bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐Unity Superradiant Emission from Delocalized Frenkel Excitons in a Two‐Dimensional Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Barotov Ulugbek , Thanippuli Arachchi Dimuthu H. , Klein Megan D. , Zhang Juanye , Šverko Tara , Bawendi Moungi G.
Published: November 2022

Three general effective strategies are shown to mitigate nonradiative losses in the superradiant emission from supramolecular assemblies. J‐aggregates of 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′‐diethyl‐3,3′‐di(4–sulfobutyl)‐benzimidazolocarbocyanine (TDBC) are used to elucidate the nature of nonradiative processes.  Self‐annealing at room temperature (RT), photo‐brightening, and purification of the dye monomers are shown to all lead to substantial increases in emission quantum yields (QYs) and a concomitant lengthening of the emission lifetime, with purification having the largest effect. Structural and optical measurements are used to support a microscopic model that emphasizes the deleterious effects of a small number of impurity and defect sites that serve as nonradiative recombination centers. This understanding has yielded a molecular fluorophore in solution at RT with an unprecedented combination of fast emissive lifetime and high QY. Superradiant emission with a QY of 82% and a lifetime of 174 ps is obtained from J‐aggregates of TDBC in solution at RT. This combination of high QY and fast lifetime at RT makes supramolecular assemblies of purified TDBC a model system for the study of fundamental superradiance phenomena. High QY J‐aggregates are uniquely suited for the development of applications that require high speed and high brightness fluorophores such as devices for high‐speed optical communication.
Observation of Vortex Hall Effect in Double Negative Index Materials
Authors: Duan Qilin , Yin Yuhang , Han Linkang , Zhu Shan , Zhou Yangyang , Chen Haojie , Chen Huanyang
Published: November 2022

Optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) Hall effect requires the interaction between different angular momenta, which hosts great potential in the manipulation of light. Dozens of studies have revealed that this interaction depends on the materials that the waves pass through. Negative refraction has given rise to many exceptional phenomena in the past decades, which greatly inspires us to investigate the interaction between OAM and double negative index materials (DNMs). It is demonstrated that in‐plane optical vortex waves can exhibit transverse shift through DNM, and such a phenomenon is also called vortex Hall effect. From numerical calculations, a linear relationship is observed between the transverse shift and the topological charge l for a fixed wavelength. The transverse shift originates from the transition of the caustics of the vortex source through DNM. The general theory reported in this work can be applied in more than electromagnetic (EM) systems. Acoustic experiment is performed to support the proposed theory due to the equivalence between acoustic and EM systems. The vortex Hall effect is then observed experimentally utilizing acoustic space‐coiling metamaterials, which can be effectively regarded as DNM. This phenomenon will help to understand the superoscillations of the vortex source, as well as bring significant applications in on‐chip signal de‐multiplexing.
Mixed 3D–2D Perovskite Flexible Films for the Direct Detection of 5 MeV Protons
Authors: Basiricò Laura , Fratelli Ilaria , Verdi Matteo , Ciavatti Andrea , Barba Luisa , Cesarini Olivia , Bais Giorgio , Polentarutti Maurizio , Chiari Massimo , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: November 2022

This study reports on a novel, flexible, proton beam detector based on mixed 3D–2D perovskite films deposited by solution onto thin plastic foils. The 3D–2D mixture allows to obtain micrometer‐thick and highly uniform films that constitute the detector's active layer. The devices demonstrate excellent flexibility with stable electric transport properties down to a bending radius of 3.1 mm. The detector is characterized under a 5 MeV proton beam with fluxes in the range [4.5 × 105 – 1.4 × 109] H+ cm−2 s−1, exhibiting a stable response to repetitive irradiation cycles with sensitivity up to (290 ± 40) nC Gy−1mm−3 and a limit of detection down to (72±2) µGy s−1. The detector radiation tolerance is also assessed up to a total of 1.7 × 1012 protons impinging on the beam spot area, with a maximum variation of the detector's response of 14%.
Retention Secured Nonlinear and Self‐Rectifying Analog Charge Trap Memristor for Energy‐Efficient Neuromorphic Hardware
Authors: Kim Geunyoung , Son Seoil , Song Hanchan , Jeon Jae Bum , Lee Jiyun , Cheong Woon Hyung , Choi Shinhyun , Kim Kyung Min
Published: November 2022

A memristive crossbar array (MCA) is an ideal platform for emerging memory and neuromorphic hardware due to its high bitwise density capability. A charge trap memristor (CTM) is an attractive candidate for the memristor cell of the MCA, because the embodied rectifying characteristic frees it from the sneak current issue. Although the potential of the CTM devices has been suggested, their practical viability needs to be further proved. Here, a Pt/Ta2O5/Nb2O5‐x/Al2O3‐y/Ti CTM stack exhibiting high retention and array‐level uniformity is proposed, allowing a highly reliable selector‐less MCA. It shows high self‐rectifying and nonlinear current‐voltage characteristics below 1 µA of programming current with a continuous analog switching behavior. Also, its retention is longer than 105 s at 150 °C, suggesting the device is highly stable for non‐volatile analog applications. A plausible band diagram model is proposed based on the electronic spectroscopy results and conduction mechanism analysis. The self‐rectifying and nonlinear characteristics allow reducing the on‐chip training energy consumption by 71% for the MNIST dataset training task with an optimized programming scheme.
On the Practical Applicability of the Li Metal‐Based Thermal Evaporation Prelithiation Technique on Si Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Adhitama Egy , Bela Marlena M. , Demelash Feleke , Stan Marian C. , Winter Martin , Gomez‐Martin Aurora , Placke Tobias
Published: November 2022

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) using silicon as anode material are endowed with much higher energy density than state‐of‐the‐art graphite‐based LIBs. However, challenges of volume expansion and related dynamic surfaces lead to continuous (re‐)formation of the solid electrolyte interphase, active lithium losses, and rapid capacity fading. Cell failure can be further accelerated when Si is paired with high‐capacity, but also rather reactive Ni‐rich cathodes, such as LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2(NCM‐811). Here, the practical applicability of thermal evaporation of Li metal is evaluated as a prelithiation technique on micrometer‐sized Si (µ‐Si) electrodes in addressing such challenges. NCM‐811 || “prelithiated µ‐Si” full‐cells (25% degree of prelithiation) can attain a higher initial discharge capacity of ≈192 mAh gNCM‐811−1than the cells without prelithiation with only ≈160 mAh gNCM‐811−1. This study deeply discusses significant consequences of electrode capacity balancing (N:P ratio) with regard to prelithiation on the performance of full‐cells. The trade‐off between cell lifetime and energy density is also highlighted. It is essential to point out that the phenomena discussed here can further guide the direction of research in using the thermal evaporation of Li metal as a prelithiation technique toward its practical application on Si‐based LIBs.
Effect of liquid bridge evolution on the droplet non‐coalescence under a DC electric field
Authors: Huang Xin , Lu Yijia , Li Wanrui , Luo Xiaoming , Li Weidong , Li Jiaqing , Yin Pengbo , Teng Lin
Published: November 2022

The droplet non‐coalescence characteristics and mechanism under a DC electric field are investigated by comprehensively using high‐speed microscopic experiments, molecular dynamics simulations, and interface dynamics simulations. The researches show whether two droplets coalesce or not depends on the evolution of liquid bridge. The liquid bridge evolution is not only dominated by the electric force FE and the capillary force Fi, but also slowed down by the viscous force. The relative strength of FE and capillary force Fi relies on the electric capillary number Ca and the maximum liquid bridge radius R*max. The droplet non‐coalescence is more likely to happen as the Ca increases or the R*max decreases. Furthermore, the critical value Cac for droplet non‐coalescence reduces as the R*max decreases. The ion transportation causes uneven distribution of ions and thus strengthens the FE, resulting in the non‐coalescence. These results provide significant guidance for efficient demulsification of water‐in‐oil emulsion.
Internalization of the model minority myth and sociodemographic factors shaping Asians/Asian Americans' experiences of discrimination during COVID‐19
Authors: Yi Jacqueline , La Raymond , Lee B. Andi , Saw Anne
Published: November 2022

Despite appearing positive, the model minority myth (MMM), or the perception that Asian Americans are “problem‐free” minorities, maintains unfair racial hierarchies and discredits the pervasiveness of systemic racism faced by Asian Americans and other Black, Indigenous, and people of Color. This study investigated the role of internalized MMM in Asian/Asian Americans' (A/AA) experiences during the syndemic of COVID‐19 and our society's racial reckoning. Using a mixed methods approach, we analyzed A/AA college students' open‐ended responses to a query about their experiences as A/AA during COVID‐19, which resulted in qualitative themes of Personal and Vicarious Discrimination, Vigilance, Safety due to Ethnicity, Safety due to Environment, and No Difference during COVID‐19. We then conducted a series of logistic and linear regression models to examine how internalized MMM and sociodemographic factors (i.e., ethnic group, gender, and generational status) were associated with qualitative themes and quantitative measures of COVID‐related discrimination. Overall, findings demonstrated that greater internalized MMM, as well as identifying as South Asian, male, and an international/first‐generation immigrant student, were linked to fewer qualitative and quantitative reports of vicarious discrimination. We conclude with implications for research and practice in community psychology that further examine the racialized experiences among A/AA college students and ultimately seek to challenge the MMM and racial hierarchies perpetuating systems of oppression.
Metallfreie intermolekulare C‐H‐Borylierung von N‐Heterocyclen an B‐B‐Mehrfachbindungen
Authors: Brückner Tobias , Ritschel Benedikt , Jiménez‐Halla J. Oscar C. , Fantuzzi Felipe , Duwe Dario , Markl Christian , Dewhurst Rian D. , Dietz Maximilian , Braunschweig Holger
Published: November 2022

Carbenstabilisierte Diborine der Form LBBL (L=N‐heterocyclisches Carben (NHC) oder cyclisches Alkyl(amino)carben (CAAC)) induzieren bei Raumtemperatur eine schnelle, ertragreiche, intermolekulare ortho‐C‐H‐Borylierung an N‐Heterocyclen. Ein einfaches Pyridyldiboren wird gebildet, wenn ein NHC‐stabilisiertes Diborin mit Pyridin kombiniert wird, während ein CAAC‐stabilisiertes Diborin zur Aktivierung von zwei Pyridinmolekülen führt, um ein tricyclisches Alkylidenboran zu bilden, das durch Erhitzen zu einem zwitterionischen, zweifach benzokondensierten 1,3,2,5‐Diazadiborinin mittels einer weiteren H‐Verschiebung umgelagert werden kann. Die Verwendung des verlängerten N‐heteroaromatischen Chinolins führt unter milden Bedingungen über einen bisher unbekannten Bor‐Kohlenstoff‐Austauschprozess zu einem Borylmethylenboran.
Innovative elektrochemische Strategien für die Wasserstoffproduktion: Von der Stromspeicherung bis zur Stromerzeugung
Authors: Yan Dafeng , Mebrahtu Chalachew , Wang Shuangyin , Palkovits Regina
Published: November 2022

Die erneuerbare H2‐Produktion durch Wasserelektrolyse hat aufgrund ihrer zahlreichen Vorteile viel Aufmerksamkeit auf sich gezogen. Der Energieverbrauch der herkömmlichen Wasserelektrolyse ist jedoch hoch und wird hauptsächlich durch die kinetisch träge anodische Sauerstoffentwicklungsreaktion bestimmt. Ein alternativer Ansatz ist die Kopplung verschiedener Halbzellenreaktionen und die Verwendung von Redox‐Mediatoren. In diesem Übersichtsartikel fassen wir daher die neuesten Erkenntnisse über innovative elektrochemische Strategien zur H2‐Produktion zusammen. Zunächst gehen wir auf die bei der Wasserspaltung verwendeten Redox‐Mediatoren ein, einschließlich löslicher und unlöslicher Spezies, sowie auf die entsprechenden Zellkonzepte. Zweitens erörtern wir alternative anodische Reaktionen mit organischen und anorganischen chemischen Umwandlungen. Dann wird die elektrochemische H2‐Produktion sowohl an der Kathode als auch an der Anode und sogar die H2‐Produktion unter Stromerzeugung vorgestellt. Abschließend werden die bestehenden Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten für die künftige Entwicklung dieses Forschungsgebiets hervorgehoben.
Approaching Dianionic Tetraoxadiborecine Macrocycles: 10‐Membered Bora‐Crown Ethers Incorporating Borafluorenate Units
Authors: Wentz Kelsie E. , Molino Andrew , Freeman Lucas A. , Dickie Diane A. , Wilson David J. D. , Gilliard Robert J.
Published: November 2022

The addition of non‐benzenoid quinones, acenapthenequinone or aceanthrenequinone, to the 9‐carbene‐9‐borafluorene monoanion (1) affords the first examples of dianionic 10‐membered bora‐crown ethers (2–5), which are characterized by multi‐nuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H,13C,11B), X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. These tetraoxadiborecines have distinct absorption profiles based on the positioning of the alkali metal cations. When compound4, which has a vacant C4B2O4cavity, is reacted with sodium tetrakis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate, a color change from purple to orange serves as a visual indicator of metal binding to the central ring, whereby the Na+ion coordinates to four oxygen atoms. A detailed theoretical analysis of the calculated reaction energetics is provided to gain insight into the reaction mechanism for the formation of2–5. These data, and the electronic structures of proposed intermediates, indicate that the reaction proceeds via a boron enolate intermediate.
Mitigating Electron Leakage of Solid Electrolyte Interface for Stable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Enhui , Wan Jing , Guo Yu‐Jie , Zhang Qianyu , He Wei‐Huan , Zhang Chao‐Hui , Chen Wan‐Ping , Yan Hui‐Juan , Xue Ding‐Jiang , Fang Tiantian , Wang Fuyi , Wen Rui , Xin Sen , Yin Ya‐Xia , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: November 2022

The interfacial stability is highly responsible for the longevity and safety of sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, the continuous solid‐electrolyte interphase(SEI) growth would deteriorate its stability. Essentially, the SEI growth is associated with the electron leakage behavior, yet few efforts have tried to suppress the SEI growth, from the perspective of mitigating electron leakage. Herein, we built two kinds of SEI layers with distinct growth behaviors, via the additive strategy. The SEI physicochemical features (morphology and componential information) and SEI electronic properties (LUMO level, band gap, electron work function) were investigated elaborately. Experimental and calculational analyses showed that, the SEI layer with suppressed growth delivers both the low electron driving force and the high electron insulation ability. Thus, the electron leakage is mitigated, which restrains the continuous SEI growth, and favors the interface stability with enhanced electrochemical performance.
Metal‐Free Intermolecular C−H Borylation of N‐Heterocycles at B−B Multiple Bonds
Authors: Brückner Tobias , Ritschel Benedikt , Jiménez‐Halla J. Oscar C. , Fantuzzi Felipe , Duwe Dario , Markl Christian , Dewhurst Rian D. , Dietz Maximilian , Braunschweig Holger
Published: November 2022

Carbene‐stabilized diborynes of the form LBBL (L=N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) or cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene (CAAC)) induce rapid, high yielding, intermolecular ortho‐C−H borylation at N‐heterocycles at room temperature. A simple pyridyldiborene is formed when an NHC‐stabilized diboryne is combined with pyridine, while a CAAC‐stabilized diboryne leads to activation of two pyridine molecules to give a tricyclic alkylideneborane, which can be forced to undergo a further H‐shift resulting in a zwitterionic, doubly benzo‐fused 1,3,2,5‐diazadiborinine by heating. Use of the extended N‐heteroaromatic quinoline leads to a borylmethyleneborane under mild conditions via an unprecedented boron‐carbon exchange process.
Case‐Mix Moderation of the Relationship Between OR Performance Metrics and Utilization
Authors: Elliott‐Dawe Cheryl , Chen Jie , Zadinsky Julie K.
Published: November 2022

We investigated the impact of the case‐mix ratio of inpatients to outpatients on the relationships between OR utilization and late starts, turnover time, delays, cancellations, and idle time at an academic medical center in the southeastern United States. After extracting 55 months of data from the surgical repository, we used simple and multiple linear regression models to analyze the data and determine the strength and direction of the relationships among the variables. We compared models comprising proportionally more inpatients to models comprising proportionally more outpatients for each metric to ascertain the effects of case mix on OR utilization. Idle time had the greatest effect on OR utilization, followed by late starts and turnover time. Case mix moderated the relationship between OR utilization and the metrics of cancellations and turnover time. Perioperative leaders may enhance OR utilization by monitoring and addressing idle time and late starts and scheduling an appropriate mix of inpatients and outpatients.
Surgical Conscience: A Concept Analysis for Perioperative Nurses
Authors: Quintana Danielle
Published: November 2022

A concept analysis was performed on surgical conscience in perioperative nursing using the Penrod and Hupcey principle‐based method. The analysis included framing surgical conscience according to the epistemological, pragmatic, linguistic, and logical principles and showed that surgical conscience falls into several domains, including nursing, surgery, anesthesiology, surgical technology, and interventional radiology. Although some perioperative nurses consider surgical conscience a fundamental principle in the OR, there is limited published literature on how surgical conscience is introduced, learned, improved, or measured. The literature search for this concept analysis did not produce a published operationalization of the concept. Therefore, this concept analysis provides a comprehensive definition of surgical conscience to guide the future research that is needed to reinforce surgical conscience and prevent conceptual dogma—a situation in which attributes of a concept lack the support of additional investigation but are still used and reinforced over time.
Prediction of intensity of dispersion in surfactant solutions in vertical sparged bubble column
Authors: Parmar Rajeev
Published: November 2022

Dispersion of liquid in bubble column is an important process in chemical and allied industries. In the present work, the dispersion characteristics of liquid phase in a bubble column is studied in three different surfactant solutions. A comparative analysis on the dispersion characteristics of liquid phase in different surfactants has been carried out. The gas holdup and mixing time are also analysed. The effect of different physiochemical properties and operating variables on the dispersion coefficient and gas holdup is examined. A novel model for the estimation of dispersion due to bubble motion has been developed which incorporates the effect of gas holdup, liquid viscosity and circulation velocity. The contribution of dispersion coefficient due to the bubble motion in overall dispersion is also examined. The value of velocity distribution parameter in three different surfactant solutions is also compared. Generalised correlations for gas holdup, dispersion coefficient and mixing time are also developed based on the physicochemical properties of liquid. This research may be useful for the selection and application of these three surfactants in industries. This article will also help researchers for designing multiphase flow system where role of dispersion due to the motion of bubbles is significant.
Inhibition of ferroptosis of renal tubular cells with total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot alleviates diabetic tubulopathy
Authors: Wang Mei‐Zi , Cai Yu‐Feng , Fang Qi‐Jun , Liu Ying‐Lu , Wang Jie , Chen Jia‐Xin , Fu Yan , Wan Bing‐Ying , Tu Yue , Wu Wei , Wan Yi‐Gang , Mu Geng‐Lin
Published: November 2022

Ferroptosis‐related renal tubular lesions play important roles in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression, and these pathophysiological responses are collectively described as diabetic tubulopathy (DT), which lacks an effective treatment. Total flavones from Abelmoschus manihot (TFA), a natural extract that extensively used in patients with chronic kidney disease, has been used for treatment of renal tubular injury in DKD; however, whether TFA alleviates DT and its potential mechanisms remain unclear. Hence, we investigated the effects of TFA, compared to dapagliflozin, in DT management both in vivo and in vitro, using a DKD rat model and the NRK‐52 E cells. Following modeling, the DKD rats received TFA, dapagliflozin, or vehicle for 6 weeks. For the in vitro research, the NRK‐52 E cells were exposed to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) plus ferrostatin‐1 (Fer‐1), dapagliflozin, or TFA. Changes in biochemical parameters and renal tubular injury were analyzed in vivo, while changes in ferroptosis of renal tubular cells and the ferroptosis‐related proteins expression were analyzed both in vivo and in vitro. We found that TFA and dapagliflozin improved biochemical parameters, renal tubular injury, and ferroptosis in the DKD rats. Moreover, TFA and dapagliflozin inhibited ferroptosis by ameliorating iron deposition, lipid peroxidation capacity, and ferroptosis‐related proteins expression in vitro, which was similar to the effects of Fer‐1. Collectively, this study demonstrated that TFA treated DT in a manner similar to dapagliflozin by inhibiting ferroptosis of renal tubular cells via improving iron deposition and antioxidant capacity. Our findings provide new pharmacological evidence for TFA application in DT treatment.
Sexual functioning among breast cancer survivors and non‐cancer controls over 5 years post diagnosis: Pink SWAN
Authors: Avis Nancy E. , Crawford Sybil L. , Gold Ellen B. , Greendale Gail A.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To compare sexual functioning from diagnosis to 5 years post diagnosis among breast cancer survivors (BCS) and women without cancer (controls).

Patients and Methods

Analyses included 118 BCS and 1765 controls from 20 years of the longitudinal Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multiracial/ethnic cohort of mid‐life women assessed approximately annually from 1995 to 2015. Pink SWAN participants reported no cancer at SWAN enrollment and developed (BCS) or did not develop (controls) incident breast cancer after enrollment. Outcomes included: being sexually active or not, intercourse frequency, sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and pain with intercourse. Using longitudinal logistic regression, we compared BCS and controls on prevalence of sexual functioning outcomes with respect to years since diagnosis. In addition, we examined whether menopause transition stage, depressive symptoms, relationship satisfaction, vaginal dryness, or pain with intercourse modified the relation between breast cancer and sexual functioning outcomes.

Results

Adjusting for partner status, both BCS and controls reported similar declines over time in being sexually active, sexual intercourse frequency, and sexual desire. Among sexually active women, more BCS than controls consistently reported vaginal dryness with significant differences between 2 and 4 years post‐diagnosis, and pain with intercourse, with statistically significant differences between 0.5 years post‐diagnosis to 2 years post‐diagnosis. Being post‐menopausal and reporting depressive symptoms were significant effect modifiers for pain with intercourse with both variables having positive and stronger associations with pain among the controls than among BCS.

Conclusion

Except for more reporting of vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse among BCS, negative changes in sexual function during mid‐life were similar in those with and without breast cancer.
Mutation patterns and evolutionary action score of TP53 enable identification of a patient population with poor prognosis in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jiang Wensheng , Cheng Huanqing , Yu Lili , Zhang Jie , Wang Yihui , Liang Yun , Lou Feng , Wang Huina , Cao Shanbo
Published: November 2022

Background

TP53 mutations are frequent in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Different categories of TP53 mutations may be associated with survival in advanced NSCLC, but their effect on prognosis is diverse. To date, a comprehensive comparison of the relationship between different classes of TP53 alterations and survival in advanced NSCLC has rarely been performed. Moreover, the prognostic significance of a novel approach called the evolutionary action of TP53 (EAp53) in advanced NSCLC is unclear.

Methods

A total of 210 patients with NSCLC harboring TP53 mutation data were enrolled. Genomic and clinical data for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) cohort with advanced NSCLC were obtained from cBioPortal. Relationship between clinical characteristics and TP53 mutations was performed by Fisher's exact test or χ2 test. Overall survival (OS) analysis was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

TP53 mutations were identified in 51.4% of NSCLC patients and were mainly located in exons 5, 7, and 8. The distribution patterns of missense and truncating mutations of TP53 were remarkably different. Among patients with advanced NSCLC who never received immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments, EAp53 high‐risk mutations were significantly associated with poor OS in both our cohort and the MSKCC cohort. Moreover, marked differences were observed in the mutational landscape between patients with EAp53 high‐risk mutations (HR group) and other patients (OT group). The HR group displayed higher mutation frequencies in the RTK, cell cycle, and DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways than the OT group. In addition, the tumor mutation burden in the HR group was significantly higher than that in the OT group.

Conclusions

This study provided important insights into the molecular‐clinical profile of TP53‐mutated NSCLC patients. Moreover, the data revealed that EAp53 high‐risk mutations were an independent prognostic factor for worse OS in advanced NSCLC.
Combined plasma C‐reactive protein, interleukin 6 and YKL‐40 for detection of cancer and prognosis in patients with serious nonspecific symptoms and signs of cancer
Authors: Videmark Alex N. , Christensen Ib J. , Feltoft Claus L. , Villadsen Mette , Borg Frederikke H. , Jørgensen Barbara M. , Bojesen Stig E. , Kistorp Caroline , Ugleholdt Randi , Johansen Julia S.
Published: November 2022

Background and methods

Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer and its progression. Plasma levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and YKL‐40 reflect inflammation, and are elevated in patients with cancer. This study investigated whether plasma CRP, IL‐6 and YKL‐40 had diagnostic value in 753 patients referred with nonspecific signs and symptoms of cancer to a diagnostic outpatient clinic.

Results

In total, 111 patients were diagnosed with cancer within 3 months and 30 after 3 months. CRP, IL‐6 and YKL‐40 were elevated in 44%, 60% and 45% of the cancer patients, and in 15%, 33% and 25% of the patients without cancer. Elevated levels of all three markers were associated with risk of cancer within 3 months: CRP (odds ratio (OR) 4.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.86–6.81), IL‐6 (OR = 2.89, 1.91–4.37) and YKL‐40 (OR = 2.42, 1.59–3.66). Multivariate explorative analyses showed that increasing values were associated with the risk of getting a cancer diagnosis (continuous scale: CRP (OR = 1.28, 1.12–1.47), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (OR = 1.61, 1.41–1.98), CA19‐9 (OR = 1.15, 1.03–1.29), age (OR = 1.29, 1.02–1.63); dichotomized values: CRP (OR = 2.54, 1.39–4.66), CEA (OR = 4.22, 2.13–8.34), age (OR = 1.42, 1.13–1.80)). CRP had the highest diagnostic value (area under the curve = 0.69). Combined high CRP, IL‐6 and YKL‐40 was associated with short overall survival (HR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.5–5.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, plasma CRP, IL‐6 and YKL‐40 alone or combined cannot be used to identify patients with cancer, but high levels were associated with poor prognosis. CRP may be useful to indicate whether further diagnostic evaluation is needed when patients present with nonspecific signs and symptoms of cancer.
About a rare association: Guillain–Barré Syndrome and polymyositis
Authors: Chabchoub Imen , Snoussi Mouna , Ammar Rania , Ben Salah Raida , Dammak Chifa , Frikha Faten , Bouaziz Mounir , Boudawara Tahia , Bahloul Zouhir
Published: November 2022

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and polymyositis (PM) are two rare autoimmune diseases, one of which affects the peripheral nervous system and other the muscle. We report the case of a young woman with no previous medical history who was hospitalized with an ascending paralysis associated with acute respiratory failure due to a GBS. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis with unfavorable outcome and permanent proximal muscular disability. The diagnosis of an associated PM was retained based on biological myolysis and the results of electromyography and muscular biopsy. To our knowledge, this association of GBS and PM has been reported only once in the literature. The search for syndromic associations in the presence of an autoimmune helps to avoid diagnostic errors.
N‐Fluoroalkylated Morpholinos – a New Class of Nucleoside Analogues
Authors: Debreczeni Nóra , Hotzi Judit , Bege Miklós , Lovas Miklós , Mező Erika , Bereczki Ilona , Herczegh Pál , Kiss Loránd , Borbás Anikó
Published: November 2022

The first concise and efficient synthesis of some fluorine‐containing morpholino nucleosides has been developed. One synthetic strategy was based on the oxidative ring cleavage of the vicinal diol unit of uridine, cytidine adenosine and guanosine derivatives, followed by cyclisation of the dialdehyde intermediates by double reductive amination with fluorinated primary amines to obtain variousN‐fluoroalkylated morpholinos. Another approach involved cyclisation of the diformyl intermediates with ammonia source, followed by dithiocarbamate formation and desulfurization‐fluorination with diethylaminosulfur trifluoride yielding the corresponding morpholine‐based nucleoside analogues with aN‐CF3element in their structure.
Near‐Infrared Emissive Hypervalent Compounds with Germanium(IV)‐Fused Azobenzene π‐Conjugated Systems
Authors: Gon Masayuki , Yaegashi Misao , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: November 2022

A novel molecular design for showing near‐infrared (NIR) emission is still required for satisfying growing demands for NIR‐light technology. In this research, hypervalent compounds with germanium (Ge)‐fused azobenzene (GAz) scaffolds were discovered that can exhibit NIR emission (λPL=690∼721 nm, ΦPL=0.03∼0.04) despite compact π‐conjugated systems. The unique optical properties are derived from the trigonal bipyramidal geometry of the hypervalent compounds constructed by combination of Ge and azobenzene‐based tridentate ligands. Experimental and theoretical calculation results disclosed that the germanium‐nitrogen (Ge−N) coordination at the equatorial position strongly reduces the energy level of the LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), and the three‐center four‐electron (3 c–4 e) bond in the apical position effectively rises the energy level of the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital). It is emphasized that large narrowing of the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap is achieved just by forming the hypervalent bond. In addition, the narrow‐energy‐gap property can be enhanced by extension of π‐conjugation. The obtained π‐conjugated polymer shows efficient NIR emission both in solution (λPL=770 nm and ΦPL=0.10) and film (λPL=807 nm and ΦPL=0.04). These results suggest that collaboration of a hypervalent bond and a π‐conjugated system is a novel and effective strategy for tuning electronic properties even in the NIR region.
CO2 Adsorption and Desorption for CO2 Enrichment at Low‐Concentrations Using Zeolite 13X
Authors: Bao Jie , Zhao Jigang , Bi Xiaotao Tony
Published: November 2022

Adsorption of CO2 using zeolite 13X as adsorbent has been studied extensively, but little attention has been paid to CO2 adsorption at very low concentrations such as in the ambient air. Furthermore, there is almost no information on CO2 desorption characteristics. In a carbon enrichment for plant stimulation system, ambient CO2 is enriched from 400 to 1000 ppm to provide an enriched CO2 stream for plant growth in greenhouses. To provide essential design data, systematic performance tests were carried out to evaluate both the adsorption and desorption capacity, enrichment factor, moisture content, and cyclic performance. It was found that the adsorption capacity and CO2 concentration in the enriched air are a function of adsorption temperature and the difference of adsorption and desorption temperatures, for a given adsorbent loading at a properly selected gas flow rate.
A Review on Piezoelectric Materials and Their Applications
Authors: Sekhar Madunuri Chandra , Veena Eshwarappa , Kumar Nagasamudram Suresh , Naidu Kadiyala Chandra Babu , Mallikarjuna Allam , Basha Dudekula Baba
Published: November 2022

Piezoelectric materials have the merits of fast response, speed, and high precision. These materials have been widely investigated for functional device applications such as sensors, actuators, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), 3D‐printing etc. This paper offers a review on recent advances in piezoelectric materials and their limitations. In addition, different piezoelectric materials such as lead‐based, lead‐free piezoelectric materials etc. are discussed, and their applications in the catalysis, energy harvesting, sensors, biomedical engineering, and additive manufacturing are addressed.
An empirical research of corporate social responsibility on creating the green brand equity: An exploratory of Vietnamese consumers' perception in the bank industry
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong Nguyet , Tran Nguyen Khanh Hai , Do Khoa
Published: November 2022

This article examined and measured corporate social responsibility's (CSR) affection for green brand equity in the banking sector based on customer perception in the emerging market. The findings showed the importance of CSR in creating overall green brand equity through green brand association, green brand satisfaction, and green brand trust. The research results contribute significantly to expanding the corporate social responsibility theory. Moreover, managers can consider the research findings to develop strong green brand equity in customers' perception by promoting positive social responsibility activities and programs to increase interaction, satisfaction, and trust of customers towards green product brands. However, the research has several limitations, especially in geographical sampling size and sampling techniques.
A Systematic Review of Localization in WSN: Machine Learning and Optimization‐Based approaches
Authors: Yadav Preeti , Sharma Subhash Chandra
Published: November 2022

In recent years, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely used in various applications. The localization problem has been identified as one of the biggest problems faced by WSNs. The traditional localization techniques may not be able to handle the issues during the scenario to estimate the location of sensor nodes due to anchor mobility, mobile WSNs, latency, energy harvesting, unfavorable environmental states, and many more issues. However, these issues open the door for the amalgamation of machine learning (ML) and optimization techniques with localization techniques. Motivated by the earlier discussion, we explored various ML and optimization techniques to estimate the location coordinates in a sensor network in this paper. Finally, a comparison of existing ML algorithms concerning optimization techniques has been presented, highlighting their improved outcomes. This research offers a detailed survey by exploring the various parameters for location estimation through tabular forms by incorporating ML and optimized localization techniques. A survey of surveys is also presented to identify the key limitations of existing surveys and to introduce the novelty in the comprehensive study done in this paper. A year‐wise evaluation of ML Techniques with localization (2011–2022) is also discussed and presented over various performance parameters, including energy‐efficiency, accuracy, error, and complexity. This discussion concluded that Hybrid Techniques are least explored for using optimized localization machine learning. Further, a summarized discussion of the various comparison tables paves the path for future research in the area of localization in WSN.
Repeated subsamples during DNA extraction reveal increased diversity estimates in DNA metabarcoding of Malaise traps
Authors: Zizka Vera M. A. , Geiger Matthias F. , Hörren Thomas , Kirse Ameli , Noll Niklas W. , Schäffler Livia , Scherges Alice M. , Sorg Martin
Published: November 2022

With increased application of DNA metabarcoding in biodiversity assessment, various laboratory protocols have been optimized, and their further evaluation is subject of current research. Homogenization of bulk samples and subsequent DNA extraction from a subsample of destructed tissue is a common first stage of the metabarcoding process. This can either be conducted using sample material soaked in a storage fixative, e.g., ethanol (here referred to as “wet” treatment) or from dried individuals (“dry”). However, it remains uncertain if perfect mixing and equal distribution of DNA within the tube is ensured during homogenization and to what extent incomplete mixing and resulting variations in tissue composition affect diversity assessments if only a fraction of the destructed sample is processed in the downstream metabarcoding workflow. Here we investigated the efficiency of homogenization under wet and dry conditions and tested how variations in destructed tissue composition might affect diversity assessments of complex arthropod samples. We considered five time intervals of Malaise trap bulk samples and process nine different subsamples of homogenized tissue (20 mg each) in both treatments. Results indicate a more consistent diversity assessment from dried material, but at the cost of a higher processing time. Both approaches detected comparable OTU diversity and revealed similar taxa compositions in a single tissue extraction. With an increased number of tissue subsamples during DNA extraction, OTU diversity increased for both approaches, especially for highly diverse samples obtained during the summer. Here, particularly the detection of small and low‐biomass taxa increased. The processing of multiple subsamples in the metabarcoding protocol can therefore be a helpful procedure to enhance diversity estimates and counteract taxonomic bias in biodiversity assessments. However, the process induces higher costs and time effort and the application in large‐scale biodiversity assessment, e.g., in monitoring schemes needs to be considered on project‐specific prospects.
Origins of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Bahamas: A comparison of recent and historical rookery contributions
Authors: Kynoch Camille , Fuentes Mariana M. P. B. , Dutton Peter H. , LaCasella Erin L. , Silver‐Gorges Ian
Published: November 2022

Conservation of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) benefits from knowledge of population connectivity across life stages. Green turtles are managed at the level of genetically discrete rookeries, yet individuals from different rookeries mix at foraging grounds; therefore, rookeries may be impacted by processes at foraging grounds. Bimini, Bahamas, hosts an important foraging assemblage, but rookery contributions to this assemblage have never been resolved. We generated mitochondrial DNA sequences for 96 foraging green turtles from Bimini and used Mixed Stock Analysis to determine rookery contributions to this population using 817 and 490 base pair (bp) rookery baseline data. The MSA conducted with 817 bp data indicated that Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Central Eastern Florida contributed most to the Bimini population. The MSA conducted with 490 bp data indicated that Southwest Cuba and Central Eastern Florida contributed the most to Bimini. The results of the second MSA differ from a previous study undertaken with 490 bp data, conducted in Great Inagua, Bahamas, which suggested that Tortuguero, Costa Rica, contributed the most to that foraging assemblage. Large credible intervals in our results do not permit explicit interpretation of individual rookery contributions, but our results do indicate substantial relative differences in rookery contributions to two Bahamian foraging assemblages which may be driven by oceanic currents, rookery sizes, and possibly juvenile natal homing. Our findings may implicate a shift in contributions to the Bahamas over two decades, highlighting the importance of regularly monitoring rookery contributions and resolving regional recruitment patterns to inform conservation.
Sea otters in a California estuary: Detecting temporal and spatial dynamics with volunteer monitoring
Authors: Eby Ron , Rosso Susan , Copriviza John , Scoles Robert , Gideon Yohn , Mancino Joseph , Mayer Karl , Yee Julie , Wasson Kerstin
Published: November 2022

Volunteer monitoring can support conservation of imperiled wildlife, by providing higher resolution data in space and time than those available from professional scientists. However, concerns have been raised that data collected by amateurs are inaccurate or inconsistent and thus do not allow for robust detection of spatial or temporal trends. We evaluated the rigor and value of volunteer monitoring data for one iconic wildlife species, the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), in Elkhorn Slough estuary in central California, USA, and explored whether volunteer monitoring could provide added value to complement limited professional surveys. First, we compiled and analyzed sea otter counts taken on daily ecotourist boat trips along the estuary, and then compared temporal patterns to data collected by professional scientists tasked with monitoring this federally listed species. Second, we analyzed data on sea otter abundance, habitat use, and behavior collected by a team of trained volunteers, the Elkhorn Slough Reserve Otter Monitoring Program. Overall, we demonstrated the ability to detect important ecological patterns relevant to sea otter conservation and wetland habitat management using volunteer‐derived datasets. Long‐term trends and inter‐annual variability were similar between professional agency monitoring data and volunteer datasets. Moreover, the much higher frequency of volunteer observations allowed for seasonal and tidal dynamics to be detected that could not be revealed by less frequent professional monitoring. We found higher sea otter abundance in the estuary in spring–summer, indicating seasonality in use of the estuary. We detected differences in habitat use of the estuary between higher and lower tides, and greater frequency of foraging at low tide and in certain areas. Volunteer observations revealed fine‐scale differences in habitat use: eelgrass beds were used much more heavily than adjacent areas only a few meters away. Volunteer data can thus provide critical information about coastal habitat use and behavior that can improve conservation strategies for threatened wildlife species.
Investigations on the Reactivity of Copper(I) Complexes with a N3S Thioether Ligand System
Authors: Rotärmel Thomas , Specht Pascal , Becker Jonathan , Neuba Adam , Schindler Siegfried
Published: November 2022

In the active site of several copper monooxygenases, thioether residues are coordinated through the sulfur atom, e. g. dopamine‐β‐monooxygenase (DβM). The reaction of dioxygen with a series of copper(I) complexes with thioether groups in tripodal ligands based on either derivatives of tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (TMPA) or a guanidine system were investigated by low‐temperature stopped‐flow measurements. The formation of labile intermediates, an end‐on superoxido complex, and μ‐1,2‐trans‐peroxido copper(II) complexes were spectroscopically detected and a kinetic analysis allowed the calculation of activation parameters for these reactions supporting the postulated mechanism. Most interesting was the finding that replacing the ethyl group in the tren‐guanidine derivative (TMGEt)2(SEtEt)N with a methyl group allowed a dramatic increase in the stability of the formed superoxido copper complex. Measurements with ozone were performed in order to find an alternative way to obtain and stabilize the labile intermediates.
College athletics experts share insights about transfer portal challenges
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2022

Although the NCAA transfer portal has given student‐athletes more freedom, it's also created more challenges for coaches and staff, which we discussed with members of the College Athletics and the Law Advisory Board.