bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygenated‐bacterial‐cellulose nanofibers with hydrogel, antimicrobial, and controlled oxygen release properties for rapid wound healing
Authors: Fadakar Sarkandi Aida , Montazer Majid , Mahmoudi Rad Mahnaz
Published: November 2021

The most effective approach for wound healing improvement is entrapping and controlling the oxygen in a biocompatible polymer matrix through introducing hydrogen peroxide. In the research, the bacterial cellulose (BC) layers were oxygenated as a safe and excellent hydrogel to accelerate the wound healing process. Indeed, the hydrogel‐containing hydrogen peroxide was obtained using the treatment of dry BC with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 5 h. The morphology, thermal behavior, crystalline and chemical structures, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, degree of porosity, oxygen release, water holding capacity, and drying time of the treated layers were investigated. Furthermore, the calculated porosity showed about seven times more pore area. The dissolved oxygen results indicated the well‐trapped oxygen in BC with a prolonged‐release time of 20 days. Moreover, the 100% antibacterial and antifungal activities and excellent wound healing properties without cytotoxic effects specified the ability of BC to trap and release oxygen for efficient wound healing. Hence, the study introduces a functionalized naturally driven hydrogel layer with oxygen delivery, safe antimicrobial properties, and prolonged drying time.
Osteophytes: The product of convergent evolution
Authors: Rothschild Bruce , Biehler‐Gomez Lucie
Published: November 2021

The very reasonable suggestion, that diarthrodial joint and juxta‐discal (vertebral centra‐marginal) bony overgrowths (referred to as osteophytes) have different etiologies, has eluded previous confirmation. The prevailing perspective is that diarthrodial osteophytes represent the product of compressive forces and that those on the margins of vertebral centra result from traction and therefore are enthesial in derivation. If diarthrodial joint osteophytes result from intrinsic pressures, any surface responses would require transcortical nutritional support, easily recognized by en face microscopic examination. This contrasts with enthesially derived growth, the surface of which is characterized by Sharpey's fiber insertions. These are recognized as inverted cones with a central protrusion on examination of related bone surfaces. We hypothesize that diarthrodial and disc‐adjacent osteophytes have a different pathophysiology, distinguishable on the basis of microscopic surface appearance. We pursued microscopic examination of the surfaces of osteophytes present on diarthrodial joints (hip, knee, elbow, costovertebral) and vertebrae (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) from the CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection for presence of transcortical channels and the inverted cones of Sharpey's fiber insertions. Examination of 22 diarthrodial joint osteophytes reveals the presence solely of transcortical channels, while examination of 35 vertebral centra marginal osteophytes reveals the presence only of inverted cones. Findings are independent of age, gender, joint affected, position in the spinal column and osteophyte “severity.” It is now evidenced that all osteophytes are not created equal. Diarthrodial joint osteophytes are endochondrally derived; vertebral centra osteophytes, enthesial in derivation. Different pathophysiology at least partially explain the clinical character of these processes.
Ecomorphology of the cervid calcaneus as a proxy for paleoenvironmental reconstruction
Authors: Gruwier Ben J. , Kovarovic Kris
Published: November 2021

This study presents new ecomorphological models for the cervid calcaneus that can be used to make predictions about the nature of ancient environments. Using geometric morphometrics to quantitatively assess the length of the articular surface supporting the malleolus, the length and orientation of the tuber calcanei, and the position of the articular facets, we aimed to establish correlations between morphological traits, locomotor behavior, and environmental parameters in extant cervids. The morphology of the calcaneus was found to primarily vary with locomotor strategy and habitat, along a continuum from habitats with an open vegetation structure to habitats with a closed vegetation structure. Confounding factors, including sexual dimorphism, allometry, and phylogeny were accounted for using Principal Component Analysis, regressions and phylogenetic comparative methods. The results of our analyses suggested that these factors did not substantially obscure habitat predictions. As such, the calcaneus provides a valuable proxy for paleoenvironmental reconstruction that is broadly applicable to Quaternary fossil assemblages with a sufficiently large sample of cervids.
Preservation of ILR and IFR aging classes in sums of dependent random variables
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Pellerey Franco
Published: November 2021

Closure of aging classes with respect to sums is a relevant topic in different areas of applied probability. In the case of independent random variables (i.e., for convolutions) this preservation property has been proved in the literature for a number of classes such as the increasing in likelihood ratio (ILR) and the increasing failure rate (IFR) classes. These results were applied, for example, to sums of life lengths in reliability theory and to sums of incomes/returns in economic/risk studies. However, in many practical situations the independence assumption is unrealistic. In the present paper, we provide conditions such that these closure properties are satisfied by the ILR and IFR classes when the assumption of independence is dropped. The classical copula approach is used to model the dependence structure, but other dependence models, such as relevation transforms and load sharing models, are considered as well. Several illustrative examples and counterexamples show how to use the presented theoretical results and which preservation results do not hold.
Excessive and less complex body movement in children with autism during face‐to‐face conversation: An objective approach to behavioral quantification
Authors: Zhao Zhong , Tang Haiming , Alviar Camila , Kello Christopher T. , Zhang Xiaobin , Hu Xinyao , Qu Xingda , Lu Jianping
Published: November 2021

The majority of existing studies investigating characteristics of overt social behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) relied on informants' evaluation through questionnaires and behavioral coding techniques. As a novelty, this study aimed to quantify the complex movements produced during social interactions in order to test differences in ASD movement dynamics and their convergence, or lack thereof, during social interactions. Twenty children with ASD and twenty‐three children with typical development (TD) were videotaped while engaged in a face‐to‐face conversation with an interviewer. An image differencing technique was utilized to extract the movement time series. Spectral analyses were conducted to quantify the average power of movement, and the fractal scaling of movement. The degree of complexity matching was calculated to capture the level of behavioral coordination between the interviewer and children. Results demonstrated that the average power was significantly higher (p < 0.01), and the fractal scaling was steeper (p < 0.05) in children with ASD, suggesting excessive and less complex movement as compared to the TD peers. Complexity matching occurred between children and interviewers, but there was no reliable difference in the strength of matching between the ASD and TD children. Descriptive trends in the interviewer's behavior suggest that her movements adapted to match both ASD and TD movements equally well. The findings of our study might shed light on seeking novel behavioral markers of ASD, and on developing automatic ASD screening techniques during daily social interactions.

Lay Summary

By implementing an objective behavioral quantifying technique, our study demonstrated that children with autism had more body movement during face‐to‐face conversation, and they moved in a less complex way. The current diagnosis of autism heavily relies on doctor's experiences. These findings suggest a potential that autism might be automatically screened during daily social interactions.
Identification of SNPs in hMSH3/MSH6 interaction domain affecting the structure and function of MSH2 protein
Authors: Singh Sidhartha , Sharma Siddharth , Baranwal Manoj
Published: November 2021

MutS homolog 2 (MSH2) is a mismatch repair gene that plays a critical role in DNA repair pathways, and its mutations are associated with different cancers. The present study aimed to find out the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MSH2 protein associated with causing structural and functional changes leading to the development of cancer with the help of computational tools. Four different tools for predicting deleterious SNPs (SIFT, PROVEAN, PANTHER, and PolyPhen), two tools each for identifying disease association (PhD‐SNP and SNP&GO) and estimating stability (I‐mutant and MUPro) were employed. Homology modeling, energy minimization, and root mean square deviation calculation were used to estimate structural variations. Twenty‐seven SNPs and five SNPs (double amino acid change) were identified based on a consensus approach that might be associated with the structural and functional change in MSH2 protein. Molecular docking reveals that six SNPs affect the interaction of MSH2 and MSH6. Twelve identified SNPs were reported to be linked with hereditary nonpolyposis, colorectal cancer, and Lynch syndrome. Further, selected SNPs need to be validated in an in vitro system for their precise association with cancer predisposition.
Microstructure, morphology and physicochemical properties of nanocomposites containing hydroxyapatite/vivianite/graphene oxide for biomedical applications
Authors: El‐Naggar Mehrez E. , Abu Ali Ola A. , Saleh Dalia I. , Abu‐Saied M. A. , Ahmed M. K. , Abdel‐Fattah E. , Mansour S. F.
Published: November 2021

Designing a nanocomposite that accumulates biocompatibility and antimicrobial behaviour is an essential requirement for biomedical applications. Hydroxyapatite (HAP), graphene oxide, and vivianite in one ternary nanocomposite with three phases and shapes led to an increase in cell viability to 97.6% ± 4 for the osteoblast cells in vitro. The obtained nanocomposites were investigated for their structural features using X‐ray diffraction, while the microstructure features were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope. The analysis showed a decrease in the crystal size to 13 nm, while the HAP grains reached 30 nm. The elongated shape of vivianite reached 200 nm on SEM micrographs. The monoclinic and hexagonal crystal systems of HAP and vivianite were presented in the ternary nanocomposite. The maximum roughness peak height reached 236.1 nm for the ternary nanocomposite from 203.3 nm, while the maximum height of the roughness parameter reached 440.7 nm for the di‐nanocomposite of HAP/graphene oxide from 419.7 nm. The corrosion current density reached 0.004 μA/cm2. The ferrous (Fe2+) and calcium (Ca2+) ions released were measured and confirmed. Therefore, the morphology of the nanocomposites affected bacterial activity. This was estimated as an inhibition zone and reached 14.5 ± 0.9 and 13.4 ± 1.1 mm for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) after 24 h. The increase in viability and the antibacterial activity refer to the compatibility of the nanocomposite in different medical applications.
Intelligent self‐control of carbon metabolic flux in SecY‐engineered Escherichia coli for xylitol biosynthesis from xylose‐glucose mixtures
Authors: Guo Qiang , Ullah Irfan , Zheng Ling‐Jie , Gao Xin‐Quan , Liu Chen‐Yang , Zheng Hui‐Dong , Fan Li‐Hai , Deng Li
Published: November 2021

Xylitol is a salutary sugar substitute that has been widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Co‐fermentation of xylose and glucose by metabolically engineered cell factories is a promising alternative to chemical hydrogenation of xylose for commercial production of xylitol. Here, we engineered a mutant of SecY protein‐translocation channel (SecY [ΔP]) in xylitol‐producing Escherichia coli JM109 (DE3) as a passageway for xylose uptake. It was found that SecY (ΔP) channel could rapidly transport xylose without being interfered by XylB‐catalyzed synthesis of xylitol‐phosphate, which is impossible for native XylFGH and XylE transporters. More importantly, with the coaction of SecY (ΔP) channel and carbon catabolite repression (CCR), the flux of xylose to the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway and the xylitol synthesis pathway in E. coli could be automatically controlled in response to glucose, thereby ensuring that the mutant cells were able to fully utilize sugars with high xylitol yields. The E. coli cell factory developed in this study has been proven to be applicable to a broad range of xylose‐glucose mixtures, which is conducive to simplifying the mixed‐sugar fermentation process for efficient and economical production of xylitol.
Electrophoretic deposition of polyaniline nanofibers on a stainless steel wire as an adsorbent for determination of tamoxifen by SPME/GC–FID in urine samples
Authors: Hoseinpour Kouhestany Reza , Tamaddon Atefeh , Ahmad Panahi Homayoon , Afshar Ebrahimi Arash , Amiri Rahebeh
Published: November 2021

Polyaniline nanofiber films were fabricated on the surface of stainless steel wire via a controllable and simple electrophoretic deposition route from a nonaqueous colloidal suspension consisting of polyaniline nanofibers. The prepared coating material was then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and elemental mapping analysis. The fabricated polyaniline film‐coated stainless steel wire was then utilized as an effective and novel sorbent phase for solid‐phase microextraction of tamoxifen for subsequent gas chromatography/flame ionization detection of this anticancer drug. Parameters consisting of the temperature, extraction time, salt concentration, agitation speed, pH, temperature and time of desorption were studied and optimized using a one‐at‐a‐time strategy. Under the optimum conditions, detection limit (S/N = 3), the limit of quantification (10/3 limit of detection), linear dynamic range, repeatability and reproducibility values of 0.51 μg L−1, 1.7 μg L−1, 2–1,130 μg L−1, 5.7% and 8.6% were attained, respectively. The prepared fiber can preserve 90% of its efficacy after 20 consecutive cycles, demonstrating the suitable thermal stability and cyclability of the proposed solid‐phase microextraction coating material for the determination of tamoxifen by gas chromatography/flame ionization detection. The route was effectively utilized to determine tamoxifen in urine samples, with relative recoveries ranging from 89 to 106%.
Institutional logic for sustainable purchasing and supply management: Concepts, illustrations, and implications for business strategy
Authors: Silva Minelle E. , Nunes Breno
Published: November 2021

Amidst the number of studies on sustainable purchasing and supply management (PSM), we have yet to learn how sustainability becomes a logic for organisations and their stakeholders. Thus, this paper offers an extended approach on the emergence of an institutional logic of sustainability (ILS). Our contribution includes the macro mechanisms supporting the robust and continuous adoption of an ILS for procurement. Three distinct trajectories of an ILS emerged from the literature, and their application to sustainable PSM is illustrated using real‐world examples. The trajectories rely upon the evolution of (1) institutional entrepreneurs or (2) PSM structures but also can happen through (3) the co‐evolution of both. By offering a conceptual model and a set of research propositions for future theory and empirical testing, this paper helps scholars and practitioners to advance their knowledge on managing purchasing departments according to sustainability values and making it a competitiveness factor. Lastly, this paper adds value to both implementation and formulation of sustainable business strategies as the application of our conceptual framework can lead to better strategic alignment of PSM practices.
Stakeholder engagement: Investors' environmental risk aversion and corporate earnings
Authors: Kyaw Khine , Olugbode Mojisola , Petracci Barbara
Published: November 2021

How does investors' aversion to environmental risk affect their reaction towards firms' earnings announcements? We explore this by analyzing earnings announcements made by U.S. firms between 2002 and 2016. The results show that environmental performance at the firm level is important for investors as this influences the investment behaviors of investors who have some degree of aversion to environmental risk. These investors appreciate the earnings by firms that exhibit a high level of environmental performance, i.e., firms that have successfully addressed environmental risks. However, earnings are of secondary importance for investors who are highly averse to environmental risk since environmental concerns take precedence.
Cervical lateral mass screw length analysis in men versus women
Authors: Morita Kohei , Ohashi Hiroki , Kawamura Daichi , Tani Satoshi , Karagiozov Kostadin , Murayama Yuichi
Published: November 2021

Posterior fixations with lateral mass screws have become popular. The Roy–Camille and the Magerl techniques have been established and screw length was identified as a particularly important element. Sex and ethnicity are significant factors in cervical spine morphology, but few studies have been performed for screw length. We performed measurements using computed tomography (CT) images of adult patients hospitalized for surgery of the cervical spine, with targeted 3D data analysis. The final number of patients was 47 (33 men, 14 women) and 235 vertebrae. With the Roy–Camille technique, the screw length was longest at C3 (men: 13.0 mm ± 1.9 mm, women: 13.0 mm ± 1.9 mm) and smallest at C7 (men: 10.8 mm ± 1.8 mm, women: 9.4 mm ± 1.2 mm). With the Magerl technique, the screw length was smallest at C3 (men: 14.8 mm ± 1.6 mm, women: 14.3 mm ± 1.6 mm) and longest at C7 for men (16.8 mm ± 2.8 mm), and at C6 for women (15.4 mm ± 3.0 mm). To differ from spinal canal or pedicle, cervical lateral mass showed no obvious morphological differences from that of subjects of other ethnicity. The placement of a standard lateral mass screw would not cause complications in Japanese patients, even with the use of devices designed in North America or Europe. However, the anatomical background is essential because it is important to optimize the selection for each patient to avoid complications considering sex and individual differences.
Concomitantly discovered visceral artery aneurysms do rarely grow during cancer therapy
Authors: von Rose Aaron Becker , Kobus Kathrin , Bohmann Bianca , Trenner Matthias , Wahida Adam , Eckstein Hans‐Henning , Bassermann Florian , von Heckel Korbinian , Wolk Steffen , Reeps Christian , Schwaiger Benedikt J. , Eilenberg Wolf‐Hans , Neumayer Christoph , Burghuber Christoph , Busch Albert
Published: November 2021

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) are a rare entity of arterial aneurysms with the imminent threat of rupture. The impact of cancer and chemotherapy on the growth of VAAs is unknown. A retrospective dual center cohort study of patients with concomitant VAA and different types of cancer was conducted and the impact of various chemotherapeutic agents on VAA growth was studied by sequential CT analysis. For comparison, a non‐cancer all comer cohort with VAAs and no cancer was studied to compare different growth rates. The primary endpoint was aneurysm progress or regression >1.75 mm. Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney test was used for statistical comparison. In the 17‐year‐period from January 2003 to March 2020, 59 patients with 30 splenic artery aneurysms, 14 celiac trunk aneurysms, 11 renal artery aneurysms and 4 other VAA and additional malignancy were identified. 20% of patients suffered from prostate cancer, the rest were heterogeneous. The most prevalent chemotherapies were alkylating agents (23%), antimetabolites (14%) and mitose inhibitors (10%). Eight patients had relevant growth of their VAA and one patient showed diameter regression (average growth rate 0.1 ± 0.5 mm/year). Twenty‐nine patients with 14 splenic, 11 RAAs (seven right) and 4 celiac trunk aneurysms were available in the non‐cancer comparison cohort (average growth rate 0.5 ± 0.9 mm/year, p = 0.058). However, the growth rate of patients receiving operative treatment for relevant VAA growth was significantly higher (p = 0.004). VAAs grow rarely, and rather slow. Cancer and/or chemotherapy do not significantly influence the annual growth rate. Additional control examinations seem unnecessary.
Identifying opportunities to advance health equity in interventional cardiology: Structural heart disease
Authors: Allana Salman S. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Alli Olueseun , Coylewright Megan , Horne Aaron , Ijioma Nkechi , Kadavath Sabeeda , Pineda Andres M. , Sanchez Carlos , Schreiber Theodore L. , Shah Atman P. , Smith Conrad , Suradi Hussam , Sylvia Kristyn E. , Young Michael , Krishnan Sandeep K.
Published: November 2021

Health care practices are influenced by variety of factors. These factors that include social determinants, race and ethnicity, and gender not only affect access to health care but can also affect quality of care and patient outcomes. These are a source of health care disparities. This article acknowledges that these disparities exist in getting optimal care in structural heart disease, reviews the literature and proposes steps that can help reduce these disparities on personal and committee levels.
Insights in a restricted temporary pacemaker strategy in a lean transcatheter aortic valve implantation program
Authors: Hokken Thijmen W. , de Ronde Marjo , Wolff Quinten , Schermers Thom , Ooms Joris F. , van Wiechen Maarten P. , Kardys Isabella , Daemen Joost , de Jaegere Peter P. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To study the safety and feasibility of a restrictive temporary‐RV‐pacemaker use and to evaluate the need for temporary pacemaker insertion for failed left ventricular (LV) pacing ability (no ventricular capture) or occurrence of high‐degree AV‐blocks mandating continuous pacing.

Background

Ventricular pacing remains an essential part of contemporary transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A temporary‐right‐ventricle (RV)‐pacemaker lead is the standard approach for transient pacing during TAVI but requires central venous access.

Methods

An observational registry including 672 patients who underwent TAVI between June 2018 and December 2020. Patients received pacing on the wire when necessary, unless there was a high‐anticipated risk for conduction disturbances post‐TAVI, based on the baseline‐ECG. The follow‐up period was 30 days.

Results

A temporary‐RV‐pacemaker lead (RVP‐cohort) was inserted in 45 patients, pacing on the wire (LVP‐cohort) in 488 patients, and no pacing (NoP‐cohort) in 139 patients. A bailout temporary pacemaker was implanted in 14 patients (10.1%) in the NoP‐cohort and in 24 patients (4.9%) in the LVP‐cohort. One patient in the LVP‐cohort needed an RV‐pacemaker for incomplete ventricular capture. Procedure time was significantly longer in the RVP‐cohort (68 min [IQR 52–88.] vs. 55 min [IQR 44–72] in NoP‐cohort and 55 min [IQR 43–71] in the LVP‐cohort [p < 0.005]). Procedural high‐degree AV‐block occurred most often in the RVP‐cohort (45% vs. 14% in the LVP and 16% in the NoP‐cohort [p ≤ 0.001]). Need for new PPI occurred in 47% in the RVP‐cohort, versus 20% in the NoP‐cohort and 11% in the LVP‐cohort (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

A restricted RV‐pacemaker strategy is safe and shortens procedure time. The majority of TAVI‐procedures do not require a temporary‐RV‐pacemaker.
Influence of bread‐making method, genotype, and growing location on whole‐wheat bread quality in hard red spring wheat
Authors: Khalid Khairunizah Hazila , Ohm Jae‐Bom , Simsek Senay
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Experimental bread‐making is essential in wheat quality evaluation. This research examined three different types of bread‐making methods, sponge‐and‐dough (SpD), straight‐dough (StD), and no‐time dough (NoD) methods, to identify a suitable method to evaluate whole‐wheat flour (WWF) bread‐making quality for diverse hard red spring (HRS) wheat samples.

Findings

The StD method, and to a lesser extent NoD, showed higher variation among WWF samples for bread‐making traits. On the contrary, SpD bread quality traits were more similar among WWF samples. When the StD method was used to evaluate 21 HRS wheat genotypes grown at six locations in North Dakota, most WWF bread‐making quality traits varied significantly among genotypes and growing locations. Specifically, the HRS genotypes showed relatively high variability for the bread loaf volume and symmetry, while growing locations contributed largely to the variability of the baking water absorption.

Conclusions

The StD method was suitable to evaluate the variability of WWF bread‐making quality traits among HRS wheat genotypes grown at various growing locations in North Dakota.

Significance and novelty

The research identified an experimental bread‐making procedure that is useful for the evaluation of the WWF bread‐making quality in HRS wheat breeding programs. The information will help segregate high‐quality HRS genotypes in plant breeding programs.
Beware of the ambiguous enemy of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adult (MIS‐A) following Covid‐19 infection or vaccination
Authors: Al Bishawi Ahmad , Ali Maisa , Al‐Zubaidi Khaled , Abdelhadi Hamad
Published: November 2021

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome is a rare and novel clinical presentation described during the evolving COVID‐19 pandemic. The condition is usually presenting as a sepsis‐like syndrome leading to secondary multi‐organ dysfunction post–COVID‐19 infection. Although the syndrome has been mainly described in children, rare adults' form has been similarly described. We are describing a 37‐year‐old female patient presented with fever and neck pain after 1 month of a mild SARS‐CoV‐2 infection course and 10 days post her second COVID‐19 vaccine. Examination demonstrated fever, hypotension, and hypoxemia, in addition to multiple tender cervical lymph nodes. Initial laboratory workup showed evidence of significant inflammation with raised markers, including C‐reactive protein, ferritin, and interleukin‐6. Extensive evaluation to rule out active infection was done, and all return negative, including repeat SARS‐CoV‐2 test. Furthermore, cardiac evaluation showed moderately reduced systolic ventricular function. Despite all negative test and supportive measures, the patient continued to deteriorate requiring critical care admission for ionotropic support, non‐invasive ventilation in addition to presumptive broad‐spectrum antimicrobial management. There was no significant improvement with supportive care until the presentation of multisystem involvement on in the context of a recent history of COVID 19 and negative infective screen was raised. The diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome‐adult form (MIS‐A) was embraced, and the patient was commenced on methylprednisolone leading to a dramatic resolution of symptoms both clinically and biochemically with stabilization of vital functions allowing for safe outcomes.
Ultrafast Regenerating Spent LiCoO2 Lithium‐Ion Batteries into Bifunctional Electrodes for Rechargeable Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Yang Changan , Jin Zhiwei , Zhang Xun , Zheng Xuerong , He Xuanmeng
Published: November 2021

The ever‐increasing use of lithium‐ion batteries (LIB) results in piles of spent batteries, which threats the environment and the supply chain of strategic metals. Developing sustainable recycling strategies for the cathode of spent LIB can bring about promising environmental and economic benefits. In this work, we present an ultrafast high temperature shock process for regenerating typical LiCoO2 (LCO) spent cathodes into the carbon layer/Co3O4 composite (C/CO). The nanosized Co3O4 provides large active sties exposure, while the graphitized carbon layer can potentially enhance the electronic conductivity towards oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction (OER and ORR) catalysis. Benefiting from the enhanced active sties exposure, electronic conductivity, and the synergistic effect between the two domains, the C/CO composite shows efficient bifunctional (OER and ORR) electrocatalytic properties. The OER overpotential (at 10 mA cm−2) and ORR on‐set potential reach 245 mV and 0.90 V, respectively. Moreover, the aqueous rechargeable Zn‐air batteries using C/CO composite as air cathodes display high specific capacity (698 mAh g−1), power density (131 mW cm−2), and as well as cycling stability. This work provides a waste to treasure way that is eco‐friendly, low‐cost, and ultrafast for regenerating the spent LIB for further applications in energy storage systems.
One‐ and Two‐Electron Transfer Oxidation of 1,4‐Disilabenzene with Formation of Stable Radical Cations and Dications
Authors: Chen Yilin , Chen Zhikang , Jiang Liuyin , Li Jiancheng , Zhao Yiling , Zhu Hongping , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: November 2021

Electron‐transferable oxidants such as B(C6F5)3/nBuLi, B(C6F5)3/LiB(C6F5)4, B(C6F5)3/LiHBEt3, Al(C6F5)3/(o‐RC6H4)AlH2 (R=N(CMe2CH2)2CH2), B(C6F5)3/AlEt3, Al(C6F5)3, Al(C6F5)3/nBuLi, Al(C6F5)3/AlMe3, (CuC6F5)4, and Ag2SO4, respectively were employed for reactions with (L)2Si2C4(SiMe3)2(C2SiMe3)2 (L=PhC(NtBu)2, 1). The stable radical cation [1]+. was formed and paired with the anions [nBuB(C6F5)3]− (in 2), [B(C6F5)4]− (in 3), [HB(C6F5)3]− (in 4), [EtB(C6F5)3]− (in 5), {[(C6F5)3Al]2(μ‐F)]− (in 6), [nBuAl(C6F5)3]− (in 7), and [Cu(C6F5)2]− (in 8), respectively. The stable dication [1]2+ was also generated with the anions [EtB(C6F5)3]− (9) and [MeAl(C6F5)3]− (10), respectively. In addition, the neutral compound [(L)2Si2C4(SiMe3)2(C2SiMe3)2][μ‐O2S(O)2] (11) was obtained. Compounds 2–11 are characterized by UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and elemental analysis. Compounds 2–8 are analyzed by EPR spectroscopy and compounds 9–11 by NMR spectroscopy. The structure features are discussed on the central Si2C4‐rings of 1, [1]+., [1]2+, and 11, respectively.
Carboboration‐Driven Generation of a Silylium Ion for Vinylic C−F Bond Functionalization by B(C6F5)3 Catalysis
Authors: Yata Tetsuji , Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Yasuda Makoto
Published: November 2021

Strong main‐group Lewis acids such as silylium ions are known to effectively promote heterolytic C(sp3)−F bond cleavage. However, carrying out the C(sp2)−F bond transformation of vinylic C−F bonds has remained an unmet challenge. Herein, we describe our development of a new and simple strategy for vinylic C−F bond transformation of α‐fluorostyrenes with silyl ketene acetals catalyzed by B(C6F5)3 under mild conditions. Our theoretical calculations revealed that a stabilized silylium ion, which is generated from silyl ketene acetals by carboboration, cleaves the C−F bond of α‐fluorostyrenes. A comparative study of α‐chloro or bromostyrenes demonstrated that our reaction can be applied only to α‐fluorostyrenes because the strong silicon‐fluorine affinity facilitates an intramolecular interaction of silylium ions with fluorine atom to cleave the C−F bond. A broad range of α‐fluorostyrenes as well as a range of silyl ketene acetals underwent this C−F bond transformation.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Degradation of Diuron Using Algerian Sodium Montmorillonite
Authors: Tlemsani Salima , Taleb Zoubida , Pirault‐Roy Laurence , Taleb Safia
Published: November 2021

Diuron is categorized as a probable human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This work is aimed to determine the optimal conditions for the catalytic degradation of Diuron in an aqueous solution with H2O2 using Algerian sodium Montmorillonite (Mont‐Na) as the catalyst. The material is characterized before and after the experiment using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, specific surface area (SBET), elemental analysis, and thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). The surface charge is determined by measuring the point of zero charge. Tests with H2O2 without Mont‐Na provide a 32% conversion rate after 8 h. However, a mixture of 1 g Mont‐Na and H2O2 increases the conversion rate to 91% after 180 min at 25 °C and pH 6.3. The Diuron disappearance is evidenced by high‐performance liquid chromatography using a UV–vis detector (HPLC/UV–vis). Specifically, 3,4‐dichloroaniline (DCA) is the only by‐product. At the basic pH values 9 and 11, a conversion rate of 72.5% is achieved with a lower contact time of 150 min. A change in temperature toward higher values results in a decrease in the degradation rate. Overall, Algerian sodium Montmorillonite is used successfully for the heterogeneous catalytic degradation of Diuron from polluted water.
Regression analysis‐based identification model of key impactful parameters on buried antennas
Authors: El Mejjatti Mounir , Habbani Ahmed , El Bouanani Faissal
Published: November 2021

The antenna's bandwidth is strongly dependent on its physical properties and the environment where it is located. Nevertheless, for transmitting devices embedded permanently in the soil, the propagation medium's properties are unstable due to dielectric permittivity's spatial and temporal changes. Relying on soil parameters values, we present three new multivariable regression models allowing a good fit to the dataset curves with antenna's resonant frequency variations prediction of about 98%. Precisely, such models have been obtained with the help of the multiple linear regression analysis method. Additionally, the results revealed that amongst four considered parameters (i.e., volumetric moisture, bulk density, specific density, and temperature), volumetric moisture is the most influencing factor on the antenna operating frequency band with a correlation coefficient of −0.989, whereas it equals 0.04, −0.035, and −0.002 for the temperature, bulk density, and specific density, respectively.
Return of the lysergamides. Part VII: Analytical and behavioural characterization of 1‐valeroyl‐d‐lysergic acid diethylamide (1V‐LSD)
Authors: Brandt Simon D. , Kavanagh Pierce V. , Westphal Folker , Pulver Benedikt , Morton Kathleen , Stratford Alexander , Dowling Geraldine , Halberstadt Adam L.
Published: November 2021

The psychopharmacological properties of the psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have attracted the interest of several generations of scientists. While further explorations involving novel LSD‐type compounds are needed to assess their potential as medicinal drugs, the emergence of novel derivatives as recreational drugs has also been observed. 1‐Valeroyl‐LSD (also known as 1‐valeryl‐LSD, 1‐pentanoyl‐LSD, 1V‐LSD, or “Valerie”) is a new N1‐acylated LSD derivative that recently appeared on the online market, and it could be viewed as a higher homolog of ALD‐52, 1P‐LSD, and 1B‐LSD. The present study included the analytical characterization and involved various methods of mass spectrometry (MS), gas and liquid chromatography (GC and LC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, GC–solid‐state infrared (GC‐sIR) analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The in vivo activity of 1V‐LSD was assessed using the mouse head‐twitch response (HTR), a 5‐HT2A‐mediated head movement that serves as a behavioral proxy in rodents for human hallucinogenic effects. Similar to LSD and other psychedelic drugs, the HTR induced by 1V‐LSD was dose dependent, and the median effective dose for 1V‐LSD was 373 nmol/kg, which was about a third of the potency of LSD (ED50 = 132.8 nmol/kg). Lysergamides containing the N1‐substituent typically act as weak partial agonists at the 5‐HT2A receptor and are believed to serve as prodrugs for LSD. 1V‐LSD is also likely to be hydrolyzed to LSD and serve as a prodrug, but studies to assess the biotransformation and receptor pharmacology of 1V‐LSD should be performed to fully elucidate its mechanism of action.
Metabarcoding hyperdiverse kelp holdfast communities on temperate reefs: An experimental approach to inform future studies
Authors: Arranz Vanessa , Liggins Libby , Aguirre J. David
Published: November 2021

Classical taxonomic approaches to quantifying biodiversity can be notoriously laborious and restrictive. Instead, molecular metabarcoding is emerging as a rapid, high‐throughput, and cost‐effective tool to catalog biodiversity. Despite the appeal of metabarcoding, methodological and procedural biases must be understood before robust biodiversity inferences can be made. Here, we use CO1 metabarcoding to characterize marine eukaryote communities associated withEcklonia radiata, the dominant eco‐engineering kelp of temperate Australasia. To establish a standardized and reproducible community metabarcoding protocol, we examined the influence of different sample preparation, laboratory, and bioinformatic steps on inferences of species richness and composition of communities associated withE. radiataholdfasts (the root‐like structure anchoring the kelp to the substratum) sampled from northeastern New Zealand. Specifically, we examined the effect of sieving the community into different size fractions and the replicability of results across DNA extractions, polymerase chain reactions and sequencing. Overall, we found that sieving the community into two size fractions before DNA extraction enabled detection of a greater diversity of taxa than not sieving samples. When compared with traditional morphology‐based inventories of kelp holdfast biodiversity, we found that although the taxonomic precision of our metabarcoding approach at the species and genus level was limited by the availability of reference sequences in public repositories, we recovered ~40% more taxa and a greater taxonomic breadth of organisms than morphological surveys (e.g., 18 phyla as compared with 14 phyla). On the basis of our findings, we provide methodological guidelines for the use of metabarcoding as a tool for surveying and monitoring the hyperdiverse species assemblages associated with kelp holdfasts.
State‐of‐the‐art brief review on sanding problem of offshore natural gas hydrates sediments
Authors: Song Jinze , Fu Jianhuang , Xiong Youming , Pang Weixin , He Yufa , Liu Liming , Huang Ting , Liu Chang , Li Yuhao , Li Jianzhuang
Published: November 2021

As the natural gas hydrate (NGH) resources show a bright future, more and more commercial and technical focuses have been devoted to this area. The low productivity, the sanding problem, and the poor economic performance are vital problems hindering the long‐term commercial exploration and development of NGS sediments. Among all these problems, the sanding problem can aggravate the low productivity and the poor economic efficiency problems. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate and tackle the sanding problem for the safe, long‐term, and large‐scale commercial development of offshore NGH resources. The sanding problem of the NGH sediment is highly related to the mechanical behavior of sediment. The main influencing factors are discussed, which are hydrate saturation, effective confining pressure, sand content, hydrate distribution, and multiple‐physical fields. This article summarizes the current research achievements systematically to determine how these factors affect sand production in NGH sediments. Besides the macrolevel about mechanical behaviors of NGH sediment, the sand motion modeling is also included in this review. The source of sand production is the free‐moving sand which comes from formation deformation. The review compares most commonly used yield criteria and then recommends a proper one for NGH sediments. The paper subsequently discusses the common investigation methods for the sanding problem in this area, including numerical simulation and experiments. The design and effect of sand control techniques have also been reviewed and discussed. According to the review results, the paper concludes the current research drawbacks and generates suggestions for future research. The novel methods of sand control investigation are machine learning and optimization methods.
Coastal erosion and sediment reworking caused by hurricane Irma – implications for storm impact on low‐lying tropical islands
Authors: Spiske Michaela , Pilarczyk Jessica E. , Mitchell Stephen , Halley Robert B. , Otai Tiffany
Published: November 2021

Hurricane Irma (September 2017) was one of the most devastating hurricanes in recent times. In January 2018, a post‐hurricane field survey was conducted on Anegada (British Virgin Islands) to report on the erosional and depositional evidence caused by Hurricane Irma's storm surge and waves. We document the type and extent of hurricane‐induced geomorphological changes, allowing for an improved risk assessment of hurricane‐related inundation on low‐lying islands and carbonate platforms.

Anegada's north shore was most impacted by Hurricane Irma. The surge reached about 3.8 m above sea level and onshore flow depths ranged between 1.2 to 1.6 m. Storm wave action created 1 to 1.5 m high erosional scarps along the beaches, and the coastline locally retreated by 6 to 8 m.

Onshore sand sheets reached up to 40 m inland, overlie a sharp erosive contact and have thicknesses of 7 to 35 cm along the north shore. In contrast, lobate overwash fans in the south are 2 to 10 cm thick and reach 10 to 30 m inland.

Moreover, the hurricane reworked a pre‐existing coast‐parallel coral rubble ridge on the central north shore. The crest of the coral rubble ridge shifted up to 10 m inland due to the landward transport of cobbles and boulders (maximum size 0.5 m3) that were part of the pre‐hurricane ridge.

A re‐survey, 18 months after the event, assessed the degree of the natural coastal recovery. The sand along the northern shoreline of Anegada that was eroded during the hurricane and stored in the shallow water, acted as a nearshore source for beach reconstruction which set in only days after the event. Beach recovery peaked in February 2018, when beaches accreted within hours during a nor'easter‐like storm that transported large volumes of nearshore sand back onto the beach.
Miscanthus interspecific hybrids exceed the biomass yield and quality of their parents in the saline–alkaline Yellow River delta
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Xiao Liang , Iqbal Yasir , Sun Guorong , Feng Hui , Liu Fulai , Duan Meijuan , Yi Zili
Published: November 2021

The genus Miscanthus is a promising lignocellulosic feedstock crop for the production of bioenergy. Miscanthus is drawing attention because it can be grown on marginal land and avoid competition with food crops. Therefore, as measures of performance, biomass yield and quality of two parent species (Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus lutarioriparius) and 15 of their interspecific hybrids were evaluated in a saline–alkaline soil of the Yellow River delta in China. Ethanol and biogas production potentials were also estimated. A field trial with a randomised block design with five replicates of each genotype was conducted in 2014. Biomass yield, plant height, tiller number, stem diameter, and tiller mass of each parent and hybrid were measured at the end of the growing season in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Quality traits, including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash contents, were measured. There was large genotype variation in biomass yield and in most of the biometric parameters, and cellulose (range: 0.33 to 0.45 g/g), hemicellulose (0.32 to 0.43 g/g), lignin (0.07–0.13 g/g) and ash (0.02–0.06 g/g) contents were significantly different among the hybrids. The ash content of all hybrids was significantly lower than that of M. sinensis. The two‐year (2016 and 2017) average biomass yield of the 15 hybrids ranged from 9.87 to 23.11 t/ha, which was significantly higher than that of either parent (M. sinensis: 1.20 t/ha; M. lutarioriparius: 3.87 t/ha). Two hybrids, SL8 and SL15, were identified as potential genotypes suitable for the saline–alkaline soils of the Yellow River delta. These results demonstrate that interspecific hybridisation is crucial to improve Miscanthus biomass yield and quality under marginal conditions.
Silica gel 60 removes bitterness from cold‐press produced grapefruit seed oil by adsorption principle
Authors: Yilmaz Emin , Deviren Ayten
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to remove bitterness from cold‐press produced grapefruit seed oil by adsorption principle. The 14 different materials and 5 different metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were tested for this purpose. Best performing adsorbents were selected based on the analyses of sensory bitterness measurements, as well as oil loss, free fatty acidity (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and color measurements. The silica gel 60 and MIL‐101 MOF were selected as the best performing adsorbents and tested against control oil. There were some changes in oil color. Oil FFA and unsaponifiable matter values were decreased, and PV and turbidities were enhanced after the treatments. Similarly, unsaturated fatty acid content and tocopherols were decreased expectedly. Although MIL‐101 caused great sterol losses, it was in fewer quantities with silica gel 60 treatment. Silica gel 60 treatment resulted in the complete removal of the bitter‐tasting flavonoids: naringin and neohesperidin. The non‐bitter flavonoids were also decreased after both treatments. Most importantly, sensory descriptive analysis proved that after silica gel 60 treatment, the bitter taste was totally removed, and the astringent, menthol, and raw vegetable attributes significantly reduced compared with the control sample. Overall, the silica gel 60 treatment provided total success in removing bitterness from the oil. Further studies for the reusability of the silica gel 60 and possibly other similar adsorbents for the same purpose were suggested.
A fully coupled high‐order discontinuous Galerkin method for diffusion flames in a low‐Mach number framework
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Jorquera Juan , Kummer Florian
Published: November 2021

We present a fully coupled solver based on the discontinuous Galerkin method for steady‐state diffusion flames using the low‐Mach approximation of the governing equations with a one‐step kinetic model. The nonlinear equation system is solved with a Newton–Dogleg method and initial estimates for flame calculations are obtained from a flame‐sheet model. Details on the spatial discretization and the nonlinear solver are presented. The method is tested with reactive and nonreactive benchmark cases. Convergence studies are presented, and we show that the expected convergence rates are obtained. The solver for the low‐Mach equations is used for calculating a differentially heated cavity configuration, which is validated against benchmark solutions. Additionally, a two‐dimensional counter diffusion flame is calculated, and the results are compared with the self‐similar one dimensional solution of said configuration.