bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Awareness and Vulnerability among Farming Communities of Konkan Region, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Shelar Rohit , Maji Saikat , Singh Arun Kumar , Yarazari Shivananda P.
Published: October 2023

This research paper presents an analysis of awareness and vulnerability to climate change among farming communities in a specific study area. The study focuses on understanding the level of awareness among respondents regarding climate change and its associated impacts. Additionally, it looks into the affecting socio economic factors of the level of awareness among farming communities. Furthermore, the study assesses the vulnerability of the farmers to climate change, considering indicators such as exposure to disasters and perceived extent of loss. Based on the analysis of data collected from 245 respondents, it was found that a significant majority of participants demonstrated awareness of changing weather patterns and the warming of the climate. However, a lower level of awareness was observed regarding the significance of addressing climate change as an important issue. In terms of vulnerability, the findings indicated that a considerable number of respondents had experienced various climate-related disasters, including unpredictable rain, floods, cyclones, and outbreaks of disease or pests. The perceived extent of loss varied among respondents, with agriculture and related aspects being most affected. Using a vulnerability categorization method, it was determined that a significant proportion of respondents fell into the low and very low vulnerability categories.
Nutritional Significance of Fish in Combating Malnutrition
Authors: Prakash Patekar , Swapnil Narsale , Sheikh Samad , Tekam Indulata , Bhalchandra Naik , Madhav Gitte , Munilkumar S.
Published: October 2023

The nutritional importance of fish in the context of combating malnutrition holds significant potential as a strategic avenue for addressing global health issues. Malnutrition, characterized by deficiencies in vital nutrients, remains a critical concern affecting diverse populations. Fish is a nutrient-dense food source and investigates its potential contributions to alleviating malnutrition. Wild-caught and aquaculture-derived fish are rich sources of essential nutrients crucial for human health. Abundant in high-quality proteins, fish provides ample amino acids necessary for growth, immune function, and cellular repair. Moreover, fish is renowned for its content of omega-3 fatty acids, along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) also docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which confer cardiovascular advantages, neurological development, and anti-inflammatory properties. The importance of fish’s micronutrients, such as vitamins D and B12, iodine, selenium, and zinc. These micronutrients play integral roles in maintaining bone health, supporting cognitive functions, regulating thyroid activity, and enhancing immune responses. Notably, the bioavailability of these nutrients from fish exceeds that of many plant-based sources, highlighting its potential to address nutrient deficiencies effectively. The versatility of fish consumption across cultural diets and its potential to bridge nutritional gaps for vulnerable populations, particularly in regions with limited access to diverse nutrient sources. As malnutrition is influenced by various socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors, adopting a holistic approach incorporating fish’s nutritional attributes could significantly address this challenge. This study aims to highlight the potential of fish as a strategic path for addressing global health issues.
A Visão dos Clientes sobre o Modelo de Negócios das Soluções Sebrae
Authors: Capanema Milva Pinheiro , Cruz Tânia Cristina , Carvalho Sônia Marise Salles , Gomes Ricardo Robson Moreira
Published: October 2023

O Sebrae é uma instituição que apoia as Micro e Pequenas Empresas brasileiras na gestão de seus negócios e faz pesquisas de mercado sobre sua atuação, inclusive frente a seus concorrentes, para criação de métodos que proporcionam condições de desenvolvimento de produtos inovadores. A partir dessa perspectiva, foi realizada pesquisa exploratória com clientes do Sebrae-DF com o objetivo de explorar a visão que os clientes do Sebrae-DF possuem sobre os serviços ofertados por essa instituição. Na metodologia, foi aplicada a ferramenta  Five V para inovar no  modelo de negócio do Sebrae e assim aprimorar os benefícios ofertados à sociedade e ao mercado. Por fim, chegou-se ao resultado de que os produtos Sebrae apresentam sim relevância para os clientes, porém é necessária uma revisão de sua metodologia à luz das necessidades dos cliente para que sua eficiência seja ratificada.
Uso da Opinião Preliminar do INPI como Ferramenta de Gestão de Patentes em uma ICT Pública no Paraná
Authors: Romano Cláudia Raísa Tavares , Rodrigues Paulo Rogério Pinto , Gallina André Lazarin
Published: October 2023

A presente pesquisa analisa os impactos da utilização do serviço de Opinião Preliminar do Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) no fluxo de depósito de patente da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) entre 2017 e 2022 como ferramenta de gestão de portfólio. Trata-se de um estudo de caso, com abordagem quantitativa, constituído por três etapas de coletas de dados em fontes documentais concedidas pela UFPR, e uma etapa de análise numérica dos dados coletados. A análise evidenciou que 56% dos pedidos de patente com viés de Indeferimento foram abandonados, reduzindo o inchaço do portfólio; que foram economizados R$ 84.000,88 em taxas do INPI; e, por fim, que as defesas peticionadas baseadas nas orientações da Opinião Preliminar não contribuíram para a concessão de patentes.  Diante dos resultados, sugere-se a continuidade das atividades com reestruturação das etapas de filtragem e com adoção de outras ferramentas de redação de patente.
Brand Differences in Underage Tobacco Use as Evidence for Targeted Sanctions—Reviving the Lookback
Authors: Friedman Abigail S. , Liber Alex C.
Published: October 2023

This survey study uses data from the 2020-2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to estimate brand differences in underage cigarette and cigar use in the US.
An explainable forecasting system for humanitarian needs assessment
Authors: Nair Rahul , Madsen Bo , Kjærum Alexander
Published: October 2023

We present a machine learning system for forecasting forced displacement populations deployed at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). The system, named Foresight, supports long‐term forecasts aimed at humanitarian response planning. It is explainable, providing evidence and context supporting the forecast. Additionally, it supports scenarios, whereby analysts are able to generate forecasts under alternative conditions. The system has been in deployment since early 2020 and powers several downstream business functions within DRC. It is central to our annual Global Displacement Report, which informs our response planning. We describe the system, key outcomes, lessons learnt, along with technical limitations and challenges in deploying machine learning systems in the humanitarian sector.
The effects of metal artifact reduction on the retrieval of attenuation values
Authors: Ziemann Christian , Stille Maik , Cremers Florian , Rades Dirk , Buzug Thorsten M.
Published: October 2023

Background

The quality of CT slices can be drastically reduced in the presence of high‐density objects such as metal implants within the patients’ body due to the occurrence of streaking artifacts. Consequently, a delineation of anatomical structures might not be possible, which strongly influences clinical examination.

Purpose

The aim of the study is to clinically evaluate the retrieval of attenuation values and structures by the recently proposed Augmented Likelihood Image Reconstruction (ALIR) and linear interpolation in the presence of metal artifacts.

Material and Methods

A commercially available phantom was equipped with two steel inserts. At a position between the metal rods, which shows severe streaking artifacts, different human tissue‐equivalent inserts are alternately mounted. Using a single‐source computer tomograph, raw data with and without metal rods are acquired for each insert. Images are reconstructed using the ALIR algorithm and a filtered back projection with and without linear interpolation. Mean and standard deviation are compared for a region of interest in the ALIR reconstructions, linear interpolation results, uncorrected images with metal rods, and the images without metal rods, which are used as a reference. Furthermore, the reconstructed shape of the inserts is analyzed by comparing different profiles of the image.

Results

The measured mean and standard deviation values show that for all tissue classes, the metal artifacts could be reduced using the ALIR algorithm and the linear interpolation. Furthermore, the HU values for the different classes could be retrieved with errors below the standard deviation in the reference image. An evaluation of the shape of the inserts shows that the reconstructed object fits the shape of the insert accurately after metal artifact correction. Moreover, the evaluation shows a drop in the standard deviation for the ALIR reconstructed images compared to the reference images while reducing artifacts and keeping the shape of the inserts, which indicates a noise reduction ability of the ALIR algorithm.

Conclusion

HU values, which are distorted by metal artifacts, can be retrieved accurately with the ALIR algorithm and the linear interpolation approach. After metal artifact correction, structures, which are not perceptible in the original images due to streaking artifacts, are reconstructed correctly within the image using the ALIR algorithm. Furthermore, the ALIR produced images with a reduced noise level compared to reference images and artifact images. Linear interpolation results in a distortion of the investigated shapes and features remaining streaking artifacts.
Quality assurance of a gimbaled head swing verification using feature point tracking
Authors: Miura Hideharu , Ozawa Shuichi , Enosaki Tsubasa , Kawakubo Atsushi , Hosono Fumika , Yamada Kiyoshi , Nagata Yasushi
Published: October 2023

To perform dynamic tumor tracking (DTT) for clinical applications safely and accurately, gimbaled head swing verification is important. We propose a quantitative gimbaled head swing verification method for daily quality assurance (QA), which uses feature point tracking and a web camera. The web camera was placed on a couch at the same position for every gimbaled head swing verification, and could move based on a determined input function (sinusoidal patterns; amplitude: ± 20 mm; cycle: 3 s) in the pan and tilt directions at isocenter plane. Two continuous images were then analyzed for each feature point using the pyramidal Lucas–Kanade (LK) method, which is an optical flow estimation algorithm. We used a tapped hole as a feature point of the gimbaled head. The period and amplitude were analyzed to acquire a quantitative gimbaled head swing value for daily QA. The mean ± SD of the period were 3.00 ± 0.03 (range: 3.00–3.07) s and 3.00 ± 0.02 (range: 3.00–3.07) s in the pan and tilt directions, respectively. The mean ± SD of the relative displacement were 19.7 ± 0.08 (range: 19.6–19.8) mm and 18.9 ± 0.2 (range: 18.4–19.5) mm in the pan and tilt directions, respectively. The gimbaled head swing was reliable for DTT. We propose a quantitative gimbaled head swing verification method for daily QA using the feature point tracking method and a web camera. Our method can quantitatively assess the gimbaled head swing for daily QA from baseline values, measured at the time of acceptance and commissioning.
An in‐house protocol for improved flood field calibration of TrueBeam FFF cine imaging
Authors: Faught Austin M. , Yin Fang‐Fang , Adamson Justus
Published: October 2023

Purpose

TrueBeams equipped with the 40 × 30 cm2 Electronic Portal Imaging Devices (EPIDs) are prone to image saturation at the image center when used with flattening filter free (FFF) photon energies. While cine imaging during treatment may not saturate because the beam is attenuated by the patient, the flood field calibration is affected when the standard calibration procedure is followed. Here, we describe the hardware and protocol to achieve improved image quality for this model of TrueBeam EPID.

Materials & methods

A stainless steel filter of uniform thickness was designed to have sufficient attenuation to avoid panel saturation. The cine imaging flood field calibration was acquired with the filter in place for the FFF energies under the standard calibration geometry (SID = 150 cm). Image quality during MV cine was assessed with & without the modified flood field calibration using a low contrast resolution phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom.

Results

When the flood field is acquired without the filter in place, a pixel gain artifact is clearly present in the image center which may be mis‐attributed to panel saturation in the subject image. At the image center, the artifact obscured all low contrast inserts and was also visible on the anthropomorphic phantom. Using the filter for flood field calibration eliminates the artifact.

Conclusion

TrueBeams equipped with the 40 × 30 cm2 IDU can utilize a modified flood field calibration procedure for FFF photon energies that improves image quality for cine MV imaging.
Assessing Extracellular Vesicles in Human Biofluids Using Flow‐Based Analyzers
Authors: Yim Kevin Ho Wai , Krzyzaniak Olga , Al Hrout Ala'a , Peacock Ben , Chahwan Richard
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly being analyzed by flow cytometry. Yet their minuscule size and low refractive index cause the scatter intensity of most EVs to fall below the detection limit of most flow cytometers. A new class of devices, known as spectral flow analyzers, are becoming standards in cell phenotyping studies, largely due to their unique capacity to detect a vast panel of markers with higher sensitivity for light scatter detection. Another class of devices, known as nano‐analyzers, provides high‐resolution detection of sub‐micron‐sized particles. Here, the EV phenotyping performance between the Aurora (Cytek) spectral cell analyzer and the NanoFCM (nFCM) nanoflow analyzer are compared. These two devices are specifically chosen given their lead in becoming gold standards in their respective fields. Immune cell‐derived EVs remain poorly characterized despite their clinical potential. Therefore, B‐ and T‐cell line‐derived EVs and donor‐matched human biofluid‐derived EVs from plasma, urine, and saliva are used in combination with a panel of established immune markers for this comparative study. A comparative evaluation of both cytometry platforms is performed, discussing their potential and suitability for different applications. It is found that nFCM can accurately i) analyze small EVs (40−200 nm) matching the size accuracy of electron microscopy; ii) measure the concentration of a single EV particle per volume; iii) identify underrepresented EV marker subsets; and iv) provide co‐localization of EV surface markers. It can also be shown that human sample biofluids have unique EV marker signatures that can have future clinical relevance. Finally, nFCM and Aurora have their unique strength, preferred fashion of data acquisition, and visualization to fit different research interests.
An Integrative Bioorthogonal Nanoengineering Strategy for Dynamically Constructing Heterogenous Tumor Spheroids
Authors: Xu Yurui , Zhou Anwei , Chen Weiwei , Yan Yuxin , Chen Kerong , Zhou Xinyuan , Tian Zihan , Zhang Xiaomin , Wu Heming , Fu Zhen , Ning Xinghai
Published: October 2023

Although tumor models have revolutionized perspectives on cancer aetiology and treatment, current cell culture methods remain challenges in constructing organotypic tumor with in vivo‐like complexity, especially native characteristics, leading to unpredictable results for in vivo responses. Herein, the bioorthogonal nanoengineering strategy (BONE) for building photothermal dynamic tumor spheroids is developed. In this process, biosynthetic machinery incorporated bioorthogonal azide reporters into cell surface glycoconjugates, followed by reacting with multivalent click ligand (ClickRod) that is composed of hyaluronic acid‐functionalized gold nanorod carrying dibenzocyclooctyne moieties, resulting in rapid construction of tumor spheroids. BONE can effectively assemble different cancer cells and immune cells together to construct heterogenous tumor spheroids is identified. Particularly, ClickRod exhibited favorable photothermal activity, which precisely promoted cell activity and shaped physiological microenvironment, leading to formation of dynamic features of original tumor, such as heterogeneous cell population and pluripotency, different maturation levels, and physiological gradients. Importantly, BONE not only offered a promising platform for investigating tumorigenesis and therapeutic response, but also improved establishment of subcutaneous xenograft model under mild photo‐stimulation, thereby significantly advancing cancer research. Therefore, the first bioorthogonal nanoengineering strategy for developing dynamic tumor models, which have the potential for bridging gaps between in vitro and in vivo research is presented.
Biolistic Delivery of Photosensitizer‐Loaded Porous Si Carriers for Localized Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Haimov‐Talmoud Elina , Rosenberg Michal , Arshavsky‐Graham Sofia , Varon Eli , Shefi Orit , Segal Ester
Published: October 2023

Among numerous approaches for treating cancer, clinically approved photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered a promising non‐invasive therapeutic strategy for solid tumors. While PDT has distinct advantages over conventional cancer treatments, systemic exposure to the photosensitizer and its stability are some of the limitations of clinical PDT. Herein, a therapeutic strategy for highly localized focal PDT is introduced based on direct biolistic delivery of photosensitizer‐loaded carriers to cancerous tumors. Degradable porous silicon microparticles (PSiMPs) are used as efficient carriers for the photosensitizer, meso‐tetrahydroxy‐phenylchlorin (mTHPC), and its conjugates with gold nanoparticles (AuNP‐mTHPC conjugates). The loaded PSiMP carriers are successfully bombarded using a pneumatic gene gun to breast cancer cells in vitro and into tumor xenografts in vivo, and subsequent uptake of the released photosensitizer payload is demonstrated. PDT irradiation is commenced after 24 h based on the release profile, resulting in complete cell death in vitro and substantial inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. Notably, using empty PSiMP carriers also leads to some tumor growth inhibition, ascribing to its intrinsic photosensitizing activity. Treatment with AuNP‐mTHPC‐loaded PSiMPs exhibits a superior therapeutic effect in comparison to bombarded mTHPC‐loaded carriers and administration of free mTHPC. This biolistic delivery scheme may be advantageous for precision photodynamic therapy.
Temperate food forest soil and dead organic matter carbon content relative to adjacent land
Authors: Hald Lisa Mølgaard , Schafer Luke J.
Published: October 2023

Soil is identified as the terrestrial carbon (C) pool with the highest potential for C sequestration. This study therefore examined the soil organic carbon (SOC) under four different but adjacent land‐use systems in the temperate climate zone: a food forest, redwood forest, pasture land and agricultural field in Dartington, UK. Soil samples were collected at 0‐ to 20‐cm and 20‐ to 40‐cm depth at all four sites. Two soil fractionation methodologies were applied as well as analysis for C content. Additionally, carbon content from dead organic matter (DOM) was estimated from the woody and non‐woody litter in the food forest and redwood forest. Similar total SOC was found between all four systems. However, due to the difference in turnover rates of C in different soil fractions, the food forest soil exhibited a similar long‐term storage of C as the redwood forest, while pasture land and agricultural field stored less C in the long term. The redwood forest exhibited a higher non‐woody litter C content than the food forest, but similar amounts of coarse and fine woody litter.
The IFITM5 Ser40Leu variant can manifest as prenatal Caffey disease
Authors: Yap Jia Ying Celeste , Lim Jiin Ying , Bhatia Anju , Tan Vic Khi June , Koo Stephanie , Nishimura Gen , Moosa Shahida , Koh Ai Ling , Tan Ene Choo , Fong Nikki , Jamuar Saumya Shekhar
Published: October 2023

We report on a female neonate with a clinico‐radiological presentation in keeping with a lethal form of prenatal Caffey disease (PCH). She had antenatal and postnatal features of severely bowed long bones, small chest, diaphyseal hyperostosis and polyhydramnios and died shortly after birth. Initial testing excluded COL1A1‐related PCH, as an OI gene panel, consisting of COL1A1, COL1A2, CRTAP, and P3H1 genes, was negative. Targeted sequencing using a gene panel was performed and a de novo heterozygous, likely pathogenic variant in IFITM5: c.119C > T(p.Ser40Leu) was identified, which was previously described to cause a severe form of progressively deforming osteogenesis imperfect (OI). To our knowledge, variants in IFITM5 have not been reported in infantile Caffey disease (ICH) or PCH. Given that the pathogenesis of PCH is largely unknown, we postulate that a subset of PCH may be associated with variants in IFITM5.
Generalized Rotating‐Wave Approximation for the Quantum Rabi Model with Optomechanical Interaction
Authors: Montaño Wallace H. , Maytorena Jesús A.
Published: October 2023

The spectrum of energy and eigenstates of an hybrid cavity optomechanical system, where a cavity field mode interacts with a mechanical mode of a vibrating end mirror via radiation pressure and with a two level atom via electric dipole interaction are investigated. In the spirit of approximations developed for the quantum Rabi model beyond rotating‐wave approximation (RWA), the so‐called generalized RWA (GRWA) to diagonalize the tripartite Hamiltonian for arbitrary large couplings is implemented. Notably, the GRWA approach still allows to rewrite the hybrid Hamiltonian in a bipartite form, like a Rabi model with dressed atom‐field states (polaritons) coupled to mechanical modes through reparametrized coupling strength and Rabi frequency. A more accurate energy spectrum for a wide range of values of the atom‐photon and photon–phonon couplings, when compared to the RWA results is found. The fidelity between the numerical eigenstates and its approximated counterparts is also calculated. The degree of polariton‐phonon entanglement of the eigenstates presents a non‐monotonic behavior as the atom‐photon coupling varies, in contrast to the characteristic monotonic increase in the RWA treatment.
Nitrite and Nitric Oxide Interconversion at Mononuclear Copper(II): Insight into the Role of the Red Copper Site in Denitrification
Authors: Anju Balakrishnan S. , Nair Neeraja R. , Kundu Subrata
Published: October 2023

Nitrite (NO2−) and nitric oxide (NO) interconversion is crucial for maintaining optimum NO flux in mammalian physiology. Herein we demonstrate that [L2CuII(nitrite)]+ moieties (in 2 a and 2 b; where, L = Me2PzPy and Me2PzQu) with distorted octahedral geometry undergo facile reduction to provide tetrahedral [L2CuI]+ (in 3 a and 3 b) and NO in the presence of biologically relevant reductants, such as 4‐methoxy‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (4‐MeO‐2,6‐DTBP, a tyrosine model) and N‐benzyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinamide (BNAH, a NAD(P)H model). Interestingly, the reaction of excess NO gas with [L2CuII(MeCN)2]2+ (in 1 a) provides a putative {CuNO}10 species, which is effective in mediating the nitrosation of various nucleophiles, such as thiol and amine. Generation of the transient {CuNO}10 species in wet acetonitrile leads to NO2− as assessed by Griess assay and 14N/15N‐FTIR analyses. A detailed study reveals that the bidirectional NOx‐reactivity, namely, nitrite reductase (NIR) and NO oxidase (NOO), at a common CuII site, is governed by the geometric‐preference‐driven facile CuII/CuI redox process. Of broader interest, this study not only highlights potential strategies for the design of copper‐based catalysts for nitrite reduction, but also strengthens the previous postulates regarding the involvement of red copper proteins in denitrification.
Super‐fast Charging Biohybrid Batteries through a Power‐to‐formate‐to‐bioelectricity Process by Combining Microbial Electrochemistry and CO2 Electrolysis
Authors: Chu Na , Jiang Yong , Wang Donglin , Li Daping , Zeng Raymond Jianxiong
Published: October 2023

Extensive study on renewable energy storage has been sparked by the growing worries regarding global warming. In this study, incorporating the latest advancements in microbial electrochemistry and electrochemical CO2 reduction, a super‐fast charging biohybrid battery was introduced by using pure formic acid as an energy carrier. CO2 electrolyser with a slim‐catholyte layer and a solid electrolyte layer was built, which made it possible to use affordable anion exchange membranes and electrocatalysts that are readily accessible. The biohybrid battery only required a 3‐minute charging to accomplish an astounding 25‐hour discharging phase. In the power‐to‐formate‐to‐bioelectricity process, bioconversion played a vital role in restricting both the overall Faradaic efficiency and Energy efficiency. The CO2 electrolyser was able to operate continuously for an impressive total duration of 164 hours under Gas Stand‐By model, by storing N2 gas in the extraction chamber during stand‐by periods. Additionally, the electric signal generated during the discharging phase was utilized for monitoring water biotoxicity. Functional genes related to formate metabolism were identified in the bioanode and electrochemically active bacteria were discovered. On the other hand, Paracoccus was predominantly found in the used air cathode. These results advance our current knowledge of exploiting biohybrid technology.
Time‐Resolved Product Observation for CO2 Electroreduction Using Synchronised Electrochemistry‐Mass Spectrometry with Soft Ionisation (sEC‐MS‐SI)
Authors: Zhang Guohui , Kucernak Anthony
Published: October 2023

The mechanistic understanding of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) requires a rapid and accurate characterisation of product distribution to unravel the activity and selectivity, which is yet hampered by the lack of advanced correlative approaches. Here, we present the time‐resolved identification of CO2RR products by using the synchronised electrochemistry‐mass spectrometry (sEC‐MS). Transients in product formation can be readily captured in relation to electrochemical conditions. Moreover, a soft ionisation (SI) strategy is developed in MS for the direct observation of CO, immune to the interference of CO2 fragments. With the sEC‐MS‐SI, the kinetic information, such as Tafel slopes and onset potentials, for a myriad of CO2RR products are revealed and we show the hysteresis seen for the evolution of some species may originate from the potential‐driven changes in surface coverage of intermediates. This work provides a real‐time picture of the dynamic formation of CO2RR products.
The extreme heat wave of late July/early August 2021 in Greece under the context of the direct effect of anthropogenic greenhouse gases
Authors: Giannaros Christos , Dafis Stavros , Kotroni Vassiliki , Lagouvardos Konstantinos
Published: October 2023

Greece is characterized by a significant warming trend in recent decades, accompanied by increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves (HWs). A particularly devastating HW that affected the country was the late July/early August 2021 event (JA2021HW), which lasted for 9 days (July 28–August 5). Focusing on the hottest day of the event (August 3), the main characteristics of JA2021HW are presented in the current study, using model reanalysis data and up to 11‐year observations derived from the dense network of ground‐based weather stations operated by the Meteo Unit at the National Observatory of Athens (NOA). This analysis highlights the severity of JA2021HW, especially in the central and southernmost regions of Greece. Most importantly, the impact of the direct effect of anthropogenic greenhouse gases to the examined extreme event, in terms of intensity and probability of occurrence, is examined by employing a regional 31‐member ensemble (ENS) modeling approach based on Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which is operationally used by NOA/Meteo. Firstly, WRF is validated under 7‐day lead‐time ENS simulations with current‐state greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations (GHG_2021 ENS), showing a robust model performance in replicating the JA2021HW's magnitude on August 3rd. Then, 7‐day lead‐time ENS simulations with the GHG concentrations reduced to the pre‐industrial (1854) levels (GHG_1854 ENS) are performed and compared to the GHG_2021 ENS experiment. The results reveal a contribution of the immediate anthropogenic warming due to the increased GHG concentrations to the JA2021HW intensity in West and South continental and insular Greece, which can be important in the framework of the human health impacts of extreme temperatures. For the event's occurrence probability, no robust evidence of any change could be derived. These statements are partially constrained by the fact that only the direct GHG effect on the timescale of a few days was examined.
Über einige Faktoren, welche die kathodische Überspannung bestimmen
Authors: Pring J. N.
Published: October 2023

Es wurde: bewiesen, daß jene Prozesse, welche beim Uebergang vom ionisierten Zustand in den Molekularzustand oder in den freien Gaszustand bedingt sind, in dem Metallkörper vor sich gehen: die Ionen sind an das Metall bis in eine bestimmte Tiefe angelagert; daraus ergibt sich, daß die Polarisation ein Minimum aufweisen muß.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen uns, daß eine gewisse Reaktion auf das Metall beim Uebergange vom ionisierten in den gasförmigen Zustand ausgeübt wird. Für eine Reihe von Metallen wurde auf einfache Weise die Tiefe, auf welche diese Reaktion beschränkt ist, direkt gemessen.

Die Methode, welche zur Messung der Anodenpotentiale dient, wird weiterhin benutzt, um zu entscheiden, welcher Einfluß von den verschiedenen Gasen auf den Reaktionsraum ausgeübt wird, und um weitere Zahlenangaben über die Natur der Reaktionen zu erhalten, welche bei der Ionenentladung auftreten.

Elektrochemisches Laboratorium der Universität Manchester.
On “Reflections on the concept of optimality of single decision point treatment regimes”
Authors: Moodie Erica E. M. , Talbot Denis
Published: October 2023

This is a discussion of “Reflections on the concept of optimality of single decision point treatment regimes” by Trung Dung Tran, Ariel Alonso Abad, Geert Verbeke, Geert Molenberghs, and Iven Van Mechelen. The authors propose a thoughtful consideration of optimization targets and the implications of such targets for the resulting optimal treatment rule. However, we contest the assertation that targets of optimization have been overlooked and suggest additional considerations that researchers must contemplate as part of a complete framework for learning about optimal treatment regimes.
Prophylactic and abundant intake of α‐lipoic acid causes hepatic steatosis and should be reconsidered in usage as an anti‐aging drug
Authors: Kuhla Angela , Derbenev Margarita , Shih Hao Yu , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: October 2023

The majority of research has suggested that α‐lipoic acid (ALA) is a potential therapeutic agent for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, a nutritional supplementation with ALA is recommended although the effects of a short‐ and long‐term intake of ALA on central organs in healthy individuals are not studied in detail yet. Therefore, liver tissue of 4 and 74 weeks ALA‐treated healthy C57BL6/J mice with respect to lipid metabolism was analyzed. In doing so, it was shown that short‐term and long‐term ALA treatment caused a marked increase of β‐oxidation, as indicated by a significant rise of mRNA expression of fgf21, pparα, and its target genes, for example, acox1, cpt1α, and cpt2, as well as of Fgf21 plasma concentration. Glycolytic activity, as assessed by pklr1 mRNA expression and pyruvate kinase activity, was also found increased. In addition, it was shown that both short‐ and long‐term ALA treatment increased cholesterol content, induced systemic triglyceridemia, and enhanced rxrα and lxrα mRNA expression. Despite the fact that short‐term ALA intake reduced lipogenesis, as given by significant declines of fas and srebp1c mRNA expression, and that a long‐term ALA intake induced a significant rise of these lipogenic genes, both treatment regimen caused fat accumulation. This, however, was more pronounced upon long‐term ALA intake, leading to hepatic steatosis and liver injury, as indicated by increased inflammation and disruption of the general hepatic architecture. In summary, the prophylactic and abundant use of ALA under healthy conditions should be considered with caution. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(2):179–189, 2016
Synthesis of 4‐(3,4‐dicarboxamido‐1H‐pyrrole)pyrimidines as Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Latif Muhammad , Byun Byung Jin , Lee Kwangho
Published: October 2023

To explore non‐aniline aromatic substitution on the pyrimidine C4 position, novel 4‐(N,N′‐di‐n‐propyl‐3,4‐dicarboxamido‐1H‐pyrrole)pyrimidines are designed and synthesized as anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors for non‐small cell lung cancer treatment. To overcome the unexpected cleavage between the C‐N linkage of pyrrole nitrogen and C4‐pyrimidine during hydrolysis and inaccessibility of the desired diamide formation through coupling agent‐mediated conditions, the 4‐(N,N′‐di‐n‐propyl‐3,4‐dicarboxamido‐1H‐pyrrole)pyrimidine was assembled through direct nucleophilic substitution under microwave irradiation. Thus prepared 4‐(N,N′‐di‐n‐propyl‐3,4‐dicarboxamido‐1H‐pyrrole)pyrimidines were measured both ALK binding and H3122 cell proliferation assay. Their weak ALK activities are explained with molecular modeling study.
Density Functional Theory Study of p‐tert‐Butylcalix[4]crown‐7‐ether Ester Complexed with Alkylammonium Ions
Authors: Eom Min Sik , Ham Seung Wook , Choe Jong‐In
Published: October 2023

In this study, we describe the optimization of the three conformers (cone, partial cone, and 1,3‐alternate) of 1,3‐bridged p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]crown‐7‐ether ester (1) using the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) method. 1(CONE) was calculated to be the most stable of the three conformations of 1. The structures, energies, and frontier orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) of the exo‐complexes of 1(CONE) with alkylammonium ions were calculated using the DFT method. It was found that small alkylammonium cations exhibit a higher complexation efficiency with 1 than with larger alkylammonium ions. However, the branched alkylammonium ions exhibited stronger binding properties with 1 than the linear n‐propyl and n‐butyl ammonium ions. The DFT‐calculated energies of 1 complexed with bulky alkylammonium ions exhibited stronger binding efficiencies than the calix[5]crown‐6‐ether (2). Hydrogen bonding and steric hindrance of the alkylammonium cations were found to be the primary factors governing the complexation efficiency of 1 with various cations. The DFT B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p)‐calculated IR spectra of the conformers of 1 and its cone‐type exo‐complexes with various alkylammonium ions were subsequently analyzed. The hydrogen‐bonded NH and OH stretching vibrational frequencies were compared to the unrestricted vibrational frequencies in detail, and the unusually low NH stretching frequency (3054 cm−1) of the 1∙iso‐Bu+
complex and the unusually low OH stretching frequency (3387 cm−1) of the 1∙n‐Bu+
complex were determined to be caused by strong hydrogen bonding.
One Metal‐Organic Framework Showing Two‐Dimensional Sheet Structure: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Property
Authors: Zhou Yong Hong , Wang Zhe Yu
Published: October 2023

Under hydrothermal condition, the reaction of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐DH) and 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane with MnCl2
·2H2O gave a novel metal‐organic framework (MOF), [Mn(2,4‐D)2
(H2O)2]
n
(1). This complex was characterized by IR, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry analysis. X‐Ray single‐crystal diffraction shows that the Mn(II) ions are bidendate bridged by carboxyl groups in the syn–anti mode, giving a two‐dimensional (2D) network. Temperature‐dependent magnetic studies reveal that there are weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Mn(II) ions transmitted by carboxyl groups.
Microstructural Modification of NiAl Layered Double Hydroxide Electrodes by Adding Graphene Nanosheets and Their Capacitative Property
Authors: Kim Yuna , Kim Seok
Published: October 2023

NiAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite electrodes containing various contents of graphene nanosheets (GNS) were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The micro‐structure and morphological properties were examined by FE‐SEM, FE‐TEM, XRD, and FTIR. Electrochemical analysis was also carried out by cyclic voltammetry, impedance, and cycle life measurement. The as‐prepared composite that contained 500 mg of graphene (denoted as NiAl/G‐50) achieved the highest specific capacitance of 1147 F/g among the various NiAl LDH/GNS composites. Besides, the NiAl LDH/GNS composite exhibited the lower diffusion resistance, improved rate capability, and good cyclic stability (83% of initial capacitance after 2000 cycles). Considering the morphological data and the improved capacitative properties together, we concluded the synthesized NiAl LDH/GNS composites would be a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.
Computational Study of Hydrogen Chemisorption on a Multi‐Phenyl Organic Linker as a Model of Hydrogen Spillover on Metal‐Organic Frameworks#
Authors: Choi Sunghwan , Jeong Kyeong‐jun , Park Ji Young , Lee Yoon Sup
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen spillover reported on SNU‐3 (empirical formula: Zn3C54H60N2O18
) is computationally studied to suggest viable mechanism for propagation of hydrogenation to the multi‐phenyl organic linker and the proper organic linker for metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with increased hydrogen spillover effect. Density functional theory calculations on the model compound of the linker indicate that, for the neutral organic linker, every aromaticity‐breaking step to add hydrogen requires high energetic cost. For positively charged cases, the high endothermicity disappeared, facilitating hydrogen storage by spillover. Thus, hydrogen can be easily stored only for the positively charged linkers. It is also demonstrated that nitrogen‐based organic linkers are more redox active than others, suggesting that MOFs that contain nitrogen‐based organic linkers may be better hydrogen storage materials when the spillover is the primary mechanism in transition‐metal‐doped MOFs.
Formation of Double Shells with Different Porosity on Silica Nanocores#
Authors: Yoon Suk Bon , Park Dae Keun , Kang Aeyeon , Kim Yong‐Tae , Kim Yong Ho , Yun Wan Soo
Published: October 2023

We report on the preparation of hierarchically doubled shells of different porosity on monodispersive silica nanocores by the direct formation of the outer shell with larger mesopores (D > ~2.5 nm) on the surface of the initial single shell of smaller mesopores (D < ~2.5 nm). An organic template solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene, and decane was used for the formation of the larger mesoporous shells, while the initial shell was prepared with the use of only one type of structure‐directing agent, namely cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The resulting core–shell silica nanoparticles are spherical, monodispersive, and show a distinct bimodal porosity. Pore sizes of those shells were easily controlled by varying the molar ratio of the pore expansion agents.
One‐Dimensional Assemblies of Co‐doped CdTe Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution#
Authors: Mamun Shariful I. , Ramasamy Parthiban , Kim Jinkwon
Published: October 2023

One‐dimensional (1D) Co‐doped CdTe nanorods (NRs) and nanochain assemblies were prepared by spontaneous self‐organization of Co‐doped CdTe nanoparticles (NPs) in an aqueous solution. The effect of different growth conditions on the formation of 1D assemblies was studied. Formation of nanochains was accelerated by the addition of 50% dimethylsulfoxide to the aqueous growth solution. NRs were obtained by keeping the growth solution at low temperature (4 °C) for 4 days, followed by room‐temperature aging for another 4 days. X‐ray diffraction patterns of the Co‐doped CdTe NPs showed that the same crystal structure as the CdTe nanocrystals was retained, indicating no second phase formation for the Co ions. XPS and ICP‐AES data demonstrated successful incorporation of Co ion within CdTe NPs. The room‐temperature susceptibility values of Co‐doped NPs increased with the doping percentage of Co ions.
Spontaneous Resolution Induced by a Chiral Ni(II) Complex with an Achiral Tripodal Ligand#
Authors: Sarkar Shuranjan , Moon Dohyun , Kim Seog K. , Lah Myoung Soo , Lee Hong‐In
Published: October 2023

A chiral nickel(II) complex, [Ni(II)H3L](ClO4)2 (1), with an achiral ligand H3L (=tris{2‐(4‐imidazolyl)methyliminoethyl}amine) was synthesized by in situ reaction between nickel(II) perchlorate hexahydrate and a condensation mixture of 4‐imidazolecarboxaldehyde and tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine. Single crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that the H3L ligand hexadentately binds to Ni(II) ion through three Schiff‐base imine N atoms and three imidazole N atoms with distorted octahedral geometry. Both single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and circular dichroism investigations found that the crystal of complex 1 was an enantiopure conglomerate. The hydrogen‐bond network of NimidazoleH⋯OClO4⋯HNimidazole induced spontaneous resolution to form the conglomerate. The capped tripod‐shaped [Ni(II)H3L]2+ complex ions are hydrogen‐bonded in a tail‐to‐tail mode and array in an up‐and‐down manner repeatedly to honeycomb an extended two‐dimensional homochiral network with trigonal voids.
Photoexcitation Dynamics of Cyanate‐ligated Ferric Heme Proteins Probed by Femtosecond Vibrational Spectroscopy#
Authors: Park Seongchul , Park Jaeheung , Jang Joonkyung , Lim Manho
Published: October 2023

The photoexcitation dynamics of cyanate‐ligated ferric myoglobin (MbNCO) and hemoglobin (HbNCO) in D2O at 293 K after excitation with a visible pulse was investigated by probing the anti‐symmetric stretching (ν1) mode of the NCO
− ion bound to Mb or Hb using femtosecond vibrational spectroscopy. The ν1 mode of NCO in MbNCO or HbNCO in D2O shows one absorption feature near 2158 cm−1, which is similar to that of the free anion in D2O (2160 cm−1). The absorption feature of MbNCO was described by two absorption bands, i.e., one major band (90%) peaked at 2157 cm−1 with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 11 cm−1 and a minor band (10%) at 2143 cm−1 with an FWHM of 12 cm−1. In HbNCO, the major (82%) and minor (18%) bands are at 2159 (FWHM of 14 cm−1) and 2145 cm−1 (FWHM of 14 cm−1), respectively. The major and minor bands were attributed to the high‐ and low‐spin heme complexes, respectively. The photoexcited MbNCO and HbNCO undergo a rapid electronic relaxation with a time constant smaller than 0.4 ps, followed by thermal relaxation with a time constant of 8 ± 1 ps. No measurable absorption band for the photodeligated NCO
− was detected, indicating that the photodeligation quantum yield of NCO
−‐bound ferric heme proteins is negligible. The characteristics of the thermal and electronic relaxations are independent of both the excitation wavelengths used (575 and 400 nm) and heme proteins probed (Mb and Hb). Although the interaction between the cyanate and Fe3+ of the heme in Mb and Hb may be weak as suggested by the negligible shift in the band position of the cyanate upon ligand binding, the photodissociation of NCO
− by a visible pulse is not significant. This finding is consistent with the negligible photodeligation observed for most of the other anion‐ligated ferric heme proteins.
Au Nanocucumbers with Interior Nanogap for Multiple Laser Wavelength‐Compatible Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering#
Authors: Hwang Jae‐Ho , Singhal Nitin Kumar , Lim Dong‐Kwon , Nam Jwa‐Min
Published: October 2023

It is critical to design and synthesize plasmonic nanostructures that can generate very strong and quantitative surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals that could be amplified by multiple laser wavelengths to realize the full potential of SERS nanoprobes. Here, we report the synthesis of Au‐nanobridged nanogap cucumbers (Au‐NNCs) from DNA‐modified Au nanorods and comparison of their SERS signals with three different Raman dyes with our recently reported Au‐nanobridged nanogap spheres (Au‐NNSs). Although the Au‐NNSs generate highly stable and reliable signals, these spherical nanogap structures with a smooth surface produce strong SERS signals (SERS enhancement factor at ~108) only with 633 nm excitation laser. The Au‐NNCs with a bumpy surface generated up to ~3‐, ~23‐, and ~130‐fold higher SERS signals with 514, 633, and 785 nm excitation laser wavelengths, respectively, compared to the Au‐NNSs.
Stochastic Lineshape Theory for Multistate, Non‐Markovian Frequency Fluctuations#
Authors: Jung YounJoon
Published: October 2023

A stochastic lineshape theory is formulated for the non‐Markovian and multistate frequency modulation model. The frequency of the stochastic oscillator undergoes non‐Markovian modulations between multiple states, and the transition processes are described by arbitrary waiting‐time distributions. By incorporating stationarity into the stochastic process in a proper way, we calculate the propagator and the relaxation function. It is shown that a stationary distribution among the oscillator states satisfies a generalized detailed balance condition even in the non‐Markovian case. We find an exact expression for the lineshape function, which contains the Markovian case as a special limit.
Design of Silica‐protected Surface‐enhanced Raman Scattering Nanoprobe for Immunosorbent Assay#
Authors: Chen Lei , Sa Youngjo , Wang Xu , Zhao Bing , Jung Young Mee
Published: October 2023

In this study, we present a method of achieving highly sensitive immunoassays based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The biofunctional‐nanoprobe‐linked immunosorbent assay is a closely related technique with a good linear range and the ability to simultaneously detect antigens with high sensitivity. Herein, we report a novel method based on a sandwich structure composed of a silver monolayer and biocompatible Au‐mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA)@SiO2
that was assembled through an immune recognition reaction. To induce a strong plasmonic contribution of the nanoprobes, two or more MBA‐adsorbed gold nanoparticles were saturated and loaded into silica. Silica‐protected gold nanoaggregates exhibit stable SERS activity and biocompatibility for proteins. The capabilities of the proposed sandwich structure for analytical applications were demonstrated through the use of the SERS technique to detect antigens at very low concentrations. These techniques may prove to be superior to current protocols for biomarker research and clinical diagnosis, which require high sensitivity and quantitation over an extended range.