bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation and Quality Analysis of Palmyra Tender Fruit Endosperm (PTFE) - Lime Based Functional Nectar
Authors: C. Jenser , Kumar Athulya S.
Published: February 2025

Aims: Functional nectars are gaining popularity as a healthy beverage option due to their nutritional and sensory benefits. Palmyra tender fruit endosperm (PTFE) is not commercially explored for the production of value-added products. Considering the nutritional aspects, PTFE is suitable for the preparation of beverages, especially nectars. The market holds substantial opportunities for creating innovative functional beverages because of the considerable health advantages and expanding consumer desire for these drinks. Natural ingredients with strong antioxidant activities could be used to formulate these novel functional beverages. In this context, the present study aims to develop functional nectar using PTFE pulp and lime juice enriched with functional ingredients like mint, ginger, and cardamom and to evaluate its chemical, nutritional, and sensory quality parameters.
Study Design: Completely Randomized Design by using GRAPES (General R-based Analysis Platform Empowered by Statistics)
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Postharvest Management, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Agricultural University between February 2022 and July 2024.
Methodology: The study involved blending of PTFE pulp and lime juice in different ratios viz., (T1) 90P:10L, (T2) 80P:20L, (T3) 70P:30L, (T4) 60P:40L and (T5) 50P:50L for the development of blended nectars as per the FSSAI specifications. The developed blended nectars were compared with pure PTFE nectar (100P) for various chemical, nutritional and organoleptic quality parameters to explore the possibility of efficient blending and for the selection of a superior blending ratio. The best-blended nectar was further incorporated with mint, ginger, and cardamom extracts at varying concentrations (C1 - 1% ginger extract, C2 - 2% ginger extract, C3 - 3% ginger extract, C4 - 1% mint extract, C5 - 2% mint extract, C6 - 3% mint extract, C7 - 1% cardamom extract, C8 - 2% cardamom extract, C9 - 3% cardamom extract, C10 - without addition (control)) to develop functional nectar with superior sensory parameters.
Results: The blended nectar with 90% PTFE pulp and 10% lime juice (90P:10L) recorded 21.76oBrix TSS, 0.26% acidity, 1.33% reducing sugar, 35.47% total sugar, 41.77 mg 100g-1 ascorbic acid and 74.75% antioxidant activity with superior sensory scores. The selected best-blended nectar is incorporated with functional ingredients such as ginger, mint and cardamom extracts in different concentrations independently for the production of functional nectars. The functional nectar (90P:10L) incorporated with 1% mint extract recorded superior sensory parameters.
Conclusion: The study concludes that blending PTFE pulp with lime juice in a 90:10 ratio and incorporating 1% mint extract results in the development of a quality functional nectar with superior nutritional and sensory properties, making it a promising healthy beverage option.
Eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management for Sucking Pest Complex and Defoliators in Groundnut: Insights from Mancherial Telangana, India
Authors: Nagaraju Alugoju , Shivakrishna K. , Thirupathi I. , Naik M. Rajeshwar , Sravanthi U. , Kumar B. Sathish , Sugandhi G. Priya
Published: February 2025

The present front line demonstration was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of Integrated Pest Management module in Groundnut crop cultivated in the Mancherial district of Telangana State during rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. Groundnut is often referred to as the "King of Oilseeds" in India, where it ranks as the second-largest producer of groundnut globally. However, groundnut cultivation faces considerable yield losses each year due to various biotic and abiotic stresses, which significantly hinder the groundnut productivity in the country. Now a days, the adoption of management of groundnut insect pests through integrated pest management (IPM) strategies has increased, particularly due to the adverse effects associated with the indiscriminate use of insecticides alone. The study recorded the percentage control of leaf hoppers, thrips, leaf minor and Spodoptera litura compared to farmer’s practice. The results revealed that the superior percent reduction i.e., in the incidence of jassids in the IPM demonstrated plots at 16.77% and 26.58%, in case of thrips @ 13.81% and 19.47% and in case of leaf minor @ 39.7% and 48.5% and in case of Spodoptera @ 23.03% and 47.19% over farmers practice with increased yields of 16.79% and 13.10% during corresponding rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively. Further, the demonstration plots registered with higher groundnut yield of 3050 and 3020 kg/ha as compared to 2611 and 2670 kg/ha under farmers practice. The Cost-Benefit ratio of 2.92 and 3.15 respectively in the technology demonstrated plots whereas in farmers practice the recorded Cost - Benefit ratio of 2.18 and 2.47 during corresponding rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively. The findings suggest that the groundnut cultivated under IPM practices yields more than those grown using traditional methods. The IPM approach, encompassing all stages from tillage to harvest, enhances yield, improves input use efficiency, and provides greater economic benefits.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Profitability of Custard Apple: An Economic Prospective
Authors: B.N Venu , Babu Suresh , Satheesh
Published: February 2025

In India, custard apple is traditionally known as “sitaphal” especially in Southern states.  Commercial cultivation of custard apples is distributed in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra. The experiment was framed to determine the influence of growth regulators (effective concentration of GA3 and NAA) on yield parameters and Economics. The results from the study show that foliar application of growth regulators was more effective on growth and yield parameters. The treatment with a combination of GA3 50 + NAA 20 ppm and 25 ppm of GA3 + 10 ppm of NAA, before flowering and a second spray after one month gives higher yields. The results revealed that, the highest B: C ratio 7.98 was found in Treatment T8 followed by T7 (7.11). Foliar application of GA3 50+NAA 20 ppm before flowering and after one month of flowering positively influenced yield, profit and returns from the investment.
Social impact of brain fog and analysis of risk factors: Long COVID in Japanese population
Authors: Shigematsu Lisa , Kimura Ryusei , Terai Hideki , Mimura Yu , Ito Daisuke , Bun Shogyoku , Namkoong Ho , Asakura Takanori , Chubachi Shotaro , Masaki Katsunori , Ohgino Keiko , Miyata Jun , Kawada Ichiro , Ishii Makoto , Takemura Ryo , Ueda Soichiro , Yoshiyama Takashi , Kokuto Hiroyuki , Kusumoto Tatsuya , Oashi Ayano , Miyawaki Masayoshi , Saito Fumitake , Tani Tetsuo , Ishioka Kota , Takahashi Saeko , Nakamura Morio , Sato Yasunori , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: July 2024

Objective

To reveal the clinical features and assess risk factors linked to brain fog and its societal implications, including labor productivity, providing valuable insights for the future care of individuals who have experienced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

We analyzed a comprehensive cohort dataset comprising 1,009 patients with COVID‐19 admitted to Japanese hospitals. To assess brain fog, we analyzed patients who responded to a questionnaire indicating symptoms such as memory impairment and poor concentration.

Results

The prevalence of brain fog symptoms decreased 3 months posthospitalization but remained stable up to 12 months. Neurological symptoms such as taste and smell disorders and numbness at hospitalization correlated with a higher frequency of identifying brain fog as a long COVID manifestation. Our findings indicated that advanced age, female sex, a high body mass index, oxygen required during hospitalization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and elevated C‐reactive protein and elevated D‐dimer levels were risk factors in patients exhibiting brain fog. Additionally, we demonstrated the negative impact of brain fog on labor productivity by presenteeism scores.

Interpretations

This study clarified the clinical characteristics of patients experiencing brain fog as a long COVID manifestation, specifically emphasizing neurological symptoms during hospitalization and their correlation with brain fog. Additionally, the study identified associated risk factors for its onset and revealed that the emergence of brain fog was linked to a decline in labor productivity.
Parameter estimation methods for time‐invariant continuous‐time systems from dynamical discrete output responses based on the Laplace transforms
Authors: Ibrahim Kader Ali , Ding Feng
Published: July 2024

In industrial process control systems, parameter estimation is crucial for controller design and model analysis. This article examines the issue of identifying parameters in continuous‐time models. This article presents a stochastic gradient estimation algorithm and a recursive least squares estimation algorithm for identifying the parameters of continuous systems. It derives the parameter identification model of linear continuous‐time systems based on the Laplace transforms of the input and output of the systems. To prove that the techniques given here work, we have included a simulated example.
Highly Efficient Hybrid White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 30% by Integrating Electron‐Trapping Sensitized Structure and Gradient‐Doping System
Authors: Sun Weidong , Jiao Shujie , Sun Yufu , Zhang Danyang , Yang Haoran , Zhou Liang
Published: July 2024

In this work, efficient two‐color (blue and yellow) hybrid white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) with high efficiencies are constructed by introducing iridium(III) bis(4,6‐(difluorophenyl) pyridinato‐N,C2’)picolinate (FIrpic) as electron sensitizer. Experimental results demonstrate that FIrpic with the deep lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level enables preferential electron trapping to collect excessive electrons, thus realizing carrier's balance and high recombination probability. The obtained cool WOLED exhibits the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE), current efficiency (ηc), and power efficiency (ηp) of 31.05%, 76.36 cd A−1 and 69.92 lm W−1, respectively. Moreover, by gradient doping FIrpic into yellow EML, the generated forward built‐in electric field originating from gradient electrons distribution reduces carriers transport resistance and improves the transport of holes; the diffusion effect of gradient electrons distribution promotes electrons’ transport, thus enhancing the utilization probabilities of carriers and excitons. Besides, FIrpic acts also as an energy transfer ladder to facilitate the energy transfer from host to yellow emitter. Consequently, warm WOLED with enhanced yellow emission achieves the maximum EQE, ηc, and ηp of 33.27%, 75.66 cd A−1 and 88.04 lm W−1, respectively.
Multifunctional Porphyrin‐Based Sonosensitizers for Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Jiajun , Zhou Qi , Cao Wenwu
Published: July 2024

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a promising non‐invasive therapeutic modality combining ultrasound (US) and sonosensitizers to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for treating deep‐seated tumors, has received increasing attention in recent years. Porphyrins are multifunctional organic materials, which can be excited both by light and US to produce ROS and possess various fascinating features, including controllable synthetic processes, excellent biodegradability, low cytotoxicity without light or US. Nevertheless, their poor water solubility, skin‐photosensitive toxicity, and insufficient target specificity hinder their clinical applications as sonosensitizer. Although the target specificity issue may be improved by using nanoparticle carriers, and the SDT efficacy can be enhanced by combining with other therapeutic modalities, such combination therapy makes it more confusing about the true mechanism of SDT. This review will focus on the following points: 1) Why are porphyrin‐based sonosensitizers considered the most promising sonosensitizer for clinical applications of SDT? 2) Recent progress in the development of multifunctional porphyrin‐based sonosensitizers. 3) What new insight has been gained on the mechanism of SDT in recent years? 4) The development trend of designing more efficient multifunctional porphyrin‐based sonosensitizers and existing challenges. Finally, future perspective of practical clinical applications of SDT based on multifunctional porphyrin‐based sonosensitizers will be discussed.
High Carrier Mobility Promotes In‐Plane Thermoelectric Performance of n‐Type PbSnS2 Crystals
Authors: Zhan Shaoping , Bai Shulin , Qin Bingchao , Zhu Yingcai , Wang Siqi , Liu Dongrui , Hong Tao , Gao Xiang , Zheng Lei , Wen Yi , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: July 2024

PbSnS2 crystals have the advantage of high performance and low cost as emerging thermoelectric materials. Herein, thermoelectric properties of PbSnS2 crystals are substantially boosted through the strategy of lattice plainification to manipulate micro‐defect. By introducing Ni elements into n‐type PbSnS2, the intrinsic Pb/Sn cation vacancies are compensated by Ni, achieving a plainer lattice and higher carrier mobility. Meanwhile, the charge density is enhanced due to the orbital hybridization between the 3d orbital of Ni and the 3p orbital of the neighboring S, further facilitating the carrier transport. Consequently, an ultrahigh carrier mobility of ≈312 cm2 V−1 s−1 in n‐type PbSnS2+0.0010Ni crystal is obtained with a largely enhanced ZT of ≈0.6 at 300 K along the in‐plane direction, and a maximum ZT of ≈1.2 can be obtained at 473 K. Moreover, a 7‐pair thermoelectric device composed of n‐type PbSnS2+0.0010Ni crystal and p‐type commercial Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 is fabricated, which can produce a cooling temperature difference of ≈19.4 K. And a single‐leg device composed of the PbSnS2+0.0010Ni crystal realizes a maximum power generation efficiency of ≈2.7%. The work further optimizes the low‐cost and earth‐abundant PbSnS2 crystals as potential application candidates in thermoelectric cooling and power generation.
Template‐Made Ultrahigh, Broadband, and Omnidirectional Light Absorption Surface for Enhanced Solar Energy Harvesting and Utilization
Authors: Li Huiyong , Shen Chen , Qiu Xiongying , Zhou Siyuan , Liu Mengxi , Li Chun , Zhang Hui , Zhang Zhong
Published: July 2024

The practical application of solar energy harvesting urgently calls for the facile preparation of high‐performance ultrablack surfaces with broadband and omnidirectional light absorption performance; however, some roadblocks still need to meet these requirements simultaneously. Herein, cone‐array ultrablack (CAUB) surfaces are prepared by combining feasible template replication and blade coating techniques. The elaborate micro‐sized cone structure and high absorptive materials (polydimethylsiloxane@carbon black, PDMS@CB) offer the CAUB extremely high, broadband, and omnidirectional light absorption over the solar spectrum with an average absorbance of 99.35%. Under one sun irradiation, the CAUB can efficiently absorb solar energy, reaching a surface temperature as high as 75 °C. A solar‐thermal‐electric generator (STEG) made from the CAUB film demonstrates real‐time solar‐heat‐electric conversion, achieving a high output power density of 330 µW cm−2. The CAUB film possesses excellent water repellency, flexibility, chemical solvent resistance, and potential for large‐scale production, satisfying the application requirements of solar energy harvesting and utilization.
Chirality‐Induced Spin Selectivity Enables New Breakthrough in Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Reactions
Authors: Ma Sunihl , Lee Hyungsoo , Moon Jooho
Published: July 2024

To facilitate the transition from a carbon‐energy‐dependent society to a sustainable society, conventional engineering strategies, which encounter limitations associated with intrinsic material properties, should undergo the paradigm shift. From a theoretical viewpoint, the spin‐dependent feature of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) reveals the potential of a spin‐polarization strategy in enhancing the performance of electrochemical (EC) reactions. The chirality‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) phenomenon attracts unprecedented attention owing to its potential utility in achieving novel breakthroughs. This paper starts with the experimental results aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the spin‐dependent OER focusing on the EC system based on the CISS phenomenon. The applicability of spin‐polarization to EC system is verified through various analytical methodologies to clarify the theoretical groundwork and mechanisms underlying the spin‐dependent reaction pathway. The discussion is then extended to effective spin‐control strategies in photoelectrochemical system based on the CISS effect. Exploring the influence of spin‐state control on the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects, this perspective also discusses the effect of spin polarization induced by the CISS phenomenon on spin‐dependent OER. Lastly, future directions for enhancing the performance of spin‐dependent redox systems are discussed, including expansion to various chemical reactions and the development of materials with spin‐control capabilities.
Antibacterial Activity of Visible Light Responsive‐Silver‐Nanoparticle/Titania Composite Thin Films with Unprecedently Higher Amounts of Silver
Authors: Daniel Likius S. , Joseph Moses T. , Uahengo Veikko , Hedimbi Marius
Published: July 2024

To study the antibacterial efficacy of metallic Ag nanoparticle/titania (Ag‐NP)/TiO2 composite thin films against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), COMP‐Agn with various amounts of Ag (10 mol% ≤ n ≤ 80 mol%) are fabricated on a quartz glass substrate at 600 °C using the molecular precursor method. The films are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and UVvis techniques. The analysis reveals that the films are composed of metallic Ag‐NPs embedded in a mixture of anatase and rutile matrix, with a volumetric fraction of Ag ranging from 0.18 to 0.68. The antibacterial activity of the TiO2 thin film and COMP‐Agn are determined by disk diffusion and viable cell count methods. Neither pure TiO2 nor pure Ag films exhibit any discernible antibacterial under dark and visible light. The antibacterial of Ag content in composite films is observed to persist for a maximum increase of 70%. The model is proposed on the basis of photoexcited electron transfer from Ag NPs to the TiO2 conduction band of COMP‐Agn, which clarifies the main factors affecting the photoresponse and the excellent response to visible light via surface plasmon resonance.
Strategies to Realize AC Electrokinetic Enhanced Mass‐Transfer in Silicon Based Photonic Biosensors.
Authors: Henriksson Anders , Neubauer Peter , Birkholz Mario
Published: July 2024

Silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) based photonic sensors, particularly those utilizing Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology, have emerged as promising candidates for miniaturized bioanalytical devices. These sensors offer real‐time responses, occupy minimal space, possess high sensitivity, and facilitate label‐free detection. However, like many biosensors, they face challenges when detecting analytes at exceedingly low concentrations due to limitations in mass transport. An intriguing method to enhance mass transfer in microfluidic biosensors is AC electrokinetics. Proof‐of‐concept experiments have demonstrated significant enhancements in limit of detection (LOD) and response times. AC electrokinetics, compatible with silicon photonic sensors, offers techniques such as electroosmosis, electrothermal effects, and dielectrophoresis to modify fluid flow and manipulate particle trajections. This article delves into various approaches for integrating AC electrokinetics into silicon photonic biosensors, shedding light on both its advantages and limitations.
Functionalized α‐Fluorinated Amines from Imines and Enol Ethers
Authors: Kyrko Dimitra , Saraç Murat , Hao Jing , Retailleau Pascal , Ongeri Sandrine , Crousse Benoît
Published: July 2024

We report the addition reaction of lithium enol ethers to fluoroalkyl imines. A range of different fluoroalkyls and lithiated reagents are well tolerated. Diastereoselective addition of lithium vinyl ethers to fluoroalkyl N‐tert‐butylsulfinylimines is disclosed, providing enantiomerically enriched α‐fluorinated amines in up to 98% yield. This general approach led to the diastereoselective formation of various amino alcohols and amino ethers, which are difficult to obtain by other methods.
Electrochemically Induced Desulfurization of Thioureas for the Synthesis of Substituted 5‐Aminotetrazoles
Authors: Yu Xiao , Hao Liqiang , Liu Xian , Jin Shengkui , Liu Yiping , Ji Yafei
Published: July 2024

A one‐pot method has been developed for synthesizing diverse substituted 5‐aminotetrazoles via the electrochemically induced desulfurizative addition–cyclization of thioureas with azidotrimethylsilane. This methodology enables the construction of C−N and N−N bonds under mild reaction conditions without transition metal catalysts or external oxidizing agents. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated by its broad substrate scope, compatibility with various functional groups, scalability to gram‐scale synthesis, and practicality evidenced by the synthesis of an antibacterial agent.
1‐Oxa‐2,6‐Diazaspiro[3.3]heptane as a New Potential Piperazine Bioisostere – Flow‐Assisted Preparation and Derivatisation by Strain‐Release of Azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes
Authors: Graziano Elena , Natho Philipp , Andresini Michael , Mastrolorito Fabrizio , Mahdi Iktedar , Mesto Ernesto , Colella Marco , Degennaro Leonardo , Nicolotti Orazio , Luisi Renzo
Published: July 2024

The development of novel strained spiro heterocycles (SSHs) as bioisosteres for aromatic or non‐strained aliphatic rings is highly sought after for improving drug design. Their high molecular rigidity and predictable vectorization can enhance drug‐likeness, target selectivity and clinical success. Towards this goal, 1‐oxa‐2,6‐diazaspiro[3.3]heptane (ODASE) is reported as a novel potential SSH‐bioisostere. We demonstrate through theoretical studies the potential of this strained spiro heterocycle to act as a bioisostere for piperazine. We have developed its synthesis from the highly strained azabicyclo[1.1.0]butyl intermediate through a robust and mild flow technology‐assisted two‐step protocol. Its tolerance and stability towards medicinally relevant N‐functionalisation protocols are studied, as well as its mild reduction to the C3‐aminoalkylazetidinol motif found in the anti‐cancer drug cobimetinib.
Dendritic Cell‐Hitchhiking In Vivo for Vaccine Delivery to Lymph Nodes
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhao Ling , Wang Mengyao , Qi Xu , Zhang Xin , Song Qingying , Xue Dayu , Mao Meihua , Zhang Zhenzhong , Shi Jinjin , Si Pilei , Liu Junjie
Published: July 2024

Therapeutic cancer vaccines are among the first FDA‐approved cancer immunotherapies. Among them, it remains a major challenge to achieve robust lymph‐node (LN) accumulation. However, delivering cargo into LN is difficult owing to the unique structure of the lymphatics, and clinical responses have been largely disappointing. Herein, inspired by the Migrated‐DCs homing from the periphery to the LNs, an injectable hydrogel‐based polypeptide vaccine system is described for enhancing immunostimulatory efficacy, which could form a local niche of vaccine “hitchhiking” on DCs. The OVA peptide modified by lipophilic DSPE domains in the hydrogel is spontaneously inserted into the cell membrane to achieve “antigen anchoring” on DCs in vivo. Overall, OVA peptide achieves active access LNs through recruiting and “hitchhiking” subcutaneous Migrated‐DCs. Remarkably, it is demonstrated that the composite hydrogel enhances LNs targeting efficacy by approximately six‐fold compared to free OVA peptide. Then, OVA peptide can be removed from the cell surface under a typical acidic microenvironment within the LNs, further share them with LN‐resident APCs via the “One‐to‐Many” strategy (One Migrated‐DC corresponding to Many LN‐resident APCs), thereby activating powerful immune stimulation. Moreover, the hydrogel vaccine exhibits significant tumor growth inhibition in melanoma and inhibits pulmonary metastatic nodule formation.
In Situ Construction of Hollow Coral‐Like Porous S‐Doped g‐C3N4/ZnIn2S4 S‐Scheme Heterojunction for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Pan Xuanlin , He Minyi , Kang Lei , Ma Wangjing
Published: July 2024

The rational design of visible‐light‐responsive catalysts is crucial for converting solar energy into hydrogen energy to promote sustainable energy development. In this work, a C─S─C bond is introduced into g‐C3N4 (CN) through S doping. With the help of the flexible C─S─C bond under specific stimuli, a hollow coral‐like porous structure of S‐doped g‐C3N4 (S‐CN) is synthesized for the first time. And an S‐doped g‐C3N4/ZnIn2S4 (S‐CN/ZIS) heterojunction catalyst is in situ synthesized based on S‐CN. S0.5‐CN/ZIS exhibits excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) efficiency (19.25 mmol g−1 h−1), which is 2.7 times higher than that of the g‐C3N4/ZnIn2S4 (CN/ZIS) catalyst (8.46 mmol g−1 h−1), with a high surface quantum efficiency (AQE) of 34.43% at 420 nm. Experiments and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the excellent photocatalytic performance is attributed to the larger specific surface area and porosity, enhanced interfacial electric field (IEF) effect, and appropriate hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy (ΔGH*). The synergistic effect of S doping and S‐scheme heterojunction contributes to the above advancement. This study provides new insights and theoretical basis for the design of CN‐based photocatalysts.
Zinc Promoted Cross‐Electrophile Sulfonylation to Access Alkyl–Alkyl Sulfones
Authors: Wang Zhuochen , Ma Rui , Gu Chang , He Xiaoqian , Shi Haiwei , Bai Ruopeng , Shi Renyi
Published: July 2024

The transition metal‐catalyzed multi‐component cross‐electrophile sulfonylation, which incorporates SO2 as a linker within organic frameworks, has proven to be a powerful, efficient, and cost‐effective means of synthesizing challenging alkyl–alkyl sulfones. Transition metal catalysts play a crucial role in this method by transferring electrons from reductants to electrophilic organohalides, thereby causing undesirable side reactions such as homocoupling, protodehalogenation, β‐hydride elimination, etc. It is worth noting that tertiary alkyl halides have rarely been demonstrated to be compatible with current methods owing to various undesired side reactions. In this work, a zinc‐promoted cross‐electrophile sulfonylation is developed through a radical‐polar crossover pathway. This approach enables the synthesis of various alkyl–alkyl sulfones, including 1°‐1°, 2°‐1°, 3°‐1°, 2°‐2°, and 3°‐2° types, from inexpensive and readily available alkyl halides. Various functional groups are well tolerated in the work, resulting in yields of up to 93%. Additionally, this protocol has been successfully applied to intramolecular sulfonylation and homo‐sulfonylation reactions. The insights gained from this work shall be useful for the further development of cross‐electrophile sulfonylation to access alkyl–alkyl sulfones.
Surface Lattice Modulation Stabilizes K2Mn[Fe(CN)6] Cathode for High‐Energy K‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Xunan , Gao Chongwei , Zhang Shuhua , Wang Jiali , Lou Yikai , Kang Feiyu , Zhai Dengyun
Published: July 2024

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are considered as competitive candidates for energy storage applications due to their abundant resources and low cost. K2Mn[Fe(CN)6] (KMnF) is an ideal cathode for PIBs because of its high theoretical specific energy (≈600 Wh kg−1). However, it suffers from severe Mn dissolution and complex phase transitions caused by Jahn–Teller distortion, resulting in rapid capacity decay. Here, a simple, controllable and universal “transition metal (TM2+) ion exchange” strategy is proposed to modulate the surface lattice of KMnF, not only stabilizing the structure but also maintaining its inherent high capacity. The surface Mn2+ is substituted by TM2+, including Fe2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, or Co2+, forming heterogeneous protection layer. Especially when the surface Mn2+ is modified by redox‐active Fe2+, it exhibits a capacity as high as 144 mAh g−1 and considerable energy density of 560 Wh kg−1 and a remarkable capacity retention (86% after 1,000 cycles at 50 mA g−1, and 71% after 5,000 cycles at 1,000 mA g−1, respectively). The surface‐modified KMnF cathode proved to be effective in stabilizing the structure by preventing the Mn dissolution and formation of tetragonal phase caused by Jahn–Teller distortion. This work provides a simple and universal strategy for stabilizing high‐energy Mn‐based cathode.
Impact of an automated patient outcome feedback system on emergency medicine resident patient follow‐up: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Rudolf Frances , Oyama Leslie C. , El‐Kareh Robert
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Emergency medicine (EM) residents desire, but often lack, reliable feedback of patient outcomes following handoffs to other providers. This gap is a substantial barrier to calibrating their diagnostic decision making and learning. To address this educational priority, we developed and evaluated the Post‐Handoff Reports of Outcomes (PHAROS) system—an automated system within our electronic health record (EHR) to deliver provider‐specific patient outcome feedback.

Methods

PHAROS includes: (1) individualized lists of patients seen and brief summaries of each case, (2) flags for important posthandoff events, and (3) links to charts to facilitate review. Starting June 2020, we coupled PHAROS with a resident educational session and individualized emails every 2 weeks outlining patients seen, number of posthandoff events, and instructions on how to access the PHAROS system.

Results

From July 2017 through April 2022, we measured the proportion of handoffs followed by reaccessing patients’ charts between 2 and 14 days posthandoff—a proxy for following up on the patient's outcomes. We performed an interrupted time series analysis on this outcome to determine if PHAROS was associated with a significant change in the trend of our outcome over time. Our secondary outcome was the number of times PHAROS was viewed each month. Our primary outcome had a significant increase in the slope over time (+0.13%/month, p = 0.03) after the introduction of the personalized reports and a nonsignificant change (−1.6%, p = 0.07) at the time of the intervention. The median (IQR) number of views of PHAROS per month was 33.2 (23.75–38.75).

Conclusions

The PHAROS system was associated with a significant increase in the rate of posthandoff chart reaccess among EM residents over time. The PHAROS project demonstrated the feasibility of harnessing the capabilities of the EHR to create an automated system to support EM trainee feedback of patient outcomes—a key component of diagnostic calibration and learning.
Dynamic response and discrimination of gaseous sarin using a boron‐difluoride complex film‐based fluorescence sensor
Authors: Zhou Zhijie , Zhang Lei , Peng Lingya , Li Yingjie , Zhu Xiaolin , Wu Yidi , Qiu Zebiao , He Gang , Qin Molin , Peng Haonan , Fang Yu
Published: July 2024

This study presents a novel boron‐difluoride complex‐based fluorescent nanofilm sensor capable of detecting sarin vapors in the environment by reporting an output fluorescence signal. The sensor's evaluation demonstrated an exceptionally low detection limit for sarin vapor, even in the presence of various interfering gases, with theoretical and practical limits of detection of 0.7 and 1 ppb, respectively. The sensor featured a rapid response time (less than 2 s), a broad linear detection range (1 ppb–1000 ppm), and superior selectivity for sarin vapor over a group of interfering analytes, outperforming existing sarin sensors. Mechanistic study indicates that the sensor's heightened sensitivity to sarin vapor is due to the robust affinity of nitrogen atoms within the core BODIQ unit for sarin. Additionally, the tetraphenylethylene structure with steric hindrance effectively inhibits the tight packing of BODIQ derivatives, and forms numerous microporous structures in the self‐assembled nanofilm, which are beneficial for the mass transfer, enhancing the sensor efficiency in detecting vapors. Furthermore, we have achieved the differentiation of sarin, diethyl chlorophosphate, and HCl vapor through the analysis of sensing kinetic. This fluorescent sensor opens new avenues for sustainable, low‐cost, and environment‐friendly portable devices, as well as for environmental monitoring and tracking applications.
Coming to the Caribbean: Eighty‐five years of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at Cayo Santiago—A rare nonhuman primate model for the studies of adaptation, diseases, genetics, natural disasters, and resilience
Authors: Wang Qian , Francis George
Published: July 2024

The Cayo Santiago rhesus macaque colony represents one of the most important nonhuman primate resources since their introduction to the Caribbean area in 1938. The 85 years of continuing existence along with the comprehensive database of the rhesus colony and the derived skeletal collections have provided and will continue to provide a powerful tool to test hypotheses about adaptive and evolutionary mechanisms in both biology and medicine.
Florbetaben amyloid PET acquisition time: Influence on Centiloids and interpretation
Authors: Johns Emily , Vossler Hillary A. , Young Christina B. , Carlson Mackenzie L. , Winer Joseph R. , Younes Kyan , Park Jennifer , Rathmann‐Bloch Julia , Smith Viktorija , Harrison Theresa M. , Landau Susan , Henderson Victor , Wagner Anthony , Sha Sharon J. , Zeineh Michael , Zaharchuk Greg , Poston Kathleen L. , Davidzon Guido A. , Mormino Elizabeth C.
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) acquisition timing impacts quantification.

METHODS

In florbetaben (FBB) PET scans of 245 adults with and without cognitive impairment, we investigated the impact of post‐injection acquisition time on Centiloids (CLs) across five reference regions. CL equations for FBB were derived using standard methods, using FBB data collected between 90 and 110 min with paired Pittsburgh compound B data. Linear mixed models and t‐tests evaluated the impact of acquisition time on CL increases.

RESULTS

CL values increased significantly over the scan using the whole cerebellum, cerebellar gray matter, and brainstem as reference regions, particularly in amyloid‐positive individuals. In contrast, CLs based on white matter–containing reference regions decreased across the scan.

DISCUSSION

The quantification of CLs in FBB PET imaging is influenced by both the overall scan acquisition time and the choice of reference region. Standardized acquisition protocols or the application of acquisition time–specific CL equations should be implemented in clinical protocols.

Highlights

Acquisition timing affects florbetaben positron emission tomography (PET) scan quantification, especially in amyloid‐positive participants.

The impact of acquisition timing on quantification varies across common reference regions.

Consistent acquisitions and/or appropriate post‐injection adjustments are needed to ensure comparability of PET data.
Perivascular spaces, plasma GFAP, and speeded executive function in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Andriuta Daniela , Ottoy Julie , Ruthirakuhan Myuri , Feliciano Ginelle , Dilliott Allison A. , Hegele Robert A. , Gao Fuqiang , McLaughlin Paula M. , Rabin Jennifer S. , Wood Alexander Madeline , Scott Christopher J. M. , Yhap Vanessa , Berezuk Courtney , Ozzoude Miracle , Swardfager Walter , Zebarth Julia , Tartaglia M. Carmela , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Tang‐Wai David F. , Casaubon Leanne , Kumar Sanjeev , Dowlatshahi Dar , Mandzia Jennifer , Sahlas Demetrios , Saposnik Gustavo , Fischer Corinne E. , Borrie Michael , Hassan Ayman , Binns Malcolm A. , Freedman Morris , Chertkow Howard , Finger Elizabeth , Frank Andrew , Bartha Robert , Symons Sean , Zetterberg Henrik , Swartz Richard H. , Masellis Mario , Black Sandra E. , Ramirez Joel ,   ONDRI Investigators
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the effect of perivascular spaces (PVS) volume on speeded executive function (sEF), as mediated by white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume and plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in neurodegenerative diseases.

METHODS

A mediation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between neuroimaging markers and plasma biomarkers on sEF in 333 participants clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease/mild cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, or cerebrovascular disease from the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative.

RESULTS

PVS was significantly associated with sEF (c = ‐0.125 ± 0.054, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI] [‐0.2309, ‐0.0189], p = 0.021). This effect was mediated by both GFAP and WMH.

DISCUSSION

In this unique clinical cohort of neurodegenerative diseases, we demonstrated that the effect of PVS on sEF was mediated by the presence of elevated plasma GFAP and white matter disease. These findings highlight the potential utility of imaging and plasma biomarkers in the current landscape of therapeutics targeting dementia.

Highlights

Perivascular spaces (PVS) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are imaging markers of small vessel disease.

Plasma glial fibrillary protein acidic protein (GFAP) is a biomarker of astroglial injury.

PVS, WMH, and GFAP are relevant in executive dysfunction from neurodegeneration.

PVS's effect on executive function was mediated by GFAP and white matter disease.
Elimination of GGTA1, CMAH, β4GalNT2 and CIITA genes in pigs compromises human versus pig xenogeneic immune reactions
Authors: Xu Jing , Ren Jilong , Xu Kai , Fang Minghui , Ka Meina , Xu Fei , Wang Xin , Wang Jing , Han Zhiqiang , Feng Guihai , Zhang Ying , Hai Tang , Li Wei , Hu Zheng
Published: July 2024

Background

Pig organ xenotransplantation is a potential solution for the severe organ shortage in clinic, while immunogenic genes need to be eliminated to improve the immune compatibility between humans and pigs. Current knockout strategies are mainly aimed at the genes causing hyperacute immune rejection (HAR) that occurs in the first few hours while adaptive immune reactions orchestrated by CD4 T cell thereafter also cause graft failure, in which process the MHC II molecule plays critical roles.

Methods

Thus, we generate a 4‐gene (GGTA1, CMAH, β4GalNT2, and CIITA) knockout pig by CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer to compromise HAR and CD4 T cell reactions simultaneously.

Results

We successfully obtained 4KO piglets with deficiency in all alleles of genes, and at cellular and tissue levels. Additionally, the safety of our animals after gene editing was verified by using whole‐genome sequencing and karyotyping. Piglets have survived for more than one year in the barrier, and also survived for more than 3 months in the conventional environment, suggesting that the piglets without MHC II can be raised in the barrier and then gradually mated in the conventional environment.

Conclusions

4KO piglets have lower immunogenicity, are safe in genomic level, and are easier to breed than the model with both MHC I and II deletion.
Seizure occurrences among hypoglycemic patients in the emergency department
Authors: Urushidani Seigo , Tanabe Mao , Baek Kwangsoo , Miyaguchi Koki , Ikegami Tetsunori
Published: July 2024

Aim

Symptomatic hypoglycemia is a common problem in the emergency department (ED). However, without appropriate recognition and management, hypoglycemia remains a potentially fatal condition. The cause of sudden death associated with hypoglycemia might be attributed to cardiac arrhythmias and hypoxia with seizures. Despite advances in diabetes mellitus management and social background, the frequency and characteristics of patients with hypoglycemia‐related seizures have remained unknown. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the frequency and characteristics of patients with hypoglycemia presenting with seizures in the ED.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted in a single tertiary care center. Patient information was retrieved from the final diagnostic records in the ED. We reviewed all medical records and included patients with symptomatic hypoglycemia aged 16 years or older. The primary outcome was the frequency of seizures in patients with hypoglycemia. We also compared the initial blood sugar levels of the patients with and without seizures.

Results

We included a total of 380 patients (median age, 72 years, IQR 64–80 years; median initial blood sugar, 34 mg/dL, IQR 24–46; 62.9% male). Nineteen of 380 patients (5.0%) had seizures. Although 16 of the 19 patients had diabetes mellitus, none of the 19 patients had a history of epilepsy. The initial blood sugar levels of the patients with and without seizures were not significantly different (p = 0.97).

Conclusion

Approximately 5% of the patients with hypoglycemia presented with seizures. Blood glucose levels of hypoglycemic patients with and without seizures did not differ.
Highly Anion‐Conductive Viologen‐Based Two‐Dimensional Polymer Membranes as Nanopower Generators
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Qixiang , Lei Dandan , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Zhen , Feng Xinliang
Published: July 2024

Two‐dimensional polymers (2DPs) and their layer‐stacked 2D covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) membranes hold great potential for harvesting sustainable osmotic energy. The nascent research has yet to simultaneously achieve high ionic flux and selectivity, primarily due to inefficient ion transport dynamics. This is directly related to ultrasmall pore size (<3 nm), much smaller than the duple Debye length in the diluted electrolyte (6–20 nm), as well as low charge density (<4.5 mC m−2). Here, we introduce a π‐conjugated viologen‐based 2DP (V2DP) membrane possessing a large pore size of 4.5 nm, strategically enhancing the overlapping of the electric double layer, coupled with an exceptional positive surface charge density (~6 mC m−2). These characteristics enable the membrane to facilitate high anion flux while maintaining ideal selectivity. Notably, V2DP membranes realize an impressive current density of 5.5×103 A m−2, surpassing benchmarks set by previously reported nanofluidic membranes. In the practical application scenario involving the mixing of artificial seawater and river water, the V2DP membranes exhibit a considerable ion transference number of 0.70 towards Cl−, contributing to an outstanding power density of ~55 W m−2. Theoretical calculations reveal the important role of the large quantity of anion transport sites, which act as binding sites evenly located in the positively charged N‐containing pyridine rings. These binding sites enable kinematic coupling and decoupling between anions and the V2DP skeleton, establishing a continuous Cl− ion transport pathway. This work demonstrates the great promise of large‐area ultrathin 2DP membranes featuring highly organized charged ion transport networks when applied for osmotic energy conversion.
Confined Element Distribution with Structure‐Driven Energy Coupling for Enhanced Prussian Blue Analogue Cathode
Authors: Hu Xinyu , Jian Weishun , Hong Ningyun , Zhong Xue , Yang Mushi , Tao Shusheng , Huang Jiangnan , Wang Haoji , Gao Jingqiang , Deng Wentao , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Silvester Debbie S. , Banks Craig E. , Ji Xiaobo
Published: July 2024

The structural failure of Na2Mn[Fe(CN)6] could not be alleviated with traditional modification strategies through the adjustable composition property of Prussian blue analogues (PBAs), considering that the accumulation and release of stress derived from the MnN6 octahedrons are unilaterally restrained. Herein, a novel application of adjustable composition property, through constructing a coordination competition relationship between chelators and [Fe(CN)6]4− to directionally tune the enrichment of elements, is proposed to restrain structural degradation and induce unconventional energy coupling phenomenon. The non‐uniform distribution of elements at the M1 site of PBAs (NFM‐PB) is manipulated by the sequentially precipitated Ni, Fe, and Mn according to the Irving‐William order. Electrochemically active Fe is operated to accompany Mn, and zero‐strain Ni is modulated to enrich at the surface, synergistically mitigating with the enrichment and release of stress and then significantly improving the structural stability. Furthermore, unconventional energy coupling effect, a fusion of the electrochemical behavior between FeLS and MnHS, is triggered by the confined element distribution, leading to the enhanced electrochemical stability and anti‐polarization ability. Consequently, the NFM‐PB demonstrates superior rate performance and cycling stability. These findings further exploit potentialities of the adjustable composition property and provide new insights into the component design engineering for advanced PBAs.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Allenylic Amination of Allenols Activated by Hydrogen‐Bonding Interaction with Methanol
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Qian , Lin Zihan , Wu Danxing , Wang Yuhao , Hirao Hajime , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: July 2024

The ubiquitous nature of amines in drug compounds, bioactive molecules and natural products has fueled intense interest in their synthesis. Herein, we introduce a nickel‐catalyzed enantioconvergent allenylic amination of methanol‐activated allenols. This protocol affords a diverse array of functionalized allenylic amines in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic potential of this method is demonstrated by employing bioactive amines as nucleophiles and conducting gram‐scale reactions. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations and DFT calculations elucidate the role of methanol as an activator in the nickel‐catalyzed reaction, facilitating the oxidative addition of the C−O bond of allenols through hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The remarkable outcomes arise from a rapid racemization of allenols enabled by the nickel catalyst and from highly enantioselective dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation of η3‐alkadienylnickel intermediates.
Reconstructing Helmholtz Plane Enables Robust F‐Rich Interface for Long‐Life and High‐Safe Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Long , Chen Ming , Meng Qingfei , Zhang Jing , Feng Guang , Ai Xinping , Cao Yuliang , Chen Zhongxue
Published: July 2024

Hard carbon (HC) is the most commonly used anode material in sodium‐ion batteries. However, the solid‐electrolyte‐interface (SEI) layer formed in carbonate ester‐based electrolytes has an imperceptible dissolution tendency and a sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics, resulting in an unsatisfactory performance of HC anode. Given that electrode/electrolyte interface property is highly dependent on the configuration of Helmholtz plane, we filtrated proper solvents by PFBE (PF6− anion binding energy) and CAE (carbon absorption energy) and disclosed the function of chosen TFEP to reconstruct the Helmholtz plane and regulate the SEI film on HC anode. Benefiting from the preferential adsorption tendency on HC surface and strong anion‐dragging interaction of TFEP, a robust and thin anion‐derived F‐rich SEI film is established, which greatly enhances the mechanical stability and the Na+ ion diffusion kinetics of the electrode/electrolyte interface. The rationally designed TFEP‐based electrolyte endows Na||HC half‐cell and 2.8 Ah HC||Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 pouch cell with excellent rate capability, long cycle life, high safety and low‐temperature adaptability. It is believed that this insightful recognition of tuning interface properties will pave a new avenue in the design of compatible electrolyte for low‐cost, long‐life, and high‐safe sodium‐ion batteries.