bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Printing Elastocaloric TiNiCu Thermoelectric Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Wang Xizu , Yi Tan Xian , Ni Xiping , Wang Suxi , Wei Chien Sheau , Wuu Delvin , Thitsartarn Warintorn , Boon Lau Desmond Kwang , Ye Enyi , Ji Rong , Wang Pei , Zhu Qiang
Published: July 2024

The development of new thermoelectric conversion and cooling materials is an important means of addressing global climate and heat emissions in the future. While heavy and toxic elements like tellurium and lead are traditionally used to make thermoelectric materials with poor mechanical properties, recent decades have seen a gradual push towards greener and more sustainable alternatives. One such potential alternative material for thermoelectric and thermal management applications would be the Nitinol (TiNi) shape memory alloy, due to their superior mechanical properties. In this study, we have investigated the use of 3D melt printing techniques that can be used to achieve thermoelectric performance and efficiency of elastic memory alloys below 500 °C. The electrical and thermal properties of TiNiCu materials and their relation to morphology were investigated. All the alloys show similar effect sizes, their fatigue behavior is however different. By adjusting the composition of Ti and Ni elements and we have obtained memory alloys with high thermoelectric properties, with a 50% increase in power factor and a 100% increase in ZT values. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using novel 3D‐printed SMAs for thermoelectric and cooling applications, providing an experimental basis for the future preparation of low‐cost, efficient, long service lifetime and stable materials for thermal energy harvesting and management.
Stretchable Sweat Lactate Sensor with Dual‐Signal Read‐Outs
Authors: Tan Sherwin Chong Li , Ning Yuetong , Yu Yong , Goh Wei Peng , Jiang Changyun , Liu Liyuan , Zheng Xin Ting , Yang Le
Published: July 2024

Innovations in wearable sweat sensors hold great promise to provide deeper insights into molecular level health information non‐invasively. Lactate, a key metabolite present in sweat, holds immense significance in assessing physiological conditions and performance in sports physiology and health sensing. This paper presents the development and characterization of stretchable electrodes with ultrahigh active surface area of 648 % for lactate sensing. The as‐printed stretchable electrodes were functionalized with an electron transfer layer comprising Toluidine Blue O and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and an enzymatic layer consisting of lactate dehydrogenase with β‐Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as the cofactor for lactate selectivity. This sensor achieves a dual‐signal read‐out in which both electrochemical and fluorescence signals were obtained during lactate detection, demonstrating promising sensor performance in terms of sensitivity and reliability. We demonstrate the robustness of the dual‐signal sensor under simulated conditions of physical deformation and shifted excitation. Under these compromised conditions, the performance of the stretchable electrodes remained largely unaffected, showcasing their potential for robust and adaptable sensing platforms in wearable health monitoring applications.
Adaptive event‐triggered safety control for multiplayer mixed zero‐sum game with partial inputs delay
Authors: Qin Chunbin , Zhang Zhongwei , Shang Ziyang , Zhang Dehua , Zhang Jishi
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes an adaptive safety control method applicable to a multiplayer mixed zero‐sum (MZS) game of nonlinear systems with partial inputs delay. Firstly, a framework is introduced involving N players, where player 1 and player N form a zero‐sum (ZS) game, and player 1 and players 2 to N‐1 form nonzero‐sum (NZS) games, with some players experiencing time delays. Subsequently, the system's value function is augmented with a control barrier function (CBF) to ensure that the system's state remains within a safe region. Secondly, to approximate Nash equilibrium solutions, the study employs adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) and utilizes a critic‐only neural network (NN) to approximate optimal solutions. Diverging from traditional time‐trigger methods, computational and communication load reduction is achieved by introducing a state‐related event trigger condition. The stability of the system is then meticulously analyzed using the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the study provides a simulation example demonstrating its performance. In summary, this research introduces an efficient adaptive safety control method for addressing multiplayer MZS games with partial inputs delay, incorporating CBFs, ADP, and state‐related event triggering.
Glycine‐replaced epinecidin‐1 variant bestows better stability and stronger antimicrobial activity against a range of nosocomial pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Jeyarajan Sivakumar , Peter Ansu Susan , Ranjith Sukumar , Sathyan Aswathy , Duraisamy Senbagam , Kandasamy Indira , Chidambaram Prahalathan , Kumarasamy Anbarasu
Published: July 2024

Epinecidin‐1 (epi‐1), an antimicrobial peptide first identified in marine grouper fish, has multifunctional bioactivities. The present study aims to improve its therapeutic potential via structural modifications that could enhance its antimicrobial activity and stability. To achieve it, we replaced glycine and the first histidine in the parent epi‐1 with lysine, which resulted in a peptide with a repeating KXXK motif and improved physiochemical properties related to antimicrobial activity. This modified peptide, referred to as glycine‐to‐lysine replaced‐epi‐1, also gained stability and a twofold increase in helical propensity. To produce the active peptide, overlap extension PCR was employed to generate the gene of GK‐epi‐1 via site‐directed mutagenesis, which was then cloned into the pET‐32a vector and expressed as a recombinant fusion protein in Escherichia coli C43 (DE3) strain. The recombinant protein was purified and digested with enterokinase to release the active peptide fragment, which was then evaluated for antimicrobial activity and stability. The lysine substitution led to an enhancement in broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity against a wide range of nosocomial pathogenic bacteria.
Cytomegalovirus reactivation is frequent in multiple myeloma patients treated with daratumumab‐based regimens
Authors: De Novellis Danilo , Fontana Raffaele , Serio Bianca , Vaccaro Emilia , Guariglia Roberto , Morini Denise , Rizzo Michela , Giudice Valentina , Selleri Carmine
Published: July 2024

Background

Viral reactivations are frequent in hematologial patients due to their cancer‐related and drug‐induced immunosuppressive status. Daratumumab, an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody, is used for multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, and causes immunosuppression by targeting CD38‐expressing normal lymphocytes. In this single‐center two‐arm real‐life experience, we evaluated incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in MM patients treated with daratumumab‐based regimens as first‐ or second‐line therapy.

Methods

A total of 101 consecutive MM patients were included in this study and were divided into two cohorts: daratumumab and nondaratumumab‐based (control) regimens. Patients treated with >2 lines of therapies were excluded to reduce the confounding factor of multi‐treated cases. Primary endpoint was the CMV reactivation rate.

Results

CMV reactivation rate was significantly higher in the daratumumab cohort compared to control group (33% vs. 4%; p < 0.001), also with higher CMV‐DNA levels (>1000 UI/mL in 12% of cases; p < 0.05). However, only one subject developed a CMV disease with severe pneumonia, while 12% of patients were successfully treated with preemptive therapy with valganciclovir. No subjects in the control cohort required anti‐CMV agents (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our single‐center retrospective experience showed that daratumumab might significantly increase the risk of CMV reactivation in MM, while currently underestimated and related to morbility and mortality in MM patients under treatments. However, further validation on larger and prospective clinical trials are required.
Box‐Behnken Design for Mitigation of Cadmium Bivalent Ions from Aqueous Medium
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Chawla Jyoti , Saini Suman , Singh Prashant , Swaroop Maharia Ram
Published: July 2024

Statistical analysis is essential for minimizing the time, cost, and number of experiments needed to get the maximum output. In this work, the removal of cadmium bivalent (Cd (II)) ions was optimized using Box‐Behnken design methodology. The effects of pH, concentration, time, and temperature were investigated for the removal of cadmium. Maximum removal (85.70 %) was achieved at pH of 5.34, initial Cd(II) ions concentration 46.61,contact time 166.09 (min), and at 59.40 °C temperature on Punica Granatum carpellary membrane powder (PGCMP) and 88.61 % removal was achieved on its modified forms (MPGCMP) at pH of 5.79, initial Cd(II) ions concentration 65.70,contact time 178.96, and at 59.91 °C temperature. The model was validated by analyzing variance (ANOVA). The practical data was well fitted to the quadratic model. PGCMP and MPGCMP were found to be naturally occurring, environmentally friendly adsorbents for the mitigation of Cd (II) ions as well as other toxic heavy metals from drinkable or wastewater.
Structure‐Guided Identification of Novel Aromatase Inhibitors Targeting Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Yadav Priyanka , Tripathi Manish Kumar , Yadav Manoj Kumar
Published: July 2024

Aromatase inhibitors play a critical therapeutic role in treating ER+ breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. However, their efficacy is often limited by resistance and severe side effects. Identifying new compounds that can disrupt aromatase enzyme function is essential. In this study, structural anomalies in the aromatase enzyme were corrected through energy minimization, and the structure was validated via Ramachandran plot. We screened 170,269 natural compounds from the ASINEX Biodesign library using high‐throughput screening algorithms to target the aromatase enzyme. Molecular docking identified three compounds: BDD30170158, BDE33872639, and BDE30177677, all showing stable binding interactions with the aromatase enzyme. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns confirmed the conformational stability of these compounds. Although all three compounds exhibited the desired pharmacokinetic and drug metabolism properties, only one compound (BDE33872639) was identified as a non‐blocker, demonstrating a reduced risk of adverse cardiac effects. This compound exhibits significant potential as a novel aromatase inhibitor, warranting further experimental research to develop it as a therapeutic option for ER+ breast cancer.
Trends, Recent Advances, and Application of Pulsed Electric Field in Food Processing: A Review
Authors: Alkanan Zina T. , Altemimi Ammar B. , Younis Mohamed Ibrahim , Ali Marwa Rashad , Cacciola Francesco , Abedelmaksoud Tarek Gamal
Published: July 2024

Generally, thermal inputs dominate the food processing industry for food preservation. Pulsed electric field (PEF) is one of the most promising nonthermal microorganism‐killing techniques. The most important factors in PEF processing are electric field strength and treatment duration. At the laboratory level, encouraging results are reported; however, industrialization raises the cost of the command charging power supply and the high‐speed electrical switch. In this review, the results of previous experimental studies on PEFs and proposed future research directions in this field are discussed. There is currently no successful PEF processing system for industrial applications. Those who wish to promote the industrial application of the PEF processing system face a significant barrier in the form of the system's high initial cost of installation. Innovative developments in high‐voltage pulse technology will reduce the cost of pulse generation and make PEF processing competitive with thermal processing methods.
Rupture of sinus of Valsalva in a young laborer: A rare case report
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Fawad , Munim Abdul , Mughal Sanila , Kan Changez Mah I , Khan Munaum Ali , Yousaf Anum , Zakir Shahzed
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva (RSOV) upon physical exertion is rare but should be considered in differential in young adults. Symptoms of acute heart failure, hemodynamic instability, and continuous heart murmur raises suspicion for RSOV and requires emergent surgical repair of right ventricular outflow tract.
An intriguing case of abdominal pain—Belly dancer's syndrome
Authors: Das Dhriti Sundar
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Belly dancer dyskinesia, a rare disease, may often be overlooked as a regular nonspecific abdominal pain, and therefore, high index of clinical suspicion is required to avert misdiagnosis.
Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural using Ce doped TiO2: A Crucial Role of Defective Sites
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Ali Hadi , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel
Published: July 2024

Transforming platform compounds with conventional catalysts, such as homogeneous and heterogeneous, into valuable chemicals encounters challenges associated with entailing high temperature/pressure and reusability during the reaction. To address these challenges, photocatalysis is one of the promising approaches, especially with visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts for selective transformation. A series of cerium‐doped TiO2 (CexTiO2; x=0.5, 1, 3 and 5 wt %) are prepared via a simple coprecipitation method for the cocatalyst‐free selective oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) under visible light illumination. Introducing Ce into the network to TiO2 generates impurity energy levels, reduces the band gap, and extends the spectral response range. This also causes slight distortion to the surface structure, thereby originating defective sites and various surface oxygen species, confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance studies. The HMF adsorption studies infer that HMF forms a surface complex with CeTiO2, facilitating the formation of ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer complex (LMCT) under visible light (~420 nm), which efficiently catalyzes the conversion of HMF (54.4 %) to DFF with a selectivity of >99 %. In‐situ DRIFTS and surface passivation studies provide insight into the interaction between HMF and surface acidic/basic sites along with hydroxyl groups of CeTiO2, which subsequently convert selectively to DFF.
Regulating the Interaction Between PdCu Bimetals and MgAl1.82Ce0.18O4 Spinel for Three‐Way Catalysis
Authors: Yuan Liang , Busari Fatimah Kehinde , Li Yue , Li Zhangjie , Xu Wen , Li Gao , Chen Yongdong
Published: July 2024

Three‐way catalysis represents a pivotal technology for converting automobile exhaust pollutants into non‐toxic gases. Substituting some noble metals with transition metals is considered a promising way to reduce catalyst costs. Herein, we have investigated the catalytic potential of different configurations of Pd−Cu catalysts prepared by impregnation (PdCu/MA), sol‐gel (PdCu‐MA), impregnation with physical mixing (Pd/Cu/MA) and sol‐gel with physical mixing (Pd/Cu‐MA) to modify the interaction of Pd/Cu and MgAl1.82Ce0.18O4 (MA) spinel in this comparative study. The different structures in these catalysts lead to different catalytic performances. PdCu/MA exhibits the best three‐way catalytic performance, which owe to the small‐sized PdCu particles with high Pd2+ content (45.3 %) and optimal interaction of Pd/Cu particles and MgAl1.82Ce0.18O4 support. Furthermore, comprehensive CO‐DRIFTS, H2‐TPR, and O2‐TPD analyses discover that the metal‐support interaction is beneficial to enhance the catalytic performance in three‐way catalysis. Overall, we demonstrated that the interaction between PdCu bimetals and support can regulate the electronic state of Pd, thereby enhancing the use and efficiency of noble metals.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Pyridylation of Alkynamides with Pyridylboronic Acids: A Route to Functionalized Enamides
Authors: Zhu Huilong , Sun Dingcheng , Zhang Shengxiang , Chen Junning , Xu Zhou
Published: July 2024

The catalytic direct hydroarylation of alkynamides is a highly efficient approach for accessing functionalized trisubstituted arylalkenes with amide groups. Herein, we report a rhodium‐catalyzed pyridylation of alkynamides with pyridylboronic acids, producing a variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary enamides with high yields (up to 94 %). This reaction demonstrates broad tolerance towards various alkyl and aryl functional groups, providing convenient access to a diverse array of alkenylpyridine derivatives. To demonstrate potential applications in late‐stage hydropyridylation, we synthesized α,β‐unsaturated ketones, aldehydes, and esters with high yields from the pyridylation product of Weinreb amides. This indirect expansion of the substrate scope enhances the practicality of this strategy. Additionally, the α,β‐unsaturated ketone obtained can be further reduced to yield a chiral alcohol with a 99 % ee, further demonstrating the versatility and potential utility of this approach.
Hydrazone‐Linked Donor‐Acceptor Covalent Organic Polymer as a Heterogeneous Photocatalyst for C−S Bond Formation
Authors: Mohit  , Kumar Sunil , Justin Thomas K. R.
Published: July 2024

In the realm of solar energy utilization, there is a growing focus on designing and implementing effective photocatalytic systems, for the conversion of solar energy into valuable chemical fuels. The potential of Covalent Organic Polymers (COPs) as photocatalysts for visible‐light‐driven organic transformation has been widely investigated, positioning them as promising candidates in this field. In the design of COPs, introducing a donor‐acceptor arrangement facilitates the transfer of electrons from the donor to the acceptor, creating a charge transfer complex and leading to enhanced conductivity and improved charge separation. Here we present a novel hydrazone‐linked covalent organic polymer ETBC‐PyHz containing TPE donor and pyridine acceptor. Utilizing this, an efficient method has been developed for an oxidative cross‐coupling reaction involving C−S bond formation. This process involves arylhydrazines and arenethiols, and results in the production of unsymmetrical diaryl sulfides via the formation of aryl and thioarene radicals. This conversion holds significant importance because the byproducts produced during the process are nitrogen and water, making it environmentally benign.
Optical Activity of Nonactin and Its Cation Complexes
Authors: Gustafson Afton , Kahr Bart
Published: July 2024

Nonactin is a non‐enantiomorphous (S4 symmetric), optically active natural product with a specific rotation of zero in solutions at all frequencies and temperatures. All optically active, non‐enantiomorphous natural products have specific rotations of zero as a consequence of the spatial average of bisignate chiroptical (magnetoelectric or gyration) tensors with equal and opposite eigenvalues. Zeros that arise in the spatial average are distinct in principle, though not necessarily in practice, from zeros that arise in optical inactivity—chiroptical tensors with zero values for all elements as in centric molecules. Nonactin would be measurably optically active when oriented. The anisotropy of the optical activity of nonactin and its cation complexes, likewise S4 symmetric, are studied here by computation to emphasize the infelicitous linkage between optical activity and chirality. Computations show that changes in the conformation of the nonactin macrocycle upon complexation principally are responsible for diminishing the computed optical activity; the metals are incidental.
The Development of One New Normal Phase Liquid Chromatography Method and Thermodynamic Investigation of Olodaterol Hydrochloride Enantiomer
Authors: Rao Wanbing , Zhang Chenxia , Luan Baolei , Wang Zhongqing , Qiu Meiyan , Cai Shaoyu
Published: July 2024

In order to improve and replace the enantiomer method outlined in the olodaterol hydrochloride draft monograph (From the European Pharmacopoeia forum), one new, simple, and fast enantioselective normal phase high‐performance liquid chromatography chiral method was developed on polysaccharide‐based Chiral MX (2) (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) column. n‐Hexane, ethanol, and diethylamine in the ratio of 40:60:0.1 (V/V/V) were selected as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, and the detection was performed on a photodiode array detector at 225 nm with 5 μL injection volume. The column temperature was set at 40°C for better peak shape and sensitivity. The analysis time can be shortened to 15 min, whereas the resolution between enantiomer and olodaterol was found to be even more than 10.0, which was far better than that obtained with the reported method in this draft monograph. The developed chiral method was validated in accordance with ICH Q2 (R1), including specificity, LOD&LOQ, precision, linearity, accuracy, and robustness. Thereby, the proposed method was demonstrated to be suitable for the determination of enantiomer in olodaterol hydrochloride bulk drug and drug product. Besides, the thermodynamic parameters were evaluated on the basis of Van't Hoff plots that was used to explain correlative chiral recognition mechanisms with the chiral stationary phase.
Production of Sustainable Methanol from Industrial Exhaust Gases
Authors: Tenhumberg Nils , Kolbe Nina
Published: July 2024

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is part of the European Union (EU)’s strategy to become climate‐neutral by 2050. CO2 is needed as a feedstock for the production of climate‐friendly base chemicals and sustainable fuels. Although CO2 capture from industrial point sources is technically feasible and requires less energy than direct air capture, its integration into the circular economy is challenging due to only the temporary recognition of fossil CO2 as a source for the production of climate‐friendly renewable fuels. In this article, CO2 sources such as waste incineration plants, lime production, and steel production are analyzed based on process simulation in terms of their energy demand for CCU and compliance with current EU legislation on renewable fuels over the service life of a CCU plant.
Substituent Modulated Electronic Properties of Cu(I) Active Site in Metal–Organic Halides for Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction†
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Pingping , Fu Yuzhe , Shen Yi , Wang Bin , Hu Feng , Zuo Mengkai , Huang Wei , Wu Dayu
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Development of heterogeneous molecular photocatalysts for promising light‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly demanding but still challenging. Here, we report the blue‐greenish emitting dinuclear metal–organic halides as photocatalyst by incorporating site‐specific single copper(I) atoms that exhibit an efficient carbon‐negative H2 production. Interestingly, the electronic properties, including the spin and charge density of central Cu(I) active site, can be triggered by substituent modulation in metal–organic halides, which greatly affect the exciton dissociation kinetics and thus the HER reactivity. The optimized spin density in these heterogeneous photocatalysts drastically boosts the hydrogen production rate from 1250 to 3130 μmol·g–1·h–1. Our molecular strategy provides a platform that rationally facilitates electronic modulation of copper(I) atoms, tunes the macroscopic optoelectronic properties of photocatalysts and boosts carbon‐negative HER activity, extending the boundaries of conventional molecular‐based photocatalysts.
PROTOCOL: Mindfulness‐based interventions for improving tic‐related symptoms in children and adults with chronic tic disorder and Tourette's disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Singer Ilana , Gagnon Méliza , B. Leclerc Julie
Published: July 2024

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (prototype). The objectives are as follows: This systematic review aims to summarize the available scientific literature on the effect of mindfulness‐based approaches in children and adults with Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD) or Tourette Disorder (TD). More specifically, the research question is: What is the effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions in reducing tic severity and improving overall functioning, quality of life, and co‐occurring symptoms in children and adults with CTD or TD?
Copper‐Cobalt Bimetallic Nanoparticles for the Acceptorless Dehydrogenation of Alcohols: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Huang Ning , Hammed Chaima , Wang Guillaume , Nowak Sophie , Decorse Philippe , Schaming Delphine , Gannouni Anis , Najjar Wahiba , Michel Carine , Sicard Lorette , Piquemal Jean‐Yves
Published: July 2024

Bimetallic Cu and Co nanoparticles were prepared using the polyol process. The nature of the polyol was found to be decisive to control the distribution of the two metals within the particles, resulting in either core‐shell or quasi‐alloyed structures, as shown by chemical analysis at the single particle level. The particles can be prepared over the entire composition range with a very good control of the Cu/Co molar ratio. The introduction of Cu in the synthetic system allows decreasing significantly the mean size of the resulting particles. The two sets of particles were used as unsupported catalysts for the solvent‐free acceptorless dehydrogenation of octan‐2‐ol. Very good ketone yields were measured when using the quasi‐alloyed particles while lower activities were obtained with core‐shell structures. The Cu25Co75 quasi‐alloyed catalyst could be recycled at least ten times without a significant loss in catalytic activity and particle‐scale chemical analyses confirmed that the recovered particles are still alloyed with no observed demixing. The catalytic results are discussed in the light of different exposed metal surface areas and possible synergetic effects using theoretical predictions.
Spatio‐Temporal Symmetries of Electronic Chirality Flips in Oriented RbCs Induced by two Coincident Laser Pulses with Circular ++, +−, −+, −− Polarizations
Authors: Liu Guoxiao , Manz Jörn , Wang Huihui , Yang Yonggang
Published: July 2024

Recently it has been shown that two coincident well designed laser pulses with two different combinations of circular polarizations (
or
) can create chiral electronic densities in an oriented heteronuclear diatomic molecule. Subsequently, the chirality flips from the electronic Ra to Sa to Ra to Sa etc. enantiomers, with periods in the femtosecond (fs) and attosecond (as) time domains. The results were obtained by means of quantum dynamics simulations for oriented NaK. Here we investigate the electronic chirality flips in oriented RbCs induced by all possible (
,
,
,
) combinations of circular polarizations of two coincident well‐designed laser pulses. Accordingly, the
and
as well as the
and
combinations generate opposite electronic enantiomers, e. g. Ra versus Sa, followed by opposite periodic chirality flips, e. g. from Ra to Sa to Ra to Sa etc. versus from Sa to Ra to Sa to Ra etc, with periods in the fs and as time domains, respectively. The laser induced spatio‐temporal symmetries are derived from first principles and illustrated by quantum dynamics simulations.
Disentangling Anti‐Tumor Response of Immunotherapy Combinations: A Physiologically Based Framework for V937 Oncolytic Virus and Pembrolizumab
Authors: Sancho‐Araiz Aymara , Parra‐Guillen Zinnia P. , Troconiz Iñaki F. , Freshwater Tomoko
Published: July 2024

Immuno‐oncology (IO) is a growing strategy in cancer treatment. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) can selectively infect cancer cells and lead to direct and/or immune‐dependent tumor lysis. This approach represents an opportunity to potentiate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as pembrolizumab. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive quantitative models for the aforementioned scenarios. In this work, we developed a mechanistic framework describing viral kinetics, viral dynamics, and tumor response after intratumoral (i.t.) or intravenous (i.v.) administration of V937 alone or in combination with pembrolizumab. The model accounts for tumor shrinkage, in both injected and non‐injected lesions, induced by: viral‐infected tumor cell death and activated CD8 cells. OV‐infected tumor cells enhanced the expansion of CD8 cells, whereas pembrolizumab inhibits their exhaustion by competing with PD‐L1 in their binding to PD‐1. Circulating viral levels and treatment effects on tumor volume were adequately characterized in all the different scenarios. This mechanistic‐based model has been developed by combining top‐down and bottom‐up approaches and provides individual estimates of viral and ICI responses. The robustness of the model is reflected by the description of the tumor size time profiles in a variety of clinical scenarios. Additionally, this platform allows us to investigate not only the contribution of processes related to the viral kinetics and dynamics on tumor response, but also the influence of its interaction with an ICI. Additionally, the model can be used to explore different scenarios aiming to optimize treatment combinations and support clinical development.
Performance analysis of rate‐splitting multiple access in intelligent reflecting surface‐assisted uplink hybrid satellite‐terrestrial networks
Authors: Can Mehmet , Altunbas Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate the performance of a rate‐splitting multiple access (RSMA)‐based intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)‐assisted uplink hybrid satellite‐terrestrial network. We consider three different scenarios based on the channel phase knowledge at the IRS, namely, the ideal, partial, and blind cases. In the ideal case, the IRS has full knowledge of both the user‐to‐IRS and IRS‐to‐satellite channel phase information. In the partial case, the IRS has only the user‐to‐IRS channel phase information. Last, in the blind case, the IRS has no any knowledge of the phase information. We assume that the user‐to‐IRS channel follows Rician fading, and the IRS‐to‐satellite channel follows the shadowed Rician fading. The closed‐form tight outage probability expressions for all three scenarios are derived. The accuracy of the derivations is confirmed by simulation results. In addition, it is shown that the performance of the RSMA‐based system is superior to those of the conventional non‐orthogonal and orthogonal multiple access‐based systems with a small number of reflecting elements at high target rates.
Current status of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Ohno Eizaburo , Kuzuya Teiji , Kawabe Naoto , Nakaoka Kazunori , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Nakano Takuji , Funasaka Kohei , Miyahara Ryoji , Hashimoto Senju , Hirooka Yoshiki
Published: July 2024

The new Kyoto guidelines for the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) provide evidence‐based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of IPMN. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a diagnostic modality with a high spatial resolution that allows detailed observation and obtaining cyst fluid or tissue samples via EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). Currently, EUS is an indispensable examination method for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. On the other hand, there have been concerns that EUS imaging tends to be highly operator‐dependent, and may lack objectivity. Previous guidelines have assigned EUS as an option for patients with worrisome features. However, recent reports indicate that the sensitivity of EUS for the diagnosis of mural nodules (MNs) is more than 90%, comparable or superior to that of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The specific advantages of EUS in the diagnosis of IPMN are: (1) high spatial resolution imaging for the diagnosis of MNs, (2) contrast‐enhanced EUS for differentiation of intra‐cystic MNs from mucous clots, and (3) pathological diagnosis using EUS‐FNA and differential diagnosis of a pancreatic cystic tumor by cystic fluid analysis. In order to utilize EUS in the diagnosis of IPMN, endoscopists are required to have the skills to provide sufficiently objective imaging findings.
Efficient Dlx2‐mediated astrocyte‐to‐neuron conversion and inhibition of neuroinflammation by NeuroD1
Authors: Liu Min‐Hui , Xu Yu‐Ge , Bai Xiao‐Ni , Lin Jian‐Hua , Xiang Zong‐Qin , Wang Tao , Xu Liang , Chen Gong
Published: July 2024

In vivo astrocyte‐to‐neuron (AtN) conversion induced by overexpression of neural transcriptional factors has great potential for neural regeneration and repair. Here, we demonstrate that a single neural transcriptional factor, Dlx2, converts mouse striatal astrocytes into neurons in a dose‐dependent manner. Lineage‐tracing studies in Aldh1l1‐CreERT2 mice confirm that Dlx2 can convert striatal astrocytes into DARPP32+ and Ctip2+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Time‐course studies reveal a gradual conversion from astrocytes to neurons in 1 month, with a distinct intermediate state in between astrocytes and neurons. Interestingly, when Dlx2‐infected astrocytes start to lose astrocytic markers, the other local astrocytes proliferate to maintain astrocytic levels in the converted areas. Unexpectedly, although Dlx2 efficiently reprograms astrocytes into neurons in the gray matter striatum, it also induces partial reprogramming of astrocytes in the white matter corpus callosum. Such partial reprogramming of white matter astrocytes is associated with neuroinflammation, which can be suppressed by the addition of NeuroD1. Our results highlight the importance of investigating AtN conversion in both the gray matter and white matter to thoroughly evaluate therapeutic potentials. This study also unveils the critical role of anti‐inflammation by NeuroD1 during AtN conversion.
Ecological implications of the pink salmon invasion in northern Norway—Aggregative responses and terrestrial transfer by white‐tailed eagles
Authors: Bonde Bror Mathias , Stien Audun
Published: July 2024

Over the last 10 years, the spawning population of invasive pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) has increased in the river systems in northern Norway to a level that is causing concern about their impact on endemic fauna and ecosystem processes. The scale of transfer of pink salmon carcasses into the terrestrial ecosystem is likely to be a key determinant of terrestrial impact. Bears (Ursus sp.) are responsible for most such transfers in North America but are rare in Norway. The white‐tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is common however, and a candidate to be a main cause of such transfers. To evaluate this hypothesis, data on the abundance of white‐tailed eagles and pink salmon were collected along the river Skallelv in northern Norway in 2021, a year the pink salmon spawned in the river, and in 2022, a year no pink salmon spawned in the river. The abundance of white‐tailed eagles along the river was much higher the year pink salmon spawned in the river. Furthermore, white‐tailed eagles were observed aggregating and catching pink salmon where and when pink salmon were present at the spawning and post‐spawning stages. Based on our observations, we suggest that the white‐tailed eagle is the main species involved in the transport of pink salmon from the river into the riparian zone in northern Norway and that other scavengers, in particular the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and common raven (Corvus corax), play an important role in transporting pink salmon carcasses from the riparian zone to the wider terrestrial ecosystem.
Acute kidney injury and cardiogenic shock severity for mortality risk stratification in patients supported with VA ECMO
Authors: Li Chenglong , Wang Yiwen , Wang Xiaomeng , Shao Chengcheng , Xin Meng , Xu Bo , Hao Xing , Jia Ming , Yang Feng , Wang Liangshan , Wang Hong , Hou Xiaotong , Du Zhongtao
Published: July 2024

Aims

To assess the stage of acute kidney injury (AKI), as an index of organ perfusion, combined with shock severity, measured by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) shock stage classification, to stratify the risk of mortality in patients diagnosed with cardiogenic shock (CS) and supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO).

Methods ans results

From January 2018 to December 2020, consecutive adult patients diagnosed with CS and received VA ECMO were retrospectively evaluated. The highest AKI stage within 48 h after ECMO initiation was assessed using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. We included 216 patients with a mean age of 58.8 years and 31.0% were females. 88.4% of patients received ECMO for postcardiotomy, while 11.6% for medical CS. The total in‐hospital mortality was 53.2%. AKI occurred in 182 (84.3%) patients receiving ECMO for CS. AKI stage 0, 1, 2, and 3 were present in 15.7%, 17.6%, 18.1%, and 48.6% of patients with in‐hospital mortality of 26.5%, 26.3%, 61.5%, and 68.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). The AKI stage (P < 0.001), SCAI shock stage before ECMO (P = 0.008), and NYHA ≥ Class III on admission (P = 0.044) were independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.754 (95% confidence interval: 0.690 to 0.811) for AKI stage combined with SCAI shock stage was better than those for AKI stage (0.676), SCAI shock stage (0.657), serum lactate level (0.682), SOFA score (0.644), SVAE score (0.582), and VIS score (0.530) prior to ECMO.

Conclusions

In this single‐center CS population who received VA ECMO for circulatory support, predominantly postcardiotomy cases, AKI occurred in 84.3% of the patients. AKI stage, as an index of organ perfusion combined with shock severity measured by the SCAI shock classification, demonstrates a good correlation with in‐hospital mortality.
A simple electrochemical approach for the rapid determination of cannabinoid designer drug ADB‐BUTINACA
Authors: Novak Jovanović Ivana
Published: July 2024

This work reports, for the first time, a simple, rapid and sensitive square‐wave voltammetric method for the determination of ADB‐BUTINACA, which is currently one the most prevalent synthetic cannabinoids on the drug market in the European Union. The method is based on the direct electrochemical oxidation of ADB‐BUTINACA at a modification‐free boron‐doped diamond electrode in aqueous electrolyte solution. Studies indicated that the oxidation of ADB‐BUTINACA is pH‐independent, irreversible and controlled by diffusion. The best SWV response for ADB‐BUTINACA was obtained in 0.1 mol dm−3 KNO3 buffered to pH 3, at a frequency of 100 Hz, a step potential of 2 mV and an amplitude of 50 mV. Under these conditions, the linear response for ADB‐BUTINACA was obtained in the concentration range of 1.1–104 μmol dm−3, and calculated LOD and LOQ were 0.83 and 2.50 μmol dm−3, respectively. The peak current based intra‐ and inter‐day precision values were 2.9 and 4.8 %, respectively. The spike‐recovery results in e‐liquid samples ranged between 92 and 104 %, confirming the applicability and good performance of the proposed method.
Listen and Learn: Six higher ed marketing podcasts to queue up
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: July 2024

Podcasts for professional development certainly aren’t new, but there's been an incredible surge of new options within the higher education space, from policy and PR to student support and faculty development.
A novel hybrid efficiency prediction model for pumping well system based on MDS–SSA–GNN
Authors: Ma Biao , Dong Shimin
Published: July 2024

The prediction of the efficiency of oil well pumping systems plays an important role in optimizing the energy efficiency parameters of these systems. Currently, the prediction of oil well pumping system efficiency relies primarily on mechanistic models, but these models are often overly complex in predicting efficiency. Some researchers have attempted to use deep learning to predict system efficiency, but due to insufficient consideration of influencing factors and the causal relationships between these factors and system efficiency, they often include irrelevant variables as influencing factors, leading to less accurate prediction models. In this paper, a hybrid model (MDS–SSA–GNN) is proposed for the prediction of pumping well system efficiency. The model consists of six parts: Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC), multidimensional scaling (MDS) transform, maximum–minimum normalization, sparrow optimization algorithm (SSA), graph neural network (GNN), and maximum–minimum inverse normalization. First, the size of the correlation coefficient between each influencing factor and the system efficiency is quantitatively calculated by using PPMCC. Second, the main influencing factors are downscaled by using MDS and normalized based on the principle of maximum–minimum normalization. Third, the GNN algorithm is used for the prediction of the pumping unit system efficiency, and the SSA algorithm is used for the optimization of the initial values of the network parameters. Finally, the prediction results are obtained by the maximum–minimum antinormalization. To validate the model's accuracy, this study randomly selected 100 actual oil wells for comparative analysis and analyzed the impact of structural parameters of the hybrid algorithm on the prediction accuracy of system efficiency. The analysis results demonstrate that the proposed model can effectively predict system efficiency and has a certain role in improving the accuracy of oil well pumping system efficiency predictions.
Analysis on cause of erosion of guide vane of high‐head Francis turbine in sandy river
Authors: Wang Haiqi , Pang Jiayang , Liu Xiaobing , Zhou Ziyao , Gang Yuanyuan , Lai Zhenming , Wang Jianming , Qin Bo
Published: July 2024

The Kizilsu River Basin in China is located in the desert Gobi area with high sediment content and high hardness. After 4798h operation, the maintenance of a high‐head Francis turbine in this basin found that the guide vane was seriously worn, and even most of the top and lower skirts of the front of the guide vane were worn off. In this study, the k‐ε turbulence model, ZGB cavitation model and sediment erosion prediction model were used to simulate the solid‐liquid two‐phase flow and cavitation of guide vane. The research results show that the guide vane of a high‐head Francis turbine in a sandy river has a high sediment velocity and serious surface erosion, with the maximum erosion rate of 1.0 × 10−6 kg/(m2·s), while the area near the skirt of the guide vane is a low‐pressure area lower than the saturated steam pressure, and cavitation is very easy to occur, with the maximum vapor volume fraction of 0.9. Serious cavitation erosion occurs near the skirt of the guide vane, and the combined effect of sand erosion and cavitation erosion on the surface of the skirt of the guide vane aggravates the damage of the skirt structure. The research results provide a technical basis for the antiabrasion design of the guide mechanism of the high‐head Francis turbine and the operation and maintenance of the hydropower station in the sandy river.
A validity and reliability evaluation of fear of progression questionnaire in Iranian breast cancer patients: A methodological study
Authors: Sharif‐Nia Hamid , Sobhanian Pooria , Froelicher Erika Sivarajan , Farhadi Bahar , Hejazi Sima , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Mohamadinezhad Mobin , Zaboli Ehsan , Hosseinian Mohammad Mohsen , Hasannezhad Reskati Maryam , Hosseini Seyed Hamzeh
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Recognizing the ability to adapt coping mechanisms in response to the unique issues present in various Iranian societies underscores the importance of considering culture and religion when interacting with diverse groups of individuals. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the fear of progression questionnaire‐short form (FoP‐Q‐SF) in Iranian breast cancer patients.

Methods

In this methodological cross‐sectional research design, 400 Iranian breast cancer patients completed the FoP‐Q‐SF in 2023. We assessed the characteristics, content, and both exploratory and confirmatory construct validity of the measures. To evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the FoP‐Q‐SF, we calculated Cronbach's α, McDonald's omega, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient.

Results

The average age of the patients was 49.18 (standard deviation = 16.14) years. The results of exploratory factor analysis revealed that a single‐factor structure, specifically the self‐efficacy scale, accounted for 65.045% of the total variance. The findings from the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a satisfactory model fit. The reliability analysis indicated that the internal consistency and stability of the measures were acceptable.

Conclusion

The short Persian version of the FoP‐Q‐SF exhibits satisfactory validity and reliability. Thus, we recommend using this questionnaire to assess the fear of disease progression among breast cancer patients in Iran.
Beyond the false belief task: How children develop their knowledge about the mind
Authors: Białecka Marta , Gut Arkadiusz , Stępień‐Nycz Małgorzata , Macheta Krystian , Janczura Jakub
Published: July 2024

Previous research on children's knowledge about the mind has primarily focused on their comprehension of false beliefs, leaving the conceptualization of thoughts and thinking less explored. To address this gap, we developed a new assessment tool, the interview about the mind (IaM), to assess children's understanding of the mind. Two studies involving Polish preschool and early school‐aged children were conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the tool: a cross‐sectional study with 212 preschoolers aged three to 6 years (106 boys, M = 59 months) followed by a longitudinal study with approximately 200 children (110 boys) assessed at ages 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 years. We found that the IaM possesses robust psychometric properties and a one‐factor structure. Younger children recognize that thoughts are imperceptible to the senses and identified the mind's location as the head. Older children exhibited difficulties with analogical or abstract definitions of thoughts. As expected, a linear developmental trajectory was evident from ages 5.5–7.5, with children's language abilities showing a positive correlation with IaM scores. Future research should explore the relationship between knowledge about the mind and theory of mind (ToM), as well as cross‐cultural differences in children's mind conceptualization.
Evaluating an Excel‐based tool for interpreting functional analyses: A functional analysis decision support system
Authors: Preston Amanda , Szikszai Paul , Saini Valdeep , Brightman Ryan
Published: July 2024

When applied to functional analysis results, structured visual inspection criteria have resulted in improvements in the levels of agreement between raters as well as earlier identification of the function of challenging behavior. However, multistep criteria can be difficult to apply in real time, which could be a barrier to widespread adoption in practice. This study evaluated a Microsoft‐Excel‐based functional analysis decision support system (FADSS), which could aid behavior analysts with interpreting functional analysis results. Final overall agreement between the FADSS and post hoc visual inspection was high at 95%. Final overall agreement between the post hoc results generated by FADSS and ongoing results generated by FADSS was acceptable at 81%, representing a 50% increase in efficiency. These results indicate that FADSS could aid behavior analysts when interpreting functional analysis results in real time.