bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special considerations for hidradenitis suppurativa in skin of colour: A review of literature
Authors: Prieto Kaley , Lovell Katie K. , Feldman Steven R. , Pichardo Rita O.
Published: October 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, disproportionately affects individuals with skin of colour (SOC), particularly African Americans. Despite the increased prevalence in SOC, racial minorities are underrepresented in HS clinical trials, limiting our understanding of treatment efficacy. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the current literature regarding the clinical presentation, comorbidities, and management of HS in SOC individuals. A PubMed search was conducted using the terms Hidradenitis suppurativa, comorbidities, skin of colour, African–American, Hispanic, and quality of life with relevant studies written in English and pertaining to the demographics and clinical trials were included. African American patients with HS tend to experience more severe disease manifestations, higher rates of comorbidities like inflammatory bowel disease and anaemia, increased healthcare utilisation, and a greater likelihood of surgical interventions. While the current literature provides extensive information about African Americans regarding comorbidities and disease prevalence, there is a lack of research on Hispanic and other ethnic groups. For future research, it is important to broaden our focus to include various ethnic groups. Addressing these disparities requires focused interventions, inclusive clinical research initiatives, and healthcare policies tailored to the specific needs of patients with skin of colour.
Singing Voice Handicap Index‐10 Minimal Clinically Important Difference: A Prospective Determination
Authors: Perrin Claire E. , Young VyVy N. , Ma Yue , Rosen Clark A. , Stockton Steven D. , Schneider Sarah L.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives

The Singing Voice Handicap Index‐10 (SVHI‐10) is a validated patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) that assesses patients' perception of handicap related to singing voice. A normative value has been established with a score ≥20 being abnormal. However, there is no defined minimal clinically important difference (MCID). This study prospectively determines the MCID of SVHI‐10 among a diverse group of singers.

Methods

103 adult singers with and without voice complaints completed SVHI‐10 twice, 30 days apart. MCID for the SVHI‐10 was determined using distribution‐based receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Twenty‐two men (1 transgender), 75 women (1 transgender), and 6 nonbinary individuals participated. The most frequently reported singing genres were classical (44.7%), musical theater (17.5%), and pop (10.7%). Mean initial SVHI‐10 score was 13.05 (standard deviation 7.397), and mean follow‐up SVHI‐10 was 13.13 (7.994). There was a significant positive correlation between initial and follow‐up SVHI‐10 scores (r = 0.879, p < 0.001). SVHI‐10 scores were significantly higher among participants who reported voice changes in the past year (p < 0.001) or sought voice treatment (p = 0.001) compared with participants who did not. SVHI‐10 scores varied significantly based on singing type. The area under the ROC curve for SVHI‐10 was 0.700 (p = 0.003). The SVHI‐10 MCID was determined to be 9.5.

Conclusions

An SVHI‐10 score change ≥10 should be considered clinically meaningful. This definition has been missing from the literature and will improve understanding of patients' responses to treatment, which will help advance clinical care and track research outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 135:752–757, 2025
An Exceptionally Salt Tolerant Copoly(Maleimide Sulfobetaine) – Structural Requirements for Ultra‐Salt Tolerance
Authors: Aitipamula Srinivasulu , Hadia Nanji J. , Vasantha Vivek A. , Parthiban Anbanandam
Published: October 2024

Zwitterionic polymers are an important class of polymers with far‐ranging applications. In the widely studied poly(meth)acrylate and poly(meth) acrylamide‐based zwitterions, properties can be tuned by changing the nature of substituents attached to ammonium ions. However, these changes influenced salt tolerance of zwitterionic polymers only to a limited extent. Upon adding salt these polymers expanded in solution initially. Further increase in salt concentration caused the polymer chains to shrink similar to the common water soluble, uncharged polymers thereby deteriorating the viscosity of aqueous solutions. In contrast to the conventional poly(meth)acrylate and poly(meth)acrylamide‐based zwitterions, zwitterionic copolymaleimides showed substituent dependent salt‐tolerant nature. In the absence of any substituent on the polymer backbone such as zwitterionic poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleimide) (ZI‐PEMA) the viscosity of salt solutions increased both with the increasing salt concentration as well as the concentration of polymer. This is likely due to the continuous expansion of polymer coil in salt solutions with increasing salt concentration caused primarily by the rigidity of the polymer backbone. ZI‐PEMA also enhanced the saturation limit of mono‐ and divalent salts like sodium chloride and hydrated calcium bromide in water. This property is useful for various applications like fish curing, for making high‐density fluids, refrigeration, etc. across various industrial sectors.
Magnetized blood flow supported by tri‐nanoparticles between a peristaltic curved conduit and endoscope
Authors: Elsaid Essam M. , Alqarni Awatif J. , Abdel‐wahed Mohamed S.
Published: October 2024

In order to inspect the interior of hollow organs or cavities in the human body, endoscopes are frequently employed in medicine. Over time, they have undergone substantial evolution and are now able to offer invaluable diagnostic data. The non‐invasive identification of tissue abnormalities with subcellular resolution or real‐time biochemical information is made possible by novel endoscopic optical diagnostic methods. These methods provide benefits in terms of detection, characterization, and confirmation while challenging conventional histology. An investigation is conducted on a magnetized ternary nanofluid to analyze its heat production characteristics in a heated flow scenario between two curved conduits that are peristaltic and experience sinusoidal fluctuations. In this study, the use of a new peristaltic endoscope inside a curved conduit is examined, with a specific focus on evaluating the flowing behavior and heat transference attributes. The use of a versatile and innovative endoscope equipped with peristaltic locomotion proves to be a superior approach for conducting endoscopic procedures on intricate mechanical systems. Furthermore, this advanced endoscope offers enhanced comfort for patients undertaking endoscopy of various human parts. A detailed mathematical model has been constructed to fully assess the flowing and heat transference study of this innovative endoscope using the main unsteady regulating formulas like impetus, Maxwell, and heat in their general form, then transformed to a non‐dimensional system with the assumption of a low Reynold's number and wavelength. Mathematica software was used to conduct precise and methodical calculations, enabling the acquisition of both accurate mathematical results and graphical representations. According to certain findings, the conduit is more influenced by the magnetized force, and the pressure rate over the channel width changes from a linear relationship to a sharp curve that ends in a small peak. Additionally, when utilizing different kinds of nanoparticles, there is a noticeable increase in the pressure gradient's magnitude.
The Fujita exponent for a semilinear heat equation with forcing term on Heisenberg group
Authors: Borikhanov Meiirkhan B. , Ruzhansky Michael , Torebek Berikbol T.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study a critical exponent to the semilinear heat equation with forcing term on Heisenberg group. Our technique of proof is based on methods of nonlinear capacity estimates specifically adapted to the nature of the Heisenberg group. The critical exponent will be bounded for all dimensions of the Heisenberg group, in contrast to the Euclidean case which in the 1D and 2D cases will be infinite. In addition, we give an upper bound estimate on the lifespan of local solutions.
Global existence and asymptotic behavior of affine solutions to Navier–Stokes equations in ℝN with degenerate viscosity and free boundary
Authors: Li Kunquan
Published: October 2024

This paper is concerned with affine solutions to the isentropic compressible Navier–Stokes equations with physical vacuum free boundary. Motivated by the result for Euler equations by Sideris (Arch Ration Mech Anal 225:141–176, 2017), we established the existence theories of affine solutions for the Navier–Stokes equations in
space under the homogeneity assumption that the pressure and the nonlinear viscosity parameters as functions of the density have a common degree of homogeneity. We derived an
second‐order system of nonlinear ODEs of the deformation gradient
and provided an asymptotic analysis of the corresponding matrix system. The results show that both the diameter and volume of viscous fluids expand to infinity as time goes to infinity, and the algebraic rate of expansion is not bigger than that of inviscid fluids (Euler equations). In particular, the results contain the spherically symmetric case, in which the free boundary will grow linearly in time, exactly as that in inviscid fluids. Moreover, these results can be applied to the Navier–Stokes equations with constant viscosity and the Euler equations.
Sliding mode control of the susceptible‐exposed‐asymptomatic‐infected‐recovered model with vaccination
Authors: Chen Xi , Xiang Changcheng , Yang Yi
Published: October 2024

This paper studies a nonlinear epidemiological model called susceptible, exposed, asymptomatic infected, infected, and recovered (SEAIR) with a control input (vaccination), which helps to design a sliding mode vaccination strategy by tracking the prevalence of infectious diseases. First, the effective reproduction number is adjusted to the expected value to control infectious disease outbreaks, even with model parameter changes and systematic perturbations. Meanwhile, based on the sliding mode control theory, two control strategies, namely, first‐order sliding mode control and super‐twisting control, are proposed to control the spread of COVID‐19. Besides, an integral sliding surface associated with the effective reproduction number
is constructed to eliminate the chattering problem of the system. Moreover, the sliding mode controller is robust to uncertainties and external perturbations. The stability and finite‐time convergence of the closed‐loop control system are verified by Lyapunov's second method. Also, the effect of the two control strategies on the system performance is evaluated by numerical simulations. Furthermore, this paper presents a practical case simulation based on data from Wuhan. The results indicate that universal vaccination is crucial in the early stage of the COVID‐19 pandemic. As the epidemic progresses, vaccination is still an essential approach for epidemic prevention and control.
Use of FISH‐FLOW as a Method for the Identification and Quantification of Bacterial Populations
Authors: Vazquez Bucheli Jorge Enrique , Lee Yuri , Kim Bobae , Azevedo Nuno F. , Azevedo Andreia S. , Todorov Svetoslav Dimitrov , Ji Yosep , Kang Hyeji , Holzapfel Wilhelm H.
Published: October 2024

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) harbors the largest group of microbiotas among the microbial communities of the human host. The resident organisms typical of a healthy gut are well adapted to the gastrointestinal environment while alteration of these populations can trigger disorders that may affect the health and well‐being of the host. Various investigations have applied different tools to study bacterial communities in the gut and their correlation with gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and diabetes. This study proposes fluorescent in situ hybridization, combined with flow cytometry (FISH‐FLOW), as an alternative approach for phylum level identification of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria and quantification of target bacteria from the GIT based on analysis of fecal samples, where results are validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16s rRNA) sequencing. The results obtained via FISH‐FLOW experimental approach show high specificity for the developed probes for hybridization with the target bacteria. The study, therefore, suggests the FISH‐FLOW as a reliable method for studying bacterial communities in the gut with results correlating well with those of metagenomic investigations of the same fecal samples.
Microscopic Thermo‐Mechanical Properties and Phase Transition of Bulk Ice‐Ih
Authors: Wei Pengchang , Niu Weiwei , Yao Chi , He Zhenyu , Zheng Yuan‐Yuan , Ma Wei
Published: October 2024

The ice–water phase transition of bulk ice could develop with varying temperatures and external loads, significantly affecting its mechanical properties. The coupling effect of temperature and shear loads on the thermo‐mechanical properties of bulk ice and its phase transition evolution is poorly understood, especially at the nanoscale. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method was employed to investigate the thermo‐mechanical behaviours of bulk ice‐Ih system at the microscale under various temperatures (73–270 K) and shear paths, where its phase transition, elastic properties, structure deformation mechanism and structural anisotropy were discussed. The simulation results show that (1) the shear modulus, shear strength and ultimate shear strain of bulk ice‐Ih system could linearly decrease with rising temperature, aligning with previous studies. (2) Two types of failure modes from bulk ice‐Ih system were founded, such as solid–liquid phase co‐existence at 73–225 K and liquid phase at 250–270 K. (3) Ice melting into water was attributed to the fracture of hydrogen bond during shear process. (4) Compared to vertical shearing (XZ () and YZ ()) directions, the mechanical response along the horizontal shearing (XY (0001)) direction was most sensitive to temperature effect.
A general label setting algorithm and tractability analysis for the multiobjective temporal shortest path problem
Authors: Bazgan Cristina , Kager Johannes , Thielen Clemens , Vanderpooten Daniel
Published: October 2024

Given a directed temporal graph, a start node , and  objectives, the task in the single‐source multiobjective temporal shortest path problem (SSMTSPP) consists of computing the set of nondominated images of temporal ‐‐paths for each node as well as one corresponding efficient path for each of these images. This problem generalizes both the multiobjective shortest path problem in static graphs and the single‐objective temporal shortest path problem. In this article, we provide a general label setting algorithm for the SSMTSPP that can handle a large variety of different objectives. The only condition imposed on the objectives is a monotonicity property that generalizes the nonnegativity of the arc costs required for the well‐known label setting algorithm for solving the static single‐source shortest path problem in both the single objective and the multiobjective case. Our analysis of the presented algorithm shows that its worst‐case running time is polynomial in the sum of the input size of the problem instance and the number of nondominated images, which implies that it runs in polynomial time as long as the number of nondominated images is polynomial in the instance size (i.e., for all tractable versions of the problem). To complement this result, we provide a complete classification into tractable and intractable problems for all SSMTSPPs involving a large variety of objectives. In particular, using our general analysis, this provides a large range of specific SSMTSPPs for which our general label setting algorithm runs in polynomial time.
From the wetlands to the farmyard: Osteometric approach to the presence of domestic geese and ducks in Zuid Holland, 150–1700 AD
Authors: de Segovia de Kraker Noé , Llorente‐Rodríguez Laura
Published: October 2024

The history of domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and domestic greylag geese (Anser anser domesticus) remains poorly understood. This is mainly caused by the difficulty of identifying archaeological bones as domestic due to the existing overlap in sizes. A recently published osteometrical methodology is applied that successfully allows to identify domestic forms and distinguish between anatid species with more confidence. Four archaeological assemblages from the Zuid Holland province in the Netherlands are reanalyzed, ranging from the Roman period to the 17th century AD.

It is determined that domestic geese were present in the Netherlands since at least 160–230 AD and domestic ducks since at least 585–725 AD. The latter might also be present in the Roman assemblage, but the evidence is inconclusive. Domestic species constitute only a small percentage of the total consumed anatids and do not surpass 15%–20% in any case, which is mainly caused by the weight of wildfowling in the Netherlands. Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were therefore much more prevalent than domestic anatids in all assemblages. Taphonomical analysis did not show substantial differences between wild and domestic anatids. The sample size considered in this project is likely too small and biased to accurately detect any kind of evolution through time.
Aristolochic acid‐related renal cell carcinoma exhibits a distinct tumor‐immune microenvironment favoring response to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Lin Po‐Hung , Chan Jason Yongsheng , Guan Peiyong , Hong Jing Han , Lim Abner Herbert , Ng Cedric Chuan‐Young , Yeong Joe Poh Sheng , Lee Jing Yi , Liu Wei , Lim Jeffrey Chun Tatt , Pang See‐Tong , Teh Bin Tean
Published: October 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is currently the standard of care for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but treatment responses remain unpredictable. Aristolochic acid (AA), a prevalent supplement additive in Taiwan, has been associated with RCC and induces signature mutations, although its effect on the tumor‐immune microenvironment (TIME) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the immune profile of AA‐positive RCCs and explore its potential role as a susceptible candidate for ICB. Tissue samples from 22 patients with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) were collected for whole‐exome sequencing to determine the genetic features and AA mutational signature (the discovery cohort). The corresponding RNA was sent for NanoString PanCancer IO 360 gene expression analysis to explore the immunological features. The formalin‐fixed, parafilm‐embedded slides of ccRCCs were sent for multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence stain using Vectra system to evaluate the TIME. Tissues from two patients with metastatic RCC demonstrating complete response to ICB were sent for studies to validate the findings (the index patients). The results showed that AA mutational signatures with high tumor mutational burden (TMB) were present in 31.81% of the tumors in the discovery cohort. Three distinct clusters were observed through NanoString analysis. Clusters 1 and 3 were composed mainly of AA‐positive RCCs. Cluster 3 RCCs exhibited higher tumor inflammation signature scores and higher immune cell type scores. Vectra analysis revealed a higher percentage of CD15+ and BATF3+ cells in cluster 1, whereas the percentage of CD8+ cells was potentially higher in cluster 3. Strong AA mutational signatures were found in the tumors of two index patients, and both were grouped to cluster 3. In conclusion, AA may induce higher TMB and alter the immune microenvironment in RCCs, which makes the tumors more susceptible to ICB. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Concomitant use of dextromethorphan and alcohol‐induced dissociation in a patient with alcohol dependence
Authors: Nagai Yasuhito , Tajima Yuko , Miyakawa Koichi
Published: October 2024

Background

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an over‐the‐counter drug that is commonly abused by teenagers. Its main pharmacological property is a low‐affinity N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist.

Case Presentation

We report acute psychotic dissociation induced by DXM and alcohol in a patient with alcohol dependence, which made it difficult to distinguish alcohol withdrawal symptoms with limited information. The psychotic symptoms were ameliorated by haloperidol; however, in cases of DXM abuse, haloperidol treatment should be avoided.

Conclusion

In the consultation of patients with addiction, the possibility of various addictive drugs must be kept in mind. The concomitant use of DXM and alcohol causes easy dissociation and high‐dose usage of DXM and alcohol withdrawal symptoms are difficult to distinguish.
Hear, act, connect, support: Youth recommendations for educators who administer school climate surveys
Authors: Duane Addison , Morris Kamryn S. , Nash Amia , Jones Tiffany M. , Shapiro Valerie B.
Published: October 2024

School climate surveys are commonly used to solicit youth perspectives about their experiences in schools. However, to move climate surveys from solicitation towards a more youth‐centered, partnered practice for school improvement, guidance is needed from the youth themselves about how and in what ways they hope adults respond to their survey responses. In the present study, we analyzed data from four focus groups conducted with middle school and high school students. Findings reveal that, following the administration of climate surveys, youth want adults to: recognize their voices, take action based on their responses, cultivate opportunities for connection, and increase mental health supports. These student‐generated insights can help inform how adults in schools—from educational leaders to licensed mental health professionals—use student data to inform decision‐making.
Greenhouse Gas Production and Microbial Response During the Transition From Terrestrial Permafrost to a Marine Environment
Authors: Jenrich Maren , Angelopoulos Michael , Liebner Susanne , Treat Claire , Knoblauch Christian , Yang Sizhong , Grosse Guido , Giebeler Fiona , Jongejans Loeka L. , Grigoriev Mikhail , Strauss Jens
Published: October 2024

Arctic permafrost coasts, affected by rising sea levels and increasing coastal erosion in a warming climate, undergo significant changes. Simulating how permafrost is impacted by inundation with fresh, brackish and marine water enhances our understanding of permafrost carbon stock responses to increasingly marine conditions. We investigated CO2 and CH4 production during key transitions in a coastal thermokarst landscape on the Bykovsky Peninsula, Siberia, assessing short‐ and long‐term microbial responses to varying salinities in anaerobic 1‐year incubation experiments. Initially, CO2 production from saltwater‐inundated permafrost was low due to the low abundance of salt‐tolerant microbial communities. Over the long term, after simulated lagoon formation and the growth of sulfate‐reducing bacteria, CO2 production surpassed that of the terrestrial sites by 8 times. CO2 and CH4 production was lowest under fully marine conditions, suggesting incomplete adaptation of microbes. Rapid ecosystem changes stress microbial communities, with greenhouse gas production highest under near‐natural conditions. With an increase in lake drainage events and rising sea levels, thermokarst lagoon distribution on Arctic coasts will escalate, resulting in a further increase of carbon mineralization and CO2 release. With this study, we provide first estimations on greenhouse gas production during the transition from terrestrial to submarine conditions in permafrost‐affected aquatic systems.
The bidirectional interplay of obstructive sleep apnea and viral respiratory infections in children: A novel opportunity for primary prevention
Authors: Nino Gustavo , Chorvinsky Elizabeth , Bhattacharya Surajit , Gutierrez Maria J.
Published: October 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and viral respiratory infections are highly prevalent conditions in children and a major cause of respiratory morbidity in this age group. Severe viral respiratory infections are a known risk factor for pediatric OSA, which is primarily caused by hypertrophy of upper airway lymphoid tissues (adenoids and tonsils). This review examines recent progress in understanding early‐life development of lymphoid tissues in the human upper airway, with a particular focus on how respiratory viruses may influence this process and contribute to OSA pathogenesis. It also explores the bidirectional relationship between OSA and severe viral infections, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and novel primary prevention strategies to address these interconnected conditions.
Identification and field verification of the aggregation pheromone components produced by male Holotrichia parallelaMotschulsky (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Qu Ya‐Fei , Li Xue , Dong Huan‐Huan , Wang Wen‐Jie , Li Xiao‐Feng , Feng Honglin , Zhang Shuai , Cao Yazhong , Yin Jiao , Li Kebin
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The chafer beetle, Holotrichia parallela, causes damage to numerous economically significant crops worldwide. Adult beetles exhibit aggregation behavior likely mediated by a male‐produced pheromone. Advancements in biological research technology have facilitated the identification of insect aggregation pheromones and promoted their applications as bait for trapping and monitoring pests. Currently, only a few active components of aggregation pheromones from Holotrichia species have been identified. However, the specific components of aggregation pheromones produced by H. parallela remain unknown.

RESULT

In this study, we initially observed from Y‐tube olfactometer assays that both male and female H. parallela were significantly attracted to volatiles emitted by males, but not to those from females. We then collected hindgut crude extracts of male adults and carried out gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis to identify potential aggregation pheromone components. Pentadecyl acetate, cis‐13‐docosenol, and behenic acid were identified as male‐specific compounds in comparison to female extracts, serving as components of the aggregation pheromone in H. parallela. We further evaluated their attractiveness to H. parallea in both laboratory and field experiments. In laboratory settings, pentadecyl acetate, cis‐13‐docosenol, and behenic acid evoked significant responses to both males and females at specific concentrations, as evidenced by both electroantennography tests and behavioral bioassays. Under field conditions, traps baited with these three compounds captured significantly more H. parallela adults compared to control traps.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that pentadecyl acetate, cis‐13‐docosenol, and behenic acid are specifically present in male H. parallela, serving as aggregation pheromones. Both laboratory and field‐trapping experiments suggest their potential as monitoring and controlling tools against H. parallela adults. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Insights into the Effect of Vacancies on the Stability, Mechanical, Electronic, Thermodynamic, and Optical Properties of C40‐WSi2 Using First‐Principles Studies
Authors: Yang Lixian , Cao Yong , Li Jian , Zhong Guoyi
Published: October 2024

Herein, the effect of different atomic vacancies on the properties of C40‐type WSi2 are investigated. The formation energy, elastic properties, phonon, electronic structure, thermodynamic, and optical properties of C40‐type WSi2 are calculated. Calculations reveal that W vacancies are more likely to form in WSi2, and no imaginary phonon frequencies are detected in the phonon dispersion curves. Vacancies slightly enhance the ductility of C40 WSi2, with W vacancies performing better than Si vacancies. These vacancies weaken the W—Si and Si—Si bond strengths, affecting the elastic modulus but increasing the ductility of WSi2. The electronic properties indicate that C40‐WSi2 is a semiconductor. From the electronic structure analysis, it is clear that the W atomic vacancy can transform WSi2 from semiconducting‐to‐metallic properties. The effects of vacancies on the thermodynamic and optical properties of WSi2 are explored. This research contributes to the development of excess metal silicides as potential high‐temperature materials for later use.
COPD associated pulmonary hypertension: A post hoc analysis of the PERFECT study
Authors: Nathan Steven D. , Lacasse Victoria , Bell Heidi , Sista Prakash , Di Marino Michael , Bull Todd , Tapson Victor , Waxman Aaron
Published: October 2024

The PERFECT study, a randomized, controlled, double‐blind study of inhaled treprostinil in patients with COPD and associated pulmonary hypertension (PH‐COPD) was a negative trial that was terminated early. The reason(s) for the negative outcome remains uncertain. A post hoc analysis of data from the PERFECT study was undertaken to identify adverse responders and possibly potential responders. The goal was also to provide insight into phenotypes for possible inclusion and exclusion in future PH‐COPD clinical trials. An adverse response on active treatment was seen in 36.4% (24/66) of the subjects compared to 27.6% (16/58) on placebo. There was no evidence to suggest that hyperinflation, bronchospasm, or occult heart failure played any role in the untoward outcomes of the study. The patients who died during the study all had baseline diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide ≤25% of predicted. Evidence of a potential response was seen in 10.6% (7/66) of the patients who received inhaled treprostinil. Patients who had evidence of a treatment response had a baseline mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥40 mmHg and a forced expiratory volume in the first second of ≥40%. Change in N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide did not predict clinical response. This post hoc analysis provides information that may potentially enable improved selection of patients for future therapeutic trials in PH‐COPD. These analyses are post hoc, observational, and exploratory. The thresholds defining the spectrum of responders are preliminary and may require further refinement and validation in future studies.
Stochastic distributed tracking of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with Markovian switching topologies and infinite delays
Authors: Guo Haihua , Feng Gang , Bi Cong
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the distributed mean square output tracking problem of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with Markovian switching topologies and infinite transmission delays. The main challenge of the concerned problem arises from how to deal with Markovian switching topologies and infinite transmission delays simultaneously. A novel distributed observer is developed based on a newly proposed Lyapunov functional method. Then, a distributed controller based on the distributed observer is developed. It is shown that the stochastic distributed tracking problem is solved in the sense of mean square if the union graph of the underlying Markovian switching topology contains a spanning tree. A distinctive feature of the proposed controller is that the infinite delays are not required to be known. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is illustrated by two numerical examples.
Intellectual property rights protection and sustainable innovation performance: The mediating role of technology spillover
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Tran Mai Dong
Published: October 2024

Despite extensive research into the factors driving sustainable innovation, there remains a significant gap in understanding the impact of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection. This study delves into how IPR protection influences sustainable innovation performance and explores the mechanism of technology spillover and the condition of absorptive capacity. Analyzing data from 266 firms in Vietnam, our findings indicate a positive correlation between IPR protection and technology spillover. Additionally, we find that technology spillover mediates the relationship between IPR protection and sustainable innovation performance. Interestingly, we show that absorptive capacity bolsters the relationship between technology spillover and sustainable innovation performance. These insights offer valuable additions to the existing literature on IPR protection and sustainable innovation literature. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed in detail.
The Cu/La@TiOx Composite: A Sustainable and Efficient Photocatalyst for N‐benzylation Reaction Under Visible Light
Authors: Razavi Mohammad Reza , Toozandehjani Zahra , Absalan Yahya , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Samavati Reza
Published: October 2024

In this study, a green and sustainable approach using visible light photocatalysis was employed for synthesizing N‐benzyl aniline derivatives to create C─N bonds. A TiO2 photocatalyst doped with copper and lanthanum was prepared to reduce the band gap and increase surface area. TixCuyOz and TixCuyLamOz nano‐photocatalysts were designed efficiently for organic reactions. Characterization techniques included TEM, FE‐SEM, XRD, EDX, FT‐IR, BET, BJH, UV–vis, ICP‐MS, CV, PL, and TPC. Using visible light as a renewable source, these photocatalysts showed high activity and recyclability up to five times, with TixCuyLamOz displaying superior performance due to increased lanthanide content.
Visible Light‐Mediated Multicomponent Synthesis of Spirooxindole‐Linked Fused Pyrans: An Eco‐Friendly One‐Pot Strategy
Authors: Mondal Nurabul , Singh Darshika , Kumari Vidya , Choudhury Lokman H.
Published: October 2024

A green and efficient method for the preparation of spirooxindole‐linked fused pyrans has been developed utilizing a catalyst‐free visible‐light‐driven one‐pot multicomponent reaction strategy. The reaction was performed in a water and ethanol mixture, using the combination of isatin, malononitrile, and cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls such as 4‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐2(1H)‐quinolone, 4‐hydroxycoumarin, 4‐hydroxythiocoumarin, or barbituric acid derivatives. This catalyst‐free, environmentally friendly, visible‐light‐driven, and room temperature method is a valuable addition to the synthetic toolbox for constructing complex heterocyclic scaffolds under one‐pot conditions. It holds promise for future applications in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
Chemical Characterization of Coal: Quality Control and Applications of Nuclear Analytical Methods Utilizing Neutrons (Thermal and Fast) and Low Energy Protons from Accelerators
Authors: Das Purbali , Samanta Sudeep K , Dalvi Aditi , Roy Tushar , Mishra Ratikant , Acharya Raghunath
Published: October 2024

Preparation of in‐house reference materials of two different graded coal samples involves quality control in terms of chemical characterization. Neutron and proton‐based nuclear analytical techniques have been explored here using high flux nuclear research reactor and low energy proton accelerator. Concentrations of trace elements such as Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Sb, Ce, Th, U, Eu, Hf, and Rb were determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA) with adequate accuracy and precision. Coal ash content can be derived from the inorganic oxide constituents (Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, TiO2, K2O and CaO). Coal‐1 was found to contain slightly higher ash content (∼35%) with low calorific value (C content ∼49% obtained from, pulsed fast and thermal neutron activation [PFTNA]) as compared to coal‐2 (∼33%). Ion beam analysis (IBA) technique (particle induced gamma‐ray emission [PIGE]) was utilized for quantification of inorganic major elements. Thermal and fast neutron probed nuclear methods like NAA using pneumatic carrier facility (PCF)  and PFTNA in conjunction with IBA have proved their excellence for nondestructive chemical characterization. Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was also utilized as an alternate analytical technique for concentration determination of K, Ca, Fe, Ti, Zn, and Rb as a part of QC exercise.
Phosphorous Acid‐Functionalized Polyamidoamine Dendrimer: Efficient Scale and Corrosion Inhibition
Authors: Yao Qi , Chen Ziyue , Zhang Jiaxin , Qiu Yongqin , Li Yangting , Yang Bo , Chen Hualin
Published: October 2024

Phosphorous‐based polymeric scale and corrosion are widely used for industrial water treatment. In this paper, phosphorous acid modified polyamidoamine dendrimer (PDD) was prepared for scale inhibition and corrosion inhibition and compared with the existing inhibitors, 2‐phosphonobutane‐1,2,4‐tricarboxylic acid (PBTCA) and polyacrylic. The scale inhibition efficiency of CaCO3 was evaluated using the static scale inhibition and conductivity method. Compared to polyacrylic acid, the dendritic structure can effectively improve the calcium carbonate scale inhibition performance of the scale inhibitor. When the concentration of PDD is 40 mg/L, the scale inhibition rate is 96%, which is higher than the scale inhibition rate of 91% for PBTCA. The conductivity experimental results reveal that PDD endows the solution with higher supersaturation degree than that of PBTCA at the same concentration. Furthermore, the nucleation induction period of PDD is 1300 s, which is more than twice that of PBTCA at a concentration below 20 mg/L. The XPS, XRD, and SEM results exhibited that PDD can adsorb on the surface of calcium carbonate crystals, changing the crystals from stable calcite to metastable aragonite and vaterite. In addition, electrochemical measurements show a corrosion inhibition rate of 82.67% at a PDD concentration of 100 mg/L. This article provides data support for the application of phosphorous acid functionalization PAMAM in scale and corrosion inhibition.
Synthesis of Nanocarbons from Isomeric Structures of Toluidine for the Removal of Organochlorine Pesticides
Authors: Debnath Ranjit , Mog Tanima , Shaw Tithi , Saha Mitali
Published: October 2024

Currently, carbon nanomaterials are found to possess various shapes and sizes, where their potentiality is mainly governed by the functional groups and design parameters. The alteration of the material features through postprocessing or reformulation can produce these nanostructures for utilization in air/wastewater treatment, dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and so forth. In this work, three isomeric structures of toluidine were chosen, which contain a ─CH3 at the o‐, m‐, and p‐positions of the benzene ring along with an ─NH2 group. SEM and TEM images confirmed the formation of carbon nanoparticles at different times and temperatures under optimized reaction conditions. It was observed that uniform size of carbon quantum dots was obtained from all the isomeric structures, namely, after 60, 90, and 60 min in case of o‐, m‐, and p‐toluidine, respectively. The efficiency of the synthesized carbon nanoparticles for the degradation of toxic organochlorine pesticides, namely DDT, lindane, and fenvalerate was also studied. Interestingly, the synthesized carbon quantum dots were found to degrade the DDT up to 98.5%, lindane up to 83.02%, and fenvalerate up to 74.34% under visible light exposure. However, only 63.23%, 20.25%, and 30.41% degradation were observed under dark conditions for DDT, lindane, and fenvalerate, respectively.
Modifications in Subsurface of Catalysts: Impact of Bringing in Electrophilicity on Catalytic Applications
Authors: Khan Safia , Li Hu
Published: October 2024

Surface, interface, and subsurface in catalysts are broadly perceived as independent units in materials, relying on diverse bonding environments and are recurrently studied discretely because of experimental challenges in distinguishing the surface and subsurface effects. Metal crystals, isolated atoms, or metal nanoparticles in supported catalysts induce an electrophilic nature in subsurface, enhancing the catalysis efficiency. In this review, the influence of modification in subsurface of catalysts and their specific catalytic outputs are discussed. Key approaches and techniques for insertion of subsurface modifications and impact of electrophilicity upon catalysis upgradation are observed. A compilation of frequently used chemical reactions catalyzed by subsurface‐modified catalysts have been structured and thoroughly illustrated.
Examining hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis genetic variation on cortisol and alpha‐amylase reactivity during an explicit negative‐evaluative stress induction
Authors: Grillo Alessandra R. , Starr Lisa R. , Vrshek‐Schallhorn Suzanne
Published: October 2024

Prior work consistently links additive genetic variation in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis—a multilocus genetic profile score (MGPS)—to depression risk in the context of stress exposure. However, despite that HPA MGPS variants were selected based on evidence that they elevate cortisol reactivity, there are surprisingly few tests of whether an HPA MGPS elevates cortisol reactivity to lab‐based stress. Similarly, despite neurobiological connections and coordination between the HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., in the paraventricular nucleus and locus coeruleus), no work has tested whether an HPA MGPS influences sympathetic nervous system reactivity to stress. We investigated whether an HPA MGPS moderates the relation between lab‐based stress and: (1) HPA activity indexed by cortisol, and/or (2) sympathetic activity indexed by salivary alpha‐amylase, sAA. Emerging adults (N = 152; mean age = 19.5, largest subsample 44.4% Black/African American) were randomly assigned to one of two Trier Social Stress Test variations, a non‐evaluative control, or an explicitly negative‐evaluative condition. Participants provided DNA and repeated saliva samples for sAA and cortisol. The HPA MGPS did not significantly moderate the relationship between stress condition and cortisol or sAA reactivity, respectively; moreover, post‐hoc tests highlight that individual polymorphisms showed non‐significant effects in opposite directions from each other, cancelling out in aggregate. Findings suggest that the HPA MGPS's associations with cortisol reactivity are not as straightforward as initially believed. We speculate that the relationships of some HPA variants to biomarker reactivity may vary between modest lab‐based stressors and the explicit negative‐evaluative induction used here.
Study on the Commercial Metalized Plastic Current Collector PET‐Cu and PP‐Cu Toward High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Peng Yong , Feng Xuning , Zhu Zhongya , Xia Jianzhong , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Fangshu , Chen Yiwei , Fan Congze , Hua Jianfeng , Wang Li , Ouyang Minggao
Published: October 2024

Commercial metalized plastic current collector (MPCC) is receiving widespread attention from the business and academic communities, due to its properties of excellent electrical conductivity and low mass density. However, the application of MPCC on the side of copper is rarely studied. Herein, sandwich‐like polyethylene terephthalate‐based (PET) and polypropylene‐based (PP) copper (Cu) current collectors via magnetron sputtering and electroplating are fabricated. Most importantly, the electrical performance, mechanical safety quality, and revealed the corresponding failure mechanism for the MPCC cells are first systematically evaluated. First, during the 45 °C electrical cycling tests, PET‐Cu CC (82.67%) and PP‐Cu CC (82.32%) cells both have comparable capacity retention with the traditional Cu CC (Tra‐Cu CC) cell (84.55%) after 500 cycles. The slight reduction in the cycling performance is induced by the crack of the Cu layer around the embedded SiO2 particle for PET‐Cu CC cell and the detachment of Cu layer for PP‐Cu CC cell. Second, during the nail‐penetration test, MPCC cells maintain no fire and explosion for more than 5 min, since the heat‐shrinkable function of polymeric film can interrupt the continuous Joule heat released by internal short‐circuit. This work provides important guidance for the large‐scale application of MPCC in the field of lithium‐ion batteries.
Surface Coordination of Garnet Fillers Improves the Organic–Inorganic Interfacial Compatibility of Composite Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Liu Shiyao , Sun Yuxue , Gao Linjun , Chen Kai , Dong Feilong , Sun Hao , Xie Haiming , Liu Jun
Published: October 2024

Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) have become one of the most promising solid‐state electrolytes due to their favorable safety and flexibility. However, the weak interaction between inorganic fillers and polymer matrix leads to poor organic–inorganic interfacial compatibility, which degrades the electrochemical performance of CSEs. Herein, it is demonstrated that Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) can be chemically bonded to the polymer matrix by surface coordination of the 1,2‐dithiolane group of lipoic acid (LA) with metal atoms on the surface of LLZTO through a combination of experimental investigations and theoretical calculations. The surface coordination not only enhances the interfacial compatibility between LLZTO and the polymer matrix, but also facilitates rapid Li+ transport, which leads to the ionic conductivity of the prepared CSE (P‐V‐M@LLZTO) as high as 6.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C. The excellent interface compatibility ensures a stable cycle of Li/P‐V‐M@LLZTO/Li symmetrical cell for more than 3500 h. As a result, LiFePO4/P‐V‐M@LLZTO/Li cell delivers the discharge capacity of 161 mAh g−1 after 5 cycles with a capacity retention of 81% after 500 cycles at 0.5C under 30 °C. This work demonstrates that surface coordination is an effective strategy to solve the inherent interfacial incompatibility problem in CSEs.
Stabilizing the Layer‐Structured Oxide Cathode by Modulating the Oxygen Redox Activity for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Wei , Lai Qingsong , Gao Xuan‐Wen , Yang Dongrun , Wen Lei , Liu Zhaomeng , Luo Wen‐Bin
Published: October 2024

The layer‐structured oxide cathode for sodium‐ion batteries has attracted a widespread attention due to the unique redox properties and the anionic redox activity providing additional capacity. Nevertheless, such excessive oxygen redox reactions will lead to irreversible oxygen release, resulting in a rapid deterioration of the cycling stability. Herein, sulfur ion is successfully introduced to the O3‐NaNi0.3Mn0.5Cu0.1Ti0.05W0.05O2 material through high‐temperature quenching, thereby developing a novel Na2S‐modified O3/P2‐NaNi0.3Mn0.5Cu0.1Ti0.05W0.05O2 composite with extended cycling life. The S2− is analyzed for the ability to enhance the reversibility of oxidation‐reduction reactions under high voltage and suppress the loss of lattice oxygen during cycling. The stable S─O covalent bonds are found to inhibit the oxygen generation and release within the structure. Benefiting from these improvements, the Na₂S‐modified O3/P2‐NaNi0.3Mn0.5Cu0.1Ti0.05W0.05O2 exhibited a high reversible capacity of 173.1 mA h g−1 over a wide voltage range of 1.5–4.3 V under test conditions at 0.1 C and 81.5% capacity retention after 120 cycles at 1 C. The Na₂S‐modified O3/P2‐NaNi0.3Mn0.5Cu0.1Ti0.05W0.05O2 demonstrates the excellent rate capability with the reversible capacities of 173.1,137.0,114.7,96.7, and 80.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2 C.