bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Ammonia Oxidation to Dinitrogen by a Nickel Complex
Authors: Stephens David N. , Szilagyi Robert K. , Roehling Paige N. , Arulsamy Navamoney , Mock Michael T.
Published: October 2022

We report a nickel complex for catalytic oxidation of ammonia to dinitrogen under ambient conditions. Using the aryloxyl radical 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenoxyl (tBu3ArO⋅) as a H atom acceptor to cleave the N−H bond of a coordinated NH3 ligand up to 56 equiv of N2 per Ni center can be generated. Employing the N‐oxyl radical 2,2,6,6‐(tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO⋅) as the H‐atom acceptor, up to 15 equiv of N2 per Ni center are formed. A bridging Ni‐hydrazine product identified by isotopic nitrogen (15N) studies and supported by computational models indicates the N−N bond forming step occurs by bimetallic homocoupling of two paramagnetic [Ni]−NH2 fragments. Ni‐mediated hydrazine disproportionation to N2 and NH3 completes the catalytic cycle.
Fluorescence and colorimetric‐based sensing of Hg2+ and Cu2+ using rhodamine derivative
Authors: Hu Jian‐Peng , Lin Qi , Yao Hong , Zhang You‐Ming , Wei Tai‐Bao
Published: October 2022

Effective and simultaneous detection of multimetal ions has been achieved by a colorimetric and fluorometric sensor (RA), which was fabricated between rhodamine hydrazide and 9‐anthraldehyde through a simple Schiff base reaction. Sensor RA provided an effective platform for reliable detection of Hg2+ with a detection limit as low as 9.978 × 10−9 and displayed fabulous sensitivity for Cu2+ with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 4.81 × 10−8 M of detection limit toward Cu2+. Among them, the detection limit for heavy metal mercury ions has reached the ultrasensitive level. The sensing mechanism between RA and metal ions was further confirmed by 1H NMR and IR titration experiments and high‐resolution mass spectrometry and discussed from a theoretic level based on crystal structures and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The switch in turn‐on signaling was attributed to the spiro‐lactam and ring‐opened form of RA and was accompanied by significant changes in ultraviolet spectroscopy and fluorescent spectrum.
Biosynthesis of astaxanthin by using industrial yeast
Authors: Zhou Dawei , Yang Xinyi , Wang Hanxiao , Jiang Yujia , Jiang Wankui , Zhang Wenming , Jiang Min , Xin Fengxue
Published: October 2022

Astaxanthin has been widely applied in feed additives and the medical industry due to its antioxidant, coloring, and health‐promoting properties. Traditional processes for astaxanthin production mainly include natural extraction and chemical synthesis; however, they cannot meet the growing market demand and consumers’ requirements for natural products. Microbial synthesis of astaxanthin offers a promising alternative. Many natural sources of astaxanthin, such as Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, and genetically modified yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Yarrowia lipolytica and Kluyveromyces marxianus have been isolated and contructed. Various strategies such as mutagenesis, genetic modification, and fermentation regulation have been developed to increase the astaxanthin production from industrial yeast. Due to the broad substrate spectrum of industrial yeast, many low‐cost resources have also been explored for astaxanthin production. Accordingly, this review will mainly summarize the progress of research into the production of astaxanthin with yeasts, analyze factors affecting astaxanthin synthesis in metabolic pathways, and propose methods and strategies to achieve high yields of astaxanthin from yeasts. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does central environmental protection inspection improve corporate environmental, social, and governance performance? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Lin , Le Quanquan , Peng Manru , Zeng Huixiang , Kong Lingyao
Published: October 2022

The analysis of the impact of central environmental protection inspection (CEPI) on corporate environmental, social, and governance（ESG) performance is important for reforming the operation mechanism of CEPI to improve its effectiveness and fundamentally enhance corporate ESG to achieve sustainable development. This paper empirically examines the mechanism of the impact of CEPI on corporate ESG performance using a multi‐period difference‐in‐differences (DID) model with a research sample of 674 listed firms in China from 2013 to 2018. The results show that CEPI can significantly improve corporate ESG performance, and the strengthening of regulation by local governments is a potential channel. The important internal governance mechanisms of foreign and institutional investor shareholding, as well as the external governance mechanisms of analyst following and media coverage, can effectively strengthen the improvement effects. Further analysis also reveals that there are differences in the effectiveness of different inspection approaches, with “look‐back” inspection outperforming routine inspection. Heterogeneity at the firm and regional levels is also a critical factor in causing differences in the effectiveness of ESG performance improvements. This work not only enriches the research on the micro‐effects of CEPI on firms but also provides a reference for firms to improve their ESG performance and use ESG for investment and business decisions.
Comparison of Different Competitive Proteome Profiling Approaches in Target Identification of Covalent Inhibitors
Authors: Xu Jiaqian , Peng Lijie , Guo Cuiping , Xu Fang , Lin Dong‐Shi , Tang Yi , Li Zhengqiu
Published: October 2022

Competitive proteome profiling is a powerful approach for the identification of targets of small molecules. This approach usually employs an inhibitor‐derived probe or a cysteine‐reactive probe such as an IA‐alkyne in a comparison between inhibitor‐treated and untreated samples, thus enabling distinction between genuine targets and nonspecific labeling. We have developed an active probe derived from an EGFR inhibitor, afatinib, and a cysteine reactive probe, an alkyne‐containing α,β‐unsaturated amide, to compare their characterization of cellular targets. In both approaches, myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) was identified as an off‐target. Subsequent functional validation experiments suggested that MYH9 might be involved in the function of afatinib.
Successful desensitization after hypersensitivity reaction to cisplatin in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kinouchi Arisa , Ishii Hiroki , Sakamoto Kaname , Sakurai Daiju
Published: October 2022

Hypersensitivity reaction to cisplatin can result in discontinuation of chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We describe a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who developed cisplatin hypersensitivity and was successfully treated with cisplatin desensitization. Furthermore, it had little impact on the therapeutic performance of cisplatin‐combined chemoradiotherapy.
Clinical features of otogenic cerebral sinovenous thrombosis: Our experience and review of literature
Authors: Abir Meherzi , Amal Gdissa , Mouna Bellakhdher , Malika Omri , Habiba Ben Sghaier , Jihen Houas , Wassim Kermani , Mohamed Abdelkefi
Published: October 2022

Otogenic cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is an intracranial complication secondary to otogenic disease; it is rare but could be a life‐threatening condition. Its management is always challenging. This study aimed to focus on clinical features, on diagnosis of this pathology and to review the most controversial aspect of management of otogenic cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. We reviewed retrospectively 10 inpatients treated with cerebral sinus thrombosis secondary to otitis between 1995 and 2020. Ten inpatients (eight males and two females) with ages ranging from 11 to 77 years were diagnosed with ontogenesis sinus thrombosis. The most commonly reported symptoms were headaches and otalgia. Five patients had mastoiditis, and 7 of the 10 patients had other concurrent complications: cerebellar abscess (three patients) and extradural empyema in two patients, retropharyngeal abscess in one patient, and meningitis in one patient. All patients were treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotherapy, anticoagulation was used to treat nine patients, and surgery was required in nine patients. Nine patients had satisfactory resolution of their symptoms, but one patient had sequel as permanent loss of visual acuity. Because of the inconspicuous clinical presentation, and the probability of a fatal evolution, suspicion is essential for a proper diagnosis and suitable treatment.
Extraction and purification of paeonol from Moutan Cortex by a combined method of steam distillation and antisolvent recrystallization to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions
Authors: Wang Siying , Xie Lanlan , Yang Qilei , Geng Yuting , Kang Hedi , Zhao Xiuhua
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to obtain paeonol with high purity by using the combination of steam distillation and antisolvent recrystallization (ASR) and to reduce the energy consumption and CO2 emission in the preparation process. First, different experimental parameters were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimal conditions, the purity and yield of the as‐obtained paeonol were about 98% and 56.97%, respectively. The physicochemical properties of purified paeonol were tested, showing consistency with those of standard paeonol. The energy consumption and CO2 emission of the preparation process of ASR and single‐solvent recrystallization were also investigated. Results showed that the energy consumption and CO2 emission of ASR were about 4.41 J/mg and 0.006 kg/mg, respectively, which were 6.89 J/mg and 0.0095 kg/mg lower than those of ethanol recrystallization, respectively, and 50.22 J/mg and 0.0144 kg/mg lower than methanol those of recrystallization, respectively. The above results showed that ASR could obtain paeonol with high purity in a high‐efficiency, low‐energy, and environmentally protective manner.
Molecular profiling of patients with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia and hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Pastore Friederike , Pastore Alessandro , Rothenberg‐Thurley Maja , Metzeler Klaus H. , Ksienzyk Bianka , Schneider Stephanie , Bohlander Stefan K. , Braess Jan , Sauerland Maria C. , Görlich Dennis , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Wörmann Bernhard , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael S. , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Spiekermann Karsten
Published: October 2022

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with initial hyperleukocytosis is associated with high early mortality and a poor prognosis. The aims of this study were to delineate the underlying molecular landscape in the largest cytogenetic risk group, cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN‐AML), and to assess the prognostic relevance of recurrent mutations in the context of hyperleukocytosis and clinical risk factors.

Methods

The authors performed a targeted sequencing of 49 recurrently mutated genes in 56 patients with newly diagnosed CN‐AML and initial hyperleukocytosis of ≥100 G/L treated in the AMLCG99 study. The median number of mutated genes per patient was 5. The most common mutations occurred in FLT3 (73%), NPM1 (75%), and TET2 (45%).

Results

The predominant pathways affected by mutations were signaling (84% of patients), epigenetic modifiers (75% of patients), and nuclear transport (NPM1; 75%) of patients. AML with hyperleukocytosis was enriched for molecular subtypes that negatively affected the prognosis, including a high percentage of patients presenting with co‐occurring mutations in signaling and epigenetic modifiers such as FLT3 internal tandem duplications and TET2 mutations.

Conclusions

Despite these unique molecular features, clinical risk factors, including high white blood count, hemoglobin level, and lactate dehydrogenase level at baseline, remained the predictors for overall survival and relapse‐free survival in hyperleukocytotic CN‐AML.
An effective blockchain‐based smart contract system for securing electronic medical data in smart healthcare application
Authors: Sonya Ansar , Kavitha Ganesh
Published: October 2022

In today's world, data management plays a key role in smart healthcare applications. However, data availability, trustworthiness, confidentiality, and security are the major issues faced by current healthcare data management systems. The modern healthcare systems manage Electronic Medical Records (EMR) using a centralized manner, which increases the single point of failure in the event of a natural catastrophe. In this paper, a new robust Blockchain‐based Medical Cloud (BC‐MedCl) framework has been proposed to provide secure EMR sharing between patient and doctor. Primarily, Internet of Things (IoT) devices will gather the health‐related data of the patient periodically. The proposed framework then stores the encrypted EMRs in cloud storage while their correlating hash values are placed into the blockchain. Finally, a decentralized selective smart contract‐based access control mechanism is developed to enhance the security of the proposed system. The prototype file‐sharing performance of the proposed architecture has been evaluated using the Ethereum platform. The performance results manifest that the proposed blockchain framework is more effective to handle EMR in the real‐time healthcare system with a superior accuracy ratio of 98.7% and a lesser latency ratio of 25% as compared with the existing systems.
Ionic Conjugated Polymers as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide to Epoxides to Form Carbonates under Solvent‐ and Cocatalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Xiao Longqiang , Lai Yiming , Zhao Rui , Song Qianyu , Cai Jingyu , Yin Xiangyu , Zhao Yulai , Hou Linxi
Published: October 2022

The generation of cyclic carbonates by the cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides is attractive in the industry, by which CO2 is efficiently used as C1 source. Herein, a series of catalysts were developed to efficient mediate the cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides to generate carbonates. The catalysts were easily synthesized via the amine‐formaldehyde condensation of ethidium bromide with a variety of linkers. The newly prepared heterogeneous catalysts have high thermal stability and degradation temperatures. The surface of the catalysts is smooth and spherical in shape. The effect of temperature, pressure, reaction time and catalyst dosage on the cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxide were investigated. The results show that the catalyst with 1,3,5‐tris(4‐formylphenyl)benzene as the linker can achieve 97.4 % conversion efficiency at the conditions of 100 °C, reaction time of 12 h, and the reaction pressure of 1.2 MPa in a solvent‐free environment. Notably, the polymers serve as homogeneous catalysts during the reaction (reaction temperature above Tg) and can be separated and recovered easily as homogeneous catalysts at room temperature. In addition, the catalyst is not only suitable for a wide range of epoxide substrates, but also can be recycled many times. Furthermore, DFT calculations show that the coordination between the electrophilic center of the catalyst and the epoxide reduces the energy barrier, and the reaction mechanism is proposed based on the reaction kinetic studies and DFT calculations.
LLC resonant converter based on PFM and secondary‐side short‐circuit control for on‐board charger
Authors: Tang Yu , Zhao Baolin , Shi Zhe , Jiang Lin , Zhang Yun
Published: October 2022

Commonly used lithium‐ion battery on‐board charger (OBC) for electric vehicles (EVs) needs a wide output voltage range, but the traditional LLC converter is hard to meet the need under the condition of high efficiency and high power density. In this paper, a resonant converter with hybrid modulation is proposed. The converter has a relatively simple topology and control method. Compared with the traditional LLC topology, only two diodes are replaced by MOSFETs on the secondary side of the transformer, and no auxiliary components are added. The primary‐side switches adopt PFM) and the secondary‐side switches adopt short‐circuit control in the proposed converter, which can realize a wide output voltage range, in a narrow switching frequency range with excellent soft‐switching performance. The proposed converter can effectively reduce the resonant current and the volume of transformer core and achieve energy delivery with high power density and high efficiency. The operation principles, voltage gain, and soft‐switching conditions of the converter are analyzed in this paper. Finally, a 3.3‐kW SiC‐based prototype with 400‐V input and 250‐ to 430‐V output is built to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed converter.
Toward five‐part differential of leukocytes based on electrical impedances of single cells and neural network
Authors: Wang Minruihong , Tan Huiwen , Li Yimin , Chen Xiao , Chen Deyong , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian
Published: October 2022

The five‐part differential of leukocytes plays key roles in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases and is realized by optical examinations of single cells, which is prone to various artifacts due to chemical treatments. The classification of leukocytes based on electrical impedances without cell treatments has not been demonstrated because of limitations in approaches of impedance acquisition and data processing. In this study, based on treatment‐free single‐cell impedance profiles collected from impedance flow cytometry leveraging constriction microchannels, two types of neural pattern recognition were conducted for comparisons with the purpose of realizing the five‐part differential of leukocytes. In the first approach, 30 features from impedance profiles were defined manually and extracted automatically, and then a feedforward neural network was conducted, producing a classification accuracy of 84.9% in the five‐part leukocyte differential. In the second approach, a customized recurrent neural network was developed to process impedance profiles directly and based on deep learning, a classification accuracy of 97.5% in the five‐part leukocyte differential was reported. These results validated the feasibility of the five‐part leukocyte differential based on label‐free impedance profiles of single cells and thus provide a new perspective of differentiating white blood cells based on impedance flow cytometry.
Evaluation of rockburst proneness considering specimen shape by storable elastic strain energy
Authors: Luo Song , Gong Fengqiang
Published: October 2022

To systematically assess the rockburst proneness considering specimen shape, multiple groups of laboratory tests were performed on 5 rock materials in cylindrical and cuboid shapes. The linear energy storage (LES) law of both cylindrical and cuboid rock specimens under uniaxial compressive load was confirmed, and the energy storage coefficient was found to be unrelated to specimen shape. On the basis of LES law, two rockburst proneness indexes, namely the strain energy storage index (Wet) and the potential energy of elastic strain (PES), were modified. Subsequently, the Wet, PES, peak‐strength strain energy storage index (, and peak‐strength potential energy of elastic strain (PESp) were used to assess the rockburst proneness of the cylindrical and cuboid specimens. In addition, the fragment ejection course of specimens under test was recorded by a high‐speed camera. Then, the rockburst proneness judgments obtained from the 4 indexes were compared with the qualitative data during rock destruction. The results show that, under similar stress conditions, specimen shape has an ignorable effect on the rockburst proneness as a whole. The judgment accuracy of the two modified indexes, especially that of the PESp, is favorably improved to evaluate the rockburst proneness of both cylindrical and cuboid specimens. However, misjudgment of and PESp may still occur in the assessment of rockburst proneness as these two indexes only consider the energy state before rock peak strength and the is formulated in a ratio form.
Aquatic ecosystem responds differently to press and pulse nutrient disturbances as revealed by a microcosm experiment
Authors: Zhao Yu , Wang Rong , Zhang Enlou , Guan Baohua , Xu Min
Published: October 2022

Due to climate change and increasing anthropogenic activities, lakes are disturbed frequently, usually by press (e.g., diffused pollution, rising temperatures) or pulse (e.g., storms, rainfall, pollution events) disturbances. Both press and pulse disturbances can affect abiotic and biotic environments, changing the structure of ecosystems and affecting ecosystem services. To confront with the effects of climate change and increasing anthropogenic activities, understanding the different effects of press and pulse disturbances on lake ecosystems is essential. This study assessed the effect of press and pulse disturbances of phosphorus on a microcosmic aquatic ecosystem by measuring the total phosphorus (TP), algae density, and physiological indicators of submerged macrophytes. We found that the microcosmic aquatic ecosystem responded differently to press and pulse disturbances. Our results suggested that it had a lower resistance to pulse phosphorus disturbances than to press phosphorus disturbances. There were significantly higher nutrient concentrations and algal densities in the pulse treatment than in the press treatment. Positive feedback was found between the biomass of submerged macrophytes and the water quality. There was a higher submerged macrophytes biomass at low TP concentration and algal density. In the context of climate change, press and pulse disturbances could have severe impacts on lake ecosystems. Our findings will provide some insight for further research and lake management.
An innovative approach to using an intensive field course to build scientific and professional skills
Authors: Nicotra Adrienne B. , Geange Sonya R. , Bahar Nur H. A. , Carle Hannah , Catling Alexandra , Garcia Andres , Harris Rosalie J. , Head Megan L. , Jin Marvin , Whitehead Michael R. , Zurcher Hannah , Beckmann Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2022

This paper reports on the design and evaluation of Field Studies in Functional Ecology (FSFE), a two‐week intensive residential field course that enables students to master core content in functional ecology alongside skills that facilitate their transition from “student” to “scientist.” We provide an overview of the course structure, showing how the constituent elements have been designed and refined over successive iterations of the course. We detail how FSFE students: (1) Work closely with discipline specialists to develop a small group project that tests an hypothesis to answer a genuine scientific question in the field; (2) Learn critical skills of data management and communication; and (3) Analyze, interpret, and present their results in the format of a scientific symposium. This process is repeated in an iterative “cognitive apprenticeship” model, supported by a series of workshops that name and explicitly instruct the students in “hard” and “soft” skills (e.g., statistics and teamwork, respectively) critically relevant for research and other careers. FSFE students develop a coherent and nuanced understanding of how to approach and execute ecological studies. The sophisticated knowledge and ecological research skills that they develop during the course is demonstrated through high‐quality presentations and peer‐reviewed publications in an open‐access, student‐led journal. We outline our course structure and evaluate its efficacy to show how this novel combination of field course elements allows students to gain maximum value from their educational journey, and to develop cognitive, affective, and reflective tools to help apply their skills as scientists.
Effects of plant communities on the emission of soil greenhouse gases in riparian wetlands during spring thaw
Authors: Cao Xiaoai , Tang Shiming , Liu Huamin , Wen Lu , Kou Xin , Yu Xiaowen , Wang Qi , Wang Jian , Liu Dongwei , Zhuo Yi , Wang Lixin
Published: October 2022

Spring thawing can affect the soil carbon and nitrogen cycling processes and lead to changes in the emissions of greenhouse gases. The temporal variations and impact factors of soil GHGs fluxes were measured in Phragmites australis and Carex appendiculata with the static chamber from the end of March to the end of May in 2018 in riparian wetlands of Xilin River, which is typical inland river meandering through steppe region in Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that soil CH4 and N2O emissions of the P. australis were significantly higher than those of the Carex appendiculata, whereas CO2 emissions were no significant difference. The responses of soil GHG fluxes to soil environmental factors in P. australis and Carex appendiculata differed. In the P. australis community, soil CO2 and CH4 emissions were influenced jointly by mainly the soil temperature and microbial biomass nitrogen, whereas soil N2O emission was mainly affected by the soil temperature. The dominant controlling factor for CO2 and N2O was soil temperature in the Carex appendiculata, whereas CH4 was mainly regulated by soil water content. The global warming potential of P. australis was significantly higher than that of Carex appendiculata. Those findings highlight the difference in soil greenhouse gas fluxes in different plant communities and the importance of CH4 and N2O emissions during the spring thaw, which contributes to predicting the riparian wetland soil greenhouse gases and their global warming potential under global climate changes.
Room Temperature Synthesis of Vertically Aligned Amorphous Ultrathin NiCo‐LDH Nanosheets Bifunctional Flexible Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Owusu Kwadwo Asare , Wang Zhaoyang , Saad Ali , Boakye Felix Ofori , Mushtaq Muhammad Asim , Tahir Muhammad , Yasin Ghulam , Liu Dongqing , Peng Zhengchun , Cai Xingke
Published: October 2022

Developing a simple scalable method to fabricate electrodes with high capacity and wide voltage range is desired for the real use of electrochemical supercapacitors. Herein, we synthesized amorphous NiCo‐LDH nanosheets vertically aligned on activated carbon cloth substrate, which was in situ transformed from Co‐metal–organic framework materials nano‐columns by a simple ion exchange process at room temperature. Due to the amorphous and vertically aligned ultrathin structure of NiCo‐LDH, the NiCo‐LDH/activated carbon cloth composites present high areal capacities of 3770 and 1480 mF cm−2 as cathode and anode at 2 mA cm−2, and 79.5% and 80% capacity have been preserved at 50 mA cm−2. In the meantime, they all showed excellent cycling performance with negligible change after >10 000 cycles. By fabricating them into an asymmetric supercapacitor, the device achieves high energy densities (5.61 mWh cm−2 and 0.352 mW cm−3). This work provides an innovative strategy for simplifying the design of supercapacitors as well as providing a new understanding of improving the rate capabilities/cycling stability of NiCo‐LDH materials.
Long‐term mortality after acute coronary syndromes among patients with normal, mildly reduced, or reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Furtado Remo H.M. , Juliasz Marcela G. , Chiu Felipe Y.J. , Bastos Livia B.C. , Dalcoquio Talia F. , Lima Felipe G. , Rosa Renato , Caporrino Cesar A. , Bertolin Adriadne , Genestreti Paulo R.R. , Ribeiro Andre S. , Andrade Maria Carolina , Giraldez Roberto R.C.V. , Baracioli Luciano M. , Zelniker Thomas A. , Nicolau Jose C.
Published: October 2022

Aims

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40% is a well‐established risk factor for mortality after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the long‐term prognostic impact of mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF) (LVEF 41–49%) after ACS remains less clear.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective study enrolling patients admitted with ACS included in a single‐centre databank. LVEF was assessed by echocardiography during index hospitalization. Patients were divided in the following categories according to LVEF: normal (LVEF ≥ 50%), mildly reduced (LVEF 41–49%), and reduced (LVEF ≤ 40%). The endpoint of interest was all‐cause death after hospital discharge. A multivariable Cox model was used to adjust for confounders. A total of 3200 patients were included (1952 with normal EF, 375 with mildly reduced EF, and 873 with reduced EF). The estimated cumulative incidence rates of mortality at 10 years for patients with normal, mildly reduced, and reduced EF were 24.8%, 33.5%, and 41.3%, respectively. After adjustments, the presence of reduced EF was associated with higher mortality compared with normal EF [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–1.96; P < 0.001], as was mildly reduced EF compared with normal EF (adjusted HR 1.33; 95% CI 1.05–1.68; P = 0.019). The presence of reduced EF was not associated with a statistically significantly higher mortality compared with mildly reduced EF (adjusted HR 1.23; 95% CI 0.96–1.57; P = 0.095).

Conclusions

In patients with ACS, mildly reduced EF measured in the acute phase was associated with higher long‐term mortality compared with patients with normal EF. These data emphasize the importance of anti‐remodelling therapies for ACS patients who have LVEF in the mildly reduced range.
IL‐13 determines specific IgE responses and SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity after mild COVID‐19 and novel mRNA vaccination
Authors: Meltendorf Stefan , Vogel Katrin , Thurm Christoph , Prätsch Florian , Reinhold Annegret , Färber Jacqueline , Heuft Hans‐Gert , Kaasch Achim J. , Hachenberg Thomas , Weinzierl Stefan , Schraven Burkhart , Reinhold Dirk , Brunner‐Weinzierl Monika C. , Lingel Holger
Published: October 2022

After recovery, mild and severe COVID‐19 diseases are associated with long‐term effects on the host immune system, such as prolonged T‐cell activation or accumulation of autoantibodies. In this study, we show that mild SARS‐CoV‐2 infections, but not SARS‐CoV‐2 spike mRNA vaccinations, cause durable atopic risk factors such as a systemic Th2‐ and Th17‐type environment as well as activation of B cells responsive of IgE against aeroallergens from house dust mite and mold. At an average of 100 days post mild SARS‐CoV‐2 infections, anti‐mold responses were associated with low IL‐13 levels and increased pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 titers. Acutely severely ill COVID‐19 patients instead showed no evidence of atopic reactions. Considering convalescents of mild COVID‐19 courses and mRNA‐vaccinated individuals together, IL‐13 was the predominant significantly upregulated factor, likely shaping SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity. Application of multiple regression analysis revealed that the IL‐13 levels of both groups were determined by the Th17‐type cytokines IL‐17A and IL‐22. Taken together, these results implicate a critical role for IL‐13 in the aftermath of SARS‐CoV‐2 mild infections and mRNA vaccinations, conferring protection against airway directed, atopic side reactions that occur in mildly experienced COVID‐19.
A Facile Electrochemical Strategy for the Azidation of Benzylic C(sp3)−H Bonds
Authors: He Guoxue , Li Yutian , Zhou Shengbin , Yang Xiaohao , Shang Aolong , Wang Yunbo , Liu Hong , Zhou Yu
Published: October 2022

We report a direct azidation of benzylic C(sp3)−H bonds via an electrochemical process, which use cheap and durable graphite plates as electrodes, without any external oxidants or metal catalysts. This protocol is a novel, green and environmentally benign synthetic strategy to achieve azidation of C(sp3)−H in benzylic group. More importantly, these azidation products are suitable for late‐stage functionalization to afford diversified triazole and tetrazole derivatives.
Voltammetric Determination of Favipiravir Used as an Antiviral Drug for the Treatment of Covid‐19 at Pencil Graphite Electrode
Authors: Erşan Teslime , Dilgin Didem Giray , Kumrulu Elif , Kumrulu Umur , Dilgin Yusuf
Published: October 2022

This work describes the sensitive voltammetric determination of favipiravir (FAV) based on its reduction for the first time with a low‐cost and disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE). In addition, the determination of FAV was also performed based on its oxidation. Differential pulse (DP) voltammograms recorded in 0.5 M H2SO4for the reduction of FAV show that peak currents increase linearly in the range of 1.0 to 600.0 μM with a limit of detection of 0.35 μM. The acceptable recovery values (98.9–106.0 %) obtained from a pharmaceutical tablet, real human urine, and artificial blood serum samples spiked with FAV confirm the high accuracy of the proposed method.
Excellent High‐Rate Electrochemical Performances of Microspherical High‐Voltage Spinel Cathodes Synthesized by a Polyacrylamide‐Assisted Co‐Precipitation Method
Authors: Luo Ying , Du Yingjie , Zhang Maohui , Yang Zhiyun , Liu Wen , Guo Rui , Yang Cheng , Zhang Liheng , Yan Liqin , Xie Jingying
Published: October 2022

A convenient strategy to construct microspherical LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO‐P) or Mg‐doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO‐P‐M) cathodes by polyacrylamide (PAAM)‐assisted coprecipitation is developed. Due to the coacervation effect of PAAM, the microspherical LNMO‐P and LNMO‐P‐M samples with small primary particle sizes and the uniform primary particles distribution are identified, resulting in a remarkable electrochemical performance with conventional electrolytes. The first coulomb efficiency of the LNMO‐P sample is enhanced to 84.7% and a high discharge capacity of 133.2 mAh g−1 is observed. Of significance, the LNMO‐P‐M sample prepared with PAAM shows excellent high‐rate electrochemical performance. Its capacity retention is 94.9% at the charge rate of 5C after 300 cycles and 95.3% at the discharge rate of 15C after 500 cycles. The improvement electrochemical performance of LNMO‐P‐M sample can be attributed to its strengthened crystal structure, moderate Mn3+ content by the action of Mg, and its improved uniform composition distribution caused by PAAM.
Influence of Different Alginate and Carboxymethyl Cellulose Binders on Moisture Content, Electrode Structure, and Electrochemical Properties of Graphite‐Based Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jagau René , Huttner Fabienne , Mayer Julian K. , Cavers Heather , Scheffler Sören , Brokmann Julian , Kwade Arno
Published: October 2022

Binders are one of the essential components in lithium‐ion battery electrodes. Developments are focusing on high‐capacity anodes in particular, which place special requirements on the water‐based binder system, depending on material composition. Typically, the binders used are carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in combination with styrene butadiene rubber, but more environmentally friendly binders such as alginates (ALG) are also gaining importance. While many studies have addressed the synthesis and chemical interactions of these binders, most of them refer only to the material level and do not consider scalable manufacturing processes of the anodes. Moreover, the influence of binders on electrode structure and residual moisture is usually not, or insufficiently, considered. Accordingly, this study addresses the influence of CMC and ALG with different polymer structures (degree of substitution; M‐/G‐ratio) and molecular masses on processability, electrode structure, and performance. The findings suggest that different rheological properties (slurry) and electrode structures are produced, depending on the polymer type (CMC/ALG), and that both polymer type and electrode structure significantly influence residual moisture and adhesion strength. The electrochemical analysis is performed in coin full‐cells. From this, recommended actions for binder material development as well as knowledge‐based production processes for these anode material systems can be developed.
Experimental investigation of structural failure during the cooling phase of a fire: Timber columns
Authors: Gernay Thomas , Zehfuß Jochen , Brunkhorst Sven , Robert Fabienne , Bamonte Patrick , McNamee Robert , Mohaine Siyimane , Franssen Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2022

This paper describes fire tests on loaded glued laminated timber columns in which the structural response was measured during the heating and cooling phases. Identical columns with 280 × 280 mm2 cross‐section and 3.7 m length were tested under various heating durations in a standard furnace to investigate integrity to full burnout. Two of the columns were subjected to ISO 834 heating until failure and their measured fire resistance was 55 and 58 min, respectively. Two columns were subjected to 15 min of ISO 834 heating followed by controlled cooling; these columns failed during the cooling phase, respectively after 98 and 153 min. Flame self‐extinction occurred after approximately 40 min while smoldering continued locally. Two columns tested under 10 min of ISO 834 heating both survived the defined heating–cooling exposure. Thermocouples inside the columns show sustained temperature increases for hours after the end of the heating phase. These full‐scale furnace experiments show that timber columns may fail during the cooling phase after exposure to standard heating for about 25% of the standard fire resistance duration. These results, in line with previous numerical predictions, highlight the need for further investigation into fire safety until full burnout for timber structures.
Current status and prospects of rice canopy temperature research
Authors: Jiang Min , Guo Kefan , Wang Jiaqi , Wu Yunfei , Shen Xinping , Huang Lifen
Published: October 2022

Canopy temperature is an important physiological and ecological characteristic of rice plants. It can comprehensively reflect their individual characteristics, such as their adaptability to the environment and the quality of the population. This paper reviews influencing factors, variation patterns, practical applications, formation processes, and measurement techniques of rice canopy temperature. Moreover, we analyzed the weaknesses of current studies on this topic, proposed improvements to the existing methods and techniques used to measure rice canopy temperature, and systematically assessed the effects of canopy temperature on rice production. This study provides a theoretical support for the construction of an auxiliary decision‐making system to guide rice crop production practices.
Small extravesicular microRNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its potential as a liquid biopsy for early detection
Authors: Galiveti Chenna R. , Kuhnell Damaris , Biesiada Jacek , Zhang Xiang , Kelsey Karl T. , Takiar Vinita , Tang Alice L. , Wise‐Draper Trisha M. , Medvedovic Mario , Kasper Susan , Langevin Scott M.
Published: October 2022

Background

The objective was to assess secretion of small extracellular vesicular microRNA (exo‐miRNA) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) according to human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and determine the translational potential as a liquid biopsy for early detection.

Methods

This study employed a combination of cell culture and case–control study design using archival pretreatment serum. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) were isolated from conditioned culture media and human serum samples via differential ultracentrifugation. miRNA‐sequencing was performed on each sEV isolate.

Results

There were clear exo‐miRNA profiles that distinguished HNSCC cell lines from nonpathologic oral epithelial control cells. While there was some overlap among profiles across all samples, there were apparent differences in exo‐miRNA profiles according to HPV‐status. Importantly, differential exo‐miRNA profiles were also apparent in serum from early‐stage HNSCC cases relative to cancer‐free controls.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that exo‐miRNA are highly dysregulated in HNSCC and support the potential of exo‐miRNA as biomarkers for HNSCC.
Rencofilstat, a cyclophilin inhibitor: A phase 2a, multicenter, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in F2/F3 NASH
Authors: Harrison Stephen A. , Mayo Patrick R. , Hobbs Todd M. , Canizares Carlos , Foster Erin P. , Zhao Caroline , Ure Daren R. , Trepanier Daniel J. , Greytok Jill A. , Foster Robert T.
Published: October 2022

Rencofilstat (RCF) demonstrated antifibrotic effects in preclinical models and was safe and well tolerated in Phase 1 studies. The aim of this Phase 2a study was safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and exploration of efficacy biomarkers in subjects with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This Phase 2a, multicenter, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study randomized 49 presumed F2/F3 subjects to RCF 75 mg once daily (QD), RCF 225 mg QD, or placebo for 28 days. Primary safety and tolerability endpoints were explored using descriptive statistics with post hoc analyses comparing active to placebo groups. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated using population pharmacokinetics methods. Efficacy was explored using biomarkers, transcriptomics, and lipidomics. RCF was safe and well tolerated, with no safety signals identified. The most frequently reported treatment‐emergent adverse events were constipation, diarrhea, back pain, dizziness, and headache. No clinically significant changes in laboratory parameters were observed, and RCF pharmacokinetics were unchanged in subjects with NASH. Alanine transaminase (ALT) reduction was greater in active subjects than in placebo groups. Nonparametric analysis suggested that ALT reductions were statistically different in the 225‐mg cohort compared with matching placebo: −16.3 ± 25.5% versus −0.7 ± 13.4%, respectively. ProC3 and C6M reduction was statistically significant in groups having baseline ProC3 > 15.0 ng/ml. RCF was safe and well tolerated after 28 days in subjects with presumed F2/F3 NASH. Presence of NASH did not alter its pharmacokinetics. Reductions in ALT, ProC3, and C6M suggest direct antifibrotic effects with longer treatment duration. Reductions in key collagen genes support a mechanism of action via suppression and/or regression of collagen deposition. Conclusion: These results support advancement of rencofilstat into a larger and longer Phase 2b study.
A discrete event simulation for improving operating theatre efficiency
Authors: Hassanzadeh Hamed , Boyle Justin , Khanna Sankalp , Biki Barbara , Syed Faraz , Sweeney Lianne , Borkwood Ellen
Published: October 2022

Background

Increasing demand in healthcare services has posed excessive burden on healthcare professionals and hospitals with finite capacity. Operating theatres are critical resources within hospitals that can become bottlenecks in patient flow during high demand conditions. There are substantial costs associated with running operating theatres that include keeping professional staff ready, maintaining operating theatres and equipment, environmental services and cleaning of operating theatres and recovery rooms, and these costs can increase if theatres are not used efficiently. In addition to cost, operating theatre inefficiency can result in surgery cancelations and delays, and eventually, poor patient outcomes, which can be exacerbated under the increase in demand.

Methods

The allocation of surgeries to operating theatres is explored using a simulation model for patients admitted to inpatient beds and sent for surgery. We proposed a discrete event simulation (DES) to model incoming flow to operating theatres of a major metropolitan hospital. We assessed how changing the configuration of surgery at the target hospital affects Key Performance Indicators relating to theatre efficiency. In particular, the model was used to assess impacts of six different scenarios by defining new/hypothetical theatre case‐mix, opening and closing times of theatres, turnaround (changeover) time, and repurposing the theatres. Target performance metrics included theatre utilisation, pre‐operative length‐of‐stay, average reclaimable time, the percentage of total theatre time in a year that could be reclaimed, and patient waiting time. A web‐based application was developed that allows testing user‐defined scenarios and interactive analysis of the results.

Results

Extending the opening hours of operating theatres by 1 hour almost halved the number of deferred electives as well as over‐run cases but at the expense of reduced theatre utilisation. A one‐hour reduction in opening hours resulted in 10 times more deferred elective cases and a negligible increase in theatre utilisation. Reducing turnaround time by 50% had positive effects on theatre management: increased utilisation and less deferred and over‐run elective cases. Pooling emergency theatres did not affect theatre utilisation but resulted in a considerable reduction in average wait time and the proportion of the delayed emergency cases.

Conclusions

The developed DES‐based simulation model of operating theatres along with the web‐based user interface provided a useful interrogation tool for theatre management and hospital executive teams to assess new operational strategies. The next step is to embed simulation as ongoing practices in theatre planning workflow, allowing operational managers to use the model outputs to increase theatre utilisation, and reduce cancellations and schedule changes. This can support hospitals in providing services as efficiently and effectively as possible.
How the information content of integrated reporting flows into the stock market
Authors: Andronoudis Dimos , Baboukardos Diogenis , Tsoligkas Fanis
Published: October 2022

According to its advocates, integrated reporting (IR) aims to enhance firms' information environment by placing financial reporting into a much broader perspective in which interrelated non‐financial information of firms' activities are taken into consideration. We examine whether this intended outcome of IR embeds into the stock pricing process using a sample of South African listed firms that mandatorily adopted IR in 2011. Unlike previous studies that explore market valuation implications of IR, we examine the channel through which the IR‐related information flows into firm value. Specifically, we quantify the effects of revisions of expectation about future cash flows (prompted by financial reporting information), revisions of expectation about discount rates (prompted by non‐financial reporting information) and their interconnectedness. We hypothesize and empirically show that the adoption of an IR approach prompted greater market revisions of expectations about future discount rates and a stronger interconnectedness between market revisions of expectations about future cash flows and discount rates. Thus, the change in the stock pricing process after the adoption of IR is determined by non‐financial reporting information and its strong interconnectedness with financial reporting information. We also show that our results are stronger for firms with greater earnings opacity, suggesting that investors find IR more useful when firms' financial reporting is opaque. Results indicate to researchers, practitioners and regulators that IR enhances the firm‐level information environment by providing informative non‐financial reporting which is also well integrated with financial reporting.
Religion, women's health, and obstetrician‐gynecologists
Authors: Fathalla Mahmoud F. , Benagiano Giuseppe , Schenker Joseph
Published: October 2022

Religions continue to be a strong moral, even political, force in the world. They are often seen to be in conflict with women's health; we argue that this should not continue to be the case. The conflict can be traced back to when religions had their birth and early development in patriarchal communities in which women were marginalized to the edges of society. In addition, religious leadership has traditionally been dominated by men and exclusive of women. The recent introduction of new scientific technologies, which has empowered women to regulate and control their fertility, challenged traditional norms and raised a religious‐inspired moral panic. However, a recent initiative has been gaining momentum. An enlightened religious leadership and a new generation of feminist religious activists are calling for a review of the original texts and a reinterpretation in a sociocultural context that is different from when they were first revealed. Obstetrician‐gynecologists, while having to practice in a socioreligious context and continuing to face challenges in providing health care in religiously diverse societies, have a social responsibility to stand by women and to uphold that religions do not and should not stand in the way of advancing their health and rights.