bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Nanofibers: Synthesis, Properties, and Scopes in Future Advanced Technologies
Authors: Chamanehpour Elham , Thouti Sandeep , Rubahn Horst‐Günter , Dolatshahi‐Pirouz Alireza , Mishra Yogendra Kumar
Published: December 2023

Functional nanoengineering of nanofibrous materials is getting more important day by day due to an increased demand for smart nanomaterials in many industrial technologies. A simple synthesis and extraordinary features, e.g., high specific surface area, multi‐dimensional structure, small pores, self‐adjustment, flexibility, elasticity, etc., open a wide application range for smart nanofibers as important components in daily‐life appliances. These nanofibrous materials can potentially revolutionize medical, agriculture, food, energy, water, and wastewater treatment technologies due to their capacity to detect small changes (ppm and ppb levels) and simultaneously react to the involved environmental stimuli. In this work, a detailed overview of smart nanofibers in terms of their functionalities, fabrication strategies, and technological applications relevant to fulfilling society's sustainable development goals (SDGs) is provided. Various techniques for functionalizing the nanofibers are covered, along with their unique characteristics, which strengthen the portfolio of properties and thus new applications. Finally, the important usage of nanofibers in the environmental and human healthcare fields is briefly discussed, along with the potential applications in other future technologies. This work demonstrates the challenges and possibilities for smart nanofibers and their applications while simultaneously addressing a new era of multidisciplinary research toward the creation and new uses of smart nanofibers.
Domino Transformations of 3‐Fluoro‐1,2,4‐Triazine Derivatives towards Spirocyclic and Fused Pyridines
Authors: Lapray Anthony , Martzel Thomas , Hiebel Marie‐Aude , Oudeyer Sylvain , Suzenet Franck , Brière Jean‐François
Published: December 2023

A domino SNAr‐ihDA/rDA reaction was developed from rarely exploited 3‐fluoro‐1,2,4‐triazines with bifunctional alkyne tethered nucleophiles to construct various fused non‐aromatic/heteroaromatic bicycles in yields ranging from 56 to 99%, notably within the family of valuable spirooxindole derivatives. In this study, the challenging enantioselective phase‐transfer catalyzed arylation of a sulfonyl‐triazine was also demonstrated with up to 66% ee. In both racemic and asymmetric processes, the nature of the leaving group at C3 was key to successfully achieve these sequences.
Insights into Molten Salts Induced Structural Defects in Graphitic Carbon Nitrides for Piezo‐Photocatalysis with Multiple H2O2 Production Channels
Authors: Ly Pho Phuong , Nguyen Duc‐Viet , Luu Tuyen Anh , Hung Nguyen Quang , Hue Pham Thi , Hue Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Pham Minh‐Thuan , Ung Thuy Dieu Thi , Bich Do Danh , Phan Pham Duc Minh , Anh Nguyen Hoai , Toan Huynh Phuoc , Bui Dai‐Phat , Dao Vinh‐Ai , Hur Seung Hyun , Vuong Hoai‐Thanh
Published: December 2023

Elucidating the impact of heteroatoms in graphitic carbon nitrides (g‐C3N4) is of utmost importance to rationalize materials. Hence, in this study, oxygen‐doped g‐C3N4 containing trace amounts of halogen in the structures for piezo‐photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxides (H2O2) is fabricated. The findings reveal that oxygen atoms may be inserted into g‐C3N4 in‐plane structures, while halogen atoms tend to become intercalated between g‐C3N4 layers. Furthermore, the presence of ammonium molten salts (NH4X) during the synthesis alters the concentration of mono and cluster vacancies of carbon and nitrogen in the materials, certifying by positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). These defective contributions will be meaningfully accelerate catalytic performance by providing trapping states. Additionally, the decomposition of generated H2O2 can produce highly oxidative hydroxyl radicals, inducing degradations on the catalyst's structures and unexpectedly decreasing catalytic outcomes. From the mechanistic view, different reduction and oxidation channels will be play a pivotal role in generating H2O2. Moreover, the influence of ultrasound and light is also carefully investigated in the work to gain more insights into how the catalysts are triggered to improve catalytic performance. Thus, this study highlights the importance of carefully characterizing structures of g‐C3N4 to precisely understand the catalytic properties, benefiting catalytic design and development.
Ultrasound‐Stimulated “Exocytosis” by Cell‐Like Microbubbles Enhances Antibacterial Species Penetration and Immune Activation Against Implant Infection
Authors: Xiu Weijun , Li Xiaoye , Li Qiang , Ding Meng , Zhang Yu , Wan Ling , Wang Siyu , Gao Yu , Mou Yongbin , Wang Lianhui , Dong Heng
Published: December 2023

Host immune systems serving as crucial defense lines are vital resisting mechanisms against biofilm‐associated implant infections. Nevertheless, biofilms hinder the penetration of anti‐bacterial species, inhibit phagocytosis of immune cells, and frustrate host inflammatory responses, ultimately resulting in the weakness of the host immune system for biofilm elimination. Herein, a cell‐like construct is developed through encapsulation of erythrocyte membrane fragments on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticle‐fabricated microbubbles and then loaded with hydroxyurea (EMB‐Hu). Under ultrasound (US) stimulation, EMB‐Hu undergoes a stable oscillation manner to act in an “exocytosis” mechanism for disrupting biofilm, releasing agents, and enhancing penetration of catalytically generated anti‐bacterial species within biofilms. Additionally, the US‐stimulated “exocytosis” by EMB‐Hu can activate pro‐inflammatory macrophage polarization and enhance macrophage phagocytosis for clearance of disrupted biofilms. Collectively, this work has exhibited cell‐like microbubbles with US‐stimulated “exocytosis” mechanisms to overcome the biofilm barrier and signal macrophages for inflammatory activation, finally achieving favorable therapeutic effects against implant infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms.
Ultrasound imaging of the dorsalis pedis artery as an early indicator of the precursory changes for rheumatoid vasculitis: A case series
Authors: Boman Robyn , Penkala Stefania , Chan Rosa H. M. , Joshua Fredrick , Cheung Roy Tsz Hei
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Clinical verification of rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) persists as a mid‐to‐late diagnosis with medical imaging or biopsy. Early and subclinical presentations of RV, in particular, can remain underdiagnosed in the absence of adequate diagnostic testing. In this study, the research demonstrated the precursory changes for RV in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using non‐invasive ultrasound imaging of a peripheral vessel.

Method

Six participants were recruited: three participants with (RA) and three age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. All participants completed a Foot Health Survey Questionnaire (FHSQ), and participants with RA completed a Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index‐5 (RADAI‐5). Bilateral B‐mode and Doppler ultrasound of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) was performed. The degree of inflammation, lumen and artery diameters, lumen diameter‐to‐artery diameter ratio and peak systolic velocity in the proximal DPA were compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean RADAI‐5 score (5.4 ± 0.8 out of 10) indicated moderate disease activity amongst participants with RA. Inflammation was observed in the DPA wall in all participants with RA, compared to no inflammation observed in the control group (Friedmans two‐way analysis: χ2 = 15.733, P = 0.003). Differences between groups for inflammation, lumen diameter and lumen diameter‐to‐artery diameter ratio were found (P < 0.034), without differences for artery diameter and peak systolic velocity (P > 0.605). DPA wall inflammation did not correlate with FHSQ scores (r = −0.770, P = 0.073).

Conclusion

Despite moderate RA disease activity, this is the first study to demonstrate the use of ultrasound to observe inflammation in small vessel disease. Our findings suggest ultrasound imaging may be a viable screening tool to demonstrate arterial wall inflammation, indicating the precursory changes of RV.
Association of plasma biomarkers with cognition, cognitive decline, and daily function across and within neurodegenerative diseases: Results from the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative
Authors: Sanchez Erlan , Wilkinson Tim , Coughlan Gillian , Mirza Saira , Baril Andrée‐Ann , Ramirez Joel , Binns Malcolm A. , Black Sandra E. , Borrie Michael , Dilliott Allison A. , Dixon Roger A. , Dowlatshahi Dar , Farhan Sali , Finger Elizabeth , Fischer Corinne E. , Frank Andrew , Freedman Morris , Goncalves Rafaella A. , Grimes David A. , Hassan Ayman , Hegele Robert A. , Kumar Sanjeev , Lang Anthony E. , Marras Connie , McLaughlin Paula M. , Orange Joseph B. , Pasternak Stephen H. , Pollock Bruce G. , Rajji Tarek K. , Roberts Angela C. , Robinson John F. , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Sahlas Demetrios J. , Saposnik Gustavo , Strong Michael J. , Swartz Richard H. , Tang‐Wai David F. , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Troyer Angela K. , Kvartsberg Hlin , Zetterberg Henrik , Munoz Douglas P. ,   the ONDRI Investigators, Masellis Mario
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

We investigated whether novel plasma biomarkers are associated with cognition, cognitive decline, and functional independence in activities of daily living across and within neurodegenerative diseases.

METHODS

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NfL), phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 and amyloid beta (Aβ)42/40 were measured using ultra‐sensitive Simoa immunoassays in 44 healthy controls and 480 participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease/mild cognitive impairment (AD/MCI), Parkinson's disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum disorders, or cerebrovascular disease (CVD).

RESULTS

GFAP, NfL, and/or p‐tau181 were elevated among all diseases compared to controls, and were broadly associated with worse baseline cognitive performance, greater cognitive decline, and/or lower functional independence. While GFAP, NfL, and p‐tau181 were highly predictive across diseases, p‐tau181 was more specific to the AD/MCI cohort. Sparse associations were found in the FTD and CVD cohorts and for Aβ42/40.

DISCUSSION

GFAP, NfL, and p‐tau181 are valuable predictors of cognition and function across common neurodegenerative diseases, and may be useful in specialized clinics and clinical trials.
Metallacyclobuta‐(2,3)‐diene: A Bidentate Ligand for Stream‐line Synthesis of First Row Transition Metal Catalysts for Cyclic Polymerization of Phenylacetylene
Authors: Russell John B. , Konar Debabrata , Keller Taylor M. , Gau Michael R. , Carroll Patrick J. , Telser Joshua , Lester Daniel W. , Veige Adam S. , Sumerlin Brent S. , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: December 2023

Described here is a direct entry to two examples of 3d transition metal catalysts that are active for the cyclic polymerization of phenylacetylene, namely, [(BDI)M{κ2‐C,C‐(Me3SiC3SiMe3)}] (2‐M) (BDI=[ArNC(CH3)]2CH−, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3; M=Ti, V). Catalysts are prepared in one step by the treatment of [(BDI)MCl2] (1‐M, M=Ti, V) with 1,3‐dilithioallene [Li2(Me3SiC3SiMe3)]. Complexes 2‐M have been spectroscopically and structurally characterized and the polymers that are catalytically formed from phenylacetylene were verified to have a cyclic topology based on a combination of size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and intrinsic viscosity studies. Two‐electron oxidation of 2‐V with nitrous oxide (N2O) cleanly yields a [VV] alkylidene‐alkynyl oxo complex [(BDI)V(=O){κ1‐C‐(=C(SiMe3)CC(SiMe3))}] (3), which lends support for how this scaffold in 2‐M might be operating in the polymerization of the terminal alkyne. This work demonstrates how alkylidynes can be circumvented using 1,3‐dianionic allene as a segue into M−C multiple bonds.
Consumer Grade Polyethylene Recycling via Hydrogenolysis on Ultrafine Supported Ruthenium Nanoparticles
Authors: Jaydev Shibashish D. , Martín Antonio J. , Usteri Marc‐Eduard , Chikri Katia , Eliasson Henrik , Erni Rolf , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: December 2023

Catalytic hydrogenolysis has the potential to convert high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), which comprises about 30 % of plastic waste, into valuable alkanes. Most investigations have focused on increasing activity for lab grade HDPEs displaying low molecular weight, with limited mechanistic understanding of the product distribution. No efficient catalyst is available for consumer grades due to their lower reactivity. This study targets HDPE used in bottle caps, a waste form generated globally at a rate of approximately one million units per hour. Ultrafine ruthenium particles (1 nm) supported on titania (anatase) achieved up to 80 % conversion into light alkanes (C1−C45) under mild conditions (498 K, 20 bar H2, 4 h) and were reused for three cycles. Small ruthenium nanoparticles were critical to achieving relevant conversions, as activity sharply decreased with particle size. Selectivity commonalities and peculiarities across HDPE grades were disclosed by a reaction modelling approach applied to products. Isomerization cedes to backbone scission as the reaction progresses. Within this trend, low molecular weight favor isomerization whilst high molecular weight favor cleavage. Commercial caps obeyed this trend with decreased activity, anticipating the influence of additives in realistic processing. This study demonstrates effective hydrogenolysis of consumer grade polyethylene and provides selectivity patterns for product control.
Boosting CO2 Photoreduction to Formate or CO with High Selectivity over a Covalent Organic Framework Covalently Anchored on Graphene Oxide
Authors: Gong Yun‐Nan , Mei Jian‐Hua , Shi Wen‐Jie , Liu Jin‐Wang , Zhong Di‐Chang , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: December 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been widely studied in photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, pristine COFs usually exhibit low catalytic efficiency owing to the fast recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. In this study, we fabricated a stable COF‐based composite (GO‐COF‐366‐Co) by covalently anchoring COF‐366‐Co on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Interestingly, in absolute acetonitrile (CH3CN), GO‐COF‐366‐Co shows a high selectivity of 94.4 % for the photoreduction of CO2 to formate, with a formate yield of 15.8 mmol/g, which is approximately four times higher than that using the pristine COF‐366‐Co. By contrast, in CH3CN/H2O (v : v=4 : 1), the main product for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction over GO‐COF‐366‐Co is CO (96.1 %), with a CO yield as high as 52.2 mmol/g, which is also approximately four times higher than that using the pristine COF‐366‐Co. Photoelectrochemical experiments demonstrate the covalent bonding of COF‐366‐Co and GO to form the GO‐COF‐366‐Co composite facilitates charge separation and transfer significantly, thereby accounting for the enhanced catalytic activity. In addition, theoretical calculations and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal H2O can stabilize the *COOH intermediate to further form a *CO intermediate via O−H(aq)⋅⋅⋅O(*COOH) hydrogen bonding, thus explaining the regulated photocatalytic performance.
A novel bio‐based charcoal‐forming agent based on chitosan and phytate@Mg to improve the flame retardancy of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Chen Yuhan , Yin Nian , Wang Yunfei , Gao Shanjun , Shen Chunhui
Published: December 2023

A novel bio‐based carbon forming agent (Mg@PA‐CS) containing P and N elements was were synthesized using the complexation characteristics of chitosan (CS) and phytate (PA). The flame retardant behavior of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/Mg@PA‐CS/APP composites (addition of 20 wt% of different ratios of Mg@PA‐CS and APP to polylactic acid composites) were investigated by the limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimetry test (CCT), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Due to the biphasic flame retardant and synergistic effect, since the 20 wt% flame retardant system (Mg@PA‐CS:APP = 1:2), PLA composites passed the UL‐94 test V‐0 rating, reached 34% LOI value. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) were reduced to 1/2 of the pure PLA, char residue could be as high as 11.49% at 800°C. Moreover, the flame‐retardant mechanism of PLA composites during thermal decomposition was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the coupling techniques of TGA linked with FT‐IR (TG‐FTIR).
Highly sensitive detection of glucose at a novel non‐enzyme electrochemical sensing based on Mo‐doped CoO Nanosheets
Authors: Xia Pengkun , Pan Jing , Zhang Yue , Mao Mingzhen , Ma Lei , Chen Jianlin , Zhang Long , Wang Hui , Fan Hui , Gao Xiaohui , Deng Lianwen
Published: December 2023

In this work, a Mo doped CoO nanosheet grown on nickel foam (labeled as: Mo−CoO) with defect‐rich and improved electron transfer capacity was designed to be used as a novel non‐enzyme electrode material. Physical characterizations demonstrated the Mo elements were doped inside of the samples and they were mutually stabilized with each other, resulting in a high structural stability electrochemical catalytical activity even if the content of Mo was low. For non‐enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensing, the prepared Mo−CoO‐1 showed a remarkable sensitivity of 89.3 mA cm−2 mM−1, and a low detection limit of 0.43 μM. Density functional theory (DFT) studies revealed that the doped Mo atom exhibited a higher d‐band center compared to the Co atom. A stronger p‐d orbital hybridization between the glucose and the Mo atoms indicated the enhancement of glucose adsorption and activation. Importantly, Mo−CoO‐1 provided a good selectivity and long‐term stability, which can be expected to be used in future practical applications.
Design of a decentralized control law for variable area coupled tank systems using H∞complimentary sensitivity function
Authors: K. R. Achu Govind , Mahapatra Subhasish , Ranjan Mahapatro Soumya
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a novel graphical approach to control the liquid levels of the different variable area coupled tank systems using a decentralized controller. The coupled tank systems are common benchmark systems that consist of two tanks interconnected with each other. The primary goal is to maintain the liquid level in the tank at the desired set point by controlling the flow rate. This is attained with a decentralized method wherein the controller values are obtained from the plane. Besides, the robust criteria is enforced to guarantee the robustness. The proposed controller design approach aims to improve the performance of the system in terms of disturbance rejection and tracking. The decentralized control structure uses a distributed control strategy, thereby reducing the computational load which leads to improving the control performance. The loop interactions are minimized with decouplers. Furthermore, first‐order plus dead‐time (FOPDT) models are derived for each of the decoupled subsystems. Besides, the servo and regulatory responses of the controller are verified with input and output disturbances. Additionally, the response of the controller to system uncertainties and parameter variations is also studied. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach.
Corporate digital transformation, market competition, and the environmental performance—Microevidence from Chinese manufacturing
Authors: Deng Xiu Jie , Yuan Man Qing , Luo Cai Yi
Published: December 2023

In recent years, as China's economy has grown at a rapid pace and social welfare has increased dramatically, environmental issues have become increasingly prominent. Whether companies undertaking digital transformation will improve the environmental performance has drawn the focus of scholars. For this reason, this paper uses the microfirm data of China's manufacturing industry from 2011 to 2020 to explore the relationship between corporate digital transformation (CDT), market competition, and environmental performance, as well as its external mechanism. The study has found that in the analysis of environmental performance measured by firms' pollution emissions, the improvement of the level of CDT shows a nonlinear trajectory in its impact on environmental performance. With a highly centralized market environment, the impact of CDT on environmental performance is further diminished. By analyzing the variability of the degree of market competition, the CDT can promote the environmental performance by enhancing market competition (reducing market concentration). In addition, from the perspective of source reduction, the CDT also advances the environmental performance. The research conclusions contribute to the study of environmental performance, which can guide the transformation from end‐of‐pipe pollutant emissions to source reduction to promote the sustainable development of enterprises.
Gamification in financial service apps to enhance customer experience and engagement
Authors: Raza Ali , Rehmat Sana , Ishaq Muhammad Ishtiaq , Haj‐Salem Narjes , Talpur Qurat‐ul‐ain
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this research is twofold: (1) to examine the impact of gamification on user experiences, customer engagement, and purchase intentions in the financial industry and (2) to examine how immediate rewards vs. delayed rewards prompt different consumer behaviors in Pakistan's mobile banking (m‐banking) industry. The data for study 1 was collected from 340 m‐banking customers using a structured, survey‐based questionnaire, while study 2 collected data from 161 customers using an experimental‐based study. The structural equation modeling results show that gamification elements are positively related to user experiences and customer engagement, and customer engagement mediates the relationship between gamification and purchase intentions. Moreover, the results of the experimental‐based study show that immediate rewards more strongly influence user experiences, customer engagement, and purchase intentions. For theoretical implications, this study extends the scant literature on gamification in the m‐banking industry. For managerial implications, this research highlights the essential elements of gamification to increase customer engagement and purchase intentions in the m‐banking sector.
Application of the FTIR technique as a non‐invasive tool to discriminate Portuguese olive oils with Protected Designation of Origin
Authors: Lamas Sandra , Ruano Daniela , Dias Francisco , Barreiro Filomena , Pereira José Alberto , Peres António M. , Rodrigues Nuno
Published: December 2023

Three Portuguese olive oils with PDO (‘Azeite do Alentejo Interior’, ‘Azeites da Beira Interior’ and ‘Azeite de Trás‐os‐Montes’) were studied considering their physicochemical quality, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stability, total phenols content, gustatory sensory sensations and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. All oils fulfilled the legal thresholds of EVOOs and the PDO's specifications. Olive oils from ‘Azeite da Beira Interior’ and ‘Azeite de Trás‐os‐Montes’ showed greater total phenols contents and antioxidant capacities, while ‘Azeites da Beira Interior′ presented higher oxidative stabilities. Linear discriminant models were developed using FTIR spectra (transmittance and the 1st and 2nd derivatives), allowing the correct identification of the oils’ PDO (100 % sensitivity and specificity, repeated K‐fold‐CV). This study also revealed that multiple linear regression models, based on FTIR transmittance data, could predict the sweet, bitter, and pungent intensities of the PDO oils (R2≥0.979±0.016; RMSE≤0.26±0.05, repeated K‐fold‐CV). This demonstrates the potential of using FTIR as a non‐destructive technique for authenticating oils with PDO.
Deoxyribonuclease 1‐like 3 inhibits colorectal malignancy through antagonizing NEDD4‐triggered CDKN1A ubiquitination
Authors: Yu Lifei , Huang Jin
Published: December 2023

Deoxyribonuclease 1‐like 3 (DNASE1L3) has been shown to play nonnegligible roles in several types of carcinomas. Nevertheless, the biological function, clinical relevance, and influence of DNASE1L3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain obscure. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to examine DNASE1L3 and CDKN1A expression in CRC tissue, and the clinical significance of DNASE1L3 was assessed. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, and transwell assays were employed for assessing tumor proliferation and migration. The mechanisms underlying the impact of DNASE1L3 were explored via western blot analysis, co‐immunoprecipitation, and ubiquitination assay. It was observed that DNASE1L3 was downregulated in CRC tissues and was tightly associated with patient prognosis. DNASE1L3 impaired CRC cell proliferation and migration through elevating CDKN1A via suppressing CDKN1A ubiquitination. Meanwhile, DNASE1L3 was positively related to CDKN1A. In mechanism, DNASE1L3 and CDKN1A interacted with the E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4. Moreover, DNASE1L3 was competitively bound to NEDD4, thus repressing NEDD4‐mediated CDKN1A ubiquitination and degradation. These discoveries implied the potential mechanisms of DNASE1L3 during tumorigenesis, suggesting that DNASE1L3 may serve as a new potential therapeutic agent for CRC.
Spatio‐temporal pattern evolution and driving factors of A‐level logistics enterprises in Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Zhang Man , Kou Zheng
Published: December 2023

In this paper, standard deviation ellipse, spatial autocorrelation, cold hot spot analysis, kernel density estimation, and other spatial analysis models are first used to analyze the evolution process and spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of A‐level logistics enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta. Secondly, a regression model is used to analyze the main factors driving the evolution of the spatial and temporal patterns of A‐level logistics enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta. The research finds that the development of A‐level logistics enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration generally presents a trend that increasing number and unbalanced development of enterprises of different levels. Regional economic strength, regional policy, transportation accessibility, cargo transportation capacity, and port development level are the main factors driving the evolution of the spatial and temporal pattern of A‐level logistics enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta.
Real‐time Internet of LoRa Things (IoLT)‐based accident detection and prevention system in vehicular networks towards smart city
Authors: Vinodhini M. , Rajkumar Sujatha , Subramaniam Siva Kumar
Published: December 2023

Vehicle utilization has increased on a broader scale in today's reality. Because of insufficient emergency services, increased motor traffic has resulted in the rise of traffic collisions, and widespread accidents lead to the demise of lives and property. Generally, the consequence death rate happens each year, originating from delays in rescue activities. However, vehicles are embedded with trend technology. Still, the accident count will rise day by day due to delays in transmitting the information to the concerned person or delays in rescue activities. The proposed work offers an effective solution to the aforementioned issue by assisting low‐power and long‐range (LoRa) architecture with edge node ultrasonic sensors for identifying the abnormalities and to provide an efficient transport ambulance from the unexpected mishap spot to the closest hospital where emergency well‐being can be provided with the help of cloud technology. Also, emergency information can be sent to the cloud immediately, and its response is the way of alerting the surroundings and notifying the appropriate hospital with the aid of a GPS‐enabled LoRa‐shield. Further, comparing the proposed technology with other LPWAN (low‐power wide area networks) in terms of coverage, cost, capacity, and energy consumption proves efficient communication in the development of intelligent vehicular networks towards a smart city.
Functional traits predict species co‐occurrence patterns in a North American Odonata metacommunity
Authors: Cerini Francesco , Vignoli Leonardo , Blust Michael , Strona Giovanni
Published: December 2023

The probability of occurrence of a given species in a target locality and assemblage is conditioned not only by environmental/climatic variables but also by the presence of other species (i.e., species co‐occurrence). This framework, already complex in nature, becomes even more complicated if one considers the functional traits of species that, in turn, might influence the structure of metacommunities in various ways. Depending on the ecological and environmental setting, functional similarity (i.e., convergence in morphological and ecological traits) between species might either reduce their co‐occurrence due to high niche overlap driving negative interactions or promote it if the similar traits are associated with local habitat suitability. Similarly, functional divergence might either promote species co‐occurrence by limiting negative interactions through niche separation or reduce it through trait mediated environmental filtering. Therefore, discriminating between these alternative scenarios—predicting whether two species will tend to co‐occur or not based on their traits—is extremely challenging. Here, we develop a novel protocol to tackle the challenge, and we demonstrate its effectiveness by showing that ecological species traits can predict species co‐occurrence in a large dataset of North American Odonata. To this end, we first used the Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities framework to quantify the pairwise species co‐occurrence after controlling for environmental and climatic factors. Then, we used machine learning to generate models which proved capable of predict accurately the observed co‐occurrence patterns from species functional traits. Our approach offers a generalizable analytical framework with the potential to clarify long‐standing ecological questions.
Bias‐Free Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Conversion in a BiVO4/PM6:Y6 Compact Tandem with Optically Balanced Light Absorption
Authors: Ferreira Catarina G. , Sansierra Constanza , Bernal‐Texca Francisco , Zhang Mingyu , Ros Carles , Martorell Jordi
Published: December 2023

The high voltage required to overcome the thermodynamic threshold and the complicated kinetics of the water splitting reaction limit the efficiency of single semiconductor‐based photoelectrochemistry. A semiconductor/solar cell tandem structure has been theoretically demonstrated as a viable path to achieve an efficient direct transformation of sunlight into chemical energy. However, compact designs exhibiting the indispensable optimally balanced light absorption have not been demonstrated. In the current work, we design and implement a compact tandem providing the complementary absorption of a highly transparent BiVO4 photoanode and a PM6:Y6 solar cell. Such bandgap combination approaches the optimal to reach the solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion upper limit for tandem photoelectrochemical cells (PECs). We demonstrate that, by using a photonic multilayer structure to adequately balance sunlight absorption among both tandem materials, a 25% increase in the bias‐free STH conversion can be achieved, setting a clear path to take compact tandem PECs to the theoretical limit performance.
Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia with atonic seizures and generalized paroxysmal fast activity: A novel electroclinical phenotype associated with SETD1B pathogenic variant
Authors: Ng Vanessa Hwee Ling , Hart Francesca , Kothur Kavitha , Buckley Michael , Harb Clare , Gill Deepak
Published: December 2023

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Physical layer security‐oriented energy‐efficient resource allocation and trajectory design for UAV jammer over 5G millimeter wave cognitive relay system
Authors: Sun Yangyang , Jia Xiangdong , Han Xianghua , Xie Mangang , Zhang Liang
Published: December 2023

This work focuses on the optimal trajectory of a rotary‐wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) jammer and the system power allocation with the objective of maximizing the total secure energy efficiency (EE) of a slotted relay‐assisted millimeter wave (mm‐Wave) cognitive radio system. The UAV flies from starting location to final one in a round of communication mission that is overheard by a malicious eavesdropper. The network terminals are equipped with multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna array. This work first develops a practical approximation propagation model by addressing three key challenges: path loss, small‐scale Nakagami‐m fading channel gains, and transceiver antenna beamforming gains. By using the approximate model, the upper and lower bounds of the ergodic rate of each communication link are derived. Second, with the objective of maximizing secure EE, the optimal UAV trajectory and system resource allocation framework is established by considering the constraints of interference at primary receiver (PR), information‐causality relationship, rotary‐wing UAV propulsion energy and so forth. The optimal framework is solved with a tractable CVX tool by using the derived upper and lower bounds and successive convex approximation. Finally, an iterative optimizing algorithm is established by using Dinkelbach's method. In the simulation, the work presents the comparison of UAV trajectories, secure rates, and secure EEs of three schemes, that is, the proposed EE scheme, the non‐EE scheme where only the optimal secure rate is considered, and the EE scheme with the consideration of all communication‐related energy consumption. The simulations show that the EE schemes achieve smoother UAV trajectory than non‐EE, but the non‐EE scheme has higher secure rate. The impact of communication energy consumption is negligible. In addition, the effect of MIMO antenna array and mm‐Wave on system performance is exploited.
Multi‐UAV path planning utilizing the PGA algorithm for terrestrial IoT sensor network under ISAC framework
Authors: Azadur Rahman Md , Pawase Chaitali J. , Chang KyungHi
Published: December 2023

The integration of internet of things (IoT) technologies with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has initiated a groundbreaking revolution in data acquisition and communication systems across diverse domains. This document introduces an innovative endeavor, the integration of multi‐UAV path planning for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) within ground‐based CAT‐M1 IoT sensor networks, accomplished through the application of the Pareto‐based genetic ant colony optimization (PGA) algorithm. The PGA algorithm is highly capable of UAV path planning due to its efficiency, adaptability, and seamless integration of domain expertise. By employing the PGA algorithm, we simultaneously minimize UAV travel distance while optimizing energy consumption, resulting in multi‐objective optimization. The synergy of ground‐based IoT sensors and seamless UAV communication, coupled with a convex optimization resource allocation algorithm, empowers real‐time data acquisition and heightens situational awareness. Our proposed UAV path planning PGA algorithm with resource allocation is crafted to maximize the efficiency of ground‐based sensor data acquisition. We stand at the forefront of advancing multi‐UAV data collection systems with this pioneering approach, promoting increased efficiency, robustness, and transformative solutions across diverse domains. The proposed system for ISAC achieves an impressive throughput of up to 95% of the system's capacity.
Impact of solar panels on runoff generation process
Authors: Baiamonte Giorgio , Gristina Luciano , Palermo Samuel
Published: December 2023

Because of the benefits of solar energy, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is being deployed at an unprecedented rate and the number of photovoltaic panels is sharply increasing. Agrophotovoltaic systems (solar farms) seem to be the most sustainable tools to create renewable energy without compromising agricultural production. However, utility‐scale solar energy development is land intensive and its large‐scale installation can have negative impacts on the environment. Moreover, its impacts on soil and on relative hydrological processes have been poorly studied. This article aims to evaluate the impact of solar panels on the runoff generation process, which is directly linked to the soil erosion process. Using a rainfall simulator, runoff measurements for a rainfall intensity equal to 56 mm/h were carried out by assuming different panel arrangements with respect to the maximum slope direction of the field (cross slope and aligned slope). Results were compared to a control reference of the same plot, with no panels (bare soil). Physical models found in the literature were then applied and calibrated, to upscale the models to a much higher hillslope length. Results showed that solar panels increase the peak discharge by about 11 times compared to the reference hillslope. A moderate effect of PV panel arrangement was observed on the peak discharges (11.7 and 11.5 times higher, for cross slope and aligned slope panels, respectively), whereas the time to runoff was the lowest for aligned slope panels (0.3 h), higher for cross slope panels (0.62 h), and the highest (1.2 h), for the bare soil hillslope. As it would be expected, upscaling the models to longer hillslopes resulted in increases in outlet discharges, and in the time to runoff, with an exception for aligned slope panels.
GM‐CSF, G‐CSF or no cytokine therapy with anti‐GD2 immunotherapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Mora Jaume , Modak Shakeel , Kinsey Joyce , Ragsdale Carolyn E. , Lazarus Hillard M.
Published: December 2023

Colony‐stimulating factors have been shown to improve anti‐disialoganglioside 2 (anti‐GD2) monoclonal antibody response in high‐risk neuroblastoma by enhancing antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). A substantial amount of research has focused on recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) as an adjuvant to anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibodies. There may be a disparity in care among patients as access to GM‐CSF therapy and anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibodies is not uniform. Only select countries have approved these agents for use, and even with regulatory approvals, access to these agents can be complex and cost prohibitive. This comprehensive review summarizes clinical data regarding efficacy and safety of GM‐CSF, recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) or no cytokine in combination with anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibodies (ie, dinutuximab, dinutuximab beta or naxitamab) for immunotherapy of patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma. A substantial body of clinical data support the immunotherapy combination of anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibodies and GM‐CSF. In contrast, clinical data supporting the use of G‐CSF are limited. No formal comparison between GM‐CSF, G‐CSF and no cytokine has been identified. The treatment of high‐risk neuroblastoma with anti‐GD2 therapy plus GM‐CSF is well established. Suboptimal efficacy outcomes with G‐CSF raise concerns about its suitability as an alternative to GM‐CSF as an adjuvant in immunotherapy for patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma. While programs exist to facilitate obtaining GM‐CSF and anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibodies in regions where they are not commercially available, continued work is needed to ensure equitable therapeutic options are available globally.
The use of transcriptomic data in developing biomarkers in breast cancer
Authors: Albitar Maher , Goy Andre , Pecora Andrew , Graham Deena , McNamara Donna , Charifa Ahmad , IP Andrew , Ma Wanlong , Waintraub Stanley
Published: December 2023

HER2 and hormone receptors are biomarkers for selecting breast cancer therapy and predicting outcomes. In the era of antibody‐drug conjugates (ADC), a relatively low HER2 expression level is adequate for targeting tumor cells. We explored the potential of RNA profiling, determined by next generation sequencing (NGS), to provide more flexible clinical biomarkers as compared with immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Data from 57 breast cancers was used to study biomarker levels as detected by routine clinical transcriptomic tests. HER2 (ERBB2), estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), and androgen receptor (AR) mRNA levels were compared with IHC and FISH results. There was a significant overlap in the levels of ERBB2 mRNA between cases scored by IHC as zero, 1+, and 2+. This variation correlated with progression‐free survival (PFS). Similarly, the ESR1 RNA accurately reflected estrogen receptor (ER) status. Patients with high AR mRNA had better PFS (p = 0.05). Patients expressing high ER and AR levels had better PFS than those expressing low ESR1 and AR (p = 0.03). These findings suggest that RNA analysis can be an alternative to IHC and FISH and provides continuous data that can better determine cut‐off points for predicting response to ADC.
Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Tiragolumab in First‐in‐Human Study in Patients with Mixed Solid Tumors (GO30103)
Authors: Garralda Elena , Oh Do Youn , Italiano Antoine , Bedard Philippe L. , Delord Jean‐Pierre , Calvo Emiliano , LoRusso Patricia , Wainberg Zev , Cervantes Andres , Rodriguez‐Vida Alejo , Shemesh Colby S. , Sane Rucha , Mendus Diana , Ding Hao , Hendricks Robert , Meng Ray , Cho Byoung Chul , Kim Tae Won , Wu Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Tiragolumab is a first‐in‐class, fully human IgG1/kappa anti‐TIGIT monoclonal antibody that blocks the binding of TIGIT to CD155 (the poliovirus receptor). We summarize the pharmacokinetics (PK) data from the phase 1a/1b GO30103 study of Q3W (every 3 weeks) sequential dosing of tiragolumab (2, 8, 30, 100, 400, 600, or 1200 mg) followed by atezolizumab (1200 mg), Q4W (every 4 weeks) sequential dosing (tiragolumab 840 mg followed by atezolizumab 1680 mg), and Q4W co‐infusion (tiragolumab 840 mg plus atezolizumab 1680 mg). Serum samples were collected at multiple time points following tiragolumab and atezolizumab intravenous infusion in patients with solid tumors for PK and immunogenicity assessment. The serum PK profile of tiragolumab appeared to be biphasic, with a rapid distribution phase followed by a slower elimination phase when administered alone or in combination with atezolizumab. In phase 1a, across doses of tiragolumab ranging from 2 to 1200 mg (cycle 1), the geometric mean (GM), coefficient of variation (CV%), serum tiragolumab Cmax ranged from 0.682 to 270 µg/mL (18.6% to 36.5%) and Cmin ranged from 0.0125 to 75.3 µg/mL (0.0% to 24.2%). The GM systemic exposure (area under the plasma drug concentration‐time curve, AUC0‐21) ranged from 310 to 2670 µg day/mL (20.5% to 27.0%); interindividual variability in AUC0‐21 ranged from 20.5% to 43.9%. Tiragolumab exposure increased in an approximately dose‐proportional manner when administered alone or with atezolizumab at doses ≥100 mg. Postbaseline, 4/207 patients (1.9%) were positive for treatment‐emergent antidrug antibodies (ADA) against tiragolumab, each at a single time point. Tiragolumab combined with atezolizumab demonstrated desirable PK properties, with no drug‐drug interactions or immunogenicity liability. There were no meaningful differences in tiragolumab or atezolizumab exposure between the Q4W co‐infusion and sequential dosing cohorts.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02794571 (date of registration June 6, 2016).
Sites of blood collection and topical disinfectants associated with contaminated cultures: An ambidirectional cohort study
Authors: Ota Koshi , Nishioka Daisuke , Hamada Emi , Ota Kanna , Shibata Yuriko , Takasu Akira
Published: December 2023

Background

We aimed to determine whether puncture sites for blood sampling and topical disinfectants are associated with rates of contaminated blood cultures in the emergency department (ED) of a single institution.

Methods

This single‐center, ambidirectional cohort study of 548 consecutive patients ≥20 years of age was performed in the ED of a university hospital in Japan over a 13‐month period. Pairs of blood samples were collected for aerobic and anaerobic cultures from patients in the ED. Physicians selected puncture sites and topical disinfectants according to their personal preference.

Results

Potential contamination was identified in 110 of the 548 patients (20.1%). One hundred fourteen (20.8%) patients showed true‐positive results for bacteremia, and 324 (59.1%) patients showed true‐negative results. Multivariate analysis revealed more frequent contamination when puncture sites were disinfected with povidone‐iodine (PVI) than with alcohol/chlorhexidine (ACHX) (adjusted risk difference, 19.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]), 15.7–22.6; p < 0.001). In terms of blood collection sites, femoral and central venous (CV) catheter with PVI disinfection showed more frequent contamination than venous sites with ACHX (adjusted risk differences: 26.6%, 95% CI 21.3–31.9, p < 0.001 and 41.1%, 95% CI 22.2–59.9, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Rates of contaminated blood cultures were significantly higher when blood was collected from the CV catheter or femoral sites with PVI as the topical disinfectant.
Antiviral therapy reduces hepatocellular carcinoma through suppressing hepatitis B virus replication may improve ER stress, mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunctions and decrease p62 in hybridized mice with single HBV transgene and miR‐122
Authors: Liang Yuh‐Jin , Chiou Yu‐Wei , Chiu Abby Pei‐Ting , Shiao Ming‐Shi , Teng Wei , Lin Chin‐Wei , Cheng Mei‐Ling , Huang Yen‐Hua , Liang Kung‐Hao , Su Chien‐Wei , Lai Chi‐Yu , Chen Chih‐Li , Wu Jaw‐Ching
Published: December 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) hijacks autophagy for its replication. Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) treatment suppressed HBV replication and reduced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence. However, the use of NUCs in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal or minimally elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels is still debated. Animal models are crucial for studying the unanswered issue and evaluating new therapies. MicroRNA‐122 (miR‐122), which regulates fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism, is downregulated during hepatitis and HCC progression. The reciprocal inhibition of miR‐122 with HBV highlights its role in HCC development as a tumor suppressor. By crossbreeding HBV‐transgenic mice with miR‐122 knockout mice, we generated a hybrid mouse model with a high incidence of HCC up to 89% and normal ALT levels before HCC. The model exhibited early‐onset hepatic steatosis, progressive liver fibrosis, and impaired late‐phase autophagy. Metabolomics and microarray analysis identified metabolic signatures, including dysregulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, genomic instability, the Warburg effect, reduced TCA cycle flux, energy deficiency, and impaired free radical scavenging. Antiviral treatment reduced HCC incidence in hybrid mice by approximately 30–35% compared to untreated mice. This effect was linked to the activation of ER stress‐responsive transcription factor ATF4, clearance of autophagosome cargo p62, and suppression of the CHOP‐mediated apoptosis pathway. In summary, this study suggests that despite minimal ALT elevation, HBV replication can lead to liver injury. Endoplasmic reticulum stress, reduced miR‐122 levels, mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunctions, blocking protective autophagy resulting in p62 accumulation, apoptosis, fibrosis, and HCC. Antiviral may improve the above‐mentioned pathogenesis through HBV suppression.