bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circuit‐Level Memory Technologies and Applications based on 2D Materials
Authors: Ma Jiahui , Liu Hefei , Yang Ning , Zou Jingyi , Lin Sen , Zhang Yuhao , Zhang Xu , Guo Jing , Wang Han
Published: May 2022

Memory technologies and applications implemented fully or partially using emerging 2D materials have attracted increasing interest in the research community in recent years. Their unique characteristics provide new possibilities for highly integrated circuits with superior performances and low power consumption, as well as special functionalities. Here, an overview of progress in 2D‐material‐based memory technologies and applications on the circuit level is presented. In the material growth and fabrication aspects, the advantages and disadvantages of various methods for producing large‐scale 2D memory devices are discussed. Reports on 2D‐material‐based integrated memory circuits, from conventional dynamic random‐access memory, static random‐access memory, and flash memory arrays, to emerging memristive crossbar structures, all the way to 3D monolithic stacking architecture, are systematically reviewed. Comparisons between experimental implementations and theoretical estimations for different integration architectures are given in terms of the critical parameters in 2D memory devices. Attempts to use 2D memory arrays for in‐memory computing applications, mostly on logic‐in‐memory and neuromorphic computing, are summarized here. Finally, challenges that impede the large‐scale applications of 2D‐material‐based memory are reviewed, and perspectives on possible approaches toward a more reliable system‐level fabrication are also given, hopefully shedding some light on future research.
Multichannel Superposition of Grafted Perfect Vortex Beams
Authors: Ahmed Hammad , Intaravanne Yuttana , Ming Yang , Ansari Muhammad Afnan , Buller Gerald S. , Zentgraf Thomas , Chen Xianzhong
Published: May 2022

Inspired by plant grafting, grafted vortex beams can be formed through grafting two or more helical phase profiles of optical vortex beams. Recently, grafted perfect vortex beams (GPVBs) have attracted much attention due to their unique optical properties and potential applications. However, the current method to generate and manipulate GPVBs requires a complex and bulky optical system, hindering further investigation and limiting its practical applications. Here, a compact metasurface approach for generating and manipulating GPVBs in multiple channels is proposed and demonstrated, which eliminates the need for such a complex optical setup. A single metasurface is utilized to realize various superpositions of GPVBs with different combinations of topological charges in four channels, leading to asymmetric singularity distributions. The positions of singularities in the superimposed beam can be further modulated by introducing an initial phase difference in the metasurface design. The work demonstrates a compact metasurface platform that performs a sophisticated optical task that is very challenging with conventional optics, opening opportunities for the investigation and applications of GPVBs in a wide range of emerging application areas, such as singular optics and quantum science.
Ionofibers: Ionically Conductive Textile Fibers for Conformal i‐Textiles
Authors: Huniade Claude , Melling Daniel , Vancaeyzeele Cédric , Nguyen Giao T.‐M. , Vidal Frédéric , Plesse Cédric , Jager Edwin W. H. , Bashir Tariq , Persson Nils‐Krister
Published: May 2022

With the rise of ion‐based devices using soft ionic conductors, ionotronics show the importance of matching electronic and biological interfaces. Since textiles are conformal, an essential property for matching interfaces, light‐weight and comfortable, they present as an ideal candidate for a new generation of ionotronics, i‐textiles. As fibers are the building blocks of textiles, ionically conductive fibers, named ionofibers, are needed. However, ionofibers are not yet demonstrated to fulfill the fabric manufacturing requirements such as mechanical robustness and upscaled production. Considering that ionogels are known to be conformal films with high ionic conductivity, ionofibers are produced from commercial core yarns with specifically designed ionogel precursor solution via a continuous dip‐coating process. These ionofibers are to be regarded as composites, which keep the morphology and improve the mechanical properties from the core yarns while adding the (ionic) conductive function. They keep their conductivity also after their integration into conformal fabrics; thus, an upscaled production is a likely outlook. The findings offer promising perspectives for i‐textiles with enhanced textile properties and in‐air electrochemical applications.
Control of COVID‐19 Outbreaks under Stochastic Community Dynamics, Bimodality, or Limited Vaccination
Authors: Goldenbogen Björn , Adler Stephan O. , Bodeit Oliver , Wodke Judith A. H. , Escalera‐Fanjul Ximena , Korman Aviv , Krantz Maria , Bonn Lasse , Morán‐Torres Rafael , Haffner Johanna E. L. , Karnetzki Maxim , Maintz Ivo , Mallis Lisa , Prawitz Hannah , Segelitz Patrick S. , Seeger Martin , Linding Rune , Klipp Edda
Published: May 2022

Reaching population immunity against COVID‐19 is proving difficult even in countries with high vaccination levels. Thus, it is critical to identify limits of control and effective measures against future outbreaks. The effects of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and vaccination strategies are analyzed with a detailed community‐specific agent‐based model (ABM). The authors demonstrate that the threshold for population immunity is not a unique number, but depends on the vaccination strategy. Prioritizing highly interactive people diminishes the risk for an infection wave, while prioritizing the elderly minimizes fatalities when vaccinations are low. Control over COVID‐19 outbreaks requires adaptive combination of NPIs and targeted vaccination, exemplified for Germany for January–September 2021. Bimodality emerges from the heterogeneity and stochasticity of community‐specific human–human interactions and infection networks, which can render the effects of limited NPIs uncertain. The authors' simulation platform can process and analyze dynamic COVID‐19 epidemiological situations in diverse communities worldwide to predict pathways to population immunity even with limited vaccination.
Optimal control and the Pontryagin's principle in chemical engineering: History, theory, and challenges
Authors: Andrés‐Martínez Oswaldo , Palma‐Flores Oscar , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A.
Published: May 2022

In the mid‐1950s, Pontryagin et al. published a principle that became a fundamental concept in optimal control (OC) theory. The principle provides theoretical and practical methods to find the solution of OC problems, in particular, open‐loop control problems. In chemical engineering, the principle has played an important role as a decision making framework for more than 60 years. This study gathers the main contributions on the application of the Pontryagin's principle to the dynamic optimization of chemical processes. A concise overview of the optimality conditions for a wide class of constrained OC problems is provided. Numerical methods to solve the necessary conditions and strategies to address inequality constraints are summarized. The information and illustrative case study presented in this work can be used as a guide to implement the principle in different settings. Opportunities for further application of the principle in relevant chemical engineering problems are also discussed.
Multiplexed shotgun genotyping (MSG) data resolve phylogenetic relationships within and among archipelagos in Macaronesian Tolpis
Authors: Mort Mark E. , Kerbs Benjamin R. , Kelly John K. , Silva Lurdes Borges , Moura Mónica , de Sequeira Miguel Menezes , Santos‐Guerra Arnoldo , Schaefer Hanno , Alfredo Reyes‐Betancort J. , Caujapé‐Castells Juli , Crawford Daniel J.
Published: May 2022

Premise

Plants endemic to oceanic archipelagos are suitable for studying evolution, being isolated on substrates of different ages. Evolution has been recent, rendering traditionally employed sequences insufficiently variable for resolving relationships. This study includes sampling in the genus Tolpis (Asteraceae) from the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde, and expands upon an earlier study demonstrating the efficacy of multiplexed shotgun genotyping (MSG) for resolving relationships in Canarian Tolpis.

Methods

Genomic libraries for 90 accessions of Tolpis and two from the outgroup were generated for genotyping individuals using MSG. Loci were de novo assembled with iPyrad, which clusters MSG loci within and between samples. A maximum likelihood phylogeny was generated with RAxML. Ancestral area reconstruction was inferred using R package BioGeoBEARS.

Results

MSG data recovered a highly resolved phylogeny from population to inter‐archipelago levels. Ancestral area reconstruction provided biogeographic hypotheses for the radiation of Macaronesian Tolpis.

Conclusions

Four major clades were resolved. The Madeiran endemic T. macrorhiza is sister to other Tolpis. Species from the Canaries, Cape Verdes, and the continent are sister to T. succulenta from Madeira, which has a sister subclade of Azorean populations composed of T. succulenta and T. azorica. Population‐level resolution suggests unrecognized taxa on several archipelagos. Ancestral reconstruction suggests initial dispersal from the continent to Madeira, with dispersal to the Azores, then dispersal from Madeira to the Canary Islands, with both subsequent dispersal to the Cape Verdes and back‐dispersal to the continent. Single‐island radiations and inter‐island dispersal are implicated in divergence in Macaronesian Tolpis.
Bifunctional Rare‐Earth Metal Catalysts for Conversion of CO2 and Epoxides into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Yao Quanyou , Shi Yize , Wang Yaorong , Zhu Xuehua , Yuan Dan , Yao Yingming
Published: May 2022

A series of bifunctional rare‐earth metal complexes bearing zwitterionic amino‐bis(phenolato) ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. These complexes were applied as catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. Lanthanum complex 1La was most active, converting terminal epoxides into the cyclic carbonates in moderate to excellent yields at 40 °C in the presence of 1 bar CO2. The catalyst was also recycled five runs without loss of catalytic activity. The kinetics of the cycloaddition of CO2 and epichlorohydrin (ECH) catalyzed by complex 1La were investigated. According to the Arrhenius equation, the activation barrier for cyclic carbonate formation is determined to be 8.29±0.68 kcal/mol.
Co(II)‐Catalysed C−H/N−H Annulation of Cyclic Alkenes with Benzamides at Room Temperature: An Easy Access to the Core Skeleton of Hexahydrobenzo[c]phenanthridine‐type Alkaloids
Authors: Adhikari Gopal Krushna Das , Pati Bedadyuti Vedvyas , Mohanty Smruti Ranjan , Prusty Namrata , Ravikumar Ponneri C.
Published: May 2022

We report a highly regio‐ and stereoselective synthesis of the core skeleton of hexahydrobenzo[c]phenanthridine‐type alkaloids at room temperature using Co(acac)2. The reaction is compatible for a wide range of substrates and also provides good to excellent yield of products.
Hyaluronic acid targeted metal organic framework based on iron (III) for delivery of platinum curcumin cytotoxic agent to triple negative breast cancer cell line
Authors: Moradi Mohammadmahdi , Aliomrani Mehdi , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Varshosaz Jaleh , Kazemian Hossein , Emami Fatemeh‐Sadat , Rostami Mahboubeh
Published: May 2022

Platinum‐based drugs are an essential class of chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer. However, suffer from side effects and drug resistance; structural changes and applying drug carriers can lead to new drug candidates in this class. The metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as porous carriers have recently attracted much attention in drug delivery. In this study, for the first time, hyaluronic acid (HA)‐targeted MOF (NH2‐MIL‐101 (Fe)) nanoparticles (Pt‐CUR@MIL@HA NPs) were evaluated in delivery of platinum‐curcumin (Pt‐CUR) prodrug to the MDA‐MB‐231 triple‐negative breast cancer cell line; in this regard, the cytotoxicity, ROS production, and cellular uptake of designed NPs have been studied. Different analysis methods confirmed chemical structures, the prepared NPs had a uniform morphology, and the hydrodynamic size of the optimized non‐targeted loaded particles increased to about 252 nm with a zeta potential of +26.9 mV, after targeting with HA, the size increased to 310 nm, and the zeta potential changed to −28 mV. Based on TGA and atomic absorption (ICP‐MS) results, the drug loading percent was determined to be about 30%–35%. Drug release from the HA targeted Pt‐CUR@MIL@HA system in the neutral condition was slow and sustained, and after 36 h, a maximum of 60% of the drug was released, but in acidic conditions, the release was increased, and by 18 h, the release was about 80%. The cytotoxicity of MOF NPs containing Pt‐CUR was more significant than that of the free drug, and HA targeted has resulted in more cellular uptake than the non‐targeted NPs. In conclusion, these new MOF‐ based HA‐coated NPs of PT‐CUR can be introduced to pre‐clinical researches after completing in vitro and in vivo studies.
Phenol—Benzoxazolone bioisosteres: Synthesis and biological evaluation of tricyclic GluN2B‐selective N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonists
Authors: Markus Alexander , Schreiber Julian A. , Goerges Gunnar , Frehland Bastian , Seebohm Guiscard , Schepmann Dirk , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: May 2022

Tricyclic tetrahydrooxazolo[4,5‐h]‐[3]benzazepin‐9‐ols 22 were designed as phenol bioisosteres of tetrahydro‐3‐benzazepine‐1,7‐diols. Key features of the synthesis are the introduction of the trifluoromethylsulfonyl and allyl protective groups at the heterocyclic N‐atoms. Two methods were developed to convert the triflyl‐protected ketone 16 into tricyclic alcohols 21 bearing various N‐substituents. According to the first method, trifluoromethanesulfinate was removed by K2CO3. Following the selective reduction of the imino moiety of 17 with NaBH(OAc)3 afforded the aminoketone 18, which was reductively alkylated and reduced. According to the second method, both the imine and the ketone of the iminoketone 17 were reduced with NaBH4 to yield the aminoalcohol 20, which was alkylated or reductively alkylated to form tertiary amines 21f–21r. In the last step, the allyl protective group of 21 was removed with RhCl3 and HCl to obtain oxazolones 22. In receptor binding studies using [3H]ifenprodil as radioligand ketone, 22m showed the highest GluN2B affinity (Ki = 88 nM). However, a reduced affinity toward GluN2B subunit‐containing N‐methyl‐
d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors was observed for oxazolones 22 compared to bioisosteric 3‐benzazepine‐1,7‐diols. High selectivity of 22m for the ifenprodil binding site of GluN2B‐NMDA receptors over the 1‐(1‐phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine binding site and σ2 receptors was observed, but only negligible selectivity over σ1 receptors. In two‐electrode voltage clamp experiments, the 4‐phenylbutyl derivative 22d (Ki = 422 nM) demonstrated 80% inhibition of ion flux at a concentration of 1 µM. The differences in GluN2B affinity and inhibitory activity are explained by docking studies. In conclusion, 22d is regarded as a novel scaffold of highly potent GluN1/GluN2B antagonists.
Synthesis of environment‐friendly, sustainable, and nontoxic bio‐lubricants: A critical review of advances and a path forward
Authors: Sancheti Sonam V. , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: May 2022

Carbon neutral biosources are sought for the protection of the environment and to meet the energy needs of the growing population. For instance, lubricants are required in huge quantities. Synthesis of environment‐friendly, sustainable and non‐toxic bio‐lubricants from renewable and bio‐degradable feedstocks such as vegetable oils and animal fats will be most desirable. The thermal stability and lower volatility of these triglycerides make them suitable as precursors for lubricants. This review briefly covers the chemical modifications required to transform plant‐ and animal‐based triglycerides into efficient bio‐lubricants. Chemical modifications are required to improve one or more physicochemical or tribological properties of bio‐lubricants such as low‐temperature flow properties or the oxidation stability of fatty acids/oils for different applications. The use of heterogeneous catalysts makes the processes clean. The relationship between their molecular structures, physicochemical properties and lubrication performance is reviewed. Additives such as antioxidants, sulfides, phosphates, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, and ionic liquids are used to enhance the lubricant properties. With proper modifications in a base oil, support and additives, bio‐lubricants can perform similar to or even better than conventional lubricants. A further advantage is that they can be easily adapted using existing infrastructure and lubricant formulations. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of concomitant fibrates on immunotherapy outcomes for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Stokes William A. , Behera Madhusmita , Jiang Renjian , Gutman David A. , Huang Zhonglu , Burns Abigail , Sebastian Nikhil T. , Sukhatme Vidula , Lowe Michael C. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Sukhatme Vikas P. , Moghanaki Drew
Published: May 2022

Background

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor agonists such as fibrates restore oxidative metabolism in cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes, thereby enhancing response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in preclinical models. However, there is no evidence in humans on the clinical impact of fibrates as an adjunct to ICI.

Methods

In this cohort study of Veterans with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving ICI, fibrate exposure was defined as a prescription filled within 90 days of an ICI infusion. Overall survival (OS), measured from the start of ICI, was compared between exposed and unexposed Veterans. Cox multivariable analysis (MVA) was used to identify factors associated with OS. A sensitivity analysis of Veterans with stage IV NSCLC who received docetaxel without ICI was similarly performed.

Results

The ICI cohort included 3593 Veterans, of whom 301 (8.5%) coincidentally received a fibrate. Veterans receiving fibrates were more likely to be older, white, male, and married, and to have greater comorbidity burden, but less likely to receive chemotherapy. Coincidental fibrates were associated with improved OS both on MVA (HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.75–0.99) and in a matched subset (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.63–0.90). In contrast, among the cohort of 968 Veterans treated with chemotherapy, fibrates did not have a significant impact on OS by MVA (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.79–1.25) or in a matched subset (HR 1.02, 95%CI CI 0.75–1.39).

Conclusions

Concomitant fibrates are associated with improved OS among NSCLC patients receiving ICI but not among those receiving chemotherapy. This hypothesis‐generating observation supports a potential role for fibrates as an adjunct to immunotherapy.
Retracted: ‘We were on our knees long before COVID’: How healthcare workers experienced the compassionate care model during COVID‐19
Authors: Kelleher Rachael , McGurk Lorraine , Hannan Sinéad , Wilson Charlotte E.
Published: May 2022

We were on our knees long before COVID’: How healthcare workers experienced the compassionate care model during COVID‐19. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12545 The above article from Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, published online on 24 May 2022 in Wiley Online Library (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/capr.12545), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, Rachael Kelleher, Lorraine McGurk, Sinéad Hannan, Charlotte E. Wilson, the Editor‐in‐Chief, Panos Vostanis and John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. The retraction has been agreed because the article was submitted and approved for publication without consent from, or acknowledgement of, two co‐authors. Lorraine McGurk and Sinead Hannan bear no responsibility for the publication of the article or its retraction. Because these authors did not consent to the article's publication, we have, at their request, removed their personal information from the PDF version of the article. The PDF article is otherwise unchanged from the published version.
Carpelipines C and D, Two Anti‐Inflammatory Germacranolides from the Flowers of Carpesium lipskyi Winkl. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Zhong Weihong , Li Min , Han Shan , Sun Jie , Cao Lan , Mu Zejing , Du Xiaolang , Cui Yushun , Feng Yulin , Zhong Guoyue
Published: May 2022

Two new germacranolides, carpelipine C (1) and carpelipine D (2), together with four known ones (3–6), were isolated from Carpesium lipskyi Winkl. flowers, a folk Tibetan herbal medicine with antipyretic‐analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects. The chemical structures of new structure were illuminated by diversified spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic analyses. Compounds 1 and 3 dramatically suppressed the synthesis of NO and decreased pre‐inflammatory protein expression of iNOS and COX‐2 in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, it was revealed that NF‐κB/MAPK signaling pathway were involved in the anti‐inflammatory process of 1 and 3, and their effects on reducing oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway were also measured. This article indicated that the traditional use of C. lipskyi to treat inflammatory diseases has a certain rationality.
Catalytic Activity for CO2 Hydrogenation is Linearly Dependent on Generated Oxygen Vacancies over CeO2‐Supported Pd Catalysts
Authors: Jiang Feng , Jiang Feng , Wang Shanshan , Xu Yuebing , Liu Bing , Liu Xiaohao
Published: May 2022

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is a promising way to achieve the utilization of CO2 to high‐value chemicals. Promoters are frequently applied to regulate the chemical and physical properties of catalysts, but their critical role in selective CO2 hydrogenation toward methanol over Pd/CeO2 is still far from clear. In this work, a series of promoters including La, Zr, Cr, Ca, Co, Cd, Zn, Bi, and K are selected to co‐impregnate with Pd precursor on ceria nanorods to reveal their impact on CO2 hydrogenation performance. It turns out that the catalytic activity over Pd/CeO2 catalyst is linearly dependent of the amount of created oxygen vacancies which determines by the nature of promoter. Especially, the introduction of Zr could incorporate into ceria lattice for the facile formation of oxygen vacancies, thus notably enhancing the catalytic activity with slightly higher methanol selectivity.
Emerging Trends in Fluorescence Bioimaging of Divalent Metal Cations Using Small‐Molecule Indicators
Authors: Liu Mingqiao , Zhang Junwei , Chen Zhixing
Published: May 2022

Visualization of cation dynamics inside a living system represent a major breakthrough at the crossroad of chemistry and cellular physiology. Since the inception of BAPTA‐based cellular calcium indicators in the 1980s, generations of chemical and genetically encoded ion indicators spanning the visible spectrum have been developed. In this article, we bring up three emerging concepts in this field: 1. red‐shifting cation indicators towards far‐red and near‐infrared (NIR) channels; 2. directing the indicators to various subcellular localizations; 3. lowering the phototoxicity of indicators for long term recording. These initiatives collectively echo the advocate of 4D cellular physiology, where biological processes within living systems can be panoramically unveiled under 3D, long‐term, and multi‐channel imaging with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. This outlook poses exciting challenges and opportunities for chemists to upgrade the toolkit of fluorescent indicators as key enablers for a new era of imageomics.
Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Implementation of UpfrontDPYDGenotyping
Authors: White Cassandra , Scott Rodney J. , Paul Christine , Ziolkowski Andrew , Mossman David , Fox Stephen B. , Michael Michael , Ackland Stephen
Published: May 2022

Fluoropyrimidines (FP; 5‐fluorouracil, capecitabine, and tegafur) are a commonly prescribed class of antimetabolite chemotherapies, used for various solid organ malignancies in over 2 million patients globally per annum. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), encoded by theDPYDgene, is the critical enzyme implicated in FP metabolism.DPYDvariant genotypes can result in decreased DPD production, leading to the development of severe toxicities resulting in hospitalization, intensive care admission, and even death. Management of toxicity incurs financial burden on both patients and healthcare systems alike. UpfrontDPYDgenotyping to identify variant carriers allows an opportunity to identify patients who are at high risk to suffer from serious toxicities and allow prospective dose adjustment of FP treatment. This approach has been shown to reduce patient morbidity, as well as improve the cost‐effectiveness of managing FP treatment. UpfrontDPYDgenotyping has been recently endorsed by several countries in Europe and the United Kingdom. This review summarizes current knowledge about DPD deficiency and upfrontDPYDgenotyping, including clinical and cost‐effectiveness outcomes, with the intent of supporting implementation of an upfrontDPYDgenotyping service with individualized dose‐personalization.
Linking stakeholder pressure and corporate environmental competitiveness: The moderating effect of ISO 14001 adoption
Authors: Seroka‐Stolka Oksana , Fijorek Kamil
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we seek to understand the impact of overall stakeholder pressure (SP) on corporate environmental competitiveness (EC). We have also investigated the pressures derived from various groups of primary and secondary stakeholders on environmental competitiveness. Importantly, the moderation effect of the ISO 14001 adoption on the relationship between SP and EC has been explored. Although, the effect of stakeholder pressure on firms' environmental performance has been studied in the literature, the impact of stakeholder pressure on firms' environmental competitiveness is far less explored. The study also adds significantly to the ongoing discussion as the moderation effect of the ISO 14001 adoption on the relation between stakeholder pressure and environmental competitiveness has been scarcely explored in the literature so far. The results from the cascade of linear regression models have confirmed a positive and significant effect of (overall, primary, secondary) stakeholder pressure on environmental competitiveness. The regression models have also confirmed the presence of the moderation effect of the ISO 14001 adoption on environmental competitiveness.
Electrochemical Depolymerization of Lignin in a Biomass‐based Solvent**
Authors: da Cruz Márcia G. A. , Gueret Robin , Chen Jianhong , Piątek Jędrzej , Beele Björn , Sipponen Mika H. , Frauscher Marcella , Budnyk Serhiy , Rodrigues Bruno V. M. , Slabon Adam
Published: May 2022

Breaking down lignin into smaller units is the key to generate high value‐added products. Nevertheless, dissolving this complex plant polyphenol in an environment‐friendly way is often a challenge. Levulinic acid, which is formed during the hydrothermal processing of lignocellulosic biomass, has been shown to efficiently dissolve lignin. Herein, levulinic acid was evaluated as a medium for the reductive electrochemical depolymerization of the lignin macromolecule. Copper was chosen as the electrocatalyst due to the economic feasibility and low activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction. After depolymerization, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed lignin‐derived monomers and dimers. A predominance of aryl ether and phenolic groups was observed. Depolymerized lignin was further evaluated as an anti‐corrosion coating, revealing enhancements on the electrochemical stability of the metal. Via a simple depolymerization process of biomass waste in a biomass‐based solvent, a straightforward approach to produce high value‐added compounds or tailored biobased materials was demonstrated.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices
Authors: Mochimaru Tomoaki , Hikichi Takuto , Hashimoto Minami , Nakamura Jun , Takasumi Mika , Kato Tsunetaka , Kobashi Ryoichiro , Yanagita Takumi , Suzuki Rei , Sugimoto Mitsuru , Sato Yuki , Irie Hiroki , Takagi Tadayuki , Kobayakawa Masao , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: May 2022

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become the standard treatment for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). However, the treatment strategy for SESCC complicated by esophageal varices (EVs) has not been established. We report two cases of SESCC in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis complicated by EVs who underwent ESD. Case 1 presented with EVs on the anal side of the SESCC, and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) was performed before ESD. After EVL, the SESCC was successfully treated by ESD without any adverse events. Case 2 presented EVs from the anal side of the SESCC to the submucosa just below the SESCC. Then, EVL and endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with polidocanol were performed before ESD. However, ESD was not completed because of severe bleeding by uncontrolled blood flow below and around the SESCC. Bleeding during ESD was controlled in case 1, but not in case 2.
Efficacy of at home monitoring of foot temperature for risk reduction of diabetes‐related foot ulcer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Golledge Jonathan , Fernando Malindu E , Alahakoon Chanika , Lazzarini Peter A. , aan de Stegge Wouter B. , van Netten Jaap J. , Bus Sicco A.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To perform an updated systematic review of randomised controlled trials examining the efficacy of at‐home foot temperature monitoring in reducing the risk of a diabetes‐related foot ulcer (DFU).

Methods

Systematic review performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Risk‐of‐bias was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. Meta‐analyses were performed using random effect models. Leave‐one‐out sensitivity analyses and a sub‐analysis excluding trials considered at high risk‐of‐bias assessed the consistency of the findings. The certainty of the evidence was assessed with GRADE.

Results

Five randomised controlled trials involving 772 participants meeting the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) risk category 2 or 3 were included. All trials reported instructing participants to measure skin temperature at‐home at six or more sites on each foot using a hand‐held infra‐red thermometer at least daily and reduce ambulatory activity in response to hotspots (temperature differences >2.2°C on two consecutive days between similar locations in both feet). One, one, and three trials were considered at low, moderate and high risk‐of‐bias, respectively. Participants allocated to at‐home foot temperature monitoring had a reduced risk of developing a DFU (relative risk 0.51, 95% CI 0.31–0.84) compared to controls. Sensitivity and sub‐analyses suggested that the significance of this finding was consistent. The GRADE assessment suggested a low degree of certainty in the finding.

Conclusions

At‐home daily foot temperature monitoring and reduction of ambulatory activity in response to hotspots reduce the risk of a DFU in moderate or high risk people with a low level of certainty.
Transcriptomic analyses of NeuroD1‐mediated astrocyte‐to‐neuron conversion
Authors: Ma Ning‐Xin , Puls Brendan , Chen Gong
Published: May 2022

Ectopic expression of a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1 can reprogram reactive glial cells into functional neurons both in vitro and in vivo, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood yet. Here, we used RNA‐sequencing technology to capture the transcriptomic changes at different time points during the reprogramming process. We found that following NeuroD1 overexpression, astroglial genes (ACTG1, ALDH1A3, EMP1, CLDN6, SOX21) were significantly downregulated, whereas neuronal genes (DCX, RBFOX3/NeuN, CUX2, RELN, SNAP25) were significantly upregulated. NeuroD family members (NeuroD1/2/6) and signaling pathways (Wnt, MAPK, cAMP) as well as neurotransmitter receptors (acetylcholine, somatostatin, dopamine) were also significantly upregulated. Gene co‐expression analysis identified many central genes among the NeuroD1‐interacting network, including CABP7, KIAA1456, SSTR2, GADD45G, LRRTM2, and INSM1. Compared to chemical conversion, we found that NeuroD1 acted as a strong driving force and triggered fast transcriptomic changes during astrocyte‐to‐neuron conversion process. Together, this study reveals many important downstream targets of NeuroD1 such as HES6, BHLHE22, INSM1, CHRNA1/3, CABP7, and SSTR2, which may play critical roles during the transcriptomic landscape shift from a glial profile to a neuronal profile.
Plant community data collected by Robert H. Whittaker in the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon and California, USA
Authors: Whittaker Robert H. , Damschen Ellen I. , Harrison Susan
Published: May 2022

In 1949–1951, ecologist Robert H. Whittaker sampled plant community composition at 470 sites in the Siskiyou Mountains (Oregon and California; also known as Klamath or Klamath‐Siskiyou Mountains). His primary goal was to develop methods to quantify plant community variation across environmental gradients, following on his seminal work challenging communities as discrete entities. He selected the Siskiyous because of their diverse and endemic‐rich flora, which he attributed to geological complexity and an ancient stable climate. He chose sites to span gradients of topography, elevation, geologic substrate, and distance from the coast. He used the frequencies of indicator species in his data to assign sampling locations to positions on the topographic gradient, nested within the elevational and substrate gradients. He originated in this study the concept of diversity partitioning, in which gamma diversity (species richness of a community) equals alpha diversity (species richness in homogeneous sites) times beta diversity (species turnover among sites along gradients). Diversity partitioning subsequently became highly influential and new developments on it continue. Whittaker published his Siskiyou work covering paleohistory, biogeography, floristics, vegetation, gradient analysis, and diversity partitioning in Ecological Monographs in 1960. Discussed in 2 pages of his 60‐page monograph, diversity partitioning accounts for >95% of its current >4300 citations. In 2006, we retrieved Whittaker's Siskiyou data in hard copy from the Cornell University archives and entered them in a database. We used these data for multiple published analyses, including some based on (re)sampling the approximate locations of a subset of his sites. Because of the continued interest in diversity partitioning and in historic data sets, here we present his data, including 359 sampling locations and their descriptors and, for each sample, a list of species with their estimated percent cover (herbs and shrubs) and numbers by diameter at breast height (DBH) category (trees). Site descriptors include the approximate location (road, trail, or stream), elevation, topographic aspect, geologic substrate (serpentine, gabbro, or diorite), and dominant woody vegetation of each location. For 111 sites, including the small number chosen to represent the distance‐to‐coast gradient, we could not locate his data. There are no copyright restrictions and users of these data should cite this data paper in any publications that result from its use. The authors are available for consultations about and collaborations involving the data.
Simulation of microwave electrodeless ultraviolet device and catalytic oxidation of toluene
Authors: Zhang Xiaojiao , Li Dengxin , Liu Chang , Guan Jie , Guo Yaoguang , Yuan Hao , Zhang Chenglong
Published: May 2022

In order to improve the catalytic efficiency of toluene oxidation by heating catalyst and carrier in microwave single‐mode sintering furnace, the SJ‐1 microwave single‐mode sintering furnace is modified, and microwave electroless UV lamp is placed in the resonant cavity, and the catalytic efficiency of toluene is improved by using microwave electroless lamp in cooperation with microwave heating catalyst and carrier. In order to design the cavity, High‐Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) simulation is used to simulate it. The position of the waveguide, the position of the electroless UV lamp and its distance from the cavity center, and different input powers are simulated and analyzed, respectively. The electric field distribution diagram is obtained. According to the simulation analysis results, the waveguide on the left side, the cavity height of 300 mm, diameter of 160 mm aluminum alloy cavity is designed. The center of the lamp is 43 mm away from the center of the cylindrical cavity. The toluene catalytic efficiency is more than 94% at space speed of 6336.93 h−1, relative humidity of 50%, microwave input power of 455.6 W and initial toluene concentration of 60 ppm. It provides theoretical reference and guidance for the design of microwave electroless lamp thermal catalytic device.
Biodiesel from waste oil under mild conditions by a combination of calcium‐strontium oxide nanocatalyst and ultrasonic waves
Authors: Shahraini Narjes , Entezari Mohammad H.
Published: May 2022

The transesterification of waste oils to biodiesel was carried out in the presence and absence of ultrasound. A new nanocatalyst of the calcium‐strontium oxide was applied with high catalytic activity. The innovation of this work is an environmentally friendly synthesized nanocatalyst with ultrasound at low temperatures. After synthesis, the nanocatalyst was characterized with FESEM, FT‐IR, and CO2‐TPD, NH3‐TPD. It was mesoporous and showed great basicity by the CO2‐TPD method. The highest conversion of biodiesel was 99.2% under optimal reaction conditions (2.5 wt% nanocatalyst, oil to methanol molar ratio 1:6, time 40 minutes, temperature 35°C, and 42% amplitude of ultrasound). 1HNMR, FTIR, and GC‐FID tracked the characterization of biodiesel. The physical and fuel properties of biodiesel were evaluated according to the ASTM standardized method. Based on a kinetic study, the activation energy in the mechanical agitation method was about twice as high as in the ultrasonic method. A high turnover frequency and low environmental factors indicate that biodiesel synthesis from waste oil with this nanocatalyst is fast, efficient, and effective in the environment. Biodiesel was synthesized using calcium‐strontium oxide nanocatalyst, waste oil, and ultrasonic in a green and eco‐friendly process with time and cost savings.

Highlights

Calcium‐strontium oxide is a novel super base nanocatalyst synthesized for transesterification.

The highest biodiesel yield achieves 99.2 wt% from this green synthesis with a low E‐factor.

The reaction followed the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model.

The turnover frequency of nanocatalyst is suitable for an industrial application.

The calcium strontium oxide has proper reusability up to the six‐run.
Rapid and deposition‐free preheating of lithium‐ion cell with square wave current
Authors: Zhang Zeping , Yang Xiaolong , Jian Jiting , Wang Shixue , Gong Jinke , Zhang Jianbo
Published: May 2022

Alternating current preheating can effectively heat the cell while preventing lithium deposition. However, its application in real situation is limited by availability of negative electrode impedance and generation of sinusoidal alternating current (SAC). Based on the fact that negative electrode impedance is dominant in full cell impedance at low temperatures, the strategy of replacing the negative electrode impedance with the full cell impedance is proposed. Generating SAC on vehicle is costly, and may not be the most efficient waveshape in preheating the cell. The strategy of substituting SAC using square wave alternating current (SWAC) is further proposed. Based on the former strategy, applicability boundaries of preventing lithium deposition in terms of frequency and maximum permissible current amplitude for SWAC are provided. Its effectiveness is checked using an 18 650 cell. Neither apparent lithium deposition nor life degradation is exhibited after repeated preheating of 600 min. The preheating rate with different current waveshapes are experimentally compared. The SWAC has larger preheating capability and can warm up the cell in shorter time. To further improve the preheating rate, a temperature‐adaptive profile is developed according to the applicability boundaries, successfully preheating an 18 650 cell from −20°C to 6°C in 540 s.
ONOS Flood Defender: An Intelligent Approach to Mitigate DDoS Attack in SDN
Authors: Aslam Naziya , Srivastava Shashank , Gore M. M.
Published: May 2022

Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) has made its place in the networks as new technology. SDN's programmable behavior enables it to change behavior on the fly, provides instructions for the task's automatic performance, dynamic scaling, and service integration. These advantages have made SDN necessary in networks. However, SDN suffers from the threat of DDoS attack. We have developed an approach to mitigate these threats by creating an ONOS Flood Defender Application (OFD App). This app effectively detects DDoS attack using supervised and ensemble machine learning techniques and mitigates them by tracebacking the attack traffic to its origin. Our results show that ensemble machine learning techniques perform better than single machine learning algorithm to detect DDoS attack. Random Forest classifier (RFC), an ensemble technique, performs best with the highest accuracy of 99.3% in detecting DDoS attack, followed by XGBoost classifier with an accuracy of 99%. The proposed framework of the OFD app is implemented in a Mininet emulator and ONOS SDN controller. The application performs effectively in terms of time, accuracy, and overhead of the system. Our app efficiently mitigates the attacks, thereby preventing a tremendous amount of damage to legitimate users.
Synthesis of (−)‐menthol: Industrial synthesis routes and recent development
Authors: Dylong Dominik , Hausoul Peter J. C. , Palkovits Regina , Eisenacher Matthias
Published: May 2022

(−)‐Menthol is one of the most popular aroma compounds worldwide. While in the past mostly extracted from mint plants, today (−)‐menthol synthesis from other raw materials is becoming more relevant. Common starting materials for menthol synthesis are m‐cresol, citral and myrcene, but also substrates like menthone, mono‐ and bicyclic terpenes and terpenoids have been used for this purpose in the past. As for many applications (−)‐menthol of high purity is required, asymmetric syntheses and enantiomeric resolution of obtained raw products are applied for menthol production. This review gives an overview on the most important synthetic menthol production processes of the companies Symrise, Takasago and BASF and relevant literature in the field of menthol synthesis with a focus on the last 20 years.
Beta and size equity premia following a high‐VIX threshold
Authors: Bansal Naresh , Connolly Robert A. , Stivers Chris
Published: May 2022

We show that a positive risk premium from holding high‐beta stocks (vs. low‐beta stocks) and small‐cap stocks (vs. large‐cap stocks) is reliably earned only after the expected stock‐market volatility breaches a high threshold at about the 80th percentile. When exceeding this threshold at month , then sizable positive average returns from beta and size exposure are persistently evident over months to ; otherwise the premia are near zero. Conversely, we find no comparable threshold behavior for the Fama–French HML, RMW, and CMA factors. Our investigation suggests several economic channels as likely contributors behind these threshold risk‐return findings.
Ruxolitinib combined with prednisone, thalidomide and danazol in patients with myelofibrosis: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Qu Shiqiang , Xu Zefeng , Qin Tiejun , Li Bing , Pan Lijuan , Chen Jia , Yan Xin , Wu Junying , Zhang Yudi , Zhang Peihong , Gale Robert Peter , Xiao Zhijian
Published: May 2022

Ruxolitinib is a safe and effective therapy of myeloproliferative neoplasm‐associated (MPN) myelofibrosis. However, often there are dose reductions and/or therapy interruptions because of therapy‐related adverse events (AEs), especially anemia and thrombocytopenia. We previously reported combined therapy with prednisone, thalidomide and danazol (PTD) reversed anemia and thrombocytopenia in people with MPN‐associated myelofibrosis. We wondered whether adding PTD to ruxolitinib might mitigate the hematologic AEs and thereby avoid the dose reduction of ruxolitinib and improve the efficacy. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a baseline hemoglobin and platelet concentration assignment prospective observational study in 72 patients comparing 3‐month dose adjustment and efficacy of ruxolitinib with (N = 53, the study group) or without (N = 19, the control group) PTD. According to the platelet counts, the median daily ruxolitinib doses in the study group increased from 30 to 40 mg by week 12, whereas in the control group it remained at 30 mg (p = 0.019). In the study group 35 patients had a hemoglobin increase ≥10 g/L compared with no patient receiving ruxolitinib only (p < 0.001). Platelet increases >100 × 10E+9/L were seen in 56.6% and 5.3% of patients in the two groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In patients with anemia and thrombocytopenia, 18 patients in the study group had an anemia response at week 12 and 12 had a platelet increase of ≥50 × 10E+9/L. No patient in the control group achieved either response (p < 0.001 and p = 0.078). The study group had a more spleen response than the control group (p = 0.046). Peripheral edema and transaminase elevation were the main nonhematologic AEs of PTD. These AEs can be alleviated by adjusting the danazol dose. In conclusion, adding PTD to ruxolitinib improved ruxolitinib‐associated anemia and thrombocytopenia, and resulted in a higher ruxolitinib dose.
Efficacy of heads‐up CPR compared to supine CPR positions: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Varney Joseph , Motawea Karam R. , Mostafa Mostafa R. , AbdelQadir Yossef H. , Aboelenein Merna , Kandil Omneya A. , Ibrahim Nancy , Hashim Hashim T. , Murry Kimberly , Jackson Garrett , Shah Jaffer , Boury Maty , Awad Ahmed K. , Patel Priya , Awad Dina M. , Rozan Samah S. , Talat Nesreen E.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in full‐coded patients requires effective chest compressions with minimal interruptions to maintain adequate perfusion to the brain and other vital organs. Many novel approaches have been proposed to attain better organ perfusion compared to traditional CPR techniques. The purpose of this review is to investigate the safety and efficacy of heads‐up CPR versus supine CPR.

Methods

We searched PubMed Central, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from 1990 to February 2021. After the full‐text screening of 40 eligible studies, only seven studies were eligible for our meta‐analysis. We used the RevMan software (5.4) to perform the meta‐analysis.

Results

In survival outcome, the pooled analysis between heads‐up and supine CPR was (risk ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17–5.68, p = 0.98). The pooled analyses between heads‐up CPR and supine CPR in cerebral flow, cerebral perfusion pressure and coronary perfusion pressure outcomes, were (mean difference [MD] = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.03–0.17, p = 0.003), (MD = 12.28, 95% CI = 5.92–18.64], p = 0.0002), and (MD = 8.43, 95% CI = 2.71–14.14, p = 0.004), respectively. After doing a subgroup analysis, cerebral perfusion was found to increase during heads‐up CPR compared with supine CPR at 6 min CPR duration and 18 to 20 min CPR duration as well.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that heads‐up CPR is associated with better cerebral and coronary perfusion compared to the conventional supine technique in pigs' models. However, more research is warranted to investigate the safety and efficacy of the heads‐up technique on human beings and to determine the best angle for optimization of the technique results.