bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis on Microcrystalline Cellulose and HVS A4 Paper in Pressurized CO2 Media
Authors: Pramudita Ian Eka , Noviana Marcella Lauditta , Muljana Henky
Published: January 2017

The aim of this work is to investigate the potential used of pressurized CO2 in the pre-treatment and the enzymatic hydrolysis of waste HVS A4 paperto produce a monomeric sugars (C5 and C6 sugars) which is a precursor for bioethanol production. Prior to the utilization of waste HVS A4 paper, the microcrystalline cellulose and HVS A4 paper were first used in the experiments as model compound in order to gain better insights of the process. The experiment consists of two main parts which are the preliminary experimentsto determine the best pretreatment conditionsbetween two selected pressure values (80 and 100 bar) at a fixed temperature (T = 75 oC) and the enzymatic hydrolysis experiments. In the latter, the microcrystalline and HVS A4 paper were hydrolyzed at different pressures (100 bar, 125 bar, and 150 bar) and at different cellulase intakes (1% (v/v), 3% (v/v), and 5% (v/v)) with a fixed temperature (50°C). The hydrolyzed products were analyzed with a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to quantify the monomeric sugars and to determine the presence of the side products (furfural, HMF and levulinic acid). Within the experimental range, a maximum glucose concentration of 7602.35 ppm and 4560.79 ppm are obtained for microcrystalline and HVS A4 paper, respectively. In addition, there are no furfural, HMF and levulinic acid detected in the products This study shows a potential used of pressurized CO2 in the pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of the model compound and gives a better insight for further application.
ADR en ODR voor consumentenzaken in beweging
Authors: Verhage Eline
Published: January 2017

ADR and ODR for consumer affaires in motion

Medio 2013 the European legislator adopted Directive 2013/11/EU (ADR Directive) and Regulation 524/2013 (ODR Regulation), both in the field of European consumer redress. The Directive and Regulation aim to promote the simple, fast and digital (out of court) resolution of consumer disputes. The Directive must be implemented no later than July 2015. This article describes some hurdles the Dutch legislator must overcome to successfully implement the Directive into the self-regulatory Dutch Consumer ADR system.
Street-level bureaucracy en actoren in de veiligheidszorg
Authors: Kolthoff Emile , Loyens Kim , Verhage Antoinette
Published: January 2017

Street-level bureaucracy and the actors in the public safety domain

The editorial introduction to this special issue on street-level bureaucracy (36 years after the publication of Michael Lipsky’s book) draws attention to the important role of frontline workers in the implementation of policy in practice. The two narratives as distinguished by Maynard-Moody and Musheno (2000) – that of government as an institution and that of the frontline workers themselves – are discussed in the light of the use of discretionary power by the frontline workers. The various dilemmas that the frontline worker encounters while doing so are briefly introduced and the role of the emergence of New Public Management and the resulting public-private partnerships since the eighties discussed.
Street-level bureaucracy en verwijzingen naar gedragsinterventies in Nederlandse penitentiaire inrichtingen
Authors: Bosma Anouk , Kunst Maarten , Dirkzwager Anja , Nieuwbeerta Paul
Published: January 2017

Street-level bureaucracy and prison-based treatment allocation in the Netherlands

Studies indicated that detainees are not always allocated to treatment programs based on official guidelines. Street-level bureaucracy theory suggests that this is because government employees do not always perform policies as prescribed. This study aimed to assess whether this also applies to the allocation of offenders to treatment in Dutch penitentiary institutions. This was studied among a group of 541 male prisoners who participated in the Recidivism Reduction program. The results showed that official policy guidelines were, in most cases, not leading when referring detainees to behavioral interventions. Instead, treatment referrals were influenced by a broad range of risk factors, as well as the length of an offender’s sentence.
Street-level bureaucrats in de justitiële jeugdinrichting?
Authors: Geenen Marie-José , Kolthoff Emile , van Halderen Robin Christiaan , de Jong Jeanet
Published: January 2017

Street-level bureaucrats in a juvenile correctional facility

Although group workers in juvenile correctional facilities (JCFs) are restricted in their actions by many rules and regulations, they still have the opportunity for tailor-made actions. Based on Lipsky’s (2010) theory of ‘street-level bureaucracy’ this article explains what this discretion means for group workers in JCFs and how they deal with it. Based on 24 interviews with group workers, this article outlines how they exercise discretion in a context where group dynamics and dealing with emotions affect their actions to an important degree. In addition, this article describes how group workers deal with dilemmas they encounter.
Criminaliteit relateren aan verblijfspopulaties
Authors: Bernasco Wim , van den Berg Chantal
Published: January 2017

Relating crime to ambient populations

Crime victimization risk is usually calculated by dividing the number of crimes by the size of the local population. This procedure does not account for the mobility of the residents. We develop and apply an alternative procedure that divides the number of crimes by the number of people actually present: the ambient population. The ambient population includes commuters, tourists and other visitors. The regular and the alternative crime rate measures of the four largest cities in the Netherlands are compared using data of the ‘AD Misdaadmeter’. We find that ambient populations are larger than residential populations, in particular in Amsterdam. The differences are small however, and the increased effort of calculating ambient populations does not compensate the increased precision in crime measures. For comparisons between annual crimes rates of cities or municipalities, it is sufficient to divide numbers of crimes by populations.
Targin - efficacy and safety of therapy following
conversion from earlier opioid in patients with cancer pain.
Observational study report
Authors: Góraj Elwira
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was evaluation of the efficacy, safety and compliance of the treatment with
combination of oxycodone / naloxone (Targin) after the rotation from weak or strong opioid in a multicenter, open,
prospective, observational study. Research group consisted of adult patients with chronic, severe cancer pain
with presents of symptoms of Opioid Induced Constipation (OIC) associated with the previous treatment were
enrolled into the rotation to oxycodone /naloxone (Targin). The study consisted of 4 visits in total, the observation
was scheduled for 3 months. The following data were collected: daily dose of oxycodone / naloxone, pain intensity
(NRS), adverse effects, number of omitted doses (compliance). After completion of all four visits an assessment of
the efficacy and safety of the Targin treatment was made. A reduction in pain intensity (NRS) from baseline of 5.2
(average pain intensity at V1) to 2.1 (average pain intensity for V4) was observed. In sub-groups selected according
to previous pain therapy, a reduction in pain intensity out of 5,0 (average pain intensity for V1 in patients treated
earlier with strong opioids) to 2.1 (V4) and 5.7 (average pain intensity for V1 in patients treated earlier with weak
opioids) to 2.1 (V4). The proportion of patients who did not require laxatives decreased from visit to visit. Patients
who received Targin monotherapy after the rotation showed a greater compliance than patients who, in addition
to Targin, also were prescribed with another opioid. In the group of patients who completed all four visits, efficacy
was assessed as very good or good in 91.7% cases, similarly in 95.8% cases tolerability was evaluated as very
good or good. Concluding, rotation to Targin from both, the weak and strong opioids, resulted in a very good and
good pain control with reduction in the frequency and severity of OIC. The final result could be multifactorial, but
we can confirm the good analgesic efficacy and favorable tolerability profile of Targin with significant reduction of
OIC symptoms.
The level of pain intensity vs sleep quality and functioning
of patients with cervical and lumbar disc disease
Authors: Tomaszek Lucyna , Cepuch Grażyna , Piórko Beata
Published: January 2017

Discopathy have wide variety of clinical symptoms. The main issue, destabilizing patients’ life is pain,
especially when sleep quality is influenced. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of pain severity
on sleep and everyday life quality in patients with cervical and lumbar discopathy. The study was performed on
52 cervical herniation and 59 lumbar herniation patients qualified to surgical intervention. In the study, Athens
Insomnia Scale, Oswestra Questionnaire, NRS were used. The majority of patients (70,3%) experienced constant
pain and it’s severity what is higher in group of patients with lumbar herniation (Me: 8 vs 7; p=0,036). In a 41%
of patients pain lasted for more than two years. Analgesics were applayed by patients (73%) most temporarily,
when the level of pain was 8 (relief of pain Me: 5). The pain intensity is correlated with insomnia (r=0,32; p=0,000)
and degree of disability (r=0,60; p=0,000). Patients with lumbar herniation have significantly higher degree of disability in comparison to patients with cervical herniation (49,9% vs 37,4%; p=0,000). In majority of patients
experienced pain was constant and its intensity was high. Moreover pain was responsible for lowering the quality
of sleep and everyday life regardless of the patient’s age. Patients with lumbar herniation experienced significantly
higher pain intensity and had higher degree of disability. The pain treatment was not effective enough however it’s
effectiveness can be modified by many factors, not by disease process itself.
Analgesic and sedative effects of perioperative gabapentin in
total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled
dose-finding study
Authors: Lunn Troels Haxholdt , Husted Henrik , Laursen Mogens Berg , Hansen Lars Tambour , Kehlet Henrik
Published: January 2017

Gabapentin has shown acute postoperative analgesic effects, but the optimal dose and procedure-specific
benefits vs harm have not been clarified. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding study, 300
opioid-naive patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were randomized (1:1:1) to either gabapentin 1300 mg/d
(group A), gabapentin 900 mg/d (group B), or placebo (group C) daily from 2 hours preoperatively to postoperative day
6 in addition to a standardized multimodal analgesic regime. The primary outcome was pain upon ambulation 24 hours
after surgery, and the secondary outcome was sedation 6 hours after surgery. Other outcomes were overall pain during
well-defined mobilizations and at rest and sedation during the first 48 hours and from days 2-6, morphine use, anxiety,
depression, sleep quality, and nausea, vomiting, dizziness, concentration difficulty, headache, visual disturbances, and
adverse reactions. Pain upon ambulation (visual analog scale, mean [95% confidence interval]) 24 hours after surgery in
group A vs B vs C was as follows: 41 [37-46] vs 41 [36-45] vs 42 [37-47], P50.93. Sedation (numeric rating scale, median
[range]) 6 hours after surgery was as follows: 3.2 [0-10] vs 2.6 [0-9] vs 2.3 [0-9], the mean difference A vs C being 0.9
[0.2-1.7], P 5 0.046. No between-group differences were observed in overall pain or morphine use the first 48 hours and
from days 2-6. Sleep quality was better during the first 2 nights in group A and B vs C. Dizziness was more pronounced
from days 2-6 in A vs C. More severe adverse reactions were observed in group A vs B and C. In conclusion, gabapentin
may have a limited if any role in acute postoperative pain management of opioid-naive patients undergoing total knee
arthroplasty and should not be recommended as a standard of care
Nomadic-colonial life strategies enable paradoxical survival and growth despite habitat destruction
Authors: Tan Zhi Xuan , Cheong Kang Hao
Published: January 2017

Organisms often exhibit behavioral or phenotypic diversity to improve population fitness in the face of environmental variability. When each behavior or phenotype is individually maladaptive, alternating between these losing strategies can counter-intuitively result in population persistence–an outcome similar to the Parrondo’s paradox. Instead of the capital or history dependence that characterize traditional Parrondo games, most ecological models which exhibit such paradoxical behavior depend on the presence of exogenous environmental variation. Here we present a population model that exhibits Parrondo’s paradox through capital and history-dependent dynamics. Two sub-populations comprise our model: nomads, who live independently without competition or cooperation, and colonists, who engage in competition, cooperation, and long-term habitat destruction. Nomads and colonists may alternate behaviors in response to changes in the colonial habitat. Even when nomadism and colonialism individually lead to extinction, switching between these strategies at the appropriate moments can paradoxically enable both population persistence and long-term growth.
Detectability of Hygroscopic Clips Used in Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Carmon Moshe , Olsha Oded , Gekhtman David , Nikitin Irena , Cohen Yamin , Messing Michael , Lioubashevsky Natali , Abu Dalo Ribhi , Hadar Tal , Golomb Eliahu
Published: January 2017

Sonographically detectable clips were introduced over the last decade. We retrospectively studied the rate and duration of sonographically detectable clip detectability in patients with breast cancer who had sonographically detectable clips inserted over a 2‐year period. Nine of 26 patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with all clips remaining detectable 140 to 187 days after insertion. Six of the 9 had intraoperative sonographic localization, with 1 reoperation (17%). Eleven additional patients with nonpalpable tumors and sonographically detectable clips had intraoperative sonographic localization with 1 reoperation (9%). In 1 patient, a sonographically detectable clip enabled intraoperative identification of a suspicious lymph node. There were no complications or clip migration. Sonographically detectable clips are helpful in breast cancer surgery with and without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, remaining detectable for many months and often averting preoperative localization and scheduling difficulties.
Integration of a Low‐Cost Introductory Ultrasound Curriculum Into Existing Procedural Skills Education for Preclinical Medical Students
Authors: Maloney Lauren , Zach Kristen , Page Christopher , Tewari Neera , Tito Matthew , Seidman Peggy
Published: January 2017

We evaluated integration of an introductory ultrasound curriculum into our existing mandatory procedural skills program for preclinical medical students. Phantoms consisting of olives, pimento olives, and grapes embedded in opaque gelatin were developed. Four classes encouraged progressive refinement of phantom‐scanning and object identification skills. Students improved their ability to identify hidden objects, although each object type achieved a statistically significant improvement in correct identification at different time points. The total phantom cost per student was $0.76. Our results suggest that short repeated experiences scanning simple, low‐cost ultrasound phantoms confer basic ultrasound skills.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Remnant Stomach: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shiihara Masahiro , Taniguchi Kiyoaki , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: January 2017

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) in the stomach is rare. Furthermore, it is even rarer in the remnant stomach. To our knowledge, few case reports related to ASC of the remnant stomach have been published to date. The progression of the cancer is extremely rapid, and the prognosis of this condition is generally poor. A 62-year-old Japanese man who underwent a distal gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis for a gastroduodenal ulcer 43 years ago was admitted for severe anemia. A gastrointestinal examination revealed a ulcerated tumor at the anastomosis of the gastric remnant. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed gastric wall thickening and no metastatic lesions. He was given a diagnosis of gastric remnant cancer, and he underwent remnant gastrectomy, splenectomy, and lymph nodes resection. Peritoneal cytologic diagnosis and lymph node metastasis were positive. The histopathologic diagnosis was adenosquamous carcinoma. Although the early postoperative course was uneventful, peritoneal dissemination was revealed 3 months later. Although ASC of the remnant stomach is rare, it is an aggressive cancer, and patients usually receive a poor prognosis. Following patients for a long-term basis after gastrectomy is important to detect cancers at an early stage.
Redefining Cancer Screening Coverage—Screening to Diagnosis
Authors: Taylor Crystal D. , Fendrick A. Mark , Dossett Lesly A.
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint discusses financial barriers for additional diagnostic steps after patients receive abnormal cancer screening test results.
Voter Support for Policies Associated With Child Health as National Campaign Priorities
Authors: Patrick Stephen W. , Loch Sarah F. , McNeer Elizabeth , Davis Matthew M.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Policies that are associated with child health are rarely included in platforms of candidates for national political office. Candidates may underrecognize voter support for such priorities or perceive that such policy issues are not sufficiently divisive to appeal to partisan voters. Key policy questions associated with child health may be considered by the next Congress, including the consistency of Medicaid coverage across states and restoring the recently lapsed refundable child tax credit.

Objective

To examine voter support for candidates regarding policies that are associated with child health.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationally representative survey of registered US voters 18 years or older was conducted from March to April 2024 and included a survey-based randomized experiment to evaluate the association of message framing with voter support.

Exposures

Messages conveying distinct rationales for Medicaid reform and refundable child tax credit.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Likely or definite support for candidates.

Results

In this sample (unweighted N = 2014; 1015 women [51.0%]), most respondents indicated they would likely or definitely vote for candidates who expressed strong support for all tested policies: extreme risk protection order (79.5%), school threat assessment (73.1%), expanded childcare (69.6%), refundable child tax credit (66.6%), federalization of Medicaid (66.0%), paid parental leave (65.5%), free school meals (65.6%), safe firearm storage and enforcement (62.9%), preventing Medicaid disenrollment for children younger than 6 years (61.9%), universal free preschool (61.6%), and summer nutrition programs (57.9%). More women than men expressed support for all tested policies. Strong majorities of Democrat and Independent voters would support candidates who endorsed child-focused policies; fewer than 50% of Republican voters expressed such support, except for the extreme risk protection order and school threat assessment. Variations in framing language regarding consistent Medicaid coverage across states were not associated with amplified or diminished voter support. Framing the refundable child tax credit as benefiting “hard-working” vs “low-income” families garnered significantly more support among men (67.0% vs 59.0%), privately insured individuals (72.0% vs 64.4%), and Republicans (54.6% vs 43.0%; all P < .05).

Conclusions and Relevance

The study results suggest that most voters favor candidates who strongly support policies that are associated with child health. Voter support differs substantively by gender and political party affiliation and may be associated with language choices in messaging about policy change.
Engineered CRISPR RNA improves the RNA cleavage efficiency of hfCas13X
Authors: Liu Zehui , Zhang Wenxia , Wang Haili , Shangguan Pingping , Pan Tong , Yang Yimu , Zhang Yi , Mao Xi , Liu Yingle , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2024

As the most compact variant in the Cas13 family, CRISPR‐Cas13X holds considerable promise for gene therapy applications. The development of high‐fidelity Cas13X (hfCas13X) mutants has enhanced the safety profile for in vivo applications. However, a notable reduction in on‐target cleavage efficiency accompanies the diminished collateral cleavage activity in hfCas13X. In this study, we obtained two engineered crRNA mutants that notably enhance the on‐target cleavage efficiency of hfCas13X. Furthermore, we have identified a novel crRNA structure that consistently augments the on‐target cleavage efficiency of hfCas13X across various cellular environments, without significant enhancement of its collateral activity. These findings collectively enrich the gene‐editing toolkit, presenting a more effective hfCas13X system for future research and application.
Food Analysis Techniques: Introduction
Authors: McGorrin Robert J.
Published: September 2024

This introductory overview summarizes a range of modern instrumental techniques and methods that are used to analyze the chemical composition of multi‐component foods and beverages. Food systems contain complex mixtures of macrocomponents including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and water, accompanied by food microcomponents comprising minerals, vitamins, flavors, pigments/colorants, and other bioactive food constituents. Traditionally, the composition of foods was obtained with “wet” chemical laboratory methods to measure moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content (proximate analysis). With advances in analytical chemistry, the current focus is on modern instrumental techniques including chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Following an introduction, section two summarizes the analytical challenges for measurement of chemical components of foods. In the third section, sample preparation procedures and considerations are discussed, particularly related to representative sampling and care in preventing chemical artifacts. The fourth and fifth sections address the modern instrumental approaches to analyze food macrocomponents and microcomponents, respectively, while section six summarizes techniques to measure physical properties of foods such as texture, viscosity, emulsion stability, and particle size. The final section (seven) discusses analytical techniques developed for special food applications such as quantifying pesticide residues, aflatoxins, adulterants, or enzyme activity related to texture‐thinning or bitter taste.
Fungal Innovation: Harnessing Mushrooms for Production of Sustainable Functional Materials
Authors: Zhao Anne , Berglund Linn , Rosenstock Völtz Luísa , Swamy Renald , Antonopoulou Io , Xiong Shaojun , Mouzon Johanne , Bismarck Alexander , Oksman Kristiina
Published: September 2024

Underutilized co‐ and by‐products are upgraded into materials with functional properties. The utilization of mushroom farming residues is investigated, specifically mushroom residues and spent mushroom substrate – whose chemical composition is determined – to produce cosmetic face masks, packaging films, and oil sorbents. Flexible mushroom sheets exhibit conformability and antioxidant activity between 82 and 94%, and better tensile strength in comparison with commercial cosmetic masks, making them suitable for such applications. Plasticization with glycerol increases the flexibility and tensile strain from ≈1 to 45% and moisture sorption from 32 to 100 wt.%. Spent mushroom substrate pulp yields stiff and strong rigid sheets with Young's moduli of 5 GPa and tensile strengths of 42 MPa. These sheets show 100% antioxidant activity, having hydrophobic behavior and oxygen barrier properties in dry conditions, and thus are promising for bioactive packaging applications. Foamed spent mushroom substrate sorbents demonstrate high affinity for both oil and water, with a water and oil uptake of 21 and 28 times their weight, respectively, while maintaining structural integrity. These properties make the foams viable as bio‐based oil sorbents, highlighting the potential of by‐products for advanced functional materials.
Manipulating Dynamic Fluorescent Emissions by Introducing SP Molecule into Functionalized HOFs and Application in Time‐Resolved Information Encryption
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Yang Yuhui , Wei Youhao , Li Yuqing , Cai Haitao , Wu Conghao
Published: September 2024

The powerful capability of multi‐stimulus‐responsive fluorescent hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) to respond to external chemical or physical stimuli in various manners makes them appealing in advanced information encryption. However, it is still a global challenge to manipulate the fluorescence properties finely to achieve dynamic fluorescence properties in the time dimension. Here, a feasible strategy is shown to control the emission of materials by introducing a common SP photochromic compound (1′, 3′, 3′‐trimethyl‐6‐nitro‐spiro‐ [chromene‐2, 2′‐indoline]) into functionalized HOFs, to finely manipulate the fluorescence properties. Two kinds of HOFs are successfully synthesized by modifying the unbonded carboxylic group of HOFs with Tb3+ or 5‐hexene‐1‐ol termed Tb‐HOFs and HOF‐olefin, respectively. Then, spiropyran is loaded into the Tb‐HOFs or HOFs‐olefin and dynamic fluorescence emission can be well controlled by changing the lanthanide dopants and light stimulation time. Relying on the dynamic fluorescence emission, the multilevel information encryption including anti‐counterfeiting ink, QR code, base code, and time‐resolved information storage has been successfully demonstrated, and the security level has been greatly improved. This work opens an avenue for achieving time‐resolved information storage technology, where the “time factor” is equivalent to a dynamic key, which introduces countless unpredictable possibilities and makes imitation more challenging.
Encapsulating Azolates Within Cationic Metal–Organic Frameworks for High‐Energy‐Density Materials
Authors: Ding Ning , Zhao Chaofeng , Zhang Jichuan , Du Yao , Sun Qi , Li Shenghua , Pang Siping
Published: September 2024

Despite the synthesis of numerous cationic metal‐organic frameworks (CMOFs), their counter anions have been primarily limited to inorganic Cl−, NO3−, ClO4−, BF4−, and Cr2O72−, which have weak coordination abilities. In this study, a series of new CMOFs is synthesized using azolates with strong coordination abilities as counter anions, which are exclusively employed as ligands for coordinating with metals. Owing to the unique nitrogen‐rich composition of azolates, the CMOFs demonstrate significant potential as high‐energy‐density materials. Notably, CMOF(CuTNPO) has an exceptionally high heat of detonation of 7375 kJ kg−1, surpassing even that of the state‐of‐art CL‐20 (6536 kJ kg−1). To further validate the advantages of employing azolates as counter anions, analogues with azolates serving as ligands are also synthesized. The comparison study indicates that encapsulating azolates within the cationic frameworks confers both high energy and safety properties. X‐ray data and quantum calculations indicate that their enhanced performance stems from stronger H─bonds and π–π interactions. This study introduces new roles for azolates in MOFs and expands possibilities for structural diversity and potential applications of framework materials.
Target‐Templated Construction of Functional Proteomimetics Using Photo‐Foldamer Libraries
Authors: Wéber Edit , Ábrányi‐Balogh Péter , Nagymihály Bence , Menyhárd Dóra K. , Péczka Nikolett , Gadanecz Márton , Schlosser Gitta , Orgován Zoltán , Bogár Ferenc , Bajusz Dávid , Kecskeméti Gábor , Szabó Zoltán , Bartus Éva , Tököli Attila , Tóth Gábor K. , Szalai Tibor V. , Takács Tamás , de Araujo Elvin , Buday László , Perczel András , Martinek Tamás A. , Keserű György M.
Published: September 2024

Current methods for proteomimetic engineering rely on structure‐based design. Here we describe a design strategy that allows the construction of proteomimetics against challenging targets without a priori characterization of the target surface. Our approach employs (i) a 100‐membered photoreactive foldamer library, the members of which act as local surface mimetics, and (ii) the subsequent affinity maturation of the primary hits using systems chemistry. Two surface‐oriented proteinogenic side chains drove the interactions between the short helical foldamer fragments and the proteins. Diazirine‐based photo‐crosslinking was applied to sensitively detect and localize binding even to shallow and dynamic patches on representatively difficult targets. Photo‐foldamers identified functionally relevant protein interfaces, allosteric and previously unexplored targetable regions on the surface of STAT3 and an oncogenic K‐Ras variant. Target‐templated dynamic linking of foldamer hits resulted in two orders of magnitude affinity improvement in a single step. The dimeric K‐Ras ligand mimicked protein‐like catalytic functions. The photo‐foldamer approach thus enables the highly efficient mapping of protein‐protein interaction sites and provides a viable starting point for proteomimetic ligand development without a priori structural hypotheses.
Genie‐on‐demand: A custom AI chatbot for enhancing learning performance, self‐efficacy, and technology acceptance in occupational health and safety for engineering education
Authors: Hakim Vando Gusti Al , Paiman Nuur Azreen , Rahman Mohamad Haidar Syaifullah
Published: September 2024

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) education is essential for preparing engineering students to maintain safety standards and prevent workplace hazards. Traditional learning resources, such as textbooks, can be time‐consuming and inadequate for immediate, context‐specific queries. Advanced AI chatbots offer interactive and immediate feedback, but they often lack specificity and depend on users' prompting skills, which not all students possess. This study introduces “Genie‐on‐Demand,” a custom AI chatbot designed to address students' queries with precise, curriculum‐aligned responses. Educators can train the chatbot using specific learning materials by uploading PDFs, ensuring relevant and accurate answers. A quasi‐experimental study was conducted with 106 electrical engineering students divided into three groups: those using the custom chatbot, those using a conventional chatbot (ChatGPT), and those employing traditional learning methods. Results demonstrated that the custom chatbot significantly improved learning performance, self‐efficacy, and technology acceptance compared to other methods. Students reported increased confidence and effectiveness in using the custom chatbot as a learning assistant. This study highlights the potential of customized AI solutions in education, with versatile applications across various disciplines.
Dynamic Luminescence Vapochromism of Pyridinium‐Based Organic Salts
Authors: Sääsk Verner , Abe Ayano , Kametani Yohei , Shiota Yoshihito , Sato Osamu , Adachi Chihaya
Published: September 2024

Organic vapochromic materials which undergo a drastic change in their photophysical properties upon exposure to vapors or gases are attracting growing scientific attention because of their low price and wide range of possible applications. In this work, luminescence vapochromism of carbazole‐pyridinium‐based organic salts with a general structure of (CzPy)X (CzPy+=2,3‐di(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)pyridinium ion; X=Cl, Br or I) is reported. It was found that (CzPy)X compounds form J‐aggregates, which rearranged back to monomeric form upon exposure to methanol, ethanol, acetone, and water vapors. In contrast, acetonitrile was found to promote the J‐aggregation in (CzPy)X compounds by occupying the voids in their crystal lattice and pushing cations closer together. It was further demonstrated that the efficiency of J‐aggregation in (CzPy)X compounds depends on the size of the anion, which was employed to realize dynamic luminescence vapochromism, with vapochromic response times ranging from a couple of minutes in (CzPy)Cl to more than an hour in (CzPy)I. In addition, (CzPy)X compounds exhibited high melting points of about 250 °C and excellent thermal stability. (CzPy)Cl and (CzPy)Br have also shown good photoluminescence quantum yields at room temperature in a solid state.
Reductive Synthesis of Alcohols from Carboxylic Acids and Esters Catalyzed by a Copper N‐heterocyclic Carbene Complex
Authors: Zhou Hui , Wei Nana , Ren Zhiqiang , Ma Haojie , Zhang Yuqi , Han Bo
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The present work prepared a copper N‐heterocyclic carbene complex that could be used in catalyzing the homogeneous hydrogenation of carboxylic acid with ammonia borane (hydrogen source) to synthesize primary alcohols. Various aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids with diverse functional groups were transformed to respective alcohols in moderate to high yields. The process can be easily scaled up (TON up to 14545) and exhibits a high compatibility with different sensitive functional groups, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, hydroxyl, cyano and nitro groups. IMesCuCl/NH3·BH3 combination can selectively reduce aromatic and aliphatic esters. Mechanistic studies indicate that Cu‐H species produced in situ are the active intermediates.
Clinically Boosting Cancer Molecular Targeted Radioligand Therapies with Innovative Nanomaterials
Authors: Lim Malcolm , Simpson Peter T. , Lakhani Sunil R. , Kamal Masud Mostafa , Puttick Simon , Rose Stephen , Roberts Matthew J. , Koo Kevin M.
Published: September 2024

The use of nanomaterials is an exciting prospect to facilitate radiotherapy delivery based on molecular targeting of tumors. This molecular targeted radiotherapy approach involves the use of radioligands‐radioactive isotopes that are chemically linked to tumor‐binding ligands–to ensure that radiation damage is delivered accurately and efficiently to tumor cells while sparing normal tissues. Although the use of nanomaterials has been well summarized for passive cancer radiotherapy, a clinical take on modern molecular targeted radioligand applications is yet to be reviewed. In this review, we will firstly discuss the innovative design of nanomaterials in relation to pre‐clinical molecular targeted radioligand therapy. As we identify a current lack of clinical nanomaterial‐based radiotherapy across various tumor types, we then provide our insights on related challenges and strategies to clinically translate innovative nanomaterial technologies to aid in driving molecular targeted radioligand therapies.
Climate governance and industrial ecological transformation
Authors: Yan Jiale
Published: September 2024

To deal with the increasing number of climate disasters and the negative impacts of climate change, cities need to improve their climate resilience. This may influence the process of industrial ecological transformation. This paper uses the pilot policy of the climate‐resilient city construction (CRCC) in 2017 as a natural experiment. Using data from 278 cities in China from 2012 to 2021, we use the difference‐in‐differences (DID) model to explore the impact of climate governance on the industrial ecological transformation (IET). The results are as follows. First, climate governance actions can promote the industrial ecological transformation, and this positive effect is still significant after robustness tests. Second, the mechanism suggests that climate‐resilient city construction facilitates the industrial ecological transformation of cities by promoting technological advancement and improving urban energy efficiency. Third, there is obvious heterogeneity in the impact of climate‐resilient city construction on industrial ecological transformation. It has a stronger effect in non‐old industrial bases and central cities. In addition, we further examined the results using the double machine learning model (DML). This paper provides an important reference for improving the regional coordinated development mechanism of climate policies and continuously promoting the climate‐resilient city construction.
Synthesis of New Tetracyclic Ring Systems: Bridged Derivatives of Hydroxy‐, Sulfanyl‐ and Amino‐Substituted Dibenzo[c,f][1,2]Thiazepine S,S‐Dioxides
Authors: Berecz Gábor , Szabó Dávid , Dancsó András , Lauritz Mária Tóthné , Kiss Loránd , Simig Gyula , Volk Balázs
Published: September 2024

In continuation of our commitment to the synthesis of new ring systems based on the 6,11‐dihydrodibenzo[c,f][1,2]thiazepine 5,5‐dioxide core of the antidepressant drug tianeptine, we have incorporated two‐ and/or three‐carbon bridges between the nitrogen atom of the sulfonamide moiety and the N‐, O‐ or S‐substituent at position 11 of the tricycle. The synthesis of 5 new ring systems is described and demonstrated with several target compounds.
Beyond Being Beneficiaries: Two Mechanisms Explain Why Women Have More Favourable Attitudes Towards Gender Quotas Than Men
Authors: Zehnter Miriam K. , Nater Christa
Published: September 2024

This research identified two mechanisms that explain gender differences in attitudes towards gender quotas. Using a multi‐method approach, we assessed attitudes as self‐reported support for gender quotas and rater‐coded valence of participants’ free associations with gender quotas. Study 1 examined quotas for university professorship positions (N = 237) and Study 2 quotas for corporate leadership positions (N = 587). Supporting the first mechanism, women's greater perceptions of discrimination against women related to greater perceived necessity of gender quotas, which related to more favourable attitudes. Supporting the second mechanism, men's greater concerns that quotas discriminate against men related to greater concerns that quotas stigmatize women as incompetent, which related to less favourable attitudes. By advancing the understanding of key mechanisms behind attitudes towards gender quotas, this research contributes to effectively designing and successfully implementing hard affirmative action policies aimed at overcoming women's underrepresentation in leading academic and corporate positions.
Going beyond randomised controlled trials to assess treatment effect heterogeneity across target populations
Authors: Lugo‐Palacios David G. , Bidulka Patrick , O’Neill Stephen , Carroll Orlagh , Basu Anirban , Adler Amanda , DíazOrdaz Karla , Briggs Andrew , Grieve Richard
Published: September 2024

Methods have been developed for transporting evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to target populations. However, these approaches allow only for differences in characteristics observed in the RCT and real‐world data (overt heterogeneity). These approaches do not recognise heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) according to unmeasured characteristics (essential heterogeneity). We use a target trial design and apply a local instrumental variable (LIV) approach to electronic health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, and examine both forms of heterogeneity in assessing the comparative effectiveness of two second‐line treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We first estimate individualised estimates of HTE across the entire target population defined by applying eligibility criteria from national guidelines (n = 13,240) within an overall target trial framework. We define a subpopulation who meet a published RCT's eligibility criteria (‘RCT‐eligible’, n = 6497), and a subpopulation who do not (‘RCT‐ineligible’, n = 6743). We compare average treatment effects for pre‐specified subgroups within the RCT‐eligible subpopulation, the RCT‐ineligible subpopulation, and within the overall target population. We find differences across these subpopulations in the magnitude of subgroup‐level treatment effects, but that the direction of estimated effects is stable. Our results highlight that LIV methods can provide useful evidence about treatment effect heterogeneity including for those subpopulations excluded from RCTs.
Investigate the influence of dimple distribution around the circumference of a pipe on the hydrothermal performance of dimpled tubes
Authors: Freegah Basim , Khalaf Basima Salman , Falih Abeer H.
Published: September 2024

The current study aims to investigate the impact of the dimple distribution around the circumference of a pipe on the hydrothermal performance of dimpled tubes under turbulent flow conditions. This study focused on examining the effect of the dimple distribution around the diameter of the pipe for three angles, namely, 45°, 60°, and 90°, as well as develop two correlation equations to predict Nu number and friction factor to make calculating the hydrothermal response easier for such systems. To accomplish this, we conducted a comprehensive numerical investigation using the ANSYS Fluent 2022 R1 software. The range of Re numbers from 2300 to 10,000 was considered, and water was employed as the cooling fluid. The study found that tubes with dimples offer an increased surface area for heat transfer, resulting in improved heat transfer performance. All the proposed models showed superior heat transfer compared with traditional models. The model with a 45° angle showed the most significant enhancement in the Nu number, approximately twice the value of the traditional model. The average friction factor for the 45° angle was 0.0713 K/W, compared with the traditional model's 0.0418 K/W. Additionally, the average performance criteria for Model 45°, 60°, and 90° are 1.1, 1.21, and 1.28, respectively. In addition, two equations were developed that can be utilized to predict the friction factor and Nu number. These equations are functions of the Reynolds number, Prandtl number, and the angle between dimples encircling the tube. Notably, these equations exhibited exceptional accuracy, achieving a remarkable prediction accuracy of 98.96% and 96.17% for the Nu number and the friction factor, respectively.
Outpatient use of antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis decreases hospital admissions
Authors: Ayoub Mark , Faris Carol , Chumbe Julton Tomanguillo , Anwar Nadeem , Chela Harleen , Daglilar Ebubekir
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Recently, antibiotics use in uncomplicated acute diverticulitis (AD) has been controversial in Europe. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) in their 2015 guidelines recommend their selective use. Our study highlights their role in outpatient management.

Methods

We queried the Diamond Network through TriNetX‐Research Network including 92 healthcare organizations. We included large intestine diverticulitis without perforation, abscess or bleeding. Exclusion criteria included any of sepsis criteria, CRP > 15 mg/L, immunodeficiency or HIV, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, history of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes or any of the following in the 3 months before study date; clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection, diverticulitis or antibiotics. Patients with AD were divided into two cohorts; patients on antibiotics, and patients not on antibiotics. Cohorts were compared after propensity‐score matching (PSM).

Results

214,277 patients met inclusion criteria. 58.9% received antibiotics, and 41% did not. After PSM, both cohorts had 84,320. Rate of hospital admission was lower in the antibiotic group (3.3% vs 4.2%, p < .001). There was a statistical difference between ICU admission (0.1% vs 0.15%, p < .01) and the rate of bowel perforation, peritonitis, abscess formation or bleeding (1.3% vs 1.4%, p = .044). There was no difference in mortality (0.1% vs 0.1%, p = .11), C. diff (0.1% vs 0.1%, p = .9), colectomies (0.2% vs 0.2%, p = .33), or Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) (0.1% vs 0.1%, p = .28).

Conclusion

Outpatient use of antibiotics in patients with uncomplicated AD is associated with lower rates of hospital admissions and complications without changing mortality rate or surgical intervention.
Xanthogranulomatous prostatitis with multilocular mass on MRI
Authors: Okamoto Takashi , Doi Kazuki , Ogura Soma , Kusunose Masafumi , Takahashi Kosuke , Fujimoto Takuya , Muramaki Mototsugu , Yamada Yuji
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Xanthogranulomatous prostatitis is a very rare benign inflammatory lesion of the prostate that may be similar to prostatic carcinoma in clinical presentation and radiological characteristics.

Case presentation

A 77‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital because of high prostate‐specific antigen level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 6.5 cm in diameter multifocal mass with hemorrhage at the base of the left lobe of the prostate. Biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed no evidence of malignancy. After biopsy, he developed recurring fever, so the patient was treated with open suprapubic tumor resection to control infection. Pathological examination revealed xanthogranulomatous prostatitis.

Conclusion

It is necessary to diagnose xanthogranulomatous prostatitis by cooperation between urologists and pathologists, and consider xanthogranulomatous prostatitis as a differential diagnosis. Treatment should be conservative in principle; however, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Experiences of mothers caring for children with rare diseases in Turkey
Authors: Bayraktar Sema , Aydın Ayfer , Karaca Meryem , Balcı Mehmet Cihan , Gökçay Gülden Fatma , Göktepe Neval
Published: September 2024

Rare diseases (RDs), important for children and families, have been poorly studied in Turkey. This study aimed to describe the experiences and needs of mothers whose children have RDs from the perspectives of their mothers. In‐depth interviews were held with the mothers of 16 children followed up in the Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism Outpatient Clinic of a University Hospital. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis procedures. The experiences of mothers caring for children with RDs were categorized into three main themes: (1) challenges with treatment, (2) burden of care, and (3) expectations. This study demonstrated that mothers of children with RDs experienced many common challenges in caregiving.