bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric Modulated Glass Fiber Fabric‐Based Single Electrode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Efficient Biomechanical Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zheng Zhipeng , Yu Di , Guo Yiping
Published: June 2021

Single‐electrode triboelectric nanogenerators (SE‐TENGs) are versatile tools for energy harvesting with simple structures and great practicability. However, low output performance hinders SE‐TENGs in applications as portable power sources. Herein, a novel SE‐TENG that utilizes glass fiber fabric (GFF) as tribo‐materials, along with an inorganic ferroelectric film for the dielectric layer is proposed. The GFF is first shown to be a promising tribo‐material for its highly positive tribo‐polarity and unique chemical/mechanical/durable properties. Meanwhile, an inorganic dielectric film with high dielectric constant is introduced between the GFF and Al electrode for enhancing the charge trapping capability. Owing to the synergistic effect of optimized triboelectrification and dielectric properties, the specific designed SE‐TENG delivers an open‐circuit voltage of 1640 V and a short‐circuit current density of 59.05 mA m−2, which are superior to most reported SE‐TENGs. With a maximum instantaneous power of 11.30 mW, the device can light up 1350 light‐emitting diodes, charge a 47 µF capacitor into 10 V in 421 s, and power up a digital watch even without additional control circuits. This work provides new insights in designing high‐performance SE‐TENGs and facilitates their application in biomechanical energy harvesting and portable power sources.
Assembly of Close‐Packed Ferroelectric Polymer Nanowires via Interface‐Epitaxy with ReS2
Authors: Li Dawei , Sun Shuo , Wang Kun , Ahmadi Zahra , Shield Jeffrey E. , Ducharme Stephen , Hong Xia
Published: June 2021

The flexible, transparent, and low‐weight nature of ferroelectric polymers makes them promising for wearable electronic and optical applications. To reach the full potential of the polarization‐enabled device functionalities, large‐scale fabrication of polymer thin films with well‐controlled polar directions is called for, which remains a central challenge. The widely exploited Langmuir–Blodgett, spin‐coating, and electrospinning methods only yield polymorphous or polycrystalline films, where the net polarization is compromised. Here, an easily scalable approach is reported to achieve poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE) thin films composed of close‐packed crystalline nanowires via interface‐epitaxy with 1T′‐ReS2. Upon controlled thermal treatment, uniform P(VDF‐TrFE) films restructure into about 10 and 35 nm‐wide (010)‐oriented nanowires that are crystallographically aligned with the underlying ReS2, as revealed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Piezoresponse force microscopy studies confirm the out‐of‐plane polar axis of the nanowire films and reveal coercive voltages as low as 0.1 V. Reversing the polarization can induce a conductance switching ratio of >108 in bilayer ReS2, over six orders of magnitude higher than that achieved by an untreated polymer gate. This study points to a cost‐effective route to large‐scale processing of high‐performance ferroelectric polymer thin films for flexible energy‐efficient nanoelectronics.
Gallium Plasmonic Nanoantennas Unveiling Multiple Kinetics of Hydrogen Sensing, Storage, and Spillover
Authors: Losurdo Maria , Gutiérrez Yael , Suvorova Alexandra , Giangregorio Maria M. , Rubanov Sergey , Brown April S. , Moreno Fernando
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen is the key element to accomplish a carbon‐free based economy. Here, the first evidence of plasmonic gallium (Ga) nanoantennas is provided as nanoreactors supported on sapphire (α‐Al2O3) acting as direct plasmon‐enhanced photocatalyst for hydrogen sensing, storage, and spillover. The role of plasmon‐catalyzed electron transfer between hydrogen and plasmonic Ga nanoparticle in the activation of those processes is highlighted, as opposed to conventional refractive index‐change‐based sensing. This study reveals that, while temperature selectively operates those various processes, longitudinal (LO‐LSPR) and transverse (TO‐LSPR) localized surface plasmon resonances of supported Ga nanoparticles open selectivity of localized reaction pathways at specific sites corresponding to the electromagnetic hot‐spots. Specifically, the TO‐LSPR couples light into the surface dissociative adsorption of hydrogen and formation of hydrides, whereas the LO‐LSPR activates heterogeneous reactions at the interface with the support, that is, hydrogen spillover into α‐Al2O3 and reverse‐oxygen spillover from α‐Al2O3. This Ga‐based plasmon‐catalytic platform expands the application of supported plasmon‐catalysis to hydrogen technologies, including reversible fast hydrogen sensing in a timescale of a few seconds with a limit of detection as low as 5 ppm and in a broad temperature range from room‐temperature up to 600 °C while remaining stable and reusable over an extended period of time.
Bio‐Inspired Hybrid Dielectric for Capacitive and Triboelectric Tactile Sensors with High Sensitivity and Ultrawide Linearity Range
Authors: Ji Bing , Zhou Qian , Hu Bin , Zhong Junwen , Zhou Jun , Zhou Bingpu
Published: June 2021

The trade‐off between sensitivity and linearity is critical for preserving the high pressure‐resolution over a broad range and simplifying the signal processing/conversion of flexible tactile sensors. Conventional dielectrics suffer from the difficulty of quantitatively controlling the interacted mechanical and dielectric properties, thus causing the restricted sensitivity and linearity of capacitive sensors. Herein, inspired by human skin, a novel hybrid dielectric composed of a low‐permittivity (low‐k) micro‐cilia array, a high‐permittivity (high‐k) rough surface, and micro‐dome array is developed. The pressure‐induced series‐parallel conversion between the low‐k and high‐k components of the hybrid dielectric enables the linear effective dielectric constant and controllable initial/resultant capacitance. The gradient compressibility of the hybrid dielectric enables the linear behavior of elastic modulus with pressures, which derives the capacitance variation determined by the effective dielectric constant. Therefore, an ultrawide linearity range up to 1000 kPa and a high sensitivity of 0.314 kPa–1 are simultaneously achieved by the optimized hybrid dielectric. The design is also applicable for triboelectric tactile sensors, which realizes the similar linear behavior of output voltage and enhanced sensitivity. With the high pressure‐resolution across a broad range, potential applications such as healthcare monitoring in diverse scenarios and control command conversion via a single sensor are demonstrated.
Highly Resolved and Robust Dynamic X‐Ray Imaging Using Perovskite Glass‐Ceramic Scintillator with Reduced Light Scattering
Authors: Ma Wenbo , Jiang Tingming , Yang Ze , Zhang Hao , Su Yirong , Chen Zeng , Chen Xinya , Ma Yaoguang , Zhu Wenjuan , Yu Xue , Zhu Haiming , Qiu Jianbei , Liu Xu , Xu Xuhui , Yang Yang (Michael)
Published: June 2021

All‐inorganic perovskite quantum dots (QDs) CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) have recently emerged as a new promising class of X‐ray scintillators. However, the instability of perovskite QDs and the strong optical scattering of the thick opaque QD scintillator film imped it to realize high‐quality and robust X‐ray image. Herein, the europium (Eu) doped CsPbBr3 QDs are in situ grown inside transparent amorphous matrix to form glass‐ceramic (GC) scintillator with glass phase serving as both matrix and encapsulation for the perovskite QD scintillators. The small amount of Eu dopant optimizes the crystallization of CsPbBr3 QDs and makes their distribution more uniform in the glass matrix, which can significantly reduce the light scattering and also enhance the photoluminescence emission of CsPbBr3 QDs. As a result, a remarkably high spatial resolution of 15.0 lp mm−1 is realized thanks to the reduced light scattering, which is so far a record resolution for perovskite scintillator based X‐ray imaging, and the scintillation stability is also significantly improved compared to the bare perovskite QD scintillators. Those results provide an effective platform particularly for the emerging perovskite nanocrystal scintillators to reduce light scattering and improve radiation hardness.
Profiles of Volatile Biomarkers Detect Tuberculosis from Skin
Authors: Vishinkin Rotem , Busool Rami , Mansour Elias , Fish Falk , Esmail Ali , Kumar Parveen , Gharaa Alaa , Cancilla John C. , Torrecilla Jose S. , Skenders Girts , Leja Marcis , Dheda Keertan , Singh Sarman , Haick Hossam
Published: June 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that threatens >10 million people annually. Despite advances in TB diagnostics, patients continue to receive an insufficient diagnosis as TB symptoms are not specific. Many existing biodiagnostic tests are slow, have low clinical performance, and can be unsuitable for resource‐limited settings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a rapid, sputum‐free, and cost‐effective triage test for real‐time detection of TB is urgently needed. This article reports on a new diagnostic pathway enabling a noninvasive, fast, and highly accurate way of detecting TB. The approach relies on TB‐specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are detected and quantified from the skin headspace. A specifically designed nanomaterial‐based sensors array translates these findings into a point‐of‐care diagnosis by discriminating between active pulmonary TB patients and controls with sensitivity above 90%. This fulfills the WHO's triage test requirements and poses the potential to become a TB triage test.
Rechargeable Al‐Chalcogen Batteries: Status, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: He Shiman , Zhang Dian , Zhang Xu , Liu Shiqi , Chu Weiqin , Yu Haijun
Published: June 2021

Aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs) are considered to be alternatives to meet the increasing demands for energy storage due to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, high safety, and the rich abundance of aluminum. Chalcogen materials (sulfur, selenium, and tellurium (SSTs)) with high theoretical capacities are deemed to be promising cathode materials in AIBs. However, the challenges including sluggish reaction kinetics and inferior cycling stability in Al‐SSTs batteries still remain. In order to realize the advantages and overcome the drawbacks of SSTs electrodes, several strategies have been attempted. In this perspective, the approaches in terms of SSTs cathodes, electrolytes, separators, and Al metal anodes to improve the electrochemical performance of Al‐SSTs batteries are summarized and elaborated. The electrochemistry of Al‐SSTs batteries, involving different valence states of the electrochemical products is also presented and highlighted. The issues to be solved for practical applications are listed and possible future directions for the development of more reliable Al‐SSTs batteries are discussed.
Molecular Engineering Approaches to Fabricate Artificial Solid‐Electrolyte Interphases on Anodes for Li‐Ion Batteries: A Critical Review
Authors: Fedorov Roman G. , Maletti Sebastian , Heubner Christian , Michaelis Alexander , Ein‐Eli Yair
Published: June 2021

An intrinsic challenge of Li‐ion batteries is the instability of electrolytes against anode materials. For anodes with a favorably low operating potential, a solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed during initial cycles provides stability, traded off for capacity consumption. The SEI is mainly determined by the anode material, electrolyte composition, and formation conditions. Its properties are typically adjusted by changing the liquid electrolyte's composition. Artificial SEIs (Art‐SEIs) offer much more freedom to address and tune specific properties, such as chemical composition, impedance, thickness, and elasticity. Art‐SEIs for intercalation, alloying, conversion and Li metal anodes have to fulfil varying requirements. In all cases, sufficient transport properties for Li‐ions and (electro‐)chemical stability must be guaranteed. Several approaches for Art‐SEIs preparation have been reported: from simple casting and coating techniques to elaborated Phys‐Chem modifications and deposition processes. This review critically reports on the promising approaches for Art‐SEIs formation on different type of anode materials, focusing on methodological aspects. The specific requirements for each approach and material class, as well as the most effective strategies for Art‐SEI coating, are discussed and a roadmap for further developments towards next‐generation stable anodes are provided.
Agronomic characterization of cotton genotypes susceptible and resistant to reniform nematode in the United States Midsouth
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Chastain Daryl , Reddy K. Raja , Snider John , Krutz L. Jason , Stetina Salliana , Sehgal Akanksha
Published: June 2021

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes resistant to reniform nematode (RN) (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira) have been recently developed to reduce yield losses from RN, yet little is known of their agronomic responses under field conditions. This research was conducted to determine if RN population vary cotton growth and development and yield among RN resistant (G. barbadense introgressions; 08SS110‐NE06.OP and 08SS100) and susceptible cotton genotypes (Deltapine 16 and PHY 490 W3FE) in environments infested with RN. The study was conducted over 2 yr (2017 and 2018) in field plots naturally infested with RN population. Growth analysis was conducted at 1‐ or 2‐wk intervals starting from 4 wk after planting (WAP) to 12 WAP. Soil samples were taken from the top 40‐cm soil depth before planting and after harvesting to determine RN populations. The three‐parameter sigmoidal functions best described (r2 = .95–.99) growth of cotton genotypes along the season, but no differences were observed for maximum growth rates among genotypes. Post‐harvest RN populations significantly increased in plots grown with susceptible cotton genotypes, while RN reproduction was inhibited resulting in a fewer number of RN in the resistant genotypes‐grown soils. 08SS110‐NE06.OP exhibited greater vigor than PHY 490 W3FE in the later part of season. PHY 490 W3FE showed comparable yields with 08SS110‐NE06.OP despite differing in RN suppression and vigor in the later season. The information in this study could be useful to select resistant lines superior in yields and RN suppression as a parent for the development of RN resistant cultivars in cotton.
Catalytic coupling boosting efficient production of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural from glucose
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Sijia , Hao Runming , Du An , Wang Yang
Published: June 2021

As a novel green chemical building block, it is of significance to increase the productivity of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) derived from hexoses. In our work, a catalytic system efficiently converting glucose to HMF was designed, which is guided by catalytic coupling at multiple length scales. A catalyst from the sulfonated and carbonized glucose with aluminum loading containing Lewis and Brønsted acidic sites, along with tetrahydrofuran/H2O‐NaCl featuring low boiling point and biphasic solvent, was introduced to the catalytic conversion of glucose. Not only the HMF yield of 75% from glucose was achieved at 140°C for 8 h but also the purity of HMF went up to 93% by facile separation and evaporation. In the reuse of the catalysts, the selectivity of HMF was basically maintained at 81% with the conversion of glucose decreasing by ca. 20% after five runs.
Selinexor, bortezomib, and dexamethasone versus bortezomib and dexamethasone in previously treated multiple myeloma: Outcomes by cytogenetic risk
Authors: Richard Shambavi , Chari Ajai , Delimpasi Sosana , Simonova Maryana , Spicka Ivan , Pour Ludek , Kriachok Iryna , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Pylypenko Halyna , Auner Holger W. , Leleu Xavier , Usenko Ganna , Hajek Roman , Benjamin Reuben , Dolai Tuphan Kanti , Sinha Dinesh Kumar , Venner Christopher P. , Garg Mamta , Stevens Don Ambrose , Quach Hang , Jagannath Sundar , Moreau Phillipe , Levy Moshe , Badros Ashraf , Anderson Larry D. , Bahlis Nizar J. , Facon Thierry , Mateos Maria Victoria , Cavo Michele , Chang Hua , Landesman Yosef , Chai Yi , Arazy Melina , Shah Jatin , Shacham Sharon , Kauffman Michael G. , Grosicki Sebastian , Richardson Paul G.
Published: June 2021

In the phase 3 BOSTON study, patients with multiple myeloma (MM) after 1–3 prior regimens were randomized to once‐weekly selinexor (an oral inhibitor of exportin 1 [XPO1]) plus bortezomib‐dexamethasone (XVd) or twice‐weekly bortezomib‐dexamethasone (Vd). Compared with Vd, XVd was associated with significant improvements in median progression‐free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and lower rates of peripheral neuropathy, with trends in overall survival (OS) favoring XVd. In BOSTON, 141 (35.1%) patients had MM with high‐risk (presence of del[17p], t[4;14], t[14;16], or ≥4 copies of amp1q21) cytogenetics (XVd, n = 70; Vd, n = 71), and 261 (64.9%) exhibited standard‐risk cytogenetics (XVd, n = 125; Vd, n = 136). Among patients with high‐risk MM, median PFS was 12.91 months for XVd and 8.61 months for Vd (HR, 0.73 [95% CI, (0.4673, 1.1406)], p = 0.082), and ORRs were 78.6% and 57.7%, respectively (OR 2.68; p = 0.004). In the standard‐risk subgroup, median PFS was 16.62 months for XVd and 9.46 months for Vd (HR 0.61; p = 0.004), and ORRs were 75.2% and 64.7%, respectively (OR 1.65; p = 0.033). The safety profiles of XVd and Vd in both subgroups were consistent with the overall population. These data suggest that selinexor can confer benefits to patients with MM regardless of cytogenetic risk. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03110562.
Temporal trends and yield of clinical diagnostic genetic testing in adult neurology
Authors: Guo Michael H. , Bardakjian Tanya M. , Brzozowski Morgan R. , Scherer Steven S. , Quinn Colin , Elman Lauren , Orthmann‐Murphy Jennifer , Tropea Thomas F. , Ellis Colin A. , Gonzalez‐Alegre Pedro
Published: June 2021

While genetics evaluation is increasingly utilized in adult neurology patients, its usage and efficacy are not well characterized. Here, we report our experience with 1461 consecutive patients evaluated in an adult neurogenetics clinic at a large academic medical center between January 2015 and March 2020. Of the 1461 patients evaluated, 1215 patients were referred for the purposes of identifying a genetic diagnosis for an undiagnosed condition, 90.5% of whom underwent genetic testing. The modalities of genetic testing utilized varied across referral diagnostic categories, including a range of utilization of whole exome sequencing (WES) as an initial test in 13.9% of neuromuscular patients to 52.9% in white matter disorder patients. The usage of WES increased over time, from 7.7% of initial testing in 2015 to a peak of 27.3% in 2019. Overall, genetic testing yielded a causal genetic diagnosis in 30.7% of patients. This yield was higher in certain referring diagnosis categories, such as neuromuscular (39.0%) and epilepsy (29.8%). Our study demonstrates that evaluation at an adult neurogenetics referral center can yield diagnoses in a substantial fraction of patients. Additional research will be needed to determine optimal genetic testing strategies and cost effectiveness of adult neurogenetics evaluation.
The evolution of genetic counseling at Johns Hopkins Hospital and beyond
Authors: Corson Virginia L. , Bernhardt Barbara A.
Published: June 2021

In celebration of the 100th birthday of Dr. Victor A. McKusick, we look back at the history of genetic counseling at Johns Hopkins Hospital and at some milestones for the profession. With the first students graduating from the Human Genetics program at Sarah Lawrence College in 1971, the genetic counseling profession is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The profession has seen growth in numbers and scope of practice, the evolution of a national society, the advent of certification and accreditation, the proliferation of graduate programs, the pursuit of state licensure, and collaboration with fellow genetics professionals. Many of the early jobs were at academic centers, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, while today counselors are employed in a multitude of settings and engaged in a variety of roles.
Revisiting the controversy: The role of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tyler Matthew A. , Lam Kent , Marino Michael J. , Yao William C. , Schmale Isaac , Citardi Martin J. , Luong Amber U.
Published: June 2021

In the last two decades, the development of culture‐independent genomic techniques has facilitated an increased appreciation of the microbiota‐immunity interactions and their role in a multitude of chronic inflammatory diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and dermatitis. While the pathologic role of bacteria in chronic inflammatory diseases is generally accepted, the understanding of the role of fungi remains controversial. Chronic rhinosinusitis, specifically the phenotype linked to nasal polyps, represents a spectrum of chronic inflammatory diseases typically characterized by a type 2 immune response. Studies on the microbiota within sinus cavities from healthy and diseased patients have focused on the bacterial community, mainly highlighting the loss of diversity associated with sinus inflammation. Within the various CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) phenotypes, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis presents an opportunity to investigate the role of fungi in chronic type 2 immune responses as well as the antifungal immune pathways designed to prevent invasive fungal diseases. In this review, we examine the spectrum of fungi‐associated sinus diseases highlighting the interaction between fungal species and host immune status on disease presentation. With a focus on fungi and type 2 immune response, we highlight the current knowledge and its limitations of the sinus mycobiota along with cellular interactions and activated molecular pathways linked to fungi.
Segregated highly conductive linear low‐density polyethylene/graphene nanoplatelet composite through aqueous dispersing and self‐leveling method
Authors: Mao Yiding , Zhuang Yafang , Cao Xinyu , Xue Chaohua , Fan Xianpeng , Lu Jiaxin , Ye Gang , Zheng Kun , Zhang Jingnan , Ma Yongmei
Published: June 2021

Construction of segregated structure is an effective way of preparing highly conductive composite. Here, we report an environmentally friendly method to prepare highly conductive linear low‐density polyethylene/graphene nanoplatelets composite with segregated structure (s‐LLDPE/GN) and low GN content. Firstly, GN coated LLDPE granules are prepared through aqueous dispersing and gradually drying. Then, the s‐LLDPE/GN composites are obtained by melting and self‐leveling without extra pressure. This method not only favors the forming of GN segregated network, but also allows certain fusing of the polymer at the interfaces that contribute to good mechanical strength of the composite. The electrical conductivity of the composite increases to 4.5 S/m when the GN content is 1.0 wt%. The composite with 0.5 wt% GN shows 10−1 S/m electrical conductivity, and retains 82% of the tensile strength of pure LLDPE. The facile and green process in this method can be applied in many other polymer composites and show high potential for industrial application.
Identification and characterization of microRNAs in the immature stage of the beneficial predatory bug Arma chinensis Fallou (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Yin Yanfang , Zhu Yanjuan , Mao Jianjun , Gundersen‐Rindal Dawn E. , Liu Chenxi
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and can influence significant biological processes. Arma chinensis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a predaceous insect species that preys upon a wide variety of insect pests. It is important to explore and understand the molecular mechanisms involving miRNAs in regulating developmental and other gene expression for beneficial insects. However, examination of miRNAs associated with Hemiptera, especially predatory bugs, has been absent or scarce. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of predatory bug A. chinensis encoded miRNAs through high throughput sequencing and predicts genes and biological processes regulated by the newly identified miRNAs through analyzing their differential expression in and across five nymphal instars. A total of 64 A. chinensis miRNAs, including 46 conserved miRNAs and 18 novel miRNAs, were identified by analysis of high throughput sequence reads mapped to the genome. A total of 2913 potential gene targets for these 64 miRNAs were predicted by comprehensive analyses utilizing miRanda, PITA, and RNAhybrid. Gene Ontology annotation of predicted target genes of A. chinensis suggested the key processes regulated by miRNAs involved biological processes, regulation of cellular processes, and transporter activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway predictions included the Toll and Imd signaling pathway, Valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, Steroid biosynthesis, the AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. This newly identified miRNAs through analyzing their differential expression, assessment of their predicted functions forms a foundation for further investigation of specific miRNAs.
Colorado's Bench‐Scale Lead and Copper Corrosion Testing Protocol
Authors: Arnold Roger B. , Rhoades Jacqueline , Criswell Melanie , Ingels Tyson , Becker William
Published: June 2021

Key Takeaways

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment developed a standardized protocol for corrosion testing procedures that is available as a resource for utilities.

Immersion testing can be used to evaluate corrosion mechanisms, determine optimal corrosion control treatment, and examine the impacts of source water or treatment changes, while greatly reducing the cost and complexity compared with pipe loop testing.

Exploring various resources, such as academic research, first‐hand utility experience, and water industry guidelines, can help a utility select the corrosion testing approach that best suits its needs and circumstances.
Screening and cocktail optimization using experimental mixture design: enzymatic saccharification as a biological pretreatment strategy
Authors: Pinheiro Vanessa Elisa , Horváth Ilona Sárvári , Lundin Magnus , Polizeli Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes
Published: June 2021

Biofuels contribute environment‐friendly, renewable energy, minimizing dependence on fossil energy. The pretreatment of biomass is a practical step that accelerates and facilitates the hydrolysis of complex materials. This work aimed to screen, select, and study cocktail formulations for biomass hydrolysis, where the enzymes were provided both from a commercial source (Trichoderma reesei, Novozymes®) and through the cultivation of Aspergillus brasiliensis and Aspergillus tamarii Kita. Experimental mixture designs were used to optimize the enzymatic conversion of substrates into simple sugars. A crude extract rich in amylase (AAB) had a significant favorable influence on cornmeal hydrolysis by maximizing the yield of reducing sugars (RS) (173 μmol mL–1). Celluclast™, rich in cellulase, significantly affected the hydrolysis of banana peel, maximizing the RS yield (175 μmol mL–1). Variable degrees of enzyme synergism were evident from statistical analysis of the biomass hydrolysis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Carbonstäbe im Bauwesen – Teil 3
Authors: May Maximilian , Riegelmann Philipp , Schumann Alexander , Curbach Manfred
Published: June 2021

Nachdem im ersten Teil der Veröffentlichungsreihe die grundlegende Materialcharakteristik von Bewehrungsstäben aus Carbonfasern und im zweiten Teil deren Verbundtragverhalten zur umgebenden Betonmatrix beschrieben wurde, wird nun die Bestimmung der Zugtragfähigkeit von Carbonstäben für das Bauwesen thematisiert. Aufgrund der Querdruckempfindlichkeit der Carbonfasern ist der Lasteinleitungsbereich im Zugversuch der kritische Punkt und bedarf bei der Versuchsplanung besonderer Beachtung. Aufbauend auf dem Stand des Wissens zu Verankerungssystemen, die aktuell vor allem bei vorgespannten Bauteilen verwendet werden, wird die Entwicklung einer geeigneten Lasteinleitungskonstruktion vorgestellt, die eine zuverlässige Prüfung der Zugtragfähigkeit des untersuchten Carbonstabs ermöglicht.
Drivers and barriers towards circular economy in agri‐food supply chain: A review
Authors: Mehmood Amina , Ahmed Shehzad , Viza Evi , Bogush Anna , Ayyub Rana Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Over the past few years, the circular economy (CE) concept has captured considerable attention from researchers and practitioners as a potential solution for social, economic, and environmental challenges. But in literature, limited engagement has been given to explore the CE initiatives, particularly in the agri‐food supply chain (AFSC). This paper aims to address this gap by critically reviewing the existing literature and identify the drivers and barriers for implementing the CE in the AFSC. This study uses a systematic literature review approach to critically analyse the current literature to develop future empirical research areas. The popularity of the CE drivers and barriers in the AFSC following the number of times they appeared in the research studies is examined. It shows that environmental (67%), policy and economy (47%), and financial benefits (43%) are the three top drivers. However, institutional (64%), financial (48%), and technological risks (40%) are the top three barriers in implementing CE practices in the AFSC. It is observed that there is an utmost need for international communities to introduce internationally accepted standards and frameworks for CE practices to be used globally to eliminate waste, particularly in the agriculture sector. Moreover, government intervention to stimulate CE initiatives plays a critical role in the transition process.
Post‐traumatic stress symptoms in long‐term disease‐free cancer survivors and their family caregivers
Authors: De Padova Silvia , Grassi Luigi , Vagheggini Alessandro , Belvederi Murri Martino , Folesani Federica , Rossi Lorena , Farolfi Alberto , Bertelli Tatiana , Passardi Alessandro , Berardi Alejandra , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: June 2021

Background

The experience of cancer is highly stressful and potentially traumatic. We assessed the presence of Post‐Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) in long‐term cancer survivors and their caregivers, while examining the association between PTSS and clinical, demographic and psychological variables in the long term.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study 212 survivor‐family caregiver dyads completed measures of post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (Impact of Event Scale), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale). Coping strategies, fatigue, cognitive decline, stressful life events and psychopathological history were also assessed among survivors. Data were analyzed using mixed models, accounting both for individual and dyadic effects.

Results

Cancer survivors and their caregivers were assessed after a mean of 6 years after treatment. Twenty per cent of survivors and 35.5% of caregivers had possible posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while 23 patients (11.0%) and 33 caregivers (15.6%) had probable PTSD. Among cancer patients, the severity of post‐traumatic symptoms was associated with an anxious coping style, previous psychopathology and depression (p < 0.001), whereas among caregivers it was associated with depression and having a closer relationship with patients (p < 0.001). Patients’ depression was associated with caregivers’ intrusion symptoms.

Conclusions

High levels of cancer‐related PTSS were still present several years after treatment in both survivors and caregivers. Psychopathology may derive from complex interactions among coping, previous disorders and between‐person dynamics.
A modifiable risk factors atlas of lung cancer: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shen Jiayi , Zhou Huaqiang , Liu Jiaqing , Zhang Yaxiong , Zhou Ting , Yang Yunpeng , Fang Wenfeng , Huang Yan , Zhang Li
Published: June 2021

Background

There has been no study systematically assessing the causal effects of putative modifiable risk factors on lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to construct a modifiable risk factors atlas of lung cancer by using the two‐sample Mendelian randomization framework.

Methods

We included 46 modifiable risk factors identified in previous studies. Traits with p‐value smaller than 0.05 were considered as suggestive risk factors. While the Bonferroni corrected p‐value for significant risk factors was set to be 8.33 × 10−4.

Results

In this two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis, we found that higher socioeconomic status was significantly correlated with lower risk of lung cancer, including years of schooling, college or university degree, and household income. While cigarettes smoked per day, time spent watching TV, polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosapentaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid in blood were significantly associated with higher risk of lung cancer. Suggestive risk factors for lung cancer were found to be serum vitamin A1, copper in blood, docosahexaenoic acid in blood, and body fat percentage.

Conclusions

This study provided the first Mendelian randomization assessment of the causality between previously reported risk factors and lung cancer risk. Several modifiable targets, concerning socioeconomic status, lifestyle, dietary, and obesity, should be taken into consideration for the development of primary prevention strategies for lung cancer.
The Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway regulates autophagy and migration in ovarian cancer
Authors: Pan Yibin , Zhou Jiena , Zhang Weidan , Yan Lili , Lu Meifei , Dai Yongdong , Zhou Hanjing , Zhang Songying , Yang Jianhua
Published: June 2021

Background

The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays an important role in various types of human cancers including ovarian cancer; however, its function and underlying mechanism in ovarian cancer are still not entirely understood.

Methods

We detected the expressions of SHH and SQSTM1 in borderline ovarian tumor tissues, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissues and benign ovarian tumor tissues. Cyclopamine (Cyp, a well‐known inhibitor of SHH signaling pathway) and chloroquine (CQ, the pharmaceutical inhibitor of autophagy) were used in vivo and in vitro (autophagic flux, CCK‐8 assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, tumor xenograft model). The mechanism of action was explored through Quantitative RT‐PCR and Western Blot.

Results

We found up‐regulation of SHH and accumulation of SQSTM1/P62 in epithelial ovarian cancer. Cyp induced autophagy through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, low‐dose Cyp and chloroquine (CQ) significantly promoted the migratory ability of SKOV3 cells.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that inhibition of the SHH pathway and autophagy may be a potential and effective therapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
PD‐L1, PARP1, and MMRs as potential therapeutic biomarkers for neuroendocrine cervical cancer
Authors: Ji Xiaoyu , Sui Lei , Song Kejuan , Lv Teng , Zhao Han , Yao Qin
Published: June 2021

Objective

Neuroendocrine cervical cancer (NECC) is a rare cervical cancer with high aggressivity that causes poor prognosis even in the early stage. Given other neuroendocrine carcinomas and other types of cervical cancer have been proved to have expression of programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1(PD‐L1) and poly ADP‐ribose polymerase‐1(PARP1), we would measure and analyze these proteins in this invasive cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the application value of PD‐1/PD‐L1 and PARP1 inhibitors in NECC.

Methods

The NECC cases in our center with formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks were collected, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of PD‐L1, PARP1, Mismatch repair proteins (MMRs), and P53 was performed. Chi‐square test was used to analyze associations between various protein expressions. We analyzed the efficacy of immunotherapy in a recent patient with secondary recurrence after two courses of chemotherapy.

Results

After rigorous screening, 20 cases were finally included. Three cases did not undergo surgical treatment because of their advanced stage. Twelve (60%) developed distant metastases or relapsed within five years, and most of them within two years. The positive rate of PD‐L1 and PARP1 were 70% and 75% respectively. Among all the cases, microsatellite instability (MSI) was seen in six cases (30%) and abnormal p53 expression was in 15 patients (75%). PD‐L1 was associated with PARP1 expression in the MSI subgroup. The patient treated with chemotherapy + VEGF inhibitor (VEGFi) + programmed cell death protein 1(PD‐1) inhibitor had an excellent improvement in clinical symptoms, tumor markers, and mass size.

Conclusion

The IHC results of PD‐L1, PARP1, and MMRs suggested that NECC was the target of immunotargeted therapy. Our case confirmed that immune checkpoint therapy was effective in patients with PD‐L1 positive and MMRs loss. Considering the clinical practicability, more cases should be collected, and effective biomarkers still need to be further searched.
Deformation and stenosis of the sinus‐SuperFlex‐DS stent after ductal stenting for the hybrid stage 1 procedure
Authors: Hribernik Ines , Thomson John , Bentham James
Published: June 2021

We present five cases of sinus‐SuperFlex‐DS stent stenosis during early follow up that resulted in inadequate ductal patency and required urgent re‐stenting with a balloon‐expandable stent. This causes concern that these stents lack sufficient radial force against ductal constriction and if used need to be kept under close scrutiny.
Faculty of Color's Mentorship Experiences in Counselor Education
Authors: Oller Marianna L. , Lindo Natalya , Li Dan
Published: June 2021

Attrition rates and professional advancement for faculty of color remain issues in CACREP‐accredited counseling programs. We interviewed 15 faculty of color regarding their perceptions of mentorship and the potential influence on retention and promotion. Findings include best practices for future mentorship models and implications for counselor education programs.
Rationalizing the Mechanism of Peroxyformate Decomposition: Computational Insights To Understand Solvent Influence
Authors: Garay‐Ruiz Diego , Bo Carles
Published: June 2021

The heterolytic decomposition of tert‐butyl peroxyformate to tert‐butanol and carbon dioxide, catalyzed by pyridine, is a long‐known example of a reaction whose kinetics are strongly affected by solvent polarity. From DFT and ab initio methods together with the SMD implicit solvation model, an extension on the formerly accepted mechanism is proposed. This novel proposal involves the formation of a carbonic acid ester intermediate and its further decomposition, through an unreported pyridine‐mediated stepwise route. Computed barriers for this mechanism at DLPNO/CCSD(T)‐def2‐TZVP are in excellent agreement with experimental kinetic data across different solvents. Furthermore, the strong relationships between activation energies, geometric parameters in the transition state and the characteristics of the different solvents are also analyzed in depth.
Reliable computational quantification of liver fibrosis is compromised by inherent staining variation
Authors: Astbury Stuart , Grove Jane I , Dorward David A , Guha Indra N , Fallowfield Jonathan A , Kendall Timothy J
Published: June 2021

Biopsy remains the gold‐standard measure for staging liver disease, both to inform prognosis and to assess the response to a given treatment. Semiquantitative scores such as the Ishak fibrosis score are used for evaluation. These scores are utilised in clinical trials, with the US Food and Drug Administration mandating particular scores as inclusion criteria for participants and using the change in score as evidence of treatment efficacy. There is an urgent need for improved, quantitative assessment of liver biopsies to detect small incremental changes in liver architecture over the course of a clinical trial. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods have been proposed as a way to increase the amount of information extracted from a biopsy and to potentially remove bias introduced by manual scoring. We have trained and evaluated an AI tool for measuring the amount of scarring in sections of picrosirius red‐stained liver. The AI methodology was compared with both manual scoring and widely available colour space thresholding. Four sequential sections from each case were stained on two separate occasions by two independent clinical laboratories using routine protocols to study the effect of inter‐ and intra‐laboratory staining variation on these tools. Finally, we compared these methods to second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging, a stain‐free quantitative measure of collagen. Although AI methods provided a modest improvement over simpler computer‐assisted measures, staining variation both within and between laboratories had a dramatic effect on quantitation, with manual assignment of scar proportion being the most consistent. Manual assessment also most strongly correlated with collagen measured by SHG. In conclusion, results suggest that computational measures of liver scarring from stained sections are compromised by inter‐ and intra‐laboratory staining. Stain‐free quantitative measurement using SHG avoids staining‐related variation and may prove more accurate in detecting small changes in scarring that may occur in therapeutic trials.
H2FPEF score predicts atherosclerosis presence in patients with systemic connective tissue disease
Authors: Vasilev Vladimir , Popovic Dejana , Ristic Gorica G. , Arena Ross , Radunovic Goran , Ristic Arsen
Published: June 2021

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic connective tissue diseases (SCTD) due to accelerated atherosclerosis which couldn't be explained by traditional risk factors (CVDRF).

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that recently developed score predicting probability of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (H2FPEF), as well as a measure of right ventricular‐pulmonary vasculature coupling [tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio], are predictive of atherosclerosis in SCTD.

Methods

203 patients (178 females) diagnosed with SCTD underwent standard and stress‐echocardiography (SE) with TAPSE/PASP and left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling pressure (E/e') measurements, carotid ultrasound and computed tomographic coronary angiography. Patients who were SE positive for ischemia underwent coronary angiography (34/203). The H2FPEF score was calculated according to age, body mass index, presence of atrial fibrillation, ≥2 antihypertensives, E/e' and PASP.

Results

Mean LV ejection fraction was 66.3 ± 7.1%. Atherosclerosis was present in 150/203 patients according to: 1) intima‐media thickness>0.9 mm; and 2) Agatstone score > 300 or Syntax score ≥ 1. On binary logistic regression analysis, including CVDRF prevalence, echocardiographic parameters and H2FPEF score, only H2FPEF score remained significant for the prediction of atherosclerosis presence (χ2 = 19.3, HR 2.6, CI 1.5‐4.3, p < 0.001), and resting TAPSE/PASP for the prediction of a SE positive for ischemia (χ2 = 10.4, HR 0.01, CI = 0.01‐0.22, p = 0.004). On ROC analysis, the optimal threshold value for identifying patients with atherosclerosis was a H2FPEF score ≥2 (Sn 60.4%, Sp 69.4%, area 0.67, SE = 0.05, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

H2FPEF score and resting TAPSE/PASP demonstrated clinical value for an atherosclerosis diagnosis in patients diagnosed with SCTD.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation combined with spironolactone in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: A single‐center randomized controlled study
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Chen Quanhe , Zhang Feilong , Chen Xuehai , Xu Zhe , Sun Xudong , Li Jinguo , Chen Lianglong , Chen Jianhua
Published: June 2021

At present, the question of whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with spironolactone can reduce the levels of plasma angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone (ALD) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and reduce the recurrence of AF has not been reported.

Hypothesis

The present study evaluates the effect of spironolactone as an ALD antagonist on the short‐term and long‐term recurrence of AF after RFA. A total of 203 patients were enrolled in the present study, with 102 patients in the spironolactone therapy group (Group PVI/SP) and 101 patients in the control group (Group PVI alone). The AngII and ALD levels and the size of the left atrium in patients with AF were observed in order to evaluate the relationship between the combination therapy of spironolactone with RFA and the success rate in AF treatment. After therapy, the levels of AngII (52.8 vs. 64.3 pg/ml, p < .001), ALD (45.7 vs. 60.6 pg/ml, p = .016), and N‐terminal of B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) (73.5 vs. 110 pg/ml, p = .016), along with the size of the left atrium (35.8 vs. 37.2 mm, p = .007), were all significantly lower in Group PVI/SP compared with Group PVI alone. The cumulative AF‐free survival rate was higher in Group PVI/SP than in Group PVI alone after treatment (85.3% vs.73.3%, p = .033). In RFA combined with spironolactone treatment, spironolactone can directly antagonize the effects of ALD and AngII and the recurrence of AF and improve left ventricular function.
A Semi‐Batch Flow System for the Production of 5‐Chloromethylfurfural
Authors: Smith Bailey A. , Champagne Pascale , Jessop Philip G.
Published: June 2021

The bioplatform molecule 5‐chloromethylfurfural (CMF) has potential as an intermediate or precursor in the preparation of useful products, such as bioderived fuels, chemicals and polymers. The replacement of the halogenated solvents and the use of a semi‐batch system have been investigated in the synthesis to reduce the human and environmental safety concerns associated with current CMF production methods. The new method gives a high yield of CMF from fructose without chlorinated solvents, and can be extended to the synthesis of CMF from other feedstocks such as sugars, cellulose, seaweed and sawdust.