bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies on improvement of pigment formation and reduction of citrinin in Monascus fermentation
Authors: Mou Lu , Pan Runze , Jiang Wankui , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Jiang Yujia , Jiang Min
Published: September 2022

Monasucs pigments, as natural food colorants, have worldwide popularity owing to their antibacterial ability and superior coloring characteristics, as well as various applications in food, medicine, cosmetics and several other fields. Therefore, there is a considerable demand of pigments and various approaches have been conducted to improve pigment production. However, citrinin, which causes great harm to human health, is undesirably generated during the fermentation. Thus, great efforts have been made to increase pigment production and decrease citrinin formation by culture media and condition optimization, mutation breeding or genetic engineering. For the purpose of giving insight for further research, this article makes a summary of existing study advances in Monasucs pigment production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single cell RNA‐sequencing: A powerful yet still challenging technology to study cellular heterogeneity
Authors: Ke May , Elshenawy Badran , Sheldon Helen , Arora Anjali , Buffa Francesca M
Published: September 2022

Almost all biomedical research to date has relied upon mean measurements from cell populations, however it is well established that what it is observed at this macroscopic level can be the result of many interactions of several different single cells. Thus, the observable macroscopic ‘average’ cannot outright be used as representative of the ‘average cell’. Rather, it is the resulting emerging behaviour of the actions and interactions of many different cells. Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐Seq) enables the comparison of the transcriptomes of individual cells. This provides high‐resolution maps of the dynamic cellular programmes allowing us to answer fundamental biological questions on their function and evolution. It also allows to address medical questions such as the role of rare cell populations contributing to disease progression and therapeutic resistance. Furthermore, it provides an understanding of context‐specific dependencies, namely the behaviour and function that a cell has in a specific context, which can be crucial to understand some complex diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of scRNA‐Seq, including a comparative review of emerging technologies and computational pipelines. We discuss the current and emerging applications and focus on tumour heterogeneity a clear example of how scRNA‐Seq can provide new understanding of a complex disease. Additionally, we review the limitations and highlight the need of powerful computational pipelines and reproducible protocols for the broader acceptance of this technique in basic and clinical research.
Structural characterization and bioimaging of Zn2+ using meta‐benziporphodimethene analogue
Authors: Rana Shikha , Sharma Ravi Kumar , Fridman Natalia , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2022

‘Prevention is better than cure, especially when something has no cure.’ Cancer, in most patients is detected at the stage beyond which it becomes noncurative. Therefore, the early detection of cancer cells can play a crucial role in enhancing the chances of a patient's survival. In this light, we present a nonfluorescent receptor used for the detection of Zn2+ ion in MDA‐MB‐231 carcinoma cells that exhibits fluorescence turn‐on behaviour upon binding with the metal ion. In this work, the synthesis of 11,16‐bis(2,6‐difluorobenzene)‐6,6,21,21‐tetramethyl‐meta‐benziporpho‐6,21‐dimethene and its Zn2+ chloride complex have been reported. The compounds were fully characterized using UV–visible, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the X‐ray polymorphs of a meta‐benziporphodimethene analogue were added. The study of its bioimaging applications in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells for the detection of Zn2+ ions is reported.
Awareness of Universal Design for Learning among anatomy educators in higher level institutions in the Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom
Authors: Dempsey Audrey M. K. , Hunt Eithne , Lone Mutahira , Nolan Yvonne M.
Published: September 2022

There is an increasing need to facilitate enhanced student engagement in anatomy education. Higher education students differ in academic preferences and abilities and so, not all teaching strategies suit all students. Therefore, it is suggested that curricula design and delivery adapt to sustain learner engagement. Enhanced learner engagement is a fundamental feature of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The aim of this study is to determine if anatomy educators in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and United Kingdom (UK) are aware of UDL and to assess if, and to what extent, it has been implemented in the design and delivery of anatomy curricula for healthcare students. An anonymous online questionnaire was administered to anatomy educators in higher level institutions in the ROI and UK. Inductive content analysis was used to identify the impact of UDL on student learning, engagement, and motivation, as perceived by the participants. The response rate was 23% (n = 61). Nineteen participants stated they knew of UDL. Of these, 15 had utilized UDL in their teaching of anatomy. Analysis indicated that the perception of UDL was mixed. However, the majority of responses relating to UDL were positive. The majority of the respondents were unaware of UDL but identified the frameworks' checkpoints within their curriculum, suggesting they have unknowingly incorporated elements of UDL in their curriculum design and delivery. There is a lack of information on the benefits of explicit utilization of UDL for engagement and motivation to learn anatomy in healthcare programs in the ROI and UK.
Fontaine progeroid syndrome—A case report
Authors: Lally Sinéad , Walsh Nicola , Kenny Janna , Franklin Orla , Cotter Melanie , Richardson Sarah , McEligott Fiona , Finan Alan
Published: September 2022

Fontaine progeroid syndrome (FPS) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by pathogenic variants in the SLC25A24 gene. Eleven cases have been described in the literature, with early lethality in some. We discuss the clinical course of a patient from birth until his death at 7 months.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the Thermal Conductivity of Erbium Oxide/Ethylene Glycol Nanofluids for Thermal Energy Applications
Authors: Alsboul Monther , Ghazali Mohd Sabri Mohd , Gomaa Mohamed R. , Albani Aliashim
Published: September 2022

The thermal conductivity of Er2O3/ethylene glycol (EG) nanofluids was investigated at different concentrations of Er2O3 nanoparticles in the temperature range of 20–50 °C. The findings showed that the volume fraction of Er2O3 nanoparticles and temperature affect the thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity increases with increasing Er2O3 concentration and temperature, and the Er2O3/EG nanofluid showed higher thermal conductivity than the base fluid. Precise correlations are proposed to forecast the thermal conductivity of the Er2O3/EG nanofluid relative to the base fluid. These results are promising for using Er2O3/EG nanofluid in solar thermal applications.
Sex & Crime im Blütengefängnis
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: September 2022

Pfeifenblumen sind Meister der Täuschung. Für ihre Bestäubung sind sie auf Fliegen angewiesen, die eigentlich gar kein Interesse an Blüten haben. Deshalb gaukeln die Pflanzen ihren Bestäubern eine Nahrungsquelle oder einen attraktiven Eiablageplatz vor. Dabei hilft die Chemie – in Form eines betörenden Duftcocktails.
Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance of Asymmetric Fused‐Ring Electron Acceptor by Expanding Pyrrole to Pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole†
Authors: Wang Zemin , Cai Guilong , Xue Peiyao , Liu Zesheng , Jia Boyu , Li Nan , Wang Jiayu , Lu Xinhui , Lin Yuze , Wang Guojie , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive Summary

We propose a strategy to improve performance of unidirectionally extended fused‐ring electron acceptors by using pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole to replace pyrrole ring, and design two asymmetric nonfullerene acceptors 1PIC and 2PIC. Replacing pyrrole in 1PIC with pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole remarkably red‐shifts absorption peak by 109 nm, elevates the HOMO and LUMO energy levels, and improves electron mobility. The photovoltaic devices based on blend of PM6 donor and 2PIC acceptor exhibit power conversion efficiency as high as 12.6%, which is much higher than that of PM6:1PIC (3.53%), due to more efficient exciton generation and dissociation, faster and more balanced carrier transport and less charge recombination.
Survival benefit of overweight patients undergoing MitraClip® procedure in comparison to normal‐weight patients
Authors: Keller Karsten , Geyer Martin , Hobohm Lukas , Tamm Alexander R. , Kreidel Felix , Ruf Tobias F. , Hell Michaela , Schmitt Volker H. , Bachmann Kevin , Born Sonja , Schulz Eberhard , Münzel Thomas , von Bardeleben Ralph S.
Published: September 2022

Background

The number of MitraClip® implantations increased significantly in recent years. Data regarding the impact of weight class on survival are sparse.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that weight class influences survival of patients treated with MitraClip® implantation.

Methods

We investigated in‐hospital, 1‐year, 3‐year, and long‐term survival of patients successfully treated with isolated MitraClip® implantation for mitral valve regurgitation (MR) (June 2010–March 2018). Patients were categorized by weight classes, and the impact of weight classes on survival was analyzed.

Results

Of 617 patients (aged 79.2 years; 47.3% females) treated with MitraClip® implantation (June 2010–March 2018), 12 patients were underweight (2.2%), 220 normal weight (40.1%), 237 overweight (43.2%), and 64 obesity class I (11.7%), 12 class II (2.2%), and 4 class III (0.7%). Preprocedural Logistic EuroScore (21.1 points [IQR 14.0–37.1]; 26.0 [18.5–38.5]; 26.0 [18.4–39.9]; 24.8 [16.8–33.8]; 33.0 [25.9–49.2]; 31.6 [13.1–47.6]; p = .291) was comparable between groups. Weight class had no impact on in‐hospital death (0.0%; 4.1%; 1.5%; 0.0%; 7.7%; 0.0%; p = .189), 1‐year survival (75.0%; 72.0%; 76.9%; 75.0%; 75.0%; 33.3%; p = .542), and 3‐year survival (40.0%; 36.8%; 38.2%; 48.6%; 20.0%; 33.3%; p = .661). Compared to normal weight, underweight (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.35 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–2.79], p = .419), obesity‐class I (HR: 0.93 [95% CI: 0.65–1.34], p = .705), class II (HR: 0.39 [95% CI: 0.12–1.24], p = .112), and class III (HR: 1.28 [95% CI: 0.32–5.21], p = .726) did not affect long‐term survival. In contrast, overweight was associated with better survival (HR: 1.32 [95% CI: 1.04–1.68], p = .023).

Conclusion

Overweight affected the long‐term survival of patients undergoing MitraClip® implantation beneficially compared to normal weight.
Transition Metal Complexes with Tridentate Schiff Bases (O N O and O N N) Derived from Salicylaldehyde: An Analysis of Their Potential Anticancer Activity
Authors: Alfonso‐Herrera Luis A. , Rosete‐Luna Sharon , Hernández‐Romero Delia , Rivera‐Villanueva José M. , Olivares‐Romero José L. , Cruz‐Navarro J. Antonio , Soto‐Contreras Anell , Arenaza‐Corona Antonino , Morales‐Morales David , Colorado‐Peralta Raúl
Published: September 2022

Although it is known that the first case of cancer was recorded in ancient Egypt around 1600 BC, it was not until 1917 during the First World War and the development of mustard gas that chemotherapy against cancer became relevant; however, its properties were not recognised until 1946 to later be used in patients. In this sense, the use of metallopharmaceuticals in cancer therapy was extensively explored until the 1960s with the discovery of cisplatin and its anticancer activity. From that date to the present, the search for more effective, more selective metallodrugs with fewer side effects has been an area of continuous exploration. Efforts have led to considering a wide variety of metals from the periodic table, mainly from thed‐block, as well as a wide variety of organic ligands, preferably with proven biological activity. In this sense, various research groups have found an ideal binder in Schiff bases, since their raw materials are easily accessible, their synthesis conditions are friendly and their denticity can be manipulated. Therefore, in this review, we have explored the anticancer and antitumor activity reported in the literature for coordination complexes ofd‐block metals coordinated with tridentate Schiff bases (O N O and O N N) derived from salicylaldehyde. For this work, we have used the main scientific databases CCDC® and SciFinder®.
Efficacy and potential resistance mechanisms of afatinib in advanced non–small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR G719X/L861Q/S768I
Authors: Pang Lan‐Lan , Gan Jia‐Di , Tan Jia‐Rong , Huang Yi‐Hua , Liao Jun , Liang Wei‐Ting , Deng Peng‐Bo , Fang Wen‐Feng
Published: September 2022

Background

Afatinib is the only currently approved EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR G719X/L861Q/S768I. However, there are limited real‐world data concerning the benefits and resistance mechanisms of afatinib in patients with these nonclassical mutations. To fill this gap, the present study was conducted.

Methods

All NSCLC patients treated with afatinib were screened, and patients with EGFR G719X/L861Q/S768I were enrolled into the analysis. Either tumor tissue or blood specimens were detected by the commercial next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panels or amplification‐refractory mutation system (ARMS)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to figure out the mutation genotype.

Results

A total of 106 advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR G719X/L861Q/S768I received afatinib treatment. The benefits of afatinib exhibited heterogeneity in different mutation genotypes. Notably, at baseline, NGS testing was performed in 59 patients, and TP53 was the most frequently coexisting mutation. Patients with TP53 mutations obtained fewer survival benefits than those with TP53 wild‐type. A total of 68 patients ultimately experienced progression, and 27 patients received NGS testing to clarify the potential resistance mechanisms. EGFR‐T790M, CDK4 amplification, FGFR1 amplification, PIK3CA, MET amplification, RET fusions, HER2, and BRAF mutations were identified in three (11.1%), three (11.1%), three (11.1%), three (11.1%), three (11.1%), one (3.7%), one (3.7%), and one (3.7%) of the cases, respectively. Five patients underwent ARMS‐PCR testing for detecting EGFR‐T790M mutation, and only one patient was T790M‐positive.

Conclusions

The present study elucidated the differential benefits of afatinib within different mutation genotypes and first revealed the spectrum of potential resistance mechanisms in patients with EGFR G719X/L861Q/S768I. The results of this study may provide practical clinical information that can guide optimal treatment in this setting.
Hierarchical TS‐1 Through Ammonium Fluoride Etching
Authors: Akkal Thilali , Soualah Ahcène , Morisset Sophie , Rousseau Julie , Chaouati Nourrdine , Sachse Alexander
Published: September 2022

The impact of the NH4F etching on the textural and catalytic properties of TS‐1 was investigated. Two TS‐1 with different crystal sizes, i. e. 200 and 100 nm; were achieved, with different textural properties as inferred from nitrogen physisorption isotherms at 77 K, mercury porosimetry, powder X‐ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy. The generation of larger mesopores within the parent samples was observed together with a reduction of the coherent crystal size (CCS) upon NH4F etching. The generation of secondary porosity further did not result in an alteration of the Si/Ti ratio, allowing to compare the catalytic outcomes of the samples as a function of the textural properties. It was found that the methyl‐phenyl sulfide (MPS) conversion kinetics importantly depend on the textural properties of the catalysts. The initial velocity was found to increase linearly with the reduction of the CCS until reaching a plateau, indicating that diffusion limitation occur up to a CCS of approximately 100 nm. Likewise, mono‐ and di‐oxidation product selectivity was governed by diffusion issues.
Bioinspired Asymmetric Surface Property of Functionalized Mesh to Maximize the Efficiency of Fog Harvesting
Authors: El‐Maghraby Hesham F. , Alhumaidi Afra , Alnaqbi Mohamed A. , Sherif Mohsen , Tai Yanlong , Hassan Fathy , Greish Yaser E.
Published: September 2022

Water scarcity in many countries on earth has inspired scientists to seek other resources of freshwater. Desalination, as one of the most commonly used approaches, is energy consuming and has faced a number of environmental difficulties. On the other hand, natural species, plants and insects, have developed their own modalities of securing fresh water by harvesting it from the atmospheric fog and humidity. The current study investigates the fabrication of bioinspired mesh membranes for fog harvesting. The mesh membranes are coated using a simple dip coating procedure with various extents of TiO2‐PMMA hybrid structure that provides a composite structure of mixed degrees of wettability. Depending on the initial concentration of PMMA, partially and completely covered mesh membranes were prepared. The coated mesh membranes resemble Spider silk in their architecture and in their surface topography to other desert natural species. A homogeneous distribution of the TiO2 NPs within the PMMA coating was reflected on a spectrum of hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. The fabricated mesh membranes are durable and have been shown to harvest water from fog at a rate of 32–45 L/m2 per hour, hence securing a sustainable supply of fresh water for all aspects of life.
Tailoring Room Temperature Ferromagnetism and Observation of Electrolyte of Widest Potential Window in Gd0.75Se Nano Particles
Authors: Ariponnammal S. , Shalini S. , Anusha S.
Published: September 2022

Uniformly distributed rectangular nanoparticles with some triangular particles of gadolinium selenide (Gd0.75Se) are prepared by the chemical precipitation method. It crystallizes in a cubic structure. It shows paramagnetic behavior along with interesting weak ferromagnetism at room temperature. In the present study, the cyclic voltammogram of electrolyte of Gd0.75Se shows pseudocapacitive behavior with a wider potential window of 3.75 V. The wider potential window electrolyte enhances applications in the super capacitor field for energy storage. The specific capacitance is 21 F g−1, and the energy density is 146 Wh kg−1. The observed high power density is 4.2 kW kg−1. The energy gap is 1.55 eV. A study of photoluminescence confirms the presence of native point defects.
Green innovation peer effects in common institutional ownership networks
Authors: Wu Xiaohui , Li Yumin , Feng Chong
Published: September 2022

As an important breakthrough in coordinating economic, social, and ecological benefits, green innovation has received wide attention from governments, firms, and the public. However, existing studies mainly explored the economic factors influencing firms' green innovation while neglecting social factors. This study took common institutional ownership as the research perspective to explore whether firms' green innovation decisions are affected by their peers. Using a sample of Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2003 to 2019, this paper found that firms imitate their peers' green innovation in common institutional ownership networks and exhibit green innovation peer effects. Mechanism testing revealed that “voting with hands” through common institutional ownership helps firms obtain green innovation information (information‐based imitation), while “voting with feet” through common institutional ownership helps firms maintain a competitive awareness of green innovation (rivalry‐based imitation), thereby contributing to green innovation peer effects in common institutional ownership networks. Heterogeneity analysis showed that firms with greater financing constraints and lower levels of risk‐taking are more likely to imitate their peers' green innovation. Moreover, firms only regard peers with similar industry status and identical property rights as imitation targets in common institutional ownership networks, thereby following “the imitation law of closer preference.” An analysis of economic consequences revealed that green innovation peer effects in common institutional ownership networks are not strategic behaviors of “quantity over quality,” with imitation contributing to improving firm value. This paper enriches existing research on the influencing factors of green innovation and provides a new reference for promoting sustainable development.
Design and Investigation of a Photocatalytic Setup for Efficient Biotransformations Within Recombinant Cyanobacteria in Continuous Flow
Authors: Valotta Alessia , Malihan‐Yap Lenny , Hinteregger Kerstin , Kourist Robert , Gruber‐Woelfler Heidrun
Published: September 2022

Photo‐ and biocatalysis show many advantages as more sustainable solutions for the production of fine chemicals. In an effort to combine the benefits and the knowledge of both these areas, a continuous photobiocatalytic setup was designed and optimized to carry out whole‐cell biotransformations within cells of the cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 expressing the gene of the ene‐reductase YqjM fromB. subtilis. The effect of the light intensity and flow rate on the specific activity in the stereoselective reduction of 2‐methyl maleimide was investigated via a design‐of‐experiments approach. The cell density in the setup was further increased at the optimal operating conditions without loss in specific activity, demonstrating that the higher surface area/volume ratio in the coil reactor improved the illumination efficiency of the process. Furthermore, different reactor designs were compared, proving that the presented approach was the most cost‐ and time‐effective solution for intensifying photobiotransformations within cyanobacterial cells.
Agreement of steroid profiles in Athlete Biological Passport residues and corresponding serum samples
Authors: König Simon , Rzeppa Sebastian , Thieme Detlef , Keiler Annekathrin M.
Published: September 2022

The steroid module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is based on the analysis of six endogenous steroids in urine samples and a Bayesian statistical approach. However, the urinary steroid concentrations may be affected by confounders like microbial degradation, possible co‐administration of diuretics as masking agents, insufficient conjugate hydrolysis or UGT2B17 gene polymorphisms affecting glucuronidation. Therefore, it can be helpful to use other matrices (ABP blood and serum samples) to quantify steroids and thereby support noticeable deviations in the Athlete Biological Passport, for example, abnormally increased urinary testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratios. Aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility to re‐use plasma obtained from athlete ABP blood samples for measuring a steroid profile. Therefore, testosterone, androstenedione, cortisol and cortisone were quantified in 36 intra‐individual matching ABP blood and serum samples. The steroid levels measured in both matrices showed a high agreement indicating a good stability uninfluenced by storage temperature and duration. Our results pointed out the possibility to expand the athlete ABP blood analysis for steroid profiling.
Sexual selection, feather wear, and time constraints on the pre‐basic molt explain the acquisition of the pre‐alternate molt in European passerines
Authors: Cuervo José J. , Morales Judith , Soler Juan J. , Moreno Juan
Published: September 2022

Avian feathers need to be replaced periodically to fulfill their functions, with natural, social, and sexual selection presumably driving the evolution of molting strategies. In temperate birds, a common pattern is to molt feathers immediately after the breeding season, the pre‐basic molt. However, some species undergo another molt in winter‐spring, the pre‐alternate molt. Using a sample of 188 European passerine species, Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models, and correlated evolution analyses, we tested whether the occurrence of the pre‐alternate molt was positively associated with proxies for sexual selection (sexual selection hypothesis) and nonsexual social selection (social selection hypothesis), and with factors related to feather wear (feather wear hypothesis) and time constraints on the pre‐basic molt (time constraints hypothesis). We found that the pre‐alternate molt was more frequent in migratory and less gregarious species inhabiting open/xeric habitats and feeding on the wing, and marginally more frequent in species with strong sexual selection and those showing a winter territorial behavior. Moreover, an increase in migratory behavior and sexual selection intensity preceded the acquisition of the pre‐alternate molt. These results provide support for the feather wear hypothesis, partial support for the sexual selection and time constraints hypotheses, and no support for the social selection hypothesis.
Nonthermal Plasma‐Modified Carbon‐Carrying Sn‐Based Ternary Nanocatalyst for High‐Performance Direct Dimethyl Ether Fuel Cells
Authors: Gebru Medhanie Gebremedhin , Teller Hannan , Subramanian Palaniappan , Schechter Alex
Published: September 2022

A Vulcan XC72 carbon‐supported Sn‐based ternary metal catalyst (Pt3Pd3Sn2/C) is reported to have yielded the highest specific power density (90 mW mg−1
PGM) as compared with other catalysts tested for direct dimethyl ether (DME) fuel cells. However, the micropores present in Vulcan XC72 limit fuel utilization by causing Pt agglomeration. Vulcan XC72 composed of nongraphitized carbon species is also prone to corrosion. Therefore, herein, carbon supports such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), black pearl 2000 (BP2000), and their cold N2 plasma‐treated counterparts are tested to further enhance the activity of the catalyst and systematically describe the comparative advantages over the Vulcan XC‐72 carbon. Electroanalytical tests show that Pt3Pd3Sn2/BP2000 exhibit excellent performance in terms of electrochemical active surface area, peak current density, and DME oxidation charge. A beneficial effect of plasma activation on the activity is observed only in the case of MWCNT while having no or negative effect on the other carbons. Laboratory fuel cell test indicates that Pt3Pd3Sn2 nanoparticles supported on optimized binary carbon support containing 75% plasma‐activated MWCNT and 25% BP2000 (Pt3Pd3Sn2/75M25B) provides the highest reported power density of 117 mW mg−1
PGM at 70 °C fuel cell temperature and ambient pressure.
MgSc2Se4 Solid Electrolyte for Rechargeable Mg Batteries: An Electric Field‐Assisted All‐Solid‐State Synthesis
Authors: Kundu Sumana , Solomatin Nickolay , Kraytsberg Alexander , Ein-Eli Yair
Published: September 2022

Magnesium scandium chalcogenide spinels are an important class of materials in Mg anode‐based batteries for energy storage applications. The applications of these intriguing materials are not limited to the energy storage, but the use of these materials may also be useful in solar cells, owing to the material optical bandgap. So far, all reported synthetic routes for these spinels involve high‐temperature furnace treatment. Herein, a process which involves a facile electric field‐assisted synthesis of MgSc2Se4 is reported on, yielding after a very short thermal treatment, a material possessing a low room‐temperature electronic conductivity of ≈10−11 S cm−1, and a room‐temperature Mg‐ion conductivity of 1.78 × 10−5 S cm−1. The crucial role of extra selenium on the material electronic conductivity is discussed and explained in detail.
3D hierarchical porous carbon foams as high‐performance free‐standing anodes for microbial fuel cells
Authors: Li Huidong , Zhang Lu , Wang Ruiwen , Sun Jinzhi , Qiu Yunfeng , Liu Shaoqin
Published: September 2022

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that can directly convert chemical energy of organic matter into electrical energy are expected to continuously obtain energy from wastewater. However, the practical application of MFCs is still limited by unsatisfactorily low power output due to low bacterial loading capacity and relatively poor extracellular electron transport (EET) efficiency between anode and electrochemically active biofilm. Herein, hierarchical porous carbon foams (HPCFs) prepared by pyrolyzing nanoscale Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2 modified seitan composite were developed as 3D free‐standing MFC anodes. Its marcoporous structure and good biocompatibility favor the bacterial adhesion, while the N‐doped carbon skeleton, abundant mesopores and iron ions boost the bacteria‐electrode charge transfer efficiency. As a result, the HPCF anodes equipped MFCs deliver a maximum power density of 11.21 W m−3 and a current density of 23.11 A m−3, outperforming the most previously reported 3D porous anodes. This study provides a new idea for the design of anodes for high‐performance MFCs.

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A comprehensive framework for solar panel technology selection: A BWM‐ MULTIMOOSRAL approach
Authors: Shayani Mehr Pegah , Hafezalkotob Ashkan , Fardi Keyvan , Seiti Hamidreza , Movahedi Sobhani Farzad , Hafezalkotob Arian
Published: September 2022

Concerning the overwhelming advantages of solar energy, controlling and exploiting solar energy by using solar panels is one of the main fields of research in the domain of renewable energy. The choice of solar panel technology is highly significant to exploit as much energy as possible. In this paper, the main goal is to select the best technology for solar panels by investigating nine technologies from the first, second, and third generations of solar panels. Moreover, five sustainable criteria of electrical, mechanical, economic, technical, and climate, and 20 subcriteria are given for making decision analysis. Then, the best–worst method is employed according to the experts' opinions for weighting the criteria and for comparing the ranking of the solar energy technologies a framework based on the MULTIMOOSRAL multiple criteria decision‐making method is proposed. Finally, sensitivity analysis will be conducted on the ranking of the technologies. By exploiting the proposed methodology, CIS/CIGS and Perovskite Solar cell are ranked 1 and 2 as the best solar panel technologies for the selected locations.
Disturbance–recovery dynamics inform seafloor management for recovery
Authors: Hewitt Judi , Gladstone‐Gallagher Rebecca , Thrush Simon
Published: September 2022

Over most of the world’s estuaries, coasts, and continental shelves, key indicators of seafloor biodiversity, anthropogenic stress, and ecological sustainability emphasize the need to shift habitat management and conservation from prevention of degradation to actions focused on ecological recovery. Here we discuss the role of ecological disturbance–recovery dynamics in devising and prioritizing effective management interventions. Understanding disturbance–recovery dynamics enables assessment of possible recovery outcomes and where these may be achieved. Ecosystem networks, biodiversity landscapes, species‐specific biological traits, and location‐specific contexts provide managers with information from which likely temporal and spatial scales of recovery can be determined. On the basis of ecological theory and empirical evidence, we emphasize the potential for key species to drive the recovery or maintenance of biodiversity in marine soft‐sediment ecosystems.
Recent large and strong earthquakes in the eastern Himalayas: An appraisal on seismotectonic model
Authors: Kayal J. R. , Baruah Santanu , Hazarika Devajit , Das Amlanjyoti
Published: September 2022

Since 1934, two great earthquakes (Mw ≥8.0) and some eight large/strong earthquakes (Mw 6.5–7.8) occurred in the eastern Himalayas, from eastern Nepal to the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) Zone. All these events are instrumentally recorded by local as well as by the global network. From west to east these events are the 2015 two large/devastating earthquakes (Mw 7.8 and 7.3, respectively) in eastern Nepal, the 1934 and 1988 Bihar–Nepal earthquakes (Mw 8.1 and 6.8, respectively), the 2011 Sikkim (Mw 6.9), the 1967 and 2009 Bhutan (Mw 6.5 and 6.3, respectively), 1964 and 1947 Arunachal–Tibet (Mw 6.5 and 7.0, respectively), and the 1950 Assam–Tibet great (Mw 8.4) earthquakes. Most recently, on 28 April 2021, an earthquake Mw 6.1 occurred in the Assam foredeep. These events are documented as shallow (0–20 km) Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) earthquakes in the International Seismological Center and National Earthquake Information Center—USGS catalogues. With the advent of local digital seismic networks and better precision of hypocentre locations, the eastern Himalayan earthquake source zones are found to be much different; these are not typically MHT events. Precise hypocentre locations indicate bimodal seismicity at shallower (0–20 km) as well as at deeper depths (40–70 km) in the eastern Himalayas. Seismic cross‐sections and fault plane solutions of the earthquakes do not support a uniform seismotectonic model for the entire Himalayas. All the instrumentally recorded past great earthquakes in the Himalayas and the recent destructive earthquakes in the eastern Himalayas study region are critically examined in view of the known seismotectonic model, and we suggest that each large/great earthquake occurred in its own unique complex tectonic environment. The transverse structures play a major role in generating the deeper earthquakes in the eastern Himalayas and the EHS; the shallower MHT may be flattened.
Hippocampal spatial view cells for memory and navigation, and their underlying connectivity in humans
Authors: Rolls Edmund T.
Published: September 2022

Hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus spatial view neurons in primates respond to the spatial location being looked at. The representation is allocentric, in that the responses are to locations “out there” in the world, and are relatively invariant with respect to retinal position, eye position, head direction, and the place where the individual is located. The underlying connectivity in humans is from ventromedial visual cortical regions to the parahippocampal scene area, leading to the theory that spatial view cells are formed by combinations of overlapping feature inputs self‐organized based on their closeness in space. Thus, although spatial view cells represent “where” for episodic memory and navigation, they are formed by ventral visual stream feature inputs in the parahippocampal gyrus in what is the parahippocampal scene area. A second “where” driver of spatial view cells are parietal inputs, which it is proposed provide the idiothetic update for spatial view cells, used for memory recall and navigation when the spatial view details are obscured. Inferior temporal object “what” inputs and orbitofrontal cortex reward inputs connect to the human hippocampal system, and in macaques can be associated in the hippocampus with spatial view cell “where” representations to implement episodic memory. Hippocampal spatial view cells also provide a basis for navigation to a series of viewed landmarks, with the orbitofrontal cortex reward inputs to the hippocampus providing the goals for navigation, which can then be implemented by hippocampal connectivity in humans to parietal cortex regions involved in visuomotor actions in space. The presence of foveate vision and the highly developed temporal lobe for object and scene processing in primates including humans provide a basis for hippocampal spatial view cells to be key to understanding episodic memory in the primate and human hippocampus, and the roles of this system in primate including human navigation.
Quality of death certificates completion for COVID‐19 cases in the southeast of Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alipour Jahanpour , Karimi Afsaneh , Miri‐Aliabad Ghasem , Baloochzahei‐Shahbakhsh Farzaneh , Payandeh Abolfazl , Sharifian Roxana
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim

Death certificate (DC) data provides a basis for public health policies and statistics and contributes to the evaluation of a pandemic's evolution. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the COVID‐19‐related DC completion.

Methods

A descriptive‐analytical study was conducted to review a total of 339 medical records and DCs issued for COVID‐19 cases from February 20 to September 21, 2020. A univariate analysis (χ2 as an unadjusted analysis) was performed, and multiple logistic regression models (odd ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] as adjusted analyses) were used to evaluate the associations between variables.

Results

Errors in DCs were classified as major and minor. All of the 339 examined DCs were erroneous; more than half of DCs (57.8%) had at least one major error; all of them had at least one minor error. Improper sequencing (49.3%), unacceptable underlying causes of death (UCOD) (33.3%), recording more than one cause per line (20.1%), listing general conditions instead of specific terms (11.2%), illegible handwriting (8.3%), competing causes (6.2%), and mechanisms (3.8%) were most common major errors, respectively. Absence of time interval (100%), listing mechanism allying with UCOD (51.6%), using abbreviations (45.4%), missing major comorbidities (16.5%), and listing major comorbidities in part I (16.5%) were most common minor errors, respectively.

Conclusion

The rate of both major and minor errors was high. Using automated tools for recording and selecting death cause(s), promoting certifiers' skills on DC completion, and applying quality control mechanisms in DC documentation can improve death data and statistics.
CFD‐based analysis of entropy generation due to mean and fluctuating fields during turbulent natural convection in a square enclosure
Authors: Said Khaled , Ouadha Ahmed , Sabeur Amina
Published: September 2022

The current study aims to numerically investigate the entropy generation during the natural convection flow of air in a square cavity. The governing equations for the conservation of mass, momentum, energy, and turbulence are solved using a control volume‐based technique employing the commercial code Fluent. Runs have been performed for both laminar and turbulent flow regimes by varying the Rayleigh number (Ra) from 103 to 1010. On the other hand, various viscous distribution coefficients (ϕ = 10−4, 10−3, and 10−2) and constant Prandtl number (Pr = 0.71) were considered. Given the conflicting perspectives in the literature regarding the entropy generation under turbulent regimes, more research is needed to better understand the impact that the fluctuating flow has on entropy production. The four terms of entropy generation inherent to turbulent natural convection (entropy generation due to dissipation in the mean and the fluctuating velocity fields in addition to the heat flux due to the mean and the fluctuating temperature) are computed in the present work and compared to calculations based on only mean values of temperature and velocity gradients. It was found that taking into account the fluctuating terms of temperatures and velocities augment the total entropy generation by 10.10%, 14.43%, and, 17.70%, up to 32.60%, respectively, for Ra = 5 × 108, Ra = 109, Ra = 1.58 × 109, and Ra = 1010. The gain shows the tendency to increase with the Rayleigh number. Thus, the fluctuating terms cannot be neglected particularly for high Rayleigh numbers. Furthermore, unlike entropy production due to the mean flow field, numerical outcomes reveal that the generated irreversibilities due to fluctuating flow are located around the upper hot and the lower cold corners of the heated walls. In addition, a numerical relationship between the first and the second laws of thermodynamics has been derived. A promising result that emerged from this study has shown that the Nusselt number and therefore the first law of thermodynamics is sufficient to estimate the heat part of entropy generation without the necessity of using the second law.
Rainfall event‐based surface runoff and erosion in small watersheds under dairy and direct‐seeding grain production
Authors: Ebling Éderson Diniz , Reichert José Miguel , Minella Jean Paolo Gomes , Holthusen Dörthe , Broetto Tiago , Srinivasan Raghavan
Published: September 2022

A 3‐year study on erosion and streamflow was conducted in two adjacent paired watersheds that flow into the Passo Real reservoir, one of the largest and most important reservoirs for human water supply and power generation in southern Brazil. The watersheds have similar land use and soil management, but different size and riparian vegetation. The first objective of the study was to monitor and evaluate hydrosedimentological dynamics and effects of riparian vegetation, over a range of rain events, in the two watersheds; the second was to assess the ability of the Limburg Soil Erosion Model (LISEM) to represent these small watersheds in hydrosedimentological terms (runoff and erosion) under individual rain events, in the context of better understanding the role of riparian vegetation and land cover. LISEM is a hydrological model structured on physically based equations that can be used for planning and conservation purposes. Studied rainfall events between 2016 and 2018 had a wide range in total rainfall (10–170 mm), rainfall intensity in 1 h (3–66 mm h−1), stream peak flows (4–5741 L s−1), runoff volume (0.02–40 mm), runoff coefficient (0.1–32%), maximum suspended sediment concentration (20–19 611 mg L−1), and sediment yield (0.002–33.790 Mg km−2). Both watersheds showed a rapid response to rain events with significant runoff generation. Abundance of unpaved roads (often parallel to the slope) promoted high runoff due to channelization effects. South Watershed has 59% more riparian vegetation than North Watershed, but this greater riparian vegetation was not effective in reducing surface runoff and erosion. Furthermore, local adoption of no‐tillage was insufficient to control runoff and sediment yield.
Priority pesticides in Chile: Predicting their environmental distribution, bioaccumulation, and transport potential
Authors: Concha Carolina , Manzano Carlos A.
Published: September 2022

Agriculture is one of the main economic activities in Chile and is associated with extensive use of pesticides, which can represent a risk to the environment and to human health. Currently, there are over 400 pesticides approved for commerce in Chile, including chemicals banned in other countries (e.g., flocoumafen and chlorfenapyr). An empirical analysis of their potential environmental effects is difficult due to this large number, thus opening the doors for the use of computational tools for prioritization efforts based on their persistence, bioaccumulation, and transport potential in the environment. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the properties and environmental distribution of pesticides approved for commerce in Chile and to generate a priority list for further evaluation in local environments. We used the Estimation Program Interface Suite interface to estimate the distribution coefficients, half-lives, and bioaccumulation potential of all pesticides registered in the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Services. Additionally, the Pov & LRTP Screening Tool was used to estimate their overall persistence and long-range transport potential in the environment. The results were used to develop a P-B-lon range transport (LRT) score, which considered persistence, bioaccumulation, and long-range transport potential. All pesticides were compared to a group of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), used as reference compounds, to generate a list of priority pesticides with persistent organic pollutants characteristics. The results showed that most pesticides were distributed between the organic phase and water, where they also showed the longest half-lives and bioaccumulation potential. A group of 21 pesticides showed relatively high P-B-LRT scores, compared to PCBs, and were classified as priority compounds. The list was further refined based on the volume of sales for each pesticide.  Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:676–683. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Inhibiting P2Y12 receptor relieves LPS‐induced inflammation and endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Han Xiuxia
Published: September 2022

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by abnormal inflammatory response without effective therapies. P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12R) plays a vital role in inflammatory response. This study intends to explore whether P2Y12R antagonists can inhibit LPS‐induced inflammatory injury of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) and endothelial cell dysfunction.

Methods

Using a cell model of ALI, the role of P2Y12R was investigated in LPS‐induced HPMVECs. The expression of P2Y12R was detected by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis assay and TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 levels were analyzed by RT‐qPCR. NO levels were also analyzed through NO kit. The levels of NF‐κB p65, P‐IκB‐α, and IκB‐α, as well as p‐AKT and eNOS levels were detected by Western blot analysis assay. Wound healing assay was performed to evaluate HPMVECs migration. FITC‐dextran was used to evaluate endothelial cell permeability, and the analysis of adherens junction protein VE‐cadherin and endothelial cell tight junction proteins ZO‐1, Claudin 5 and Occludin expression was performed by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis assay.

Results

In vitro, LPS increased the expression levels of P2Y12R and pro‐inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6), followed by a decrease in HPMVECs migration. In addition, LPS led to an increase in endothelial cell permeability. P2Y12R antagonists Ticagrelor or clopidogrel treatment significantly reversed these effects of LPS.

Conclusion

The inhibitor of P2Y12R was able to decrease inflammatory response, promote migration and improve endothelial cell function and permeability, suggesting a key role of P2Y12R in ALI.
Lifelong Excess in GH Elicits Sexually Dimorphic Effects on Skeletal Morphology and Bone Mechanical Properties
Authors: Dixit Manisha , Louis Leeann D , Basta-Pljakic Jelena , Yildirim Gozde , Poudel Sher-Bahadur , Kumararaja Fancy , List Edward O , Duran Silvana Ortiz , Kopchick John J , Ruff Ryan R , Schaffler Mitchell B , Yakar Shoshana
Published: September 2022

Excess in growth hormone (GH) levels, seen in patients with acromegaly, is associated with increases in fractures. This happens despite wider bones and independent of bone mineral density. We used the bovine GH (bGH) transgenic mice, which show constitutive excess in GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in serum and tissues, to study how lifelong increases in GH and IGF-1 affect skeletal integrity. Additionally, we crossed the acid labile subunit (ALS) null (ALSKO) to the bGH mice to reduce serum IGF-1 levels. Our findings indicate sexually dimorphic effects of GH on cortical and trabecular bone. Male bGH mice showed enlarged cortical diameters, but with marrow cavity expansion and thin cortices as well as increased vascular porosity that were associated with reductions in diaphyseal strength and stiffness. In contrast, female bGH mice presented with significantly smaller-diameter diaphysis, with greater cortical bone thickness and with a slightly reduced tissue elastic modulus (by microindentation), ultimately resulting in overall stronger, stiffer bones. We found increases in C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and procollagen type 1 N propeptide in serum, independent of circulating IGF-1 levels, indicating increased bone remodeling with excess GH. Sexual dimorphism in response to excess GH was also observed in the trabecular bone compartment, particularly at the femur distal metaphysis. Female bGH mice preserved their trabecular architecture during aging, whereas trabecular bone volume in male bGH mice significantly reduced and was associated with thinning of the trabeculae. We conclude that pathological excess in GH results in sexually dimorphic changes in bone architecture and gains in bone mass that affect whole-bone mechanical properties, as well as sex-specific differences in bone material properties. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).