bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourth‐order braneworld gravity
Authors: Balcerzak A.
Published: June 2022

We discuss a general fourth‐order theory of gravity and formulate the generalized Israel junction conditions for the theory by application of a generalized Gibbons‐Hawking boundary term which is added to the action of the fourth‐order gravity theory. Next, we use the generalized Israel junction condition for the construction of a higher‐order gravity braneworld model.
Constraining sudden future singularity models
Authors: Ghodsi H. , Hendry M.A.
Published: June 2022

One of the key challenges facing cosmologists today is the nature of the mysterious dark energy introduced in the standard model of cosmology to account for the current accelerating expansion of the universe. In this regard, many other non‐standard cosmologies have been proposed which would eliminate the need to explicitly include any form of dark energy. One such model is the Sudden Future Singularity (SFS) model, in which no equation of state linking the energy density and the pressure in the universe is assumed to hold. In this model it is possible to have a blow up of the pressure occurring in the near future while the energy density would remain unaffected. The particular evolution of the scale factor of the Universe in this model that results in a singular behaviour of the pressure also admits acceleration in the current era as required. In this paper we compare an example SFS model with the current data from high redshift supernovae, baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and the cosmic microwave background (CMBR). We explore the limits placed on the SFS model parameters by these current data and discuss the viability of the SFS model in question as an alternative to the standard concordance cosmology.
Some spaces are more equal than others
Authors: Roukema B.F.
Published: June 2022

It has generally been thought that in perturbed Friedmann‐Lemaître‐Robertson‐Walker models of the Universe, global topology should not have any feedback effects on dynamics. However, a weak‐field limit heuristical argument, assuming a finite particle horizon for the transmission of gravitational signals, shows that a residual acceleration effect can occur. The nature of this effect differs algebraically between different constant curvature 3‐manifolds. This potentially provides a selection mechanism for the 3‐manifold of comoving space.
(Quantum) gravity effects via exotic ℝ4
Authors: Król J.
Published: June 2022

The arguments are given that exotic smooth ℝ4's can be considered as the natural counterpart for geometry of quantum gravity in some limits. This follows from the relations of these exotics to ℤ2 orientifolds of WZW models on SU(2), abelian gerbes on S3, generalized Hitchin's–Gualtieri structures as well gerbes on some orbifolds. Non‐standard smoothings of ℝ4 seem to carry also quantum information about spacetime and gravity.
Bose‐Einstein condensation in the early universe
Authors: Morikawa M.
Published: June 2022

By introducing the Bose‐Einstein condensation dynamics (BEC), we develop a unified model of dark energy and dark matter. The two phases of BEC (= dark energy) and normal gas (= dark matter) transform with each other through the phase transition. We study the present mild acceleration, the inflation in the early universe, and the reduction of the cosmological constant. We find the stagflation regime when the cosmic expansion stops and the uniform mode of BEC becomes unstable. We also comment on the possibility that BEC generation/decay series might have continued all the time in the cosmic history from the inflation to present.
Molecular Stacking on Graphene
Authors: Wei Tao , Liu Xin , Kohring Malte , Al‐Fogra Sabrin , Moritz Michael , Hemmeter Daniel , Paap Ulrike , Papp Christian , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Bachmann Julien , Weber Heiko B. , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas
Published: June 2022

The sequential vertical polyfunctionalization of 2D addend‐patterned graphene is still elusive. Here, we report a practical realization of this goal via a “molecular building blocks” approach, which is based on a combination of a lithography‐assisted reductive functionalization approach and a post‐functionalization step to sequentially and controllably link the molecular building blocks ethylpyridine, cis‐dichlorobis(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium, and triphenylphosphine (4‐methylbenzenethiol, respectively) on selected lattice regions of a graphene matrix. The assembled 2D hetero‐architectures are unambiguously characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic measurements, revealing the stepwise stacking of the molecular building blocks on the graphene surface. Our method overcomes the current limitation of a one‐layer‐only binding to the graphene surface and opens the door for a vertical growth in the z‐direction.
Alkyl/Glycosyl Sulfoxides as Radical Precursors and Their Use in the Synthesis of Pyridine Derivatives**
Authors: Xie Demeng , Wang Yingwei , Zhang Xia , Fu Zhengyan , Niu Dawen
Published: June 2022

We report here the use of simple and readily available alkyl sulfoxides as precursors to radicals and their application in the preparation of pyridine derivatives. We show that alkyl sulfoxides,N‐methoxy pyridinium salts and fluoride anions form electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes in solution, which, upon visible light irradiation, undergo a radical chain process to afford various pyridine derivatives smoothly. This reaction displays broad scope with respect to both sulfoxides andN‐methoxy pyridiniums. The synthetic versatility of sulfoxides as a handle in chemistry adds to their power as radical precursors. Glycosyl sulfoxides are converted to the corresponding pyridylC‐glycosides with high stereoselectivities. Computational and experimental studies provide insights into the reaction mechanism.
Hydrazide Derivatives for Defect Passivation in Pure CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Che Yuhang , Liu Zhike , Duan Yuwei , Wang Jungang , Yang Shaomin , Xu Dongfang , Xiang Wanchun , Wang Tao , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: June 2022

All‐inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite presents preeminent chemical stability and a desirable band gap as the front absorber for perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Unfortunately, CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) still show low efficiency due to high density of defects in solution‐prepared CsPbI3 films. Herein, three kinds of hydrazide derivatives (benzoyl hydrazine (BH), formohydrazide (FH) and benzamide (BA)) are designed to reduce the defect density and stabilize the phase of CsPbI3. Calculation and characterization results corroborate that the carboxyl and hydrazine groups in BH form strong chemical bonds with Pb2+ ions, resulting in synergetic double coordination. In addition, the hydrazine group in the BH also forms a hydrogen bond with iodine to assist the coordination. Consequently, a high efficiency of 20.47 % is achieved, which is the highest PCE among all pure CsPbI3‐based PSCs reported to date. In addition, an unencapsulated device showed excellent stability in ambient air.
Highly Active and Stable Li2S−Cu Nanocomposite Cathodes Enabled by Kinetically Favored Displacement Interconversion between Cu2S and Li2S
Authors: Tan Lulu , Li Anran , Yang Yusi , Zhang Jianwen , Niu Xiaogang , Li Nan , Liu Limin , Guo Lin , Zhu Yujie
Published: June 2022

The high activation barrier, inferior rate performance, and short cycling life severely constrain the practical applications of the high‐capacity Li2S cathode. Herein, we fabricate a Li2S−Cu nanocomposite with a drastically reduced activation potential, fast rate capability, and extraordinary cycling stability even under a practically relevant areal capacity of 2.96 mAh cm−2. Detailed experimental investigations aided by theoretical calculations indicate that instead of converting to S8via troublesome soluble lithium polysulfides, Li2S is thermodynamically and kinetically more favorable to react with Cu by the displacement reaction, which alters the redox couple from Li2S/S to Cu/Cu2S, leading to the excellent electrochemical performance. Moreover, the stability of the composite is demonstrated in the full‐cell configuration consisting of commercial graphite anodes. This work provides an innovative and effective approach to realize highly activated and stable Li2S cathode materials.
Accelerated Degradation of Microplastics at the Liquid Interface of Ice Crystals in Frozen Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Tian Chen , Lv Jiaxin , Zhang Wenchao , Wang Han , Chao Jin , Chai Liyuan , Lin Zhang
Published: June 2022

Microplastics (MPs) are one of the emerging contaminants in environmental media, and they have raised great concern because they are resistant to degradation and persist in ecosystems. Although numerous advanced technologies have been developed, suitable technologies are still lacking for degradation of widespread MPs in the natural environment. We have discovered that MPs can be degraded exceptionally rapidly in frozen environments. Taking polystyrene (PS) as an example, its degradation rate in ice (−20 °C) is surprisingly competitive to most artificial technologies. PS particles are trapped and squeezed to achieve excited state (3PS*) in the narrow space of the liquid layer between ice crystals, which further react with the highly concentrated dioxygen to selectively produce singlet oxygen (1O2). The 1O2 boosts PS oxidation in the liquid layer thus further causing accelerated degradation at freezing temperature. This finding offers a highly efficient pathway for degradation of MPs and it sheds light on an unusual MPs disposal mechanisms in nature.
Water Networks Repopulate Protein–Ligand Interfaces with Temperature
Authors: Stachowski Timothy R. , Vanarotti Murugendra , Seetharaman Jayaraman , Lopez Karlo , Fischer Marcus
Published: June 2022

High‐resolution crystal structures highlight the importance of water networks in protein–ligand interactions. However, as these are typically determined at cryogenic temperature, resulting insights may be structurally precise but not biologically accurate. By collecting 10 matched room‐temperature and cryogenic datasets of the biomedical target Hsp90α, we identified changes in water networks that impact protein conformations at the ligand binding interface. Water repositioning with temperature repopulates protein ensembles and ligand interactions. We introduce Flipper conformational barcodes to identify temperature‐sensitive regions in electron density maps. This revealed that temperature‐responsive states coincide with ligand‐responsive regions and capture unique binding signatures that disappear upon cryo‐cooling. Our results have implications for discovering Hsp90 selective ligands, and, more generally, for the utility of hidden protein and water conformations in drug discovery.
Study on the polymerization process and monomer reactivity of EPEG‐type polycarboxylate superplasticizer
Authors: Feng Hui , Feng Zhongjun , Mao Yucheng , Deng Zuiliang , Zheng Baicun
Published: June 2022

In this study, the binary aqueous free radical copolymerization process of ethylene‐glycol monovinyl polyethylene glycol (EPEG) and acrylic acid (AA) was studied. The influence of monomer type and molar ratio on the conversion ratio of EPEG and the molar ratio of copolymer were investigated via gel permeation chromatography (GPC) by comparing the macromonomer molecular structures, side chain densities, and carboxyl group concentrations. According to the results, the reactivity of EPEG copolymerized with AA was higher than that of isoprenyl oxypoly (ethylene glycol) ether (IPEG, also referred to as TPEG) with AA. The copolymerization reaction between EPEG and AA could be completed within 30 min at 10–20°C. At the initial stage, the copolymer content quickly attained 60% within 15 min, reflecting the short induction period and high chain propagation rate constant. The fluidity tests in cement mortar revealed that polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) with short side chains and high conversion ratio exhibited better dispersion capacity than PCEs with long side chains.
Synthesis of new thienylnicotinamidines: Proapoptotic profile and cell cycle arrest of HepG2 cells
Authors: Ismail Mohamed A. , Abdelwahab Ghada A. , Hamama Wafaa S. , Abdel‐Latif Ehab , El‐Senduny Fardous F. , El‐Sayed Wael M.
Published: June 2022

Fourteen new thienylnicotinamidines and their analogs 5a–5k, 12, 13a, and 13b were prepared and their antiproliferative potential was evaluated against the growth of 60 cancer cell lines. The tested compounds had a strong antiproliferative efficacy against almost all cancer cell lines, with the average GI50 at ~2.20 µM. The effect of the thienylnicotinamidines on the growth of normal lung fibroblast cells (WI‐38) indicated that these derivatives are safe to the normal cells. The selectivity index (SI) ranges from 5.5‐ to 42.0‐fold. The conceivable mechanisms of action of the effective compounds 5d, 5f, 5g, 5i, 5j, and 5k with high SI were investigated. Although the thienylnicotinamidines are similar in structure, they could be divided into three groups as per their effects on gene expression: The first group (5d and 5f) elevated p53 and caspase 3 expression, the second group (5g and 5i) elevated p53 expression, and the last group (5j and 5k) elevated p53 and reduced topoII expression. Many thienylnicotinamides inhibited the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) in cell lysates at concentrations comparable to or better than pazopanib. The data of caspase 3 expression were confirmed by measuring the protein level by Western blot and the activity of the cleaved active enzyme. The ability to arrest the cell cycle and induce apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry. Taken together, two derivatives, 5d and 5f, with a distinctive VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activity and a proapoptotic and cell cycle arrest profile merit further investigations.
Defective products management in a furniture production company: A data mining approach
Authors: Ersöz Taner , Güven İlker , Ersöz Filiz
Published: June 2022

Quality is one of the main focuses of the manufacturing companies. Therefore, this issue takes attention of many researchers from both academic and professional environment. In industries like furniture where company types are most likely workshop or small‐medium enterprise and production method is traditional, effective methods to prevent faulty production must be considered. Traditional or statistical methods are good to track defective products and keep the within desired levels, however not as good to prevent them from occurring. These methods come with an acceptance to some level of defective production. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the in the furniture production sector and to reveal the source of the defective production and the factors that cause the defect in terms of which department. In addition, finding the most appropriate methods to accurately analyze the data coming from the company is another research topic of this study. In the research, artificial neural networks and decision tree models were established and inferences were made from the data sets. The model established in the application revealed the causes of the problems experienced in the production process of the company, thus root cause of defective products can be found and prevented. By using data mining techniques, this study developed an effective approach to improve the quality of the production process and to predict and prevent errors before they occur. According to results of the study classification and regression tree algorithm outperformed other methods by yielding 90.12% correct prediction rate. 87.5% of the defects caused by cover and seat cushion problems account for defects in the textile department.
Fluorinated β‐diketone‐based Sm(III) complexes: spectroscopic and optoelectronic characteristics
Authors: Dalal Anuj , Nehra Kapeesha , Hooda Anjli , Singh Devender , Dhankhar Jyotika , Kumar Sumit
Published: June 2022

The synthesis and characterization of a series of octa‐coordinated Sm(III) complexes with 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐(2‐naphthyl)‐1,3‐butanedione (TFNB) and 2,2′‐bipyridine (Bpy) derivatives as ancillary ligand are described here. The complexes were analyzed by elemental, spectroscopic such as infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, and thermogravimetric analyses. The fluorinated TFNB ligand absorbs in the range from 200 to 400 nm. The complexes show the sharp and structured Sm‐based emissions in visible region upon irradiation in UV range. Excitation spectra of complexes show similarity to the absorption spectra of ligands suggesting that excitation energy is transferred from ligands to Sm(III) centre by the antenna effect. Photoluminescence emission spectra and colour parameters affirmed that the complexes show luminescence in orange–red region. These luminous Sm(III) complexes might be applied as emissive layer in organic electroluminescent devices.
Clozapine prescribing practice and trends in Qatar: First national observational study
Authors: Wadoo Ovais , Latoo Javed , Alabdulla Majid , Eltorki Yassin , Riaz Sadaf , Karim Mustafa Abdul , Abu‐Hafizah Mohammed , Reagu Shuja
Published: June 2022

Background

Clozapine is the gold standard in the management of treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. Despite its clinically proven efficacy clozapine utilization is variable globally and published evidence is suggestive of its underutilization. Research from the Arab region on clozapine utilization is limited. The aim of our descriptive observational study was to evaluate the prescribing practice of clozapine and its sociodemographic and clinical corelates in the State of Qatar.

Methods

The study is a retrospective case‐note review of all patients maintained on clozapine, in the calendar year 2020. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics of the patients; antipsychotic trials before initiating clozapine; and clinical characteristics of the patients, including their diagnoses leading to prescription of clozapine, duration of illness, psychiatric hospitalizations, and co‐morbidities.

Results

During the study period, 100 patients were maintained on clozapine. Patients were mostly Qatari and non‐Qatari Arab males. Prescription rates were significantly different for Qatari patients when compared to non‐Qatari patients. Most patients had a chronic illness with the age of onset of illness in early adulthood and were diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The mean daily dose of clozapine was 325 mg. Eighty percent of the patients received two or more antipsychotic trials before initiating clozapine. Sixty‐eight percent of the patients had more than two antipsychotic trials before initiating Clozapine. One third of patients had no history of psychiatric hospitalizations, and one quarter had five or more previous psychiatric hospitalizations. Of the psychiatric comorbidities, mood and substance use disorders were common. Of medical comorbidities, endocrine and metabolic disorders were common.

Conclusion

Despite apparent underutilization, the Clozapine prescribing rates in Qatar are comparable to countries with plasma monitoring systems when framed within Qatar's unique demographic context. However, there still is a significant delay in Clozapine initiation despite its clinical superiority.

Strengths and Limitations of this Study

First study on Clozapine utilization from the Middle‐East and North‐Africa region.

This study examined prescribing of clozapine in a national cohort of patients in Qatar.

Provides insight into sociodemographic and clinical correlates of clozapine prescribing in a country with 90% migrants.

Limited by the completeness of the information contained in the patients’ medical charts.
Two New Alkaloids from the Marine‐Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. LSH‐3‐1
Authors: Li Sihui , Ma Yihan , Wang Lixia , Lan Donghe , Fu Leilei , Wu Bin
Published: June 2022

Two new alkaloids, peniokaramine (1) and penipyranopyridine (6), along with seven known compounds, were isolated from the marine‐derived fungus Penicillium sp. LSH‐3‐1. Their structures were elucidated from UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The anti‐inflammatory potential of compounds 1–8 in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells was detected, revealing that compounds 3 and 5 significantly decreased LPS‐induced production of pro‐inflammatory mediators, including NO, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Compounds 1–8 were also screened for their cytotoxic activity against A549 cells and compound 1 showed moderate activity.
Alternative resource of incineration bottom ash for ceramic tile production
Authors: Dagnew Elsabet Hunachew
Published: June 2022

In long run, the ceramic industry's environmental footprint is a serious issue for its survival. This study focused on the substitution of clay (kaolin) by incinerated bottom ash, which is generated from reppi waste to energy power plants for ceramic wall tile production. Dry pressed ceramic wall tile samples were prepared by adding bottom ash from 0 to 60 wt% with clay (kaolin). The sample was analyzed after sintered at 1110°C for the residence time of 45 min by testing water absorption, breaking strength, and flexural strength. The water absorption is greater than 10%, and higher flexural strength of 24.83 MPa was obtained for the clay with 30 wt% incinerated bottom ash addition. Encouraging test result has been obtained on using up to 30% of incineration bottom ash in the manufacturing of dry pressed ceramic wall tile to substitute clay (kaolin).
Controlling the Flexibility of MIL‐88A(Sc) Through Synthetic Optimisation and Postsynthetic Halogenation
Authors: Walshe Catherine A. , Thom Alexander J. R. , Wilson Claire , Ling Sanliang , Forgan Ross S.
Published: June 2022

Breathing behaviour in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), the distinctive transformation between a porous phase and a less (or non) porous phase, often controls the uptake of guest molecules, endowing flexible MOFs with highly selective gas adsorptive properties. In highly flexible topologies, breathing can be tuned by linker modification, which is typically achieved pre‐synthetically using functionalised linkers. Herein, it was shown that MIL‐88A(Sc) exhibits the characteristic flexibility of its topology, which can be tuned by 1) modifying synthetic conditions to yield a formate‐buttressed analogue that is rigid and porous; and 2) postsynthetic bromination across the alkene functionality of the fumarate ligand, generating a product that is rigid but non‐porous. In addition to providing different methodologies for tuning the flexibility and breathing behaviour of this archetypal MOF, it was shown that bromination of the formate‐bridged analogue results in an identical material, representing a rare example of two different MOFs being postsynthetically converted to the same end product.
Was Menschen bewegt, die etwas bewegen
Authors: Danielmeier Karsten
Published: June 2022

Im Profil: Dr. Karsten Danielmeier, Senior Vice President und Leiter des Bereiches Wachstumsgeschäfte bei der Covestro Deutschland und seit 2022 Präsident der GDCh
Outcomes of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation in HIV‐infected patients: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Narla Venkata A. , Yang Hannan , Li Quefeng
Published: June 2022

Background

HIV‐infected individuals have a known increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to uninfected individuals. Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) are standard therapy for preventing SCD; however, there is limited data on the outcomes of ICDs in HIV‐infected individuals.

Hypothesis

HIV‐infected subjects receive a higher number of appropriate ICD therapies than uninfected controls.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 35 consecutive HIV‐Infected patients and 36 uninfected controls matched by age, race, and gender who were treated at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in the outpatient or inpatient setting from 2014 to the present and had undergone ICD implantation. For HIV‐infected subjects, a multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between covariates and ICD therapies.

Results

Among HIV‐infected subjects, the mean CD4 count was 582.5 cells/mm3 and 69% had an undetectable viral load. The median follow‐up was 6.4 years. HIV‐infected subjects had both a higher number of appropriate ICD shocks or antitachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy per person‐year as well as a higher number of inappropriate ICD shocks per person‐year than uninfected controls (1.512 vs. 0.590 and 0.122 vs. 0.0166, respectively, p < .001 for both comparisons). After multivariate adjustment, the presence of detectable/unsuppressed viral load at the time of ICD implantation was an independent predictor of both of the following in HIV‐infected subjects: (1) appropriate ICD discharge (p = .004), and (2) appropriate ICD discharge or appropriate ATP therapy (p < .001).

Conclusion

HIV‐infected subjects had a higher number of appropriate ICD discharge or ATP therapy per person‐year than matched uninfected controls.
Implications of Sediment Properties on Phosphorus Availability to the Selenastrum capricornutum in Urmia Lake Rivers
Authors: Arfania Hamed , Samadi Abbas , Asadzadeh Farrokh , Sepehr Ebrahim , van der Zee Sjoerd
Published: June 2022

Increasing anthropogenic loading of phosphorus (P) threatens aquatic ecosystems. The bioavailability of P in sediments for algal growth depends on several physiochemical properties. This study is aimed at selecting the best chemical extraction method to characterize P‐availability for the alga Selenastrum capricornutum. Principal component analysis of the data identified two components that cover 79.3% of the total variation, and these components are dominated by particle size distribution, active calcium carbonate equivalence, and electical conductivity (EC). Many of the considered extractions are positively correlated with each other, with the exception being Bray‐II. The sediments of some rivers have an Olsen‐extractable P higher than 20 mg kg−1, that is considered a threshold value above which the aquatic environment may become negatively affected. The average rank order of P extraction by single extractants is: Colwell > Mehlich III > 0.1 m NaOH > Olsen > Morgan > Soltanpour and Schwab (AB‐DTPA) > Bray II. The Colwell‐extractable P concentrations of sediments varies from 1.44 to 88.0 mg kg−1. The Cowell extractant significantly correlates with algal growth (r2 = 0.92, P < 0.001) and gives a rough estimate of the amount of bioavailable P in sediments.
Effective intrusion detection system using concept drifting data stream and support vector machine
Authors: Rajeswari Poleboina Venkata Naga , Shashi Mogalla , Rao Tiyyabindi Kameswara , Rajya Lakshmi Matta , Kiran Lanka Venkateswara
Published: June 2022

Due to the widespread distribution of network connectivity, the demand for network security and protection against cyber‐attacks is increasing rapidly. Intrusion detection system (IDS) plays a vital role in the network security. Previously, the concept‐drift based IDS is performed, in which the suspicious activity at specific IP address is detected on the real time network. However, in that research the intrusion detection is performed on single attribute. In this work, an efficient adaptive window with support vector machine (ADWIN‐SVM) is developed to detect the intrusions on large datasets with multiple attributes. The initial process in the proposed system is data cleaning. To clean the input data, the data normalization technique is utilized. Then, the data are streamed as online data by including the timestamp attribute to the dataset. This process assists to extract the patterns and detect the changes in the data. ADWIN algorithm identifies the sudden generation of drift and separates the window based on the split point. The data can be classified as normal and attack by the SVM classifier. For the performance evaluation of the proposed IDS, two datasets such as KDD Cup 1999 and CICIDS 2017 are utilized. Python is the implementation tool and the performance metrics considered for the proposed approach are precision, recall, F1 score, accuracy, and false positive rate. The proposed ADWIN‐SVM performance is compared with various existing techniques such as random forest, decision tree, naive Bayes, logistic regression, AdaBoost, K‐nearest neighbor, and SVM‐rbf. From the comparative analysis, the proposed ADWIN‐SVM is outperformed in intrusion detection.
Desire thinking as an underlying mechanism in alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence
Authors: Khosravani Vahid , Spada Marcantonio M. , Samimi Ardestani Seyed Mehdi , Sharifi Bastan Farangis
Published: June 2022

Desire thinking is an emerging construct in the addictive behaviours literature. No research, to date, has investigated its contribution to problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence in patient samples when accounting for established predictors of addictive behaviours. The present study sought to clarify, in patient samples, the relative contribution of desire thinking in the associations between negative affect, impulsivity and thought suppression on the one hand and craving, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence on the other. To achieve this goal, two groups of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) (n = 370; age range = 15–67 years) and nicotine dependence (n = 365; age range = 17–75 years) were selected, and measures of negative affect, impulsivity, thought suppression, craving, desire thinking, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence were completed by both groups. Results showed that in both groups, negative affect and thought suppression indirectly affected alcohol and nicotine craving, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence through the mediating role of desire thinking. The present study shows the independent role of desire thinking in predicting problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence in patient samples, indicating its potential relevance for treatment.
Unravelling Li+ Intercalation Mechanism and Cathode Electrolyte Interphase of Na3V2(PO4)3 and Na3(VOPO4)2F Cathode as Robust Framework Towards High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: He Jiarong , Tao Tao , Yang Fan , Sun Zhipeng
Published: June 2022

Although lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are promising towards high energy density and superior safety energy storage systems (ESS), severe depletion of Li reserve cannot meet the ever‐growing demand for LIBs due to the uneven distribution and limited amount of Li resource. Li‐free polyanionic cathodes, such as Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) and Na3(VOPO4)2F (NVOPF), show intriguing electrochemical performances with prospective future for LIBs due to their appropriate crystallographic sites, robust host structure, and abundant Na resource. In this work, NVP and NVOPF were systematically investigated as cathodes for LIBs using different voltage windows of 2.5–4.3, 2.0–4.3, and 1.5–4.8 V, along with their electrochemical mechanisms, cathode electrolyte interphase properties, and electrode morphologies for comparison. Ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction, ex‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and post‐mortem scanning electron microscopy revealed that their mechanisms shifted from a predominant Na+ intercalation/deintercalation in the first charging/discharging to a mixed Li+/Na+ intercalation/deintercalation at the subsequent cycling. Due to the residual Na+ acting as pillar in the structure, NVP and NVPF could serve as robust host framework, providing appropriate crystallographic sites for repeated Li+/Na+ intercalation/deintercalation. NVP electrode delivered a higher discharge capacity of 107.6 mAh g−1 with superior capacity retention of 84.3 % after 1000 cycles (2.5–4.3 V, 100 mA g−1) than NVOPF electrode (97.3 mAh g−1, 68.8 %). Electrode polarization and kinetic analysis manifested one energetically similar and two energetically nonequivalent crystallographic Na sites within the R
c and I4/mmm polyanionic structure of NVP and NVOPF. This work comprehensively demonstrates the feasibility and prospect of sodium‐based NVP and NVOPF polyanions serving as advanced Li‐free cathodes for LIBs, which provides novel insights into seeking Li‐free candidates as prospective cathodes for LIBs towards a more sustainable society and a cost‐effective battery manufacturing system.
The long arm of childhood socioeconomic deprivation on mid‐ to later‐life cognitive trajectories: A cross‐cohort analysis
Authors: Tsang Ruby S. M. , Gallacher John E. , Bauermeister Sarah
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Earlier studies of the effects of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) on later‐life cognitive function consistently report a social gradient in later‐life cognitive function. Evidence for their effects on cognitive decline is, however, less clear.

Methods

The sample consists of 5324 participants in the Whitehall II study, 8572 in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and 1413 in the Kame Project, who completed self‐report questionnaires on their early life experiences and underwent repeated cognitive assessments. We characterized cognitive trajectories using latent class mixed models, and explored associations between childhood SES and latent class membership using logistic regressions.

Results

We identified distinct trajectories classes for all cognitive measures examined. Childhood socioeconomic deprivation was associated with an increased likelihood of being in a lower trajectory class.

Discussion

Our findings support the notions that cognitive aging is a heterogeneous process and early life circumstances may have lasting effects on cognition across the life‐course.
Usefulness of cellblock preparation in fine needle aspiration for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Puga Francisca Marques , Rodrigues Miguel , Eloy Catarina
Published: June 2022

Background

Thyroid nodules are common in the general population. The current diagnostic method for nodules is the ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (US‐FNA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of cellblock preparation in addition to routine US‐FNA in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with thyroid nodules submitted to US‐FNA, with collection of material using both smears and cellblock preparation. Two air‐dried smears were prepared for each nodule. After centrifugation, the residual aspirate in the syringe and needle was processed as a standard histology specimen (cellblock). Then a pathologist reviewed the smears and cellblock slides of each case.

Results

A total of 12.360 thyroid nodules were submitted to US‐FNA. Cellblock preparation was performed in 153 (1.2%) in addition to smears. Among the satisfactory cellblocks (80.5%, 120), 31.7% (38) provided additional morphological information in comparison with smears alone. No significant differences were found between the smear and the combined smear and cellblock evaluation concerning the number of unsatisfactory (12.1% vs. 11.4%, p = .85) and indeterminate (27.5% vs. 24.2%, p = .52) results. Overall, 10 samples (6.7%) had their diagnosis changed after cellblock evaluation, nine of them due to immunohistochemical studies. Immunohistochemistry confirmed parathyroid origin of the nodule in six cases.

Conclusion

Cellblocks did not contribute to increase cellularity of the samples or to reduce indetermined results of FNA of thyroid nodules. Immunohistochemistry was essential to characterize rare cases without follicular histogenesis. Cellblock must only be prepared when considering performing immunohistochemistry.
Promise of sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Shen Xizi , Shen Xingping
Published: June 2022

Heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is associated with comparable poor outcomes as other subtypes of heart failure and remains a medical unmet need due to the paucity of effective therapies. According to large cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials in patients with heart failure, sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce CV mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with heart failure across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). There has been a lack of dedicated trials in HFmrEF. However, several large outcome trials in heart failure that enrolled patients with HFmrEF could provide a hint on the role of SGLT2is in this subgroup. This review focuses on CV effects of three major SGLT2is—dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and sotagliflozin—in patients with HFmrEF. A narrative review of trials investigating the efficacy of each medication in treating heart failure with LVEF > 40% is provided with a focus on their LVEF subgroup analyses. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current state of evidence regarding the potential of SGLT2is in HFmrEF management. Current limited evidence suggests that SGLT2is might be a favourable treatment modality for patients with HFmrEF to reduce hospitalization for heart failure and CV mortality. This conclusion needs to be further supported by clear HFmrEF subgroup analysis of the existing trials. Further outcome trials involving sufficient patients with different subtypes of HFmrEF are needed to confirm and assess CV benefits of SGLT2is in HFmrEF. Possible mechanisms by which SGLT2is exert their cardioprotective effect are also described briefly.
Ni‐Catalyzed Cyanation of Allylic Alcohols with Formamide as the Cyano Source
Authors: Deng Lin‐Fang , Cheng Jing , Chen Jun‐Jia , Yang Luo
Published: June 2022

Formamide as the safe cyano source! A Ni‐catalyzed cyanation of unactivated allylic alcohols and formamide to provide various α,β‐unsaturated nitriles was developed by generating the cyano unit in situ from safe and readily available formamide.
Economic Electrochemical Sensors for the Determination of Eszopiclone in Pharmaceutical Formulation with Greenness Profile Assessment
Authors: El‐Yazbi Amira F. , Sabry Suzy M. , Moneeb Marwa S. , Elgammal Feda A. H. , Essam Hebatallah M.
Published: June 2022

Electrochemical‐ion‐selective‐sensors offer green, rapid, economic and simple analytical‐tool in pharmaceutical industry, control processes, physiological measurements and environmental monitoring. In this study, two sensors were introduced for eszopiclone (EZP) determination in pure‐form and in pharmaceutical‐dosage‐forms using drug‐ion‐exchanger association complex fabrication technique. Two different ion‐exchangers were used and compared, tetrakis (4‐chlorophenyl) borate in sensor1 and tetraphenyl borate in sensor 2. Such sensors showed superior performance at pH 3.5 over a wide‐range of EZP concentration. The proposed method was also assessed using GAPI and analytical Eco‐scale. Low cost, short analysis‐time, simplicity and greenness of the proposed sensors allow their use for high‐through‐put analysis in quality‐control laboratories.
Fabrication of Low‐cost Screen‐printed Electrode in Paper Using Conductive Inks of Graphite and Silver/Silver Chloride
Authors: Oliveira Ana E. F. , Pereira Arnaldo C. , de Resende Mayra A. C.
Published: June 2022

The fabrication of the Screen‐Printed Electrode (SPE) was performed using the graphite ink to print the working (WE) and counter electrodes (CE), and silver/silver chloride path as reference electrode (RE). All the electrodes are printed in a paper substrate using screen‐printing technique. The resulting SPE is characterized using scanning electron microscopy, showing all the ink layer, and subsequently optimized. The paper sample presented the cellulose fibers entanglement, extremely rough, with highly porous network. Then the graphite ink was deposited and the surface became flat, thinner and very smooth. When the silver ink was painted on top of the graphite ink, the spherical silver particles, ranged from 2–3.5 μm in size, were observed. And finally, the silver ink was covered with a AgCl layer and the particle size becomes larger with an irregular sphere‐like phase. The images showed that the layers appear to be homogeneously distributed with good coverage. Then fabrication process was optimized concerning type of paper, the sanding process, the hydrophobic barrier, the electrode design and size. In summary, the optimized values included using the previously sanded matte paper with a mineral spirit layer. The design and size of the electrode were also tested to achieve the best electrochemical performance (design 3 with 3.5 cm). The final SPE was a miniaturized and flexible paper‐based electrochemical electrode. In order to evaluate the electrical properties, the ohmic resistance of each ink was tested using a multimeter and the obtained values were 2.18 kΩ for the graphite ink, 2.27 Ω for the silver ink and 38.33 kΩ for the silver/silver chloride ink. That can indicate the good conductivity of each ink used in the fabrication of the electrode and the correct deposition of Ag/AgCl. Finally, the electrode was used to measure the electrochemical response of K4[Fe(CN)6] in different concentrations. Then a calibration curve was obtained from the voltammograms and a linearity was observed between the current and concentration in the range of 0.50–2.00 mM. That indicates that the SPE has potential to be used as a voltammetric electrode.
High‐energy‐density supercapacitors using supersonically sprayed water‐based precursors comprising cobalt iron oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Kim Taegun , Samuel Edmund , Seol Jaewoo , Lee Hae‐Seok , Yoon Sam S.
Published: June 2022

A water‐based iron oxide/cobalt/reduced graphene oxide (Fe2O3/Co/rGO) precursor was spray‐coated via supersonic spraying onto a flexible substrate to fabricate supercapacitor electrodes. The inclusion of Co in Fe2O3 increased the number of electrochemical reaction sites and enhanced the local electron mobility, which in turn improved the overall energy storage capability of the electrodes. The Co salt concentration was varied to determine the optimal electrochemical performance. Supersonic spraying was utilized to coat rGO sheets, on which the bimetallic CoFe2O3 particles were evenly distributed. The uniform coating of rGO and its excellent electrical conductivity increased the electron mobility of the electrode and provided shorter ionic diffusion pathways. Furthermore, the catastrophic impact of supersonic spraying led to the exfoliation of the rGO sheets, which increased the surface area and enhanced the adherence of the CoFe2O3 particles to the substrate. This rGO exfoliation also enabled the accommodation of the CoFe2O3 particles between the exfoliated graphene sheets, thereby enhancing electron transport throughout the electrode. The optimal sample exhibited a specific capacitance of 1.11 F·cm−2 at a current rate of 2 mA·cm−2, energy density of 0.62 mWh·cm−2 at a power density of 8 mW·cm−2, and capacitance retention of 89% after 10,000 charge‐discharge cycles.
Diffusion control and surface control mechanism in hierarchical nanostructured porous zinc‐based MOF material for supercapattery
Authors: Ali Syeda Ramsha , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Faisal Mian Muhammad , Alzaid Meshal
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we are reporting the zinc‐based metal‐organic framework nanomaterials for their application as a supercapattery device. The facile hydrothermal technique had been utilized to synthesize the MOF material. The surface morphology, crystallinity, and porosity were investigated with X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. To study the ability of the synthesized material for the storage of charges, electrochemical characterizations such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed in 1.0 M potassium hydroxide electrolyte. The specific capacity has been calculated from GCD curves and the material delivers 200 C/g at a current density of 0.7 A/g. This material revealed excellent performance in three‐electrode assembly and therefore coupled with activated carbon (Zn‐MOF//AC) to analyze the real energy and power density. This asymmetric assembly (supercapattery) had been tested with CV, GCD, and EIS. From all these characterizations, it was founded that the device was able to store charges of 172 C/g along with the excellent energy density and power density of 38.05 Wh/kg and 240 W/kg, respectively. The supercapattery revealed exceptional cyclic stability of 93.6% even after 2500 GCD cycles along with 100% of columbic efficiency. Furthermore, the diffusion‐controlled and surface‐controlled contributions were investigated for the assembled supercapattery, and it is found that the device stores energy through both the contributions. The maximum diffusive contribution by the device was 70.13% at the scan rate of 10 mV/s, which reaches to 42.75% at 100 mV/s scan rate. Likewise, the surface control contribution of the device was 29.86% at 10 mV/s, which rises up to 57.24% at 100 mV/s scan rate. These variations are attributed to the scan rates, which allow the ions to interact fast/slow with electrodes. Our analysis indicates that the synthesized material can be utilized as an interesting high‐performance electrode material for supercapattery devices.
An extra hour wasted? Bar closing hours and traffic accidents in Norway
Authors: Green Colin , Krehic Lana
Published: June 2022

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major cause of fatalities worldwide. There have been a range of legislative and policy interventions aiming to address this. Bar closing hours is one policy with clear implications for drink driving. Existing evidence, largely drawn from one‐off policy changes in urban settings, reports mixed evidence that is difficult to generalize. We return to this issue using a setting, Norway, that is advantageous due to large temporal and regional variation in closing times, frequent changes, and a lack of confounding policy changes. We demonstrate an average zero effect of closing hours on traffic accidents that masks large variations in effects: in terms of population density; accident severity; and direction of change in closing hours. Extensions in closing hours in populous municipalities decrease accidents, whereas the opposite is true for rural municipalities. Our findings suggest that estimates from single policy changes may be difficult to generalize, while demonstrating that closing hours can generate large effects on traffic accidents.
Long‐term results of robotic‐assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tsang Raymond K. , Chan Walter C. P. , Holsinger Floyd Christopher , Chung Joseph C. K. , Chow Velda L. Y. , Chan Jimmy Y. W. , Ho Wai‐Kuen , Wei William I.
Published: June 2022

Background

We have previously reported our early experience in robotic‐assisted nasopharyngectomy. The current case series is a report of our experience in 33 robotic‐assisted nasopharyngectomy.

Methods

Prospective series of patients who underwent robotic‐assisted nasopharyngectomy for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma from January 2010 to March 2019.

Results

Thirty‐one patients underwent robotic‐assisted nasopharyngectomy with two additional second procedure for positive margin. Median age is 55 years (29–85). Twenty‐five patients had rT1 disease and six patients had tumor invaded sphenoid floor (rT3). Median operative time was 227 min and median blood loss was 200 ml. The median follow‐up period for all patients were 38 months. Four patients had local recurrence. Five‐year local control rate, overall survival, and disease‐free survival are 85.1%, 55.7%, and 69.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Robotic‐assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngectomy was showed to have a high local control rate. The operating time was comparable to open surgery.