bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estratégias de Interação em Instituições de Ciência e Tecnologia e Empresas Paranaenses
Authors: Manosso Fernanda , Sartori Rejane , Machado Hilka
Published: March 2022

A necessidade de inovações tem tornado a parceria entre universidades e empresas uma tendência mundial. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as interações entre universidades e empresas situadas no Estado do Paraná sob a ótica da quantidade de produção tecnológica, da constituição de Núcleos de Inovação Tecnológica (NITs) e do impacto na sociedade das inovações desenvolvidas. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário estruturado, elaborado a partir da adaptação do Formulário para Informações sobre a Política de Propriedade Intelectual das Instituições Científicas, Tecnológicas e de Inovação do Brasil no ano de 2018, do Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações. Os resultados evidenciam a existência de estratégias eficazes para o desenvolvimento de inovações no Estado, todavia há uma desigualdade significante na maturidade das políticas de inovação nas instituições para inferir no desenvolvimento de parcerias entre universidades e empresas e estruturação dos NITs.Palavras-chave: Inovação. Desenvolvimento Científico-Tecnológico. Cooperação Universidade-Empresa.
Proposta de Política Pública para Fortalecimento dos Núcleos de Inovação Tecnológica no Amapá
Authors: Nascimento Jesusa Vania Bagundes , Belém Adelina do Socorro Serrão , Costa Robson Antonio Tavares
Published: March 2022

No cenário brasileiro, a Lei de Inovação, promulgada em 2004 e reiterada pelo Marco Legal de Inovação em 2016, estabeleceu que as Instituições de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICTs) dispusessem de Núcleos de Inovação Tecnológica (NITs) para gerir suas respectivas políticas de inovação. No estado do Amapá, atualmente, existem apenas dois NITs, criados há pouco tempo e que enfrentam dificuldades para poder cumprir seu papel institucional. Por isso a necessidade de realizar políticas públicas voltadas ao fortalecimento dos NITs no Estado. Portanto, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma proposta de política pública que impulsione o fortalecimento da profissionalização dos NITs do Amapá. Os dados foram extraídos de uma entrevista semiestruturada e dos sites dos NITs. Como resultado, espera-se o melhor desempenho dos NITs, com maior agilidade e segurança quanto à proteção da propriedade intelectual e melhor capacidade de análise e avaliação pelos NITs das invenções desenvolvidas no Estado.
Desafios da Inovação e Transferência de Tecnologia no Ambiente Acadêmico: o caso da Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP)
Authors: Ribeiro Marcell Coutinho , Costa Soares Antonio Augusto , Mendonça Cláudio Márcio Campos de
Published: March 2022

A ex-presidente da República, Dilma Rousseff sancionou, em 11 de janeiro de 2016, a Lei n. 13.243/2016, após vários anos de tramitação no Congresso Nacional. Tal medida visava a alterar a legislação vigente no intuito de transpor gargalos burocráticos que inibiam o desenvolvimento científico, à pesquisa, à capacitação científica e tecnológica e à inovação. Nesse diapasão, o dispositivo legal alterou grande parte do arcabouço jurídico então vigente com o objetivo de alavancar, no País, o funcionamento eficaz da Tripla Hélice, tal como idealizada no modelo de (ETZKOWITZ, 2003). A lei sancionada pela então presidente tornou-se o Marco Legal da Inovação e Transferência de Tecnologia levando as instituições de ensino superior a implementar medidas em adequação ao novo modelo, tal qual ocorreu com a Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP) ao publicar, em 24 de julho de 2018, a Resolução n. 25/2018, estabelecendo a Política de Inovação, Propriedade Intelectual e Transferência de Tecnologia para o ambiente produtivo.
Prospecção Tecnológica na Área de Paisagens Sonoras (Soundscape)
Authors: Da Silva Jordana Teixeira , Santos João Paulo Lima , Oiticica Maria Lucia Gondim da Rosa , Correio Edilson Ponciano de Lima
Published: March 2022

O campo de estudo em paisagem sonora (soundscape), que considera a percepção do usuário ao ambiente acústico dentro de um contexto, está ganhando força nos últimos anos, em função da necessidade em superar a abordagem do gerenciamento dos ambientes urbanos baseados apenas em políticas de controle do ruído. Com isso, houve um aumento no número de publicações científicas e tecnológicas relacionadas ao soundscape. O presente trabalho visa a apresentação de cenários prospectivos ligados ao desenvolvimento de tecnologias soundscape nas bases de patentes e científicas. Os resultados da prospecção tecnológica em bases de patentes indicam que os desenvolvimentos ligados a temática soundscape são relativamente novos, tendo em vista que 44,4% dos depósitos de patentes estão concentrados nos últimos 5 anos. A produção científica atingiu o percentual máximo em 2018, que coincidiu com a publicação da segunda parte da norma ISO 12913:2, a qual trata de procedimentos para coleta de dados para avaliação da paisagem sonora.
Slippery Liquid‐Infused Porous Surface on Metal Material with Excellent Ice Resistance Fabricated by Femtosecond Bessel Laser
Authors: Zhang Jialiang , Yang Qing , Cheng Yang , Fang Zheng , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: March 2022

Slippery liquid‐infused porous surface (SLIPS) has shown great application prospects because of the great liquid repellency and ice resistance. However, there are a few types of research on different metal material to fabricate SLIPS. Here, a simple and effective method is developed on a stainless steel surface to manufacture microporous structure by femtosecond Bessel laser beam direct induce. By fluoroalkylsilane modification and infusing lubricant, SLIPS is successfully obtained. The ice restraint properties of the SLIPS are studied, including the characterization of icing delay and ice‐adhesion strength, which significantly increase the icing‐delay time and reduce the ice‐adhesion strength. Moreover, SLIPS exhibits great durability after hydraulic pressure, salt fog, high‐, and low‐temperature cycle. Based on this method, SLIPS can be produced on different metal substrates including Al, Zn, Ti, Cu with excellent liquid resistance and anti‐icing property, which greatly expand the application of SLIPS in the field of ice resistance.
Textured Bi4Ti3O12 Ceramics: One‐Step Spark Plasma Sintering and Their Single‐Crystal‐Like Polar Anisotropy
Authors: He Xiang , Chen Chen , Boda Muzaffar Ahmad , Zhang Faqiang , Gong Yunyun , Zeng Huarong , Yi Zhiguo
Published: March 2022

Texturing is the most effective way to engineer the performance of bismuth layer–structured ferroelectric (BLSF) ceramics by utilizing the strong anisotropy of grains, but the existing processing approaches are still complex. Herein, a one‐step spark plasma sintering (SPS) approach is demonstrated to prepare textured Bi4Ti3O12 (BiT) ceramics with high performance. The degree of orientation can be controlled from 57% to 95% by only adjusting the sintering temperature from 840 to 1000 °C. The largest spontaneous polarization (Ps) of ≈32.2 μC cm−2 is obtained in 95% <001> textured ceramics along the direction perpendicular to the SPS pressure, accompanied with the maximum electro‐strain of ≈0.14% and piezoelectric coefficient of 14.3 pC N−1. Moreover, under the same conditions of poling and illumination, the textured ceramics exhibit unique anisotropic photoresponse in which the photocurrent polarity is dependent on the testing orientations. In particular, a short‐circuit photocurrent density of 8.76 nA cm−2 is achieved along the direction of SPS pressure after positive poling, while the value goes to −79.4 nA cm−2 along direction perpendicular to the SPS pressure. These results are expected to provide a paradigm to achieve highly textured BLSF ceramics for electric and photoelectric applications.
Topological Materials for Functional Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Chorsi Hamid , Cheng Bing , Zhao Bo , Toudert Johann , Asadchy Viktar , Shoron Omor F. , Fan Shanhui , Matsunaga Ryusuke
Published: March 2022

The recent realization of topology as a mathematical concept in condensed matter systems has shattered Landau's widely accepted classification of phases by spontaneous symmetry breaking as he famously said, “a particular symmetry property exists or does not exist.” Topological materials (TMs) such as topological insulators and topological semimetals, are characterized by properties that depend on the topology of the band structure. Such dependence has drastic implications on the optical, electrical, and thermal properties of the material. Fundamental physics of TMs is currently under active research in condensed matter, materials science, and high energy physics. In this review, recent advances in exploiting the unique properties of TMs to realize functional optoelectronic devices are surveyed. Current and future applications that are, or may be, enabled by their unique properties are discussed. Although many theoretical ideas have been proposed over the past decade or so on using TMs in optoelectronic applications, the focus will be on experimentally realized devices.
Tunable Planar Focusing Based on Hyperbolic Phonon Polaritons in α‐MoO3
Authors: Qu Yunpeng , Chen Na , Teng Hanchao , Hu Hai , Sun Jianzhe , Yu Renwen , Hu Debo , Xue Mengfei , Li Chi , Wu Bin , Chen Jianing , Sun Zhipei , Liu Mengkun , Liu Yunqi , García de Abajo F. Javier , Dai Qing
Published: March 2022

Manipulation of the propagation and energy‐transport characteristics of subwavelength infrared (IR) light fields is critical for the application of nanophotonic devices in photocatalysis, biosensing, and thermal management. In this context, metamaterials are useful composite materials, although traditional metal‐based structures are constrained by their weak mid‐IR response, while their associated capabilities for optical propagation and focusing are limited by the size of attainable artificial optical structures and the poor performance of the available active means of control. Herein, a tunable planar focusing device operating in the mid‐IR region is reported by exploiting highly oriented in‐plane hyperbolic phonon polaritons in α‐MoO3. Specifically, an unprecedented change of effective focal length of polariton waves from 0.7 to 7.4 μm is demonstrated by the following three different means of control: the dimension of the device, the employed light frequency, and engineering of phonon–plasmon hybridization. The high confinement characteristics of phonon polaritons in α‐MoO3 permit the focal length and focal spot size to be reduced to 1/15 and 1/33 of the incident wavelength, respectively. In particular, the anisotropic phonon polaritons supported in α‐MoO3 are combined with tunable surface‐plasmon polaritons in graphene to realize in situ and dynamical control of the focusing performance, thus paving the way for phonon‐polariton‐based planar nanophotonic applications.
Ultrathin Membranes for Separations: A New Era Driven by Advanced Nanotechnology
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Shen Liang , Deng Hao , Liu Qinze , You Xinda , Yuan Jinqiu , Jiang Zhongyi , Zhang Sui
Published: March 2022

Ultrathin membranes are at the forefront of membrane research, offering great opportunities in revolutionizing separations with ultrafast transport. Driven by advanced nanomaterials and manufacturing technology, tremendous progresses are made over the last 15 years in the fabrications and applications of sub‐50 nm membranes. Here, an overview of state‐of‐the‐art ultrathin membranes is first introduced, followed by a summary of the fabrication techniques with an emphasis on how to realize such extremely low thickness. Then, different types of ultrathin membranes, categorized based on their structures, that is, network, laminar, or framework structures, are discussed with a focus on the interplays among structure, fabrication methods, and separation performances. Recent research and development trends are highlighted. Meanwhile, the performances and applications of current ultrathin membranes for representative separations (gas separation and liquid separation) are thoroughly analyzed and compared. Last, the challenges in material design, structure construction, and coordination are given, in order to fully realize the potential of ultrathin membranes and facilitate the translation from scientific achievements to industrial productions.
High‐Efficiency ITO‐Free Organic Photovoltaics with Superior Flexibility and Upscalability
Authors: Zheng Xiangjun , Zuo Lijian , Zhao Feng , Li Yaokai , Chen Tianyi , Shan Shiqi , Yan Kangrong , Pan Youwen , Xu Bowei , Li Chang‐Zhi , Shi Minmin , Hou Jianhui , Chen Hongzheng
Published: March 2022

Developing indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO)‐free flexible organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with upscaling capacity is of great significance for practical applications of OPVs. Unfortunately, the efficiencies of the corresponding devices lag far behind those of ITO‐based rigid small‐area counterparts. To address this issue, an advanced device configuration is designed and fabricated featuring a top‐illuminated structure with ultrathin Ag as the transparent electrode. First, a conjugated polyelectrolyte layer, i.e., PCP‐Li, is inserted to effectively connect the bottom Ag anode and the hole transport layer, achieving good photon to electron conversion. Second, charge collecting grids are deposited to suppress the increased resistance loss with the upscaling of the device area, realizing almost full retention of device efficiency from 0.06 to 1 cm2. Third, the designed device delivers the best efficiency of 15.56% with the area of 1 cm2 on polyimide substrate, representing as the record among the ITO‐free, large‐area, flexible OPVs. Interestingly, the device exhibits no degradation after 100 000 bending cycles with a radius of 4 mm, which is the best result for flexible OPVs. This work provides insight into device structure design and optimization for OPVs with high efficiency, low cost, superior flexibility, and upscaling capacity, indicating the potential for the future commercialization of OPVs.
Ultrafast Electro‐Absorption Switching in Colloidal CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots Driven by Intense THz Pulses
Authors: Gollner Claudia , Jutas Rokas , Kreil Dominik , Dirin Dmitry N. , Boehme Simon C. , Baltuška Andrius , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Pugžlys Audrius
Published: March 2022

Next‐generation high‐speed optical networks demand the development of ultrafast optical interconnects capable of Tbit s−1 data rates. By utilizing colloidal CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots, gated by intense THz pulses, a proof of concept of an all‐optical femtosecond electro‐absorption switch is presented in this work. Without any additional enhancement of the THz electric field, an extinction contrast of more than 6 dB and transmission changes in the visible of more than 15% are achieved, with the latter setting a new record for solution‐processed electro‐absorption materials at room temperature. The absence of physical artifacts, originating from electrodes and field enhancing structures, allows to employ a simple and intuitive numerical model, which rationalizes the large field‐induced electro‐absorption response. Supported by theoretical calculations, the importance of the energy band alignment of heterostructure quantum dots are discussed for the first time and suggest that further improvement of the modulation depth and contrast may be achieved with Type‐II quantum dots.
Cadmium‐Doped Zinc Sulfide Shell as a Hole Injection Springboard for Red, Green, and Blue Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liu Bochen , Guo Yue , Su Qiang , Zhan Yunfeng , Chen Zhao , Li Yang , You Baogui , Dong Xiaonan , Chen Shuming , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: March 2022

A new strategy is developed in which cadmium‐doped zinc sulfide (CdZnS) is used as the outermost shell to synthesize red, green, and blue (RGB) quantum dots (QDs) with the core/shell structures of CdZnSe/ZnSe/ZnS/CdZnS, CdZnSe/ZnSe/ZnSeS/CdZnS, and CdZnSe/ZnSeS/ZnS/CdZnS, respectively. Firstly, the inner ZnS and ZnSe shells confine the excitons inside the cores of QDs and provide a better lattice matching with respect to the outermost shell, which ensures high photoluminescence quantum yields of QDs. Secondly, the CdZnS shell affords its QDs with shallow valence bands (VBs). Therefore, the CdZnS shell could be used as a springboard, which decreases the energy barrier for hole injection from polymers to QDs to be below 1.0 eV. It makes the holes to be easily injected into the QD EMLs and enables a balanced recombination of charge carriers in quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs). Thirdly, the RGB QLEDs made by these new QDs exhibit peak external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 20.2%, 19.2%, and 8.4%, respectively. In addition, the QLEDs exhibit unexpected luminance values at low applied voltages and therefore high power efficiencies. From these results, it is evident that CdZnS could act as an excellent shell and hole injection springboard to afford high performance QLEDs.
Improving Cyclability of All‐Solid‐State Batteries via Stabilized Electrolyte–Electrode Interface with Additive in Poly(propylene carbonate) Based Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Didwal Pravin N. , Verma Rakesh , Nguyen An‐Giang , Ramasamy H. V. , Lee Gwi‐Hak , Park Chan‐Jin
Published: March 2022

In this study, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) is demonstrated as an effective additive in poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) polymers for the enhancement of ionic conductivity and interfacial stability and a tissue membrane is used as a backbone to maintain the mechanical strength of the solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). TEGDME in the PPC allows the uniform distribution of conductive LiF species throughout the cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) layer which plays a critically important role in the formation of a stable and efficient CEI. In addition, the high modulus of SPEs suppresses the formation of a protrusion‐type CEI on the cathode. The SPE with the optimized TEGDME content exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 0.89 mS cm−1, an adequate potential stability of up to 4.89 V, and a high Li‐ion transference number of 0.81 at 60 °C. Moreover, the Li/SPE/Li cell demonstrates excellent cycling stability for 1650 h, and the Li/SPE/LFP full cell exhibits an initial reversible capacity of 103 mAh g−1 and improved stability over 500 cycles at a rate of 1 C. The TEGDME additive improves the electrochemical properties of the SPEs and promotes the creation of a stable interface, which is crucial for ASSLIBs.
Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) as H‐Source for Bio‐Derived Fuels and Additives Production
Authors: Valentini Federica , Marrocchi Assunta , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: March 2022

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) are attractive materials for their ability to generate in situ hydrogen that may be directly used to produce target biofuel precursors, fuels or fuel additives. Indeed, the replacement of fossil feedstock is an urgent necessity for shifting toward a carbon neutral energy economy. Several desired chemicals and fuels derived from renewable sources can be accessed by hydrogenation reactions and among the LOHCs used for this purpose, formic acid and small‐sized alcohols (methanol or isopropanol) represent very promising alternatives to classic dangerous molecular hydrogen. In this review article, a comprehensive overview about the mechanisms of hydrogen‐transfer processes for different LOHCs is given. This evaluation is necessary for large‐scale implementation of LOHCs in sustainable fuel production. The catalysts’ design rationale and the criteria behind the choice of appropriate reaction conditions are reviewed in detail, since they represent crucial parameters for in situ hydrogen generation. Also the domino/cascade‐type processes influence the LOHC selection, promoting the realization of energy and cost saving protocols in a step and atom economical way.
Accessible Tuning of High Harmonics with Abruptly Auto‐Focusing Beams
Authors: Pang Zeyue , Shen Fengbei , Hong Weiyi
Published: March 2022

Phase‐matching of high harmonics with abruptly auto‐focusing ring‐Pearcey–Gaussian beams is investigated. The slowly diffracted propagation after the auto‐focusing of the beams contributes to a slow decrease in both the intensity and the phase with similar trends along the propagation axis. For a specific beam intensity and a harmonic order, the contributions from the atomic and geometric phases can cancel each other within a sufficiently long propagation distance, resulting in the nearly perfect phase‐matching of the harmonic of which the order depends linearly with the beam intensity. The phase‐matching property indicates a dramatic phase‐matching control scenario: one harmonic can be specifically enhanced by adjusting the beam intensity. A numerical simulation is performed to show that the yield of the selected harmonic continuously increases at a distance up to the centimeter range. These findings are helpful for easy tuning and effective generation of the harmonics.
Die Bildung von Breslow‐Intermediaten aus N‐heterocyclischen Carbenen und Aldehyden verläuft autokatalytisch und mit einem Halbacetal als Intermediat
Authors: Wessels Alina , Klussmann Martin , Breugst Martin , Schlörer Nils E. , Berkessel Albrecht
Published: March 2022

Unter aprotischen Bedingungen liefert die Reaktion von N‐heterocyclischen Carbenen (NHCs) wie bspw. Imidazolidin‐2‐ylidenen mit Aldehyden Breslow‐Intermediate (BIs) und beinhaltet einen formalen 1,2‐C‐zu‐O H‐shift. Wir berichten hier über kinetische Studien (NMR) und ergänzende DFT‐Berechnungen zum Mechanismus dieser kritischen H‐Verschiebung. Mittels der zeitvarianten Normalisierungsanalyse (VTNA) wurde nachgewiesen, dass die kinetische Ordnung der Reaktanden bei verschiedenen NHC‐zu‐Aldehyd‐Verhältnissen variiert, was auf verschiedene und Verhältnis‐abhängige Mechanismen hindeutet. Wir postulieren für NHC‐Überschuss, dass der H‐Transfer im primären, zwitterionischen NHC‐Aldehyd‐Addukt erfolgt. Bei einem Überschuss Aldehyd ist das Zwitterion im Gleichgewicht mit einem Halbacetal, in welchem der H‐Transfer stattfindet. In beiden Mechanismen wird die H‐Übertragung durch das Breslow‐Intermediat autokatalysiert. Die beobachteten kinetischen Isotopeneffekte für R‐CDO sind im Einklang mit diesem Vorschlag. Zudem wurde ein Komplex des BI mit einem Überschuss an NHC (NMR) detektiert, welcher durch H‐Brückenbildung zustande kommt.
A Nanopore Sensing Assay Resolves Cascade Reactions in a Multienzyme System
Authors: Sheng Yingying , Zhou Ke , Liu Lei , Wu Hai‐Chen
Published: March 2022

Enzymatic cascade reactions are widely used to synthesize complex molecules from simple precursors. The major underlying mechanism of cascade reactions is substrate channelling, where intermediates of different enzymatic steps are not in equilibrium with the bulk solution. Here, we report a nanopore sensing assay that allows accurate quantification of all the reaction intermediates and the product of an artificial three‐enzyme system. A DNA–peptide complex is used as the initial substrate which undergoes sequential enzymatic cleavages in solution. All the temporal changes of the intermediates and product can be obtained through nanopore translocation recordings. Furthermore, we find that in a confined environment such as liposome, substrate channelling occurs between two sets of the three enzymes. Our results demonstrate a novel and powerful approach to determine and quantify substrate channelling effects, which is potentially useful for designing and evaluating multienzyme systems.
Integrative Practice for the Beginning Family Therapist: Bringing it Back to Basics
Authors: Falco Catherine
Published: March 2022

The practice of integrating various therapeutic disciplines and models in therapy has traditionally been the domain of the experienced practitioner. To encourage the newly trained systemic therapist to embark on their journey in the artistry of integrative practice, this paper addresses the question: ‘What guidance and encouragement could be offered to the beginning family therapist to practice in an integrative way?’ Central to this paper is the view that the discipline of systemic thinking itself facilitates integration. Based on the notion that complex models of integrative practice may not serve the beginning clinician, three suggestions are offered. First, the overarching theories that support systemic family therapy also provide a platform for moving between schools of family therapy and our professions of origin. Second, the role of common factors is a useful and important guiding principle to practice in an integrative way. And finally, an essential ingredient of integrative practice is the return to therapeutic presence and attunement.
Real world outcomes of biopsy‐proven oncocytic neoplasm of the kidney managed by surveillance
Authors: Rodger Flora E. , Brown Keiran , Leung Steve , Coode‐Bate Jack , Armitage James , Warren Anne , Hendry Jane , Stewart Grant D. , Laird Alex , Oades Grenville M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate outcomes of patients diagnosed with oncocytic renal neoplasms on routine renal mass biopsy and to describe the natural history of these tumours when managed with surveillance as opposed to immediate intervention. To report disease‐specific survival.

Patients and methods

Patients were identified from a retrospective review of pathology databases from three tertiary referral centres that utilise renal mass biopsy in routine clinical practice. All patients with biopsy‐proven oncocytic tumours were included and a retrospective review of online patient records was undertaken.

Results

There were 184 biopsy‐proven oncocytic renal neoplasms identified in 172 patients. There were two biopsy complications (both pneumothorax, Clavien–Dindo Grade I). Of these lesions, 135 were reported as oncocytomas or oncocytic renal neoplasms that were not further classified and 37 were reported as chromophobe carcinoma (ChRCC). The median age at diagnosis was 70 (33–88). The average tumour diameter at diagnosis was 33 mm. One hundred seven tumours were initially managed with surveillance (including 13 ChRCC) with a minimum follow‐up of 6 months and a median of 39 months (6–144) whereas 49 patients underwent immediate treatment. The mean growth rate across all oncocytic renal neoplasms managed by surveillance was 3 mm/year. There was no statistically significant difference in growth rates between oncocytic renal neoplasms and ChRCC. Thirteen patients with oncocytic renal neoplasms initially managed by surveillance moved on to an active management strategy during follow‐up. The clinical indication given for a change from surveillance was tumour growth in 12 cases and patient choice in 1 case. Where definitive pathology was available, there was 85% concordance with the biopsy. There were no cases of development of metastatic disease or disease‐related morbidity or mortality during the study.

Conclusions

This multicentre retrospective cohort study supports the hypothesis that selected biopsy‐proven oncocytic renal neoplasms can be safely managed with surveillance in the medium term. Routine renal mass biopsy may reduce surgery for benign or indolent renal tumours and the potential associated morbidity for these patients.
Advice for parents on enrolling your child in a research project
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2022

So, you're asked to enroll your child in a study, perhaps from your pediatrician, or a researcher contacts you by email or text, or you could see a poster someplace. How do you know what the study is about, or how safe it is?
Foldable Detergents for Membrane Protein Study: Importance of Detergent Core Flexibility in Protein Stabilization
Authors: Ghani Lubna , Kim Seonghoon , Wang Haoqing , Lee Hyun Sung , Mortensen Jonas S. , Katsube Satoshi , Du Yang , Sadaf Aiman , Ahmed Waqar , Byrne Bernadette , Guan Lan , Loland Claus J. , Kobilka Brian K. , Im Wonpil , Chae Pil Seok
Published: March 2022

Membrane proteins are of biological and pharmaceutical significance. However, their structural study is extremely challenging mainly due to the fact that only a small number of chemical tools are suitable for stabilizing membrane proteins in solution. Detergents are widely used in membrane protein study, but conventional detergents are generally poor at stabilizing challenging membrane proteins such as G protein‐coupled receptors and protein complexes. In the current study, we prepared tandem triazine‐based maltosides (TZMs) with two amphiphilic triazine units connected by different diamine linkers, hydrazine (TZM−Hs) and 1,2‐ethylenediamine (TZM−Es). These TZMs were consistently superior to a gold standard detergent (DDM) in terms of stabilizing a few membrane proteins. In addition, the TZM−Es containing a long linker showed more general protein stabilization efficacy with multiple membrane proteins than the TZM−Hs containing a short linker. This result indicates that introduction of the flexible1,2‐ethylenediamine linker between two rigid triazine rings enables the TZM−Es to fold into favourable conformations in order to promote membrane protein stability. The novel concept of detergent foldability introduced in the current study has potential in rational detergent design and membrane protein applications.
Total Synthesis of Suberitines A–D Featuring Tunable Biomimetic Late‐Stage Oxidative Dearomatization and Acetalization
Authors: Tang Shunjiang , Wu Zhihui , Gao Ming , Li Guoqiang , Yao Zhu‐Jun
Published: March 2022

Aaptaminoids are a unique family of marine alkaloids bearing a benzo[de][1,6]‐naphthyridine core. This work describes the first total synthesis of suberitines A–D (1–4), four typical dimeric natural aaptaminoids, employing a step‐saving bidirectional strategy. Key methods applied in the total synthesis include a cationic cascade to construct the bis‐isoquinoline(s) with Hendrickson reagent‐mediated Friedel‐Crafts‐type cyclization and eliminative aromatization, and a Bronsted acid‐promoted Vilsmeier cyclization to generate the naphthyridine(s). The conditionally tunable PIDA‐mediated oxidative dearomatization and subsequent methanolysis or hydrolysis successfully served as a powerful biomimetic tool to elaborate the essential oxygenated functionalities of suberitines A–D (1–4) in proper solvent‐combinations at the final stage of total synthesis. The biomimetic proposal employed in the late‐stage redox interchanges of related natural products was eventually supported by the isolation of synthetic intermediate 23 a as a natural product from the same natural source. Biological screening revealed that five of the synthetic samples including two natural suberitines and three full‐skeleton natural product‐like intermediates exhibited low micromolar inhibitory activities against the growth of cancer cell line K562.
Modeling of Process Operation Principles for the Immobilized Enzyme Candida Antarctica under Activity Decay
Authors: Feigel Matthias , Hinrichsen Olaf
Published: March 2022

Environmentally friendly processes that use enzymatic catalysts are often affected by faster deactivation than their conventional catalyst competitors. An intelligent process design that increases the lifetime of the enzyme Candida Antarctica Lipase B in an epoxidation reaction is described. Employing this strategy could result in an advancement of the competitiveness of the cost‐intensive biological catalyst. With parallel fixed bed reactors operating in staggered mode and extended by an activity‐dependent volume flow control, the lifetime and productivity of the enzyme were significantly increased. The process strategy presented is not limited to the underlying reaction system but can be applied to similar processes facing a fast activity decay.
Vom Papier aufs Tablet
Authors: Uhl Christian
Published: March 2022

Um Daten digital in die Arbeitsprozesse zu implementieren, braucht es mobile Endgeräte, die der rauen Umgebung in diesen Branchen standhalten und ex‐geschützt sind. Die eigensicheren Tablets der Serie Tab‐Ex von Ecom Instruments sind ein tragbares und sicheres Device dafür.
Wasserstoff als Schutzgas sicher abdichten
Authors: Wassenberg Michaela
Published: March 2022

In Bandverzinkungs‐ und Kontiglühanlagen in Kaltwalzwerken ist eine besonders hohe Dichtheit gefragt, um die in bestimmten Abschnitten des Glühofens vorhandene Schutzgasatmosphäre aus Wasserstoff und Stickstoff sicher abzudichten.
Surface Plasmon Coupled Directional Emission for Integrated Fluorescence‐Raman Biodetection: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhai Yan‐Yun , Pan Xiao‐Hui , Xu Lin‐Tao , Li Zhao , Cao Shuo‐Hui , Li Yao‐Qun
Published: March 2022

The development of multi‐functional nanoplatforms has attracted much attention. The realization of fluorescence and Raman dual‐mode bio‐detection typically needs complicated switching procedures or algorithm processes. In this work, we propose that a surface plasmon coupled emission (SPCE) technique could be used to break the bottleneck. Our approach enabled Raman spectra which would normally suffer interfered by strong fluorescence signal to be distinguished, simply by respective measurements at different angles. As a proof of concept, we prepared dual‐mode nano‐composites for measurement. Herein, in SPCE, fluorescence was sharply distributed at 46° and Raman at 50°. Attributed to the unique directional radiation feature, collection efficiency increased dramatically, with nearly 5‐fold and 14‐fold absolute intensity enhancement compared to conventional fluorescence and Raman method. Meanwhile, Raman detectability could be improved dramatically in SPCE detection in contrast to free space measurement in one single wavelength excitation device, for serious fluorescence interference to Raman tags could be eliminated.
Phase 1 Studies to Evaluate the Food Effect and Relative Bioavailability of Tablet and Capsule Formulations of Belumosudil in Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: Schueller Olivier , McDermott John , Evans Phil , Lohmer Lauren , Alabanza Anginelle , Patel Jeegar
Published: March 2022

Belumosudil is a selective Rho‐associated coiled‐coil containing protein kinase 2 inhibitor. A capsule formulation was used during early clinical development of belumosudil; it was later replaced by a tablet formulation, which mimicked the capsule's release properties and facilitated manufacturing scalability. To assess belumosudil's pharmacokinetics, including potential food effects, and evaluate the relative bioavailability of the 2 formulations, 2 phase 1 clinical trials were conducted. Administration of both belumosudil tablets and capsules with food increased exposure ≈2× as compared to the fasted state and delayed time to maximum concentration by 0.5 hour, indicating a decrease in the rate but increase in the extent of absorption with fed administration. Relative bioavailability was slightly higher when belumosudil was administered as tablets vs capsules, although the difference was not clinically meaningful. Safety and tolerability were generally consistent with the known safety profile of belumosudil. The results of these studies support administration of belumosudil with food.
Biocatalysis as Key to Sustainable Industrial Chemistry
Authors: Alcántara Andrés R. , Domínguez de María Pablo , Littlechild Jennifer A. , Schürmann Martin , Sheldon Roger A. , Wohlgemuth Roland
Published: March 2022

The role and power of biocatalysis in sustainable chemistry has been continuously brought forward step by step to its present outstanding position. The problem‐solving capabilities of biocatalysis have been realized by numerous substantial achievements in biology, chemistry and engineering. Advances and breakthroughs in the life sciences and interdisciplinary cooperation with chemistry have clearly accelerated the implementation of biocatalytic synthesis in modern chemistry. Resource‐efficient biocatalytic manufacturing processes have already provided numerous benefits to sustainable chemistry as well as customer‐centric value creation in the pharmaceutical, food, flavor, fragrance, vitamin, agrochemical, polymer, specialty, and fine chemical industries. Biocatalysis can make significant contributions not only to manufacturing processes, but also to the design of completely new value‐creation chains. Biocatalysis can now be considered as a key enabling technology to implement sustainable chemistry.
Calibration of an evapotranspiration algorithm in a semiarid sagebrush steppe using a 3‐ha lysimeter and Landsat normalized difference vegetation index data
Authors: Jarchow Christopher J. , Waugh William J. , Nagler Pamela L.
Published: March 2022

In arid and semiarid environments, evapotranspiration (ET) is the primary discharge component in the water balance, with potential ET exceeding precipitation. For this reason, reliable estimates of ET are needed to construct accurate water budgets in these environments. Remote sensing affords the ability to provide fast, accurate, field‐scale ET estimates, but these methods have largely been restricted to deep rooted (phreatophytic) plant communities underlain by shallow groundwater. We used 13 years of data from a 3‐ha drainage lysimeter in a semiarid sagebrush steppe and Landsat normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data to calibrate a generalized least squares model capable of predicting vadose zone ET in a high elevation upland ecosystem. Annual precipitation was the best predictor of annual ET, as they were nearly balanced every year analysed (mean difference = 3 mm). We incorporated reference crop ET and a linear combination of NDVI and precipitation to capably predict ET on a subannual, lag‐determined interval of 48 days, with a mean error of only 9.92% across all observations. To our knowledge, this is the first vegetation index‐ET algorithm calibrated in a semiarid upland plant community using field‐scale lysimetry. Vadose zone ET is particularly important at waste disposal sites in the Desert Southwest, where accurate and spatially explicit ET estimates are needed for monitoring potential mobilization and transport of contaminants past the root zone into local aquifers and for monitoring and modelling effects of recharge on flow and transport of contaminants in underlying aquifers.
Enantioselective Cyclopropanation of 2‐Cyano‐3‐arylacrylates Using Carbohydrate‐Based Crown Ethers
Authors: Orbán István , Varga Bertalan , Bagi Péter , Holczbauer Tamás , Rapi Zsolt
Published: March 2022

Enantioenriched, highly functionalized cyclopropane derivatives were prepared by a simple and green approach using monosaccharide‐based chiral crown ethers as phase transfer catalysts. The Michael‐initiated ring closure (MIRC) reactions of diethyl bromomalonate with 2‐cyano‐3‐phenylacrylate took place with complete diastereoselectivity in the presence of chiral lariat ethers derived from carbohydrates and enantioselectivity up to 87 % ee was achieved. Among the catalysts tested, the monoaza‐15‐crown‐5 lariat ether having a methyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside unit and a 2‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl group on the nitrogen generated the highest asymmetric induction (87 % ee). In the reactions of analogous 2‐cyano‐3‐arylacrylates, enantioselectivity was in the range of 8–91 % ee.
Dopamine‐loaded Liposomes‐amplified Electrochemical Immunoassay Based on MXene (Ti3C2)−AuNPs
Authors: Liu Jie , Tang Dianping
Published: March 2022

A simple and novel electrochemical immunoassay based on MXene (Ti3C2)−Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) was designed for sensitive screening of a disease‐related biomarker, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), by using dopamine‐loaded liposomes (DLL) for signal amplification. The system involves two parts, namely, sandwich‐type immunoreaction to capture DLL and electrochemical measurement of dopamine. The target PSA can cause a specific antigen‐antibody reaction and DLL are enriched in the enzyme‐labeled pores. After Triton X‐100 is injected into the detection cell, the carried DLL was quickly cracked to release dopamine wrapped in the cavity. A nanocomposite consisting of MXene (Ti3C2) support to immobilize Au nanoparticles (Ti3C2−Au) was utilized to modify a glassy carbon electrode, which gives a strongly enhanced differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) signals for dopamine. In this case, the change of DPV signal depends on the amount of dopamine released by liposomes, which is further positively correlated with the concentration of the analyte PSA. Combining the of MXene (Ti3C2)−AuNPs nanomaterials (large specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and good electrocatalytic properties) with the liposome signal amplification strategy, the electrochemical immunoassay exhibited excellent performance toward PSA determination with a broad linear range of 1 pg/mL to 50 ng/mL and limit of detection down to 0.31 pg/mL (S/N=3) under the optimized testing conditions. High specificity for PSA over other disease‐related biomarkers and acceptable nanocomposite/electrode stability were acquired. The excellent analytical performance shows that the current strategy provides an effective detection platform for clinical sample analysis.
Co‐seismic landslides in the Sikkim Himalaya during the 2011 Sikkim Earthquake: Lesson learned from the past and inference for the future
Authors: Joshi Mayank
Published: March 2022

Sikkim, a north‐eastern state of India, has a very specific and unique place in the tourism map of India. Every year, lakhs of people visit the state. To accommodate such floating population in the area, some big towered home stays/hotels have been constructed. However, the area is under the threat of many natural disasters such as earthquake, landslide, land subsidence, cloudburst, etc. In the year 2021, within a span of 8 months (April–November), the Sikkim state hosted four light to moderate earthquakes (Mw 4.1–Mw 5.1). Out of these, the strongest earthquake (Mw 5.1) occurred on 5 April 2021, which was well experienced in the parts of Indian states (i.e., Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar) and across International borders, viz Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Fortunately, this earthquake did not cause any major damage in the region. However, in the last two decades, one moderate (Mw 5.3) and one strong earthquake (Mw 6.9) has occurred in the Sikkim region on 14 Feb 2006 and 18 September 2011, respectively. Both of these earthquakes caused well enough damage to the residential as well as commercial buildings. Apart from infrastructural degeneracy, the 2011 Sikkim Earthquake (Mw 6.9) also caused generation of co‐seismic landslides within ~100 km epicentral distance from the earthquake. After a decade, from the 2011 earthquake, Gangtok city and other parts of the state have been rebuilt and reconstructed again, but most of the newly constructed and old refurbished buildings are established in the steep slope areas without considering the geotechnical properties of the underlying soil. These structures could be vulnerable during moderate to strong earthquakes. Therefore, the present study unfurled a question “Did we learn any lesson from the 2011 Sikkim Earthquake?”. Furthermore, the study calls for earthquake hazard adaptation measures in the tectonically sensitive Himalayan region in order to safeguard the lives and vital infrastructure.
Determinants of positive cervical cancer screening among reproductive‐age women in South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Mengistu Abdulkerim , Cherie Niguss , Addisu Elsabeth
Published: March 2022

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the reproductive organ cancers found in women which commonly arises from the cervix. It is the second most prevalent cancer among women in developing countries including Ethiopia. However, the association between positive cervical cancer screening and modifiable behavioral risk has not been well characterized in developing countries.

Objective

To identify determinants of positive cervical cancer screening among reproductive‐age women in the South Wollo Zone, Amhara region, northeast Ethiopia.

Method

An unmatched case‐control study design was conducted from January 28 to April 12, 2020 in the South Wollo Zone. Four hundred ten clients participated in the study with 82 cases 328 controls. Study subjects were selected by systematic random sampling. Data entered using Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 24. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was done. The adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure the strength and direction of the association and P‐value <.05 was declared as significant.

Results

A total of 410 study subjects have participated with a 100% response rate. The mean age of respondents was found to be 35.58 (±8.05) years. Study participants having a history of sexually transmitted infections (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.69, 95% CI [1.70‐8.01]), having poor knowledge about cervical cancer (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI [1.32‐4.02]) and two or more lifetime sexual partners of women and husbands (AOR = 2.80, 2.55, 95% CI [1.22‐6.44, 1.28‐5.06]) respectively were independent predictors of positive cervical cancer screening.

Conclusion and recommendation

Risk factors that determine positive cervical cancer screening were identified. Comprehensive strategies that are focused on addressing sexual behavior and knowledge gaps should be designed. Efforts on improving and cultivating those significant factors should be done by stakeholders to prevent cervical cancer.
The insights of pet cokes/palm kernel shell activated carbon as CO2 adsorbent: equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, and regeneration performance
Authors: Rashidi Nor Adilla , Yusup Suzana
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Over the years, activated carbon has been widely used for environmental applications, including liquid or gas phase applications. However, there are many hurdles for researchers in the activated carbon field to overcome when it comes to non‐renewable materials, the utilization of individual precursors, and the complex multistep procedures of activated carbon synthesis. Therefore, in this study, the facile mechanochemical potassium carbonate (K2CO3) activation of blended precursors — palm kernel shell and petroleum coke — was investigated in terms of the activated carbon yield and carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption capacity.

RESULTS

The optimum configuration of the activated carbon production was found at temperature of 680°C, holding time of 60 min, and impregnation ratio of 1.75:1. The CO2 adsorption data at 25–120°C was best represented by the Sips model with R2 > 0.9999, where maximum CO2 adsorption capacity (qmax) was within the range of 2.24–4.32 mmol/g. The kinetic analysis was well‐represented by the pseudo‐second order model due to the high R2 and low sum of square of errors (ERRSQ) value. In terms of thermodynamic analysis, it showed that the CO2 adsorption process was physical, exothermic, and spontaneous at lower temperature.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the integration of agricultural and industrial waste to value‐added activated carbon was feasible not only in reducing waste disposal problems but also in facilitating CO2 mitigation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).