bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective H2O2 Production via Favorable Intermediate Desorption in Fluctuating Electrical Fields from Matrix‐Filler Mutually Enhanced P‐C3N4/PVDF‐HFP Porous Composite**
Authors: Chen Zhensheng , Zhuang Jialin , Liu Chao , Chai Mengnan , Zhang Shuting , Teng Kaixuan , Cao Tingting , Zhang Yihe , Hu Yingmo , Zhao Lu , An Qi
Published: April 2022

Piezocatalysis is considered as an emerging alternative to the traditional anthraquinone oxidation process to produce hydrogen peroxide by directly converting mechanical energy into chemical energy. However, the development of low‐cost, recyclable piezocatalysts with excellent piezoelectric performance is highly desired but also challenging. Herein, phosphorous‐doped graphite phase carbon nitride (PCN) as a filler was added to polytetrafluoroethylene‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP), and this nonmetal composite film with porous structure and rich β phase shows enhanced piezoelectricity. The synergy effects of the matrix and filler in mutual promoting their catalytic‐relevant properties (piezoelectrical capacities and carrier densities) ensure high H2O2 production up to 668.56 μmol ⋅ gcat−1 ⋅ h−1. The randomly fluctuating electrical fields disturb the strong adsorption of the *OOH intermediate and promote its desorption and subsequently the production of H2O2. The composite film can be used multiple times and easily recycled. This work provides novel insights in the piezocatalytic processes and inspire the development of excellent piezocatalysts for practical peroxide production at the consuming locations.
Hierarchically Porous Carbon Derived from a Mn2+ Complex: A Highly Graphitized Structure for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Han Wen‐Li , Dong Xiao‐Ling , Chen Jing , Li Wen‐Cui
Published: April 2022

Porous graphitic carbon materials have been regarded as promising candidates as the electrode for supercapacitors. However, the high porosity and electrical conductivity usually have a competitive relationship in a carbon material. Therefore, constructing the hierarchically porous graphitic carbon materials poses a challenge. We report a simple one‐pot synthesis strategy using a Mn complex both as the hard template and the graphitization catalyst. The pore size distribution of porous carbon can be adjusted, and MnCx can be produced by the combination of MnO with amorphous carbon atoms. The as‐prepared carbon materials show a high graphitization degree and surface area of 1545 m2 g−1 with micro‐/mesopores, which boosts the rate performance with capacitance retention up to 90 % at 50 A g−1 and gives super cycle performance with 100 % capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles for the electrode of symmetric supercapacitor. This work reveals a novel strategy to construct porous graphitic carbon materials for supercapacitors applications.
Measurements and Utilization of Consistent Gibbs Energies of Transfer of Single Ions: Towards a Unified Redox Potential Scale for All Solvents
Authors: Radtke Valentin , Gebel Niklas , Priester Denis , Ermantraut Andreas , Bäuerle Monika , Himmel Daniel , Stroh Regina , Koslowski Thorsten , Leito Ivo , Krossing Ingo
Published: April 2022

Utilizing the “ideal” ionic liquid salt bridge to measure Gibbs energies of transfer of silver ions between the solvents water, acetonitrile, propylene carbonate and dimethylformamide results in a consistent data set with a precision of 0.6 kJ mol−1 over 87 measurements in 10 half‐cells. This forms the basis for a coherent experimental thermodynamic framework of ion solvation chemistry. In addition, we define the solvent independent
‐ and the
values that account for the electronating potential of any redox system similar to the
value of a medium that accounts for its protonating potential. This
scale is thermodynamically well‐defined enabling a straightforward comparison of the redox potentials (reducities) of all media with respect to the aqueous redox potential scale, hence unifying all conventional solvents′ redox potential scales. Thus, using the Gibbs energy of transfer of the silver ion published herein, one can convert and unify all hitherto published redox potentials measured, for example, against ferrocene, to the
scale.
Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Amber Emitting La7Sr[Si10N19O3] : Eu2+ and Syntheses of the Substitutional Variants RE8‐xAEx[Si10N20‐xO2+x] : Eu2+ with RE=La, Ce; AE=Ca, Sr, Ba; 0≤x≤2
Authors: Gamperl Lisa , Strobel Philipp , Schmidt Peter J. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

The oxonitridosilicate La7Sr[Si10N19O3] : Eu2+ and its substitutional variants RE8‐xAEx[Si10N20‐xO2+x] : Eu2+ with RE=La, Ce; AE=Ca, Sr, Ba and 0≤x≤2 were synthesized starting from REN, SrN/Ca3N2/Ba2N, SiO2, amorphous Si3N4 and Eu2O3 as doping agent at 1600 °C in a radiofrequency furnace. The crystal structure of La7Sr[Si10N19O3] was solved and refined based on single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. La7Sr[Si10N19O3] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmn21 (no. 31). The crystal structures of the isotypic compounds RE8‐xAEx[Si10N20‐xO2+x] were confirmed by Rietveld refinements based on powder X‐ray diffraction data using the single‐crystal data of La7Sr[Si10N19O3] as starting point. Crystal structure elucidation reveals a 3D network of vertex sharing SiN4 and SiN2(N1/2‐x/4O1/2+x/4)2 (0≤x≤2) tetrahedra. When excited with UV to blue light, La7Sr[Si10N19O3] : Eu2+ shows amber luminescence with λem=612 nm and fwhm=84 nm/2194 cm−1, which makes it interesting for application in amber phosphor‐converted light emitting diodes.
Insights and Activation Energy Surface of the Dehydrogenation of C2HxO Species in Ethanol Oxidation Reaction on Ir(100)
Authors: Wu Ruitao , Wang Lichang
Published: April 2022

Dehydrogenation of an organic compound is the first and the most fundamental elementary reaction in many organic reactions. In ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) to form CO2, there are a total of 46 pathways in C2HxO (x=1–6) species leading to the removal of all six hydrogen atoms in five C−H bonds and one O−H bond. To investigate the degree of dehydrogenation in EOR under operando conditions, we performed density function theory (DFT) calculations to study 28 dehydrogenation steps of C2HxO on Ir(100). An activation energy surface was then constructed and compared with that of the C−C bond cleavages to understand the importance of the degree of dehydrogenation in EOR. The results show that there are likely 28 dehydrogenations in EOR under fuel cell temperatures and the last two hydrogens in C2H2O are less likely cleaved. On the other hand, deep dehydrogenation including 45 dehydrogenations can occur under ethanol steam reforming conditions.
Floral diversity increases butterfly diversity in a multitrophic metacommunity
Authors: Gordon Susan C. C. , Kerr Jeremy T.
Published: April 2022

The impact of multitrophic interactions on metacommunity structure, despite extensive theory and modeling/manipulative studies, has remained largely unexplored within naturally occurring metacommunities. We investigated the impacts of mutualistic partners and predators on a butterfly metacommunity, as well as the impacts that local and landscape characteristics have across three trophic levels: flowering plants, butterflies, and butterfly predators. Using data for butterfly diversity/richness, flowering plant diversity/richness, and butterfly predation (on clay butterfly models) across 15 grassland sites, we posed 3 questions. (1) How do mutualist metacommunity structure, predation pressure, and local and regional habitat characteristics affect butterfly metacommunity structure? (2) How do local and regional habitat characteristics affect flowering plant metacommunity structure? (3) How do local and regional habitat characteristics affect predation pressure? Floral diversity and richness had a positive effect on butterfly diversity and richness (Question 1). Site size positively affected floral diversity and richness (Question 2), and through this relationship site size had an indirect positive effect on butterfly diversity and richness (Question 1). In contrast to previous work, no other variables impacted butterfly diversity/richness. This result was particularly surprising for predation pressure: Our results suggest that within our study system, butterfly community diversity and richness are not strongly impacted by predation. Predator attacks occurred more in larger and more isolated sites (Question 3), suggesting that predators respond more strongly to landscape characteristics than abundance or diversity of butterfly prey species. This decoupling of predation pressure and butterfly communities suggests that conserving and restoring healthy predator populations may not negatively impact butterfly communities. If diverse plant communities are maintained, even small and isolated habitat patches can be valuable for butterfly conservation, which may influence reserve design and habitat restoration strategies.
Heart failure in the general population and impact of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Guidelines
Authors: Wenzel Jan‐Per , Nikorowitsch Julius , bei der Kellen Ramona , Magnussen Christina , Bonin‐Schnabel Renate , Westermann Dirk , Twerenbold Raphael , Kirchhof Paulus , Blankenberg Stefan , Schrage Benedikt
Published: April 2022

Aim

The diagnosis of heart failure (HF) has been refined in several steps in recent years, reflecting evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recently published a modified definition of HF in the 2021 heart failure (HF) guidelines. The impact of this new diagnostic algorithm on the prevalence of HF is not known. The aim of this study was to describe the contemporary prevalence of HF in a representative, completely phenotyped sample from the general population.

Methods and results

This analysis was conducted among 7074 participants (aged 45–78 years, 51.5% women) from the population‐based Hamburg City Health Study. Compared with the 2016 version, HF prevalence increased with the 2021 HF guidelines from 4.31% to 4.83% (12% increase). This increase was driven by a higher number of subjects with HF with reduced/mildly‐reduced ejection fraction (0.47% to 0.52%; 1.37% to 2.12%), while the number of subjects with HF with preserved ejection fraction decreased from 2.46% to 2.19%. Importantly, this did not impact the known risk factor profiles of the phenotypes. Although four drugs are recommended for all subjects with HFrEF in the new guidelines, several adjunctive therapies are recommended for dedicated cases/scenarios (e.g. <1% eligibility for ivabradine/vericiguat/devices).

Conclusion

Heart failure remains common in a contemporary general population sample. The number of patients with HF will increase when the current diagnostic criteria are applied. This offers opportunities to initiate preventive therapies, especially in patients with HFmrEF and HFrEF.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on patients with chronic pain in Germany: Associations with expectations and control beliefs
Authors: Müßgens Diana , Burgard Lisa Carolin , Kleine‐Borgmann Julian , Frettlöh Jule , Sorgatz Hardo , Bingel Ulrike
Published: April 2022

Background

While the COVID‐19 pandemic is affecting people's well‐being worldwide, it may place a particularly high burden on people with chronic pain, as pain is known to be influenced by societal and psychological conditions.

Methods

In this observational study, we conducted telephone interviews with 196 patients with chronic pain to assess the impact of the pandemic on various aspects of their pain and everyday life. The initial interviews were conducted between April and May 2020 and were followed up by a second interview between August and December 2020.

Results

A substantial percentage of patients (39% at the first and 32% at the second interview) reported an increase in pain intensity due to the pandemic. Exploratory analyses revealed that patients who already suffered from greater pain and who experienced greater restrictions due to the pandemic were more likely to express pain worsening. Psychological factors such as negative expectations about the development of their pain and pain treatment and a high external locus of control were also associated with increases in pain.

Conclusions

These findings illustrate the complexity of chronic pain, suggesting that not only the impact of the pandemic on various areas of life but also the severity of the pain‐symptoms themselves and psychological factors influence the course of patients' symptoms during the pandemic.

Significance

This study underlines the importance of psychosocial factors in chronic pain and demonstrates that the societal and psychological impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic can affect patients' pain and their ability to cope with it. The extent to which patients experience pain aggravation seems to interact with other psychological factors such as pain expectations and control beliefs.
Long‐term open‐label perampanel: Generalized tonic–clonic seizures in idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: French Jacqueline A. , Wechsler Robert T. , Trinka Eugen , Brandt Christian , O'Brien Terence J. , Patten Anna , Salah Alejandro , Malhotra Manoj
Published: April 2022

Objective

Assess the longer‐term efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel (up to 12 mg/day) in patients aged ≥12 years with generalized tonic–clonic (GTC) seizures from the Open‐label Extension (OLEx) Phase of Study 332 to determine whether responses obtained during the Core Study are maintained during long‐term treatment.

Methods

Patients with GTC seizures previously enrolled in a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of perampanel could enter an OLEx Phase comprising 6‐week blinded conversion (during which patients previously randomized to placebo‐switched to perampanel) and up to 136‐week maintenance periods (maximum perampanel dose of 12 mg/day). A 4‐week follow‐up period was completed by all patients after the last on‐treatment visit during the OLEx. We assessed seizure frequency outcomes from preperampanel baseline and the Core Study Pre‐randomization Phase, retention rates, doses selected, and treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Results

Overall, 138 patients entered the OLEx. Median percent reductions in GTC seizures per 28 days from preperampanel were 77% (Weeks 1‐13) and 90% (Weeks 40‐52). Retention rates were 88% (6 months) and 75% (12 months). Seizure‐freedom rates were maintained for at least 2 years regardless of prior treatment received during the Core Study. Most common modal daily dose was >4‐8 mg/day (n = 93). Across the Core and OLEx Phases, 120 (87%) patients experienced TEAEs; the most common was dizziness.

Significance

Perampanel was generally well‐tolerated, and the TEAEs reported here are consistent with the known safety profile of perampanel. Perampanel offers a long‐term treatment option for patients (aged ≥12 years) with GTC seizures.
Recurrence rates and risk factors for seizure recurrence following antiseizure medication withdrawal in adolescent patients with genetic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Komatsubara Takao , Kobayashi Yu , Hiraiwa Akiko , Magara Shinichi , Hojo Moemi , Ono Takeshi , Okazaki Kenichi , Fukuda Masafumi , Tohyama Jun
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to identify the recurrence rate of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and risk factors for recurrence after antiseizure medication (ASM) withdrawal in adolescent patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with GGE who were included in the registry at the Department of Child Neurology, National Hospital Organization Nishiniigata Chuo Hospital from 2000 through 2020. The eligibility criteria were as follows: onset of epileptic seizures at <15 years of age, treatment with an ASM, and attempted treatment withdrawal at 10‐19 years of age. The rates of seizure recurrence after drug withdrawal were evaluated. Moreover, several variables were evaluated as predictors of recurrence.

Results

In total, 77 patients with GGE (21, 13, and 43 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy [JME], juvenile absence epilepsy [JAE], and epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures alone [EGTCSA], respectively) were included in this study. Recurrence was detected in 68% of patients with GGE (86%, 31%, and 70% of patients with JME, JAE, and EGTCSA, respectively). Recurrence rates for patients who developed epilepsy at ≥13 years of age, those who started dose reduction at ≥16 years of age, those who exhibited a seizure‐free period of <36 months before withdrawal, and those who chose to discontinue treatment at their own discretion were significantly higher than those for their counterparts. Multivariate analysis revealed that initiation of dose reduction at ≥16 years of age was associated with increased recurrence risk. Meanwhile, a diagnosis of JAE was associated with decreased recurrence risk. All patients with JAE were treated with valproic acid.

Significance

Antiseizure medication withdrawal at ≥16 years of age and a diagnosis other than JAE may be independent risk factors for seizure recurrence after drug withdrawal in adolescent patients.
Radiation effect on MHD flow past a porous vertical plate in the presence of heat sink
Authors: Choudhury Kangkan , Ahmed Nazibuddin , Chamuah Kalyan
Published: April 2022

This study investigates heat and mass transfer in MHD convective flow through a vertical plate via porous media in the presence of radiation and a heat source/sink. It is assumed that a uniform magnetic field of strength is imposed perpendicular to the plate and directed into the fluid area. The governing nondimensional equations are solved using the perturbation technique. We further derived the skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. The computation of results is performed with the aid of mathematical software and results are presented in graphical and tabular forms for distinct flow impacting parameters. It is observed that fluid motion is retarded due to the application of the magnetic field. Furthermore, the fluid temperature comprehensively falls under the Prandtl number as well as the thermal radiation effect. It is important to note that the heat sink causes fluid velocity and fluid temperature to fall drastically.
Effects of heated block comprised porous stratum and micropolar hybrid nanofluid on convective heat transfer and entropy generation in a square enclosure
Authors: Ahlawat Anil , Sharma Mukesh Kumar
Published: April 2022

A numerical study is performed to explore the effects on heat convection and entropy gthe eneration due to porous stratum and heated block in an enclosure saturated with micropolar hybrid nanofluid. Constant heat flux through half of the length of the square enclosure is centrally placed at the bottom wall and the top wall is isothermally cooled while vertical walls are insulated. The Cu‐Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid is considered a micropolar fluid (MF) with constant physical properties. The Boussinesq approximation is implemented on the density variation and convection within the porous layer is regulated with the Darcy–Brinkman model. The governing nondimensional equations are solved with the finite difference method (FDM). Effects of various key parameters on isotherms, streamlines, local Nusselt number, and average Nusselt number are discussed numerically and analyzed through graphs. The entropy generation analysis (EGA) has been done with local and average Bejan numbers, local entropy generation, and entropy generation numbers. The heat convection from the heat flux enhances with the increase in the volume fraction of the hybrid nanoparticles (), Rayleigh number (Ra), and Darcy's number (Da) while attenuating by increasing the vortex viscosity K0. The domination of the heat transfer irreversibility over the frictional irreversibility upraises with K0 and . With an increase in the porous stratum's thickness, the average value of the Bejan's number enhances, and a decline in the entropy generation number Ns.
Performance evaluation of four rapid antibody tests for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Kim Jae Kyung , Ryu Sook Won , Kim Jae Soo , Jung Bo Kyeung
Published: April 2022

Background

The prompt detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is important in the therapeutic management of infected patients. Rapid diagnostic tests are widely used for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of four SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin IgG/IgM rapid diagnostic tests in the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and/or sputum were collected from 30 patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and 30 healthy volunteers. All specimens were tested using four SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG/IgM rapid diagnostic tests and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We assessed the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the tests.

Results

The clinical sensitivity of FREND™, SsmarTest™, BIOCREDIT™, and IVDLAB™ was 96.67%, 100.00%, 100.00%, and 96.67%, respectively, compared to real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The clinical specificity was 96.67%, 100.00%, 86.67%, and 96.67%, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings could expedite the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and thus reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.
Sclerostin immunohistochemical staining in surgically treated giant cell tumor of bone
Authors: Kelly Sean P. , Ramkumar Dipak B. , Peacock Zachary S. , Newman Erik T. , Venrick Connor , Lozano‐Calderon Santiago A. , Raskin Kevin A. , Chebib Ivan , Schwab Joseph H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a destructive lesion with a high potential for recurrence. RANK‐ligand targeted therapy has provided promising, yet mixed results. Sclerostin (SOST) inhibition results in a net anabolic response and is currently used in the treatment of osteoporosis. The application to GCTB is unknown.

Objectives

We sought to determine if GCTB stained for SOST on immunohistochemistry and correlate its expression with predictor variables.

Methods

All patients at a single institution undergoing surgery for GCTB between 1993 and 2008 with a minimum of 6 months follow‐up were included. Primary outcomes included the presence of SOST staining, secondary outcomes included the correlation of patient and tumor‐specific predictor variables.

Results

SOST antibody staining of any cell type was present in 47 of 48 cases (97.9%). Positivity of the stromal cells was present in 39 of 48 cases (81.3%) and was associated with radiographic aggressiveness (p = 0.023), symptomatic presentation (p = 0.032), prior surgery (p = 0.005), and patient age (p = 0.034). Positivity of giant cells was present in 41 of 48 cases (85.4%) and was not significant with predictive factors.

Conclusions

Sclerostin staining in GCTB is a novel finding and warrants further research to define the role of sclerostin as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target.
Simultaneous determination of pyflubumide and its metabolite in vegetables and fruits by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zuo Wei , Dong Chao , Jiao Bining , Wang Chengqiu , Li Jing
Published: April 2022

A rapid and cost‐effective analytical method based on ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry was designed and verified for simultaneously monitoring the novel acaricide pyflubumide and its metabolite (pyflubumide‐des(2‐methyl‐1oxopropyl)) in vegetables and fruits. After the extraction with acetonitrile, the samples were purified by dispersive solid‐phase extraction with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes. Detection of the two target analytes was achieved within 3.0 min using a positive electrospray ionization mode. The average recovery, intra‐day precision, and inter‐day precision of the two analytes at three spiked levels (2, 20, and 100 μg/kg) were 75.0–101.0, 0.4–4.4, and 0.6–5.3%, respectively. The limit of quantification of two compounds was 2 μg/kg, which was far below the maximum residue limits of pyflubumide in foods established by Japan and South Korea. Finally, the concentrations of pyflubumide and its metabolite in the samples were 16.6 and 7.8 μg/kg respectively, which verified the practicability and reliability of the method. The method was used to efficiently detect pyflubumide and its metabolite in real samples and was confirmed to be robust and effective for routinely analyzing both pyflubumide and its metabolite in vegetable and fruit samples.
Storing Mg Ions in Polymers: A Perspective
Authors: Wang Haoxiang , Mao Minglei , Wang Chengliang
Published: April 2022

The electrochemical performance of rechargeable Mg batteries (RMBs) is primarily determined by the cathodes. However, the strong interaction between highly polarized Mg2+ and the host lattice is a big challenge for inorganic cathode materials. While endowed with weak interaction with Mg2+, organic polymers are capable of fast reaction kinetics. Besides, with the advantages of light weight, abundance, low cost, and recyclability, polymers are deemed as ideal cathode materials for RMBs. Although polymer cathodes have remarkably progressed in recent years, there are still significant challenges to overcome before reaching practical application. In this perspective, the challenges faced by polymer cathodes are critically focused, followed by the retrospection of efforts devoted to design polymers. Some feasible strategies are proposed to explore new structures and chemistries for the practical application of polymer cathodes in RMBs.
Boosted Efficiency Over 18.1% of Polymer Solar Cells by Employing Large Extinction Coefficients Material as the Third Component
Authors: Zhang Shuping , Ma Xiaoling , Xu Chunyu , Xu Wenjing , Jeong Sang Young , Woo Han Young , Zhou Zhengji , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Fujun
Published: April 2022

A series of binary and ternary polymer solar cells (PSCs) is successfully fabricated. The optimal ternary PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.14%, benefiting from the increased short circuit current density (JSC) of 26.53 mA cm−2 and fill factor (FF) of 78.51% in comparison with the JSCs (25.05 mA cm−2 and 25.65 mA cm−2) and the FFs (77.13% and 76.55%) of the corresponding binary PSCs. The photon harvesting ability of ternary active layers can be enhanced, which can be confirmed from the EQE spectral difference of the optimized ternary and binary PSCs, especially in the wavelength range from 680 nm to 800 nm. The refractive index and extinction coefficients of binary and ternary blend films are measured, which can well support the enhanced photon harvesting ability in different wavelength ranges. Photogenerated exciton distribution in active layers is simulated by the transmission matrix method based on the Beer–Lambert law. The photogenerated exciton density can be enhanced in the middle of the active layers by incorporating a third component in acceptors, which is conducive to charge collection by individual electrodes, resulting in the simultaneously enhanced JSC and FF of the optimal ternary PSCs.
An analytical integration Legendre polynomial series approach for Lamb waves in fractional order thermoelastic multilayered plates
Authors: Yu Jiangong , Wang Xianhui , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Zhi , Li Fanglin
Published: April 2022

The Legendre polynomial series approach (LPSA) has been widely used to solve guided wave propagation in various structures since 1999. The LPSA directly introduces the boundary conditions into the control equations through the rectangular window function. However, in the solving process, the Legendre polynomial series, the rectangular window function, and their derivatives are introduced into the integral kernel functions, which results in a lot of CPU time on the abundant numerical integration calculations. To overcome this defect, an analytical integration Legendre polynomial series approach (AILPSA) is presented and is used to solve the Lamb waves in fractional order thermoelastic multilayered plates. Coupled wave equations and heat conduction equation are solved by the AILPSA and the LPSA, respectively. Comparison between two approaches indicates the computational efficiency of the AILPSA is improved by more than 90%. In addition, a backward error estimation is given in the convergency analysis to make up for the deficiency of the numerical experiments. Finally, the influence of fractional order on the thermoelastic Lamb wave is discussed.
Determining the temperature of aluminum plasma produced by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy based on its ultraviolet emission spectra
Authors: Wang Xinhao , Guo Guqing , Qiu Xuanbing , Gong Ting , He Xiaohu , Li Chuanliang
Published: April 2022

Plasma temperature and electron density are two important parameters describing the characteristics of plasma. The Aluminum plasma is produced by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy and its emission spectra are observed by a spectrometer with high resolution. Based on its discrete ultraviolet lines, pair‐line Boltzmann (PLB) approach is proposed to determine the temperature of plasma. These pair‐lines are with the same lower electronic state partially immune to self‐absorption influence. For comparison with Boltzmann two‐line method, the Al plasma is prepared at three different pulse energy levels. It is demonstrated that the accuracy of PLB is improved about three times by employing four ultraviolet pair‐lines. The electron density is estimated at different excited energy according to Stark line broadening of Al I 396.15 nm. Furthermore, the alloy of 7075‐Al is used as the sample target to generate the plasma to validate the PLB approach.
Technical note: Respiratory impacts on static and respiratory gated 99mTc‐MAA SPECT/CT for liver radioembolization: A simulation study
Authors: Lu Zhonglin , Chen Gefei , Lyu Yingqing , Chen Yue , Mok Greta S. P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate respiratory impacts on static and respiratory gated (RG) 99mTc‐MAA SPECT in terms of respiratory motion (RM) blur, attenuation correction (AC), and volume‐of‐interest (VOI) segmentation on lung shunt faction (LSF) and tumor‐to‐normal liver ratio (TNR) estimation for liver radioembolization therapy planning.

Methods

The XCAT phantom was used to simulate a population of 300 phantoms, modeling various anatomical variations, tumor characteristics, RM amplitudes, LSFs, and TNRs. One hundred and twenty noisy projections of average activity maps near end‐expiration (End‐EX) and whole respiratory cycle were simulated analytically, modeling attenuation and geometric collimator‐detector‐response (GCDR). The OS‐EM algorithm was employed for reconstruction, modeling AC, and GCDR. RM effect was evaluated for static SPECT, while AC and VOI mismatch effects were investigated independently and together for static and RG SPECT utilizing one gate, that is, End‐EX. LSF and TNR errors were measured based on the ground truth. Lesions with different characteristics were also investigated for static and RG SPECT.

Results

RM overestimates LSF and underestimates TNR. The VOI mismatch caused the largest errors in both RG and static SPECT for LSF and TNR estimation, reaching 160% and −52% correspondingly with extremely mismatched VOIs for RG SPECT, even larger than those for static SPECT. With matched AC and VOIs, RG SPECT has better performance than static SPECT. Larger TNR errors are associated with tumors of smaller sizes and higher TNR for static SPECT.

Conclusions

The VOI segmentation mismatch has a stronger impact, followed by RM and AC in static 99mTc‐MAA SPECT/CT. This effect is more pronounced for RG SPECT. When VOI masks are derived from a matched CT, RG SPECT is generally superior to static SPECT for LSF and TNR estimation. The performance of RG SPECT could be worse than static SPECT when a mismatched CT is used for segmentation.
Flexible and thermal conductive poly (vinylidene fluoride) composites with silver decorated hexagonal boron nitride/silicon carbide hybrid filler
Authors: Hu Lanlan , Yang Wulin , Zhu Jiajun , Fu Licai , Li Deyi , Zhou Lingping
Published: April 2022

In this work, a novel thermal conductive and electrical insulation composite paper fabricated through doctor‐blading followed by hot‐pressing was reported. Specifically, by loading silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surface of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) and silicon carbide wires (SiCw), the BNNS and SiCw were bridged through the sintered AgNPs to form a heat conduction path. The results indicate that the prepared composite paper not only enhances the thermal conductivity to 47 W m−1 k−1 but also possesses good mechanical properties and high electrical insulation. The optimizations can be attributed to the efficient BNNS/Ag/SiCw networks within the paper and strong interfacial combination through sintered AgNPs. Furthermore, the distribution and size of the AgNPs also affect the properties of the composites. This work provides a promising strategy to improve thermal conductivity of the composites by constructing efficient thermal conductive pathways, which are suitable for large‐scale preparation and have potential to be widely used in the field of electronic packaging.
An overview of the Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter and its therapeutic interventions
Authors: Jiang Xin
Published: April 2022

Despite intense elimination efforts, human malaria, caused by the infection of five Plasmodium species, remains the deadliest parasitic disease in the world. Even worse, with the emergence and spreading of the first‐line drug‐resistant Plasmodium parasites, therapeutic interventions based on novel plasmodial drug targets are more necessary than ever. Given that the blood‐stage parasites primarily rely on glycolysis for their energy supply, blocking glucose uptake, the rate‐limiting step of ATP generation, was considered a promising approach to kill these parasites. To achieve this goal, characterization of the plasmodial hexose transporter and development of selective inhibitors have been pursued for decades. Here, we review the identification and characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter (PfHT1) and summarize current advances in its inhibitor development.
Influence of the Chemical Activity of Implanted Ions on the Structure of the Damaged Si Layer in SIMOX Substrates
Authors: Shcherbachev Kirill , Mordkovich Victor , Skryleva Elena , Kiselev Dmitry
Published: April 2022

High‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD), X‐ray reflectometry (XRR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Atomic‐force microscopy (AFM) were used to study the influence of the chemical activity of implanted ions (N+, O+, F+ or Ne+) on the structure of the damaged Si layer in SIMOX substrates. The implantation conditions were chosen so that the number of primary defects and the projected range were approximately the same for the implanted ions. HRXRD showed that the depth distribution of the residual damage depends on the chemical activity of the impurity. This may result from the quasi‐chemical interaction between the radiation‐induced point defects (VSi and Sii) and the impurity atoms. The shape of the density profiles and the thickness of the transition surface layer obtained from the XRR data are different for the implanted ions. The [100] faceted surface features of the samples prepared by SIMOX technology are preserved after implantation with the ions. AFM revealed a reduction of the lateral correlation length. The magnitude of this effect depends on the chemical activity of the implanted ions. Silicon oxidation at a depth of 10–15 nm is shown by XPS to change depending on the implanted ion.
Rutin‐activated adipose tissue thermogenesis is correlated with increased intestinal short‐chain fatty acid levels
Authors: Cheng Long , Shi Lu , He Changhao , Wang Chen , Lv Yinglan , Li Huimin , An Yongcheng , Dai Hongyu , Duan Yuhui , Zhang Huilin , Huang Yan , Fu Wanxin , Meng Yanyan , Zhao Baosheng
Published: April 2022

The activation of thermogenic programs in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) provides a promising approach to increasing energy expenditure during obesity and diabetes treatment. Although evidence has been found that rutin activates BAT against obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), its potential mechanism is not completely understood. In this study, we focused on the potential modulating effect of rutin on short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the thermogenesis of BAT and WAT, aiming to elucidate the molecular mechanism of rutin in the treatment of obesity and T2DM. The results showed that rutin could significantly reduce the body weight and fasting blood glucose, inhibit fat accumulation, relieve hepatic steatosis and ameliorate the disorder of glycolipid metabolism in db/db mice. Moreover, rutin also increased the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) and other thermogenic genes and proteins in BAT and inguinal WAT (IWAT), indicating that rutin activated BAT and induced browning of IWAT. Importantly, rutin markedly enhanced the concentration of SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and SCFA‐producing enzymes (acetate kinase (ACK), methylmalonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (MMD) and butyryl‐CoA (BUT)) in feces of db/db mice. In addition, rutin significantly increased the mRNA expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (Mct1), catabolic enzyme acyl‐CoA medium‐chain synthetase 3 (Acsm3), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α (Cpt‐1α) and Cpt‐1β genes in BAT and IWAT of db/db mice, which is conducive to inducing adipocyte thermogenesis. In summary, our findings revealed that rutin played a variety of regulatory roles in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, reducing hepatic steatosis, inducing browning of IWAT and activating BAT, which has potential therapeutic significance for the treatment of obesity and T2DM. Mechanistically, rutin activates the thermogenesis of BAT and IWAT, which may be associated with increasing the concentration of SCFAs.
An integration of UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS and chemometrics analysis for the holistic quality evaluation of different geographical Paederia scandens
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Peng Le , Chen Yuru , Zhang Kun , Chen Junhui , Li Zheng , Li Wenlong
Published: April 2022

Rationale

Due to the special geographical location and climate of China, there are large differences in the chemical composition and content of Paederia scandens (PS) from different origins, which will have a large impact on its efficacy.

Methods

An efficient quality control method for PS was established by combining ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analyses. First, a UPLC‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry system was employed to identify the chemical composition of PS from seven different origins. Then, the chemical variation in 73 batches of PS samples was subsequently investigated by quantitation of four marker compounds.

Results

A total of 15 common compounds were identified in the samples of PS from seven origins. And four of the marker compounds were chosen based on VIP values to characterize the differences between PS samples of different origins. The linearity ranged between 0.005 and 2.500 mg/mL; the correlation coefficients (r2) ranged from 0.999 to 1; the limits of detection ranged from 0.013 to 0.033 μg/mL; and the relative standard deviations for repeatability, precisions, and stabilities were below 0.2%, 1.6%, and 0.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The results show that the method can be effective and comprehensive in evaluating the quality of PS from different origins. And this comprehensive strategy proved to be a powerful technique used to differentiate between different geographical herbs.
Atomically Dispersed NiN3 Sites on Highly Defective Micro‐Mesoporous Carbon for Superior CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Fu Xianzhang , Zhang Pianpian , Sun Tingting , Xu Lianbin , Gong Lei , Chen Baotong , Xu Qingmei , Zheng Tianyu , Yu Zonghua , Chen Xin , Zhang Shaolong , Hou Minchen , Wang Hailong , Wang Kang , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: April 2022

Direct electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO product powered by renewable electricity is widely advocated as an emerging strategy for alleviating CO2 emissions while addressing global energy issues. However, the development of low‐cost and efficient electrocatalysts with high Faradaic efficiency for CO production (FECO) and high current density remains a grand challenge. Herein, a robust single nickel atomic site electrocatalyst, which features isolated and dense single atomic NiN3 sites anchored on highly defective hierarchically micro‐mesoporous carbon (Ni‐SAs/HMMNC‐800), to enable enhanced charge transport and more exposed active sites for catalyzing electrochemical CO2‐to‐CO conversion, is reported. The Ni‐SAs/HMMNC‐800 catalyst achieves excellent activity and selectivity with high FECO values of >90% throughout a wide potential range (the FECO reaches 99.5% at −0.7 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) and a CO partial current density as high as 13.0 mA cm−2 at −0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, as well as a far outstanding durability during long‐term continuous operation, indicating a superior CO2 electroreduction performance than that of other reference samples and most of previously reported carbon‐based single atom electrocatalysts. Experimental and density functional theory calculations reveal that atomic NiN3 coordination sites coupled adjacent defects are favorable to significantly enhancing the formation of COOH* reaction intermediates while suppressing the competing hydrogen evolution reaction, thereby enhancing the electrocatalytic activity for CO2‐to‐CO reduction. Notably, this work provides a valuable new prospect for designing and synthesizing efficient and cost‐effective single atom CO2 electroreduction catalysts for practical applications.
Advanced Current Collector Materials for High‐Performance Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Li Dongdong , Hu Henghui , Chen Bin , Lai Wen‐Yong
Published: April 2022

Lithium metal, as the “Holy Grail” of lithium battery anodes, is promising to be used in the next‐generation of high‐energy‐density storage devices. However, serious safety risk and poor cycle performance are inevitable when bare lithium foil is used as the anode material, due to the uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites, unstable solid electrolyte interface, and infinite volume expansion of lithium during cycling, which largely hinder the further commercial application of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). The utilization of up‐to‐date current collectors with specific composition and structure is believed to be effective to overcome these shortcomings. However, a systematic evaluation of the merit of different current collector materials for realizing high‐performance lithium metal anodes is still lacking. This review summarizes the fashionable advanced current collector materials for long‐life LMBs in recent years. The superiorities and related electrochemical performances by using these current collector materials are discussed in detail. It is expected that this review may promote the rational choice of appreciatory current collector materials with unique structure designs to extend the cycle life of lithium metal anodes for achieving the next‐generation of high‐energy‐density LMBs.
Novel Fluorite‐Structured Materials for Solid‐State Refrigeration
Authors: Ali Faizan , Abbas Akmal , Wu Guoyi , Daaim Muhammad , Akhtar Awais , Kim Ki‐Hyun , Yang Boxiong
Published: April 2022

Refrigeration based on the electrocaloric effect can offer many advantages over conventional cooling technologies in terms of efficiency, size, weight, and power source. The discovery of ferroelectric and antiferroelectric properties in fluorite‐based materials in 2011 has led to diverse applications related to memory (e.g., ferroelectric tunnel junctions, nonvolatile memory, and field‐effect transistors) and energy fields (e.g., energy storage and harvesting, electrocaloric refrigeration, and infrared detection). Fluorite‐based materials exhibit several properties not shared by most conventional materials (such as in terms of compatibility with complementary metal‐oxide semiconductors and 3D nanostructures, deposition thickness at the nanometer scale, and simple composition). Here, the electrocaloric refrigeration properties of fluorite‐based ferroelectric/antiferroelectric materials are reviewed by focusing on the advantages of ZrO2‐ and HfO2‐based materials (e.g., relative to conventional perovskite‐ and polymer‐based counterparts). Finally, the recent progress made in this research field are also discussed along with its future perspectives.
Persistent Luminescence‐Based Theranostics for Real‐Time Monitoring and Simultaneously Launching Photodynamic Therapy of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Zhang Zhanlin , Yan Hui , Qiu Bo , Ran Pan , Cao Wenxiong , Jia Xinwei , Huang Kun , Li Xiaohong
Published: April 2022

External light irradiation is usually required in bacterial infection theranostics; however, it is always accompanied by limited light penetration, imaging interference, and incomplete bacterial destruction. Herein, a feasible “image‐launching therapy” strategy is developed to integrate real‐time optical imaging and simultaneous photodynamic therapy (PDT) of bacterial infections into persistent luminescence (PL) nanoparticles (NPs). Mesoporous silica NPs are used as a substrate for in situ deposition of PL nanodots of ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ to obtain mPL NPs, followed by surface grafting with silicon phthalocyanine (Si‐Pc) and electrostatic assembly of cyanine 7 (Cy7) to fabricate mPL@Pc‐Cy NPs. The PL emission of light‐activated mPL@Pc‐Cy NPs is quenched by Cy7 assembly at physiological conditions through the fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect, but is rapidly restored after disassembly of Cy7 in response to bacterial infections. The self‐illuminating capabilities of NPs avoid tissue autofluorescence under external light irradiation and achieve real‐time colorimetric imaging of bacterial infections. In addition, the afterglow of mPL NPs can persistently excite Si‐Pc photosensitizers to promote PDT efficacy for bacterial elimination and accelerate wound full recovery with normal histologic features. Thus, this study expands the theranostic strategy for precise imaging and simultaneous non‐antibiotic treatment of bacterial infections without causing side effects to normal tissues.
Phosphorus‐Based Anodes for Fast Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Jin Hongchang , Huang Yingshan , Wang Chaonan , Ji Hengxing
Published: April 2022

Building better lithium‐ion batteries with higher power density is critical to enhancing the operational experience of portable electronics and electric vehicles. The factors that limit power density at the cell level are a lower rate capability of the anode than the cathode and lithium plating at the anode when recharging at a high rate that increases the risk of internal short circuit and creates a safety hazard. Therefore, developing new anode materials with high rate performance with low lithium plating risk is the key to improve the power density and at the same time achieving extremely fast charging capability. Herein, a comparative review on the advantages and challenges in using graphite, silicon/graphite, and the newly emerging phosphorus‐based anodes, for fast charging, is presented.