perovskite film. The interplay of size effect and adequate bonding strength between 3‐AzTca and uncoordinated Pb2+ regulates the mineralization of PbI2 and generates low‐dimensional PbI2 phase, thereby boosting the crystallization of perovskite. The decreased defect states result in suppressed nonradiative recombination and reduced VOC loss. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of modified PSC is improved to 22.79% with a high VOC of 1.22 V. Moreover, the decomposition of PbI2 and perovskite films is also retarded, yielding enhanced device stability. This study provides an effective method to minimize the concentration of uncoordinated Pb2+ and improve the PCE and stability of PSCs.
Modulation of Vacancy Defects and Texture for High Performance n‐Type Bi2Te3 via High Energy Refinement
Authors: Zhou Jing , Feng Jianghe , Li Hao , Liu Duo , Qiu Guojuan , Qiu Feng , Li Juan , Luo Zhong‐Zhen , Zou Zhigang , Sun Rong , Liu Ruiheng
Published: March 2023

The carrier concentration in n‐type layered Bi2Te3‐based thermoelectric (TE) material is significantly impacted by the donor‐like effect, which would be further intensified by the nonbasal slip during grain refinement of crushing, milling, and deformation, inducing a big challenge to improve its TE performance and mechanical property simultaneously. In this work, high‐energy refinement and hot‐pressing are used to stabilize the carrier concentration due to the facilitated recovery of cation and anion vacancies. Based on this, combined with SbI3 doping and hot deformation, the optimized carrier concentration and high texture degree are simultaneously realized. As a result, a peak figure of merit (zT) of 1.14 at 323 K for Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 + 0.05 wt.% SbI3 sample with the high bending strength of 100 Mpa is obtained. Furthermore, a 31‐couple thermoelectric cooling device consisted of n‐type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 + 0.05 wt.% SbI3 and commercial p‐type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 legs is fabricated, which generates the large maximum temperature difference (ΔTmax) of 85 K at a hot‐side temperature of 343 K. Thus, the discovery of recovery effect in high energy refinement and hot‐pressing has significant implications for improving TE performance and mechanical strength of n‐type Bi2Te3, thereby promoting its applications in harsh conditions.
Structural Engineering of Hierarchical Aerogels Hybrid Networks for Efficient Thermal Comfort Management and Versatile Protection
Authors: Gao Feng , Tong Zheming , Xiao Weiqiang , Liu Quan , Lu Jianguo , Hou Yang , He Qinggang , Gao Xiang , Cheng Dangguo , Zhan Xiaoli , Ma Yaoguang , Zhang Qinghua
Published: March 2023

In recent years, growing concerns regarding energy efficiency and heat mitigation, along with the critical goal of carbon neutrality, have drawn human attention to the zero‐energy‐consumption cooling technique. Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) can be an invaluable tool for combating climate change by dispersing ambient heat directly into outer space instead of just transferring it across the surface. Although significant progress has been made in cooling mechanisms, materials design, and application exploration, PDRC faces challenges regarding functionality, durability, and commercialization. Herein, a silica nanofiber aerogels (SNAs) functionalized poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropene) (P(VDF‐HFP)) membrane (SFP membrane), inspired by constructional engineering is constructed. As‐prepared membranes with flexible network structure combined hierarchical structure design and practicability principal. As the host material for thermal comfort management (TCM) and versatile protection, the SFP membrane features a large surface area, porous structure, and a robust skeleton that can render excellent mechanical properties. Importantly, the SFP membrane can keep exceptional solar reflectivity (0.95) and strong mid‐infrared emittance (0.98) drop the temperature to 12.5 °C below ambient and 96 W m−2 cooling power under typical solar intensities over 910 W m−2. This work provides a promising avenue for high performance aerogel membranes that can be created for use in a wide variety of applications.
Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with >85% Fill Factor via Sequential Interfacial Engineering
Authors: Shi Junwei , Li Fangchao , Liu Cheng , Ling Xufeng , Zhang Xuliang , Wang Yao , Guo Junjun , Zhao Chenyu , Wang Deng , Li Youyong , Ma Wanli , Yuan Jianyu , Xu Baomin
Published: March 2023

Even the most efficient inverted p–i–n architecture perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are still inferior to those with regular n–i–p architecture, which is mainly limited by interfacial loss. Herein, both wet and dry metal–halide perovskite films are regulated through organic molecules–assisted sequential interfacial engineering for high‐performance inverted PSCs. In specific, organic acetic acid treatment on the wet film potently regulates the nucleation and crystallization of perovskite films. Then, further loading 4‐(dimethylamino)benzoic acid on the dry perovskite film creates a passivating agent layer to suppress defect formation, leading to more phase‐pure and conductive perovskite films. Combined experimental and theoretical results illustrate that such sequential treatment is beneficial for decreasing surface trap states, non‐radiative recombination, and carrier transport loss. As a result, the target inverted PSC exhibits an unprecedented high fill factor (FF) of 85.31% together with a champion efficiency of 21.37%, which is greatly improved relative to the reference (FF of 79.60%, and efficiency of 19.40%). It should be noted that such a high FF is among the highest report and corresponding to 94.38% of the Shockley–Queisser limited FF (90.39%) of PSCs with a bandgap of 1.576 eV. In addition, the storage stability against moisture of target inverted PSCs is remarkably enhanced.
A Review on the Modeling of Direct Reduction of Iron Oxides in Gas‐Based Shaft Furnaces
Authors: Zare Ghadi Ariyan , Radfar Navid , Valipour Mohammad Sadegh , Sohn Hong Yong
Published: March 2023

Although the blast furnace process is the dominant ironmaking route to supply the feedstocks for steelmaking, a number of alternative ironmaking technologies such as the direct reduction process have grown rapidly in recent decades. This development is largely in response to the increasingly stringent emission control policies, rising costs of energy, and the increasing costs and environmental effects of coke usage. In direct reduction processes, iron oxides are reduced to iron at a temperature below its melting point. More than 79% of direct reduced iron is produced by Midrex and Energiron, both of which use gas‐based shaft furnaces. A proper understanding of these processes is required to improve the performance and operation of the plants based on them. Therefore, herein, it is aimed to provide a comprehensive review of research that is carried out over the last several decades to examine the effects of the important phenomena on the performance of the gas‐based shaft furnaces. The review is divided into experimental and mathematical investigations. The main features, limitations, and shortcomings of each study are discussed. Finally, the review concludes with current knowledge gaps and suggestions for further research in this thriving sector of the steel industry.
Effect of Mold Electromagnetic Stirring on Metallurgical Behavior in Ultrahigh Speed Continuous Casting Billet Mold
Authors: Li Xintao , Zhang Zhaohui , Lv Ming , Fang Ming , Ma Shaobo , Li Donglin , Xi Xiaofeng
Published: March 2023

A three‐dimensional model of fluid flow, heat transfer, solidification, and inclusion motion in billet mold at ultrahigh casting speed under electromagnetic field is developed. The low Reynolds number k–ε model coupled with electromagnetic model and Lagrangian discrete phase model is used to investigate the flow field, temperature field, solidification, and inclusions transport under different current intensities. The results show that mold electromagnetic stirring (M‐EMS) significantly alters the flow pattern of molten steel. The impact depth of the molten steel decreases as the stirring current intensity increases, and the horizontal swirl intensities of the molten steel increase with the stirring current intensity. As the current intensity increases from 500 to 700 A, the impact depth decreases from 0.637 to 0.575 m and the maximum tangential velocity increases from 0.477 to 0.898 m s−1. When the stirring current is intense, the flow of molten steel near the mold exit is reversed, and the molten steel flows asymmetrically and unsteadily. The M‐EMS effectively improves the transverse heat transfer of the molten steel in the mold, contributing to the dissipation of the molten steel superheat and the growth of the solidified shell. In addition, the removal ratio of the inclusions is improved significantly.