bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evolution reveals an effective avenue for d‐lactic acid production from glucose‐xylose mixtures via enhanced Glk activity and a cAMP‐independent CRP mutation
Authors: Qiao Jiale , Fang Yu , Li Zhishuai , Li Jinhui , Cai Jun , Liu Weidong , Wang Honglei , Zhu Xinna , Zhang Xueli
Published: July 2024

d‐Lactic acid holds significant industrial importance due to its versatility and serves as a crucial component in the synthesis of environmentally friendly and biodegradable thermal‐resistant poly‐lactic acid. This polymer exhibits promising potential as a substitute for nonbiodegradable, petroleum‐based plastics. The production of d‐lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass, a type of biorenewable and nonfood resources, can lower costs and improve product competitiveness. Glucose and xylose are the most abundant sugar monomers in lignocellulosic biomass materials. Despite Escherichia coli possessing native xylose catabolic pathways and transport, their ability to effectively utilize xylose is often hindered in the presence of glucose. Here, the E. coli strain Rec1.0, previously engineered to overcome carbon catabolite repression, was selected as the initial strain for reengineering to produce d‐lactic acid. An adaptive evolution approach was employed to achieve highly efficient fermentation of glucose‐xylose mixtures. The resulting strain, QJL010, could produce d‐lactic acid of 87.5 g/L with a carbon yield of 0.99 mol/mol. Notably, the consumption rates of glucose and xylose reached 0.75 and 0.82 g/gDCW/h, respectively. Further analysis revealed that increased Glk activity, resulting from glk mutations (A142V and R188H), along with their upregulated expression, contributed to an elevated glucose consumption rate. Additionally, a CRP G141D mutation, cAMP‐independent, stimulated the expression of the xylR, xylE, and galABC* genes, resulting in an accelerated xylose consumption rate. These findings provide valuable support for the utilization of E. coli platform strains in the production of value‐added chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass.
Exploring the symptoms and psychological experiences among lung cancer convalescence patients after radical lobectomy: A qualitative study
Authors: Xiao Julan , Peng Yueming , Li Yun , Ye FengQing , Zeng Zhixong , Lin XiaoXu , Xie Yanheng , Cheng Sijiao , Wen Yi , Luo Weixiang
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to explore the symptom experiences and psychological feelings of lung cancer patients after radical lobectomy in China.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using face‐to‐face semistructured interviews with lung cancer patients who had a radical lobectomy for treatment of their cancer during the convalescence period. Participants (n = 18) were recruited from a general hospital in China, and patients were selected using purposive sampling from September 2021 to February 2022. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and Colaizzi's seven‐step method of phenomenology was used. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was conducted to report the study.

Results

Four themes were extracted from the interview data: physiological dimensions (fatigue, cough or sputum, chest tightness and shortness of breath, daily activities affected, sleep disturbance, lack of appetite); psychological dimensions (negative emotion, fear of cancer recurrence, learning to accept reality, strengthened faith and hope); family dimensions (heavy economic burden, perceived family care, improved health management behavior); and social dimensions (perceived support of medical staff, decreased sense of social value and self‐identity, changes in social and working style).

Conclusion

Lung cancer patients are still troubled by many problems during the postoperative recovery period. Medical staff should design and implement effective evaluations and targeted interventions for patients' physical and mental health as soon as possible to improve patients' physical and mental health, as well as their quality of life.
Trends analysis of cancer incidence, mortality, and survival for the elderly in the United States, 1975–2020
Authors: Xu Jia , Liao Jingyuan , Yan Qiong , Jiao Jiang , Hu Nan , Zhang Wei , Shi Lei , Deng Mingming , Huang Shu , Tang Xiaowei
Published: July 2024

Background

Cancer burden from the elderly has been rising largely due to the aging population. However, research on the long‐term epidemiological trends in cancer of the elderly is lacking.

Methods

Registry data of this population‐based cross‐sectional study were from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The study population aged 65 years or more, from geographically distinct regions. Joinpoint regression and JP Surv method were used to analyze cancer trends and survival.

Results

Mortality rate during 1975–2020 decreased from 995.20 to 824.99 per 100,000 elderly persons, with an average annual decrease of 0.421% (95% CI, 0.378–0.464). While overall incidence increased with no significance. Prostate (29%) and breast (26%) cancer were the most common malignancies, respectively, in elderly males and females, and the mortality for both of the two (prostate 15%, breast 14%) ranked just behind lung and bronchus cancer, which had the highest mortality rates in males (29%) and females (23%). Many cancers showed adverse trends in the latest follow‐up periods (the last period calculated by the Joinpoint method). For intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, incidence (male Annual Percentage Change [APC] = 7.4*; female APC = 6.7*) and mortality (male APC = 3.0*; female APC = 3.3*) increased relatively fast, and its survival was also terrible (3‐year survival only 10%). Other cancers with recent increasing mortality included cancer of anus, anal canal and anorectum, retroperitoneum, pleura, peritoneum, etc. Most cancers had favorable trends of survival during the nearest follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Against the background of overall improvement, many cancers showed adverse trends. Further research for the underlying mechanisms and targeted implements towards adverse trends is also urgent.
Unrivalled Insight into Possible Biopharmaceutical Application of Justicia vahlii Roth. (Acanthaceae): Chemodiversity, In Vitro Bioactivities, and Computational Analysis
Authors: Basit Abdul , Ahmad Saeed , Ovatlarnporn Chitchamai , Arshad Muhammad Adeel , Saleem Muhammad Farrukh , Khurshid Umair , Saleem Hammad , Khan Kashif ur Rehman , Khan Safiullah , Alkahtani Hamad M. , Zen Amer Alhaj
Published: July 2024

Justicia vahliiRoth. is an important wild medicinal food plant traditionally used for treating inflammation and various common ailments. This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and toxicity profiles of n‐hexane (nHEJv) and chloroform (CEJv) extracts of J. vahlii. Moreover, the effect of the extracts was evaluated on CCl4 induced liver injury. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were present in both extracts in significant amount. The UPLC−Q‐TOF‐MS and GC‐MS profiling of CEJv tentatively identified several important phytocompounds. The CEJv extract was comparatively more active for antioxidant activity and α‐amylase inhibition, whereas the nHEJv extract presented higher inhibition potential against urease, tyrosinase, and α‐glucosidase enzymes. Similarly, the in‐silicostudy of four major compounds, i. e., 1‐acetoxypinoresinol, 3‐hydroxysebacic acid, nortrachelogenin, and viscidulin‐III have shown a good docking score against the clinically significant enzymes. The acute oral toxicity and brine shrimp lethality assaysrevealed the extracts as non‐toxic. The CCl4 treated animals showed a geared depletion of various antioxidant enzymes which were significantly reversed with the treatment of the extracts. Overall, the study's findings revealed J. vahliiwith antioxidant mediated hepatoprotective and enzyme inhibition potential and warrant further research on isolation of the bioactive compounds.
Transcatheter closure management of mitral paravalvular leakage: A single center experience
Authors: Li Yue , Jin Ping , Guo Hong , Mao Yu , Liu Yang , Zhai Mengen , Yang Jian
Published: July 2024

Background

Paravalvular leakage (PVL) is a common complication after artificial valve replacement. Transcatheter paravalvular leak closure (PVT), an efficient, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for PVL patients.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to present our experience with transcatheter closure of mitral paravalvular leakage (PVL) after surgical valve replacement in our center.

Methods

A cohort of 81 consecutive patients with mitral PVLs was treated with transcatheter closure between September 2014 and December 2022. We reviewed the demographics, clinical features, therapeutic modalities and follow‐up results. The patients' charts were used for retrospective analysis.

Results

Eighty‐one patients from one center were enrolled in this study. The median age of the patients was 63 ± 11 years. The median LVEF was 51% ± 7%, and the median regurgitation volume was 11.5 ± 10.1 mL. Sealing with occlusion was successful in 70 patients, and the technical success rate was 86.5%. The median regurgitation volume was reduced to 1.95 ± 2.6 mL. The major adverse event was hemolysis, which affected 19 patients, 17 of whom required blood transfusion. Three patients required secondary open surgery due to bleeding. Three patients died during the hospital stay, and all of their deaths were caused by hemolysis‐related complications. The median hospital stay was 10.3 ± 6.3 days. During the follow‐up period, 2 patients died, and none of their deaths were caused by surgery. The New York Heart Association classification increased in all patients during the 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Transcatheter mitral PVL closure requires complex catheter techniques. However, this technique is minimally invasive and has a shorter hospital stay. Interventional mitral PVL closure is a safe and efficacious technique for high‐risk surgical patients with symptomatic paravalvular regurgitation.
Comparison of in‐hospital outcomes of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients with cardiogenic shock receiving left ventricular mechanical circulatory support devices based on transfer status
Authors: Murthi Mukunthan , Prasath Naveen , Memdani Anisha , Bobba Aniesh , Ali Laith , Attanasio Steve
Published: July 2024

Background

We aimed to compare outcomes in patients who receive on‐site left ventricular mechanical support versus those transferred to other facilities for mechanical support in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with cardiogenic shock.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data from the 2016 to 2020 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. We identified patients with STEMI and cardiogenic shock who received Impella and LVAD placement during their hospital stay. They were divided into two groups: those with in‐house (direct) placement and those transferred to higher‐level medical centers. The primary goal was to compare mortality rates between these groups.

Results

During the study, 15,934 (75.2%) received in‐house left ventricular support, while 5255 (24.8%) were transferred. Mean age (63 vs. 64 years) and female percentage (25 vs. 26%) were similar. The average time from admission to receiving LV support was 0.8 days for direct group versus 2.8 days for transfer group (p < 0.001). Transferred patients had a higher rate of prior heart failure (68 vs. 79%, p < 0.001) and peripheral vascular disease (10 vs. 14%, p < 0.001) but a lower rate of hypertension (23 vs. 17%, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in other comorbidities. Primary outcome mortality did not significantly differ (44.9 vs. 44.2, p = 0.66). After multivariate analysis, transferred patients had higher rates of ECMO usage, acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy, major bleeding, and ischemic stroke. Length of stay (8 vs. 15 days, p < 0.001) and total charges ($391,472 vs. $581,183, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the transferred group.

Conclusion

Among STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock, our study found no significant difference in mortality between patients transferred for and those with on‐site LV support. Those transferred patients experienced more complications, longer length of stay, and increased hospital costs.
Coronary angiography following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Insights from the SWEDEHEART registry
Authors: Louca Antros , Alchay Monér , Råmunddal Truls , Rawshani Araz , Hagström Henrik , Settergren Magnus , Nilsson Konrad , Shahim Bahira , James Stefan , Koul Sasha , Myredal Anna , Redfors Björn , Ioanes Dan , Völz Sebastian , Petursson Petur , Angerås Oskar
Published: July 2024

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the most common treatment in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS). As concomitant coronary artery disease is common in AS patients, access to the coronary arteries following TAVR is of increasing importance.

Objectives

This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for unplanned coronary angiography following TAVR and, using fluoroscopic time as a surrogate, analyzed the complexity of coronary artery cannulation.

Methods

All patients who underwent TAVR in Sweden between 2008 and 2022 were identified using the SWEDEHEART registry. The cumulative incidence of coronary angiography after TAVR was analyzed with mortality as a competing risk. Angiography and PCI complexity were analyzed using fluoroscopic time and compared across different transcatheter heart valve designs.

Results

Out of 9806 patients, 566 subsequently required coronary angiography. The incidence was highest for three‐vessel and/or left main disease. Younger age, the extent of prior coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease were associated with an increased risk of coronary angiography. Fluoroscopy time was increased in TAVR patients compared to the control group with the longest fluoroscopy times observed in cases involving supra‐annular and self‐expanding valves.

Conclusions

The incidence of coronary angiography following TAVR is still low. Younger patients and patients with concomitant coronary artery disease have a higher risk. Procedural time is longer in patients with a previous THV replacement. As TAVR is emerging as the first‐line treatment in patients with longer life expectancy, facilitating coronary access is an important factor when considering which THV device to implant
Analysis of Solar Thermal Energy Integration in the Industry in Indonesia
Authors: Handogo Renanto , Anugraha Rendra Panca , Sutikno Juwari Purwo , Pratiwi Vibianti Dwi , Ihsan Hamdan , Rifqi Faiqur
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on designing a solar thermal system utilizing parabolic trough collectors to replace conventional heat requirements in industrial processes. The research also assesses the impact of implementing this system on reducing CO2 emissions and provides economic analysis for industrial cities from two geographically different islands in Indonesia: Java and Sulawesi. This study uses a parabolic trough collector to absorb energy from sunlight. Based on the calculation of the energy balance of the solar collector, the average heat absorbed by the collector is 545.5 kJ m−2 h−1 in Java and 606.5 kJ m−2 h−1 in Sulawesi. As a result, approximately 67.55 tonnes of CO2 per day will be mitigated by transitioning from conventional processes. The economic analysis indicates a payback period of 3.54 years, a net present value of 1.4 million USD, and an internal rate of return of 12 % based on fuel savings.
Advanced Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Functional Applications of Precision Polymers
Authors: Cen Jie , Hou Mingxuan , Hu Jinming , Liu Shiyong
Published: July 2024

In the realm of biological macromolecules, entities such as nucleic acids and proteins are distinguished by their homochirality, consistently defined chain lengths, and integral sequence‐dependent functionalities. Historically, these refined attributes have eluded traditional synthetic polymers, which often exhibit wide variabilities in chain lengths, limited batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, and stochastic monomer arrangements. Bridging this divide represents a pivotal challenge within the domain of polymer science—a challenge that the burgeoning discipline of precision polymer chemistry is poised to address. Recent advancements have yielded precision polymers that boast prescribed monomer sequences and narrow molecular weight distributions, heralding a new era for developing model systems to decipher structure‐property correlations within functional polymers, analogous to those within biological matrices. This review discusses the innovative liquid‐phase and solid‐phase synthesis techniques for creating precision polymers and the advanced characterization tools essential for dissecting their structure and properties. We highlight potential applications in self‐assembly, catalysis, data storage, imaging, and therapy, and provide insights into the future challenges and directions of precision polymers.
What Determines the Lewis Acidity of a Bismuthane? Towards Bi‐Based FLPs
Authors: Hartmann Charlotte U. , Reimann Marc , Cula Beatrice , Kaupp Martin , Limberg Christian
Published: July 2024

Aiming at intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) based on soft Lewis acidic bismuth centers, a phosphine function was combined with a dichloridobismuthane unit on a phenylene backbone utilizing a scrambling approach. The reaction between two equivalents of BiCl3 and (o‐(Ph2P)C6H4)3Bi yielded (o‐(Ph2P)C6H4)BiCl2(THF), the structure of which indicated Bi…P interactions and thus a pronounced Lewis acidity at the bismuth center that was confirmed by the Gutmann‐Beckett method. However, the system turned out to be insufficient to be utilized for FLP reactivity. Hence, the chloride ligands were exchanged by iodide and C2F5 substituents, respectively. Despite a lower electronegativity the iodide compound exhibits a shorter Bi…P contact, while the C2F5 substituents led to a further decrease of the Lewis acidity, despite their high group electronegativity. DFT calculations rationalized this by a quenching of the Lewis acidity inherent to the σ*(Bi−C) orbital by negative hyperconjugation from occupied p‐orbitals at the F atoms. Furthermore, it turned out that the strength of the covalent Bi−X σ‐bond is a more important factor than the charge at Bi in determining the energetic accessibility and thus Lewis acidity of the antibonding σ*(Bi−C) orbital.
Recent Advances in On‐Line Mass Spectrometry Toolbox for Mechanistic Studies of Organic Electrochemical Reactions
Authors: Chen Kaixiang , Wan Qiongqiong , Wei Shiqi , Nie Wenjin , Zhou Shibo , Chen Suming
Published: July 2024

Electrochemical reactions are very complex and involve a variety of physicochemical processes. Accurate and systematic monitoring of intermediate process changes during the reaction is essential for understanding the mechanism of electrochemical reactions and is the basis for rational design of new electrochemical reactions. On‐line electrochemical analysis based on mass spectrometry (MS) has become an important tool for studying electrochemical reactions. This technique is based on different ionization and sampling means and realizes on‐line analysis of electrochemical reactions by establishing electrochemistry‐MS (EC‐MS) coupling devices. In particular, it provides key evidence for elucidating the reaction mechanism by capturing and identifying the reactive reaction intermediates. This review will categorize various EC‐MS devices and the organic electrochemical reaction systems they study, highlighting the latest research progress in recent years. It will also analyze the properties of various devices and look forward to the future development of EC‐MS.
Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of Isocryptolepine‐Triazole Adducts
Authors: Tummatorn Jumreang , Meewan Ittipat , Khunnawutmanotham Nisachon , Chimnoi Nitirat , Suwanwong Nutchapong , Rodphon Warabhorn , Thongsornkleeb Charnsak , Yang Jingyue , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: July 2024

Due to the rising prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a pressing need for more effective drugs to treat or manage AD's symptoms. Studies have shown that cholinesterase inhibition can improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with AD, by addressing the cholinergic deficit. Based on the recent development of cholinesterase inhibitors with indoloquinoline and triazole moiety, we rationalized that compounds with an isocryptolepine‐triazole scaffold may also have the same biological targets. In this study, eighteen previously synthesized isocryptolepine‐triazole compounds were assessed for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The majority of these compounds demonstrated potent selective AChE inhibition. Furthermore, our molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies reveal that the isocryptolepine and triazole moieties are important for the binding of the compounds with the periphery of the AChE's binding pocket. While reductions in molecular weights and lipophilicities may be necessary to improve their pharmacokinetic properties, this work provides valuable insights for designing future AChE inhibitors, based on the novel isocryptolepine‐triazole scaffold.
Luminance and chromaticity discrimination sensitivities right after an abrupt decrease in background luminance
Authors: Son Minwoo , Nagai Takehiro
Published: July 2024

When we enter a dark place, such as a tunnel, from a bright exterior, our visual sensitivities take some time to adapt to lower light levels. However, there have been few reports on how quickly luminance and chromaticity discrimination sensitivities recover in this situation. This study aims to quantify the time course of discrimination sensitivity for luminance and chromaticity directions after an abrupt decrease in background luminance. In each trial, the background luminance was decreased from 100 to 1 cd/m2. Subsequently, one target and three reference stimuli of different colors were presented under four stimulus‐onset asynchrony (SOA) conditions. The participants discriminated the target stimulus from reference stimuli. The results showed that discrimination sensitivity was the lowest right after the background luminance changed and gradually improved with SOAs. The sensitivity decreases differed across color directions, with the greatest decrease in luminance, a moderate decrease in S−(L + M), and a negligible change in L−M. However, statistically significant differences were observed only between luminance and L−M, suggesting that the sensitivity decrease after the abrupt decrease in background luminance did not significantly differ between the chromaticity directions. We speculate that these results stem from the interaction between chromatic perception and luminance adaptation, and possibly from rod intrusions.
Comparative Bioavailability of a Novel Fixed‐dose Combination Etoricoxib and Tramadol
Authors: Garza‐Ocañas Lourdes , Badillo‐Castaneda Christian T. , Eguía Sandra L. Montoya , Zanatta‐Calderón María T. , Garza Julia D. Torres , Gómez‐Meza Marco Vinicio , Sander‐Padilla José G. , Lugo‐Sánchez Laura A. , Rios‐Brito Kevin F. , Romero‐Antonio Yulia , González‐Canudas Jorge
Published: July 2024

Multimodal analgesia is defined as using several drugs or techniques simultaneously to target different pain pathways or receptors to avoid pain propagation. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile and comparative bioavailability of etoricoxib 90 mg and tramadol 50 mg dosing alone (reference drugs) or in a novel fixed‐dose combination (test drug) under fasting conditions in Mexican healthy volunteers. This was a randomized, open‐label, 3‐way, crossover, single‐dose, prospective, and longitudinal study with a 14‐day washout period. Eligible subjects were healthy Mexican adult volunteers. The drugs were dosing orally, according to the randomization sequence, after 10 hours of fasting and 4 hours before breakfast with 250 mL of water at room temperature. Serial blood samples were collected before and after dosing, both drugs were quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Forty‐two subjects were enrolled and 38 completed the study (28 men and 14 women, mean age 25.2 years, mean weight 66.6 kg). Test products were considered to have comparative bioavailability if confidence intervals of natural log‐transformed for (maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax), (area under the plasma drug concentration‐time curve form 0 up to last sampling time (AUC0‐t), and (area under the plasma drug concentration‐time curve from 0 up to infinity (AUC0‐∞) data were within the range of 80%‐125%. Non‐serious adverse events were observed. The results demonstrate that the pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability of the etoricoxib/tramadol fixed‐dose combination are comparable to those of the reference products.
Formic Acid Photo‐Fuel Cells Consisting of TiO2 Photoanode and Pt Cathode
Authors: Naya Shin‐ichi , Teranishi Miwako , Fujishima Musashi , Tada Hiroaki
Published: July 2024

Formic acid (HCOOH) has attracted much attention as a promising power source for portable electronic devices because of its ease of storage and transportation. Here we report that a simple HCOOH photo‐fuel cell (PFC) consisting of mesoporous anatase TiO2 photoanode and Pt cathode stably delivers a short‐circuit photocurrent (Jsc) of 5.94 mA cm−2 and an open‐circuit voltage of 0.94 V under UV‐light irradiation (light intensity, I=200 mW cm−2). The incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency and Faradaic efficiency reach ~90 % and ~100 %, respectively. The excellent performances of this HCOOH PFC, designed based on the discovery that HCOOH provides a large photocurrent by current doubling even in the presence of O2, not only solves the problem of conventional HCOOH FCs, but also achieves the performances far exceeding those of PFCs using biomass‐derived organics reported so far.
Organic Mechanochromic Luminescent Materials with Self‐Recovering Characters
Authors: Nakamura Shotaro , Hirano Koji , Tohnai Norimitsu
Published: July 2024

Recently, applied research on stimuli‐responsive materials with luminescence‐switching characteristics has been conducted in various fields. A representative phenomenon of stimuli‐responsive luminescent materials is mechanochromic luminescence (MCL), which exhibits luminescent color change induced by mechanical stimuli such as grinding. These materials are among the most prominent candidates for security and sensing applications. Interestingly, some mechanochromic luminescent materials have shown self‐recovery character, in which their original luminescent color can be recovered by just standing under ambient conditions after grinding. Although there have been more and more reports of such materials in recent years, the fundamental principles of molecular design still remain elusive. In this concept, we summarize distinctive advances in mechanochromic luminescent materials with self‐recovery according to the core structures of luminescent molecules. Controlling amorphous state by introducing substituents such as alkyl or polar groups is effective method to provide self‐recovering properties.
Multisided collaboration and double stakeholder approach coexistence in restaurants: From Corporate Social Responsibility practices to partnerships for the goals
Authors: Cantele Silvia , Riso Vincenzo , Vernizzi Silvia
Published: July 2024

Restaurants have been becoming increasingly aware of their responsibilities and impact; however, literature on corporate social responsibility has mainly applied quantitative methods to analyze the environmental dimension of sustainability. By drawing on the stakeholder theory approach (normative vs. instrumental) and through a qualitative narrative method based on the analysis of 41 open interviews, this study aims to evaluate which stakeholders are engaged in restaurant‐related CSR practices and the nature of the relationship that ties them together. The results show that although a normative approach is more common, both approaches coexist in many cases. The emergence of multisided collaboration and a double approach enables achieving sustainability issues outside a strictly instrumental logic. This study contributes to the scant literature on CSR in restaurants by analyzing a wider set of stakeholders engaged in sustainability practices and indicating which practices are common and why and how stakeholders are involved.
Transition‐Metal‐Doped CeO2 for the Reverse Water‐Gas Shift Reaction: An Experimental and Theoretical Study on CO2 Adsorption and Surface Vacancy Effects
Authors: Yu Yue , Xia Wenxuan , Yu Aiping , Simakov David S. A. , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis
Published: July 2024

Transition metal‐doped ceria (M−CeO2) catalysts (M=Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) with multiple loadings were experimentally investigated for reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to benchmark the properties that impact catalytic activity of CO2 reduction. Temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) was conducted to study the CO2 binding strength on doped CeO2 surfaces; the trend of the energy along increasing metal loading agrees with the DFT calculations. Notably, CO2 dissociative adsorption energy and oxygen vacancy (OV) formation energy are key descriptors obtained from both DFT and experiments, which can be used to evaluate catalytic performance. Results show the effectiveness of transition metal doping in enhancing CO2 adsorption and reducibility of the surfaces, with Fe showing particularly promising results, i. e., CO2 conversion higher than 56 % at 600 °C and 100 % selectivity to CO. Cu exhibits 100 % selectivity to CO but low CO2 conversion, while Co and Ni showed notable ability of methanation, particularly at high loadings. This study finds that an effective CeO2 based RWGS catalyst corresponds to OV sites that have low OV formation energies for surface reduction, and moderate CO2 adsorption energies for strong interaction with the surface to promote C−O bond scission.
Single‐molecule epiallelic profiling of DNA derived from routinely collected Pap specimens for noninvasive detection of ovarian cancer
Authors: O'Keefe Christine M. , Zhao Yang , Cope Leslie M. , Ho Chih‐Ming , Fader Amanda N. , Stone Rebecca , Ferris James S. , Beavis Anna , Levinson Kimberly , Wethington Stephanie , Wang Tian‐Li , Pisanic Thomas R. , Shih Ie‐Ming , Wang Tza‐Huei
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in molecular analyses of ovarian cancer have revealed a wealth of promising tumour‐specific biomarkers, including protein, DNA mutations and methylation; however, reliably detecting such alterations at satisfactorily high sensitivity and specificity through low‐cost methods remains challenging, especially in early‐stage diseases. Here we present PapDREAM, a new approach that enables detection of rare, ovarian‐cancer‐specific aberrations of DNA methylation from routinely‐collected cervical Pap specimens. The PapDREAM approach employs a microfluidic platform that performs highly parallelized digital high‐resolution melt to analyze locus‐specific DNA methylation patterns on a molecule‐by‐molecule basis at or near single CpG‐site resolution at a fraction (< 1/10th) of the cost of next‐generation sequencing techniques. We demonstrate the feasibility of the platform by assessing intermolecular heterogeneity of DNA methylation in a panel of methylation biomarker loci using DNA derived from Pap specimens obtained from a cohort of 43 women, including 18 cases with ovarian cancer and 25 cancer‐free controls. PapDREAM leverages systematic multidimensional bioinformatic analyses of locus‐specific methylation heterogeneity to improve upon Pap‐specimen‐based detection of ovarian cancer, demonstrating a clinical sensitivity of 50% at 99% specificity in detecting ovarian cancer cases with an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.90. We then establish a logistic regression model that could be used to identify high‐risk patients for subsequent clinical follow‐up and monitoring. The results of this study support the utility of PapDREAM as a simple, low‐cost screening method with the potential to integrate with existing clinical workflows for early detection of ovarian cancer.

Key points

We present a microfluidic platform for detection and analysis of rare, heterogeneously methylated DNA within Pap specimens towards detection of ovarian cancer.

The platform achieves high sensitivity (fractions <0.00005%) at a suitably low cost (∼$25) for routine screening applications.

Furthermore, it provides molecule‐by‐molecule quantitative analysis to facilitate further study on the effect of heterogeneous methylation on cancer development.
Exploring the role of the Internet of Things in green buildings
Authors: Fakhabi Mona Masroor , Hamidian Seyed Mohammad , Aliehyaei Mehdi
Published: July 2024

The global energy crisis has been one of the significant challenges for decades, threatening the global economy, and the health of our environment. The government's efforts to enhance the welfare and lifestyle of citizens have been partially undermined by a significant rise in energy intensity, resulting in increased energy consumption. Over the years, researchers have utilized historical energy consumption data to enhance energy efficiency through various technologies. Innovative smart technologies drive energy efficiency, reducing energy usage throughout all areas of the energy industry, from production and supply to consumption. This creates a balance in all sectors and indicates a decrease in energy demand in all areas of building infrastructure. Green buildings that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) technology employ sensors and software to collect data, optimizing, and enhancing building performance. This includes reducing energy and electricity consumption, improving air quality, and optimizing lighting throughout the day. These buildings can contribute to reaching zero‐energy building targets. It becomes challenging to manage green buildings without using centralized control. Therefore, managing and integrating these buildings with intelligent technologies is vital in achieving environmentally friendly management. This study offers a broad overview of the green building concept and explores the use of the green IoT in enhancing services and conserving energy within green buildings. The article aims to deliver an extensive review of green buildings and their advantages, analyze the technology behind the IoT and its integration with solar panels to lower energy consumption, and ultimately identify the challenges present in this area of research.
Modeling and performance analysis of a new integrated solid oxide fuel cell and photovoltaic‐thermal energy supply system by heat current method
Authors: Wang Xingce , Hao Junhong , Feng Xiaolong , Hao Tong , Sun Jian , Du Xiaoze , Liu Kaicheng , Jin Lu
Published: July 2024

Efficient and reliable utilization of renewable energy at the user's end is the key to achieving a low‐carbon life. This paper proposed a new distributed energy system around the comprehensive utilization of solar energy by integrating solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), energy storage equipment, photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector, and heat pump. By integrating the use of SOFC and PVT, we can further minimize reliance on fossil fuels, while employing the coupling of PVT and heat pump effectively mitigates the inherent challenges of solar energy's variability and intermittency, all while enhancing overall system efficiency. On this basis, we apply the heat current method to construct a cross‐scale heat current model of the components and the system by considering the energy transfer, conversion, and storage characteristics of the system. By employing this model, we simulate the system's operation throughout an entire typical day, assess the COP enhancement of the PVT‐coupled heat pump system, analyze the influence of diverse operating conditions on daily system performance, and evaluate the economy of the energy storage devices in the system.
Damage evolution and fracture characteristics of coal rock impacted by self‐excited pulse water jet under different stress loading conditions
Authors: Ma Hongyu , Wan Wen , Xu Dongfang , Zhao Pengtao , Wu Jiaokun , Chen Yong , Wang Yao
Published: July 2024

In this paper, based on smoothed‐particle hydrodynamics‐finite element method, numerical models of plunger squeezing water at a sinusoidal velocity were established to simulate self‐excited pulse water jet (SEPWJ). RHT constitutive model was adopted to describe the damage and failure of coal rock impacted by water jet. The morphological evolutions of broken pits and timeliness of rock‐breaking efficiency of SEPWJ and continuous water jet (CWJ) under the conditions with and without stress loadings were obtained and compared. The evolution laws of damage and stress inner coal rock induced by jet impact, and the failure mechanism were revealed. And the influences of different stress loading magnitudes on the fracture characteristics of coal rock were investigated. The results show that the morphologies of broken pits formed by self‐excited pulse jet undergo changes in a semi‐circular, U‐shaped, V‐shaped, and bullet shaped in sequence under the stress‐free loading condition. When applying one‐dimensional (1D) and 2D stress loadings, the shallow but wide broken pits with laminar main cracks along the stress loading direction and the inverted trapezoidal bowl broken pits are formed, respectively. With the increase of 1D stress, the depth and width of broken pits slightly decrease as a quadratic parabolic function and linearly increase, respectively. And the broken pit width and area both show an exponential slow decreasing trends with the increasing 2D stress. SEPWJ can induce higher stresses to cause the earlier occurrence of initial damage and the shorter duration of damage accumulation to coal rock than CWJ, which leads to a better rock‐breaking effect. The surface and deeper coal rock elements are broken mainly due to compressive shear stresses. The 2D stress loading delays the initial damage occurrence and prolongs the damage accumulation duration due to inhibitory effect of stress loading on jet impact.
Eco‐friendly flame‐retardant based on sap from banana plant pseudostems
Authors: de Lima Monique Vital , de Souza Ventapane Ana Lucia , da Silva Ribeiro Simone Pereira , Landesmann Alexandre
Published: July 2024

Society's need for safe flame‐retardant technologies in passive fire protection is undeniable. To address this concern, this paper presents an experimental investigation of the fire‐retardant properties of slash pine wood treated with banana plant pseudostem sap, obtained from a cultivated banana plant variety widely grown in Brazil. The natural sap extract was characterized through X‐Ray Fluorescence spectrometry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy techniques, revealing the presence of key components, including water, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, lignin and tannins. The authors explored different treatment parameters, including various sap impregnation times, number of impregnations and use of natural versus various levels of concentrated sap. First, a horizontal burning test, similar test to UL 94 HB, was used to obtain an initial assessment of the suitability of sap as a flame retardant for slash pine wood. Subsequently, the Mass Loss Calorimeter equipment with thermopile attachment described in ISO 13927:2015 was used to measure various heat release rate parameters. The findings suggest that reducing the water content in sap and increasing the number of repeat treatments results in a more effective treatment for slash pine wood. More specifically, the results indicate that the most efficient treatment involves three impregnations with high‐concentration (1/10 volume reduction) sap. Future work to improve the efficacy of the concentrated sap impregnation process could explore the use of pressure treatment instead of soaking.
Evaluation of radiomics as a predictor of efficacy and the tumor immune microenvironment in anti‐PD‐1 mAb treated recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck patients
Authors: Zandberg Dan P. , Zenkin Serafettin , Ak Murat , Mamindla Priyadarshini , Peddagangireddy Vishal , Hsieh Ronan , Anderson Jennifer L. , Delgoffe Greg M. , Menk Ashely , Skinner Heath D. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Ferris Robert L. , Colen Rivka R.
Published: July 2024

Background

We retrospectively evaluated radiomics as a predictor of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and efficacy with anti‐PD‐1 mAb (IO) in R/M HNSCC.

Methods

Radiomic feature extraction was performed on pre‐treatment CT scans segmented using 3D slicer v4.10.2 and key features were selected using LASSO regularization method to build classification models with XGBoost algorithm by incorporating cross‐validation techniques to calculate accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Outcome measures evaluated were disease control rate (DCR) by RECIST 1.1, PFS, and OS and hypoxia and CD8 T cells in the TME.

Results

Radiomics features predicted DCR with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 76%, 73%, and 83%, for OS 77%, 86%, 70%, PFS 82%, 75%, 89%, and in the TME, for high hypoxia 80%, 88%, and 72% and high CD8 T cells 91%, 83%, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Radiomics accurately predicted the efficacy of IO and features of the TME in R/M HNSCC. Further study in a larger patient population is warranted.
Advances in electrolyte–anode interface engineering of solid‐state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Li Menghong , Yang Shubin , Li Bin
Published: July 2024

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries are considered to be the next generation of energy storage systems due to the high energy density brought by the use of metal lithium anode and the safety features brought by the use of solid electrolytes (SEs). Unfortunately, besides the safety features, using SEs brings issues of interfacial contact of lithium anode and electrolytes. Recently, to realize the application of solid‐state lithium metal batteries, significant achievements have been made in the interface engineering of solid‐state batteries, and various new strategies have been proposed. In this review, from the interface failure perspective of solid‐state lithium metal batteries, we summarize failure mechanisms in terms of poor physical contact, weak chemical/electrochemical stability, continuing contact degradation, and uncontrollable lithium deposition. We then focused on the latest strategies for solving interface issues, including advancing in improving the physical solid–solid contact, increasing the electrochemical/chemical stability, restraining continuing contact degradation, and controlling homogeneous lithium deposition. The ultimate and paramount future developing directions of solid‐state lithium metal battery interface engineering are proposed.
The impact of economic policy uncertainty on earnings value relevance
Authors: Ma Huanyu , Sun Xuegang
Published: July 2024

Earnings value relevance, defined by the predictive and explanatory power of corporate earnings information for market value, reflects accounting earnings decision utility and the capital market's information efficiency. Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) reduces information quality, impairs the information environment, and disrupts interpretation of information, diminishing earnings value relevance. Using a dataset comprising Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2006 to 2019, we empirically examine the impact of EPU on earnings value relevance. Our finding indicates that EPU reduces earnings value relevance, and the effect is more pronounced in firms with lower governance effectiveness and higher firm complexity. Channel analysis demonstrates that decreasing information quality, undermining the information environment, and impeding investor decision‐making are the main three mechanisms. In light of these findings, the government should strive to enhance stability in economic policies and improve information efficiency, fostering a positive interaction between firms and the capital market.
Superinfection of endometriosis presenting as a complex pelvic mass
Authors: Lee Sadhbh A. , Larkin Michaela , Ruane Maeve , Phelan Sine , O'Leary Michael J.
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

A patient presented with a large complex pelvic mass, presumed an ovarian carcinoma. She underwent surgical management. Histopathology report revealed chronic superinfection of endometriosis.
Child maltreatment and peer relationship quality: Types and timing of maltreatment and gender differences
Authors: Yoon Dalhee , Munshi Additti , Park Jiho , Adams Monica , Yoon Susan , Osei Frank Okyere , Poplawski Antonina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Research demonstrates that child maltreatment can negatively impact adolescent peer relationships. It is not well understood, however, how the type of maltreatment and its timing (when it occurs) affects the dimensions of peer relationship quality (i.e., companionship, conflict, satisfaction, and intimacy) and differences between genders. This study examines the effects of type and timing of child maltreatment on peer relationship quality, while also exploring the role of gender differences.

Methods

This study involved 851 adolescents (56.1% girls, 56.2% Black, and 26.8% low‐income) drawn from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). We used Child Protective Services' information for the type and timing of child maltreatment, along with self‐reports of peer relationship quality. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were conducted.

Results

Sexual abuse and neglect during adolescence were associated with less satisfaction and lower levels of companionship, respectively. Physical abuse during middle childhood was associated with lower levels of intimacy. We also found interactions between gender and type and timing of maltreatment. Compared to girls, boys exhibited lower levels of companionship and satisfaction if they experienced sexual abuse during adolescence.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a need for maltreatment‐prevention efforts targeting school‐aged children and adolescents, as well as gender‐sensitive interventions for high‐risk boys with a history of maltreatment.