bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of annular pancreas through multiple detector spiral CT (MDCT) and MRI
Authors: Zhou Yongxia , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeTo investigate annular pancreas in adults using imaging features displayed on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsRetrospective review of annular pancreas in patients undergoing CT or MRI examinations. Two abdominal radiologists blindly reviewed the CT, MRI, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) images from the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). A Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to evaluate subjective scoring, with Mann–Whitney test for the comparison. A p‐value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsEleven patients (45.8%) presented a complete ring of pancreatic tissue surrounding duodenum, displayed as circular, triangular, or sandwich sign configuration, the other 13 patients (54.2%) had incomplete annular pancreas which displayed a crocodile jaw appearance, pancreatic tissue extending in a posterolateral or anterolateral direction towards duodenum. When comparing CT images of each sequence, the arterial phase group had the highest score compared with the venous phase and the plain film group (χ2 = 58.21, p < 0.05). When comparing MRI enhancement volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (VIBE) sequences, arterial phase group scores were the highest (χ2 = 18.98, p < 0.05).ConclusionsBoth CT and MRI could detect annular pancreas, with artery phase being the best sequence to diagnose annular pancreas.
A Long‐Life Manganese Oxide Cathode Material for Aqueous Zinc Batteries with a Negatively Charged Porous Host to Promote the Back‐Deposition of Dissolved Mn2+
Authors: Liu Yaozhi , Qin Zengming , Yang Xianpeng , Sun Xiaoqi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractManganese oxide is a promising cathode material for rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries. However, the cycling stability is seriously limited by Mn dissolution. Herein, a negatively charged porous carbon host is proposed for manganese oxide to ensure stable cycling. It is derived from a metal–organic framework with Zn and Mn centers. The organic ligands transform into porous carbon upon calcination, and Zn vaporizes to generate a negatively charged surface. It provides abundant reaction sites, electron transport network, and most importantly, strong attractions towards Mn2+ cations by electrostatic interactions. The Mn2+ dissolved from manganese oxide reversibly deposits back to the cathode as demonstrated by mechanism studies, and active species is preserved for energy storage. In the electrolyte of 3 m ZnSO4 without Mn2+ additives, the composite cathode achieves an ultra‐long life over 11 000 cycles at 2 A g−1. It also delivers 275 mAh g−1 capacity (based on the total mass of the composite) at 0.1 A g−1. This work proposes an effective strategy to realize the stable cycling of manganese oxide cathode materials in aqueous zinc batteries.
Kinetics Manipulation Enables High‐Performance Thick Ternary Organic Solar Cells via R2R‐Compatible Slot‐Die Coating
Authors: Zhao Heng , Lin Baojun , Xue Jingwei , Naveed Hafiz Bilal , Zhao Chao , Zhou Xiaobo , Zhou Ke , Wu Hongbo , Cai Yuhang , Yun Daqin , Tang Zheng , Ma Wei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPower conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) has crossed the 18% mark for OSCs, which are largely fabricated by spin‐coating, and the optimal photoactive thickness is limited to 100 nm. To increase reproducibility of results with industrial roll‐to‐roll (R2R) processing, slot‐die coating coupled with a ternary strategy for optimal performance of large‐area, thick OSCs is used. Based on miscibility differences, a highly crystalline molecule, BTR‐Cl, is incorporated, and the phase‐separation kinetics of the D18:Y6 film is regulated. BTR‐Cl provides an early liquid–liquid phase separation and early aggregation of Y6, which slightly improves the molecular crystallinity and vertical phase separation of the ternary blends, resulting in high PCEs of 17.2% and 15.5% for photoactive films with thicknesses of 110 and 300 nm, respectively. The ternary design strategy for large‐area and thick films is further used to fabricate high‐efficiency flexible devices, which promises reproducibility of the lab results from slot‐die coating to industrial R2R manufacturing.
Fast Ionic Storage in Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries: From Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Huang Meng , Wang Xuanpeng , Liu Xiong , Mai Liqiang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe highly dynamic nature of grid‐scale energy systems necessitates fast kinetics in energy storage and conversion systems. Rechargeable aqueous batteries are a promising energy‐storage solution for renewable‐energy grids as the ionic diffusivity in aqueous electrolytes can be up to 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than in organic systems, in addition to being highly safe and low cost. Recent research in this regard has focussed on developing suitable electrode materials for fast ionic storage in aqueous electrolytes. In this review, breakthroughs in the field of fast ionic storage in aqueous battery materials, and 1D/2D/3D and over‐3D‐tunnel materials are summarized, and tunnels in over‐3D materials are not oriented in any direction in particular. Various materials with different tunnel sizes are developed to be suitable for the different ionic radii of Li+, Na+, K+, H+, NH4+, and Zn2+, which show significant differences in the reaction kinetics of ionic storage. New topochemical paths for ion insertion/extraction, which provide superfast ionic storage, are also discussed.
NIR‐Responsive TiO2 Biometasurfaces: Toward In Situ Photodynamic Antibacterial Therapy for Biomedical Implants
Authors: Yang Minggang , Qiu Shi , Coy Emerson , Li Shuaijie , Załęski Karol , Zhang Yao , Pan Haobo , Wang Guocheng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractImplant‐related microbial infection is a challenging clinical problem, and its treatment requires efficient eradication of the biofilm from the implant surface. Near‐infrared (NIR)‐responsive strategies are proposed as an emerging efficient antibacterial therapy. However, the utilization of photosensitizers or photocatalytic/photothermal nanomaterials in the available approach likely induces high potential risks of interfacial deterioration and biosafety compromise. Herein, a TiO2/TiO2−x metasurface with potent NIR‐responsive antibacterial activity is produced on a Ti alloy implant by a newly invented topochemical conversion‐based alkaline–acid bidirectional hydrothermal method (aaBH). Electromagnetic simulations prove that NIR absorption and near‐field distribution of the metasurface can be tuned by the dimension and arrangement of the nanostructural unit. Promising antibacterial efficacy is proved by both in vitro and in vivo tests, with low‐power NIR irradiation for 10 min. Besides, the designed nanostructure in the metasurface itself also shows excellence in enhancing the adhesion‐related gene expression of human gingival fibroblasts that are exposed to 10 min of NIR irradiation, proving the potent nanostructure‐induced biological effects. This work provides a biosafe and upscalable metasurfacing approach with extraordinary capacity of manipulating light adsorption, photocatalysis, and biological properties.
Single Ether‐Based Side Chains in Conjugated Polymers: Toward Power Factors of 2.9 mW m−1 K−2
Authors: Durand Pablo , Zeng Huiyan , Biskup Till , Vijayakumar Vishnu , Untilova Viktoriia , Kiefer Céline , Heinrich Benoît , Herrmann Laurent , Brinkmann Martin , Leclerc Nicolas 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCombining side chain engineering and controlled alignment of PBTTT is an effective strategy to produce oriented thin films with improved thermoelectric performance when doped sequentially with the acceptor molecule hexafluoro‐tetracyanonaphthoquinodimethane (F6TCNNQ). The substitution of linear alkyl side‐chains (n‐C12) with a chain of identical length including an ether function (n‐C7OC4) leads to a new class of slightly polar PBTTT polymers, preserving the ease of synthesis and air stability of alkylated PBTTTs. This side‐chain modification improves the structural order of PBTTT backbones and the thermo‐mechanical properties of the polymer. It then can be oriented by high temperature rubbing up to 240 °C to reach very high dichroic ratios up to 20 thanks to enhanced cohesive forces within side‐chain layers. The side chain polarity of n‐C7OC4 helps to tune the polymer‐dopant interactions. A multi‐technique approach demonstrates that F6TCNNQ dopants are randomly oriented in the disordered side chain layers of n‐C7OC4 with some evidence of dopant clustering. The combination of improved alignment and random orientation of intercalated F6TCNNQ dopants helps reach a very high charge conductivity σ = 5 ⋅ 104 S cm−1 and a record power factor of 2.9 mW m−1 K−2 in the polymer chain direction.
Four‐Component Construction of Coumarin‐Fused Pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline: Expedient Synthesis of Lamellarins and Their Regioselective Demethylation
Authors: Manjappa Kiran B. , Jhang Jia‐Wei , Lakshmi K. C. Seetha , Yang Ding‐Yah 
Published: November 2021

AbstractConstruction of the coumarin‐fused pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isolquinoline skeleton was realized through a four‐component reaction between isoquinoline, ethyl bromoacetate, o‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and nitromethane. This methodology was further extended to the synthesis of lamellarin D trimethyl ether and a formal synthesis of lamellarin D. The controlled demethylation of lamellarin D trimethyl ether yielded dihydroxy and tetrahydroxy lamellarin analogues regioselectively.
Demographic history was a formative mechanism of the genetic structure for the taste receptor TAS2R16 in human populations inhabiting Africa's Sahel/Savannah Belt
Authors: Kulichová Iva , Mouterde Médéric , Mokhtar Mohammed G. , Diallo Issa , Tříska Petr , Diallo Yoro Mame , Hofmanová Zuzana , Poloni Estella S. , Černý Viktor 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectivesMode of subsistence is an important factor influencing dietary habits and the genetic structure of various populations through differential intensity of gene flow and selection pressures. Previous studies suggest that in Africa Taste 2 Receptor Member 16 (TAS2R16), which encodes the 7‐transmembrane receptor protein for bitterness, might also be under positive selection pressure.MethodsHowever, since sampling coverage of populations was limited, we created a new TAS2R16 population dataset from across the African Sahel/Savannah belt representing various local populations of differing subsistence modes, linguistic affiliations, and geographic provenience. We sequenced the TAS2R16 exon gene and analyzed 2250 haplotypes among 19 populations.ResultsWe found no evidence for selection as a driving force of genetic variation at this locus; instead, we discovered a highly significant correlation between TAS2R16 genetic and geographical distances based on provenience of the sampled populations, strongly suggesting that genetic drift most likely prevailed over positive selection at this specific locus. We also found significant correlations with other independent loci, mainly in sedentary farmers.DiscussionOur results do not support the notion that the genetic diversity of TAS2R16 in Sahelian populations was shaped by selective pressures. This could result from several alternative and not mutually exclusive mechanisms, of which the possibility that, due to the pleiotropic nature of TAS2R16, selective pressures on other traits could counterbalance those acting on bitter taste perception, or that the change of diet in the Neolithic generally relaxed selective pressure on this gene.
Titanocene(III)‐Catalyzed Precision Deuteration of Epoxides
Authors: Henriques Dina Schwarz G. , Rojo‐Wiechel Elena , Klare Sven , Mika Regine , Höthker Sebastian , Schacht Jonathan H. , Schmickler Niklas , Gansäuer Andreas 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe describe a titanocene(III)‐catalyzed deuterosilylation of epoxides that provides β‐deuterated anti‐Markovnikov alcohols with excellent D‐incorporation, in high yield, and often excellent diastereoselectivity after desilylation. The key to the success of the reaction is a novel activation method of Cp2TiCl2 and (tBuC5H4)2TiCl2 with BnMgBr and PhSiD3 to provide [(RC5H4)2Ti(III)D] without isotope scrambling. It was developed after discovering an off‐cycle scrambling with the previously described method. Our precision deuteration can be applied to the synthesis of drug precursors and highlights the power of combining radical chemistry with organometallic catalysis.
The Role of the Perioperative Nurse in Implementing Contact Precautions to Prevent Transmission of Multidrug‐Resistant Organisms
Authors: Walits Emily , Carpo Maura Fran 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTThe World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider the global increase in multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs) to be one of the greatest modern threats to public health. Limited treatment options exist for microorganisms such as carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacterales and Candida auris; as a result, infected patients may experience poor outcomes. Perioperative nurses should use infection prevention measures (eg, contact precautions) to prevent the spread of emerging MDROs when transporting patients to and from procedures, caring for patients during procedures, and completing between‐procedure cleaning. Because nurses are involved with all phases of perioperative care, they are well‐positioned to serve as infection prevention champions and provide education to personnel, patients, and caregivers. This article describes actions and steps the perioperative nurse should take during implementation of contact precautions to prevent the transmission of MDROs—specifically, emerging pathogens carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacterales and C auris.
Levetiracetam as a sensitizer of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma: An open‐label phase 2 study
Authors: Hwang Kihwan , Kim Junhyung , Kang Seok‐Gu , Jung Tae‐Young , Kim Jeong Hoon , Kim Se‐Hyuk , Kang Shin‐Hyuk , Hong Yong‐Kil , Kim Tae Min , Kim Yu Jung , Choi Byung Se , Chang Jong Hee , Kim Chae‐Yong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAn open‐label single‐arm phase 2 study was conducted to evaluate the role of levetiracetam as a sensitizer of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. This study aimed to determine the survival benefit of levetiracetam in conjunction with the standard treatment for glioblastoma.MethodsMajor eligibility requirements included histologically proven glioblastoma in the supratentorial region, patients 18 years or older, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0–2. Levetiracetam was given at 1,000–2,000 mg daily in two divided doses during CCRT and adjuvant chemotherapy thereafter. The primary and the secondary endpoints were 6‐month progression‐free survival (6mo‐PFS) and 24‐month overall survival (24mo‐OS), respectively. Outcomes of the study group were compared to those of an external control group.ResultsBetween July 2016 and January 2019, 76 patients were enrolled, and 73 patients were included in the final analysis. The primary and secondary outcomes were improved in the study population compared to the external control (6mo‐PFS, 84.9% vs. 72.3%, p = 0.038; 24mo‐OS, 58.0% vs. 39.9%, p = 0.018), but the differences were less prominent in a propensity score‐matched analysis (6mo‐PFS, 88.0% vs. 76.9%, p = 0.071; 24mo‐OS, 57.1% vs. 38.8%, p = 0.054). In exploratory subgroup analyses, some results suggested that patients with ages under 65 years or unmethylated MGMT promoter might have a greater survival benefit from the use of levetiracetam.ConclusionsThe use of levetiracetam during CCRT in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma may result in improved outcomes, but further investigations are warranted.
Direct Superacid‐Promoted Difluoroethylation of Aromatics
Authors: Artault Maxime , Vitse Kassandra , Martin‐Mingot Agnès , Thibaudeau Sébastien 
Published: November 2021

AbstractUnder superacid conditions, aromatic amines are directly and regioselectively 1,1‐difluoroethylated. Low temperature in situ NMR studies confirmed the presence of benzylic α‐fluoronium and α‐chloronium ions as key intermediates in the reaction. This method has a wide substrate scope and can be applied to the late‐stage functionalization of natural alkaloids and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Bat point counts: A novel sampling method shines light on flying bat communities
Authors: Darras Kevin Felix Arno , Yusti Ellena , Huang Joe Chun‐Chia , Zemp Delphine‐Clara , Kartono Agus Priyono , Wanger Thomas Cherico 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEmerging technologies based on the detection of electro‐magnetic energy offer promising opportunities for sampling biodiversity. We exploit their potential by showing here how they can be used in bat point counts—a novel method to sample flying bats—to overcome shortcomings of traditional sampling methods, and to maximize sampling coverage and taxonomic resolution of this elusive taxon with minimal sampling bias. We conducted bat point counts with a sampling rig combining a thermal scope to detect bats, an ultrasound recorder to obtain echolocation calls, and a near‐infrared camera to capture bat morphology. We identified bats with a dedicated identification key combining acoustic and morphological features, and compared bat point counts with the standard bat sampling methods of mist‐netting and automated ultrasound recording in three oil palm plantation sites in Indonesia, over nine survey nights. Based on rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curves, bat point counts were similarly effective but more time‐efficient than the established methods for sampling the oil palm species pool in our study. Point counts sampled species that tend to avoid nets and those that are not echolocating, and thus cannot be detected acoustically. We identified some bat sonotypes with near‐infrared imagery, and bat point counts revealed strong sampling biases in previous studies using capture‐based methods, suggesting similar biases in other regions might exist. Our method should be tested in a wider range of habitats and regions to assess its performance. However, while capture‐based methods allow to identify bats with absolute and internal morphometry, and unattended ultrasound recorders can effectively sample echolocating bats, bat point counts are a promising, non‐invasive, and potentially competitive new tool for sampling all flying bats without bias and observing their behavior in the wild.
Evolutionary innovations in Antarctic brittle stars linked to glacial refugia
Authors: Lau Sally C. Y. , Strugnell Jan M. , Sands Chester J. , Silva Catarina N. S. , Wilson Nerida G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe drivers behind evolutionary innovations such as contrasting life histories and morphological change are central questions of evolutionary biology. However, the environmental and ecological contexts linked to evolutionary innovations are generally unclear. During the Pleistocene glacial cycles, grounded ice sheets expanded across the Southern Ocean continental shelf. Limited ice‐free areas remained, and fauna were isolated from other refugial populations. Survival in Southern Ocean refugia could present opportunities for ecological adaptation and evolutionary innovation. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeographic patterns of circum‐Antarctic brittle stars Ophionotus victoriae and O. hexactis with contrasting life histories (broadcasting vs brooding) and morphology (5 vs 6 arms). We examined the evolutionary relationship between the two species using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data. COI data suggested that O. victoriae is a single species (rather than a species complex) and is closely related to O. hexactis (a separate species). Since their recent divergence in the mid‐Pleistocene, O. victoriae and O. hexactis likely persisted differently throughout glacial maxima, in deep‐sea and Antarctic island refugia, respectively. Genetic connectivity, within and between the Antarctic continental shelf and islands, was also observed and could be linked to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and local oceanographic regimes. Signatures of a probable seascape corridor linking connectivity between the Scotia Sea and Prydz Bay are also highlighted. We suggest that survival in Antarctic island refugia was associated with increase in arm number and a switch from broadcast spawning to brooding in O. hexactis, and propose that it could be linked to environmental changes (such as salinity) associated with intensified interglacial‐glacial cycles.
Latitudinal gradients in sexual dimorphism: Alternative hypotheses for variation in male traits
Authors: Murray Christopher M. , McMahan Caleb D. , Litmer Allison R. , Goessling Jeffrey M. , Siegel Dustin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBiological patterns across latitudinal gradients elucidate a number of striking natural clines from which numerous processes can be further explored. The trade‐off between reproduction and somatic maintenance and growth represents a suite of life‐history traits with variable energy allocation and potential latitudinal patterns. Specifically, male sexually dimorphic traits in female choice systems represent one such reproductive investment constrained by resource acquisition and subsequent allocation. Latitudinal variation in sexual dimorphism has been suggested although the relationship between dimorphic traits and latitude are conflicting. Here, we test alternative hypotheses regarding this pattern using two broadly distributed vertebrates exhibiting sexually dimorphic traits. We hypothesized that the exaggeration of dimorphic traits correlates with latitude, with males having exaggerated sexually dimorphic traits at either higher or lower latitudes. Results indicate that male sexually dimorphic traits are exaggerated at lower latitudes while relative gonopodium size inPoecilia latipinnawas larger at higher latitudes. This pattern may be a result of lower latitude populations experiencing greater population densities and longer access to resources that could manifest in females more intensively selecting for higher quality males in lower latitudes. Experimental work should address this pattern and investigate mechanistic processes.