bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil aggregation and surface‐soil properties under grazed pastures and other conservation land uses in Virginia
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J.
Published: May 2024

Grazed pastures supporting ruminant livestock have not been well characterized for soil health condition. However, growing interest in holistic management of compromised watersheds suggests that grazing lands deserve more attention for their capacity to provide ecosystem services. Relatively little is known about how grazing management affects soil aggregation and other surface‐soil properties on private lands in the eastern United States. This study investigated the effects of land use (conventional‐till cropland, no‐till cropland, grassland, and woodland) and pasture management characteristics on soil aggregation, bulk density, sieved soil density, total soil N, and soil‐test biological activity on 31 private farms distributed across the western half of Virginia. Soil stability index followed the order (p < 0.05): conventional‐till cropland (0.60 mm mm−1) < no‐till cropland (0.78 mm mm−1) < woodland (0.85 mm mm−1) = grassland (0.89 mm mm−1). Surface soil characteristics improved with pasture age due to organic matter recycling from residual forage mass and animal excreta. Increases in total soil N and soil‐test biological activity helped create water‐stable aggregation and reduce soil bulk density. Soil stability index was optimized with moderate stocking rate of 0.5–1.1 Mg live weight ha−1. Stocking method did not affect soil aggregation or bulk density. Soil stability index declined with increasing N fertilization rate. Soil aggregation characteristics were generally not affected by organic amendment, quantity of hay fed on farm, or occasional hay harvest from pastures, likely because aggregation was high across management variables. Well‐managed grazed pastures in Virginia are creating desirable conservation agricultural land uses to protect watershed quality.
Application of supramolecular hydrogel in supercapacitors: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Xu Wenshi , Chen Aibing
Published: May 2024

Supercapacitors (SCs) are studied and used in various fields due to their high power density, fast charging/discharging rate, as well as long cycle life. Compared to other traditional electrode and electrolyte materials, supramolecular hydrogels have great advantages in the application of SCs due to their excellent properties. Unlike covalent bonds, supramolecular systems are assembled through dynamic reversible bonds, including host–guest interactions, ion interactions, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, coordination interactions, etc. The resulting supramolecular hydrogels show some special functions, such as stretching, compression, adhesion, self‐healing, stimulus responsiveness, etc., making them strong candidates for the next generation of energy storage devices. This paper reviews the representative progress of electrodes, electrolytes, and SCs based on supramolecular hydrogels. Besides, the properties of supramolecular hydrogels, such as conductivity, extensibility, compressibility and elasticity, self‐healing, frost resistance, adhesion, and flexibility, are also reviewed to highlight the key role of excellent properties of hydrogel materials in SCs. In addition, this article also discusses the challenges faced by current technologies, hoping to continue promoting future research in this field.
Hollow fiber membrane governed microjet flow regime for confined crystallization of large‐sized crystal aggregates
Authors: Niu Yuchao , Du Shaofu , Liang Shankun , Sheng Lei , Meng Yingshuang , Xiao Wu , Ruan Xuehua , He Gaohong , Jiang Xiaobin
Published: May 2024

Confined crystallization can realize controllable nucleation and growth of crystals with targeted morphologies in a restricted region. Here, we achieved confined reactive crystallization within a novel micro columnar jet flow regime constructed by the hollow fiber membrane. The interface of the jet flow corresponds as the restricted region for reactive crystallization, and the large‐sized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals aggregates with millimeter length can ordered and self‐assembly grow along the boundary of this region. Formation mechanism of the jet flow was systematically investigated by real‐time observation and force analysis. The detected detachment‐regrowth cycle during the experiments furtherly uncovered the potential for continuous operation. Linear (diameter: 0.12–0.3 mm; length: 1.5–3.1 mm) and lamellar crystals (thickness of 200–300 nm and average area of 0.21 mm2) were obtained by effectively manipulating the diameter and effective length of jet flow.
Longitudinal adaptive behavioral outcomes in Ogden syndrome by seizure status and therapeutic intervention
Authors: Makwana Rikhil , Christ Carolina , Marchi Elaine , Harpell Randie , Lyon Gholson J.
Published: May 2024

Ogden syndrome, also known as NAA10‐related neurodevelopmental syndrome, is a rare genetic condition associated with pathogenic variants in the NAA10 N‐terminal acetylation family of proteins. The condition was initially described in 2011 and is characterized by a range of neurologic symptoms, including intellectual disability and seizures, as well as developmental delays, psychiatric symptoms, congenital heart abnormalities, hypotonia, and others. Previously published articles have described the etiology and phenotype of Ogden syndrome, mostly with retrospective analyses; herein, we report prospective data concerning its progress over time. The current study involves a total of 58 distinct participants; of these, 43 caregivers were interviewed using the Vineland‐3 and answered a survey regarding therapy and other questions, 10 of whom completed the Vineland‐3 but did not answer the survey, and 5 participants who answered the survey but have not yet performed the Vineland‐3 due to language constraints. The average age at the time of the most recent assessment was 12.4 years, with individuals ranging in age from 11 months to 40.2 years. Using Vineland‐3 scores, we show decline in cognitive function over time in individuals with Ogden syndrome (n = 53). Sub‐domain analysis found the decline to be present across all modalities. In addition, we describe the nature of seizures in this condition in greater detail, as well as investigate how already‐available non‐pharmaceutical therapies impact individuals with NAA10‐related neurodevelopmental syndrome. Additional investigation between seizure and non‐seizure groups showed no significant difference in adaptive behavior outcomes. A therapy investigation showed speech therapy to be the most commonly used therapy by individuals with NAA10‐related neurodevelopmental syndrome, followed by occupational and physical therapy, with more severely affected individuals receiving more types of therapy than their less‐severe counterparts. Early intervention analysis was only significantly effective for speech therapy, with analyses of all other therapies being non‐significant. Our study portrays the decline in cognitive function over time of individuals within our cohort, independent of seizure status, and therapies being received, and highlights the urgent need for the development of effective treatments for Ogden syndrome.
Medial temporal lobe gray matter microstructure in preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Brown Christopher , Das Sandhitsu , Xie Long , Nasrallah Ilya , Detre John , Chen‐Plotkin Alice , Shaw Leslie , McMillan Corey , Yushkevich Paul , Wolk David
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION

Typical MRI measures of neurodegeneration have limited sensitivity in early disease stages. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) microstructural measures may allow for detection in preclinical stages.

METHODS

Participants had dMRI and either beta‐amyloid PET or plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's pathology within 18 months of MRI. Microstructure was measured in portions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) with high neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) burden based on a previously developed post mortem 3D‐map. Regressions examined relationships between microstructure and markers of Alzheimer's pathology in preclinical disease and then across disease stages.

RESULTS

There was higher isometric volume fraction in amyloid‐positive compared to amyloid‐negative cognitively unimpaired individuals in high tangle MTL regions. Similarly, plasma biomarkers and 18F‐flortaucipir were associated with microstructural changes in preclinical disease. Additional microstructural effects were seen across disease stages.

DISCUSSION

Combining a post mortem atlas of NFT pathology with microstructural measures allows for detection of neurodegeneration in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Highlights

Typical markers of neurodegeneration are not sensitive in preclinical Alzheimer's.

dMRI measured microstructure in regions with high NFT.

Microstructural changes occur in medial temporal regions in preclinical disease.

Microstructural changes occur in other typical Alzheimer's regions in later stages.

Combining post mortem pathology atlases with in vivo MRI is a powerful framework.
Choriocapillaris reduction accurately discriminates against early‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kwapong William Robert , Tang Fei , Liu Peng , Zhang Ziyi , Cao Le , Feng Zijuan , Yang Shiyun , Shu Yang , Xu Heng , Lu Ying , Zhao Xinjun , Chong Baochen , Wu Bo , Liu Ming , Lei Peng , Zhang Shuting
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION

This study addresses the urgent need for non‐invasive early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) prediction. Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), we present a choriocapillaris model sensitive to EOAD, correlating with serum biomarkers.

METHODS

Eighty‐four EOAD patients and 73 controls were assigned to swept‐source OCTA (SS‐OCTA) or the spectral domain OCTA (SD‐OCTA) cohorts. Our hypothesis on choriocapillaris predictive potential in EOAD was tested and validated in these two cohorts.

RESULTS

Both cohorts revealed diminished choriocapillaris signals, demonstrating the highest discriminatory capability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: SS‐OCTA 0.913, SD‐OCTA 0.991; P < 0.001). A sparser SS‐OCTA choriocapillaris correlated with increased serum amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ42/40, and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 levels (all P < 0.05). Apolipoprotein E status did not affect choriocapillaris measurement.

DISCUSSION

The choriocapillaris, observed in both cohorts, proves sensitive to EOAD diagnosis, and correlates with serum Aβ and p‐tau181 levels, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for identifying and tracking microvascular changes in EOAD.

Highlights

Optical coherence tomography angiography may be applied for non‐invasive screening of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Choriocapillaris demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for early‐onset AD diagnosis.

Microvascular dynamics abnormalities are associated with AD.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Heteroatom‐Linked Non‐Biaryl Atropisomers
Authors: Naghim Abdelati , Rodriguez Jean , Chuzel Olivier , Chouraqui Gaëlle , Bonne Damien
Published: May 2024

Atropisomers hold significant fascination, not only for their prevalence in natural compounds but also for their biological importance and wide‐ranging applications as chiral materials, ligands, and organocatalysts. While biaryl and heterobiaryl atropisomers are commonly studied, the enantioselective synthesis of less abundant heteroatom‐linked non‐biaryl atropisomers presents a formidable challenge in modern organic synthesis. Unlike classical atropisomers, these molecules allow rotation around two bonds, resulting in low barriers to enantiomerization through concerted bond rotations. In recent years the discovery of new configurationally stable rare non‐biaryl scaffolds such as aryl amines, aryl ethers and aryl sulfones as well as innovative methodologies to control their configuration have been disclosed in the literature and constitute the topic of this minireview.
Lone‐Pair‐π Bond Strength Unveiled by a Combined Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Peña Cristian L. , Gutiérrez‐Blanco Ana , Gusev Dmitry G. , Poyatos Macarena , Peris Eduardo
Published: May 2024

A series of naphthalene‐diimide (NDI) and perylene‐diimide (PDI) connected bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes of iridium(III) have been prepared and fully characterized. The analysis of their NMR spectroscopic features, together with their molecular structures show that these species display lone‐pair‐π interactions between the chloride ligands of the Ir(III) complex and the heterocycles of the NDI/PDI moieties. The detection of this type of interaction in solution is due to the formation of two atropisomers, which are formed as a result of the restricted rotation about the Ir−Ccarbene bond imposed by the (Cl)lp⋅⋅⋅π interaction. Variable‐temperature 1H NMR analysis allowed the determination of the strength of this non‐covalent interaction, which lies between ΔH=6.6 and 10 kcal/mol. The computational studies performed fully support the experimental findings.
Constructing High‐Performance Cobalt‐Based Environmental Catalysts from Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Unveiling Overlooked Roles of Copper and Aluminum from Current Collectors
Authors: Liang Jianxing , Li Kan , Shi Feng , Li Jingdong , Gu Jia‐nan , Xue Yixin , Bao Chenyu , Guo Mingming , Jia Jinping , Fan Maohong , Sun Tonghua
Published: May 2024

Converting spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) cathode materials into environmental catalysts has drawn more and more attention. Herein, we fabricated a Co3O4‐based catalyst from spent LiCoO2 LIBs (Co3O4‐LIBs) and found that the role of Al and Cu from current collectors on its performance is nonnegligible. The density functional theory calculations confirmed that the doping of Al and/or Cu upshifts the d‐band center of Co. A Fenton‐like reaction based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation was adopted to evaluate its activity. Interestingly, Al doping strengthened chemisorption for PMS (from −2.615 eV to −2.623 eV) and shortened Co−O bond length (from 2.540 Å to 2.344 Å) between them, whereas Cu doping reduced interfacial charge‐transfer resistance (from 28.347 kΩ to 6.689 kΩ) excepting for the enhancement of the above characteristics. As expected, the degradation activity toward bisphenol A of Co3O4‐LIBs (0.523 min−1) was superior to that of Co3O4 prepared from commercial CoC2O4 (0.287 min−1). Simultaneously, the reasons for improved activity were further verified by comparing activity with catalysts doped Al and/or Cu into Co3O4. This work reveals the role of elements from current collectors on the performance of functional materials from spent LIBs, which is beneficial to the sustainable utilization of spent LIBs.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Sulfinamidines via Asymmetric Nitrogen Transfer from N−H Oxaziridines to Sulfenamides
Authors: Fimm Marc , Saito Fumito
Published: May 2024

Sulfinamidines are promising aza‐SIV chiral building blocks in asymmetric synthesis and drug discovery. However, no report has documented their enantioselective synthesis. Here we present an enantioselective synthesis of sulfinamidines via electrophilic amination of sulfenamides using an enantiopure N−H oxaziridine. The resulting enantiomerically enriched primary sulfinamidines are configurationally stable at 90 °C in solution and show remarkable stability against organic acids and bases under non‐aqueous conditions. We also demonstrate a one‐pot, three‐component, enantioselective synthesis of sulfinamides using N−H oxaziridine reagents.
Highly Stable MOF‐Type Lead Halide Luminescent Ferroelectrics
Authors: Sun Chen , Li Yukong , Yin Jinlin , Li Dongyang , Wu Chao , Zhang Chi , Fei Honghan
Published: May 2024

Lead halide molecular ferroelectrics represent an important class of luminescent ferroelectrics, distinguished by their high chemical and structural tunability, excellent processability and distinctive luminescent characteristics. However, their inherent instability, prone to decomposition upon exposure to moisture and light, hinders their broader ferroelectric applications. Herein, for the first time, we present a series of isoreticular metal–organic framework (MOF)‐type lead halide luminescent ferroelectrics, demonstrating exceptional robustness under ambient conditions for at least 15 months and even when subjected to aqueous boiling conditions. Unlike conventional metal‐oxo secondary building units (SBUs) in MOFs adopting highly centrosymmetric structure with limited structural distortion, our lead halide‐based MOFs occupy structurally deformable [Pb2X]+ (X=Cl−/Br−/I−) SBUs that facilitate a c‐axis‐biased displacement of Pb2+ centers and substantially contribute to thermoinducible structural transformation. Importantly, this class of MOF‐type lead halide ferroelectrics undergo ferroelectric‐to‐paraelectric phase transitions with remarkably high Curie temperature of up to 505 K, superior to most of molecular ferroelectrics. Moreover, the covalent bonding between phosphorescent organic component and the light‐harvesting inorganic component achieves efficient spin‐orbit coupling and intersystem crossing, resulting in long‐lived afterglow emission. The compelling combination of high stability, ferroelectricity and afterglow emission exhibited by lead halide MOFs opens up many potential opportunities in energy‐conversion applications.
Controlling Tin Halide Perovskite Oxidation Dynamics in Solution for Perovskite Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Tian Shun , Li Guixiang , Turnell‐Ritson Roland C. , Fei Zhaofu , Bornet Aurélien , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Dyson Paul J.
Published: May 2024

As a leading contender to replace lead halide perovskites, tin‐based perovskites have demonstrated ever increasing performance in solar cells and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). They tend to be processed with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent, which has been identified as a major contributor to the Sn(II) oxidation during film fabrication, posing a challenge to the further improvement of Sn‐based perovskites. Herein, we use NMR spectroscopy to investigate the kinetics of the oxidation of SnI2, revealing that autoamplification takes place, accelerating the oxidation as the reaction progresses. We propose a mechanism consistent with these observations involving water participation and HI generation. Building upon these insights, we have developed low‐temperature Sn‐based perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) processed at 60 °C, achieving enhanced external quantum efficiencies (EQEs). Our research underscores the substantial potential of low‐temperature DMSO solvent processes and DMSO‐free solvent systems for fabricating oxidation‐free Sn‐based perovskites, shaping the future direction in processing Sn‐containing perovskite materials and optoelectronic devices.
Copper‐kryptofix‐21‐Fe3O4/MCM‐41: A powerfully recoverable nanocatalyst for clean regioselective 1,2,3‐triazole synthesis‐click reactio n
Authors: Ojaghi Aghbash Khadijeh , Noroozi Pesyan Nader
Published: May 2024

A novel porous and magnetic nanoparticle, composed of Fe3O4/MCM‐41 functionalized with a kryptofix‐21 crown ether, has been successfully synthesized. This was achieved through the treatment of 3‐chloropropyl functionalized Fe3O4/MCM‐41 with the crown ether, followed by the grafting of Cu (II) onto the material, resulting in the formation of Fe3O4/MCM‐41/kryptofix‐21/Cu. The material's 2D‐hexagonally ordered mesophases were analyzed using small‐angle‐PXRD and TEM‐imaging. The Cu (II)‐anchored porous material, Fe3O4/MCM‐41/kryptofix‐21/Cu, exhibited remarkable catalytic activity in the Click reaction between azides and phenylacetylene, conducted in ethylene glycol/water at a temperature of 70 °C. This reaction led to the synthesis of a diverse range of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles. The catalyst demonstrated excellent recyclability, maintaining its catalytic activity for up to eight cycles without any significant loss. Furthermore, no significant leaching of Cu was observed, highlighting the potential of this magnetically innovative nanoporous catalyst in the regioselective formation of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazolic compounds.
Polyimide nanocomposites for high‐temperature capacitive energy storage applications by incorporating functional graphene oxide nanosheets: Design, preparation, and mechanism
Authors: Ni Ke Yang , Zhang Zhao Xin , Zhang Ai Ping , Bian Jun , Li Xin Kang , Wei Cong , Lin Hai Lan , Chen Dai Qiang
Published: May 2024

Herein, graphene oxide (GO) and its derivative, reduced GO (rGO) and p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) functionalized GO (GO‐g‐PPD) were first synthesized and selected as dielectric fillers, and then GO/polyimide (PI), rGO/PI, and GO‐g‐PPD/PI dielectric nanocomposites were fabricated through in situ polymerization‐composition strategy. Fourier transform infrared, Ram, and x‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the success synthesis of rGO and GO‐g‐PPD dielectric fillers. The mechanical properties showed that GO‐g‐PPD/PI nanocomposites exhibited the highest tensile strength and elasticity modulus. TGA analysis revealed that the enhancement of thermal stability by addition of dielectric fillers. The dielectric constant of 2.5 wt.% GO‐g‐PPD/PI nanocomposites reached 25.05, which was 8.55 times that of pure PI (2.93). Energy storage performance tests showed that the energy storage density of GO‐g‐PPD/PI containing 2 wt.% filler reached 0.77 J/cm3, which was 71% higher than pure PI. These findings underscore the potential of GO derivative as a cost‐effective reinforcement for PI dielectric nanocomposites for high‐temperature capacitive energy storage applications.
A bi‐functional nanofibrous composite membrane for wound healing applications
Authors: Shakiba Mohamadreza , Pourmadadi Mehrab , Hosseini Seyede M. , Bigham Ashkan , Rahmani Erfan , Sheikhi Mehdi , Pahnavar Zohreh , Foroozandeh Amin , Tajiki Alireza , Jouybar Shirzad , Abdouss Majid
Published: May 2024

Various wound dressings have been developed so far for wound healing, but most of them are ineffective in properly reestablishing the skin's structure, which increases infection risks and dehydration. Electrospun membranes are particularly interesting for wound dressing applications because they mimic the extracellular matrix of healthy skin. In this study, a potential wound healing platform capable of inducing synergistic antibacterial and antioxidation activities was developed by incorporating bio‐active rosmarinic acid‐hydroxyapatite hybrid (HAP‐RA) with different contents (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt.%) into the electrospun polyamide 6 (PA6) nanofibers. Then, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was introduced to the nanofibrous composite to improve the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the dressing. The results indicated that the hydrophilicity, water uptake, biodegradability, and mechanical properties of the obtained PA6/PEG/HAP‐RA nanofibrous composite enhanced at 1 wt.% of HAP‐RA. The nanofibrous composite had excellent antibacterial activity. The antioxidation potential of the samples was assessed in vitro. The MTT assay performed on the L929 cell line confirmed the positive effects of the nanofibrous scaffold on cell viability and proliferation. According to the results, the PA6/PEG/HAP‐RA nanofibrous composite showed the desirable physiochemical and biological properties besides antibacterial and antioxidative capabilities, making it a promising candidate for further studies in wound healing applications.
Chirality Sensing of Chiral Carboxylic Acids by a Ureido‐Linked Zinc Bisporphyrinate
Authors: Huang Libing , Hu Chuanjiang , Wang Yong
Published: May 2024

We designed and synthesized a ureido‐linked zinc bisporphyrinate [Zn2(UBis)]. CD spectra show that this zinc bisporphyrinate has the ability to sense the chirality of chiral carboxylic acids without derivatization. Our studies suggest that the phenyl ring in the linker forms π‐π interactions with porphyrin planes and that the carboxylic acid is coordinated to the zinc in the host‐guest complex. DFT calculations show that the bisporphyrin adopts a “Z”‐shaped configuration, and that the ureido group forms hydrogen bonds with carboxylic acids. The combination of π‐π interactions, coordination interactions and hydrogen bonding interactions leads to the chirality sensing ability of [Zn2(UBis)].
Lessons From 30 Years of Water Crises and Water Policy
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: May 2024

Key Takeaways

Most water crises are caused by events that are beyond the control of water system managers.

New or updated regulations will not necessarily address all water crises.

Extreme weather events are increasingly problematic, so water systems need to invest in preparedness; the question is how much to invest.
Potential and Opportunities of Waste Biomass Valorization Toward Sustainable Biomethane Production
Authors: K Akshaya , Selvasembian Rangabhashiyam
Published: May 2024

The increasing global population has led to a surge in waste production across various fields including agriculture, industry, marine, and household, posing significant waste management challenges. Concurrently, the world is facing an energy crisis, emphasizing the crucial need for sustainable and renewable energy sources. This comprehensive review examines the potential of biomethane production from diverse waste biomass. Feedstock characteristics; anaerobic digestion (AD); biochemical pathways; factors influencing AD; various pretreatment methods such as physical, chemical, biological, and combined; existing policies supporting biomethane production; and potential new policy implications are discussed in this review along with the significance of waste‐to‐energy integration. Our findings indicate that lignocellulosic wastes, primarily agricultural waste, stand out as the most efficient biomass source for biomethane production due to their characteristics such as high carbon/nitrogen ratio, low ash content, and their abundant availability. Among pretreatment methods, combined pretreatment emerges as the most promising option, offering flexibility and effectiveness in enhancing biomethane production. Additionally, the two‐stage digester configuration proves advantageous in overcoming limitations associated with single‐stage digesters such as pH inhibition. Altogether, the review highlights that biomethane production from waste biomass through AD offers a sustainable solution.
Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement with LuX‐valve device: Overview of key echocardiographic considerations
Authors: Wei Xin , Li Xi , Liang Yujia , Chen Fei , Zhao Zhengang , Feng Yuan , Chen Mao
Published: May 2024

Tricuspid regurgitation is a common valve disease with high incidence and poor prognosis. For elderly patients and those with a history of open heart surgery, second thoracotomy and valve replacement carry a high risk. Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) has become an alternative treatment for patients with high surgical risk. LuX‐Valve is a novel self‐expandable valve that does not rely on radial force to anchor the valve annulus. The preliminary results have been satisfactory, and this technology is gradually being adopted in China and around the world. Successful implementation of this technique depends on echocardiographic preoperative screening, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative follow‐up. The purpose of this article is to provide a state‐of‐the‐art review of the key points and technical considerations for preoperative screening, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative follow‐up for TTVR.
Afferent loop syndrome 7‐years post Roux‐en‐Y gastrojejunostomy: An often‐forgotten pancreatitis cause. A case report
Authors: Nguyen Vivien , Sivasuthan Goutham
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Afferent loop syndrome is a rare post‐operative complication following upper gastrointestinal bypass surgeries, usually occurring within the first two weeks post‐operation. This case report, however, outlines afferent loop syndrome almost a decade post‐surgery, which was managed conservatively. A 54‐year‐old woman presented with a few days' history of epigastric pain, vomiting, and constipation. She had undergone a sleeve gastrectomy and was converted to a Roux‐en‐Y gastrojejunostomy for weight loss 9 and 7 years ago, respectively. Serum lipase was elevated at 1410 IU/L. Computed tomography showed high‐grade proximal small bowel obstruction, involving the efferent and afferent loops of the Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. The patient was given intravenous rehydration, electrolyte replacement and had a nasogastric tube inserted. She was discharged on day 5 of admission without significant sequelae. Afferent limb syndrome should be considered in patients with altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy who present with pancreatitis, regardless of the time period post‐operatively. Future guidelines should further more outline the factors indicated for surgical versus conservative management.
Intracardiac echocardiography guided simultaneous atrial fibrillation ablation and Micra implantation 14 days after Watchman FLX implantation
Authors: Chatani Ryuki , Tasaka Hiroshi , Kubo Shunsuke , Yoshida Kenta , Yoshino Mitsuru , Maruo Takeshi , Kadota Kazushige
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Atrial fibrillation ablation, including pulmonary vein isolation immediately after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), is a rare and challenging issue. Intracardiac echocardiography guidance can help identify the LAAC device position for safe atrial fibrillation ablation without LAAC device‐related adverse events even immediately after LAAC device implantation.

Early phase atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a rare and challenging issue. Here, we present a case illustrating the feasibility of AF ablation under intracardiac echocardiography guidance immediately after LAAC device implantation without LAAC device‐related adverse events.
Extraordinary linear non‐enhancing brainstem leptomeningeal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Tan Zhibin , Lin Shawn Zhi Zheng , Li Yihan , Kheok Si Wei
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

In patients with lung adenocarcinoma, angiogenesis‐altering drugs can alter the appearance of leptomeningeal metastasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In the ventral brainstem, this can manifest as a unique, linear, non‐enhancing T2‐hyperintense signal.
Agronomic and economic productivity of summer annual forage systems under different poultry litter application methods
Authors: Meyer IvaNelle , Popp Michael P. , Nieman Christin C. , Ashworth Amanda J. , Owens Phillip R.
Published: May 2024

Poultry litter (litter) is a nutrient dense fertilizer that increases nutritive value and yield in pastures in the mid‐southern US. Nutrient losses due to runoff and nitrogen volatilization are common when broadcasting litter. As such, incorporating litter below the soil surface (subsurface) was evaluated in comparison to broadcasting in 2021 and 2022 by quantifying yield and nutritive value of annual forages. The study was a randomized complete block design with three forage treatments—sorghum‐sudangrass only (Sorghum bicolor L.), cowpea only (Vigna unguiculata L.), and their mixture, and three litter application methods (broadcast, subsurface, and a no litter control). Litter was applied in 2021 only as biennial application is common to save on application cost. Nutritive analyses included neutral detergent fiber and crude protein (CP). Partial budgeting led to relative profitability estimates by accounting for yield and cost differences across treatments. In comparison to the second‐highest yielding forage mixture, sorghum‐sudangrass yielded 4.5%–18.4% more regardless of litter application method. The forage mixture did not improve forage nutritive value, as cowpea were vastly outcompeted and did not average more than 5% of the total forage harvested in mixtures. Cowpea yields did not benefit from litter application. Subsurface application resulted in 8%–10% greater CP content compared to no litter and broadcast litter, respectively, across all forage species. Sorghum‐sudangrass with subsurface applied litter earned nearly $70/acre more than sorghum‐sudangrass with broadcast litter, the next highest treatment combination, and, with lesser nutrient loss.
Crystalline CdS/Amorphous Cd(OH)2 Composite for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to CO in a Wide Potential Window
Authors: Hua Zhixin , Qi Kongsheng , Mi Yulan , Zhao Yuhua , Wu Xinjie , Guo Weiwei , Wan Xiaoqi , Fan Zixi , Yang Dexin
Published: May 2024

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a promising method for converting atmospheric CO2 into valuable low‐carbon chemicals. In this study, a crystalline cadmium sulfide/amorphous cadmium hydroxide composite was successfully deposited on the carbon paper substrate surface by in‐situ chemical bath deposition (named as c‐CdS/a‐Cd(OH)2/CP electrodes) for the efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to produce CO. The c‐CdS/a‐Cd(OH)2/CP electrode exhibited high CO Faradaic efficiencies (>90 %) under a wide potential window of 1.0 V, with the highest value reaching ~100 % at the applied potential ranging from −2.16 V to −2.46 V vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+), superior to the crystalline counterpart c‐CdS/CP and c‐CdS/c‐Cd(OH)2@CP electrodes. Meanwhile, the CO partial current density reached up to 154.7 mA cm−2 at −2.76 V vs. Fc/Fc+ on the c‐CdS/a‐Cd(OH)2/CP electrode. The excellent performance of this electrode was mainly ascribed to its special three‐dimensional structure and the introduction of a‐Cd(OH)2. These structures could provide more active sites, accelerate the charge transfer, and enhance adsorption of *COOH intermediates, thereby improving the CO selectivity. Moreover, the electrolytes consisting of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and acetonitrile also enhanced the reaction kinetics of electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO.
Chiral Diselenophosphoric Acids for Ion Pair Catalysis: A Novel Approach to Enhance Both Proton Donating and Proton Accepting Properties
Authors: Eder Johannes , Antonov Alexander S. , Tupikina Elena Yu. , Gschwind Ruth M.
Published: May 2024

The activation of poorly reactive substrates via strong chiral acids is a central topic in asymmetric ion pair catalysis these days. Despite highly successful scaffolds such as N‐triflylphosphoramides, these catalysts either lack C2‐symmetry or provide multiple H‐bond acceptor sites, leading to lower ee values for certain reactions. We present BINOL‐based diselenophosphoric acids (DSA) as an extremely promising alternative. Using an intertwined approach of synthesis and NMR studies, we developed a synthetic approach to DSA with up to 98 % NMR yield. The obtained acids provide both very high proton donor and proton acceptor properties, a bifunctionality, which is key to catalytic applications. Indeed, first reactivity test proved the much higher acidity of DSA and its ability to initiate Mukaiyama–Mannich reaction and protodesilylation of silyl ethers. Together with their C2‐symmetry, the single donor and single acceptor situation, the decreased tendency of self‐association, and the straightforward synthesis with potential 3,3’‐substitution, the DSA provide all features ideal for the further development of ion pair catalysis.
Effect of Hepatic and Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Dersimelagon (MT‐7117), an Oral Melanocortin‐1 Receptor Agonist
Authors: Ogasawara Akihito , Ide Ryosuke , Inoue Shinsuke , Teng Renli , Kawaguchi Atsuhiro
Published: May 2024

Dersimelagon is an orally administered selective melanocortin‐1 receptor agonist being investigated for treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria, X‐linked protoporphyria, and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Dersimelagon is extensively metabolized in the liver, and potential recipients may have liver dysfunction. Further, effects of renal impairment on pharmacokinetic properties should be established in drugs intended for chronic use. Two separate studies (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04116476; NCT04656795) evaluated the effects of hepatic and renal impairment on dersimelagon pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability. Participants with mild (n = 7) or moderate (n = 8) hepatic impairment or normal hepatic function (n = 8) received a single oral 100‐mg dersimelagon dose. Participants with mild (n = 8), moderate (n = 8), or severe (n = 8) renal impairment or normal renal function (n = 8) received a single 300‐mg dose. Systemic exposure to dersimelagon was comparable with mild hepatic impairment but higher with moderate hepatic impairment (maximum observed plasma concentration, 1.56‐fold higher; area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity, 1.70‐fold higher) compared with normal hepatic function. Maximum observed plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity were similar with moderate renal impairment but higher with mild (1.86‐ and 1.87‐fold higher, respectively) and severe (1.17‐ and 1.45‐fold higher, respectively) renal impairment versus normal renal function. Dersimelagon was generally well tolerated.
waLBerla‐wind: A lattice‐Boltzmann‐based high‐performance flow solver for wind energy applications
Authors: Schottenhamml Helen , Anciaux Sedrakian Ani , Blondel Frédéric , Köstler Harald , Rüde Ulrich
Published: May 2024

This article presents the development of a new wind turbine simulation software to study wake flow physics. To this end, the design and development of waLBerla‐wind, a new simulator based on the lattice‐Boltzmann method that is known for its excellent performance and scaling properties, will be presented. Here it will be used for large eddy simulations (LES) coupled with actuator wind turbine models. Due to its modular software design, waLBerla‐wind is flexible and extensible with regard to turbine configurations. Additionally it is performance portable across different hardware architectures, another critical design goal. The new solver is validated by presenting force distributions and velocity profiles and comparing them with experimental data and a vortex solver. Furthermore, waLBerla‐wind's performance is compared to a theoretical peak performance, and analyzed with weak and strong scaling benchmarks on CPU and GPU systems. This analysis demonstrates the suitability for large‐scale applications and future cost‐effective full wind farm simulations.
Biomarkers for Precision Patient Selection in Cancer Therapy Approvals in the US, from 2011 to 2023
Authors: Dou Yannan Nancy , Grimstein Christian , Mascaro Jacques , Wang Jian
Published: May 2024

During the period of 2011–2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) granted 139 accelerated and 329 regular approvals for 86 and 152 cancer therapeutic products, respectively. The percentage of approvals for a biomarker‐defined population was numerically higher in accelerated approvals in comparison to regular approvals, that is, 48% vs. 40%. From 2011–2016 to 2017–2023, there was an increasing number of approvals with biomarker‐defined populations in lung and breast cancers, serving as the primary driver for the overall increase in the percentage of approvals for biomarker‐defined populations in solid tumors relative to hematological malignancies. Over the years, approvals were incorporating a more diverse collection of distinct biomarkers, from 3 in 2011 to 16 in 2022. Overall, HER2, hormone receptor (HR), EGFR, ALK, BRAF, and PD‐L1‐defined populations received the highest numbers of approvals. The FDA decision on approving a biomarker‐defined or an all‐comers population may depend on a number of factors and may evolve over time based on emerging evidence. The review discusses selected FDA approvals where a pivotal trial enrolled an all‐comers population but the approved indication was restricted to a biomarker‐defined population, as well as challenges in clinical trial design in the context of precision medicine. The prominent role of biomarkers in optimizing trial design and identifying a population most likely to benefit from treatment underlines the significance of a comprehensive understanding of disease biology and drug mechanisms. Our review illustrates that biomarker‐driven approaches enhance the likelihood of identifying optimal patient populations, potentially streamlining trials through accelerated approval pathways for cancer drug development.
Seeing what you want: How goal‐oriented descriptions of the status quo alter outcomes in ethno‐territorial conflict bargaining experiments
Authors: Horowitz Shale
Published: May 2024

In conflict bargaining models, variation in initial conditions is expected to have a significant impact. Better initial conditions should make the status quo more acceptable and likely to persist, and worse initial conditions should make crisis and conflict more likely. At the same time, players' preferences over the different possible bargaining outcomes are expected to influence perceptions of initial conditions. We use conflict bargaining experiments in ethno‐territorial conflict settings—in which participants are asked to advise leaders—to investigate these relationships. First, we find that variation in leaders' nationalist preferences indeed affects perception of initial conditions. Next, preference‐influenced, goal‐oriented descriptions reduce the effect of variation in initial conditions by making factually better initial conditions seem more similar to factually worse ones. As a result, the conflict‐reducing effects of better initial conditions are weakened. In addition, and perhaps counter‐intuitively, those advising moderate nationalists react more confrontationally to goal‐oriented descriptions of initial conditions than those advising extreme nationalists. The main policy implication is that, as a general rule, more factual, less goal‐oriented description of initial conditions is likely to improve conflict outcomes.
Hydroformylation of Olefins with CO2/H2 and Hydrosilane by Copper/Cobalt Tandem Catalysis
Authors: Wu An‐Guo , Ding Jie , Zhao Lan , Li Hong‐Ru , He Liang‐Nian
Published: May 2024

A Cu/Co tandem catalysis protocol was developed to conduct the hydroformylation of olefins using CO2/H2 and PMHS (polymethylhydrosiloxane) as a readily available and environmentally friendly hydride source. This methodology was performed via a two‐step approach consisting of the copper‐catalyzed reduction of CO2 by hydrosilane and subsequent cobalt‐promoted hydroformylation with H2 and the in situ formed CO. The optimized triphos oxide ligand, which presumably facilitates the migratory insertion of CO gives moderate to excellent yields for both terminal and internal alkenes. This earth‐abundant metal catalysis provides a reliable and efficient way to afford useful aldehydes in industry using silicon by‐product PMHS as hydrogen source and renewable CO2 as carbonyl source.
Explaining empirical dynamic modelling using verbal, graphical and mathematical approaches
Authors: Edwards Andrew M. , Rogers Luke A. , Holt Carrie A.
Published: May 2024

Empirical dynamic modelling (EDM) is becoming an increasingly popular method for understanding the dynamics of ecosystems. It has been applied to laboratory, terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems, used to forecast natural populations and has addressed fundamental ecological questions. Despite its increasing use, we have not found full explanations of EDM in the ecological literature, limiting understanding and reproducibility. Here we expand upon existing work by providing a detailed introduction to EDM. We use three progressively more complex approaches. A short verbal explanation of EDM is then explicitly demonstrated by graphically working through a simple example. We then introduce a full mathematical description of the steps involved. Conceptually, EDM translates a time series of data into a path through a multi‐dimensional space, whose axes are lagged values of the time series. A time step is chosen from which to make a prediction. The state of the system at that time step corresponds to a ‘focal point’ in the multi‐dimensional space. The set (called the library) of candidate nearest neighbours to the focal point is constructed, to determine the nearest neighbours that are then used to make the prediction. Our mathematical explanation explicitly documents which points in the multi‐dimensional space should not be considered as focal points. We suggest a new option for excluding points from the library that may be useful for short‐term time series that are often found in ecology. We focus on the core simplex and S‐map algorithms of EDM. Our new R package, pbsEDM, enhances understanding (by outputting intermediate calculations), reproduces our results and can be applied to new data. Our work improves the clarity of the inner workings of EDM, a prerequisite for EDM to reach its full potential in ecology and have wide uptake in the provision of advice to managers of natural resources.
Ultrasensitive Indium Phosphide Nanomembrane Wearable Gas Sensors
Authors: Wei Shiyu , Haggren Tuomas , Li Zhe , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Tricoli Antonio , Fu Lan
Published: May 2024

Air quality is deteriorating due to continuing urbanization and industrialization. In particular, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a biologically and environmentally hazardous byproduct from fuel combustion that is ubiquitous in urban life. To address this issue, we report a high‐performance flexible indium phosphide nanomembrane NO2 sensor for real‐time air quality monitoring. An ultralow limit of detection of ~200 ppt and a fast response have been achieved with this device by optimizing the film thickness and doping concentration during indium phosphide epitaxy. By varying the film thickness, a dynamic range of values for NO2 detection from parts per trillion (ppt) to parts per million (ppm) level have also been demonstrated under low bias voltage and at room temperature without additional light activation. Flexibility measurements show an adequately stable response after repeated bending. On‐site testing of the sensor in a residential kitchen shows that NO2 concentration from the gas stove emission could exceed the NO2 Time Weighted Average limit, i.e., 200 ppb, highlighting the significance of real‐time monitoring. Critically, the indium phosphide nanomembrane sensor element cost is estimated at <0.1 US$ due to the miniatured size, nanoscale thickness, and ease of fabrication. With these superior performance characteristics, low cost, and real‐world applicability, our indium phosphide nanomembrane sensors offer a promising solution for a variety of air quality monitoring applications.
Synthesis and Ring‐Closing Reactions of Aminocyclohexane Derivatives Bearing Unsaturated Side Chains at C2: Stereocontrolled Approaches to cis‐ and trans‐Fused Perhydro‐indoles and ‐quinolines
Authors: Xing Xingxing , He Yu‐Tao , Song Jian‐Guo , Lan Ping , White Lorenzo V. , Tan Shen , Pham Le Nhan , Coote Michelle L. , Wu Xin , Banwell Martin G.
Published: May 2024

Two epimeric pairs of N‐Ts‐protected cyclohexylamines that incorporate an unsaturated side‐chain at the C2 position have been prepared. Contrary to expectations, none of these underwent clean, photochemically‐induced intramolecular hydroamination reactions to give the corresponding perhydro‐indole or ‐quinoline. However, they did participate in efficient olefin cross metathesis (OCM) reactions with methyl crotonate. Three of the four acrylates so‐formed engaged in base‐promoted and completely diastereoselective, intramolecular aza‐Michael addition (cyclization) reactions to give the isomeric and C2‐substituted perhydro‐indoles or ‐quinolines with the structures of these being confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. DFT calculations generated results consistent with the observed diastereoselectivities and the proposed transition states. Manipulation of the ester groups associated with the cyclization products allowed for their conversion, inter alia, into the corresponding n‐propyl residues and thus providing novel analogues of neurotoxic alkaloids such as pumiliotoxin C.