bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaporated Undoped Spiro‐OMeTAD Enables Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Exceeding 20% Efficiency
Authors: Du Guozheng , Yang Li , Zhang Cuiping , Zhang Xiaoli , Rolston Nicholas , Luo Zhide , Zhang Jinbao
Published: April 2022

Thermal evaporation (TE) as a scalable and low‐cost technique for fabrication of organic hole transport materials (HTMs) typically produces low photovoltaic performance and poor device reproducibility in the application of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and there is a clear need to understand the weaknesses of TE. Here, a versatile manufacturing technology, solvent‐annealing assisted thermal evaporation (SATE), enabling effective modulation of organic film morphology as well as optoelectronic properties, is introduced. The SATE method produces undoped spiro‐OMeTAD layers with high density, good film homogeneity, enhanced conductivity, and remarkable film stability, all of which are superior to that made by conventional TE. In addition, SATE films eliminate the dopant induced degradation mechanism and simultaneously improve the electrical conductivity of undoped HTMs. Significantly, the resulting devices yield a 36% enhancement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 14.68% (TE) to 20.02% (SATE), which is the highest reported PCE for evaporated HTMs in n–i–p PSCs. Moreover, unencapsulated PSC devices with SATE demonstrate an impressive environmental and thermal stability by maintaining 85% of initial performance after 2500 h in air with 30% humidity. The high efficiency with simultaneously improved stability demonstrates SATE can be generally applicable to controllable fabrication of organic thin film and reliable devices.
Lattice‐Matching Formed Mesoporous Transition Metal Oxide Heterostructures Advance Water Splitting by Active Fe–O–Cu Bridges
Authors: Hu Feng , Yu Deshuang , Ye Min , Wang Hui , Hao Yanan , Wang Luqi , Li Linlin , Han Xiaopeng , Peng Shengjie
Published: April 2022

Developing efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts toward oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions is crucial for electrochemical water splitting toward hydrogen production. The high‐performance electrocatalysts depend on the catalytically active and highly accessible reaction sites and their structural robustness, while the rational design of such electrocatalysts with desired features avoiding tedious manufacture is still challenging. Here, a facile method is reported to synthesize mesoporous and heterostructured transition metal oxides strongly anchored on a nickel skeleton (MH‐TMO) containing identified Fe–Cu oxide interfaces with high intrinsic activity, easy accessibility for reaction intermediates, and long‐term stability for alkaline oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions. The MH‐TMO with the electrocatalytically active Fe–O–Cu bridge has an optimal oxygen binding energy to facilitate adsorption/desorption of oxygen intermediates for oxygen molecules. Associated with the high mass transport through the nanoporous structure, MH‐TMO exhibits impressive oxygen evolution reaction catalysis, with an extremely low overpotential of around 0.22 V at 10 mA cm−2 and low Tafel slope (44.5 mV dec−1) in 1.0 M KOH, realizing a current density of 100 mA cm−2 with an overpotential as low as 0.26 V. As a result, the alkaline electrolyzer assembled by the bifunctional MH‐TMO catalysts operates with an outstanding overall water‐splitting output (1.49 V@10 mA cm−2), outperforming one assembled with noble‐metal‐based catalysts.
A Sustainable Multipurpose Separator Directed Against the Shuttle Effect of Polysulfides for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Wei , Xi Kai , Li Bowen , Li Haojie , Liu Sheng , Wang Jianan , Zhao Hongyang , Li Huanglong , Abdelkader Amor M. , Gao Xueping , Li Guoran
Published: April 2022

The success of lithium–sulfur batteries will reduce the expected Co, Ni resource challenges from the wide adoption of lithium‐ion batteries. Unfortunately, the shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides brings many problems. Anchoring or blocking polysulfides on the cathode side using functional separators is the dominant strategy for addressing this. However, the blocked polysulfides gradually aggregate on the separator to form the so‐called “dead sulfur” and withdraw from cycling. Herein, a multipurpose separator is proposed that enables catalytic activation of the blocked polysulfides to prevent the formation of “dead sulfur”, and contribute to capacity. The multifunctionality is supported by montmorillonite (MMT) that provides sufficient channels for lithium‐ion transport, and selenium‐doped sulfurized‐polyacrylonitrile (Se0.06SPAN) that catalyzes conversion of “dead sulfur” and simultaneously contributes capacity. The theoretical calculations reveal Se0.06SPAN/MMT has a low migration barrier for Li+ and a low decomposition barrier for Li2S, facilitating the conversion and minimizing “dead sulfur”. Consequently, the Li–S battery with the Se0.06SPAN/MMT@PP (polypropylene) separator shows a low fading rate of 0.034% during 1000 cycles and achieves a super‐high areal capacity (33.07 mAh cm–2) under high sulfur loading (26.75 mg cm–2) and lean electrolyte conditions (4.5 µL mg–1). Moreover, the multipurpose separator has encouraging performance in stability, flexibility, and sustainability.
Slot die coating window for a uniform fuel cell ink dispersion
Authors: Pan Weitong , Chen Zhekun , Chen Xueli , Wang Fuchen , Dai Gance
Published: April 2022

The continuous roll‐to‐roll slot die coating technique has shown great potential for fuel cell electrode fabrication. It is essential to determine the particulate coating window to obtain a defect‐free film of uniform thickness and uniform particle dispersion. For this dual‐purpose, an additional upper operating limit has been proposed via a “flow field analysis scheme” that combines analysis and simulation. In this analysis, the fundamentals of flow pattern transition (Poiseuille–Couette–bubbly flow) behind coating limits are clarified. The Couette flow is advantageous for uniform shear rate and dispersion. Furthermore, phase‐field simulations systematically investigate the effect of fluid and geometrical parameters and quantitatively present the flow limit with explicit expression. Results reveal that the slope of the upper limit is inversely correlated with shear‐thinning index n while proportional to the coating gap H. Combining the bubble entrainment boundary, lower n and H are favorable for a larger particulate coating window.
Consideration of sex and gender in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders from a global perspective
Authors: Mielke Michelle M. , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Vila‐Castelar Clara , Agarwal Puja , Arenaza‐Urquijo Eider M. , Brett Benjamin , Brugulat‐Serrat Anna , DuBose Lyndsey E. , Eikelboom Willem S. , Flatt Jason , Foldi Nancy S. , Franzen Sanne , Gilsanz Paola , Li Wei , McManus Alison J. , van Lent Debora Melo , Milani Sadaf Arefi , Shaaban C. Elizabeth , Stites Shana D. , Sundermann Erin , Suryadevara Vidyani , Trani Jean‐Francoise , Turner Arlener D. , Vonk Jet M. J. , Quiroz Yakeel T. , Babulal Ganesh M. ,   for the Diversity and Disparity Professional Interest Area Sex and Gender Special Interest Group
Published: April 2022

Sex or gender differences in the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) differ by world region, suggesting that there are potentially modifiable risk factors for intervention. However, few epidemiological or clinical ADRD studies examine sex differences; even fewer evaluate gender in the context of ADRD risk. The goals of this perspective are to: (1) provide definitions of gender, biologic sex, and sexual orientation. and the limitations of examining these as binary variables; (2) provide an overview of what is known with regard to sex and gender differences in the risk, prevention, and diagnosis of ADRD; and (3) discuss these sex and gender differences from a global, worldwide perspective. Identifying drivers of sex and gender differences in ADRD throughout the world is a first step in developing interventions unique to each geographical and sociocultural area to reduce these inequities and to ultimately reduce global ADRD risk.

Highlights

The burden of dementia is unevenly distributed geographically and by sex and gender.

Scientific advances in genetics and biomarkers challenge beliefs that sex is binary.

Discrimination against women and sex and gender minority (SGM) populations contributes to cognitive decline.

Sociocultural factors lead to gender inequities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) worldwide.
The Combined Effect of Jet and Atmospheric Turbulence on the Propagation of Airborne Partially Coherent Array Beams
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Qiu , Deng Yu , Hou Tian‐Yue , Ma Peng‐Fei , Su Rong‐Tao , Zhou Pu
Published: April 2022

The exhaust from engines close to the fuselage can cause extreme turbulence and have a significant impact on the performance of airborne laser systems. In this paper, the combined effect of the jet engine and atmospheric turbulence on propagation of a Gaussian Schell‐model (GSM) array beam over long distances is studied in detail. Based on the two‐step propagation method, the analytical expressions of the cross‐spectral density (CSD) function, mean‐squared beam width and spectral degree of spatial coherence (DOC) of GSM array beams are derived. It is shown that the jet engine turbulence has a significant effect on the beam broadening even at a very short distance. As the propagation distance in the jet engine turbulence increases, the beam width is less effected by the spatial coherence. Meanwhile, the resistance of lower spatially coherent beam to the turbulence increases as the distance of the jet engine turbulence or the strength of the atmospheric turbulence increases. It is demonstrated that the effect of jet engine turbulence on the beam spreading can be equivalent to moderate or even severe atmospheric turbulence. Moreover, the DOC is a function with oscillatory phenomenon when the propagation distance is short or the strength of turbulence is low.
Theoretical unraveling the complexation and separation of uranyl–ligand complexes towards chiral R/S‐profenofos
Authors: Liu Linfeng , Lu Yao , Liao Lifu , Xiao Xilin , Nie Changming
Published: April 2022

The identification and separation of chiral pesticides R/S‐profenofos are of great significance due to different biological toxicity of chiral isomers. In the study, we designed two novel ligands: (2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridin)‐6‐yl(5‐methoxy‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl) methanethione (TMMT) and (2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridin)‐6‐yl(5‐methoxy‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl) methanone (TMMO), and taking them as ligands coordinated with uranyl, two novel complexes [Uranyl‐TMMT]2+ and [Uranyl‐TMMO]2+ as receptors were successfully constructed. The complexation and enantioselectivity of two receptors towards R/S‐profenofos as guests were systematically unraveled based on the density functional theory (DFT) method. The results showed that the receptor [Uranyl‐TMMT]2+ containing thioamide group has stronger electron donating ability than the receptor [Uranyl‐TMMO]2+ containing amide group. All analyses including Mayer bond order (MBO), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), localized orbital locator (LOL) function, molecular orbital, and infrared spectrum illustrated that the UX (X = S, O) bonds play a larger role than the UN bonds in the selective complexation of receptors towards guests; the US bond in [Uranyl‐TMMT]2+ is more covalent than the UO bond in [Uranyl‐TMMO]2+. The thermodynamic calculations showed that the separation factors of [Uranyl‐TMMT]2+ towards R/S‐PFFs were between 8356 and 1219 in different solvents, and the separation factors of [Uranyl‐TMMO]2+ towards R/S‐PFFs were at range of 4951–710. The separation factors exhibited that two receptors have stronger coordination and complexation ability to S‐PFF than to R‐PFF, while [Uranyl‐TMMT]2+ exhibited significantly greater recognition ability and enantioselectivity for guests R/S‐PFFs molecules than the receptor [Uranyl‐TMMO]2+.
Strategies to improve production of biomethane from organic wastes with anaerobic co‐digestion: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Siqi , Song Jinghui , Sheng Chenjing , Shang Zezhou , Wang Rui , Wang Xiaojiao , Yang Gaihe , Feng Yongzhong , Ren Guangxin
Published: April 2022

Anaerobic digestion is a technology that converts complex organic matter into another form of matter, from which energy can be more easily extracted. The stability and digestion of anaerobic co‐digestion with multiple raw materials as substrates is better than the performance of anaerobic mono‐digestion. In the past two decades, there has been a large amount of literature on how to improve the performance of methane production in the anaerobic co‐digestion process, but few systematic reviews have been conducted. This paper summarizes the factors affecting the development of anaerobic co‐digestion. The process parameters, substrate optimization strategy, microbial community, and model application for improving anaerobic co‐digestion performance were systematically analyzed. Methane purification technology and policies to support digestion projects are also discussed. At present, the technological process is basically mature, but the interaction between various parameters can be studied in depth. Methane purification technology expands the market for the biogas industry and increases its economic benefits. Policy is the key to promoting process technology and the methane market. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The reliability of biomedical science: A case history of a maturing experimental field
Authors: Michell Robert H.
Published: April 2022

There is much discussion in the media and some of the scientific literature of how many of the conclusions from scientific research should be doubted. These critiques often focus on studies – typically in non‐experimental spheres of biomedical and social sciences – that search large datasets for novel correlations, with a risk that inappropriate statistical evaluations might yield dubious conclusions. By contrast, results from experimental biological research can often be interpreted largely without statistical analysis. Typically: novel observation(s) are reported, and an explanatory hypothesis is offered; multiple labs undertake experiments to test the hypothesis; interpretation of the results may refute the hypothesis, support it or provoke its modification; the test/revise sequence is reiterated many times; and the field moves forward. I illustrate this experimental/non‐experimental dichotomy by examining the contrasting recent histories of: (a) our remarkable and growing understanding of how several inositol‐containing phospholipids contribute to the lives of eukaryote cells; and (b) the difficulty of achieving any agreed mechanistic understanding of why consuming dietary supplements of inositol is clinically beneficial in some metabolic diseases.
Investigation of benzimidazole anthelmintics as oral anticancer agents
Authors: Jang Jiyoon , Lee Kwangho , Koh Byumseok
Published: April 2022

Recently, there has been social controversy regarding whether benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs can be used as anticancer drugs. On this note, we wish to address the use of current benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs for the treatment of cancer patients. We explored the anticancer efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs in vitro and their mechanism of action. We also conducted pharmacokinetic studies of two benzimidazole anthelmintics and assessed the predictive systemic efficacy. Finally, we present the anticancer efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintics' putative metabolites from hydrolysis. Our data suggest that benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs are not expected to show systemic anticancer efficacy in vivo due to poor pharmacokinetic parameters. Therefore, patients should not consider oxibendazole or fenbendazole as cancer treatment option.
The prevalence and real‐world therapeutic analysis of Chinese patients with KRAS‐Mutant Non‐Small Cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Hanxiao , Huang Dingzhi , Lin Gen , Yang Xue , Zhuo Minglei , Chi Yujia , Zhai Xiaoyu , Jia Bo , Wang Jingjing , Wang Yuyan , Li Jianjie , An Tongtong , Wu Meina , Wang Ziping , Zhao Jun
Published: April 2022

Objective

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is an important driver gene of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite a rapid progress achieved in the targeted therapy, chemotherapy remains the standard treatment option for patients with KRAS‐mutant NSCLC. This study aimed to assess real‐world data of Chinese patients with KRAS‐mutant NSCLC undergoing chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.

Methods

KRAS mutational status was analyzed using next‐generation sequencing of 150,327 NSCLC patients from the Lung Cancer Big Data Precise Treatment Collaboration Group (LANDSCAPE) project (Cohort I). Treatment data were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 4348 NSCLC patients who were admitted to the Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute between January 2009 and October 2020 (Cohort II).

Results

In Cohort I, 18,224 patients were detected with KRAS mutations (12.1%) of whom G12C (29.6%) was the most frequent subtype, followed by G12D (18.1%) and G12V (17.5%). In case of concomitant mutations, TP53 had the highest incidence of 33.6%, followed by EGFR (11.6%), STK11 (10.4%), KEAP1(6.2%), and CDKN2A (6.0%). Cohort II included 497 patients (11.4%) with KRAS mutations. In the first‐line chemotherapeutic analysis of Cohort II, patients benefited more from the pemetrexed/platinum (PP) regimen than the gemcitabine/platinum (GP) or taxanes/platinum (TP) regimen (median progression‐free survival [PFS], 6.4 vs. 4.9 vs. 5.6 months, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48–0.88, p = 0.033 and HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.47–1.00, p = 0.05, respectively), with no significant difference when combined with bevacizumab. Regarding patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the objective response rate was 26% for a median PFS of 9.6 months (95% CI 6.16–13.03). Patients who received ICIs combined with chemotherapy had a significantly longer survival than monotherapy (median PFS, 13.9 vs. 5.2 months, HR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.35–0.99, p = 0.049).

Conclusion

KRAS is an important driver gene in NSCLC, compromising 12.1% in this study, and G12C was noted as the most common subtype. Patients with KRAS‐mutant NSCLC could benefit from pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy and ICIs.
Cadherins and the pathogenesis of epilepsy
Authors: Yang Ciqing , Shi Yaping , Li Xiaoying , Guan Lihong , Li Han , Lin Juntang
Published: April 2022

Epilepsy is a nervous system disease caused by abnormal discharge of brain neurons, which is characterized by recurrent seizures. The factors that induce epilepsy include genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors are important pathogenic factors of epilepsy, such as epilepsy caused by protocadherin‐19 (PCDH‐19) mutation, which is an X‐linked genetic disease. It is more common in female heterozygotes, which are caused by mutations in the PCDH‐19 gene. Epilepsy caused by environmental factors is mainly caused by brain injury, which is commonly caused by brain tumors, brain surgery, or trauma to the brain. In addition, the pathogenesis of epilepsy is closely related to abnormalities in some signaling pathways. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway is considered a new target for the treatment of epilepsy. This review summarizes these factors inducing epilepsy and the research hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The focus of this review centers on cadherins and the pathogenesis of epilepsy. We analyzed the pathogenesis of epilepsy induced by N‐cadherin and PCDH‐19 in the cadherin family members. Finally, we expect that in the future, new breakthroughs will be made in the study of the pathogenesis and mechanism of epilepsy at the cellular and molecular levels.
Outcomes of emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with cardiogenic shock: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Piriou Pierre‐Guillaume , Manigold Thibaut , Letocart Vincent , Le Ruz Robin , Schurtz Guillaume , Vincent Flavien , Van Belle Éric , Guérin Patrice , Plessis Julien
Published: April 2022

Rescue transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with cardiogenic shock is challenging, and there is limited literature on these critical patients. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR, feasibility and safety of the procedure, and 1‐year mortality factors. Thirty‐eight patients with severe aortic disease and cardiogenic shock admitted to two French hospitals from 2015 to 2019 were included. The patients were critical, 78.9% of them had a left ventricular ejection fraction of <30%, and all of them received inotropic support. “Valve‐in‐valve” procedures were performed in 15.8% and 13.2% underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty before TAVR. Edwards Sapien3® and Medtronic CoreValve EvolutR® were used. The survival probability remained reasonable for patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent rescue TAVR. The 30‐day mortality rate was 7.9% and 21.1% at 1 year. No patient died during the intervention. The procedure was safe, with few complications except for acute kidney failure, the development of a left bundle branch block, and the need for pacemaker implantation. Both functional and echocardiographic results were good at 1 year, although 29% of the patients underwent rehospitalization within 1 year. The development of a left bundle branch block was found to be a mortality risk factor. This procedure is a safe and effective therapy with acceptable survivorship in critically ill patients. The benefits to their quality of life should be evaluated in future studies, and the need for providing early cardiac resynchronization therapy must be emphasized.
First branchial cleft sinus with duplicate external auditory canal: A case report
Authors: Jorizzo Matthew , Li Ryan
Published: April 2022

First branchial cleft cysts are rare congenital abnormalities of the lateral neck. These anomalies can be a source of recurrent infection and require surgical excision as definitive treatment. This case report details the diagnosis and treatment of a first branchial cleft sinus with an associated duplicate external auditory canal.
Gallbladder volvulus
Authors: Abdelrahman Zeinab AbdelMohsen , Omar Razana Mohd , Mirza Salman , Türkmen Süha
Published: April 2022

Gallbladder volvulus is a rare entity. The condition results in rotation of the gallbladder on its mesentery along the axis of cystic duct and artery. Gallbladder volvulus is a condition in which the organ twists on its long axis to the point where its vascular supply is compromised.
Immunotherapy beyond cellular therapy in follicular lymphoma: A case of complete remission after failure of two CAR‐T
Authors: Kase Adam M. , Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Donaldson Andrew , Elliott Jamie , Sher Taimur
Published: April 2022

Patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma who do not respond to CAR‐T have a poor outcome. We present a case of refractory follicular lymphoma who relapsed after two CAR‐T infusions and achieved a complete remission after treatment with obinutuzumab and lenalidomide. This represents a promising treatment option in the post‐CAR‐T setting.
Primary ovarian adenocarcinoma presenting with rubeotic glaucoma and vitritis: A case report
Authors: Abu‐Yaghi Nakhleh , Aljesrawi Asma , Alafeshat Manar , Mafrachi Baraa , Abu Shahin Nisreen
Published: April 2022

Ovarian adenocarcinoma is an unusual cause of head or brain metastasis and seeding to the eye ball is extremely rare. A high index of suspicion and a careful ophthalmic examination can guide the patient work up. In this particular case, rubeotic glaucoma and vitritis antedated the diagnosis of ovarian malignancy.
Estimation of Model Parameters in the Extraction of Cr(VI) from Wastewater by an Emulsion Liquid Membrane
Authors: Banerjee Saikat , Sivamani Selvaraju
Published: April 2022

Kinetic modeling of an emulsion liquid membrane for extraction of hexavalent chromium from wastewater was performed. The membrane was prepared by using Span 80, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), and kerosene as non‐ionic surfactant, carrier, and diluent, respectively. The rate constants of extraction and stripping phases were calculated by studying the effect of the concentration of HCl in the feed, the concentration of the carrier in the membrane, and the pH of the stripping phase. It was found that the rate of complex diffusion due to the difference between the extraction and stripping rates influences the transfer and Cr(VI) buildup in the membrane phase.
Short‐term dual antiplatelet therapy in diabetic patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome treated with a new‐generation drug‐eluting stent
Authors: Vranken Nousjka P. A. , Rasoul Saman , Luijkx Jasper J. P. , Pustjens Tobias F. S. , Postma Sonja , Kolkman Evelien J. , Kedhi Elvin , Rifqi Sodiqur , Lee Michael K. Y. , Ebelt Henning , Merkely Béla , Verdoia Monica , Wojakowski Wojtek , van ’t Hof Arnoud A. W. J. , Suryapranata Harry , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

Background

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and treated with a drug‐eluting stent (DES) remains unclear. This is a prespecified sub‐study from the Randomised Evaluation of short‐term DUal antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute Coronary syndromE treated with a new generation DES (REDUCE) trial that was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of short‐term versus standard 12 months DAPT in diabetic patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the COMBO stent.

Methods

In this study we included ACS diabetic patients enroled in the REDUCE trial treated with the COMBO stent and randomly assigned to either 3 or 12 months of DAPT. The primary study endpoint was the composite of all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), stroke, target vessel revascularisation (TVR), and bleeding complications at 12 and 24 months follow‐up.

Results

A total of 307 diabetic patients were included, of which 162 (52.8%) in the 3 months DAPT group and 145 (47.2%) in the 12 months DAPT group. Patient characteristics, PCI success, and number of stents used were similar in the 3 and 12 months DAPT groups. Occurrence of the primary study endpoint at 12 and 24 months follow‐up was comparable between the two groups (3.1 vs. 3.5%, p = 0.865, and 15.8 vs. 14.9%, p = 0.824, respectively). Moreover, the prevalence of the specific clinical outcome parameters (all‐cause mortality), MI, ST, stroke, TVR, and bleeding was similar in both study groups.

Conclusions

This sub‐analysis shows similar clinical outcomes following 3 months DAPT as compared to 12 months DAPT in diabetic patients undergoing PCI for ACS using the COMBO stent. These results suggest that, even in this particular subset of patients, short duration of DAPT might be considered safe. Future larger studies are warranted to provide more precise estimations in terms of safety and efficacy of short term DAPT in these high‐risk patients.
Integrating historical observations alters projections of eastern North American spruce–fir habitat under climate change
Authors: Andrews Caitlin , Foster Jane R. , Weiskittel Aaron , D'Amato Anthony W. , Simons‐Legaard Erin
Published: April 2022

Spruce–fir (Picea–Abies) forests of the North American Acadian Forest Region are at risk of disappearing from the northeastern United States and Canada due to climate change. Species distribution models (SDMs) have been used to predict changes in this critical transitional ecosystem in the past, but none have addressed how seasonal patterns of temperature and precipitation interact to influence tree species abundance. Inferences have also been limited by contemporary inventory data that could not fully characterize species ranges because they either, (1) only sampled species occurrence after large‐scale human disturbance and settlement, or (2) did not span critical geopolitical boundaries (e.g., the US–Canadian border) that intersect the focal species' range(s). Here, we built new SDM models to better assess the bioclimatic distribution of four spruce–fir species and to test the importance of seasonal climate interactions. We compiled an extensive database of tree occurrence and abundance from recent (~1955–2012) and historical time periods (1623–1869) to model current species distributions and to predict how these might change under future climate. We found that including historical tree data in our SDMs revealed previously unrecognized suitable habitat along the southern edge of species' contemporary ranges. Random forest models predicted occurrence with high accuracy (area under receiver operator curve >0.98), and the seasonal climate variables that emerged as most important for these cold‐adapted species all included interactions that reflected sensitivity to colder temperatures, and preferences for wet weather concentrated in the winter months. Under moderate climate warming (representative concentration pathway 6.0), the northeastern United States retained additional suitable habitat when historical data were included through 2060 for three of the four species: red spruce (Picea rubens), black spruce (Picea mariana), and balsam fir (Abies balsamea), while white spruce (Picea glauca) habitat contracted into Canada. In contrast, future predictions from models that used contemporary data alone forecast extirpation for all four species from the northeastern United States. Overall, these findings highlight that prediction of species ranges in transitional ecosystems that span geopolitical boundaries and gradients of intense land use are improved when historical data and seasonal climate interactions of both temperature and precipitation variables are incorporated.
Long‐term ecological research and the COVID‐19 anthropause: A window to understanding social–ecological disturbance
Authors: Gaiser Evelyn E. , Kominoski John S. , McKnight Diane M. , Bahlai Christie A. , Cheng Chingwen , Record Sydne , Wollheim Wilfred M. , Christianson Kyle R. , Downs Martha R. , Hawman Peter A. , Holbrook Sally J. , Kumar Abhishek , Mishra Deepak R. , Molotch Noah P. , Primack Richard B. , Rassweiler Andrew , Schmitt Russell J. , Sutter Lori A.
Published: April 2022

The period of disrupted human activity caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic, coined the “anthropause,” altered the nature of interactions between humans and ecosystems. It is uncertain how the anthropause has changed ecosystem states, functions, and feedback to human systems through shifts in ecosystem services. Here, we used an existing disturbance framework to propose new investigation pathways for coordinated studies of distributed, long‐term social‐ecological research to capture effects of the anthropause. Although it is still too early to comprehensively evaluate effects due to pandemic‐related delays in data availability and ecological response lags, we detail three case studies that show how long‐term data can be used to document and interpret changes in air and water quality and wildlife populations and behavior coinciding with the anthropause. These early findings may guide interpretations of effects of the anthropause as it interacts with other ongoing environmental changes in the future, particularly highlighting the importance of long‐term data in separating disturbance impacts from natural variation and long‐term trends. Effects of this global disturbance have local to global effects on ecosystems with feedback to social systems that may be detectable at spatial scales captured by nationally to globally distributed research networks.
Seed size of co‐occurring forb species predicts rates of predispersal seed loss from insects
Authors: Palmer Jakob B. , Hahn Philip G. , Metcalf Elizabeth C. , Maron John L.
Published: April 2022

Plants often face chronic seed loss from predispersal seed predation by insects. Although many studies have documented the rates of seed loss for single species in different communities, it is unclear how rates of predispersal seed predation vary among co‐occurring species within the same community. If interspecific asymmetries in seed loss are great, this common interaction could have important implications for coexistence. Species traits, such as seed size or seed nitrogen and carbon, might correlate with interspecific variation in predispersal seed predation among co‐occurring grassland forb species. We collected infructescences from 13 co‐occurring forb species from each of four western Montana grasslands over 2 years. We quantified the magnitude of seed loss due to predispersal seed predation by insects. The average level of seed loss was 15.8%. Larger seeded species suffered significantly higher levels of predispersal seed predation than smaller seeded species, and seed size predicted seed loss more than seed nitrogen or carbon. Although large‐seeded species often have greater proportional recruitment and early survival than small‐seeded species, our study suggests that these advantages are partially counterbalanced by greater predispersal seed loss for larger versus smaller seeded species. Asymmetries in predispersal seed predation may importantly affect coexistence among these species.
Effect of systemic corticosteroid therapy for acute heart failure patients with elevated C‐reactive protein
Authors: Miró Òscar , Takagi Koji , Davison Beth A. , Edwards Christopher , Freund Yonathan , Jacob Javier , Llorens Pere , Mebazaa Alexandre , Cotter Gad
Published: April 2022

Aims

The current study explores whether degree of inflammation, reflected by C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, modifies the effect of intravenous (IV) corticosteroid administered in the emergency department (ED) on clinical outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods and results

We selected patients diagnosed with AHF in the ED, with confirmed N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide > 300 pg/mL and CRP > 5 mg/L in the ED from the Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Departments (EAHFE) registry. In these 1109 patients, 121 were treated by corticosteroid. The corticosteroid therapy hazard ratio (HR) for 30 day all‐cause mortality was 1.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–2.09, P = 0.38]. Although not statistically significant, HRs tended to decrease with increasing CRP level, with point estimates favouring corticosteroid at CRP levels above 20. In patients with CRP > 40 mg/L, with adjusted HRs of 0.56 (95% CI 0.20–1.55, P = 0.27) for 30 day all‐cause mortality, 0.92 (95% CI 0.52–1.62, P = 0.78) for 30 day post‐discharge ED revisit, hospitalization, or death, and adjusted odds ratio of 0.61 (95% CI 0.17–2.14, P = 0.44) for in‐hospital all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

The present analysis suggests that corticosteroids might have the potential to improve outcomes in AHF patients with inflammatory activation. Larger, prospective studies of anti‐inflammatory therapy should be considered to assess potential benefit in patients with the highest degree of inflammation.
Synthesis of 1,2‐Disubstituted Benzimidazoles via Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling Using Ru(II)‐Arene Catalysts Containing Ferrocene Thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Ravindran N E Aswathi , Sindhuja Dharmalingam , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: April 2022

The catalytic activity of Ru(II)‐arene complexes containing ferrocene thiosemicarbazone (Fc‐TSC) ligands was investigated towards the selective synthesis of 1,2‐disubstituted benzimidazoles via acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of diamines with primary alcohols. A series of Ru(II)‐p‐cymene complexes (1–4) containing Fc‐TSC ligands (L1–L4) were synthesized and characterized. From single crystal X‐ray crystallographic studies, the molecular structures of L3 and 4 were confirmed. The influence of electronic effect of ligands on the catalytic activity of their complexes was studied. The activity of good performer i. e. 4 was compared with that of its benzene counterpart (5). The catalysis was extended to aromatic, aliphatic and heterocyclic substituted primary alcohols, and phenylenediamines with electron‐donating or ‐withdrawing substituents. Overall, synthesis of 1,2‐disubstituted benzimidazoles was accomplished with good to moderate yields, with hydrogen and water as only by‐products.
Influence of Minor Oil Components on Sunflower, Rice Bran, Candelilla, and Beeswax Oleogels
Authors: Scharfe Maria , Niksch Jonas , Flöter Eckhard
Published: April 2022

The impact of the solvent composition on wax oleogels is addressed by (1) increasing polar components (PC) in sunflower and canola oil through thermal treatment and (2) removing minor components from untreated oils by column chromatography. Subsequently, oleogels are produced at 0.05 and 10 °C min−1 using 4% or 10% w/w of either sunflower, rice bran, candelilla, or beeswax. Oleogels firmness, break‐up behavior during amplitude sweeps, and gelation and dissolution are studied using penetration tests, rheology, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Moreover, the crystal morphology of 4% w/w samples, gelled at 10 and 0.05 °C min−1, is studied using bright field microscopy. Distinct effects caused by the presence or absence of PCs on the characteristics mentioned above are observed, depending on the wax type. The formation of highly ordered wax crystal structures is favored in oils without PCs and low cooling rates. Data on gel formation and dissolution reveal a decrease in wax solubility in the absence of PCs. In contrast, the critical gelation concentration (CGC) decreases when PCs are present, independent of their concentration, indicating that PCs aid network formation. Moreover, the break‐up behavior during oscillatory stress is significantly different, leading to more network fragments and higher energy dissipation with increasing strain.

Practical applications: It is found that the oil composition, in particular, the fatty acid composition of TAGs and dissolved minor polar oil components, profoundly affect wax oleogel properties. Although not all mechanisms leading to these changes can be unraveled within this study, a fundamental understanding of solvent composition's role on oleogel formation, dissolution, and network properties is vital in the light of product applications. Moreover, trustworthy and comparable oleogel research can only be achieved if the impact of solvent composition is considered in experiments. That way, the capability of oleogels for industrial applications might be maximized. For that, a detailed characterization of oil quality, particularly the fatty acid composition and presence of minor polar components, is required to conduct reliable scientific work in oleogel research.
Riparian shading mitigates warming but cannot revert thermal alteration by impoundments in lowland rivers
Authors: Marteau Baptiste , Piégay Hervé , Chandesris André , Michel Kristell , Vaudor Lise
Published: April 2022

Given the actual trajectory of greenhouse gases emissions, in situ actions are needed to limit rivers water warming. Riparian tree planting has been shown as a successful mitigation strategy, but most studies have been conducted on upland forested rivers. The hydraulic, geomorphic and thermal conditions of lowland rivers, subject to straightening and fragmentation, are very different from upland systems. In this study, the role of riparian cover relative to the presence of weirs was investigated in lowland slow‐flowing rivers within the agricultural context of the Bresse region, France. Using airborne thermal infrared (TIR) imaging, nine reaches of 20 to 30 km each were mapped to quantify water temperature, riparian vegetation and assess weir location. Campaigns were carried out during the hot summer 2018. Results have comforted that riparian vegetation is capable of limiting increase in temperature during warm events by 2 to 3°C, but with varying success depending on the rivers' thermal regimes. Rivers with a ‘colder’ regime (i.e., ground/karstwater‐fed) are thermally less influenced by riparian vegetation but also more resilient to the presence of weirs. Rivers with the highest degree of thermal alteration showed the highest positive response to riparian shading. Riparian vegetation prevents stagnant water from extreme warming but does not prevent alteration of the thermal regime, for example thermal stratification, likely to occur on a daily basis and to large extents (> 80%) during warm and low‐flow events in impounded rivers. Thermal conditions were sub‐optimal for most fish species that could be expected in these streams. Although the direct relation with thermal alteration is not proved, hydrobiological scores of flow alteration are correlated with our metric of thermo‐physical alteration. Management strategies to limit temperature increase should carefully consider restoring the thermal regime of rivers through weir removal when it is possible, combined with riparian tree planting as an additional mitigation measure.
Differential Effects of Atrazine on Chlorophyceae Species and Association with Morphology, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll Content, and Glutathione-S-Transferase Activity
Authors: Castro Muryllo Santos , Silva Jaqueline Carmo , Machado Bruno Roswag , Guimarães Pablo Santos , Lombardi Ana Teresa , Martins Camila De Martinez Gaspar , Zanette Juliano
Published: April 2022

Atrazine is a herbicide widely used in the control of weeds in crops such as corn, sugar cane, and sorghum. It is often found in aquatic environments, where it can potentially endanger nontarget organisms such as microalgae. The present study evaluated atrazine toxicity to seven different species of Chlorophyceae and the tolerance of the species to the herbicide was related to morphological, photosynthetic, chlorophyll-a content and the activity of the glutathione-S-transferase enzyme (GST). The comparison of median effect concentration (EC50) values for growth inhibition indicates higher toxicity of atrazine for Pseudopediastrum boryanum and Desmodesmus communis, intermediate toxicity for Ankistrodesmus densus, Chlamydomonas puliminiorfes, and Raphidocelis subcapitata, and lower toxicity for Kirchneriella lunaris and Ankistrodesmus falcatus (EC50: 38, 42, 66, 103, 248, 1004, and 1585 µg L−1 atrazine, respectively). Principal component analysis (PCA) with algal characteristics suggested that the atrazine-sensitive algae P. boryanum and D. communis were positively associated with photosynthetic levels and negatively associated with GST activity and chlorophyll-a concentration. The PCA also suggested that the atrazine-tolerant algae A. falcatus and K. lunaris were positively associated with morphological parameters, where the larger the cell size, the more tolerant. Although it is difficult to associate a single characteristic of algae as the key factor determining the tolerance to atrazine, results presented in this work indicate that the cell area, the photosynthetic parameters (mainly saturating irradiance), chlorophyll-a content, and the biotransformation by GST in combination may be potential predictors for the differential tolerance of Chlorophyceae species to the herbicide. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1675–1685. © 2022 SETAC

Abstract

Chlorophyceae species have different levels of tolerance to the herbicide atrazine. The morphology, photosynthesis, chlorophyll-a content and activity of the glutathione-S-transferase enzyme may influence this tolerance.
Interlaboratory Comparison of a Biomimetic Extraction Method Applied to Oil Sands Process–Affected Waters
Authors: Letinski Daniel J. , Bekele Asfaw , Connelly Martin J.
Published: April 2022

Biomimetic extraction using solid-phase microextraction is a passive sampling analytical method that can predict the aquatic toxicity of complex petroleum substances. The method provides a nonanimal alternative to traditional bioassays with the potential to reduce both vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic toxicity testing. The technique uses commercially available polydimethylsiloxane-coated fibers that, following nondepletive extraction of water samples, are injected into a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detection. As the predictive nature of the method is operationally defined, it is critical that its application be harmonized with regard to extraction, analysis, and standardization parameters. Results are presented from a round robin program comparing the results from 10 laboratories analyzing four different sample sets of dissolved organics in water. Samples included two incurred oil sands process–affected waters and a cracked gas oil water accommodated fraction. A fourth sample of cracked gas oil blended in an oil sands process–affected water was analyzed to demonstrate the method's ability to differentiate between neutral and ionizable dissolved hydrocarbons. Six of the 10 laboratories applied an automated version of the method using a robotic autosampler where the critical extraction steps are precisely controlled and which permits batch screening of water samples for aquatic toxicity potential. The remaining four laboratories performed the solid-phase microextraction manually. The automated method demonstrated good reproducibility with between-laboratory variability across the six laboratories and four samples yielding a mean relative standard deviation of 14%. The corresponding between-laboratory variability across the four laboratories applying the manual extraction was 53%, demonstrating the importance of precisely controlling the extraction procedure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1613–1622. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the interdependence between US and Chinese oil futures markets
Authors: Zhang Yongmin , Ding Shusheng , Shi Haili
Published: April 2022

The oil futures market plays a vital role in the global financial system, especially after the negative future oil price rose during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This paper investigates the COVID‐19 impact on the interdependence between the US and Chinese oil futures markets by extending the dynamic conditional correlation‐generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (DCC‐GARCH) models with incorporating COVID‐19 variables and by applying vector autoregression (VAR) models. Our study reveals that the COVID‐19 pandemic enhanced the long‐run correlation between the two oil markets. In contrast, daily changes in pandemic severity had a negative effect on the short‐term transient correlation. Our results show that COVID‐19 changed the one‐direction causality from the US oil market to the Chinese market in the pre‐COVID period to a bidirectional causal relation between the two markets during the COVID period. It strengthened the volatility spillover effect from the Chinese to US markets. These findings are helpful to regulars' monitoring oil supply chain risk and investors' cross‐market hedging of spillover risks from a systematic risk perspective.