bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Pot Synthesis Inorganic–Organic Hybrid PdNi Bimetallenes for PET Electrocatalytic Value‐Added Transformation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Wei Ranran , Yan Min , Wang Xianlong , Wei Xuewen , Wang Yinglong , Wang Liang , Zhang Junmei , Yin Shuli
Published: February 2024

Progress is made in the advancement of efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR), which is a critical breakthrough in the conversion of waste plastic into high‐value‐added chemicals. Here, an organic ligand‐modified PdNi bimetallenes (PdNi O‐BMs) catalyst is designed and constructed through the one‐pot method. Benefiting from the frizzy and porous surface structure and inorganic–organic hybrid interface modification, PdNi O‐BMs undergo electrocatalytic reforming of ethylene glycol (EG) derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to form formic acid. The unique structural advantages result in high EGOR performance. Meanwhile, the influence of Ni and organic ligand on the catalyst performance is confirmed through density functional theory calculations. This study reveals an advanced strategy for the synthesis of inorganic–organic hybrid bimetallenes, providing a green and sustainable new approach for PET value‐added transformation.
Dissecting Gut‐Microbial Community Interactions using a Gut Microbiome‐on‐a‐Chip
Authors: Lee Jeeyeon , Menon Nishanth , Lim Chwee Teck
Published: February 2024

While the human gut microbiota has a significant impact on gut health and disease, understanding of the roles of gut microbes, interactions, and collective impact of gut microbes on various aspects of human gut health is limited by the lack of suitable in vitro model system that can accurately replicate gut‐like environment and enable the close visualization on causal and mechanistic relationships between microbial constitutents and the gut. , In this study, we present a scalable Gut Microbiome‐on‐a‐Chip (GMoC) with great imaging capability and scalability, providing a physiologically relevant dynamic gut‐microbes interfaces. This chip features a reproducible 3D stratified gut epithelium derived from Caco‐2 cells (µGut), mimicking key intestinal architecture, functions, and cellular complexity, providing a physiolocially relevant gut environment for microbes residing in the gut. Incorporating tumorigenic bacteria, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), into the GMoC enable the observation of pathogenic behaviors of ETBF, leading to µGut disruption and pro‐tumorigenic signaling activations. Pre‐treating the µGut with a beneficial gut microbe Lactobacillus spp., effectively prevent ETBF‐mediated gut pathogenesis, preserving the healthy state of the µGut through competition‐mediated colonization resistance. The GMoC holds potential as a valuable tool for exploring unknown roles of gut microbes in microbe‐induced pathogenesis and microbe‐based therapeutic development.
Three‐Phase‐Heterojunction Cu/Cu2O–Sb2O3 Catalyst Enables Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to CO and High‐Performance Aqueous Zn–CO2 Battery
Authors: Ma Junjie , Huang Fang , Xu Aihao , Wei Dong , Chen Xiangyu , Zhao Wencan , Chen Zhengjun , Yin Xucai , Zhu Jinliang , He Huibing , Xu Jing
Published: February 2024

Zn–CO2 batteries are excellent candidates for both electrical energy output and CO2 utilization, whereas the main challenge is to design electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions with high selectivity and low cost. Herein, the three‐phase heterojunction Cu‐based electrocatalyst (Cu/Cu2O‐Sb2O3‐15) is synthesized and evaluated for highly selective CO2 reduction to CO, which shows the highest faradaic efficiency of 96.3% at −1.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, exceeding the previously reported best values for Cu‐based materials. In situ spectroscopy and theoretical analysis indicate that the Sb incorporation into the three‐phase heterojunction Cu/Cu2O‐Sb2O3‐15 nanomaterial promotes the formation of key *COOH intermediates compared with the normal Cu/Cu2O composites. Furthermore, the rechargeable aqueous Zn–CO2 battery assembled with Cu/Cu2O‐Sb2O3‐15 as the cathode harvests a peak power density of 3.01 mW cm−2 as well as outstanding cycling stability of 417 cycles. This research provides fresh perspectives for designing advanced cathodic electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–CO2 batteries with high‐efficient electricity output together with CO2 utilization.
Metal Sulfide S‐Scheme Homojunction for Photocatalytic Selective Phenylcarbinol Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Huijun , Gao Yujie , Meng Sugang , Wang Zengrong , Wang Peixian , Wang Zhongliao , Qiu Chengwei , Chen Shifu , Weng Bo , Zheng Yu‐Ming
Published: February 2024

Metal sulfide‐based homojunction photocatalysts are extensively explored with improved photocatalytic performance. However, the construction of metal sulfide‐based S‐scheme homojunction remains a challenge. Herein, the fabrication of 2D CdIn2S4 nanosheets coated 3D CdIn2S4 octahedra (referred to as 2D/3D n‐CIS/o‐CIS) S‐scheme homojunction photocatalyst is reported by simply adjustment of polyvinyl pyrrolidone amount during the solvothermal synthesis. The formation of S‐scheme homojunction within n‐CIS/o‐CIS is systematically investigated via a series of characterizations, which can generate an internal electric field to facilitate the separation and migration of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. The 2D/3D n‐CIS/o‐CIS composite exhibits significantly improved photocatalytic activity and stability in the selective oxidation of phenylcarbinol (PhCH2OH) to benzaldehyde (PhCHO) when compared to pure n‐CIS and o‐CIS samples under visible light irradiation. It is hoped that this work can contribute novel insights into the development of metal sulfides S‐scheme homojunction photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.
In Situ NMR Verification for Stacking Pressure‐Induced Lithium Deposition and Dead Lithium in Anode‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Lin Xing , Shen Yue , Yu Yao , Huang Yunhui
Published: February 2024

Anode‐free lithium metal batteries have emerged as strong contenders for next‐generation rechargeable batteries due to their ultra‐high energy density. However, their safety and life span are insufficient because of the easy generation of dendrites and dead lithium during lithium plating and stripping. Understanding the formation mechanism for lithium dendrites and dead lithium is essential to further improve battery performance. By employing in situ solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the influence of stacking pressure on dendritic behavior and dead lithium is systematically investigated. At 0.1 MPa, lithium dendrite is rapidly formed, followed by a linear increase of dead lithium. High stacking pressure not only causes lithium metal to fracture but also leads to form dendrites and dead lithium at the fracture site. At 0.5 MPa stacking pressure, the least quantity of dead lithium is attained, and the growth pattern of dead lithium is exponential growth. The exponential growth pattern is distinguished by the high growth of dead lithium early in the battery cycle and essentially no growth later in the cycle. As a result, it is believed that efficient suppression of dead lithium generation early in battery cycling can play a critical role in improving battery performance.
Quasi‐Solid Sulfur Conversion for Energetic All‐Solid‐State Na−S Battery
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wang Mingli , Song Bin , Huang Xiang‐Long , Zhang Wenli , Zhang Erhuan , Cheng Yingwen , Lu Ke
Published: February 2024

The high theoretical energy density (1274 Wh kg−1) and high safety enable the all‐solid‐state Na−S batteries with great promise for stationary energy storage system. However, the uncontrollable solid–liquid‐solid multiphase conversion and its associated sluggish polysulfides redox kinetics pose a great challenge in tunning the sulfur speciation pathway for practical Na−S electrochemistry. Herein, we propose a new design methodology for matrix featuring separated bi‐catalytic sites that control the multi‐step polysulfide transformation in tandem and direct quasi‐solid reversible sulfur conversion during battery cycling. It is revealed that the N, P heteroatom hotspots are more favorable for catalyzing the long‐chain polysulfides reduction, while PtNi nanocrystals manipulate the direct and full Na2S4 to Na2S low‐kinetic conversion during discharging. The electrodeposited Na2S on strongly coupled PtNi and N, P‐codoped carbon host is extremely electroreactive and can be readily recovered back to S8 without passivation of active species during battery recharging, which delivers a true tandem electrocatalytic quasi‐solid sulfur conversion mechanism. Accordingly, stable cycling of the all‐solid‐state soft‐package Na−S pouch cells with an attractive specific capacity of 876 mAh gS−1 and a high energy of 608 Wh kgcathode−1 (172 Wh kg−1, based on the total mass of cathode and anode) at 60 °C are demonstrated.
Reimagining human dissection in preclinical medical education using studio‐based learning: A retrospective pilot study
Authors: Leung Yin , Ho Kevin Loktin , Yung Long , Tang Mei Kuen Florence
Published: February 2024

Human dissections in the current medical curriculum are conducted using a checklist approach to prioritize the exposure of anatomical structures. In this setting, anatomy educators are labored to enhance their engagement during the dissection. To address this issue, we considered the current medical education pedagogies and identified a novel approach of studio‐based learning (SBL) for application in a Human Dissection Workshop. This study aimed to (1) evaluate students' perceptions of SBL, (2) appraise the impact of SBL on anatomical knowledge learning, and (3) interpret the results of a validated questionnaire. Workshop participants were recruited from Year 2 medical students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong from the 2020 and 2021 cohorts. Fifty‐one students participated in the workshop (N = 24 [2020], N = 27 [2021]), and 50 of them completed the postworkshop questionnaire rated on a 5‐point Likert scale. Nineteen items were validated using a factor analysis. The interpretation of the questionnaire results demonstrated the different learning outcomes of the workshop, which included (1) enhancing students' knowledge and spatial understanding of anatomical structures, (2) strengthening students' appreciation of gross pathologies and clinical relevance, and (3) promoting higher‐order thinking skills. To our knowledge, this is the first study to introduce SBL in medical education. The successful implementation of the workshop reflects the promising potential of SBL for enhancing human dissection and supplementing the medical curriculum.
Application of fucosylation inhibitors for production of afucosylated antibody
Authors: Xu Ping , Ou Yu Chuan , Smith Michael , Paulson Jim , Schmidt Michael A. , Kandari Lakshmi , Parsons Rodney , Khetan Anurag
Published: February 2024

Fucosylation is an important quality attribute for therapeutic antibodies. Afucosylated antibodies exhibit higher therapeutic efficacies than their fucosylated counterparts through antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mechanism. Since higher potency is beneficial in reducing dose or duration of the treatment, afucosylated antibodies have attracted a great deal of interest in biotherapeutics development. In this study, novel small molecules GDP‐D‐Rhamnose and its derivatives (Ac‐GDP‐D‐Rhamnose and rhamnose sodium phosphate) were synthesized to inhibit the enzyme in the GDP‐fucose synthesis pathway. Addition of these compounds into cell culture increased antibody afucosylation levels in a dose‐dependent manner and had no significant impact on other protein quality attributes. A novel and effective mechanism to generate afucosylated antibody is demonstrated for biologics discovery, analytical method development, process development, and other applications.
Automated hearing impairment diagnosis using machine‐learning: An open‐source software development undergraduate research project
Authors: Taylor Kyra , Sheikh Waseem
Published: February 2024

Approximately 700 million people will have disabling hearing loss by 2050. Underdeveloped and developing countries, which encompass a considerable proportion of people with disabling hearing impairment, have a sparse number of audiologists and otolaryngologists. The lack of specialists leaves most hearing impairments undiagnosed for a long time, resulting in negative societal and economic impacts. In this article, we propose an automated hearing impairment diagnosis software—based on machine learning—to support audiologists and otolaryngologists in accurately and efficiently diagnosing and classifying hearing loss. We present the design, implementation, and performance analysis of an open‐source automated hearing impairment diagnosis software, which consists of two modules: a hearing test data‐generation module and a machine‐learning model. The data‐generation module produces a diverse and exhaustive data set for training and evaluating the machine‐learning model. By employing multiclass and ultilabel classification techniques to learn from the hearing test data, the model can swiftly predict the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss with high reliability. Our proposed machine‐learning model demonstrates promising results with a prediction time of 634 ms, a log‐loss reduction rate of 0.9848 and accuracy, precision, recall, and f1‐score of 1.0000—showing the model's applicability to assist audiologists and otolaryngologists in rapidly and accurately classifying the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. In addition to the technical contributions, this article also highlights the importance of involving undergraduate students in open‐source software development projects which have a direct impact on improving the quality of human life.
Two New Isospirostanol‐Type Saponins from the Bulbs of Lilium Brownii and Their Anti‐Hepatocarcinogenic Activity
Authors: He Shuaibo , Wu Tingjuan , Si Yanpo , Kang Jihong , Wei Wenjun , Zhang Fei , Feng Shuying , Ma Jianping , Wang Ya , Guo Tao
Published: February 2024

Bulbs of Lilium brownii, commonly known as “Bai‐he” in China, serve both edible and medicinal purposes in clinical practice. In this study, two new isospirostanol‐type saponins were isolated from L. brownii, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic method, and absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectral data obtained from combined acid hydrolysis. Two compounds were finally identified as 3‐O‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside]‐(22R,25R)‐5α‐spirosolane‐3β‐ol (1) and 3‐O‐{α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside}‐(22R,25R)‐5α‐spirosolane‐3β‐ol (2), respectively. Further, we found that compound 2 significantly suppressed the proliferation of SMMC‐7721 and HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 26.3±1.08 μM and 30.9±1.59 μM, whereas compound 1 didn't inhibit both of the two hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequently, compound 2 effectively decreased the levels of interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α and the expression of Bcl‐2, and increased the expression of Bax and Caspase‐3 proteins. Which indicated that the anti‐hepatocellular carcinoma effect of compound 2 involves reducing the level of inflammation and inducing apoptosis.
The Biocatalytic Potential of Aromatic Ammonia–Lyase from Loktanella atrilutea
Authors: Tomoiaga R. B. , Ágoston G. , Boros K. , Nagy L. C. , Toşa M. I. , Paizs C. , Bencze L. C.
Published: February 2024

Characterization of the aromatic ammonia–lyase from Loktanella atrilutea (LaAAL) revealed reduced activity towards canonical AAL substrates: l‐Phe, l‐Tyr, and l‐His, contrasted by its pronounced efficiency towards 3,4‐dimethoxy‐l‐phenylalanine. Assessing the optimal conditions, LaAAL exhibited maximal activity at pH 9.5 in the ammonia elimination reaction route, distinct from the typical pH ranges of most PALs and TALs. Within the exploration of the ammonia source for the opposite, synthetically valuable ammonia addition reaction, the stability of LaAAL exhibited a positive correlation with the ammonia concentration, with the highest stability in 4 M ammonium carbamate of unadjusted pH of ~9.5. While the enzyme activity increased with rising temperatures yet, the highest operational stability and highest stationary conversions of LaAAL were observed at 30 °C. The substrate scope analysis highlighted the catalytic adaptability of LaAAL in the hydroamination of diverse cinnamic acids, especially of meta‐substituted and di‐/multi–substituted analogues, with structural modelling exposing steric clashes between the substrates’ ortho–substituents and catalytic site residues. LaAAL showed a predilection for ammonia elimination, while classifying as a tyrosine ammonia–lyase (TAL) among the natural AAL classes. However, its distinctive attributes, such as genomic context, unique substrate specificity and catalytic fingerprint, suggest a potential natural role beyond those of known AAL classes.
Comparison of long‐term outcomes of double kissing crush versus T and minimal protrusion techniques in complex bifurcation lesions: The EVOLUTE‐CRUSH II registry
Authors: Uzun Fatih , Güner Ahmet , Demirci Gökhan , Çiloğlu Koray , Uysal Hande , Çizgici Ahmet Yaşar , Bulut Ümit , Kahraman Serkan , Ağuş Hicaz Zencirkıran , Gökçe Kaan , Doğan Abdullah , Akman Cemalettin , Yalçın Ahmet Arif , Aktürk İbrahim Faruk , Köseoğlu Mehmet , Kalkan Ali Kemal , Ertürk Mehmet , Karagöz Ali , Colombo Antonio
Published: February 2024

Background

Double kissing (DK)‐crush and T‐stenting and small protrusion (TAP) techniques are gaining popularity, but the comparison for both techniques is still lacking. This study sought to retrospectively evaluate the long‐term outcomes of DK‐crush and TAP techniques in patients with complex bifurcation lesions.

Methods

A total of 255 (male: 205 [80.3%], mean age: 59.56 ± 10.13 years) patients who underwent coronary bifurcation intervention at a single‐center between January 2014 and May 2021 were included. Angiographic features, procedure details, and in‐hospital or long‐term outcomes were assessed. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as the combination of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically driven‐target lesion revascularization (TLR). The regression models were adjusted applying by the inverse probability weighted (IPW) approach to reduce treatment selection bias.

Results

The initial management strategy was DK‐crush in 152 (59.6%) patients and TAP in 103 (40.4%) cases. The SYNTAX scores (24.58 ± 7.4 vs. 24.26 ± 6.39, p = 0.846) were similar in both groups. The number of balloon (6.32 ± 1.82 vs. 3.92 ± 1.19, p < 0.001) usage was significantly higher in the DK‐crush group than in the TAP group. The rates of TLF (11.8 vs. 22.3%, p = 0.025) and clinically driven TLR (6.6 vs. 15.5%, p = 0.020) were significantly lower in the DK‐crush group compared to the TAP group. The long‐term TLF was significantly higher in the TAP group compared to the DK‐crush group (unadjusted HR: 1.974, [95% CI: 1.044–3.732], p = 0.035 and adjusted HR [IPW]: 2.498 [95% CI: 1.232–5.061], p = 0.011).

Conclusion

The present study showed that the DK‐crush technique of bifurcation treatment was associated with lower long‐term TLF and TLR rates compared to the TAP technique.
Kinetic Analysis of the Non‐Monotonic Response of Ethene Hydrogenation Rates to Ceria Surface Reduction
Authors: Afrin Sadia , Bollini Praveen
Published: February 2024

The precise effect of oxide understoichiometry on bulk oxide catalytic properties continues to remain a subject of intense investigation. Of specific interest in this regard is the role of oxygen vacancies present on bulk ceria catalysts that have recently been reported to represent a more cost‐effective alternative to the more toxic and expensive catalysts used industrially for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene. Contrasting claims as to the effect of surface reduction on hydrogenation rates exist in the open literature, with vacancy formation attributed, in separate studies, either a favorable or a deleterious role in effecting hydrogenation turnovers. We report here the non‐monotonic behavior of ethene hydrogenation rates that subsumes both of these trends as a function of degree of surface reduction over a sufficiently large range of pre‐reduction temperatures. Steady state transient kinetic and isotopic exchange data combined with in‐situ titration experiments suggest that this non‐monotonic trend can be attributed not to a change in either the kinetic relevance of specific elementary steps or the hydrogenation mechanism, but rather to site requirements that stipulate the need for two distinct, proximal sites. We also show that the sensitivity of hydrogenation rates to surface reduction can be altered by varying ceria surface termination, with the more open (110) and (100) surfaces exhibiting a less asymmetric effect of surface reduction on ethene hydrogenation rates.
Redox‐Flow Desalination with a Voltage Range Extending up to 2 V Under Dual‐pH Conditions
Authors: Kim Byeongkyu , Mule Anki Reddy , Kim Yong Seok , Gudal Chandan Chandru , Kim Na Hyeon , Ko Eunchae , Kim Seong Soo , Chung Chan‐Hwa
Published: February 2024

The battery‐like systems utilizing redox materials present a promising avenue for electrochemical desalination with reduced energy consumption. However, several attempts have focused on reducing the operational voltage to minimize energy consumption, and efforts to enhance the performance of such systems as energy storage devices remain limited. Herein, a system with a high energy density capable of sustaining freshwater production was proposed. Furthermore, in this proposed system, the electrolytes with different pH values were utilized to implement an operational voltage of 2 V or higher. Accordingly, an alkaline Zn electrolyte was paired with acidic MnO2 or VOSO4 electrolyte. During the process, potential side reactions such as chlorine evolution and proton crossover were not observed, even without water‐splitting reactions. Ultimately, at operational voltages exceeding 2 V, the system achieved a desalination rate of 0.104 mg/cm2/min and demonstrated maximum energy discharge of up to 2.4 Wh/L. These designed systems pave the way towards a more environmentally friendly and efficient approach to desalination.
Enhanced performance of solution‐processed carbon nanotube transparent electrodes in foldable perovskite solar cells through vertical separation of binders by using eco‐friendly parylene substrate
Authors: Kim Unsoo , Nam Jeong‐Seok , Yoon Jungjin , Han Jiye , Choi Mansoo , Jeon Il
Published: February 2024

The successful utilization of an eco‐friendly and biocompatible parylene‐C substrate for high‐performance solution‐processed double‐walled carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) was demonstrated. Through the use of a novel inversion transfer technique, vertical separation of the binders from the CNTs was induced, rendering a stronger p‐doping effect and thereby a higher conductivity of the CNTs. The resulting foldable devices exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 18.11%, which is the highest reported among CNT transparent electrode‐based PSCs to date, and withstood more than 10,000 folding cycles at a radius of 0.5 mm, demonstrating unprecedented mechanical stability. Furthermore, solar modules were fabricated using entirely laser scribing processes to assess the potential of the solution‐processable nanocarbon electrode. Notably, this is the only one to be processed entirely by the laser scribing process and to be biocompatible as well as eco‐friendly among the previously reported nonindium tin oxide‐based perovskite solar modules.
Total synthesis of (6R,12R)‐6,12‐dimethylpentadecan‐2‐one, the sex pheromone of Diabrotica balteata LeConte
Authors: Wu Jianwei , Lin Chuanwen , Liu Dan , Bian Qinghua , Wang Min , Zhong Jiangchun
Published: February 2024

Diabrotica balteata LeConte is one of the most important polyphagous agricultural pests. The sex pheromone of this pest was synthesized using Evans asymmetric alkylation, ring‐opening reaction of (R)‐2‐methyloxirane, SN2 alkylation of secondary tosylate, and coupling of chiral tosylate with Grignard reagent as central strategies. The sex pheromone prepared herein would be useful to control D. balteata.
Monitoring recurrent angioedema: Findings from the Turkish angioedema control test validation study
Authors: Demir Semra , Eyice‐Karabacak Deniz , Kocatürk Emek , Ünal Derya , Toprak İlkim Deniz , Korkmaz Pelin , Aslan Ayşe Feyza , İmren Işıl Göğem , Dikicier Bahar , Kahveci Nevzat , Öztop Nida , Kara Rabia Öztaş , İşsever Halim , Maurer Marcus , Weller Karsten , Gelincik Aslı
Published: February 2024

Background

Determination of control level in recurrent angioedema (RAE) is necessary to guide management. Here, we validated a Turkish version of the angioedema control test (AECT) for 4‐week (AECT‐4wk) and for 3‐month (AECT‐3mth) and assessed their utility in monitoring RAE.

Method

The recommended structured translation process for patient‐reported outcome measures was completed. The final versions were administered to 51 patients with mast cell‐mediated angioedema (MMAE) and 38 patients with hereditary angioedema, and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was determined. Additionally, anchor surveys comprising angioedema activity score for 28 days (AAS‐28 day), visual analog score for angioedema control, Likert scale for the control level from the patient's perspective (LS‐AEC), angioedema quality of life, short form‐12 (SF‐12) and patients' assessment of treatment sufficiency were applied.

Results

The Turkish AECT versions showed good convergent validity with a substantial correlation with anchor tools and known‐group validity. Excellent internal consistency and reproducibility were observed. Equal or more than 10 of 16 points scored with the AECT‐4wk and AECT‐3mth identified patients with well‐controlled disease. The disease activity, control and burden parameters were consistent with the disease control level defined depending on the cut‐off point 10 of AECT. Three‐point changes in AECT‐4wk and ‐3 mt could detect MCID in disease control in all patients.

Conclusions

Turkish AECT versions are valid and reliable tools for assessing and monitoring disease control in patients with RAE. The use of the Turkish versions of the AECT in routine patient care, clinical trials and angioedema research is recommended.
Non‐degenerate minimal submanifolds as energy concentration sets: A variational approach
Authors: De Philippis Guido , Pigati Alessandro
Published: February 2024

We prove that every non‐degenerate minimal submanifold of codimension two can be obtained as the energy concentration set of a family of critical maps for the (rescaled) Ginzburg–Landau functional. The proof is purely variational, and follows the strategy laid out by Jerrard and Sternberg, extending a recent result for geodesics by Colinet–Jerrard–Sternberg. The same proof applies also to the ‐Yang–Mills–Higgs and to the Allen–Cahn–Hilliard energies. While for the latter energies gluing methods are also effective, in general dimension our proof is by now the only available one in the Ginzburg–Landau setting, where the weaker energy concentration is the main technical difficulty.
Recent Developments in the Syntheses of C‐20‐Oxygenated ent‐Kaurane Diterpenoids
Authors: Yue Guizhou , Liu Bo
Published: February 2024

Ent‐kaurane diterpenes are a large group of natural products, with more than 1,000 compounds since their discovery. Due to their excellent biological activities and complex polycyclic structures, these compounds have attracted organic synthesis chemists around the world to be devoted to achieve their total synthesis. At present, the isolated C‐20‐oxygenated ent‐kaurane diterpenes are the most abundant of these natural products, reaching more than 350 in number. However, only total syntheses of 3,20‐epoxy, 7,20‐epoxy and 19,20‐lactone ent‐kaurane diterpenes have been reported. In this review, we elaborate the synthesis of these three types of C‐20 oxygenated ent‐kaurane natural products, discuss these synthetic strategies in detail, and provide good guidance and reference for the synthesis of other C‐20 oxygenated compounds.
Enhanced Microbial Protein Production from CO2 and Air by a MoS2 Catalyzed Bioelectrochemical System
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Zeng Lizhen , Wang Jingting , Wang Haoran , Zheng Decong , Wang Xiaomei , Li Daping , Zhan Guoqiang
Published: February 2024

Carbon dioxide can be relatively easily reduced to organic matter in a bioelectrochemical system (BES). However, due to insufficient reduction force from in‐situ hydrogen evolution, it is difficult for nitrogen reduction. In this study, MoS2 was firstly used as an electrocatalyst for the simultaneous reduction of CO2 and N2 to produce microbial protein (MP) in a BES. Cell dry weight (CDW) could reach 0.81±0.04 g/L after 14 d operation at −0.7 V (vs. RHE), which was 108±3 % higher than that from non‐catalyst control group (0.39±0.01 g/L). The produced protein had a better amino acid profile in the BES than that in a direct hydrogen system (DHS), particularly for proline (Pro). Besides, MoS2 promoted the growth of bacterial cell on an electrode and improved the biofilm extracellular electron transfer (EET) by microscopic observation and electrochemical characterization of MoS2 biocathode. The composition of the microbial community and the relative abundance of functional enzymes revealed that MoS2 as an electrocatalyst was beneficial for enriching Xanthobacter and enhancing CO2 and N2 reduction by electrical energy. These results demonstrated that an efficient strategy to improve MP production of BES is to use MoS2 as an electrocatalyst to shift amino acid profile and microbial community.
High Performance Organic Solar Cells Prepared with Bi‐Triangular Pyramidal Organic Phosphonium Interface Material
Authors: Cui Xinyue , Shi Yaohua , Liu Peng , Wang Xingjie , Zhou Yuanyuan , Li Miao , Yang Jien , Liu Hairui , Qin Chaochao , Qin Ruiping
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, amine containing electrode interface material destroy the non‐fullerene acceptor becomes a hard nut to crack for organic solar cells. Developing water‐soluble interface material which is no chemical reaction with non‐fullerene acceptor is an important research theme. Here, we report two bi‐triangular pyramidal electronic configuration organic‐phosphonium bromides as non‐amine cathode interfacial layer for fabricating high‐efficiency stable organic solar cells. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of inverted device structure with PBDB‐T/ITIC as active layer is up to 11.58 % which is great larger than control device PCE (9.35 %). Same device structure with PM6/Y6 as active layer, the PCE is up to 15.26 % and also is dramatically higher than the referred device PCE 14.36 %. Meanwhile, the devices show greatly improved stability by organic‐phosphonium bromide interlayer.
Homogeneous Catalyzed Direct Conversion of Furfural to Gamma‐Valerolactone
Authors: Koranchalil Sakhitha , Lobo Justo Pinheiro Danielle , Padilla Rosa , Nielsen Martin
Published: February 2024

Herein, we report the direct conversion of biomass‐derived furfural to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) in a one‐pot system, using the combination of Ru‐MACHO‐BH and a Brønsted acid (H3PO4). A GVL yield of 84 % is achieved under mild reaction conditions using 1 mol% of Ru‐MACHO‐BH and 3.8 M H3PO4(aq) at 100 °C for 7 hours.
Biomass‐Derived Catalytically Active Carbon Materials for the Air Electrode of Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wu Xianli , Liu Shuling , Wang Ao , Liu Yanyan , Zhou Wenshu , Sun Kang , Li Shuqi , Zhou Jingjing , Li Baojun , Jiang Jianchun
Published: February 2024

Given the growing environmental and energy problems, developing clean, renewable electrochemical energy storage devices is of great interest. Zn‐air batteries (ZABs) have broad prospects in energy storage because of their high specific capacity and environmental friendliness. The unavailability of cheap air electrode materials and effective and stable oxygen electrocatalysts to catalyze air electrodes are main barriers to large‐scale implementation of ZABs. Due to the abundant biomass resources, self‐doped heteroatoms, and unique pore structure, biomass‐derived catalytically active carbon materials (CACs) have great potential to prepare carbon‐based catalysts and porous electrodes with excellent performance for ZABs. This paper reviews the research progress of biomass‐derived CACs applied to ZABs air electrodes. Specifically, the principle of ZABs and the source and preparation method of biomass‐derived CACs are introduced. To prepare efficient biomass‐based oxygen electrocatalysts, heteroatom doping and metal modification were introduced to improve the efficiency and stability of carbon materials. Finally, the effects of electron transfer number and H2O2 yield in ORR on the performance of ZABs were evaluated. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the advantages and challenges of biomass‐derived CACs in the air electrodes of ZABs, promote more comprehensive research on biomass resources, and accelerate the commercial application of ZABs.
Detection of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid using two point‐of‐collection testing devices following oral administration of a THC and cannabidiol containing oil
Authors: Suraev Anastasia , McCartney Danielle , Kevin Richard , Gordon Rebecca , Grunstein Ronald R. , Hoyos Camilla M. , McGregor Iain S.
Published: February 2024

Point‐of‐collection testing (POCT) devices are widely used in roadside and workplace drug testing to identify recent cannabis use by measuring the presence of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid (OF). However, the performance of POCT devices with oral medicinal cannabis products remains poorly described. In a randomised, double‐blinded, crossover trial, adults with insomnia disorder (n = 20) received a single (2 mL) oral dose of oil containing 10 mg THC + 200 mg cannabidiol, or placebo, prior to sleep. Participants were tested with the Securetec DrugWipe® 5S (10 ng/mL THC cut‐off) and Dräger DrugTest® 5000 (25 ng/mL THC cut‐off) POCT devices at baseline (pre‐treatment) and then at 0.5, 10, and 18 h post‐treatment. An OF sample, taken at each time point, was also analysed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Large individual variability in OF THC concentrations was observed 0.5 h post‐treatment (range: 0–425 ng/mL; mean (SD) 48.7 (107.5) ng/mL). Both the Securetec DrugWipe® 5S and DrugTest® 5000 demonstrated poor sensitivity to THC at 0.5 h post‐treatment (25% and 50%, respectively). At 10 and 18 h post‐treatment, all participant OF THC concentrations were below screening cut‐offs, and all test results were negative. These findings highlight the relatively poor sensitivity of both devices in detecting recent use of an oral medicinal cannabis product. They also suggest a low probability of obtaining a positive THC result the morning after (‘one‐off’) use. Further research is required to establish the probability of obtaining a positive THC result with regular medicinal cannabis use.
Salinity and resource availability as drivers of Baltic benthic fungal diversity
Authors: Lobo Leonor Q. , Izabel‐Shen Dandan , Albertsson Jan , Raymond Caroline , Gunnarsson Jonas S. , Broman Elias , Nascimento Francisco J. A.
Published: February 2024

Marine biodiversity consists of a complex network of organisms responsible for keeping the ecosystem's balance. Fungi are an understudied group of organisms despite their recognized importance for ecosystem processes and diversity. How fungi respond to environmental change remains poorly understood, especially in marine benthic habitats. The Baltic Sea is a brackish coastal ecosystem with steep environmental gradients in a relatively limited geographical area and is therefore a particularly good system to investigate the impact of different abiotic factors on benthic fungal diversity. This study used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to analyze the spatial dynamics of benthic fungal diversity in the Baltic Sea and quantify the environmental drivers that shape these dynamics. Based on 59 stations spreading over 1145 km the results showed that benthic fungal communities were dominated by the phylum Chytridiomycota, and the fungal species Alphamyces chaetifer and Operculomyces laminatus from this phylum were the main drivers of the community structure dissimilarities observed between regions. Water depth and salinity were the main predictors of the benthic fungal community composition. The impact of nutrient availability was also significant, possibly related to the known role of Chytridiomycota species such as A. chaetifer and O. laminatus in nutrient cycling. Our results indicate that the benthic fungal diversity of the Baltic Sea is shaped by salinity gradients and nutrient availability and highlights that the current fungal biodiversity is at risk of species shift or decline with predicted changes in salinity due to climate change and intensified eutrophication.
Apoptosis, a useful marker in the management of hot‐phase cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Bassetto Giulia , Merlo Marco , Dal Ferro Matteo , Setti Martina , Paldino Alessia , Collesi Chiara , Artioli Rebecca , Loffredo Francesco , D'Elia Saverio , Golino Paolo , Fabris Enrico , Bussani Rossana , Metra Marco , Limongelli Giuseppe , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: February 2024

Aims

‘Hot phases’, characterized by chest pain and troponin release, may represent the first clinical presentation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. Differential diagnosis with acute myocarditis is an unmet challenge for the clinicians. We sought to investigate histological and genetic features in patients with cardiomyopathy presenting with hot phases.

Methods and results

We evaluated a case series of consecutive patients hospitalized for suspected ‘hot‐phase cardiomyopathy’ in two Italian centres from June 2017 to March 2022 (median follow‐up 18 months) that underwent both endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and genetic testing. Apoptosis was confirmed with TUNEL assay. Among the 17 enrolled patients (mean age 34 ± 15 years, 76% male), only six patients (35%) presented standard histological and immunohistochemical markers for significant cardiac inflammation at EMB. Conversely, apoptosis was found in 13 patients (77%). Genetic testing was positive for a pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in genes involved in cardiomyopathies (most frequently in DSP) in eight patients (48%), rising to 62% among patients with apoptosis on EMB. Notably, all patients without apoptosis tested negative for P/LP disease‐related variants. Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in patients showing apoptosis at EMB compared to those without (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Apoptosis, rather than significant inflammation, was mostly prevalent in this case series of patients with ‘hot‐phase’ presentation, especially in carriers of variants in cardiomyopathy‐related genes. Detecting apoptosis on EMB might guide clinicians in performing genetic testing and in more tailored therapeutic choices in ‘hot‐phase cardiomyopathy’.
Prussian blue analogs photocatalyst promote the evolution of value‐added platform compounds via CoCNZn covalent bonds
Authors: Shi Junming , Gao Guoyang , Jin Can , Wu Hongqing , Wang Weizhen , An Yulong , Zhou Zhen , Huang Zhanhua , Chen Wenshuai
Published: February 2024

Value‐added conversion of lignocellulose is a sustainable approach. Photo‐refining biomass is in line with current environmental protection strategies. However, photo‐reforming biomass suffers from poor catalyst stability and low conversion efficiency. Here, we designed fructose as a lignocellulosic model. The heterogeneous structure of Prussian blue coating was constructed with a special covalent bond structure of CoCNZn. This structure has a catalytic conversion mechanism that can accelerate electron transfer. Fructose was simultaneously converted to value‐added platform compounds (5‐HMF and formic acid) and gaseous fuels (CO, CH4) with a conversion rate of up to 92.5%, which is more than 1.7 times than that of catalysts without adding Prussian blue. Hydrogen transfer and carbon transfer on the carbon atoms of fructose facilitates the production and accelerates the spillover of CO from formic acid. This work provides new ideas for the development of Prussian blue catalysts and the conversion of pentose.

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Using of the Weibull distribution in developing global solar radiation forecasting models
Authors: Kaplan Ayşe Gül , Kaplan Yusuf Alper
Published: February 2024

In this study, a solar radiation prediction model was developed using the Weibull distribution function (WDF). The main purpose of this study is to develop a new model for solar radiation (SR) estimation using the WDF and to bring this model to the literature. Although the WDF is widely used in wind energy forecasting due to its compatibility with wind speed data, it has not been used before in solar radiation forecasting model development. In this study, it is aimed to make SR estimation with the WDF for the first time. SR data for all regions where this new model was developed and its performance was examined were obtained from the General Directorate of Meteorology. In order to decide the success of these developed models, five different statistical metrics (RPE, MPE, MAPE, SSRE, and t‐stat) were discussed in the study. When the results are evaluated in general, it is seen that the new developed model has an acceptable performance. According to all test results in the region where the model was developed, it is seen that the new developed model showed the best performance with 0.0353, 0.4068, 7.1851, 0.1144, and 0.0162 values, respectively. The performance of this new developed model was observed in three different regions. When the statistical test results in these regions were examined, it was seen that the new model developed had a similar performance to the popular solar forecasting models widely used in the literature.
Bio‐based lamb tail fat phase change material with enhanced thermal properties by incorporation of cyclophosphazene additives
Authors: Duyar Halil , Yalcin Ergin , Kup Aylikci Nuray , Celebi Elif B. , Aylikci Volkan , Hacivelioğlu Ferda
Published: February 2024

Among organic phase‐change materials (PCM), paraffin is commonly used, but it is not environmentally friendly due to its petrochemical origin. For efficient utilization of solar or thermal energy, new PCM are needed, or it is necessary to improve the thermal properties of existing materials. Therefore, the utilization of renewable alternatives such as lamb's tail fat as a latent heat storage material is of particular importance for the evaluation of bio‐based waste oils. In this study, new PCM were developed by using different concentrations of cyclophosphazene derivatives as an additive to the starting lamb tail fat (LTF) material. According to the results, doping the LTF with 1% and 2% hexa(N,N‐dibutyl‐4‐aminophenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (HBACP) the heat of fusion is significantly improved, while the 1% hexa(2‐ethylhexyloxy)cyclotriphosphazene (HEHCP) doping decreased the heat of fusion. In a comparison of various doped PCM, it was found that the tail fat doped with 1% HBACP had a heat of fusion of 166.6 kJ/kg, but a lower specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity than that doped with 2% HBACP. On the other hand, 1% HEHCP had the lowest thermal conductivity but a higher specific heat capacity than 1% HBACP. In addition, it was found that the PCM developed by incorporating HBACP could be operated as a cooling fluid for photovoltaic modules or as a working fluid in concentrated solar energy systems due to the higher heat of fusion value of 1% HBACP and the higher specific heat capacity of 2% HBACP, which consists of lamb's tail fat.
Impact of aluminum alloy grade as anode on electrochemical performance for Al‐Air cell in alkaline electrolyte
Authors: Rani Bharti , Yadav Jitendra Kumar , Saini Priyanka , Pandey Anant Prakash , Dixit Ambesh
Published: February 2024

We report the electrochemical performance of aluminum‐air (Al‐Air) cells for three commercially available aluminum alloys, that is, Al 1200, Al 8011, and Al 6061 together with the pure aluminum as anode. The contact angle and Tafel analysis are used to understand the surface adherence and corrosion characteristics. The respective Al‐Air coin cells are fabricated with 1.54 cm2 active electrode area and discharge characteristics are evaluated at different current densities that is, 0.65, 1.3, and 2.6 mA cm−2. The specific capacity, power density, and energy density are calculated, and observed that Al 1200 is less wettable and less corrosive with better discharge performance along with higher specific capacity and energy density with respect to other Al grade anodes including pure aluminum. A detailed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and post‐mortem analysis of the anodes are also investigated to verify the corrosion at various Al anode materials. The potential of the fabricated battery is shown by glowing an LED light using the optimal Al‐Air cell. Thus, the present work demonstrates that Al 1200 can be used as suitable anode material for efficient Al‐Air electrochemical cells.
Thermodynamic analysis of adsorption cooling system using composite halide salts
Authors: Anilkumar Sannapareddy , Sharma Rakesh , Kumar E. Anil
Published: February 2024

In the development of an adsorption cooling system, it has been observed that halide composites exhibit less hysteresis than pure halide salts. Therefore, it is important to thermodynamically analyze the composite salt‐based adsorption cooling system (ACS) to understand its performance. In this study, we conduct a thermodynamic first‐law and second‐law analysis of ACS using reactive salts such as BaCl2, BaCl2‐ENG, CaCl2‐ENG, SrCl2‐ENG, and MnCl2‐ENG, with ammonia as the refrigerant. We compared the coefficient of performance (COP) with that of a pure halide salt‐based ACS. The theoretical COP of the ACS at a mass ratio of 4 is estimated as 0.45, 0.4, 0.27, 0.37, and 0.22, and the second‐law efficiency is estimated as 44.28%, 38.76%, 20.71%, 16.26%, and 6.92% for BaCl2, BaCl2‐ENG, CaCl2‐ENG, SrCl2‐ENG, and MnCl2‐ENG reactive salts, respectively. Among the different salts, BaCl2 shows the highest COP. However, the COP values are lower than the maximum theoretical coefficient of performance (COPmax) due to the sensible mass of the reactor, and COP values decrease with an increase in the mass ratio due to an increase in sensible mass. It is noteworthy that the COP of the pure salt‐based ACS is higher than that of the composite salt‐based ACS because the ammonia uptake of pure salt is greater than that of the composite salt.
Assessing departmental readiness to support minoritized faculty
Authors: Carter‐Veale Wendy Y. , Cresiski Robin H. , Sharp Gwen , Lankford Jordan D. , Ugarte Fadel
Published: February 2024

Though increasing numbers of racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) individuals earn PhDs and national initiatives focus on faculty diversity, challenges persist in recruiting, hiring, and retaining REM faculty. While a pervasive issue nationally, the literature predominantly focuses on faculty diversity at research‐intensive institutions. This exploratory case study pilots a readiness instrument to evaluate the commitment and willingness of a biomedical department at a primarily undergraduate institution to embrace faculty diversity before initiating a postdoctoral faculty conversion program. We introduce the Community Readiness Model (CRM) into an academic context, offering academic departments a robust framework and tool to evaluate readiness and capacity to recruit, retain, and support REM faculty.

Practical Takeaways

Academic departments can be conceived of as a type of community.

The adapted Department Readiness Tool can be a valuable method of evaluating a department's readiness to support the success of underrepresented minority faculty.

Departments may score highly on some areas of readiness but relatively low on others, which provides insight into where time and resources should be invested to improve readiness.