bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurodevelopmental and other phenotypes recurrently associated with heterozygous BAZ2B loss‐of‐function variants
Authors: Sewani Soha , Azamian Mahshid S. , Mendelsohn Bryce A. , Mau‐Them Frederic Tran , Réda Manon , Nambot Sophie , Isidor Bertrand , van der Smagt Jasper J. , Shen Joseph J. , Shillington Amelle , White Lori , Elloumi Houda Zghal , Baker Peter R. , Svihovec Shayna , Brown Kathleen , Koopman‐Keemink Yvonne , Hoffer Mariette J. V. , Lakeman Inge M. M. , Brischoux‐Boucher Elise , Kinali Maria , Zhao Xiaonan , Lalani Seema R. , Scott Daryl A.
Published: October 2023

The bromodomain adjacent to zinc finger 2B (BAZ2B) gene encodes a chromatin remodeling protein that has been shown to perform a variety of regulatory functions. It has been proposed that loss of BAZ2B function is associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes, and some recurrent structural birth defects and dysmorphic features have been documented among individuals carrying heterozygous loss‐of‐function BAZ2B variants. However, additional evidence is needed to confirm that these phenotypes are attributable to BAZ2B deficiency. Here, we report 10 unrelated individuals with heterozygous deletions, stop‐gain, frameshift, missense, splice junction, indel, and start‐loss variants affecting BAZ2B. These included a paternal intragenic deletion and a maternal frameshift variant that were inherited from mildly affected or asymptomatic parents. The analysis of molecular and clinical data from this cohort, and that of individuals previously reported, suggests that BAZ2B haploinsufficiency causes an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental syndrome that is incompletely penetrant. The phenotypes most commonly seen in association with loss of BAZ2B function include developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, speech delay—with some affected individuals being non‐verbal—behavioral abnormalities, seizures, vision‐related issues, congenital heart defects, poor fetal growth, and an indistinct pattern of dysmorphic features in which epicanthal folds and small ears are particularly common.
Tweaking Photo CO2 Reduction by Altering Lewis Acidic Sites in Metalated‐Porous Organic Polymer for Adjustable H2/CO Ratio in Syngas Production
Authors: Paul Ratul , Das Risov , Das Nitumani , Chakraborty Subhajit , Pao Chih‐Wen , Thang Trinh Quang , Kalhara Gunasooriya G. T. Kasun , Mondal John , Peter Sebastian C.
Published: October 2023

Herein, we have specifically designed two metalated porous organic polymers (Zn‐POP and Co‐POP) for syngas (CO+H2) production from gaseous CO2. The variable H2/CO ratio of syngas with the highest efficiency was produced in water medium (without an organic hole scavenger and photosensitizer) by utilizing the basic principle of Lewis acid/base chemistry. Also, we observed the formation of entirely different major products during photocatalytic CO2 reduction and water splitting with the help of the two catalysts, where CO (145.65 μmol g−1 h−1) and H2 (434.7 μmol g−1 h−1) production were preferentially obtained over Co‐POP & Zn‐POP, respectively. The higher electron density/better Lewis basic nature of Co‐POP was investigated further using XPS, XANES, and NH3‐TPD studies, which considerably improve CO2 activation capacity. Moreover, the structure–activity relationship was confirmed via in situ DRIFTS and DFT studies, which demonstrated the formation of COOH* intermediate along with the thermodynamic feasibility of CO2 reduction over Co‐POP while water splitting occurred preferentially over Zn‐POP.
Increasing Chemical Diversity of B2N2 Anthracene Derivatives by Introducing Continuous Multiple Boron‐Nitrogen Units
Authors: Jeong Seonghwa , Park Eunji , Kim Jiyeon , Park Seok Bae , Kim Sung Hoon , Choe Wonyoung , Kim Joonghan , Park Young S.
Published: October 2023

Increasing the chemical diversity of organic semiconductors is essential to develop efficient electronic devices. In particular, the replacement of carbon‐carbon (C−C) bonds with isoelectronic boron‐nitrogen (B−N) bonds allows precise modulation of the electronic properties of semiconductors without significant structural changes. Although some researchers have reported the preparation of B2N2 anthracene derivatives with two B−N bonds, no compounds with continuous multiple BN units have been prepared yet. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a B2N2 anthracene derivative with a BNBN unit formed by converting the BOBN unit at the zigzag edge. Compared to the all‐carbon analogue 2‐phenylanthracene, BNBN anthracene exhibits significant variations in the C−C bond length and a larger highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap. The experimentally determined bond lengths and electronic properties of BNBN anthracene are confirmed through theoretical calculations. The BOBN anthracene organic light‐emitting diode, used as a blue host, exhibits a low driving voltage. The findings of this study may facilitate the development of larger acenes with multiple BN units and potential applications in organic electronics.
Directly Knitted Hierarchical Porous Organometallic Polymer‐Based Self‐Supported Single‐Site Catalyst for CO2 Hydrogenation in Water
Authors: Mandal Tanmoy , Kumar Abhishek , Panda Jatin , Kumar Dutta Tapas , Choudhury Joyanta
Published: October 2023

In recent times, heterogenization of homogeneous molecular catalysts onto various porous solid support structures has attracted significant research focus as a method for combining the advantages of both homogeneous as well as heterogeneous catalysis. The design of highly efficient, structurally robust and reusable heterogenized single‐site catalysts for the CO2 hydrogenation reaction is a critical challenge that needs to be accomplished to implement a sustainable and practical CO2‐looped renewable energy cycle. This study demonstrated a heterogenized catalyst [Ir‐HCP‐(B/TPM)] containing a molecular Ir‐abnormal N‐heterocyclic carbene (Ir‐aNHC) catalyst self‐supported by hierarchical porous hyper‐crosslinked polymer (HCP), in catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to inorganic formate (HCO2−) salt that is a prospective candidate for direct formate fuel cells (DFFC). By employing this unique and first approach of utilizing a directly knitted HCP‐based organometallic single‐site catalyst for CO2‐to‐HCO2− in aqueous medium, extremely high activity with a single‐run turnover number (TON) up to 50816 was achieved which is the highest so far considering all the heterogeneous catalysts for this reaction in water. Additionally, the catalyst featured excellent reusability furnishing a cumulative TON of 285400 in 10 cycles with just 1.6 % loss in activity per cycle. Overall, the new catalyst displayed attributes that are important for developing tangible catalysts for practical applications.
Tic‐related vs. non‐tic‐related obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Leckman James F. , Grice Dorothy E. , Barr Linda C. , de Vries Annelou L. C. , Martin Christine , Cohen Donald J. , McDougle Christopher J. , Goodman Wayne K. , Rasmussen Steven A.
Published: October 2023

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition characterized by an array of intrusive, upsetting thoughts and interfering, repetitive behaviors. Some forms of OCD may be etiologically related to Tourette's syndrome (TS). This cross‐sectional study examines a range of obsessive compulsive (OC) symptoms which have been hypothesized to distinguish tic‐related OCD from non‐tic‐related OCD. One hundred and seventy‐seven patients with a primary DSM‐IIIR diagnosis of OCD, aged 16 to 72, participated in the study. Patients with tic‐related OCD (n = 56) reported more OC symptoms, including more aggressive, religious, and sexual obsessions as well as checking, counting, ordering, touching, and hoarding compulsions than did patients with non‐tic‐related OCD (n = 121). Contrary to our expectation, these two groups of OCD patients did not differ with regard to the presence of “just right” phenomena or symptoms of psychasthenia. “just right” phenomena and symptoms of psychasthenia, however, were both found to be associated with the current severity of OC symptoms. Anxiety 1:208–215 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of cultivar and environment on chemical composition and geographical traceability of Spanish olive oils
Authors: Rey‐Giménez Raquel , Sánchez‐Gimeno Ana Cristina
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the influence of cultivar and environment on the chemical composition of Arbequina and Empeltre olive oils, and their contribution to geographical identification of olive oils from Aragon. A total of 260 olive oil samples from different cultivars (Arbequina, Empeltre, Royal de Calatayud, Alquezrana, and Royeta de Asque) from the three main oil‐producing areas of Aragon, located in northeast Spain, were selected. Fatty acid and sterol composition were analyzed in the course of three crop years (2017, 2018, and 2019). Cultivar was found the main factor influencing the variability of palmitic, palmitoleic, and linolenic fatty acid content, whereas geographic origin was the main contributor to variation in oleic and linoleic fatty acids in Arbequina and Empeltre olive oils. Cultivar also had a significant impact on sterol composition, although the effect of the production area also showed a significant effect on these oils. Crop year showed limited relevance, except for oleic and linoleic fatty acids. The interaction between the environment (e.g., crop year and geographical factors) and the cultivar (Arbequina and Empeltre) exerted a significant influence on oleic/linoleic (O/L) ratio and Δ7‐stigmastenol content, particularly in the southeast area of Aragon during the crop year with higher temperatures and drier conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) confirmed the discriminative potential of the geographic production zone as a factor enabling the differentiation of olive oils from Aragon based on the major fatty acids and sterols.
Design of biocompatible polylactic acid–polyethylene glycol combination for manufacturing biodegradable staplers
Authors: Bakhtiary Negar , Bagheri Hamed , Salehnia Mojdeh
Published: October 2023

For the development of an effective and faster wound closure method, it is necessary to overcome current techniques' limitations. As compared to other methods, biodegradable staples provide superior mechanical properties, reduce scarring, and promote healing faster. Here, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite staplers produced by solvent casting are presented as a suggestion for rapidly and easily closing wounds. The resulting samples were tested for mechanical properties, contact angle, and degradation properties over 21–90 days in the engineering phase. Selected formulations were moved to the biological phase for in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay and the in vivo biocompatibility assessment by transplantation of the samples into rats' back muscle. The tissue samples were collected and evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome staining 1, 6, and 12 weeks after transplantation. When considering the maximum force tolerance range for PLA–PEG at around 20–58 N and comparing it with comparable commercial products, as well as their degradation rate and hydrophilicity, it was concluded that this combination maintains wound edges together. Cell viability tests demonstrated no cytotoxicity in the samples after 48 and 72 h. Morphological observations indicated some condensations of collagen fibers and no remarkable infiltration of inflammatory cells around the transplanted samples. In conclusion, the combination of PLA and PEG showed suitable mechanical properties, superior hydrophilicity, high biocompatibility and is suitable for medical staplers, and is innovative.
Understanding the performance of membrane for direct air capture of CO2
Authors: Panja Palash , Manankandayalage Chamila , Alam Maksudul M. , Deo Milind
Published: October 2023

Direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 is becoming increasingly important for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. However, the cost and energy requirements associated with DAC make it less economically feasible than carbon capture from flue gases. While various methods like solid sorbents and gas–liquid absorption have been explored for DAC, membrane processes have only recently been investigated. The objective of this study is to examine the separation performance of a membrane unit for capturing CO2 from ambient air. The performance of a membrane depends on several factors, including the composition of the feed gas, pressure ratio, material selectivity, and membrane area. The single‐stage separation process with the co‐current flow and constant permeability flux model is evaluated using a commercial module integrated with a process simulator to separate a binary mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen to assess the sensitivity of selectivity on purity and recovery of CO2 in permeate, and power requirement. Additionally, three levels of CO2 reduction from the feed stream to the retentate stream (25%, 50%, and 75%) are studied. A trade‐off between purity and recovery factor is observed, and achieving high purity in permeate requires high concentration in the retentate.
Recent Progress and Opportunity of Metal Single‐Atom Catalysts for Biomass Conversion Reactions
Authors: Modak Arindam
Published: October 2023

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into platform chemicals and fuels by metal single atoms is a new domain in solid catalysis research. Unlike the conventional catalysis route, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) proliferate maximum utilization efficiency, high catalytic activity, and good selectivity to the desired product with an ultralow loading of the active sites. More strikingly, SACs show a unique cost‐effective pathway for the conversion of complex sugar molecules to value‐added chemicals in high yield and selectivity, which may be hindered by conventional metal nanoparticles. Primarily, SACs having adjustable active sites could be easily modified using sophisticated synthetic techniques based on their intended reactions. This review covers current research on the use of SACs with a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of catalyst design, and their distinctive activities in each type of reaction (hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, hydrodeoxygenation, oxidation, and dehydrogenation). Furthermore, the fundamental insights into the superior actions of SACs within the opportunity and prospects for the industrial‐scale synthesis of value‐added products from the lignocelluloses are covered.
The use of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Oberman Lindsay M. , Francis Sunday M. , Lisanby Sarah H.
Published: October 2023

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have recently emerged as alternative, nonpharmacological interventions for a variety of psychiatric, neurological, and neurodevelopmental conditions. NIBS is beginning to be applied in both research and clinical settings for the treatment of core and associated symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including social communication deficits, restricted and repetitive behaviors, irritability, hyperactivity, depression and impairments in executive functioning and sensorimotor integration. Though there is much promise for these targeted device‐based interventions, in other disorders (including adult major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) where rTMS is FDA cleared), data on the safety and efficacy of these interventions in individuals with ASD is limited especially in younger children when neurodevelopmental interventions typically begin. Most studies are open‐label, small scale, and/or focused on a restricted subgroup of individuals with ASD. There is a need for larger, randomized controlled trials that incorporate neuroimaging in order to develop predictive biomarkers of treatment response and optimize treatment parameters. We contend that until such studies are conducted, we do not have adequate estimates of the safety and efficacy of NIBS interventions in children across the spectrum. Thus, broad off‐label use of these techniques in this population is not supported by currently available evidence. Here we discuss the existing data on the use of NIBS to treat symptoms related to ASD and discuss future directions for the field.
Bio‐inspired photonic crystals: Tailoring the dielectric building blocks to control the light propagation
Authors: Zhu Cun , Tian Lei , Cheng Wei , Gu Zhongze
Published: October 2023

Photonic crystals have drawn tremendous attention in recent years owing to their unique optical properties and remarkable advantages in various applications such as bioassays, sensors and optical devices. Benefiting from the spatially ordered structures, the flow of visible light can be manipulated by photonic crystals in a controlled manner. In this review, we summarize recent progress toward bio‐inspired photonic crystals, including techniques for the construction of spatially ordered structures in diverse dimensions for photonic crystals, and strategies to manipulate the periodicity of the dielectric building blocks to control the light propagation in the presence of external stimuli. We start with the description of structure induced colors in nature with a systematic investigation to reveal the derivation of these colors, followed by a discussion on the design and fabrication of various types of bio‐inspired photonic crystals by manipulating the arrangement of dielectric building blocks. We also highlight the stimuli responsive photonic crystals with tunable optical properties and their applications in sensing and color display.
Control of Relative Positions of Electron‐Donor and Electron‐Acceptor Molecules in Charge‐Transfer Complexes for Luminescent Property Modulation
Authors: Kinoshita Yo , Oka Kouki , Nakajima Hiromi , Tohnai Norimitsu
Published: October 2023

Charge‐transfer complexes can exhibit various physical properties that depend on the relative positions of electron‐donor and electron‐acceptor molecules. Several studies have investigated the relationship between the relative positions of electron‐donor and electron‐acceptor molecules and their luminescence properties. However, elucidating the correlation between the relative positions and detailed luminescence processes without changing the molecular structures has not been explored. Herein, we report control of the relative position based on charge‐assisted hydrogen bonds between sulfo and amino groups and on alkylamines’ steric factors, and report concomitant modulation of the luminescent properties. Six charge‐transfer complexes were prepared from anthracene‐2,6‐disulfonic acid and 1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene as electron‐donor and electron‐acceptor molecules, and various alkylamines. Different alkylamines′ steric factors drastically and precisely changed the relative positions of the electron‐donor and electron‐acceptor molecules without changing their molecular structures. Consequently, the six crystals exhibited maximum emission wavelengths from 543 to 624 nm and different luminescence processes.
Please Mind the Gap: Highly Condensed P–N Networks in LiP4N7 and Li3−xP6N11−x(NH)x
Authors: Schneider Stefanie , Klenk Sebastian , Kloss Simon D. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

Alkali nitridophosphates AP4N7 and A3P6N11 (A=Na, K, Rb, Cs) have been known for decades. However, their Li homologues have remained elusive. In this work, the highly condensed lithium (imido)nitridophosphates LiP4N7 and Li3−xP6N11−x(NH)x (x=1.66(3)) were synthesized from LiPN2 and P3N5 in the multianvil press at 10 GPa. They constitute the first lithium nitridophosphates with 3D networks exhibiting a degree of condensation larger than 0.5 and high thermal stability. LiP4N7 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with a=4.5846(6) Å, b=8.0094(11) Å, and c=13.252(2) Å (Z=4). Li3−xP6N11−x(NH)x crystallizes in the triclinic space group P
with Z=2, a=4.6911(11) Å, b=7.024(2) Å, c=12.736(3) Å, α=87.726(11), β=80.279(11), and γ=70.551(12)°. Both compounds are stable against hydrolysis in air.
One‐step hydrothermal synthesis of a green NiCo‐LDHs‐rGO composite for the treatment of lead ion in aqueous solutions
Authors: Makarem Ata , Aldaghi Alireza , Gheibi Mohammad , Eftekhari Mohammad , Behzadian Kourosh
Published: October 2023

Herein, we have synthesized a microspherical nickel‐cobalt‐layered double hydroxides‐reduced graphene oxide composite (NiCo‐LDHs‐rGO) through a one‐step hydrothermal method and then used it as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), mapping elemental analysis, electron dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), x‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method were used for the characterization of the adsorbent. Factors affecting the adsorption of Pb2+ ion such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, competing ion, and regeneration were investigated in batch mode by the NiCo‐LDHs‐rGO. Under optimized conditions based on the Taguchi method (pH = 5.0, adsorbent dosage = 20 mg, and contact time = 30 min), the highest removal percentage was found to be 99.7% for 100 mg L−1 of Pb2+. According to the results, NiCo‐LDHs‐rGO exhibited a high preference for Pb2+ over Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. This adsorbent was regenerated for several cycles (using 0.01 M HCl) with no significant deterioration in performance. Analyses of the adsorption isotherm models revealed that the adsorption of Pb2+ follows Freundlich isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of 200 mg g−1. Also, the kinetic data confirmed that pseudo second order kinetic equation is the best model for predicting the kinetics. Furthermore, the Simulink modelling illustrated that the adsorption kinetics of Pb2+ onto NiCo‐LDHs‐rGO is done with high accuracy in a continuous stirred‐tank reactor. Finally, dual interactions of the effective parameters can be modelled by polynomial equations in MATLAB, and according to the Taguchi model, pH is clearly the most important feature among all effective parameters.
The impacts of anemia burden on clinical outcomes in patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Ho I‐Wei , Kuo Ming‐Jen , Hsu Pai‐Feng , Lee I‐Hsin , Hsu Teh‐Fu , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Huang Chin‐Chou
Published: October 2023

Background

Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has low survival rates, and few patients achieve a desirable neurological outcome. Anemia is common among OHCA patients and has been linked to worse outcomes, but its impact following the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is unclear. This study examines the relationship between anemia burden and clinical outcomes in OHCA patients.

Hypothesis

Higher anemia burden after ROSC may be related to higher mortality and worse neurologic outcomes.

Methods

Patients who experienced OHCA and had ROSC were enrolled retrospectively. Anemia burden was defined as the area under curve from the target hemoglobin level over a 72‐h period after OHCA. Hemoglobin level was measured at 12‐h intervals. The clinical outcomes of the study included mortality and neurological outcomes at Day 30.

Results

The study enrolled 258 nontraumatic OHCA patients who achieved ROSC between January 2017 and December 2021. Among the 162 patients who survived more than 72 h, a higher anemia burden, specifically target hemoglobin levels below 7 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.129, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.013–1.259, p = .029), 8 (HR: 1.099, 95% CI: 1.014–1.191, p = .021), and 9 g/dL (HR: 1.066, 95% CI: 1.001–1.134, p = .046) was associated with higher 30‐day mortality. Additionally, anemia burden with target hemoglobin levels below 7 (HR: 1.129, 95% CI: 1.016–1.248; p = .024) and 8 g/dL (HR: 1.088; 95% CI: 1.008–1.174, p = .031) was linked to worse neurological outcomes.

Conclusions

Anemia burden predicts 30‐day mortality and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients who survive more than 72 h. Maintaining higher hemoglobin levels within the first 72 h after ROSC may improve short‐term outcomes.
Pushing the Boundaries of Covalent Organic Frameworks through Postsynthetic Linker Exchange
Authors: Shreeraj G. , Giri Arkaprabha , Patra Abhijit
Published: October 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a fast‐developing family of porous organic materials that have received substantial research interest during the last two decades. Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) is the cornerstone of COF fabrication. DCC is a process that entails reversible bond breaking‐reforming under equilibrium to attain the thermodynamically most stable structure. Due to the reversible nature of the covalent linkages, the building blocks of pre‐synthesized COF or pre‐assembled chemical entities, like network polymers and supramolecular hosts, can be replaced postsynthetically under appropriate reaction conditions. The technique is known as postsynthetic linker exchange (PLE). PLE provides an easy way to introduce functional building blocks into the COF backbone and control its chemical and physical properties. In this article, we have highlighted the recent advancements (from 2017 to 2023) in the postsynthetic linker exchange strategy for constructing highly crystalline and porous COFs that are often unattainable via de novo fabrication. The mechanistic insights of the linker exchange process for transforming various parent entities, such as COFs, amorphous covalent organic networks, linear polymers, and molecular cages to daughter COFs, have been deliberated with fascinating examples. We have also outlined some future avenues for applying the PLE process for the large‐scale fabrication of highly crystalline COFs for real‐time applications.
Energy‐efficient sender‐initiated threshold‐based load balancing (e‐STLB) in cloud computing environment
Authors: Malla Parvaz Ahmad , Sheikh Sophiya , Shahid Mohammad , Mushtaq Sheikh Umar
Published: October 2023

Cloud computing has transformed service delivery through its pay‐per‐use model, supporting diverse users with multiple heterogeneous Virtual Machines (VMs). However, energy consumption has emerged as a critical concern, necessitating cloud resource optimization for environment‐friendly practices. This research paper presents an innovative energy‐efficient threshold‐based sender‐initiated load‐balancing strategy (e‐STLB) to address this concern. The approach employs threshold values to trigger task migration between VMs, ensuring optimal performance while maximizing energy efficiency. The proposed strategy significantly reduces Makespan and increases Resource Utilization in an energy‐conscious manner. Experimental evaluations using Cloudsim 3.0 demonstrate that the e‐STLB outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art solutions, offering a compelling approach to sustainable cloud computing.
Corporate governance and financial performance: Reframing their relationship in the context of climate change
Authors: Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz , Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María
Published: October 2023

In addressing the challenges of climate change (CC), companies face the difficult task of reconciling long‐term environmental goals and short‐term financial interests. In this paper, we argue that that effective climate governance enables companies to balance both objectives, supporting a business case for CC action. For a sample of 832 multinationals for the period 2011–2020, the findings show that effective climate governance leads to higher corporate financial performance (FP) and this relationship is strengthen by better climate performance. Furthermore, effective climate governance is driven by the ownership of long‐term institutional investors, whose positive influence is reinforced by homogeneous distribution of their ownership. We provide a broad analytical framework that considers the determinants and effects of climate governance, from which theoretical and practical implications can be derived.
Does corporate social performance improve environmentally adjusted efficiency? Evidence from the energy sector
Authors: Maside‐Sanfiz José Manuel , Suárez Fernández Óscar , López‐Penabad María‐Celia , Alzghoul Mohammad Omar
Published: October 2023

This study analyses the impact of corporate social performance (CSP), proxied by the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Index and its pillars and dimensions, on the environmentally adjusted efficiency (EAE) of 239 listed companies, over the period 2016–2021, in the global energy sector. The EAE index, estimated via data envelopment analysis (DEA), assesses the efficiency of companies by considering economic aspects alongside CO2 and energy consumption reduction targets. Our results support the hypothesis that only above a certain level of performance, do CSP practices positively influence EAE, so there is a non‐linear U‐shaped association between the overall ESG score and EAE. The same holds for the social and governance pillars, and the human rights and management subspecific dimensions, on EAE. Other ESG attributes show a positive linear relationship with EAE, namely the environmental pillar, the environmental innovation dimension and the shareholder dimension. Our paper has significant implications for companies, policy makers and researchers insofar as it estimates EAE and indicates which CSP practices should be invested in over the long term to have a positive effect on it.
Development of a Highly Selective NAD+‐Dependent Glyceraldehyde Dehydrogenase and its Application in Minimal Cell‐Free Enzyme Cascades
Authors: Teshima Mariko , Sutiono Samuel , Döring Manuel , Beer Barbara , Boden Mikael , Schenk Gerhard , Sieber Volker
Published: October 2023

Anthropogenic climate change has been caused by over‐exploitation of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions. To counteract this, the chemical industry has shifted its focus to sustainable chemical production and the valorization of renewable resources. However, the biggest challenges in biomanufacturing are technical efficiency and profitability. In our minimal cell‐free enzyme cascade generating pyruvate as the central intermediate, the NAD+‐dependent, selective oxidation of D‐glyceraldehyde was identified as a key reaction step to improve the overall cascade flux. Successive genome mining identified one candidate enzyme with 24‐fold enhanced activity and another whose stability is unaffected in 10 % (v/v) ethanol, the final product of our model cascade. Semi‐rational engineering improved the substrate selectivity of the enzyme up to 21‐fold, thus minimizing side reactions in the one‐pot enzyme cascade. The final biotransformation of D‐glucose showed a continuous linear production of ethanol (via pyruvate) to a final titer of 4.9 % (v/v) with a molar product yield of 98.7 %. Due to the central role of pyruvate in diverse biotransformations, the optimized production module has great potential for broad biomanufacturing applications.
LUT‐DSP usage trade‐off for re‐configurable convolution acceleration core based on small logarithmic floating point representation
Authors: Xiong Botao , Fan Sheng , He Xintong , Zhou Zezhao , Yang Runhua , Li Sicun , Shen Rensheng , Chang Yuchun
Published: October 2023

The challenge in designing the high‐performance field‐programmable gate array (FPGA)‐based convolution accelerator is to take full advantage of the on‐chip computing resources. The reported CNN accelerators always exhaust the on‐chip DSPs and leave other computing resources under‐utilized. Hence, this brief presents a novel convolution acceleration core based on the small logarithmic floating‐point (SLFP) format, which results in three contributions. (1) The SLFP<3,5> multiplier is only implemented with
LUT6s and operates at 650 MHz with the aid of the carry chain, which provides sufficient accuracy for most CNNs. In addition, a similar structure can be used to implement a SLFP<3,5> divider. (2) The DSPs in the TWO24 SIMD mode are cascaded to implement a 9‐input adder tree. The sum of the multiples of
elements (e.g.,
,
) is easily obtained by configuring the last DSP in the 9‐input adder tree in the accumulation mode, which can support more kernels (e.g.,
,
) with a high utilization rate (
). (3) The convolution core based on the SLFP format only uses
LUT6s and
DSPs to achieve 1300 MOPS, 433 MOPS, and 81 MOPS for
,
, and
kernel, respectively. In summary, the proposed convolution accelerator not only balances the resource usage of LUT6s and DSPs but also quantizes most CNN models using several simple scaling operations instead of a computing‐intensive retraining algorithm because the distribution of SLFP numbers is very similar to FP32 numbers.
High‐Entropy Cubic Perovskite Oxide‐Based Solid Electrolyte in Quasi‐Solid‐State Li–S Battery
Authors: Chatterjee Arindam , Ganguly Dipsikha , Sundara Ramaprabhu , Bhattacharya Subramshu S.
Published: October 2023

The shuttle effect of polysulfides with its corresponding capacity fading and safety issues is the major barrier in the realization of lithium–sulfur battery (LSB) technology despite having high energy density and high specific capacity. Solid ceramic electrolytes using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix has attracted much interest due to their superior safety compared to their liquid electrolyte counterparts. However, cubic perovskite electrolytes suffer from considerable interfacial challenges with lithium metal anodes. Besides, ceramic electrolytes are difficult to process further due to their inherent brittleness. Herein, a novel high‐entropy cubic perovskite (HE‐LLZO) prepared by the ball‐milling method is designed to which PEO matrix is added along with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) for use as a solid‐state electrolyte (PEO–HE–LLZO–LiTFSI) in LSB. This electrolyte gives good ionic conductivity and blocks lithium dendrite formation as well. A novel transition metal rare‐earth‐based high‐entropy oxide is incorporated into the sulfur cathode for use as a host material to ameliorate the redox kinetics. A quasi‐solid‐state LSB is designed with transition metal rare‐earth oxide carbon nanotubes incorporated into sulfur as composite cathode and PEO–HE–LLZO–LiTFSI electrolyte. This study highlights the viability of designing high‐entropy materials as a solid‐state electrolyte for next‐generation all‐solid‐state LSBs.
A novel statistics for the NWDP: An appropriate fading model for 5G/6G mmWave communications
Authors: Salimian Rizi Fershteh , Falahati Abolfazl
Published: October 2023

There are many aspects concerning a new generation of communication systems that most existing channel models cannot address. For instance, the positioning of the transmitter and receiver is such that a large number of specular components are observed in the receiver due to the use of small cells. The two‐wave with diffuse power (TWDP) distribution is a model for the fading channel when two specular waves with many scattering components are present. The primary issue with this distribution is that its principal statistics are approximated. In this paper, precise analytical expressions for the statistics of this distribution are proposed. The proposed expressions only contain one multivariate Fox's ‐function term instead of the earlier approximations that included several complex mathematical functions like Legendre and Laguerre. The second issue with TWDP is that this model includes no more than two specular components, which in many environments is insufficient. Therefore, its generalization, that is, N‐wave with diffuse power (NWDP), is required. This channel‐fading model contains N specular components and multiple scattering components. This paper also calculates exact expressions for this distribution's statistics. In addition, the bit error rate (BER) for coherent and noncoherent modulations is calculated with the NWDP distribution for fading channel.
Completion thyroidectomy: A safe option for high‐volume surgeons
Authors: Issa Peter P. , Hossam Eslam , Cheng Jack H. , Magazine Brandon M. , Hussein Mohammad , Luo Xinyi , Abdelhady Ali , Staav Jonathan , LaForteza Alexandra , Albuck Aaron L. , Shama Mohamed , Toraih Eman , Kandil Emad
Published: October 2023

Background

The risk of complication in patients undergoing completion thyroidectomy (cT) is mixed. Several studies report increased risk in comparison to total thyroidectomy (TT) and still others reporting a comparatively decreased risk. We compared the rates of complication in patients at our institution undergoing thyroid lobectomy (TL), (TT), and cT by a single high‐volume surgeon.

Methods

We performed a single‐institution retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing TL, TT, or cT by a high‐volume surgeon were included. Rates of complication were collected and compared between the three cohorts.

Results

A total of 310 patients were included. The overall rate of complication was 4.2%. The complication rates in the TL, TT, and cT cohorts were 1%, 7.1%, and 4.5%, respectively (p = 0.10). Transient hypocalcemia was slightly more common in the TT cohort (6.1%) as opposed to the TL (0%) or cT (0.9%) cohort (p = 0.01). The cohorts also had similar rates of recurrent laryngeal nerve signal loss leading to transient dysphonia (TL: 0% vs. TT: 1% vs. cT: 3.6%, p = 0.10).

Conclusions

While rates of complication tended to predictably decrease as approaches became less extensive, there were no significant differences in complication rates among the three surgical approaches when performed by a high‐volume surgeon. Considering the low rates of complication overall, patient counseling and preference should be emphasized to provide appropriate and tailored treatment plans.
Transformation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and its impact on survival in patients with marginal zone lymphoma: A population‐based study
Authors: Du Yu , Wang Ying , Li Qinlu , Chang Xiaona , Shen Kefeng , Zhang Heng , Xiao Min , Xing Shugang
Published: October 2023

Some patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) experience histological transformation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Because of the paucity of long‐term data on transformation, we conducted a population‐based study to estimate the risk of transformation and its impact on survival in MZL. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, we identified 23 221 patients with histology‐proven MZL between 2000 and 2018. Competing risk method, Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to analyze time‐to‐event outcomes. Based on 420 events of transformation, the 10‐year cumulative incidence rate of transformation is 2.23% (95% CI: 2.00%‐2.46%) in MZL, 1.5% (95% CI: 1.3%‐1.8%), 2.7% (95% CI: 2.3%‐3.2%) and 5.8% (95% CI: 4.6%‐7.1%) in extranodal, nodal and splenic MZL (EMZL, NMZL and SMZL), respectively. Patients with SMZL (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 2.96; 95% CI: 2.21‐3.96) or NMZL (SHR, 1.49; 95% CI: 1.17‐1.90) have a higher risk of transformation than those with EMZL. For each MZL subtype, patients with transformation had a significantly shorter overall survival. Patients with transformation >18 months since MZL diagnosis had longer OS than those who presented within 18 months (5‐year rate, 87.4% [95% CI: 83.7%‐91.2%] vs 47.9% [95% CI: 38.8%‐59.0%]; P < .001). Compared to patients with matched de novo DLBCL, those whose DLBCL was transformed from MZL had a shorter OS (5‐year rate, 56.6% [95% CI: 51.9%‐61.8%] vs 46.1% [95% CI: 40.9%‐51.9%]; P < .001). We concluded that patients with SMZL had the highest risk of transformation. Regardless of MZL subtype, transformation resulted in significantly increased mortality.
Usefulness of a low‐cost simulation model for teaching internal manual aortic compression. A survey‐based mannequin evaluation
Authors: Nieto‐Calvache Albaro José , Otero Andy Felipe , Nieto‐Calvache Alejandro Solo , Aryananda Rozi , Ortiz‐Lizcano Edgar Iván , Meade‐Triviño Paulo , Maya Juliana , Sarria‐Ortiz Daniela , Muñoz‐Córdoba Laura , Yanque‐Robles Omar , Posadas Alejandro , Zea‐Prado Francisco , Burgos‐Luna Juan Manuel , Vasco Mauricio , Messa‐Bryon Adriana
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the users' opinion on internal manual aortic compression (IMAC) training, using a low‐cost simulation model.

Methods

An educational strategy was designed to teach IMAC, which included: (1) guided reading of educational material and viewing an explanatory video of IMAC; (2) an introductory lecture with the anatomical considerations, documentation of the cessation of femoral arterial flow during IMAC, and real clinical cases in which this procedure was used; and (3) simulated practice of IMAC with a new low‐cost manikin. The educational strategy was applied during three postpartum hemorrhage workshops in three Latin American countries and the opinions of the participants were measured with a survey.

Results

Almost all of the participants in the IMAC workshop, including the simulation with the low‐cost mannikin, highlighted the usefulness of the strategy (scores of 4/5 and 5/5 on the Likert scale) and would recommend it to colleagues.

Conclusion

We present a low‐cost simulation model for IMAC as the basis of an educational strategy perceived as very useful by most participants. The execution of this strategy in other populations and its impact on postpartum hemorrhage management should be evaluated in further studies.
Looking back to light the path forward: Ghosts in the Nursery revisited
Authors: Slade Arietta
Published: October 2023

The infant health movement was launched nearly 50 years ago with the publication of the now classic paper, Ghosts in the Nursery: A psychoanalytic approach to the problems of impaired infant‐mother relationships, written by Selma Fraiberg, Edna Adelson, and Vivian Shapiro (1975). This paper offers us lessons for infant mental health practice that have been proven true time and again over the last 50 years. These lessons both underscore the factors essential to clinical progress across a range of interventions, and remind us of the significant challenges we face in these times of massive, global trauma and oppression, extreme economic hardship, and systemic racism. This commentary reviews the key lessons of Fraiberg and her colleagues’ classic paper, addresses some of the challenges inherent in retaining the breadth and substance of Fraiberg's model in contemporary practice, and proposes a model for conceptualizing infant and early childhood mental health practice that is geared toward building the relational foundations of reflection (Slade, 2023).
A Retrospective Analysis of Long‐Term Use of Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in the Intensive Care Unit, and Guidelines for Drug Selection
Authors: Ciarens Diann M. , Kelly Karl J. , Gilliland Susan S. , Kohls Philip K. , Nahum Avi , Vance‐Bryan Kyle
Published: October 2023

Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NNMBAs) are frequently administered to patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). We conducted a retrospective study of patients in intensive care who received infusions (>48 hrs) of commonly used NNMBAs. The goals were to describe NNMBA use in our ICUs, determine patient characteristics, and assess the cost of the individual drugs. We found that atracurium was prescribed for 68% of study patients; 68% of the patients did not have renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular disease; dosages of NNMBAs varied; a statistically significant increase in dosage requirements over time occurred with atracurium; assessment of neuromuscular blockade was 100% subjective; and 41% and 17% of patients receiving atracurium and vecuronium, respectively, experienced prolonged neuromuscular weakness documented subjectively. As a result of this study, guidelines for agent selection were developed to facilitate cost effective use of NNMBA in our ICUs. Using these guidelines would potentially significantly decrease drug expenditures in this setting.
Anaphylactoid Reaction With Suramin
Authors: Thibault Alain , Figg William D. , Cooper Michael R. , Prindiville Sheila A. , Sartor A. Oliver , Headlee Donna J. , Myers Charles E.
Published: October 2023

Suramin, a drug used to treat parasitic diseases, is currently being investigated as a treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. A 73–year‐old man had an anaphylactoid reaction following the first dose of suramin. It was treated successfully with epinephrine, diphenhydramine, and hydrocortisone. Investigators should be aware of the possibility of such a reaction with parenteral administration of this drug.
Overview of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Coleman Rebecca
Published: October 2023

All of the agents that are available for the treatment of human immunodeficiency viral infection belong to the class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that act on the virus's reverse transcriptase enzyme. As their use expanded for increasing cohorts of patients and stages of disease, it became clear that additional agents were required that would act at different points in the virus's life cycle. Several different classes of drugs have been identified and evaluated in the laboratory and the clinic. At this point, one of the most promising that is undergoing clinical trials is the proteinase inhibitors. It is important to assess the data for currently available drugs and use that information to determine the most appropriate role for proteinase inhibitors. To appreciate their potential role best, we must also glance over the horizon at other experimental treatments.
Reversal of the Electrocardiographic Effects of Cocaine by Lidocaine. Part 1. Comparison With Sodium Bicarbonate and Quinidine
Authors: Winecoff Allison P. , Hariman Robert J. , Grawe Jeffrey J. , Wang Yanggao , Bauman Jerry L.
Published: October 2023

Based on modulated receptor concepts, an agent with fast on‐off sodium channel binding properties (e.g., lidocaine) may reverse the effects of a drug with slow on‐off kinetics (e.g., cocaine) through competition for a single receptor site on the sodium channel. We compared the effects of two drugs with different sodium channel‐binding kinetics with those of sodium bicarbonate, a known antidote, on cocaine‐induced slowing of ventricular conduction. Electrocardiographic (ECG) intervals were recorded before and after the addition of cocaine 30 μM in 26 isolated, Tyrode‐perfused guinea pig hearts. The effects of the three potential antidotes were then analyzed: equimolar lidocaine (8 hearts), equimolar quinidine (6), and sodium bicarbonate (8). Cocaine significantly increased all ECG intervals. The addition of lidocaine to cocaine‐containing perfusate decreased QRS duration from 42 ± 3 to 29 ± 3 msec (p<0.01), a 60% reversal. Addition of sodium bicarbonate to increase the pH of the perfusate from 7.37 ± 0.09 to 7.52 ± 0.08 (p<0.01) decreased the QRS duration from 38 ± 4 to 30 ± 6 msec (p<0.01), a 47% reversal. Addition of quinidine 30 pM augmented the effects of cocaine: QRS increased from 40 ± 6 msec to 54 ± 9 msec (p<0.01). Consistent with modulated receptor concepts, lidocaine reverses slowed ventricular conduction due to cocaine. The magnitude of this reversal is similar to that due to sodium bicarbonate. The potential of fast on‐off agents to serve as antidotes for cocaine‐induced arrhythmias requires further study.