bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Wire Array Metamaterials for the Plasma Axion Haloscope
Authors: Wooten Mackenzie , Droster Alex , Al Kenany  , Sun Dajie , Lewis Samantha M. , van Bibber Karl
Published: January 2023

A plasma haloscope has recently been proposed as a feasible approach to extend the search for dark matter axions above 10 GHz (≈40 eV), whereby the microwave cavity in a conventional axion haloscope is supplanted by a wire array metamaterial. Since the plasma frequency of a metamaterial is determined by its unit cell, and is thus a bulk property, a metamaterial resonator of any frequency can be made arbitrarily large, in contrast to a microwave cavity which incurs a steep penalty in volume with increasing frequency. To assess the actual potential of this concept as a practical dark matter haloscope, the basic properties of wire array metamaterials have been investigated through an extensive series of S21 measurements in the 10 GHz range. This report presents some new systematics of wire array metamaterials themselves including the approach to full plasmonic behavior, the applicability of the semianalytic theory of Belov, and estimates of the loss term which bode favorably for the plasmonic haloscope application. This present work constitutes the first precision test of the semianalytic theory of Belov et al., for which the predicted plasma frequency agrees with the experimental value at the 0.1% level.
A BiVO4Photoanode with a VOxLayer Bearing Oxygen Vacancies Offers Improved Charge Transfer and Oxygen Evolution Kinetics in Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Boyan , Wang Xin , Zhang Yingjuan , Xu Liangcheng , Wang Tingsheng , Xiao Xiong , Wang Songcan , Wang Lianzhou , Huang Wei
Published: January 2023

Sluggish oxygen evolution kinetics are one of the key limitations of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoanodes for efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. To address this issue, we report a vanadium oxide (VOx) with enriched oxygen vacancies conformally grown on BiVO4photoanodes by a simple photo‐assisted electrodeposition process. The optimized BiVO4/VOxphotoanode exhibits a photocurrent density of 6.29 mA cm−2at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode under AM 1.5 G illumination, which is ca. 385 % as high as that of its pristine counterpart. A high charge‐transfer efficiency of 96 % is achieved and stable PEC water splitting is realized, with a photocurrent retention rate of 88.3 % upon 40 h of testing. The excellent PEC performance is attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies in VOxthat forms undercoordinated sites, which strengthen the adsorption of water molecules onto the active sites and promote charge transfer during the oxygen evolution reaction. This work demonstrates the potential of vanadium‐based catalysts for PEC water oxidation.
Gold Extracted from Wastewater as an Efficient MOF‐Supported Electrocatalyst
Authors: Varela Ana Sofia
Published: January 2023

The recovery of gold from wastewater is necessary from both environmental and economic standpoints. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can serve as high‐capacity and selective adsorbents, as shown in a recent work by Zhao and co‐workers. Their novel three‐dimension cationic framework goes further than selectively adsorbing AuCl4−. It also serves as a stable platform to transform adsorbed gold into an efficient catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. This work highlights the versatility of MOFs, which can serve as selective adsorbents and as a support for nanoparticle catalysts.
Carbon‐Based Electrocatalysts for Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Cui Pengbo , Zhao Linjie , Long Yongde , Dai Liming , Hu Chuangang
Published: January 2023

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is vital for clean and renewable energy technologies, which require no fossil fuel but catalysts. Platinum (Pt) is the best‐known catalyst for ORR. However, its high cost and scarcity have severely hindered renewable energy devices (e.g., fuel cells) for large‐scale applications. Recent breakthroughs in carbon‐based metal‐free electrochemical catalysts (C‐MFECs) show great potential for earth‐abundant carbon materials as low‐cost metal‐free electrocatalysts towards ORR in acidic media. This article provides a focused, but critical review on C‐MFECs for ORR in acidic media with an emphasis on advances in the structure design and synthesis, fundamental understanding of the structure‐property relationship and electrocatalytic mechanisms, and their applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Current challenges and future perspectives in this emerging field are also discussed.
Multicolor Chromism from a Single Chromophore through Synergistic Coupling of Mechanochromic and Photochromic Subunits
Authors: He Weiye , Yuan Yuan , Wu Mengjiao , Li Xinxin , Shen Yanbing , Qu Zhiyu , Chen Yulan
Published: January 2023

We report a versatile mechanophore exhibiting a vividly detectable, light‐regulable multicolor mechanochromism. Such optical features rely on the synergistic coupling of mechanochromic bis‐rhodamine (Rh) and photochromic bisthienylethene (BTE). Poly(methyl acrylate)s incorporating this bis‐mechanophore can be mechanically activated under sonication. The relative distribution of the two distinctly colored and fluorescent Rh ring‐opening products is altered with different magnitudes of applied force. Orthogonal use of the photochromic reaction of the BTE core can strengthen the mechanochromism and gate the mechanofluorescence in polymers. Due to increased conjugation offered by the BTE linker, both force‐ and light‐induced optical signals display high contrast. Combined DFT simulated and experimental results reveal that the three subunits (two Rhs and one BTE) in this chromophore are activated sequentially, thus generating switchable three‐colored forms and gradient optical responses.
Annulated Azuleno[2,1,8‐ija]azulenes: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Mathey Pierre , Lirette Frédéric , Fernández Israel , Renn Lukas , Weitz R. Thomas , Morin Jean‐François
Published: January 2023

Non‐alternant non‐benzenoid hydrocarbons exhibit very different optical and electronic properties than their well‐studied benzenoid analogues. However, preparing such structures with extended conjugation length, remains challenging. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of azuleno[2,1,8‐ija]azulene derivatives using a two‐step sequence involving a four‐fold aldol condensation between aromatic dialdehydes and readily available tetrahydropentalene‐2,5‐(1H,3H)‐dione. Molecules with band gap values ranging from 1.69 to 2.14 eV and molar extinction coefficients (ϵ) of nearly 3×105 M−1 cm−1 have been prepared. These annulene‐like structures exhibit significant diatropic ring currents (aromatic), as supported by 1H NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Field‐effect transistors (OFETs) using azuleno[2,1,8‐ija]azulene derivatives as semiconductors exhibit charge mobility values of up to 0.05 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Surface Modification of PAN‐Derived Commercial Graphite Felts Using Deep Eutectic Solvents for their Application as Electrodes in All‐Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Murillo‐Herrera L. Mauricio , Aguilar Eneith S. , Thielke Michael W. , Jorge Sobrido Ana
Published: January 2023

All‐vanadium redox flow batteries are promising large‐scale energy storage solutions to support intermittent power generation. Commercial graphite felts are among the most used materials as electrodes for these batteries due to their cheap price, high conductivity, and large surface area. However, these materials exhibit poor wettability and electrochemical activity towards vanadium redox reactions, which translates into overpotentials and lower efficiencies. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are mixtures of Lewis acids and bases that exhibit lower melting points than their original components. Here, a DES composed of choline chloride and urea, and a DES composed of FeCl3 and NH4Cl have been employed to modify the surface of graphite felts alongside a series of re‐carbonization steps. The resulting materials were compared against pristine, thermally activated, and oxidatively activated graphite felts. Our results indicated that the treatments introduced new oxygen and nitrogen functionalities to the carbonaceous surface and increased the surface area, the degree of disorder and defects in the graphitic layers of the fibres. Cyclic voltammetry studies demonstrated higher electrochemical activity towards vanadium redox reactions and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments showed the modified materials exhibited significantly lower charge transfer resistances. When tested in full cell configuration the electrode modified with the urea‐based DES exhibited comparable coulombic efficiencies and superior energy storage capacity retention than the thermally oxidized felt used as benchmark, suggesting that the introduction of oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐rich functional groups had a positive effect on the overall electrochemical performance of graphite felts.
Potential biofuel exploitation from two common Vietnamese Euphorbia plants (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Duy Khang Nguyen Vu , Y Nhi Nguyen Thi , Quan Tran Le
Published: January 2023

In this work, two common Vietnamese Euphorbia plants, Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. (the milk bush) and Euphorbia tithymaloides Linn. (the milk hedge), have been investigated for potential use as biofuels. Their aerial parts were macerated with different solvents [petroleum ether, ethyl acetate (EA), methanol and water] to obtain extracts. The extracts were put through petrochemical composition analyses, including elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra recording and fatty acids composition analysis by HPLC. Subsequently, extracts were subjected to thermal gravimetric analysis for determination of some petrochemical contents. In addition, the gross calorific values (GCVs) of all extracts were determined and compared with those of other Euphorbia species and fuels. The obtained results showed the high petrochemical properties of Euphorbia tirucalli and moderately high ones of Euphorbia tithymaloides. Their estimated total rubber content values were then determined and compared with those of strains of other countries. The petroleum ether extract possessed the highest GCV, followed by the EA extract of E. tirucalli, then the EA extract of E. tithymaloides. Their GCVs were higher than those of some of other Euphorbia plants, conventional fuels like anthracite or lignite, and asymptotic to those of present fuels, including diesel and gasoline. Together with the plants’ well‐known tolerance of harsh conditions, such interesting phytochemical and petrochemical results significantly contribute to the potential for biofuel exploitation of Vietnamese E. tirucalli and E. tithymaloides. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A review of electrical properties of biodiesel and its blends: experimental data, prediction models and applications
Authors: Alviso Dario , Corach Julián
Published: January 2023

Biodiesel is widely used pure or mixed with diesel fossil fuel in diesel engines. Standards for determining biodiesel quality establish limits for the values of several physicochemical properties. However, the procedures to determine many properties are time‐consuming and demand specialized personnel and expensive equipment. Other methods to characterize biodiesel, such as electrical methods, are particularly interesting. Measurements of electrical properties (permittivity and conductivity) give valuable information about biodiesel, its feedstocks, and its blends with fossil fuel diesel, and solve the usual cost and time drawbacks. This work aims to present a thorough and systematic review of the literature on applications of electrical properties measurements of biodiesel, its feedstocks, and mixtures with other fuels. An overview of the experimental data, typical ranges of values, prediction models, and applications is presented and analyzed in detail, emphasizing blends of biodiesel with fossil fuel diesel. Correlations with important properties (kinematic viscosity, methanol content) are reviewed. Applications include transesterification monitoring, biodiesel aging, the detection of contaminants and electromagnetic heating. This research aimed to determine whether electrical properties are a valuable tool for the biodiesel industry, and what applications may be realized in light of current scientific development. It was determined that, in the current state of research, permittivity measurements could be used to accurately determine the amount of diesel and biodiesel in mixtures. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Interferon and myeloproliferative neoplasms: Evolving therapeutic approaches
Authors: Swaroop Alok , Saleiro Diana , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: January 2023

Interferons (IFNs) are a diverse group of cytokines whose potent antitumor effects have piqued the interest of scientists for decades. Some of the most sustained clinical accomplishments have been in the field of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Here, we discuss how both historical and novel breakthroughs in our understanding of IFN function may lead to more effective therapies for MPNs. The particular relevance and importance of modulating the novel IFN‐regulated ULK1 pathway to optimize IFN responses is highlighted.
Bayesian design for minimizing prediction uncertainty in bivariate spatial responses with applications to air quality monitoring
Authors: Senarathne S. G. J. , Müller Werner G. , McGree James M.
Published: January 2023

Model‐based geostatistical design involves the selection of locations to collect data to minimize an expected loss function over a set of all possible locations. The loss function is specified to reflect the aim of data collection, which, for geostatistical studies, could be to minimize the prediction uncertainty at unobserved locations. In this paper, we propose a new approach to design such studies via a loss function derived through considering the entropy about the model predictions and the parameters of the model. The approach includes a multivariate extension to generalized linear spatial models, and thus can be used to design experiments with more than one response. Unfortunately, evaluating our proposed loss function is computationally expensive so we provide an approximation such that our approach can be adopted to design realistically sized geostatistical studies. This is demonstrated through a simulated study and through designing an air quality monitoring program in Queensland, Australia. The results show that our designs remain highly efficient in achieving each experimental objective individually, providing an ideal compromise between the two objectives. Accordingly, we advocate that our approach could be adopted more generally in model‐based geostatistical design.
Bayesian and influence function‐based empirical likelihoods for inference of sensitivity to the early diseased stage in diagnostic tests
Authors: Hai Yan , Shi Shuangfei , Qin Gengsheng , for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging
Published: January 2023

In practice, a disease process might involve three ordinal diagnostic stages: the normal healthy stage, the early stage of the disease, and the stage of full development of the disease. Early detection is critical for some diseases since it often means an optimal time window for therapeutic treatments of the diseases. In this study, we propose a new influence function‐based empirical likelihood method and Bayesian empirical likelihood methods to construct confidence/credible intervals for the sensitivity of a test to patients in the early diseased stage given a specificity and a sensitivity of the test to patients in the fully diseased stage. Numerical studies are performed to compare the finite sample performances of the proposed approaches with existing methods. The proposed methods are shown to outperform existing methods in terms of coverage probability. A real dataset from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ANDI) is used to illustrate the proposed methods.
Business strategies and corruption in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises: The impact of business group affiliation, external auditing, and international standards certification
Authors: Changwony Frederick Kibon , Kyiu Anthony Kwabena
Published: January 2023

We examine the impact of three business strategies separately and in combination on the tendency for firms to engage in corruption. Using a sample of 56,827 firm‐year observations for small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) over the 2006–2018 period, we find that firms with business group affiliations are more likely to engage in corrupt practices in countries with low business freedom. However, those in countries with high business freedom are less likely to do so. We also find that firms that engage the services of external auditors and adopt international standards are less likely to be corrupt, especially in countries with weak financial reporting standards. Our results also show that corruption intensity reduces even more for firms that employ the three strategies, whether we consider institutional factors or not. This result holds when we use a three‐way interaction term. We conclude that the three strategies are mutually reinforcing and that firm‐level and country‐level efforts complement each other in mitigating corruption.
Peripheral and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells are correlated with patient outcomes in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Ling Yawen , Li Zhidong , Peng Xingchen , Ren Yazhou
Published: January 2023

Objective

At present, there is still a lack of reliable biomarkers for ovarian cancer (OC) to guide prognosis prediction and accurately evaluate the dominant population of immunotherapy. In recent years, the relationship between peripheral blood markers and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TICs) with cancer has attracted much attention. However, the relationship between the survival of OC patients and intratumoral‐ or extratumoral‐associated immune cells remains controversial.

Methods

In this study, four machine‐learning algorithms were used to predict overall survival in OC patients based on peripheral blood indicators. To further screen out immune‐related gene and molecular targets, we systematically explored the correlation between TICs and OC patient survival based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Using the TICs score method, patients were divided into a low immune infiltrating cell group and a high immune infiltrating cell group.

Results

The results showed that there was a significant statistical significance between the peripheral blood indicators and the survival prognosis of OC patients. Survival analysis showed that TICs play a crucial role in the survival of OC patients. Four core genes, CXCL9, CD79A, MS4A1, and MZB1, were identified by cross‐PPI and COX regression analysis. Further analysis found that these genes were significantly associated with both TICs and survival in OC patients.

Conclusions

These results suggest that both peripheral blood markers and TICs can be used as prognostic predictors in patients with OC, and CXCL9, CD79A, MS4A1, and MZB1 may be potential therapeutic targets for OC immunotherapy.
Adequate lymph node dissection is essential for accurate nodal staging in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A population‐based study
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Liu Chang , Li Hui , Ren Haoyu , Cai Yunshi , Lan Tian , Wu Hong
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To comprehensively investigate the implications of lymph node dissection (LND) and the prognostic impact of the number of lymph node (LN) metastases on survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) using a large‐scale study.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgical resection for ICC between 2004 and 2018 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries. The Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank tests were used to compare cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) between different groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) and subgroup analyses were performed to balance potential confounding factors. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify prognostic factors of survival outcomes. Restricted cubic splines fitted in the Cox proportional hazard regression models were also conducted to examine associations between continuous variables and outcomes.

Results

In all, 1028 patients were enrolled. There were 652 (63.4%) patients undergoing LND, with lymph node metastasis (LNM) confirmed in 212 (32.5%) cases. Patients receiving LND did not show better survival outcomes than those receiving non‐LND (NLND). We divided the LND group into two subgroups: patients with LNM (+) and those without LNM (−). Among these three groups, patients with LNM experienced the worst CSS and OS, while NLND patients had similar survival times to LNM (−) patients. Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that an increased number of LNM was associated with a decreased chance of survival (p < 0.001). Patients who received LND were further categorized as having no nodal metastasis (N0), 1–2 LNM (N1), or ≥3 LNM (N2) according to the number of LNM. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the mortality risk of patients with N0, N1, and N2 disease (median CSS, N0 50.0 vs. N1 22.0 vs. N2 14.0 months; median OS, N0 46.0 vs. N1 21.0 vs. N2 14.0 months, all p < 0.01) increased significantly, except for patients who had <6 LNs harvested. On multivariable survival analysis, a higher nodal stage (N1 vs. N0: CSS, hazard ratio [HR] 2.135, 95% CI 1.636–2.788, p < 0.001; OS, HR 2.100, 95% CI 1.624–2.717, p < 0.001; N2 vs. N0: CSS, HR 4.027, 95% CI 2.791–5.811, p < 0.001; OS, HR 3.678, 95% CI 2.561–5.282, p < 0.001) was an independent prognostic risk factor for survival.

Conclusions

Despite the lack of a clear survival benefit of LND in patients with ICC, a significant positive association between the number of LNM and poor outcomes was observed. We still suggest adequate LND by examining at least six LNs to ensure precise staging. On this basis, the recently proposed nodal classification of N0, N1, and N2 stages may also allow better prognostic stratification of ICC patients.
Changing incentives to ACCELERATE drug development for paediatric cancer
Authors: de Rojas Teresa , Kearns Pamela , Blanc Patricia , Skolnik Jeffrey , Fox Elizabeth , Knox Leona , Rousseau Raphael , Doz François , Bird Nick , Pearson Andrew J. , Vassal Gilles
Published: January 2023

Background

More effective incentives are needed to motivate paediatric oncology drug development, uncoupling it from dependency on adult drug development. Although the current European and North‐American legislations aim to promote drug development for paediatrics and rare diseases, children and adolescents with cancer have not benefited as expected from these initiatives and cancer remains the first cause of death by disease in children older than one. Drug development for childhood cancer remains dependent on adult cancer indications and their potential market. The balance between the investment needed to execute a Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) in Europe and an initial Paediatric Study Plan (iPSP) in the US, coupled with the potential financial reward has not been sufficiently attractive to incite the pharmaceutical industry to develop drugs for rare indications such as childhood cancer.

Methods

We propose changes in the timing and nature of the rewards within the European Paediatric Medicine Regulation (PMR) and Regulation on Orphan Medicinal Products (both currently under review), which would drive earlier initiation of paediatric oncology studies and provide incentives for drug development specifically for childhood indications.

Results

We suggest modifying the PMR to ensure mechanism‐of‐action driven mandatory PIP and reorganization of incentives to a stepwise and incremental approach. Interim and final deliverables should be defined within a PIP or iPSP, each attracting a reward on completion. A crucial change would be the introduction of the interim deliverable requiring production of paediatric data that inform the go/no‐go decisions on whether to take a drug forward to paediatric efficacy trials.

Conclusion

Additionally, to address the critical gap in the current framework where there is a complete lack of incentives to promote paediatric‐specific cancer drug development, we propose the introduction of early rewards in the Orphan Regulation, with a variant on the US‐Creating Hope Act and its priority review vouchers.
A Novel Viologen‐Derived Covalent Organic Framework Based Metal Free Catalyst for Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Altınışık Sinem , Koyuncu Sermet
Published: January 2023

It is highly desirable to develop new metal free catalysts to reduction of toxic organic pollutants such as 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). Viologens are efficient electron‐transfer mediators (ETMs) for reduction reactions with NaBH4 as an effective hydrogen source. NaBH4‐assisted reduction of 4‐NP via a novel viologen‐based covalent organic framework as metal free catalyst has been reported. The butyl bridge between the pyridine moieties at viologen based COF‐TPCBP structure provides flexibility to the framework and gives the structure and amorphous character according to SEM, TEM and XRD results. The flexible 3D structure was also demonstrated by the geometric optimization. The structure without any metal moiety was fully completed to 4‐NP reduction in only 12 minutes and have 88 % efficiency after 5 catalytic cycles because of the porous surface of the COF‐TPCBP powder.
Direct Z‐scheme among Niobium Pentoxide and Poly(heptazine imide) for NH3 Photoelectrosynthesis under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Blaskievicz Sirlon F. , Freitas Teixeira Ivo , Mascaro Lucia Helena , Ferreira de Brito Juliana
Published: January 2023

There is a crescent need to improve well‐known processes to environmentally friendly options, and NH3 production is not an exception. Herein, we describe the photoelectrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction under a carbon nitride, the poly(heptazine imide) (PHI) using mild conditions for NH3 synthesis. For this purpose, PHI was combined with Nb2O5 nanotubes, leading to a new photocathode with a charge transfer process in a Z‐scheme structure. The photoelectrocatalytic N2 reduction was carried out in Nb2O5Nt/PHI using solar‐simulated radiation and with an applied bias of −0.3 VAg/AgCl. The PHI presence in the photocathode showed not only superior stability compared to bare Nb2O5, but also an ammonia generation rate of 0.156 mmol L−1 h−1 cm−2, which is about 10‐fold higher than the amount obtained with niobium oxide alone. The mild and green conditions employed for ammonia generation place the obtained photocathode as a promising option for the currently used Haber‐Bosch process.
Preparation, Characterization and Experimental Investigation of the Separation Performance of a Novel CaO‐based CO2 Sorbent for Direct Air Capture
Authors: Dott Anton , Gavrilis Dimitrios Georgakis , Drews Anja , Werner Andre
Published: January 2023

The capture of CO2 from air via direct air capture (DAC) is a promising way to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. The carbonation of calcium‐based adsorbents using ambient conditions is particularly interesting for DAC due to its high theoretical CO2 uptake capacity and its low cost. In this paper, a new preparation method of synthetic calcium oxide‐based pellets for a DAC process was investigated. Their CO2 capture performance was studied experimentally in a fixed‐bed column and characterization was performed via Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analysis, mercury porosimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Higher heating rates during the precursor calcination process and higher relative humidities during the carbonation process were found to lead to higher CO2 capture efficiencies. All prepared pellets showed good mechanical stability.
Identification of Intermediates in the Reaction Pathway of SO2 on the CaO Surface: From Physisorption to Sulfite to Sulfate
Authors: Schewe Nils , Maleki Farahnaz , Di Liberto Giovanni , Gerdes Andreas , Idriss Hicham , Pacchioni Gianfranco , Wöll Christof
Published: January 2023

The interaction of CaO and Ca(OH)2 with solvated or gaseous SO2 plays a crucial role in the corrosion of urban infrastructure by acid rain or in the removal of SO2 from flue gas. We carried out a combined spectroscopic and theoretical investigation on the interaction of SO2 with a CaO(001) single crystal. First, the surface chemistry of SO2 was investigated at different temperatures using polarization‐resolved IR reflection absorption spectroscopy. Three species were identified, and an in‐depth density functional theory study was carried out, which allowed deriving a consistent picture. Unexpectedly, low temperature exposure to SO2 solely yields a physisorbed species. Only above 100 K, the transformation of this weakly bound adsorbate first to a chemisorbed sulfite and then to a sulfate occurs, effectively passivatating the surface. Our results provide the basis for more efficient strategies in corrosion protection of urban infrastructure and in lime‐based desulfurization of flue gas.
Visible Light‐Driven Catalyst‐Free Amination of Indoles Initiated by Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complexes
Authors: Sui Jiahong , Yang Zhonglie , Li Shuangqiao , Chen Xueqin , Zhang Xiaobin , Shen Qing , Jiang Hezhong , Li Jiahong
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The visible light‐driven C2 or C3 amination of indoles without any additives was initiated via electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex formed by indole and N‐aminopyridinium salt. This method was compatible with a wide range of substrates and could proceed smoothly without the addition of any photocatalysts, transition‐metal catalysts, or bases. A variety of studies were carried out to examine the presence of EDA complex.
Prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with clinical outcomes in heart failure: An updated meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Chen Ruzhao , Xu Jiachen , Wang Yuge , Jiang Benyue , Xu Xiao , Lan Yang , Wang Jiang , Lin Xiufang
Published: January 2023

Background

Sarcopenia is thought to be strongly associated with heart failure, but meta‐analyses with sufficient samples are still lacking to accurately address its clinical situation.Hypothesis: Sarcopenia has a high prevalence in patients with heart failure and is closely related to adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

Relevant databases were systematically searched in October 2021 and updated in July 2022. The data with high heterogeneity were combined with random effects model.

Results

Twenty‐one studies with 68,556 HF patients were included. The combined prevalence of sarcopenia in HF patients was 31%. Subgroup analysis found that the prevalence of sarcopenia in HF patients was 35% in Asia, 31% in Europe, 25% in the Americas, 31% in people aged ≥65 years, 25% in people with age <65 years, 28% in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients and 18% in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. In addition, our analysis shows that sarcopenia in patients with HF is associated with an increased risk of poor prognosis, with a combined hazard ratio [HR] of 1.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–5.25), sarcopenia was also associated with poor outcomes in HFrEF patients with pooled HR of 2.77 (95% CI = 1.29–5.95). However, it was not associated with poor outcomes in HFpEF patients with pooled HR of 1.61 (95% CI = 0.82–3.16).

Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia is high in HF patients, and patients with HF, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction, are at high risk of adverse outcomes from sarcopenia. Therefore, early identification and intervention for sarcopenia were beneficial for improving the prognosis of HF patients.
Emotional, behavioral, and physical health consequences of loneliness in young adult survivors of childhood cancer: Results from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Papini Chiara , Fayad Ameera A. , Wang Mingjuan , Schulte Fiona S. M. , Huang I‐Chan , Chang Yu‐Ping , Howell Rebecca M. , Srivastava Deokumar , Leisenring Wendy M. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Gibson Todd M. , Robison Leslie L. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Krull Kevin R. , Brinkman Tara M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Young adults in the general population are at risk of experiencing loneliness, which has been associated with physical and mental health morbidities. The prevalence and consequences of loneliness in young adult survivors of childhood cancer remain unknown.

Methods

A total of 9664 young adult survivors of childhood cancer (median age at diagnosis 10.5 years [interquartile range (IQR), 5–15], 27.1 years at baseline [IQR, 23–32]) and 2221 siblings enrolled in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study completed a self‐reported survey question assessing loneliness on the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 at baseline and follow‐up (median follow‐up, 6.6 years). Multivariable models evaluated the prevalence of loneliness at baseline only, follow‐up only, and baseline + follow‐up, and its associations with emotional distress, health behaviors, and chronic conditions at follow‐up.

Results

Survivors were more likely than siblings to report loneliness at baseline + follow‐up (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–3.0) and at follow‐up only (PR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.7). Loneliness at baseline + follow‐up was associated with elevated risk of anxiety (relative risk [RR], 9.8; 95% CI, 7.5–12.7), depression (RR, 17.9; 95% CI, 14.1–22.7), and current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.3) at follow‐up. Loneliness at follow‐up only was associated with suicidal ideation (RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1), heavy/risky alcohol consumption (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.5), and new‐onset grade 2–4 chronic conditions (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.7).

Conclusions

Young adult survivors of childhood cancer have elevated risk of experiencing loneliness, which is associated with future emotional distress, risky health behaviors, and new‐onset chronic conditions.
Communication about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: Understanding the caregiver perspective
Authors: Pallotto Isabella K. , Shellhaas Renée A. , Maney Kayli , Milazzo Madelyn , Grinspan Zachary , Buchhalter Jeffrey , Donner Elizabeth J. , Lapham Gardiner , Stanton Thomas , Davis J. Kelly , Lemmon Monica E.
Published: January 2023

Objective

We aimed to characterize (1) the caregiver experience of learning about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and (2) caregiver preferences for SUDEP risk disclosure.

Methods

We distributed a 24‐question survey to caregivers of children with epilepsy. Free text questions were analyzed using a rapid qualitative analysis approach.

Results

Two hundred and twelve caregivers of people with epilepsy completed the survey, including 12 bereaved caregivers. Caregivers' children had a high seizure burden, with a median seizure frequency of 24 seizures per year (range: 1 to ≥100). Most participants were aware of SUDEP at the time of the survey (193/212; 91%) though only a minority had learned about SUDEP from a healthcare provider (91/193; 47.2%). Caregivers typically learned about SUDEP from a nonprofit or online source (91/161; 56.5%). Almost all caregivers wanted to discuss SUDEP with their child's healthcare provider (209/212; 98.6%), and preferred disclosure from epileptologists (193/212; 91%), neurologists (191/212; 90.1%), and/or primary care providers (98/212; 46.2%). In open‐ended responses, caregivers highlighted the value of learning about SUDEP from a healthcare provider, the importance of pairing SUDEP risk disclosure with a discussion of how to mitigate risk, and the need for educational resources and peer support.

Interpretation

Caregivers of people with epilepsy appreciate when healthcare providers disclose information about SUDEP, yet typically hear about SUDEP elsewhere. These findings underscore the importance of interventions to improve and support SUDEP risk disclosure. Future work should evaluate strategies to disclose SUDEP risk and the impact of early SUDEP risk disclosure.
Thiacalixarene Appended Azo‐based Supramolecular Systems: Self‐assembly and Photo Tuning Reversible Liquid Crystalline Properties
Authors: Desai Vipul , Sharma Vinay S. , Rathod Suryajit L. , Sharma Anuj S. , Mali Hitendra A. , Shah Rutesh R. , Shrivastav Pranav S.
Published: January 2023

Four new azo‐based supramolecular materials containing thiacalixarene core substituted by variable alkoxy groups (TFA1–TFA4) have been designed and synthesized for the mesomorphic and photoswitching properties. The liquid crystalline behavior were accomplished by using DSC, POM, and XRD studies. All azo‐based thiacalixarene based materials with short and higher chain length display columnar hexagonal mesophase with broad temperature range. The thermal behavior of all the materials was investigated by DSC and TGA study. The structural and conformational study of the lower rim functionalized materials was confirmed by using different techniques. These thiacalixarene moulded liquid crystalline compounds shows columnar self‐assembly type behavior and higher thermal stability. The introduction of bi‐substituted azo‐ester network towards the lower rim of thiacalixarene core has impact on the electron delocalization and liquid crystalline properties. The photoswitching properties suggested cis and trans azo‐isomerization under radiation of UV light and higher thermal back relaxation time. The mesogenic behaviour of compound TFA2 and TFA4 were demolished by the influence of cis and trans isomerization. The structure‐property correlation is studied to understand the variation in mesogenic properties with the substitution of variable alkoxy side chain.
Highly Luminescent and Semiconducting Supramolecular Organic Charge Transfer Complex Generated via H‐Bonding Interaction Pathway
Authors: Ghosh Sushobhan , Sarkar Sudip , Paul Satadal , Shil Suranjan , Mohapatra Sudip , Biswas Achintesh Narayan , De Gobinda Chandra
Published: January 2023

The construction of a charge transfer (CT) organic material with important electrical properties is demonstrated where the charge transfer state is generated via delocalization through H‐bonding interaction pathway. The reaction of simple organic molecule pyromellitic acid with orthophenylene diamine in 1:2 ratios gives a colorless cocrystal 1’. The rare transition phenomena of a colorless cocrystal 1’ to an orange charge transfer state 1 take place in methanol water media over several days. The charge transfer state is isolated as orange single crystals of 1 which show semiconducting as well as fluorescent properties. The X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1 demonstrates the formation of charge separated extended H‐bonded network which is supposed to be solely responsible for the delocalization of charge in the system. This is the first example of formation of donor–acceptor‐based charge transfer material constructed by just tuning the H‐bond distance of a colorless cocrystalline state with non‐chalcogen and non‐halogenated molecules.
Comparing methods to quantify cover in turfgrass research
Authors: Kowalewski Alec R. , Schmid Charles J. , Braithwaite Emily T. , McNally Brandon C. , Elmore Matt T. , Mattox Clint M. , McDonald Brian W. , Wang Ruying , Lambrinos John G. , Fitzpatrick Greg S. , Rivedal Hannah M.
Published: January 2023

Turfgrass cover can be assessed qualitatively using visual ratings, but quantitative turfgrass cover measurements are desired for producing unbiased data. Digital image analysis and point intercept are two quantitative percent cover data collection methods used in turfgrass research. A potential weakness of digital image analysis is the difficulty in evaluating color variation. Considering this, a series of controlled environment and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the point intercept method compared to using a digital grid, digital image analysis, and visual ratings when utilized in turfgrass research. To explore this topic, four experiments were conducted in Corvallis, OR, and one in New Brunswick, NJ. Results from research conducted in Corvallis, OR, determined that the closest point intercept spacing (2.5 cm) resulted in a percent cover that was not statistically different from the known cover and the lowest variance, but the greatest amount of time required to collect the data. Digital image analysis was the most consistent method for measuring percent cover when a known percent cover was being quantified. The estimate of the percent dollar spot cover was reduced by a single pigment application regardless of the data collection method. In the absence of pigment applications, the point intercept frame, digital image analysis, and visual ratings were well‐correlated methods used to assess dollar spot cover. Digital image analysis was not correlated with the other data collection methods when used to evaluate percent anthracnose cover. The research conducted in New Brunswick, NJ, determined that the point intercept method and digital image analysis are well‐correlated methods for quantifying turfgrass establishment from seed.
Effects of humic acid–enhanced phosphate fertilizer on wheat yield, phosphorus uptake, and soil available phosphorus content
Authors: Gao Shengchao , Zhang Shuiqin , Yuan Liang , Li Yanting , Zhao Lifang , Wen Yanchen , Xu Jiukai , Hu Shuwen , Zhao Bingqiang
Published: January 2023

Humic acid (HA) can improve the use efficiency of phosphate fertilizer, although its optimal proportion in fertilizers remains unknown. In this study, we conducted soil column experiments over two growing seasons to compare the effects of different HA proportions in phosphate fertilizer on wheat yield and phosphorus uptake, utilization, and soil available phosphorus. At harvest, grain yields were 0.23%–13.21% higher under HA‐enhanced phosphate (HAP) compared to treatments with conventional phosphate fertilizer (P). Among different HAPs, wheat treated with HAP with 1.0% HA (HAP10) or 2.0% HA (HAP20) had the highest 2‐year grain yield. Furthermore, total phosphorus uptake and its allocation in grains were both higher under HAP treatments compared to P treatment. The apparent use efficiency, agronomic efficiency and partial productivity of phosphorus in HAP10 and HAP20 treatments were also significantly higher than those treated with P in both growing seasons. In addition, HAP10 and HAP20 treatments resulted in the highest content of available phosphorus in the 0–60 cm soil layer compared with other HAPs or P alone. Incorporating HA into phosphate fertilizer at proportions of 0.5%–5.0% can increase wheat yield, phosphorus uptake, phosphate fertilizer use efficiency, and soil available phosphorus content, 1.0% or 2.0% HA in HAP shows the highest effects on these indexes. Given the economic benefits, 1.0% level is an optimal level for enhancing the effects of phosphate fertilizer in winter wheat crops.
Grain filling in rice vis‐a‐vis ethylene production in the spikelets
Authors: Shaw Birendra Prasad , Sekhar Sudhanshu , Panda Binay Bhushan , Sahu Gyanasri , Chandra Tilak , Parida Ajay Kumar
Published: January 2023

Rice being a staple food worldwide necessitates that its production be enhanced to meet the demands of the continuously increasing population. However, the productivity advantages associated with breeding programs have reached their maximum. The production plateau brought on is not due to a lack of genetic potential but rather is due to the inhibition of grain filling by ethylene produced in large quantities in the heavy‐panicle‐ and compact‐panicle‐type varieties developed thus far, as evidenced by the application of ethylene synthesis inhibitors and ethylene action blockers. The inhibition could be a result of the accumulation of HCN, a byproduct of ethylene biosynthesis. In addition, inhibition of grain filling by excessive amounts of ethylene may also be the result of enhanced synthesis/expression of rice starch regulator 1, an ethylene‐responsive element binding protein that inhibits expression of the genes encoding type I starch‐biosynthesizing enzymes. In the past decade, miRNAs have also been found to inhibit grain filling by targeting starch‐biosynthesizing enzymes and the transcription factors required for their expression. Hence, biotechnological interventions should be designed to (1) decrease ethylene production and CN− accumulation and (2) downregulate/knockdown the expression of miRNAs unfavorable to grain filling in a spikelet/seed‐specific manner to enhance rice production.
Species identity and behavior of cave‐dwelling tree hyraxes of the Kenyan coast
Authors: Rosti Hanna , Pihlström Henry , Rottcher Norbert , Bearder Simon , Mwangala Lucas , Maghenda Marianne , Rikkinen Jouko
Published: January 2023

We surveyed tree hyrax populations living in forests, limestone rocky formations, and caves in coastal Kenya to identify the species and estimate the threat‐level populations are in. Tree hyrax vocalizations were recorded in three different habitats with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) for a total of 84 h in January and February 2022. We also observed tree hyrax behavior with thermal imaging camera and photographed individuals. Tree hyraxes in coastal Kenya are vocally active throughout the night, with most calls emitted between 23.00 and 04.00. We identified four different calls: snort, hac, hac ping‐pong, and wheeze. Their calling range is between 220 and 15,000 Hz. Calls of tree hyraxes from the coast of Kenya were compared with calls stored by the Oxford Brookes University's Nocturnal Primate Research Group and identified as eastern tree hyrax, previously recorded from Tanzania. Here, we present what are, to our knowledge, the first photographs of live D. validus from Kenya. These tree hyraxes live in social groups. Due to strong pressure from humans, conservation measures are necessary to prevent the extinction of these isolated D. validus populations in Kenya.
Cost‐effectiveness of immediate initiation of dapagliflozin in patients with a history of heart failure
Authors: Miller Robert J.H. , Chew Derek S. , Qin Lei , Fine Nowell M. , Chen Jieling , McMurray John J.V. , Howlett Jonathan G. , McEwan Phil
Published: January 2023

Aims

To compare the cost‐effectiveness of immediate and 12‐month delayed initiation of dapagliflozin treatment in patients with a history of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) from the UK, Canadian, German, and Spanish healthcare perspectives.

Methods and results

A cost‐utility analysis was conducted using a decision‐analytic Markov model with health states defined by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, type 2 diabetes mellitus status and incidence of heart failure (HF) events. Patient‐level data for patients with prior HHF from the Dapagliflozin And Prevention of Adverse‐outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA‐HF) trial were used to inform the model inputs on clinical events and utility values. Healthcare costs were sourced from the relevant national reference databases and the published literature. Compared to standard therapy, immediate initiation of dapagliflozin decreased HHF (187 events), urgent HF visits (32 events) and cardiovascular mortality (18 events). Standard therapy was associated with lifetime costs of £13 224 and 4.02 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Twelve‐month delayed initiation of dapagliflozin was associated with total discounted lifetime costs and QALYs of £16 660 and 4.61, respectively, compared to £16 912 and 4.66, respectively, for immediate initiation. Compared to standard therapy, immediate and 12‐month delayed initiation of dapagliflozin yielded an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £5779 and £5821, respectively. Compared to 12‐month delayed initiation, immediate initiation of dapagliflozin had an ICER of £5263. Results were similar from the Canadian, German, and Spanish healthcare perspectives.

Conclusion

Both immediate and 12‐month delayed initiation of dapagliflozin are cost‐effective. However, immediate initiation provides greater clinical benefits, with almost 10% additional QALYs gain, compared to 12‐month delayed initiation of dapagliflozin and should be considered standard of care.