bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Ion Diffusion in Flexible Ti3C2TX MXene Film for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Hao , Zhou Hanmo , Zhuang Lyuchao , Liu Tiancheng , Han Wei , Huang Haitao
Published: April 2022

Ti3C2T
x
MXene is a good candidate of electrode materials for supercapacitors due to its high conductivity and outstanding pseudocapacitance. However, restacking among MXene sheets is inevitable when they are assembled into a freestanding film electrodes, which hinders electrolyte ion diffusion to active sites and results in sluggish energy‐storage kinetics. Herein, the volumetrically expanded ester reaction between ethanol and phosphoric acid is exploited to improve interlayer path within the Ti3C2T
x
film. These two kinds of molecules jointly intercalate into the interlayer space of the Ti3C2T
x
film and then react to produce phosphate under heating, leading to an expanded molecular scale but uniform interlayer gallery. The optimized film shows enhancement in both gravimetric and volumetric capacitances along with better rate capability. It exhibits a capacitance of 297 F g−1/965 F cm−3 at 2 mV s−1 and retains 108 F g−1/300 F cm−3 at 200 mV s−1, which are greatly superior to those of the pristine film without the treatments. The assembled symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors with optimized film structure can deliver an energy density of 6.33 and 7 Wh Kg−1, respectively. Herein, a novel yet simple method to ameliorate restacking of MXene sheets for its better supercapacitor application is demonstrated.
Effect of K Doping on the Performance of Aqueous Solution‐Processed Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cell
Authors: Hao Shasha , Yu Shaotang , Liu Xinge , Li Bingyan , Han Shuaiqi , Xin Hao , Yan Weibo , Huang Wei
Published: April 2022

Copper indium gallium selenide Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells fabricated by vacuum thermal evaporation, magnetron sputtering, or organic solvent solution‐process either lead to high manufacturing cost and film nonuniformity or cause explosion, toxication and pollution. To address these issues, herein, water as a solvent to prepare the CIGS precursor solution is used and 7.04% efficient CIGS solar cells without MgF2 antireflection layer is obtained. Furthermore, for the first time, K doping on CIGS films via adding “K+” into the aqueous precursor solution is conducted. K–In–Se species is formed in the process of selenization and acts as a Se reservoir during CIGS grain growth, resulting in improved quality of the CIGS film with much larger grains. K doping can also inhibit the loss of Ga element. The high‐bandgap K–In–Se phase and higher Ga content combine to result in the increase in the CIGS bandgap. As a result, the K‐doped CIGS solar cell achieves a 33.1% enhancement in efficiency to 9.37%, with the significant increase in the open‐circuit voltage from 520.5 to 597.1 mV and fill factor from 50.77 to 55.36%. These results provide an important preliminary foundation for the development of aqueous precursor solution‐based CIGS solar cells.
RETRACTED: The research on application of agricultural big data agricultural economic management
Authors: Zhao Yuxuan
Published: April 2022

This paper applies agricultural big data into agricultural economics management in order to improve agricultural economics management effects and comprehensively analyzes criterion and trending, maturity and advancement, practice and advancement, usability and extension of the platform according to the structure of agricultural economics management system by using big data. Meanwhile the paper describes the actual application condition of agricultural economics management, designs tests to analyze the agricultural economics data and digs the effects according to the agricultural economics management data through the crawler technology, and explains the application effects in the agricultural economics management. Tests and studies prove the reliability of the method put in the paper.
The circadian rhythm of calcium and bone homeostasis in Maasai
Authors: Schou Anne , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Maro Venance Phillip , Kilonzo Kajiru , Ramaiya Kaushik , Sironga Joseph , Jensen Andreas Kryger , Christensen Dirk Lund , Schwarz Peter
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Ethnic groups differ in prevalence of calcium‐related diseases. Differences in the physiology and the endogenous circadian rhythm (CR) of calcium and bone homeostasis may play a role. Thus, we aimed to investigate details of CR pattern in calcium and bone homeostasis in East African Maasai.

Methods

Ten clinically healthy adult Maasai men and women from Tanzania were examined. Blood samples were collected every 2nd hour for 24 h. Serum levels of total calcium, albumin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25(OH)D, creatinine, C‐terminal telopeptide (CTX), bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide (P1NP), and osteocalcin were measured. Circadian patterns were derived from graphic curves of medians, and rhythmicity was assessed with Fourier analysis.

Results

PTH‐levels varied over the 24 h exhibiting a bimodal pattern. Nadir level corresponded to 65% of total 24‐h mean. CTX and P1NP showed 24‐h variations with a morning nadir and nocturnal peak with nadir levels corresponding to 23% and 79% of the 24‐h mean, respectively. Albumin‐corrected calcium level was held in a narrow range and alterations were corresponding to alterations in PTH. There was no distinct pattern in 24‐h variations of 25(OH)D, creatinine, osteocalcin, or BSAP.

Conclusions

All participants showed pronounced 24‐h variations in PTH and bone turnover markers CTX and P1NP. These findings support that Maasai participants included in this study have typical patterns of CR in calcium and bone homeostasis consistent with findings from other ethnic populations.
Hepatoblastoma in molecularly defined, congenital diseases
Authors: Nussbaumer Gunther , Benesch Martin
Published: April 2022

Beckwith–Wiedemann spectrum, Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis and trisomy 18 are the most common congenital conditions associated with an increased incidence of hepatoblastoma (HB). In patients with these genetic disorders, screening protocols for HB are proposed that include periodic abdominal ultrasound and measurement of alpha‐fetoprotein levels. Surveillance in these children may contribute to the early detection of HB and possibly improve their chances of overall survival. Therefore, physicians must be aware of the high HB incidence in children with certain predisposing genetic diseases.
Ionic Liquid Functionalized Chitosan Catalyst with Optimized Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Structural Balance for Efficient CO2 Fixation
Authors: Paliwal Khushboo S. , Biswas Tanmoy , Mitra Antarip , Tudu Gouri , Mahalingam Venkataramanan
Published: April 2022

In this work a series of chitosan‐based catalysts with ranging hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance are successfully prepared by varying the ionic liquid and hydrocarbon chain length attached to chitosan. The chitosan modified with eight carbon units displayed efficient catalytic activity for the conversion of a wide range of epoxides to their corresponding cyclic carbonates under 1 atmosphere pressure of carbon dioxide without cocatalyst and solvent. The optimized catalyst was able to convert even diepoxides and sterically bulky epoxides like t‐butyl glycidyl ether to their corresponding cyclic carbonates. This study provides an insight into catalyst designing based on possible molecular interaction between reactants and active sites of the catalyst.
Vanadium metal complexes' inhibition studies on enzyme PTP‐1B and antidiabetic activity studies on Wistar rats
Authors: Shaik Ayub , Kondaparthy Vani , Aveli Rambabu , Vemulapalli Louwkhyaa , Manwal Deva Das
Published: April 2022

Evidence from biochemical, genetic, and pharmacological studies strongly suggest that inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase‐1B (PTP‐1B) enzyme could address both diabetes and obesity and thus making PTP‐1B as an exciting target for drug development. Although many natural PTP‐1B inhibitors showed promising clinical and potential activity, still there is no clinically used PTP‐1B inhibitor which is most likely due to relatively low activities or lack of selectivity. With this background, we have synthesized and characterized the inhibitors exclusive for PTP‐1B. Vanadium metal complexes were our choice. The purpose of this investigation is twofold: firstly, to evaluate the inhibitory properties of these vanadium metal complexes on enzyme PTP‐1B and secondly, to know the ease with which these metal complexes are being transported by transporting proteins like bovine serum albumin (BSA). To synchronize these results, experiments on induced diabetic Wistar Rats were conducted. Also, we evaluated the PTP‐1B inhibitory effects of these vanadium metal complexes theoretically (molecular modeling) and experimentally (enzyme kinetics) and found that they have excellent inhibitory properties on PTP‐1B. These complexes upon injecting reduced the serum glucose levels to normal range in induced diabetic Wistar rats within 3 days of experiments. The order of glucose reducing properties of these metal complexes from different experiments is found to be the same. Among these complexes, [7‐imi], which is derived from [Bis(1,3‐diphenyl‐1,3propanedione)oxovanadium (IV)] and imidazole as ligands, has shown to be more effective in in vitro and in vivo studies compared with methyl imidazole and ethyl imidazole.
Highly stretchable dual‐cure photosensitive resin for digital light processing printing
Authors: Ren Chuanzheng , Deng Yuhao , Bao Jianjun
Published: April 2022

The two‐stage curing approach is one of the promising strategies to achieve the 3D printing of high‐performance elastomers. Herein, a novel resin formulation that is composed of a photocurable acrylic resin and a mixture of thermocurable isocyanate oligomer/diamine is evaluated by digital light processing technology. Such resin possesses a satisfying viscosity for printing, especially at ambient temperature. For first curing stage, that is, photocurable stage, precisely architectural components with the required shape can be fabricated by a free‐radical photopolymerization. Methyl ethyl ketone oxime that serves as a blocking agent, was employed to ensure the stability of isocyanate resin during this stage. Consecutively, a thermally activated deblocking process is carried out and accompanied by isocyanate/diamine copolymerization, which is the second curing stage. An interpenetrating polymer networks structure in designing resin (25 wt% photocurable resin and 75 wt% thermocurable resin) was formed after thermal curing, which is of significance for achieving excellently comprehensive mechanical properties. Contributed by special structures, it is capable of reaching a 4.67 MPa of tensile strength at 100% strain, while yielding favorable tensile strength of 7.51 MPa as well a maximum elongation at break of 745.3%, which is nearly identical to the initial mechanical performances of pure polyurethane elastomer.
Unlocking the biosynthetic potential of Penicillium roqueforti for hyperproduction of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid: Gamma radiation mutagenesis and response surface optimization of fermentation medium
Authors: El‐Sayed El‐Sayed R. , Zaki Amira G.
Published: April 2022

Based on the broad clinical utility of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid (MPA), this article aims to intensify the biosynthetic potential of Penicillium roqueforti for more effective hyperproduction of the drug. Several mutants were generated from irradiation mutagenesis and screened. Two strains (GM1013 and GM1093) presented an elevated MPA productivity with significant yield constancy over 10 subsequent generations. By investigating the effect of some phosphorous sources and mineral salts on MPA production by the two mutants, KH2PO4 and FeSO4·7H2O were most preferred by the two mutants for higher MPA production rates. Statistics‐dependent experimental designs were also employed for optimizing medium components for maximum MPA production. Medium components were primarily screened using the Plackett–Burman model to demonstrate the most important components that most significantly affect MPA production. The concentrations of these significant components were then optimized through a central composite rotatable model. In conclusion, gamma‐radiation mutation and response surface optimization resulted in a promising MPA productivity by P. roqueforti GM1013. To our knowledge, the MPA‐yield achieved in this study (2933.32 mg L–1) is the highest reported by academic laboratories from P. roqueforti cultures, which could be of economic value for a prospective large industrialized application.
Light‐induced fermenter production of derivatives of the sweet protein monellin is maximized in prestationary Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures
Authors: Gramazio Simona , Trauth Jonathan , Bezold Filipp , Essen Lars‐Oliver , Taxis Christof , Spadaccini Roberta
Published: April 2022

Optogenetics has great potential for biotechnology and metabolic engineering due to the cost‐effective control of cellular activities. The usage of optogenetics techniques for the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules ensures reduced costs and enhanced regulatory possibilities. This requires development of efficient methods for light‐delivery during a production process in a fermenter. Here, we benchmarked the fermenter production of a low‐caloric sweetener in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with optogenetic tools against the production in small scale cell culture flasks. An expression system based on the light‐controlled interaction between Cry2 and Cib1 was used for sweet‐protein production. Optimization of the fermenter process was achieved by increasing the light‐flux during the production phase to circumvent shading by yeast cells at high densities. Maximal amounts of the sweet‐protein were produced in a pre‐stationary growth phase, whereas at later stages, a decay in protein abundance was observable. Our investigation showcases the upscaling of an optogenetic production process from small flasks to a bioreactor. Optogenetic‐controlled production in a fermenter is highly cost‐effective due to the cheap inducer and therefore a viable alternative to chemicals for a process that requires an induction step.
Engineering of the CMV promoter for controlled expression of recombinant genes in HEK293 cells
Authors: Johari Yusuf B. , Scarrott Joseph M. , Pohle Thilo H. , Liu Ping , Mayer Ayda , Brown Adam J. , James David C.
Published: April 2022

Expression of recombinant genes in HEK293 cells is frequently utilized for production of recombinant proteins and viral vectors. These systems frequently employ the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter to drive recombinant gene transcription. However, the mechanistic basis of CMV‐mediated transcriptional activation in HEK293 cells is unknown and consequently there are no strategies to engineer CMV for controlled expression of recombinant genes. Extensive bioinformatic analyses of transcription factor regulatory elements (TFREs) within the human CMV sequence and transcription factor mRNAs within the HEK293 transcriptome revealed 80 possible regulatory interactions. Through in vitro functional testing using reporter constructs harboring discrete TFREs or CMV deletion variants we identified key TFRE components and clusters of TFREs (cis‐regulatory modules) within the CMV sequence. Our data reveal that CMV activity in HEK293 cells is a function of the promoters various constituent TFREs including AhR:ARNT, CREB, E4F, Sp1, ZBED1, JunB, c‐Rel, and NF‐κB. We also identified critical Sp1‐dependent upstream activator elements near the transcriptional start site that were required for efficient transcription and YY1 and RBP‐Jκ binding sites that mediate transrepression. Our study shows for the first time that novel, compact CMV‐derived promoters can be engineered that exhibit up to 50% higher transcriptional efficiency (activity per unit DNA sequence) or 14% increase in total activity compared to the wild‐type counterpart.
Enzyme‐mediated synthesis of Molnupiravir: paving the way for the application of biocatalysis in pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Cruz Guillermo , Acosta Javier , Del Arco Jon , Clemente‐Suarez Vicente Javier , Deroncele Víctor , Fernández‐Lucas Jesús
Published: April 2022

Molnupiravir (Lagevrio®) is an orally‐administered anti‐COVID‐19 agent. Due to the urgency to meet the worldwide demand and the growing environmental concern, there is a need for speed in the industrial implementation of novel and efficient bioprocesses for Molnupiravir synthesis. This concept paper aims to review the most relevant milestones that have guided important developments in the enzyme‐mediated synthesis of Molnupiravir, including detailed comments on the advantages and drawbacks of the different synthetic routes. Finally, based on a personal perspective, new greener processes for Molnupiravir manufacturing are proposed and discussed.
C−H Deprotonation and C=C Hydrogenation of N‐Heterocyclic Olefin with Calcium Hydride Complexes: Cooperative Ca−H−Ca Bridge versus Terminal Ca−H bond
Authors: Qu Zheng‐Wang , Zhu Hui , Streubel Rainer , Grimme Stefan
Published: April 2022

Monomeric calcium hydride intermediates with reactive terminal Ca−H bond were recently proposed to deprotonate N‐heterocyclic olefin ligands upon moderate heating with dimeric amidinate calcium hydride complexes. In contrast, extensive dispersion‐corrected DFT calculations disclose the frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) like reactivity of cooperative Ca−H−Ca bridges for stoichiometric C−H deprotonation and kinetically more favorable catalytic C=C hydrogenation with pressured H2, thus providing useful insights for metal hydride based hydrogenation catalysts.
Asymmetric Catalytic α‐Selective Allylation of Ketones with Allyltrifluoroborates Using Dual‐Functional Chiral InIII/N,N′‐Dioxide Complex
Authors: Tang Xiaoxue , Su Zhishan , Lin Qianchi , Lin Lili , Dong Shunxi , Feng Xiaoming
Published: April 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Asymmetric catalytic allylation of halo‐substituted ketones and ketoesters was accomplished to yield a number of homoallylic tertiary alcohols in excellent reactivity and enantioselectivity. In the presence of chiral InIII/N,N′‐dioxide catalyst, unusual α‐selective allylation of γ‐substituted potassium allyltrifluoroborates to ketones was demonstrated. The control experiments and DFT calculation reveal that chiral InIII/N,N′‐dioxide catalyst plays dual‐tasking roles: the formation of allylindium species via transmetalation and Lewis acid activation. A possible reaction pathway was provided to understand α‐selectivity over γ‐selectivity.
Significant decrease in plasmad‐dimer levels and mean platelet volume after a 3‐month treatment with rosuvastatin in patients with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Alirezaei Toktam , Sattari Haniyeh , Irilouzadian Rana
Published: April 2022

Background

Inflammation has been considered as a possible mechanism for the initiation and recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Statins have anti‐inflammatory and potential immune‐modulatory effects, but their effect on plasmad‐dimer levels is controversial.

Hypothesis

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of rosuvastatin on D‐dimer and other inflammatory serum markers in VTE patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized study on 228 patients with VTE. Control group received conventional treatment (warfarin or rivaroxaban), whereas rosuvastatin‐intervention group received rosuvastatin 10 mg daily, in addition to their conventional treatment for 3 months. Serum markers were extracted from both groups at the baseline and 3 months after the beginning of treatment.

Results

After 3 months, in patients of the intervention group, there was a statistically significant decrease in levels ofd‐dimer and mean platelet volume (MPV) but no significant change in neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio.

Conclusions

Our results showed that a 3‐month treatment with 10 mg rosuvastatin daily can significantly decrease the plasma levels ofd‐dimer and MPV, which would support a potential role of statins to reduce activated systemic inflammation among VTE patients. Such effects can be used to reduce the rate of recurrent VTE in these patients.
ASpecD: A Modular Framework for the Analysis of Spectroscopic Data Focussing on Reproducibility and Good Scientific Practice**
Authors: Popp Jara , Biskup Till
Published: April 2022

Reproducibility is at the heart of science. However, most published results usually lack the information necessary to be independently reproduced. Even more, most authors will not be able to reproduce the results from a few years ago due to lacking a gap‐less record of every processing and analysis step including all parameters involved. There is only one way to overcome this problem: developing robust tools for data analysis that, while maintaining a maximum of flexibility in their application, allow the user to perform advanced processing steps in a scientifically sound way. At the same time, the only viable approach for reproducible and traceable analysis is to relieve the user of the responsibility for logging all processing steps and their parameters. This can only be achieved by using a system that takes care of these crucial though often neglected tasks. Here, we present a solution to this problem: a framework for the analysis of spectroscopic data (ASpecD) written in the Python programming language that can be used without any actual programming needed. This framework is made available open‐source and free of charge and focusses on usability, small footprint and modularity while ensuring reproducibility and good scientific practice. Furthermore, we present a set of best practices and design rules for scientific software development and data analysis. Together, this empowers scientists to focus on their research minimising the need to implement complex software tools while ensuring full reproducibility. We anticipate this to have a major impact on reproducibility and good scientific practice, as we raise the awareness of their importance, summarise proven best practices and present a working user‐friendly software solution.
An effective combination of terahertz band NOMA and MIMO system for power efficiency enhancement
Authors: Ramesh Chandra Kothapalli , Borugadda Somasekhar
Published: April 2022

Terahertz (THz) band communication is extensively used to reach future communication needs for large capacity. Moreover, the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and Non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) approach with multi‐antenna enable users to share more data with good spectrum efficiency. Due to its various applications, different research works are done in MIMO and NOMA. But the existing approach used in NOMA‐MIMO has a major limitation in power efficiency. Hence, this research work is presented for maximizing power efficiency. The power efficiency is improved effectively using the THz‐NOMA‐MIMO system in the presented approach. Initially, users are clustered effectively by utilizing the enhanced fuzzy c‐means clustering (EFCM) approach. Afterwards, hybrid precoding with threshold orthogonal matching pursuit (TOMP) approach is presented for generating the hybrid precoding vectors. Here, optimal precoding vectors are generated using the geometric distance‐based TOMP approach. This process eliminates the interference present in the data communication, thus improving power and spectral efficiency. Finally, the weight‐based distributed power efficient algorithm (WDPEA) achieves the finest power allocation. These combinations of effective approaches enhance the power and spectral efficiency. The presented methodology is implemented in the working platform of MATLAB. The performance of the presented approach is examined with the different existing approaches in regards to spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, effective capacity, and the mean squared error. When the users are at 20, the sum spectral efficiency of existing zero forcing (ZF) is 21, regularized zero forcing (RZF) is 54, maximum ratio transmission (MRT) is 71, and the proposed method is 77 bit/s/Hz. When the signal to noise ratio at 25 dB, the energy efficiency of existing time division multiple access (TDMA) is 1.24, digital MIMO is 1.21, orthogonal multiple access (OMA) is 1.23, weighted NOMA is 1.35, and the proposed method is 1.38 bit/joule/Hz. The proposed method gets better results when compared to other methods.
SEALNET: Facial recognition software for ecological studies of harbor seals
Authors: Birenbaum Zach , Do Hieu , Horstmyer Lauren , Orff Hailey , Ingram Krista , Ay Ahmet
Published: April 2022

Methods for long‐term monitoring of coastal species such as harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are often costly, time‐consuming, and highly invasive, underscoring the need for improved techniques for data collection and analysis. Here, we propose the use of automated facial recognition technology for identification of individual seals and demonstrate its utility in ecological and population studies. We created a software package, SealNet, that automates photo identification of seals, using a graphical user interface (GUI) software to detect, align, and chip seal faces from photographs and a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) suitable for small datasets (e.g., 100 seals with five photos per seal) to classify individual seals. We piloted the SealNet technology with a population of harbor seals located within Casco Bay on the coast of Maine, USA. Across two years of sampling, 2019 and 2020, at seven haul‐out sites in Middle Bay, we obtained a dataset optimized for the development and testing of SealNet. We processed 1752 images representing 408 individual seals and achieved 88% Rank‐1 and 96% Rank‐5 accuracy in closed set seal identification. In identifying individual seals, SealNet software outperformed a similar face recognition method, PrimNet, developed for primates but retrained on seals. The ease and wealth of image data that can be processed using SealNet software contributes a vital tool for ecological and behavioral studies of marine mammals in the developing field of conservation technology.
Elevational variability in and controls on the temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition in alpine forests
Authors: Kong Junqia , He Zhibin , Chen Longfei , Zhang Shouke , Yang Rong , Du Jun
Published: April 2022

Patterns and elevational controls on the response of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition to temperature in alpine forest soils are critical to efforts to quantify the regional carbon cycle–climate feedback, but are not well known. Here, we report rates of SOM decomposition (RS) and temperature sensitivity (Q10) determined in a short‐term laboratory incubation with gradual warming from 5 to 29°C of soils from different elevations in the Qilian Mountains, China (2600, 2800, 3000, and 3200 m). The results showed the RS significantly increased with increasing elevation (p < 0.001), in which RS was significantly greater at 3200 m than that at the other elevations but had no significant difference in RS among elevations below 3200 m. Across all elevations, RS first showed an increasing trend at temperatures <20°C and then declined substantially (>20°C), most likely in response to the content of labile C (greater at the start of incubation and declining over time). Q10 of SOM decomposition increased significantly with increasing elevation and decreasing incubation temperature (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, and 1‐ to 2‐mm aggregate‐associated organic carbon (OC) were the main control factors affecting RS and Q10 along an elevational gradient. These results indicate that high‐altitude soils in alpine forests of the Qilian Mountains are relatively more sensitive to warming and have greater potential to release CO2 due to higher SOC contents and 1‐ to 2‐mm aggregate‐associated OC than low‐altitude soils. The findings could serve as a reference for how regional C pools may respond to future warming in alpine forests of the Qilian Mountains.
The invasive species Rangia cuneata: A new food source for herring gull (Larus argentatus)?
Authors: Pezy Jean‐Philippe , Pezy Ambre , Raoux Aurore
Published: April 2022

Continued human population growth and the associated development of coasts lead to dramatic effects on marine coastal ecosystems altering food resources and habitats for several species and resulting in novel species interactions. The Bay of the Seine, located in the eastern part of the English Channel, is one of the most anthropized sea in the world. Here, we report an observation of the European herring gulls (Larus argentatus) feeding on the nonindigenous species (NIS) Rangia cuneata in the Bay of the Seine. Observations of otter prints (Lutra lutra) and excrements were also found near the bivalves, suggesting that this species also feed on the NIS bivalve. Our study suggests that the spread of NIS in coastal marine ecosystem is expected to drive changes in the foraging behavior of top predators.
Control of Phase Separation and Crystallization for High‐Efficiency and Mechanically Deformable Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ding Zicheng , Zhang Yi , Su Yueling , Wu Yin , Han Yanchun , Zhao Kui , (Frank) Liu Shengzhong
Published: April 2022

Stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs) have great potential as power sources for the next‐generation wearable electronics. Although blending rigid photovoltaic components with soft insulating materials can easily endow the mechanical ductility of active layers, the photovoltaic efficiencies usually drops in the resulting OSCs. Herein, a high photovoltaic efficiency of 15.03% and a large crack‐onset strain of 15.70% is simultaneously achieved based on a ternary blend consisting of polymer donor poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl‐3‐fluoro)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c']dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)] (PM6), non‐fullerene accepter 2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((12,13‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,9‐diundecyl‐12,13‐dihydro‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]thieno[2′′,3′′:4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2‐g]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐2,10‐diyl)bis (methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile (Y6), and soft elastomer polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) through the control of phase separation and crystallization. By employing a high‐boiling point solvent additive 1‐chloronaphthalene (CN) with different solubilities for PM6 and Y6, the aggregation dynamics of PM6 and Y6 as well as the film solidification process are dramatically altered, allowing for the different molecular rearrangement and liquid–liquid phase separation evolution. Consequently, the ternary film with optimal CN content presents decreased SEBS domains and moderately improved molecular ordering of PM6 and Y6, enabling effective mechanical deformation and charge generation/transport. The revealed corrections between the film‐formation process, film microstructure, and photovoltaic/mechanical characteristics in the ternary blend provide deep understanding of the morphology control toward high‐performance stretchable OSCs.
Potential efficacy of multipoint pacing in the reduction of mitral regurgitation volume: a case report
Authors: Wada Masato , Kondo Hidekazu , Fukuda Tomoko , Sato Hiroki , Yamasaki Hirochika , Yonezu Keisuke , Uemura Tetsuya , Ogawa Naoko , Saito Shotaro , Shuto Takashi , Wada Tomoyuki , Yufu Kunio , Nobe Seiki , Miyamoto Shinji , Takahashi Naohiko
Published: April 2022

A 70‐year‐old woman who had cardiac sarcoidosis and severe tethering mitral regurgitation (MR) and had been implanted with a biventricular pacemaker experienced recurrent hospitalisation due to decompensated heart failure (HF). Application of MultiPoint™ pacing reduced the MR volume and maintained the symptoms under control; however, the predicted longevity of the device significantly decreased because of the very high threshold of the added pacing site. Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) using MitraClip® was performed to further diminish the severe MR, thereby enabling the switch from highly consumptive multipoint pacing (MPP) to energy‐saving single‐point pacing. MPP could further reduce MR compared to the conventional single‐point pacing, and this could be a bridging therapy to TMVR in some patients implanted with a biventricular pacemaker. This is the first case to report that switching from conventional single‐point pacing to MPP decreased the MR, to some extent, resulting in the improvement of HF symptoms.
Dielectric Response Behavior and Displacement‐Type Metal‐Free Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Phase Transition Material: trans‐(NH3C6H10NH3)[NO3]2
Authors: Luo Yan , Zhang Yin‐Qiang , Xu Guan‐Cheng
Published: April 2022

Phase transition compounds have been attracting interest in scientific research due to their wide applications in dielectric materials. Herein, a new displacement‐type metal‐free organic‐inorganic hybrid phase transition material trans‐(NH3C6H10NH3)[NO3]2 (1) with Tc=245 K has been successfully synthesized. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction elucidates that the space group of 1 turns from P
in the high temperature phase to P21/c in the low temperature phase. And the reason of phase transition is related to the displacements of trans‐(NH3C6H10NH3)2+ cations and [NO3]− anions. In addition, 1 shows a dielectric anomaly around the Tc. We expect that this finding will contribute to the research of displacement‐type metal‐free phase transition materials.
State‐of‐Health Estimation of Lithium‐Ion Batteries Based on Thermal Characteristics Mining and Multi‐Gaussian Process Regression Strategy
Authors: Guo Yongfang , Yu Xiangyuan , Wang Yashuang , Zhang Ruoke , Huang Kai
Published: April 2022

Accurate prediction of the state of health (SOH) is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of battery operation. The thermal factor is an important indicator of SOH and many methods based on temperature are sensitive to measurement noise. To improve SOH estimation precision, a new health indicator (HI) directly extracted from the temperature curve is developed and an integrated multi‐Gaussian process regression (MGPR) model is proposed. First, based on the trend analysis of the charging temperature curves with battery degradation, three features that can reflect thermal characteristics are extracted as the HI. Second, considering that the model generated by machine learning is influenced by the training dataset and the inherent inconsistencies in batteries, MGPR model is proposed to improve the model fitness. The training data is reformed and multiple GPR models are established. The multiple models are weighed by taking into account the prediction uncertainty to get the final SOH estimation result. Finally, two types of open‐source data relative to different ambient temperatures and operating profiles are used to verify the performance. Experiment results show that the HI developed can characterize the battery degradation well and the MGPR model has high robustness and can obtain high‐precision estimation results.
Defining Aging Marker Molecules of 1,3‐Propane Sultone for Targeted Identification in Spent LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2||AG Cells
Authors: Peschel Christoph , van Wickeren Stefan , Bloch Aleksandra , Lechtenfeld Christian–Timo , Winter Martin , Nowak Sascha
Published: April 2022

Herein we report on an analytical approach for targeted identification of hazardous 1,3‐propane sultone (PS) in spent lithium ion battery material. PS decomposition is investigated with chromatographic techniques coupled to high‐resolution accurate mass spectrometry. Speciation of sulfur‐containing decomposition products is performed and aging marker molecules are defined. The observed PS decomposition results in characteristic 1‐propanesulfonate via electrochemical ring‐opening. Based on this, 1‐propanesulfonate is defined as an ionic marker molecule for electrochemical PS decomposition. Further, volatile methyl and ethyl esters of 1‐propanesulfonate are identified. Their formation is observed mainly caused by elevated temperatures after preceding PS ring‐opening during cell formation. Both, ionic and volatile decomposition markers can be applied for targeted identification of hazardous PS‐containing lithium ion battery material, despite possible consumption of the initial additive molecule.
Pencil Scripted Ultrathin Graphene Nanostructure as Binder‐Free Battery‐Type Electrode for Li‐Ion Micro‐Capacitors with Excellent Performance
Authors: Shadiya Kondachan Parambil , Divya Madhusoodhanan Lathika , Lee Yun-Sung , Aravindan Vanchiappan
Published: April 2022

Herein, a binder‐free graphene nanostructure anode formulated by drawing on Cu current collector with a commercial 10B pencil is reported. The prepared pencil‐trace electrode (10B pencil graphite, 10B PG) shows an excellent cycling profile with ≈87% capacity retention characteristics after 1000 cycles. Further, a dual‐carbon lithium‐ion capacitor (LIC) is fabricated using the pencil‐trace electrode as battery‐type electrode and commercial activated carbon (AC) as capacitor electrode in aprotic organic solutions. The 10B PG is pre‐lithiated prior to LIC fabrication to ensure an ample supply of Li‐ions during cycling. The developed LIC, 10B PG/AC assembly, displays a remarkable energy density of 109.9 Wh kg−1 irrespective of the applied current density, that is, power.
Closed‐Loop Adsorption‐Based Upgrading of Heat from 90 to 110 °C: Experimental Demonstration and Insights for Future Development
Authors: Engelpracht Mirko , Driesel Jannik , Nießen Oliver , Henninger Matthias , Seiler Jan , Bardow André
Published: April 2022

Industrial energy efficiency can be increased by recovering waste heat, mainly available below 100 °C. This low‐temperature waste heat can drive adsorption heat transformers (AdHTs) to upgrade waste heat to industrially relevant temperatures above 100 °C. Flexible process integration can be achieved by decoupling adsorptive and heat transfer fluid in closed‐loop cycles. However, the experimental feasibility of closed‐loop AdHTs has not been shown yet. Hence, this work studies an experimental one‐bed setup of an AdHT based on a closed‐loop cycle using silica gel 123 and water as the working pair. Experimental feasibility is demonstrated for heat transformation from 90 to 110 °C with waste heat released at 25 °C. The highest coefficient of performance (COP) is 0.183 J J−1 (23% of the maximum Carnot efficiency), and the highest specific heating power (SHP) is 168 W kg−1. A systematic variation of the operating conditions shows that efficiency COP and power density SHP strongly depend on the operating temperatures, volume flows, and phase times. Furthermore, avoiding condensation inside the adsorber casing and heat losses are identified to be crucial for the design of AdHTs. In summary, AdHTs based on a closed‐loop cycle show a promising performance to recover low‐temperature waste heat.
A mini review on paraffin‐graphene and related hybrid phase change materials for building energy applications
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Thapliyal Prakash Chander , Kumar Anuj , Kumar Ashok
Published: April 2022

The thermal energy management in building is gaining the significant attention in the present energy scenario to manage the temperature. Graphene‐related additives are known for their exceptional properties viz. excellent binding and high intrinsic thermal conductivity. The hybrid phase change materials (PCMs) with graphene additives have been applied to enhance the thermal conductivity. Graphene‐related materials are drastically used to improve the properties of PCMs. Incorporating graphene‐related fillers increase the thermal conductivity and preserve the latent heat storage ability of hydrocarbon‐based PCMs. Also, graphene‐related fillers can prevent the leaching properties of the PCMs. These composites can ease concerns regarding energy demand to some level by reversibly storing an incredible quantity of renewable as well as sustainable thermal energy helping to keep up thermal comfort and this has motivated authors to write present mini review. In this review, authors have described PCMs, preparation methods, graphene, graphene oxide, and their composite related PCMs, nanographene added PCMs and their applications in building envelopes utilizing graphene and relative additives.
Scientific research competitiveness in hospitals: A narrative review of major hospital ranking systems in China
Authors: Li Dan , Yu Jing , Lv Zhong‐wei , Gu Wen‐Jun , Li Ji‐yu
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Several hospital ranking systems have been created in China recently, but there is still a lack of comprehensive analysis of the weight and significance of scientific research in hospital ranking. The present study aimed to identify and analyze the role of scientific research competitiveness in various hospital ranking systems in China.

Methods

Over 200 materials published between 2010 and 2020 and related to three mainstream hospital ranking systems in China were reviewed. The methodologies applied in the three ranking systems were analyzed and compared. In addition, the comparative learning and analysis of Top 10 and Top 46–55 hospitals according to the ranking system of China's Best Hospital Rankings was performed for a longitudinal study.

Results

The three major hospital rankings had different scientific research capability ranking methodologies and emphases of scientific research evaluation systems. The most commonly used indicators were science citation index (SCI) publications, National Scientific Foundation of China funding, a number of national key laboratories, and a number of academicians. The relative standing of several top hospitals showed slightly different in the three major Chinese hospital ranking systems. For the longitudinal study, we found that the fluctuation of the ranking of the Top 46–55 hospitals was significantly higher than that of the Top 10 hospitals, in which scientific research played a vital role.

Conclusion

The proportion of scientific research plays an important role in the hospital ranking systems. The quality and quantity of SCI publications, the key indicators of national projects, and top academic talents are the most important factors used to evaluate the level of hospital scientific research, and thus affect the ranking of hospitals.
Connectedness between G10 currencies: Searching for the causal structure
Authors: Bettendorf Timo , Heinlein Reinhold
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a new approach for modelling the connectedness between asset returns. We adapt the measure of Diebold and Yilmaz, which is based on the forecast error variance decomposition of a VAR model. However, their connectedness measure hinges on critical assumptions with regard to the variance–covariance matrix of the error terms. We propose to use a more agnostic empirical approach, based on a machine learning algorithm, to identify the contemporaneous structure. In a Monte Carlo study, we compare the different connectedness measures and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. In an empirical application we analyse the connectedness between the G10 currencies. Our results suggest that the US dollar as well as the Norwegian krone are the most independent currencies in our sample. By contrast, the Swiss franc and New Zealand dollar have a negligible impact on other currencies. Moreover, a cluster analysis suggests that the currencies can be divided into three groups, which we classify as: commodity currencies, European currencies and safe haven/carry trade financing currencies.
Adsorptive potential of ZnO/SiO2 nanorods prepared via the sol–gel method for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from petroleum refinery wastewater
Authors: Shaba Elijah Yanda , Tijani Jimoh Oladejo , Jacob John Olusanya , Suleiman Mohammed Abubakar Tanko
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The adsorption technique is considered one of the most effective and economical methods for the removal of heavy metals, due to its excellent advantages of low cost, high efficiency and easy handling. This research looks into the possibility of using ZnO/SiO2 nanorods to remove Cd(II) and Pb(II) from refinery wastewater and their reusability.

RESULTS

ZnO/SiO2 nanorods were synthesized via the sol–gel method. The analysis of ZnO/SiO2 shows the formation of a rod‐like structure and surface area of 33 m2 g−1 compared with the 0.3 and 8.620 m2 g−1 for ZnO and SiO2, respectively. Effects of adsorption contact time, adsorbent dosage and temperature were examined via batch adsorption. The result indicates that the ZnO/SiO2 rods exhibited higher adsorption removal efficiency of 85.06% and 84.12% for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively, compared to Pb(II) (80.00% and 74.25%) and Cd(II) (76.48% and 70.99%) using ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles. A thermodynamic study indicates that the adsorption process was endothermic. The data from the adsorption isotherm were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model best described the adsorption process. An adsorption–desorption study indicated the adsorption to be concentration‐dependent and maintained up to 80.65% and 76.90% for Pb(II) and Cd(II) after the fourth regeneration cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrated that ZnO/SiO2 nanorods are a better nanoadsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) than ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles due to their high adsorptive potential and stability. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diagnostic reasoning in rehabilitation nutrition: Position paper by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition (secondary publication)
Authors: Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Maeda Keisuke , Momosaki Ryo , Kokura Yoji , Yoshimura Yoshihiro , Fujiwara Dai , Kosaka Shintaro , Suzuki Norio
Published: April 2022

Diagnostic reasoning is the thought process used to arrive at a diagnosis based on symptoms, examination findings, and laboratory values. Diagnosis is categorized as nonanalytic reasoning (intuition) and analytic reasoning (analysis). Rehabilitation nutrition involves the diagnosis of nutritional disorders, sarcopenia, and excess or deficient nutrient intake. There is usually only one correct answer for the presence or absence of these. On the other hand, there may be no single correct answer for the causes of anorexia, weight loss, or sarcopenia, and analytical reasoning is required. In this case, diagnostic reasoning involves hypotheses. Simply using nutritional supplements without performing diagnostic reasoning about these causes is like prescribing antipyretic analgesics to a patient with a headache without diagnosing the cause of the headache. To maximize function and quality of life in rehabilitation nutrition, it is necessary to suspect the common causes of anorexia, weight loss, and sarcopenia in all cases.
Automatic detection, classification, and long‐term investigation of temporal–spatial changes of atmospheric rivers in the Middle East
Authors: Esfandiari Neda , Rezaei Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Most water vapour in various subtropical regions is transported by atmospheric rivers (ARs). It is crucial to study this phenomenon, especially in regions more vulnerable to climate change due to population growth and aridity. The study's primary purpose was to detect ARs in the Middle East. According to expectations, ARs were classified based on strength and temporal–spatial distribution and their changes were examined to characterize the risks of the phenomenon. The results showed that ARs had significantly increased over the past 50 years (1971–2020). The most positive increase was related to weak ARs (Cat 1) in the last two decades and exceptional events (Cat 5) in the last decade. The results also indicated the role of terrain in limiting the path of the AR axis and multiple sources of moisture in their strongest form. The occurrence of hazardous events (Cat 4 and 5) was estimated at up to 22% of all ARs in the Middle East, with the highest frequency in the last three decades. It was also found that events with a maximum IVT of >1,000 kg·m−1·s−1 occurred 10 times during the last half of the last century. Also, an AR with a maximum IVT of 1,102 kg·m−1·s−1 occurred once in the region. The temporal distribution of these extreme events showed that they could occur at any time, depending on the conditions of AR formation. However, extreme events mainly occurred in March.